The apostle Paul used figurative language in the text to describe the relationship between those of like precious faith, and their relationship to God. The recipients were “once Gentiles in the flesh” (v. 11) but have been “brought near by the blood of Christ” (v. 13). As a result, they are: “Citizens with the saints” …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22Pondering Scripture
An erroneous doctrine that promoted a Jewish-Christian hybrid had infiltrated the church in Galatia. There were some who were binding circumcision as a necessity for salvation. In writing to the church, Paul had to contend for the faith (cf. Jude 3) by defending his apostleship (cf. 1:6-2:21). Next he dealt more specifically with the issue. …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Galatians 3:1-9In following his thoughts about the temporary nature of life, Paul mentions how that should cause one to act. In Paul’s ministry he made it his aim to please God. This is a fundamental aspect of Christianity. We should always question whether our actions will be pleasing to God before doing them. In all of …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:9-11Following Paul’s explanation of the proper attitude toward each other regardless of the type of spiritual gift one attained (cf. 12:12-31), he begins his explanation of the purpose of said gifts (this explanation continues into chapter 14). Love takes precedence over all spiritual gifts, for without love the gifts bring no profit to the one …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors” (v. 12). Why are we debtors? The apostle Paul uses the word “Therefore,” not only to link the verses directly previous, but all that he has written thus far. We are debtors because: We have sinned (cf. 3:23). As a result we have died spiritually (cf. 5:12). Therefore, Christ died …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Romans 8:12-17After experiencing the vision of the Macedonian plea for help (cf. 16:9-10), Paul – along with the company of Silas, Timothy, and Luke – journeyed to Philippi to preach the gospel. God’s plan to preach the gospel to the Jews led Paul firstly to the synagogue upon entering a city. However, Philippi had no synagogue, …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Acts 16:11-15The text records events “before the Feast of the Passover” (v. 1). Jesus final moments before His imminent death He took as an opportunity to teach His disciples. Contained in these seventeen verses is a lesson of paramount importance to our salvation, and our lives of discipleship in this foreign land. “After that, He poured …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: John 13:1-17The given text records Jesus appealing to His disciples as light. Jesus is light come into the world to expose the darkness (cf. John 1:4-5). As followers of His, we must let His light shine in us! This requires a boldness to let our light shine, rather than covering it up. In order to become …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Luke 11:33-36The given text records our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem that many refer to as, “The Triumphal Entry.” In the text, Jesus gives a commission to two of His disciples to enter a village, and bring to Him a colt that would be tied up near the entrance. His disciples followed the orders given them, and …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Mark 11:1-11The given text records the first four disciples called by our Lord after being tempted in the wilderness (cf. 4:1-11). These four men were “two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew” and “two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John.” In order to understand their response to the Lord’s demand, it is important …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22