Of the letters written to the seven churches in Asia, the one addressed to Smyrna was one of two without complaint. This letter is one of immense encouragement to the church experiencing great persecution. Under the rule of Domitian, emperor worship was obligatory. The Christians in Smyrna found themselves in trials day after day, choosing …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11Pondering Scripture
Jude describes the false teachers as “spots in your love feasts.” He likely refers to common interaction amongst Christians due to their love for one another. This often included feasting (cf. Acts 2:46). However, we note that such feasts were forbidden in the assembly (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:17-22). These “certain men” were causing harm to …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Jude 12-15The apostle John commends the “beloved” Gaius for the fact that he is walking in the truth (cf. v. 1-4). In our text, John points out specific contributions to the truth that Gaius had made. Hospitality is expected out of Christians (cf. Romans 12:13). The value of such is often missed by those who involve …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 3 John 5-8John appeals to his authority as an apostle, and wisdom as an older man, by introducing himself to his readers as “The Elder” (v. 1). His following instruction is from God, and proves to be wise in regard to handling spiritual problems – contextually, false doctrine. His epistle is addressed to “the elect lady and …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 John 1-3The apostle John begins his first epistle in similar fashion to his gospel, the subject being “the Word of life.” This “Word of life” “was from the beginning.” Like John’s gospel, this Word was not merely an idea or illusion, but was tangible. “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). John, and the other apostles, had …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4Having just discussed the origin of prophecy (cf. 1:19-21), Peter introduces the topic of false teachers. Just like there were those who falsely claimed to be prophets of God, there will be those who falsely claim to be teachers of His word. These false teachers Peter warns about will crop up among the brethren. They …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-3As Peter continues to instruct the brethren on having the mind of Christ, and living according to God in the spirit, he supplies them with some further expectations. As we approach the second coming of Christ our minds should be focused on those things that are most important. We should be serious in our service …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11In the text given, James aptly describes the proper reaction to God’s word. It is of grave importance that we understand this reaction is the only one fit for citizens of the kingdom of God. Hear the word. It is impossible to please God without faith (cf. Hebrews 11:6). That faith can only come by …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: James 1:19-27Having just exhorted the Hebrew Christians to be diligent due to the power of God’s word to discern our thoughts and intents, and God’s omniscience in relation to our lives, he introduces Christ’s relationship to us as High Priest. Christ’s ability to make intercession for us gives us great confidence. His High Priesthood is superior …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16Paul’s letter to Philemon had a specific purpose. He wanted to appeal to Philemon to receive his slave, Onesimus, back as a brother. He had apparently fled and fell into the hands of Paul who converted him. He was now profitable to both Philemon and Paul (v. 11). In preparation for his appeal to Philemon, …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Philemon 1-7