The Gnostic false teachers were trying to undercut the confidence of the Christians of John’s audience. He wrote that they may know their standing with God. The end of chapter 2 affirmed that, “everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” (2:29). It is this fact that John expounded upon with such excitement. To be …
Continue reading 1 John 3:1-3 “These things” to which the brethren are to be looking forward to concern the discontinuing of the present state of the “heavens,” “elements,” “earth and the works that are in it” (v. 10). “All these things will be dissolved” at “the coming of the day of God” (v. 11-12). These things are continued in reservation …
Continue reading 2 Peter 3:14-18 This section of Peter’s epistle is predicated on what he discussed before. They were begotten by God to a “living hope” (v. 3). They had a promise of an inheritance (v. 4-5). Their faith, being tested, was found genuine, and the end thereof is the “salvation of [their] souls” (v. 9). This is that which …
Continue reading 1 Peter 1:13-16 James continued the theme of his epistle – “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (1:22) – by bringing to the mind of his audience an attitude which was ungodly and destructive. He speaks of presumption (v. 13-15), arrogant boasting (v. 16), and the sinfulness of omission (v. 17). It is …
Continue reading James 4:13-17 In verses 1-6, the Hebrew writer explained the “main point” of the things discussed in chapter 7 concerning Jesus’ High Priesthood. In verse 6, he explained that “He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” The given text explained how …
Continue reading Hebrews 8:7-13 In the previous verses (v. 4-7), Paul acknowledged Philemon’s proven character of love as a Christian. This set the foundation for Paul’s appeal to him. He could have easily, and appropriately commanded Philemon to do “what is fitting,” but he instead appealed for “love’s sake.” He would have yet another opportunity to act in a …
Continue reading Philemon 8-11 In his final messages to Titus, Paul urged him to come to the city of Nicopolis. Paul was headed that way for winter. We are not specifically told why, but it is not unlikely that Paul would spend a greater part of his time there preaching the gospel, and Titus would likely be of great …
Continue reading Titus 3:12-15 In Paul’s conclusion of his second letter to Timothy, the urgency in his message is glaring. His fervor for the Lord and His message is commendable, and should be imitated (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). His life was near its end, but still, his overwhelming focus was the furtherance of the gospel, and his concern for …
Continue reading 2 Timothy 4:1-5 In conclusion to Paul’s first letter addressed to his “true son in the faith” (1:1), he echoed once again his instruction for Timothy to safeguard the gospel message. This is perhaps the most important responsibility an evangelist has, as Paul so consistently noted (cf. 1:3, 18-20; 4:1-6, 16; 6:3-5, 12-14, 20, 21). Outer threats must …
Continue reading 1 Timothy 6:20-21 Prior to a final exhortation in verses 6-15, Paul set a foundation for a proper response from the Thessalonians. The exhortation would include a reminder about that which he already wrote (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 5:14). In order to elicit the most appropriate response, Paul first gave attention to their past and present obedience. As …
Continue reading 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5