The previous verses contained Paul’s explanation concerning that of which the Thessalonians were ignorant (cf. 4:13-18). The current text serves as a reminder of things of which the brethren were already informed – the coming of the Day of the Lord, and the conduct to be assumed by those who look forward to that day. …
Continue reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Like he did with all of his epistles, Paul identified himself as the author. Along with him in his ministry, although not necessarily in writing the epistle, was his close companion Timothy. Paul had not founded the church in Colosse, nor is it likely that he had seen them personally, yet his love for them …
Continue reading Colossians 1:1-8 Paul had great affection for the brethren in Philippi. He answered the Macedonian call, and laid the foundation of Christ (cf. Acts 16:6-40). He witnessed the gospel working on the heart of Lydia and her household, and experienced a distraught man in the jailer transition to a state of rejoicing in the Lord with his …
Continue reading Philippians 2:19-24 Up to this point, the inspired Apostle had discussed God’s plan of salvation, the structure of His church, the need for moral living, and the correct way to act in various relationships. In conclusion to this great epistle, Paul boils everything down to the great struggle the church, and individual Christians are having to endure. …
Continue reading Ephesians 6:10-13 The Galatians had begun their race as Christians. They were making strides of growth in Christ, yet, in the way laid an obstacle preventing further progression. Judaizing teachers had infiltrated the congregation, and were binding aspects of the Mosaic Law. The Galatians had already reverted to observing “days and months and seasons and years” (cf. …
Continue reading Galatians 5:7-12 The enemies of Paul in Corinth waged war with carnal weapons. They boasted in the flesh of things which actually presented them as foolish. Yet, the Corinthians put up with their folly, and were being deceived by their false doctrine (11:3-4). In order to shock the Corinthians back to normalcy, Paul stooped to reluctant boasting. …
Continue reading 2 Corinthians 11:16-21
Following Jesus’ example (cf. Matthew 19:4-6), Paul appealed to the genesis of the Lord’s Supper to correct the Corinthians’ gross misconduct. They did not come together to observe the Lord’s Supper (v. 20), because there were factions among them, and they treated it as a common meal. The instruction Paul received by revelation from Jesus, …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 This series of rhetorical questions are answered by the information concerning justification in the previous verses. God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law (v. 21). For justification by law is only through the perfect keeping of the law, and all men fail to do so. It is only through faith in Christ Jesus, who …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Romans 3:27-31 The context of Acts 10 deals with the Gentiles being revealed as gospel subjects. The prophecies had been clear concerning this fact – “After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Acts 10:9-16 In His incarnation, Jesus spoke many things of which His apostles heard, both in public and private settings. He spoke of His nature, and relationship with the Father. He spoke of the impending kingdom, of its law and blessings. However, His humiliation was intended to be temporary, and His glorification was soon to come. He …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: John 14:25-31