Archives

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 340

Dec6

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 340 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 10 – 13

Read and believe in Jesus!

 2 Corinthians 10-13

Chapters 10-13 have a somewhat different tone as Paul prepares the Corinthians for his promised 3rd visit.  In these chapters, he defends his ministry (as opposed to those “super-apostles” trying to turn them away); he “boasts” some about his travails; mentions that amazing vision of Heaven and subsequent “thorn in the flesh;” and gives his final exhortation to them to examine their own hearts.

2 Corinthians 10.

Paul agrees with his accusers that when he is away from the Corinthians, he’s bold in his rebukes, but when he is with them, he’s like a lamb.  It’s because he loves them and want’s sweet fellowship with them when he is there. 

He admits that they are all walking in their “fleshly” bodies, but the war for their sanctification is waged spiritually.

  • “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

Paul says he doesn’t want to appear frightening to them with his boasts of the authority, but the Lord gave him such authority so to reach them. 

.

2 Corinthians 11.

Paul is stern with them because he is divinely jealous of them, as a husband to a wife. He’s afraid they will be led astray from a “sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”  Let any who proclaim another Gospel be accursed.

“Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not unskilled in knowledge. I am not in the least inferior to those “super-apostles” who attempt to sway them. THEY are deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, so no surprise that his servants make themselves appear righteous!

Paul’s embarrassed to boast of his credentials, but he feels the Corinthians need it. 

  • He, too, is a Hebrew and Israelite, a son of Abraham, and a better servant of Christ. 
  • He’s done far greater labors, far more imprisonments, countless beatings, and often near death.
  • Five times he received the 39 whips from the Jews, three times he was beaten with rods. Once, he was stoned. Three times he was shipwrecked (with 24 hours adrift in the sea)
  • On frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, robbers, his own people, Gentiles, in the city, in the wilderness, at sea, and from false brothers.
  • In toil and hardships, through many sleepless nights, hungry and thirsty, often without food, in cold and exposure.
  • AND … apart from that, there is the daily pressure on him of the anxiety for all the churches.
  • And once – this seems to be the most humiliating of all to Paul – he was let down in a basket through a window in the wall of Damascus to escape the governor!!!

WOW!! How much have “I” suffered for Christ and the ministry?  Nada.

.

2 Corinthians 12.

And then Paul tells of the most amazing happening of all.  He uses the 3rd person to avoid self-aggrandizement. 

  • “Fourteen years ago, ‘this man’ was caught up into Heaven (God’s dwelling place), whether in the body or not, he couldn’t tell. ‘This man’ was in Paradise, and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of ‘this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will NOT boast, except on my weaknesses. I refrain from boasting SO THAT no one will think more highly of him than he should.
  • “So… to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ****
  • “Three times I pleaded with the LORD about this, that it should leave me.  But He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak … then I am strong.”

Then Paul says he’s been a fool, but they forced him to do it.  THEY should have commended him, but he had to do it himself to show he was not inferior to those super-apostles. 

Paul did among them the signs of a TRUE APOSTLE – signs and wonders and mighty works.

Like a parent (which he was to them), he was glad to spend and be spent for their souls.  He LOVED them.

.

2 Corinthians 13.

And so, before his third visit, Paul gives them final warnings. He would not “spare” those he’d warned before if they had not repented.

They are to “Examine themselves, to see whether they are IN THE FAITH.  They should test themselves to see if Jesus Christ is IN them.   “We pray to God that you may not do wrong, that you may have met the test and are doing what is right.”

THIS IS WHY he was writing to them.  Their restoration is what he prays for.  He doesn’t want to be so severe when he comes, using the authority the Lord gave him to build up the churches.

  • “And so, rejoice!  Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace;  and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

.

**** NOTE:  There have been many speculations as to what that “thorn in the flesh” was.  Yes, it was “a messenger of Satan,” but it was GOD who sent it.  Like Job, God allowed Satan to afflict Paul’s body in some way to keep him humble.

Some believe it was a continual eye problem, a gradual blindness, perhaps.  Paul mentions that the Galatian churches would have gladly gouged out their own eyes and given them to him. (Galatians 4:15)

Some believe this “thorn” was a demonized person, a demon indwelling the ringleader of the Corinthian conspiracy, the leader of those “false apostles.”  Paul says the “thorn” was sent to “harass” him. “Harass” always refers to ill-treatment from other people. And in the O.T., Israel’s opponents are described “thorns.”

However you view Paul’s thorn, I think the identity was kept vague, so that we, too, might see an evil person, a condition, or an experience as a warning from God or a way to keep us humble.  AND to be assured that God’s GRACE is sufficient in whatever situation.  We can trust Him.

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 339

Dec5

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 339 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 5 – 9

Read and believe in Jesus!

 2 Corinthians 5.

Paul continues to exhort the church at Corinth on the importance of the Gospel, despite the accusations of the false apostles. Paul is not eloquent or glamorous but lowly and common. He had the “treasure” (Gospel) of God in “a clay jar.” It was God’s surpassing power that enabled him.  They were to keep in view the “things that were unseen,” the eternal weight of glory awaiting them.

Our Heavenly Dwelling

Paul, so familiar with tents because of his “day job,” compares this earthly body to a tent that will eventually be destroyed, as opposed to the “building” from God, a “house” not made with hands, eternal in heaven.  Alive in this body, we walk by faith, not sight.  But one day we will be “at home with the Lord.”

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Either way, Paul says our aim should be to “please Him” and persuade others.

  • “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him, who for their sake died and was raised.
  • “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  All this is from God, who through Christ, reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.
  • “Be reconciled to God. For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Paul continues in the urgency of the message.

“Behold, NOW is the favorable time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.”

Either way, Paul says our aim should be to “please Him” and persuade others.

  • “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him, who for their sake died and was raised.
  • “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  All this is from God, who through Christ, reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.
  • “Be reconciled to God. For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

.

2 Corinthians 6.

No Fault in Our Ministry

Then Paul provides a list of experiences he’s endured that might “prove” or “confirm” the validity of his character as a true apostle.

  • Great endurance in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 
  • Beatings, imprisonments, riots,
  • Labors, sleepless nights, hunger,
  • By purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love,
  • By truthful speech, and the power of God,
  • With the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
  • Through honor and dishonor,
  • Through slander and praise.
  • We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;
  • As unknown, and yet well known;
  • As dying and behold, we live;
  • As punished, and yet not killed;
  • As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing,
  • As poor, yet making many rich,
  • As having nothing, yet possessing everything.

He spoke very freely to the Corinthians, “Our heart is wide open, widen your hearts also.”

.

The Temple of the Living God

  •  “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers!
  • What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?
  • What fellowship has light with darkness?
  • What accord has Christ with Belial (Satan)?
  • What portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
  • What agreement has the temple of God with idols?
  • FOR WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD.

“And since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”

.

2 Corinthians 7

Paul’s Joy

Paul loves those rascals!  “Make room in your hearts for us.  We have wronged no one.”  “I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.”

Then he tells them about the anxiety he had for them after his harsh letter.  How he yearned for news back from Titus.  How could he not stay in Troas, but sailed to Macedonia.  And then Titus came with news of their mourning, and their zeal for him, and he rejoiced. Their grief was a godly grief that led to repentance and salvation without regret.  

.

2 Corinthians 8.

Encouragement to Give Generously

Now on to practical things.  He reminds them of the offering they are to lay aside each week for the needy in Jerusalem and tells them of the good work the Macedonians have done. “In their affliction and extreme poverty, they gave according to their means, and BEYOND their means, begging Paul for a part in the relief of the saints.”

So now, it was the Corinthians’ turn.  He urges them to complete the offering they began a year ago, so it would be ready when he came.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.”

.

Commendation of Titus

He recommends to them Titus (Paul’s partner and fellow worker), another well-known brother/preacher, as well as one more “tested” and earnest brother (messengers of the churches), for these will be taking the money to Jerusalem.

“So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.”

.

2 Corinthians 9

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

Paul admits that he is encouraging them now to be ready.  If they come to get the money and the Corinthians are NOT prepared with it, it would be humiliating to all concerned.

.

The Cheerful Giver

  • “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 
  • Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.
  • And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
  • “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 338

Dec4

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 338 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 1 – 4.

Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Corinthians

SECOND Corinthians is probably the third letter Paul sent to Corinth, although we don’t have access to the missing one(s).  God oversees His Word, and these two letters are what WE are meant to read.

There was a letter FROM the Corinthians, then a “painful” visit by Paul to Corinth, and finally Paul’s “severe” letter back to Corinth carried by Titus. Paul probably wrote 2nd Corinthians from Philippi, after leaving Ephesus, and finally hearing good news from Titus.

The Corinthians were a carnal, cantankerous bunch, but Paul was determined to set his “spiritual children” right. (Have any of you ever had a child like that?)

.

2 Corinthians 1.

The God of All Comfort

After greeting the Corinthians and saints in all of Greece, Paul turns to praising “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  He calls Him “the Father of mercies” and “the God of all comfort.  He says that God comforts HIM in HIS affliction, so he can in turn comfort the Corinthians as they suffer for Christ.

Then Paul explains a bit of the affliction he experienced in Asia. He says he “despaired of life,” thinking that surely this time he would die for the Gospel and cut short his ministry. His hope that God could raise him from the dead was the only hope of rescue he had.

(Too bad we don’t know what this horrible experience for Paul was.)

Paul tells them that God “delivered him from a deadly peril” and he trusts He will do it again.  But he tells the Corinthians, “You must help us by prayer.”

Paul’s Change of Plans

Paul had wanted to go to Corinth again after his “painful” visit and “severe” letter, to bring a blessing of GRACE. But for some reason his plans changed and he went straight to Macedonia. Some false apostles took advantage of his change of plans, telling the Corinthians who “untrustworthy” he was. And they tried to discredit him in other ways, saying his yes didn’t mean yes, and his no didn’t mean no.

Paul counters by saying that it was for THEIR benefit that he didn’t come. To spare them.  He even calls God as his witness to this.

.

2 Corinthians 2.

Forgive the sinner

Paul then brings up the incidence mentioned in his first letter about the gross sin they were allowing in the church – a man living with his mother in law, and their not correcting him. (1 Corinthians5:4-13) It seems they had obeyed and followed the correct process of discipline and punishment. Now, since the man had repented, they were to allow him back into fellowship in an act of forgiveness.  Forgiving a repentant sinner is just what God had done for them. Let the man experience joy again.

If they remain unforgiving and unwelcoming, they might be “outwitted by Satan’s designs,” which are to destroy unity in the church. God forbid.

.

Triumph in Christ

Then Paul confesses his distraught feeling for them before he heard how things were in Corinth.  He’d arrived in Troas from Ephesus intending to preach the Gospel there.  But – even though a door was opened for him in the Lord – his spirit was not at rest, because he hadn’t heard news of them. (Titus hadn’t arrived yet.)  So, even with a door open to ministry in Troas, Paul sailed over to Macedonia, where he finally met up with Titus and rejoiced when he heard the good news.

  • But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal processions and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.  For we are the AROMA of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

And then a “slam” to those false apostles who were trying to discredit Paul while he was away,

  • For we are not – like so many (the majority of) peddlers of God’s word – but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God. In the sight of God we speak in Christ.

.

2 Corinthians 3.

Ministers of the New Covenant

The false apostles attacked Paul’s competency as a minister of the Gospel – he was not eloquent, he was poor and had to work for a living, he didn’t have the “right” documents of authority (from Jerusalem).

Paul answered that last accusation with,

  • YOU yourselves are our “letter of recommendation,” written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. You are a letter from Christ delivered to us, written not with ink, but wit the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.”

Paul claimed that his “sufficiency” came not from men, but from God, “who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not by LETTER but by the SPIRIT.”

Paul relates a story of the OT Israelites whose minds were hardened and to this day also when they read the Law. They did not grasp the glory then, nor now, because of their UNBELIEF.  But when a person comes to Christ, the veil is lifted and his spiritual perception is no longer impaired.  With the veil of unbelief lifted, believers are now able to see the glory of God revealed in Christ.

.

2 Corinthians 4.

The Light of the Gospel

Paul continues from chapter 3, saying they have THIS MINISTRY by the mercy of God.  In comparison to those fake apostles, “We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways.  We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth, we commend ourselves in the light of God.

“If our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.  The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

“For what we proclaim is NOT ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

.

Treasures in Clay Jars

Paul continues,

  • “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so show that the surpassing power belongs to GOD and not to US.
  • We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
  • Perplexed, but not driven to despair;
  • Persecuted but not forsaken;
  • Struck down, but not destroyed;
  • Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
  • Death is at work in us, but life in you.

It is all for your sake (o you Corinthians), so thanksgiving may increase to the glory of God.

  • “So we don’t lose heart.
  • Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day after day.
  • This light, momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comprehension. 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 333

Nov29

Day 333 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 1 – 4

Read and believe in Jesus!

1 Corinthians 

Paul is back in Ephesus. 

Apollos has come from Alexandria, been taught more correctly by Aquilla and Priscilla, and sent to minister across the Aegean Sea in Corinth.  He’s doing a great job, and the people like him. He’s sooooo eloquent! Some REALLY like him, and an “Apollos sect” is formed. Those originally converted under Paul’s early ministry form another group, loyal to him. Others follow Peter (did HE ever go to Corinth?) and still others, no doubt very “pious, nose-in-the-air” ones, say they follow only …. the Christ.  it became a point of boasting as to who they followed.

The church in Corinth’s main problems were immaturity and worldliness, which Paul addressed firmly.  (And this wasn’t his FIRST letter to them!)  But note that he calls them…

“…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

They were true believers, but so immature in the faith, like young school children.

 

I Corinthians  1.

It’s interesting that Paul had a “spy” in Corinth who reported to him about any difficulties.   

  • “Chloe’s people reported that there was quarreling among these factions.” (Today, there would be phone calls, texts, and emails. Then, they sent messengers.) 

Is there a little jab towards what they loved about Apollos in…

  • “For Christ sent me …. to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross be emptied of its power.”
  • “…we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
  • “God chose the weak things of the world, that no human being might boast in the presence oF God.  Let everyone who boasts, boast in the LORD!”

.

I Corinthians 2.

Again, Paul states that when he first came to Corinth to proclaim the Gospel, he didn’t do it ‘with lofty speech or wisdom.’ 

  • “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

Then Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13.  

  • “For who has understood the mind of the Lord to instruct Him?  But we have the mind of Christ.”  (Believers can know the thoughts of the Lord Jesus by the word and the Spirit.) (Luke 24:45)

.

1 Corinthians 3.

Paul may have come to the Corinthians in “weakness” and without “lofty speech,”  but it was because they were so immature, infants in Christ.  He had to feed them the “milk” of the word and not solid food.  Even now, Paul says, they were not ready for “meat” because they were still of “the flesh.”

How does he know?  Because there was jealousy and strife among them.  Those “Paul” and “Apollos” sects are evidence of immaturity.   

The Corinthians didn’t realize that both men were “servants” of the Lord, “through whom they were saved,” each preacher doing what God gave him.  Paul planted the seeds of the Gospel, Apollos watered that “seed,” but it was GOD who gave the growth. Neither the “planter” nor the “waterer” is anything, only God.

Then Paul switches to a new illustration: that of construction.  Paul compared himself to a master builder, laying the foundation of Jesus Christ.  Then someone else built on it to make a house.  Paul cautions them about building on their Christ-foundation with inferior materials, for the chief inspector will know.  It will be tested by fire.  What a waste to have all your worldly, fleshly “props” be burned on that last day!.  How much better and wiser, to use strong, tested materials that will pass through fire unharmed!

  • And, hey! you Corinthians, don’t you realize that YOU are the Temple of God, a dwelling place being built for Him. Take care how you build on that foundation (Christ).

.

1 Corinthians 4.

  • “And so… this is how you Corinthian brothers should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  And please note, it is required of stewards that they be trustworthy.

And then, something strange.  Paul says that the apostles and preachers live at poverty levels in society.  They labored with their own hands to support themselves, which Greeks considered beneath their dignity. 

  • “We are weak…. we are in disrepute. At this present hour. we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and are buffeted and homeless. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we retreat.  We have become, and still are, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

WHOA!

Paul says he doesn’t write these things to make them ashamed, but to admonish them as children.  They do not have many fathers.  HE became their father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  So, like children, they are to IMITATE HIM.

  • “But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills.  What do you wish?  Shall I come to you with a ROD, or with LOVE in a spirit of GENTLENESS?”

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 326

Nov22

Day 326 – Reading – James 1 – 5

Read and believe in Jesus!

James 

Nope, this is not the brother of John who was beheaded by Herod Agrippa.  THIS James is the 1/2 brother of Jesus, the oldest in the list of Jesus’ 1/2 siblings, according to Mark 6:3.  Another of Jesus’ 1/2 brothers was Judas, who wrote the New Testament book of Jude.

While Jesus was alive, His brothers did not believe in Him, and even mocked him. But after His death and Resurrection, at least these two believed, and saw Jesus alive before His Ascension. See 1 Corinthians 15:7.

James became the leader of the Jerusalem Church and was close to Peter and John. He led the first and most important Jerusalem Council, which established once and for all what a person must do to be saved. (Acts 15) 

His book was written to Jewish believers who were scattered after the persecution by Herod Agrippa.  James is the earliest written book in the New Testament, written about 44-49 A.D.  It has more than 40 references to the Old Testament, and more than 20 to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  James was martyred in 62 A.D.

James 1.

Testing your Faith.

  • “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you KNOW that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
  • “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.”

Hearing and Doing the Word.

  • “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
  • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
  • “The one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts – he will be blessed in his doing.”

.

James 2.

The Sin of Partiality

  • “Show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”
  • “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him?”
  • “Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?  Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable Name by which you were called?”
  • “If you love your neighbor as yourself, you do well. But if you show partiality, you are committing a sin.”

Faith Without Works is Dead

  • “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can THAT faith save him?”
  • “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and fed,’ without giving them the things they need, what good is that?”  THAT faith, by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
  • “Show me your faith apart from your works and I will show you my faith BY my works.  Faith, apart from works, is dead.”
  • (James gives the example of Abraham, who believed God and that faith was counted to him as righteousness.  But this same Abraham was also justified by his works, when he obeyed God and offered up his son Isaac on the altar.)

(Wouldn’t you have loved to see James and Paul sparring on this subject, both being in the right?

.

James 3.

Taming the Tongue

  • “Not many of you should become teachers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (Teachers use their “tongues” often and must be very careful.)
  • “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.”
  • “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.  The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”
  • “No human being can control the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  These things ought not to be so!

Wisdom from Above

  • “If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.  This wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
  • “But the wisdom from above is first pure, the peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
  • “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

And from James 1:5-7

  • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.  THAT person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”

.

James 4.

Warning about Worldliness

  • “What causes quarrels and fights among you?  Is it not your passions that war within you?”
  • “You desire and do not have, so you murder.”
  • “You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”
  • “You do not have, because you do not ask.”
  • “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions.”
  • “Adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?”
  • “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
  • “Submit yourselves therefore tooo God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
  • “Be wretched and mourn and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord ….. and He will exalt you.”

Boasting about tomorrow

  • “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit….'”
  • “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life?  You are a mist that appears and vanishes!”
  • Instead, you ought to say, ‘IF the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'”  All such boasting is evil”

.

James 5.

Warning to the Rich

  • “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”
  • “Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire.”

Patience in Suffering

  • “Be patient, therefore, until the coming of the Lord.”
  • “Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
  • “Do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is at the door.”
  • “As an example of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”
  • “You have heard of the patience of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how He is compassionate and merciful.”

The Prayer of Faith

  • “Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.”
  • “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.”
  • “Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church and let they pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
  • The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
  • “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (and forgiven).”
  • “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”  
  • (Elijah as an example.)
  • “And if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering, will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.”

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 325

Nov21

Day 325 – Reading – Acts 13-14

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 13 – 14

These two chapters tell of Paul’s first Missionary Journey.

Note the circumstances of his name change in 13:1-13.

In the Antioch church, there were five main prophets/teachers. Barnabas, Simeon (a black man), Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen (of Herod Antipas’s court), and Saul, the ex-persecutor of Christians. (Wow, what an eclectic group!)  A perfect combo to lead and grow the Gentile church at Antioch.

During one worship service, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. The group prayed and fasted, and then laid their hands on these two men to send them off.  Barnabas took along his young cousin, John Mark, even though the Holy Spirit did not call the young man. 

The Holy Spirit leading them, the men went down to the port of Seleucia and sailed to Cyprus, Barnabas’ homeland. 

In the town of Salamis, SAUL proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the JEWS.  When the men had visited synagogues throughout the island, they came to Paphos and happened upon a certain magician or sorcerer. He is described as “a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.”  It seems he may have been an adviser to the Roman Proconsul, Sergius Paulus. 

The Proconsul summoned Barnabas and Saul, because he wanted to hear the word of God. However, the sorcerer opposed them, seeking to turn Sergius away from the faith. 

SAUL, now called by his Roman name, PAUL, looked sternly at the man and proclaimed, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?  Now, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.”

Immediately, darkness fell on the man, and he went around seeking people to lead him by the hand.

Then the Proconsul BELIEVED the message of salvation, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

.

Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga.  (Did you notice that now Paul is leading the group and not Barnabas?)  Also, this “missionary business” with all the travel, and maybe especially the cursing of sorcerers, was too “heavy” for the young John Mark, and he left the team at Perga and went home to Jerusalem. 

(This could be a warning that believers are to wait for the definite calling of the Lord in their lives before starting out. Jesus had told his followers to “count the cost.”)

.

From the port town of Perga, Paul and Barnabas went on to Antioch in Pisidia.  There, they attended a synagogue service. And as was the custom, after the reading of the scriptures, they were invited to give a “word of encouragement” for the people.  So Paul stood up and began … preaching.

He started with the history of Israel (like Stephan had).  The patriarchs, the time in Egypt, the wilderness wanderings, conquering the Promised Land, the time of the judges, the prophet Samuel, and the first king. He ended with King David, a man after God’s heart. THEN came the “main point.”   

“Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as He promised.”  And then, “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this savior/salvation.”

Paul goes on to describe that, although He was sinless, Pilate executed him. And this was according to the scriptures.  And how this Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, again according to the scriptures.

“And we bring you the Good News that what God promised to our fathers, this He has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising Jesus.”  “Let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by Him, everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the Law of Moses.”

Whoa, Paul!! 

But as they left the synagogue, the people begged that these things might be told them again the next Sabbath.  And after the meeting, the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas.

.

The next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. BUT… when the Jews saw the crowds… they were FILLED with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul said.

Paul enraged them more by saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you FIRST.  But since you thrust it aside, you judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life.  Behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.”

At this, the Gentiles rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.  And the Word spread through the whole region. 

BUT THE JEWS incited devout WOMEN of high standing, and the leading MEN of the city, who stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out.  At the city line, the missionaries shook off the dust of the city of Antioch in Pisidia from their feet (as Jesus had instructed his apostles)  and went on to Iconium.  

And, the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

.

Acts 14.

In Iconium, they again FIRST entered the synagogue and spoke “in such a way” that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.

But again, the unbelieving Jews stirred them up and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

However, Paul and Barnabas stayed there a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who granted them signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 

Eventually, the unbelieving Jews stirred up some people to attempt to stone the apostles.  They learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding country. And … they continued to preach the Gospel.

.

Now at Lystra, a crippled man who had NEVER walked, listened to Paul speaking, and faith was built up in him.  Paul looked at him, seeing the faith, and said aloud, “Stand upright on your feet.”  The man, crippled from birth, sprang up and began walking! 

WHOA!

When the crowds saw this miracle, they immediately thought Paul and Barnabas were the Greek gods, Zeus and Hermes, come to visit them.  The priest of Zeus brought out garlands and oxen and wanted to offer sacrifices. 

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! 

When Paul and Barnabas saw what they were about to do, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, saying. “Men, why are you doing this? WE are men like you, and have brought the Good News that you should turn from these things to THE LIVING GOD, Creator of Heaven and Earth.”

But even with these words, they were scarcely able to restrain the people from offering sacrifices to them!

About then, the men from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the roused crowds to stone Paul.  They did!!!  And they dragged him out of the city as dead.

But, when the new believers gathered about him (did they pray?), Paul rose up and entered the city again.  (FEARLESS!)  

The next day, Paul and Barnabas went on to Derbe.  They preached the Gospel there and many were made disciples. 

Then the pair circled back through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, strengthening the new disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”  Paul also appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting.

Then the missionaries continued back through Pisidia, and to Pamphylia, and Perga.  There, they caught a boat back to the home church in Antioch, where they had been commissioned.

And, as missionaries do today, they gathered the church together and told them all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 

Then they rested for a while.

.

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 324

Nov20

Day 324 – Reading – Acts 11 – 12

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 11.

Chapter 10 tells of Peter going to the home of a Roman Centurion whose heart God had prepared to receive the Gospel. Cornelius and his whole household believed the Good News that Peter preached, and – just as had happened “at the beginning” with Peter and the other 120 disciples, the Holy Spirit came on this house.  They also spoke in other tongues as evidence, and Peter realized that if God gave them the same gift, who was he to object?

Well, that incident had spread throughout Judea, and the Jewish believers began to question what had happened.  How could they believe in the Jewish Messiah if they were uncircumcised Gentiles? Shouldn’t they convert to Judaism first? 

So Peter carefully explained – in detail – what had happened, from that first appearance of a sheet filled with unclean animals, and God’s order to “Kill and eat” to the extraordinary act of the Holy Spirit in coming upon these “uncircumcised” Romans and giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” asked Peter.

Silence.

Then, “Praise God!” and then, “Hallelujah!” And many other words to praise and glory to God, who had “given to the Gentiles also repentance that leads to life.”

.

Now, after Stephen’s death and Paul’s persecution, many believers spread beyond Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.  They returned to their homes in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.  As they went, they spread the Good News, but ONLY to Jews.  BUT … SOME who went to Antioch spoke to the Hellenist Jews (Gentiles converted to Judaism).  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great many believed and turned to the Lord.

When this news came to the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived, he saw the “grace of God” and was glad.  He exhorted them to remain faithful to the Lord.

More and more came to the Lord, and Barnabas needed help.  He went to nearby Tarsus and grabbed Saul.  He brought the now seasoned Gentile preacher to Antioch.  For a whole year, they met as a church and taught a great many people.

(It was here in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”)

And then, a group of prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. One man, Agabus, prophesied a worldwide famine.  So the disciples in Antioch determined to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

And they did, sending their offering with Barnabas and Saul. (The famine did happen in the days of the Roman Emperor Claudius.)

.

Acts 12.

Back to Jerusalem and the apostles.  About the time of the huge evangelism in Antioch, Herod Agrippa, the king of northern Samaria and Galilee, laid “violent hands on some who belonged to the church.”  He thought that doing this would win his favor with the Jewish leaders. 

He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword (beheaded him). (This was the first of the initial disciples of Jesus to be martyred.)   

When Herod saw that it pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter as well. He put Peter in prison with four squads of soldiers to guard him, thinking that after Passover, he would kill him.  

(Did that threat of death make Peter think of that Passover when Jesus had been crucified?)

But Herod did not account for the power of prayer.  While Peter was in prison, the church made EARNEST PRAYER for him to God.

The night before Herod was to bring out and execute Peter, the apostle had a visitor in prison.  As he slept between two soldiers, bound with chains, with two more soldiers standing guard at the door … an angel of the Lord came to him and struck Peter on his side. (Was he sleeping so soundly??)

“Get up quickly,” the heavenly being said. Instantly, the chains fell off Peter, but without waking the soldiers.

“Dress yourself and put on your sandals.”  Peter obeyed.

“Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter obeyed, thinking he was dreaming it all.

When they came to the city gate, it opened for them of its own accord (think grocery store doors!), and they went out and walked along the street.  Then the angel disappeared, and Peter “came to himself.”

“Now I am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod, and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

Peter then went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were meeting and praying through the night for Peter’s release.

Peter knocked on the door, wanting to get out of public view.

The maid, Rhoda, came to answer.  Hearing Peter’s voice, she was so thrilled that she left him there, waiting outside, while she ran to tell the others.  (Okay, we’ve all been as excited and done something so dumb!)

“You are out of your mind, Rhoda,” they told her when she came running into the prayer meeting.

But Peter kept knocking!  They finally came, opened the door…. and were AMAZED!

“Tell James and the others that I’ve been set free by God’s angel,” Peter told them, then went out to another place. 

The next morning, the guards discovered that Peter was missing.  Herod was furious, and after examining all the (innocent) soldiers, he had them all put to death for “dereliction of duty.”

Then Herod left Jerusalem and went down to the Roman city of Caesarea. 

.

The discontented king had a quarrel with the people of Tyre and Sidon to the north.  They came to Herod asking for peace, for during this time, they depended on the king for food. 

Herod put on his robes and came out to them. He gave a pompous speech as he sat on his throne. 

The sycophant people, wanting to massage his ego, said, “Oh…the voice of a god, and not of a man.”

Herod gloried in the praise, thinking it very appropriate, but…. an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give GOD glory.

And…. immediately he was eaten by worms and breathed his last!  Yikes!!

.

But the Word of God increased and multiplied.  And Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem after delivering the relief offering. 

And… they brought back John Mark with them.

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 323

Nov19

Day 323 – Reading – Acts 9 – 10

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 9.

Have you ever stood up and given your “testimony?”  You know, the story of how you were saved? Paul tells the story of his conversion two other times (Acts 22 and 26), including different details in each, depending on the audience. (Jews or Gentiles). He also tells portions of it in his letters.

This account in chapter 9 is told by Luke, probably after he interviewed Paul sometime during their travels together. In all the cases, Paul has no problem stating how sinful he was.  In fact, in other of his letters he claims to be the vilest of all sinners because he murdered believers.  YES, Jesus can and will save the the worst of the worst for His Glory.

.

Luke’s story begins and describes Saul (his Hebrew name) as “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.”  In fact he had even obtained letters from the high priest (Caiaphas) to go as far as Damascus to root out believers (men and women) and bring them to Jerusalem for trial and possible execution.  (He reminds me of the stories of the Nazis rooting out Jews  during WW II and carrying them off to concentration camps and the gas chambers.)  Saul was definitely FEARED everywhere.

  • Why so vile? He was a very strict Pharisee, a keeper of the minute letter of the Law to the extreme.  He falsely believed he was protecting God’s Law by killing these “heretics”. (Jesus had predicted that some would believe they were doing God a service by killing Christians. See John 16:2)  And of course Satan stirs evil in our hearts, always against Jesus and those who love and serve Him)

As Saul came near to Damascus, a bright light flashed from heaven around him.  Whether walking or riding, Saul fell to the ground, cringing at the power of that Light.

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  came a voice like thunder. The men with him heard a “voice” but saw no one.

“Who are you, Lord?” the terrified Saul asked.

“I AM Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  Now arise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Saul got up, staggering, his arms flailing because he could see nothing.  The men with him led Saul by the hand into the city. (What a curious sight – this dusty, finely-dressed Pharisee being led like a blind beggar into the walled city.)  On the main street, a man named Judas (innkeeper?) lodged Saul (and the men?).  Saul remained there in darkness, neither eating or drinking for three days.

  • What were his thoughts, do you think?  Was he fearful of his future, as a blind man?  Was he thinking about Jesus’ words…and his recent horrific actions against believers…. and this Jesus? It’s even possible he had been among the self-righteous Jews who called “Crucify Him!” at Jesus’ trial.
  • During that time, Saul prayed.  Was it a prayer of confession, godly sorrow, and repentance?  Did he turn his heart to the Lord?  Was he now willing to do … anything?
  • And then God gave Saul a vision.

.

Meanwhile, across town, there was a faithful disciple named Ananias.  God gave him some curious and frightening instructions.  “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold he is praying, and he has seen a vision of a man named Ananias come in and lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

Saul? Of Tarsus? Ananias was afraid. “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem.  And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on his name!”

“Go (Ananias), for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much HE must suffer for the sake of my name.”

So Ananias obeyed.  He went to Judas’ house, and then laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul (wow!), the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Then, what seemed like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and ate and was strengthened.

For some days, Saul was with the disciples at Damascus.  He immediately proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”  (This so-called “blasphemy” is what he had arrested hundreds for, but now he believes it himself.)

Those who heard him, asked, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name?  And has he not come HERE for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus WAS the Messiah.

.

Well, this was NOT what the Jews in town thought was going to happen.  Where was their “hit man?”  And so, like with Jesus, they plotted to kill Saul.  They watched the gates day and night in case he tried to escape.

But the plot became known to our newly-converted man of God, and the disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a hamper.  (How embarrassing!)

  • Then… there is a part of Saul’s partial testimony in Galatians 1:11-17, that reveals his next step.  He tells the Galatians that after Damascus, and before going to Jerusalem he…..  “I did not immediately consult with anyone, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned to Damascus.
  • After THREE YEARS, I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and remained with him for fifteen days.  I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 
  • Then I went into the region of Syria and Cilicia (Paul’s hometown). I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea, although they heard of my conversion and glorified God.”

I’m thinking that during those three years in the desert, God took Saul over the entire Law and Prophets and Psalms, even more, perhaps, than with those two on the Emmaus Road, and revealed Himself through scripture.  And Saul, who knew the scriptures in detail, had his eyes opened.

.

Back to Acts 9:26.

When Saul finally went up to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples.  THEY were afraid of him, for they didn’t believe he was a disciple.  But Barnabas, that big encourager, took Saul under his wing.  He brought Saul to the apostles, and repeated the details of his conversion on that road to Damascus, and how afterwards he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

So Saul was able to be with the apostles, and at one point, he even disputed with those Hellenists whom he’d been with when they accused Stephen.   But… ah oh!  Saul’s previous buddies now turned on him, and threatened to kill him.

It was then that the apostles sent him off to Tarsus (his home country).  Saul ministered there among his own people – gaining experience in dealing with Gentiles – for seven years, until…..  See Acts 11:25-26.

Meanwhile, “the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”

  • It took Saul’s vicious persecution to scatter them out of Jerusalem to Judea, Galilee and Samaria (as Jesus said).  Now, for a time they could evangelize these areas in peace.  But more persecution would come, after King Herod martyrs the Apostle James, John’s brother……

.

In this peace time,  Peter went “here and there” to evangelize and minister.  At Lydda, he, through the power of the Holy Spirit, healed a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for 8 years.  And many came to the Lord.

In Joppa, a faithful disciple, a woman named Dorcas (or Tabitha) died.  Peter, through the power of the Holy Spirit raised her to life.  And again, many in Joppa believed in the Lord.

.

Acts 10.

Peter stayed at the home of one Simon, a tanner, while in Joppa…

Meanwhile, a day’s journey up the coast in Caesarea (a Roman occupied town), there lived a godly Centurion named Cornelius, who feared God with all his household.  He was a generous man and gave alms to the people.  He also prayed to God continually.

Wow.  (So opposite from Saul!)

Cornelius had a vision in which an angel appeared to him. (So different from Saul).

Cornelius:  “What is it, Lord?” he cried in terror.

Angel: “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.  Now, send to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.  He’s staying at the tanner’s house by the sea.”

Cornelius immediately obeyed, sending a couple servants and a devout soldier on the mission.

.

Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter was getting hungry.  Simon’s servant said lunch would be ready soon.  Meanwhile Peter also had a vision.  It was weird.  A sheet, caught up by its for corners descended from heaven.  One corner was let down revealing all kinds of animals and reptiles, and birds of the air.

A voice:  “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.”

Now Peter was hungry, but not THAT hungry.  He had never ever eaten anything unclean and he was not about to now.

Peter: “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten ANYTHING that is common or unclean.”

A voice: “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

Before Peter could think about the vision, it happened again.  And a third time!  What in the world was happening?  And just as he was about to ask about lunch, the men from Cornelius came to the door asking for him.

The Spirit:  “Behold, three men are looking for you.  Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.”

Peter to the men:  “I’m the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”

And the men explained to him about Cornelius and his vision and summons.  “You are to come to his house where he can listen to what you have to say.”

They all ate lunch at the tanner’s home, then the next day, they set off for Caesarea.  Peter took some of the believers with him (as witnesses).

The arrived and Cornelius was expecting them.  He’d invited a bunch of his relatives and close friends too, to come and listen to what Peter had to say.

Peter (often with his foot in his mouth) began by saying, “Um.. you know that’s it’s unlawful for a Jew to associate with Gentiles, BUT God has show me that I should not call any PERSON common or unclean.  So….”  

And after hearing Cornelius’ story, Peter opened his mouth and preached to their eager hearts the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, ending with, “…everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

And while he was still talking, the Holy Spirit fell on them with power.  They began speaking in other languages and extoling God.

Peter, and the brothers with him, were utterly amazed.  He said, “Can anyone refuse water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?

And they all were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  And Peter stayed with them for some days, teaching them about Jesus.

WOW.

.

Can you see you God working?

Saul – a Jew thoroughly knowledgeable in the scriptures – practicing how to reach and teach Gentiles in Tarsus.

Peter – a dyed in the wool Jew,  – having his eyes, mind, and heart opened to the fact that Gentiles can also believe and receive salvation.

These two would be coming together soon….. and the whole world would explode with the good news of Jesus, the Messiah, and salvation for all who would believe!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 319

Nov15

Day 319 – Reading – Luke 24 and John 20-21

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 24 and John 20-21.

These chapters (like yesterday) tell of the Resurrection of Jesus.  He told Martha that He was “the resurrection and the life,” and He’s proved it now.  Luke provides more small details of the events, while John includes more events and the very purpose of His Gospel.

The Resurrection

On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, the faithful women walked to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of their Lord.  They were met instead by two brilliantly white angels who asked them,

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen.  Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise?”

Yes! They remembered His words!!  And they hurried to the eleven disciples to tell them the good news (which the men did not believe at first).

.

Jesus and Mary Magdalene

But Mary just couldn’t take it all in. It was too much to bear?  Alive?  Where was His body? And Jesus appeared to her, calling her by name.  And THEN she believed.  She was like Thomas: she needed that little bit more to help her unbelief.  Jesus understands. He loves his followers and gives them what they need.

.

Peter and John Check the Tomb

Meanwhile, Peter and John decided to check out what the women said.  They ran to the tomb. John, the faster runner, got there first but hesitated at the door.  Peter charged right in, and then John followed. Sure enough, the tomb was empty.

But they saw details that confused and encouraged them.  The grave clothes that Joseph had wrapped Jesus’ body in were still there, lying as if the body had risen right through them.  And the linen cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was … folded and laid aside … purposefully.  What grave robber would take the time to do that?  Could it be?  Was He?  John believed, for sure. Peter, maybe, but still hesitated. But he marveled at the thought as he went home. Jesus alive!!!

.

On the Road to Emmaus

Two other disciples, one named Cleopas, decided to go back home. It was about a day’s walk, and as they went, they discussed all that had happened – from the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a colt, to His wonderful teaching and sparring with the religious leaders, to His arrest, trials, and finally, that horrible crucifixion and quiet burial.  They could not understand.  They thought Jesus was the Messiah, but now He was dead.  It all happened so quickly.

And while they were in deep, anguished conversation, another man joined them on the way, asking why all the earnest talk and sad faces.  They explained to this man (Jesus) all that had happened.  And HE explained to them how all those baffling things were the fulfillments of prophecy.  He listed the prophecies in the Law, the prophets, and the writings that this Jesus had fulfilled.  Gradually, the eyes of their understanding were opened.

They asked Jesus to stay at their house for a while ( for dinner) and He agreed.  Then, as He broke bread and blessed it … oh, that looks familiar… didn’t Jesus do it just that way?  Was… was… THIS MAN Jesus????  YES!  He was!  And as soon as Jesus revealed Himself, He vanished.

The two gobbled down the food and immediately started back to Jerusalem.  They HAD to tell the others.  They had SEEN the risen Jesus.  He was ALIVE!

.

Jesus appears to 10 Disciples

Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the ten disciples (minus Thomas, who was somewhere, alone and despondent) were sitting behind locked doors, eating a bit of fish and bread.  They were mourning Jesus’ death, hardly believing what the women said, and what the two leaders had seen. What would they do now?

Then. there was Jesus, standing among them as always.  They about jumped out of their skin!  A ghost!!

“Peace, to you!  Calm down, brothers. It’s me.  See the nail scars in my hands and on my side?  Touch me and see, for a ghost does not have flesh and bones.  Do you have anything to eat?

They gave him some of the fish, and Jesus ate it.  Gradually, they believed it was Jesus, in the flesh (new flesh), risen from the dead.

After Jesus disappeared again, the ten told Thomas what had happened, wishing he had been there too.

“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side …. I will never believe.”   

(Remember, Thomas had a melancholy disposition.  He usually saw things in a negative way. [At the feeding of the 5,000, he’d said they would NEVER have food enough. When Jesus said he was going to Bethany to see the dead Lazarus, Thomas said they should go along and DIE with Him.)  But Jesus understands all our personalities (like he did Mary’s).

.

Jesus appears to all 11 Disciples

Eight days later, Jesus appears through the walls again, and Thomas is with them.

Jesus:  “Thomas, put your finger here and see my hands; and put out your hand and place it in my side.  Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

Thomas:  “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus:  “Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

.

The Purpose of John’s Account

It’s here, after Thomas declares his belief, and Jesus blesses all who will not see Him, and yet believe, that John writes the purpose of his gospel.

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but THESE are written so that YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, and that by believing, you may have Life in His name.”

.

Jesus Appears to 7 Disciples in Galilee

Later, back in their hometown, a few of the disciples decide to go fishing.  They are at loose ends. (Jesus hasn’t given them the “great commission” yet, or told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.) He only said He would meet them in Galilee.

They fish all night without success (just like old times).

Meanwhile, on shore, they can see someone with a fire going.  The man calls and asks if they have any fish.  They say they haven’t.  Then … in a strangely familiar way … the man tells them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat.  They hesitate, then do it.  And WOW!  The fish are practically jumping into the boat.

They haul in a load, then Peter notices John is staring at the man.  “It’s the LORD,” John says in awe.  Peter swings around.  As he recognizes Jesus, he is already putting on his shirt. Unable to wait till the boat gets to shore, Peter dives in and power-strokes to his Master.  He is at Jesus’ feet, weeping, and Jesus is making him stand as the boat arrives.  (‘Later, Peter,’ Jesus whispers.)

Jesus adds a few fish to the fish he’s cooking and the bread He’s warming, and serves the men breakfast.  As Jesus broke the fish and bread and handed them out, an intense sense of Deja vu overwhelmed them, and they remembered the 5,000 and the 4,000, and many other times He’d fed them.

Did Jesus remind them again of His first call?  “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

,

Jesus and Peter.

While the men finished eating and saw to the fish they’d caught, Jesus began reinstating Peter as the group’s leader. All listened quietly as Peter pledged his brotherly love for Jesus.  Three times Peter had denied Jesus (they all knew it), now Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.  “Yes, Lord, You know I love You!’  ” Yes, Lord, You know that I love You!”  “Lord, You know everything, You know that I love You!” 

Jesus looked deeply into Peter’s soul and recommissioned him, “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.”  “Feed my sheep.”  Jesus had prayed for Peter in his hour of trial as He promised, and He saw Peter’s godly sorrow and repentance.  Now, Jesus showed the others that he was forgiven, and again in the leadership position.

Then Jesus alluded to what kind of martyrdom Peter would face.  He, too, would be crucified (so prepare yourself!), and God would be glorified through his death.  But that was in the future. Meanwhile, Peter was simply to “Follow me,” said Jesus.

.

Jesus and John.

Then, as was Peter’s habit, he briefly looked away from Jesus – remember when Peter was walking on water? When he looked away from Jesus, he began to sink.  Here, he does the same.

Peter, looking at John: “Lord, what about this man?  How will he die?”

Jesus, again scolding him for taking his eyes off Himself: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to YOU. YOU follow ME.”

(Of course, the rumor then went around that John wouldn’t die. But that’s not what Jesus said.)

John indeed outlived the other disciples by many years, dying peacefully in his mid-nineties.   Jesus had another job for John.  Like Daniel in the Old Testament, John would see visions of the end times, both the horrors and the glories.  And he would write it all down in the book of REVELATION.

.

Jesus’ Commission All His Disciples

Eventually, after spending time with His disciples in Galilee, and appearing before 500 of His followers at one time, Jesus appeared with the eleven back in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost.

He taught them a “crash course” on how He fulfilled all the prophecies of the Messiah in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.  He showed them HOW the Messiah had to suffer, die, and on the third day rise from the dead.  It was all there, and Jesus made it plain to them.  Of course, the Holy Spirit would also remind them of everything, as needed.

Then Jesus told them, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins shall be proclaimed in My name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  YOU are witnesses of these things!  And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you (the Holy Spirit). But stay in the city until you are clothed with POWER from on High.”

.

Ascension

John gives a brief statement of His ascension.  Luke will provide a more detailed account at the beginning of Acts in tomorrow’s study.

John’s account:  “Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and He blessed them.  WHILE He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.  They worshiped Him and returned to the City with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.”

.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 313 & 314

Nov10

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 313 – Reading – Matthew 26 and Mark 14

Day 314 – Reading – Luke 22 and John 13

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 313 – Matthew 26 & Mark 14.

These two chapters follow the same order, so we will take them together, looking at the details from each.

  • The Plot to Kill Jesus.

Jesus once again reminds His disciples of His upcoming death, but they seem deaf to His words.  Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes (Sadducees & Pharisees of the council) are meeting in Caiaphas’ palace, and plot how they can capture Jesus by stealth and kill Him. They want to avoid it on Passover, however, fearing a riot by the people.

 

  • Jesus is anointed at Bethany.

Jesus is once again having a meal in Bethany, this time at the home of Simon, an ex-leper, who probably had been healed by Jesus.  John tells us that this is Mary (sister to Martha & Lazarus), so perhaps they were serving the meal for Simon.  She broke a costly box of expensive ointment and anointed Jesus’ head and feet,  

All the disciples complained about this waste of money, but Judas Iscariot particularly took it to heart as a burning coal.  Meanwhile, Jesus scolded them all, saying “this woman” had anointed his body figuratively for burial. (Again no understanding.)   Jesus said what Mary had done would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached.

 

  • Judas to betray Jesus.

Right after this “atrocity” (in Judas’ opinion), the betrayer, who had been contemplating it, now went to the religious leaders and offered to betray Jesus.  “What will you give me if I deliver Him over to you?”  They paid him 30 pieces of silver (a tenth of the cost of that ointment), and from then on, Judas looked for a way to betray Jesus.

 

  • The Passover with the Disciples.

The disciples ask Jesus where they should prepare the Passover meal for all of them. Jesus gave instructions, and they carried them out. 

 

  • Instituting ‘The Lord’s Supper.’

During the meal, as they reclined around the table, Jesus dropped a “bombshell.” “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” They were all sorrowful and asked, one after another, “Lord, is it I??” Jesus said it was one of them who ate with them. Then Jesus dipped a morsel into the sauce and handed it to Judas.  “Rabbi, is it I?” the betray asked. “Yep, Jesus responded quietly, then added to them all, “Woe to that man, for it would have been better for him if he had not been born.”

Next, Jesus instituted “the Lord’s Supper” as a part of the Passover Feast.  Taking the unleavened bread, breaking it and blessing it, it passed it around to them, saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” Jesus then too the cup, gave thanks for it (Did He see His agonizing death in its depth?), and passed it around. “Drink, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I won’t drink of this again, until I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.”

(NOTE: It seems from Matthew and Mark (and Luke) that Judas was still at the table when Jesus instituted “the Lord’s Supper.”  And it was only after this that Jesus announced a betrayer among them.  John writes that, once it was announced, Judas was sent away “to do it.”  And, except for John and Peter, none of the others had a clue about him.)

 

  • Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial.

After they had sung the closing song of the meal, Jesus and the disciples went out to their favorite place on the Mount of Olives to the secluded garden of Gethsemane. 

There, Jesus tells His bold and brash, “right-hand-man” Peter that that very night he would deny Jesus.  In fact, Jesus said they ALL would flee away.  When Peter denied that HE would, Jesus made that familiar, detailed accusation, “This night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me THREE TIMES.”  But dear, foot-in-his-mouth Peter foolishly claimed, “Even if I must DIE for You, I will not deny You.”

 

  • Jesus prays in Gethsemane.

Then it begins. Everything is in place.  That “cup” that Jesus has been speaking about for three years is now poured and ready for Him to drink.  Jesus feels the horror of it deep in His soul. He must pray!  He asks his disciples to sit and wait for Him.  He asks his core three to come closer and “watch” (pray!) with Him.  

Then Jesus falls face down to the ground, and pleads that He might not drink this “cup.”  Is there any other way to purchase salvation for the elect? He asks His Father.  But he knows there is not.  “Nevertheless, not MY will, but THINE be done.” Jesus pleads and prays this three times … while His closest three disciples “snore away.”

 

  • Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus.

Finally, slowly, and perhaps with bodily pain from the anguish, Jesus rises and goes to His men.  He wakes them, “The hour is here. The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Get up, let us be going.  See, my betrayer is at hand.”  (Now the evil one is unmasked, and they see Judas.) 

Judas, at the head of the crowd of soldiers and men with clubs from the religious leaders, steps forward for the pre-arranged signal.  He walks up to Jesus, says, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kisses Him.  Jesus acknowledges his action and calls Judas, “friend.”

Then the soldiers step forward to seize Jesus.   But Peter – remembering his vows – draws his short sword and slashes out. His sword hits and cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant, Malchus.   Jesus reprimands Peter (not wanting him to be immediately arrested or killed) and heals Malchus’s ear.  (What a story THAT man has!!)  

To Peter and the disciples, Jesus says intently, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve LEGIONS of angels?  (Enough to kill everyone who had ever lived on the earth!)  “But how else should the Scriptures be fulfilled?  This MUST be so.”

And as Jesus faced his accusers, calming the situation which had escalated at Peter’s rash move, those very disciples all fled into the darkness of the garden.  

 

  • Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council.

The soldiers seized Jesus and led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.

Peter and John followed them at a distance.  Then went into the courtyard and sat with the guards (John goes further inside for an eyewitness of the happenings.)

The religious leaders tried and failed to get false testimony against Jesus, but found none.   Finally, two came forward, saying they had heard Jesus say He would “destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days.” 

When they asked Jesus to answer this accusation, He remained silent.

Then the high priest said directly to Jesus, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” (This was putting Jesus under a legal oath before God, so Jesus HAD TO answer.)

Jesus: “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of Heaven.”

Caiaphas tore his clothes at what he said was the ultimate blasphemy – saying Jesus was God. 

He said in rage (and satisfaction), “What further witnesses do we need? You heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?”

“He deserves death!”

Then, the abuse begins.  They spat in Jesus’ face and struck Him. Some covered His face, slapped Him, and said, “Prophesy who struck You.”  The guards began to beat Jesus as well.

 

  • Peter Denies Jesus.

Outside in the courtyard, perhaps hearing some of the angry shouts, Peter denied his Lord … three times. Then a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered.  He broke down and wept bitterly.

,

###

.

MONDAY – Day 314 -Luke 22 & John 13.

Again, we will cover two chapters together, although there are differences.

  • The Plot to Kill Jesus.

It was Passover and the Jewish leaders were wondering HOW to put Jesus to death, for they feared the crowds there for the festivities.

 

  • Judas to Betray Jesus.

Judas provided that opportunity, offering to lead them to Jesus privately … for money.

 

  • Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet. 

After the disciples acquired a room and prepared it for the Passover meal. When the hour came and they were all reclining around the table, Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, took a towel, poured water into a basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet. (This was usually the task of the lowest servant.)  Peter objected loudly. “Wash my feet? You shall never wash my feet!!)

Jesus told him that he didn’t understand what He was doing, and if He didn’t wash Peter’s feet, the disciple had no part with Jesus.  “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and head!”

Jesus told them there was no need. It was a picture of them already being clean through their faith in Him, and only their daily sins needed to be confessed and cleansed.  (All were clean, EXCEPT Judas, still among them.)

 

  • The Beginning of the Lord’s Supper.   

After Jesus was finished, he redressed and sat down. He explained to them that if HE, their Lord and Teacher, had washed their feet, they should follow his example and willingly be a lowly servant to each other.  If they wanted to know who was “greatest” among them, it was the one who served the others the most.

Jesus then explained the bread and cup that he passed around as His body and blood (to be) given for them, which would bring in the New Covenant (Testament). 

 

  • Jesus speaks of His Betrayal. 

And as they were eating, Jesus announced that “One of you will betray me.”  The disciples were disturbed. Peter, who was reclining across the table, motioned to John, who was right next to Jesus, to ask Him WHO the betrayer was.  John leaned back on Jesus and asked the question in a low voice.  Jesus said it was the one He dipped the bread into the sauce and gave to.  Jesus then dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas, reclining on His other side.  

Jesus told Judas quietly, “What you are going to do, do quickly,” and Judas immediately (still chewing that morsel of bread) got up and went out into the night.

 

  • Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial. 

After commending the remaining disciples, “those who would stay with Him through His trials,” and reading Peter’s proud heart, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  And WHEN you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Peter: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”

Jesus: “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you even know me.”

(Here, John’s Gospel ….

gives a 4-chapter parenthesis around Jesus’s private teaching to His disciples,

and His High Priestly prayer, in chapters 14 – 17.

We’ll study these tomorrow.

But Luke’s Gospel ….

continues with the happenings of that night,

leading up to the crucifixion.)

  • Jesus Prays in Gethsemane.

Out on the Mount of Olives, Jesus asked His disciples to pray that they may not enter into temptation. But they were tired and sleepy.  

Jesus agonized in prayer to His Father that He not have to drink the “cup” of suffering. “But not my will, but yours be done!”  The agony was so great, that Jesus sweat drops of blood!.  Afterward, an angel came and strengthened Him.

 

  • Betrayal & Arrest. 

And then the crowd and soldiers were upon them. The sleepy disciples rose to the noise, weapons, and torches.  A fellow disciple, Judas, comes to Jesus and kisses Him.

(Peter and John KNOW what he’s doing.  Peter draws his sword and lashes out, misses Judas, and cuts off the ear of Malchus.  Jesus mends the mess and scolds Peter.)

Then they seized Jesus and led him away to the high priest’s house. 

 

  • Peter Denies Jesus.

Peter, scared, does what he pledged not to do.  He denies His Lord three times in the presence of some servants, even swearing an oath for emphasis.  The cock crows just as Jesus is being led to another venue. Their eyes meet, and Peter’s heart rips in two.  He runs out into the darkness, weeping bitterly. 

 

  • Jesus is Mocked. 

Meanwhile, Jesus is mocked and brutally beaten. He is blindfolded and quizzed as to who is hitting Him. They blaspheme the Son of God.

 

  • Jesus before the Council.

At daybreak, the Jewish leaders led Jesus away to their council (Sanhedrin) where they further buffeted and demanded answers from Him. “ARE YOU THE SON OF GOD?” they shout over and over. 

“I AM.” Jesus answers.

And they take Him to the Roman ruler, Pilate for the death sentence.

 

.