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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 348 & 349

Dec15

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on MONDAYS

Day 348 – Reading – Acts 27 – 28

Day 349 – Reading – Colossians 1 – 4, Philemon

Read and believe in Jesus!

Sunday, Acts 27.

And so begins the final leg of Paul’s journey to Rome, at last.  NOTE: If you are going on a Mediterranean Cruise soon, you may want to read over this lightly.

Luke joins the ship, as well as Paul’s good associate and helper from Thessalonica, Aristarchus. God oversaw the selection of the Roman centurion to accompany Paul and the other prisoners.  Julius was very lenient and kind to Paul for the entire trip. He “may” even have stayed with him after they all got to Rome.

First stop from Caesarea was Sidon, and Julius let Paul and associates leave the ship to meet with friends there and be cared for.  The weather was pithy, so they sailed close to the coast of Cyprus, Cilicia, and Pamphylia, and so arrived at Myra.  After the centurion found a larger ship from Alexandria (Egypt) heading for Italy, they started out again.  The wind was nasty and opposed their journey, but they finally slipped into a harbor in Crete called Fair Havens.

It was really too late to be traveling across the Mediterranean, even in a good-sized ship like theirs. Frankly, it was dangerous, and Paul believed they might lose the ship and everyone aboard. He advised them to winter over in Fair Havens, but the shipowner wanted to go farther and stay in the bigger port of Phoenix.  When the weather broke, they took a chance and sailed close to shore towards Phoenix.

  • “But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, whipped down from the land. The ship was caught in it and driven out to sea.  They took down the sails, managed to bring the dinghy on board, and undergirded the ship with ropes. Soon they began jettisoning the cargo, and then the ship’s tackle. 
  • For many days, neither the sun nor stars appeared, and the wild tempest lay on them. All hope of being saved was at last abandoned.

Paul couldn’t help it. He stood and said, “You should have listened to me and not set sail from Crete.  BUT… now I tell you to take heart, for there will be no LOSS OF LIFE among you.  Only the ship. 

Then he told of a vision from God, that they would all be safe. God had promised him he would stand before Caesar. “Have faith in God.  But… we must run aground on some island.”

As they were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, the sailors suspected they were nearing land.  They took soundings, and sure enough, the depth was getting shallow.   They threw out all four anchors from the stern, thinking to slow the ship and not run onto the rocks.

They prayed for the day to come.

But the sailors began to panic and planned to abandon ship.  However, Paul said if they did, ALL would be lost. Julius believed him and cut the dinghy away so they could not escape.  As dawn approached, Paul urged everyone to eat. (It had been two weeks since they’d had food.)  They listened to Paul and felt encouraged afterwards.  Then they lightened the ship even more, throwing all the wheat into the sea.

When it was light, they saw a bay on an unknown island before them, and thought they could make a run for the beach.  They cut the anchor ropes, tied the rudder straight, and hoisted the sail at the front of the boat.  They started to move, but soon the ship struck a reef and began to come apart.

The soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners to keep them from escaping, but Julius, wishing to save Paul, stopped them.  He ordered swimmers to try to make it to shore, and non-swimmers to hold onto planks and try to reach land.

And so, ALL were brought safely to land.   WOW!

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Acts 28.

Once everyone was ashore, they learned that the island was Malta.  The native people there showed kindness to them, and kindled a fire to warm and dry them.  Paul started gathering wood for the fire, and…. OH GOODNES!!!  A poisonous viper latched onto his hand!

“Oh, he’s dead,” the people said, and thought Paul must be a murderer.  (Well, he was, but God forgave and saved him!).

But the snake didn’t seem to hurt him at all.

“Oh, he’s not hurt. He must be a god!” the people said.  (I’m sure Paul gave them a look that cleared THAT up.)

Publius was the chief there and entertained them hospitably for three days.  Paul heard that the chief’s father was sick and went to pray with him. He was healed, so many others brought sick people to him for healing.  (I’m sure, Paul also told them about Jesus, his death and resurrection, repentance, and the hope of salvation.)  When they eventually got another ship that had wintered on the island, the people stocked them up with food and supplies.

And so…………  three months after leaving Caesarea, they set sail again, arriving in Syracuse.  They docked there for three days getting more supplies, and then went on to Rhegium.  A favorable wind came, and they sailed the final leg to Puteoli.

Brothers, fellow believers, met them there. Paul and company stayed with them for a week, then FINALLY came to ROME.  (Just as God had promised Paul.)  Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with a soldier who guarded him.

Three days later, Paul was preaching to a group of Jewish leaders, telling his story, and the REASON for his arrest. (The belief in the “hope of Israel. i.e. the Resurrection.)  They called a larger group of Jews to listen to Paul’s “views.”  But after they heard him, most disbelieved.

Paul then AGAIN turns to the Gentiles with the wonderful message of salvation.

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Paul lived there two whole years (at his own expense), and welcomed all who came to hear him “proclaim the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ” without hindrance.

Wow. Amazing.  His dream at last was fulfilled, to encourage and be encouraged by the believers in the Roman church.

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Monday, Colossians 1 – 4.

This general letter to the church at Colossae, as well as his personal letter to Philemon, were both written during Paul’s time in that house and under guard in Rome.

Paul didn’t plant the church in Colossae, which was about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was founded by Epaphras, who had probably been saved during a visit to Ephesus while Paul was there.  Like many of the churches, it had a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles, so they had problems with both Jewish legalism and lingering pagan beliefs.

It seems that Epaphras visited Paul while he was in Rome, bringing both encouraging news and hints of problems back home. Also in Rome with Paul was another person from Colossae, a runaway slave named Onesimus, who had been saved and was now a “faithful and beloved brother” to Paul.

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Colossians 1.

Paul greets the people of this church as he would all believers and thanks God for what he’s heard from Epaphras about them.

He praises God for their faith, love, and hope and tells them he’s been praying for them, that they will be filled with all spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. He prays that they will walk pleasing before the Lord (who has delivered them from darkness into the kingdom of the Son) and be fruitful in every good work.

Then Paul praises and glorifies the Son who has redeemed them and forgave their sins. He is….

  • The image of the invisible God,
  • the firstborn (in preeminence) of all creation.
  • By, through, and for Him were all things created.
  • In Him all things hold together.
  • He is the head of the body, the church.
  • He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.
  • In Him all the fullness of God dwells,
  • He makes peace by the blood of His cross.

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Colossians 2.

Paul tells them (and those at Laodicea) that he “struggles” (in prayer) for them, that they will reach all the riches of assurance and the knowledge of Christ (in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge).  He prays that no one will delude them with false arguments, but that they remain firm in the faith in Christ.

  • “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

He warns them about empty philosophy and the deceit of human traditions.

  • “You, who were dead in your trespasses… God made alive together with Him, having forgiven all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us.

He tells them not to allow anyone to pass judgment on them concerning food and drink, festivals or new moon, or Sabbaths.  Don’t let anyone disqualify you!  Hold fast to the “Head.”

  • “If with Christ, you died to the ‘elemental spirits of the world,’ why do you submit to their regulations according to human precepts and teachings?

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Colossians 3.

Paul next exhorts and encourages the Colossians in Godly living, as Christ lives in them.

  • “If then you HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST, seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
  • “Set your minds on things that are above, NOT on things of the earth.
  • “Put to death what is earthly in you.
  • “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you.”
  • “Put on love…. let the peace of Christ rule your hearts… and be thankful.
  • “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
  • “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Then Paul heads towards the nitty-gritty of family life, giving instructions to WIVES, HUSBANDS, CHILDREN, and FATHERS, as well as to SLAVES and to MASTERS.  Everything, every attitude and act, should be well-pleasing to the LORD.

(Read the instructions to slaves and masters again, with Onesimus and Philemon in mind, after you read Paul’s letter to PHILEMON.)

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Colossians 4.

Next, Paul asks the Colossians to pray for him.

  • “…that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ,
  • …that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Then he sends final greetings from those who are working with him, including Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.

  • (Remember Mark?  The guy who so disappointed Paul, that he had a break up with Barnabas?  Well, Mark has matured, and become very useful in the ministry.  Praise God. There is hope for all of us!)

He tells them that Epaphras is praying for them, but will be staying with Paul a while longer.

He tells them he’s sending this letter with Tychicus, who is also bringing back Onesimus.  There will be instructions concerning him that they are to read as well.

Paul instructs them to send this letter to the church in Laodicea to be read, and to get the letter he sent to them (possibly referring to Ephesians, which was a circular letter) and read it themselves.

And to Archippus (possibly Philemon’s son), he encourages in the ministry, much as he did with Timothy.

And a final prayer request before blessing them,  “Remember my chains.”

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Philemon

This is a personal letter to the man who hosts the Colossian church in his home (Philemon), to his wife (Apphia), and his son (Archippus).  I guess they are all involved with the situation concerning their runaway slave, Onesimus.

Paul first thanks God for them, for their faith, and the work they are doing for Christ.  He has received much joy and comfort from their love (support?) and been refreshed by them.

And then to the man, Onesimus, who is patiently waiting beside Tychicus, as Philemon is reading this letter….

  • “I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus … appeal to you for my child, Onesimus.  Formerly, he was USELESS (what his name means) to you, but now he is indeed USEFUL to you and to me. 
  • I am sending him back to you, sending MY VERY HEART. (I would have been glad to keep him with me, that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent.)
  • “Maybe this is why he was parted from you for a while – that you might have him back forever, no longer a slave, but a beloved brother – especially to me.
  • “If you consider me your partner … receive Onesimus as you would receive me.  
  • “If he’s wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge it to MY account.  I will repay it. 

Paul was confident of Philemon’s obedience, knowing he will do more than Paul asked for his ex-slave.  And he tells them, he hopes to visit them once he is released.  (Prayers for that, he asks.)

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(Paul’s plea for the born-again slave is much like Jesus’ prayer for us.  He loves us, wants to keep us near Him, considers us His sister or brother, and promises that if we owe anything from our past… HE WILL PAY.  Indeed He has paid for all our sins on the cross.  And God, the Father completely accepts us with open arms because of the redeeming sacrifice of the Son.)

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 347

Dec13

Day 347 – Reading – Acts  24  – 26
Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 24.

Back to Paul’s story.  So far, he has tried to preach/testify twice in Jerusalem before being taken to Caesarea because of a plot to kill him. In Jerusalem, Paul confessed to being a ROMAN CITIZEN to the tribune in charge.

Now, in Caesarea. Governor Felix called the Jewish leaders to come present their case against Paul. They brought a fancy lawyer, who “kissed up” to the governor before accusing Paul of profaning the Temple, among other offences.

Finally, Paul gets to speak. He clearly shows that he has done nothing to profane the Temple; he was simply trying to fulfill a vow in the correct Jewish manner.  But…. then, like the missionary preacher he was, Paul starts in on his testimony.

  • “I confess to you, that according to “the Way” (Christianity), which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be A RESSURECTION of both the just and the unjust. 
  • So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”

Then he explained how, while he was completing his vow in the Temple, doing nothing to excite a riot, they arrested him. And again he repeats the offence by which the Sadducees REALLY want to do away with him.

  • “It is about the RESURRECTION of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.”

Well, Felix knew all about “the Way,” having ruled between Jews and Gentiles for many years.  So he puts off a confrontation, saying,

  • “When Lysias the tribune comes down (to Caesarea), I will decide your case.”

A few days later, his wife, Drusilla (a Jew), came to Caesarea.  For his wife’s entertainment or curiosity, Felix called Paul again to “hear him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.”  As Paul reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix became alarmed (convicted?) 

  • “When I get an opportunity, I will summon you!”  

Of course, also, Felix was hoping for some “bribe” money.  For two years, he sent for Paul often and conversed with him.  (Oh, what a stubborn heart!)  

And then the opportunity passed. He had heard the Gospel many times; now it was too late. (Oh, seize your chance to be saved now, when you hear the Gospel!)

Felix was recalled to Rome – probably on his mishandling of the Jew/Gentile situations – and Porcius Festus, a member of Roman nobility, was assigned to Caesarea in his place.

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Acts 25.

A few days after arriving, Festus went up to check out the scene in Jerusalem.  The chief priests and principal men of the jews approached him about Paul.  They asked a favor of this new guy – that he would summon Paul to Jerusalem for trial.  They did this because they STILL plotted to kill Paul. (Mind you, it’s been at least TWO YEARS from the original arrest!)

Festus said he was going back to Caesarea in a few days, and for the Jewish leaders to come with him and bring charges against Paul there.  He did, and they did.

Festus took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought.  The Jews brought many, and serious charges against Paul, that they could not prove. 

Paul answered by truthfully saying,

  • “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed any offence.” (This was his ‘not guilty’ plea)

Festus asked Paul if he wished to go up to Jerusalem and be tried there by him. (He did this as a favor to the Jews.)   Then Paul makes a statement that secures his future calling, as God promised.

  • “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews, I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.  If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not seek to escape. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them.
  • “I APPEAL TO CAESAR!”

Well then.  That’s that.

“To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

(End of problem with the Jews.)

Not long after, King Agrippa II and Bernice, his wife, arrived at Caesarea.  And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid out Paul’s case before the king. How the Jews came down to accuse Paul.

  • “They had specific points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 
  • Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there. But when Paul appealed for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

This story caught Agrippa’s interest.

  • “I would like to hear the man myself.”
  • “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

And so, Paul is once again called on to present his story. Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice (with much pomp), with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city, all came into the audience hall to hear Paul. 

Festus, almost acting like his attorney, said,

  • “You see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. (Boy, this sounds like Jesus’ trial before Pilate!). 
  • “And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him.  But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him.  King Agrippa, after we have examined him, perhaps you can tell me what to write…”

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Acts 26.

After the king gave Paul a nod, he began his defense.  He acknowledged that Agrippa was “familiar with the customs and controversies of the Jews,” and Paul was glad. 

And so, he began with his own story of being a Jew of the Jews, a Pharisee.  And as all the Pharisees believed, Paul states his HOPE in the promise made to their fathers, of the resurrection of the dead.  THAT is what he was being accused for, by the Sadducee chief priests. (They are Sad-you-see, because they believe in no life after death.)

  • “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead??”

Paul continues his story about being a persecutor of the early church and specifically going to Damascus to put Christians to death (much as the chief priests wanted of HIM now). Paul tells of his meeting Jesus on the way, becoming blind, and being given the command to take the gospel to the Gentiles.went

  • “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith.”

He tells how he obeyed the vision and how he has gone to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God.  “AND FOR THIS REASON, THE JEWS SEIZED ME IN THE TEMPLE AND HAVE TRIED TO KILL ME.”

And as Paul continues, Festus shouts out,

  • “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”  (Is he now offering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity?)

Paul counters that he is NOT out of his mind.  The king knows about these things, and to HIM he speaks. None of these things has escaped the king’s notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 

  • “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I KNOW you do!”

Agrippa answered,

  • “Paul, in a short time, would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

Paul said,

  • “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only YOU but ALL who hear me this day might become such as I am ….. except for these chains.”

Then the king and all the regalia rose and exited the audience hall.  Later, Agrippa confessed to Festus, 

  • “This man has done nothing deserving death or prison.  He could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.“

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But this was God’s way. Paul would go to Rome via a prison ship. He would witness to them aboard the doomed boat, as well as to an island of pagans, before getting to the Roman capital.  God’s ways and thoughts are far above ours, but they are perfect. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 345

Dec11

Day 345 – Reading – Romans 14 –  16
Read and believe in Jesus!

Romans 14.

  • “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him … but not to quarrel over opinions.“

Paul reminds the Romans of things he’s had to teach the Corinthians.  Eating certain foods (or not), observing certain days (or not) are not to cause divisions among the believers. 

  • “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.  Each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
  • “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” 

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Romans 15.

  • “We who are strong (in convictions and assurance) have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please Himself.”

Paul wanted the Romans to live in such harmony with each other that they would “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Whoa, is this ever a message for us today, too!)

Not only was there to be NO disputing about food and days, but they were also to accept Gentiles, as Christ had made a way for them in His family.

  • “…that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy,
  • “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.
  • “The root of Jesse will come, even He who arises to rule the Gentiles.
  • “…in Him will the Gentiles hope.” 

All together then!  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Paul even reminds them that his PRIMARY ministry, as given to him by Jesus, is to minister the Gospel to the Gentiles.  And he has accomplished this… “by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God.”

He says,

  • “From Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the Gospel of Christ, and I make it my ambition to preach the Gospel not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.”

Paul wants to preach to those “…who have never been told of Him, and to those who have never heard.”

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He candidly tells the Roman believers that he has often wanted to, but has been hindered from coming to them. He hopes to do so soon. And perhaps they can help him financially in his plans to go to Spain as well. But in the meantime, his plans are to go to Jerusalem to deliver the offering from Greece and Macedonia. After that …. Rome, and then … hopefully, Spain!

  • “Pray for me, brothers, that I will be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea.
  • Pray that my service for Jerusalem will be acceptable.
  • And pray that I will come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.”

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Romans 16.

Paul ends this weighty letter with some personal greetings, warnings, and blessings.

First, he commends Phoebe to them.  She is the one bringing them this letter.  She is a servant of the church in Greece.  “Welcome her in a way worthy of the saints, and help her (financially), for she has served me and others well.”

He sends greetings to his beloved fellow workers, Pricilla and Aquila, who have returned to Rome, it seems. (Remember, they had fled Rome, met Paul in Greece, then worked with him in Ephesus.)

  • The list goes on: Epaenetus, Mary, Andronicus and Junia, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, Aristobulus, Herodian, Narcissis, Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus and his mother, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philogus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas. 

He tells the folks at the Rome church to greet all these for him with a holy kiss.  (Seems like he WILL have a great welcome when he arrives!)

  • And from Paul’s side, he sends greetings from his fellow workers;, Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius, Gaius, Erastus and Quartus. 

He ends his opus with a blessing and doxology.  

“Now unto Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ …. to the only wise God, be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!  Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 344

Dec10

Day 344 – Reading – Romans 11 – 13
Read and believe in Jesus!

Romans 11.

Paul continues  his thoughts on his own people, Israel, being saved.

“Has God rejected His People?  By no means!  I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has NOT rejected His people whom He foreknew. At the present time there is a remnant, choses by grace.”

Then Paul says the most amazing thing.  Yes, Israel stumbled, but they have not fallen.  Rather, because of there trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles.  And if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles … how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Paul says he emphasizes his calling to minister to the Gentiles, in order to make the Jews jealous and perhaps save some of them.  For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world … what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead!

He tells Gentiles not to be arrogant of their place in salvation. They were grafted into the TRUE vine of Israel.  If THEY were, surely Israel can also be re-grafted in.  (Don’t be proud!)

“A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.  And in this way all Israel will be saved.”

Right now, Paul says, “they are enemies of God for YOUR sake.  But as regards election,  they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.  For the gifts and the “calling” of God are irrevocable.”

Then Paul bursts into a doxology!

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever!”

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Romans 12.

And in response to his final words of doxology (To Him be the glory forever!), Paul urges his Roman readers to:

  • Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
  • Don’t be confirmed to this world.
  • Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
  • And by testing, discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

And also, “Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought. Think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.  And he lists the gifts God has given the church for their building up.

  • “Prophecy
  • Service
  • Teaching,
  • Exhortation,
  • Generous Contributing
  • Zealous Leadership
  • Cheerfully performing acts of Mercy

Besides the Holy Spirit-given gifts, Paul lists other marks of TRUE Christianity

  • Let your love be genuine.
  • Hate what is evil
  • Hold fast to what is good.
  • Love one another with brotherly affection.
  • Outdo one another in showing honor.
  • Don’t be slothful, but zealous.
  • Serve the Lord.
  • Rejoice in hope.
  • Be patient in tribulation.
  • Be constant in prayer.
  • Contribute to the needs of the saints.
  • Seek to show hospitality.
  • Bless those who persecute you (bless, and don’t curse!)
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice (and weep with those who weep).
  • Live in harmony with one another.
  • Don’t be haughty, (associate with the lowly).
  • Never be wise in your ow sight.
  • Repay no one evil for evil (do what is honorable).
  • If possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
  • Never avenge yourselves (leave that to God).
  • Do not be overcome by evil, (overcome evil with good).

 

This list is pretty inclusive, but remember, doing these things (or abstaining from some) does NOT buy your salvation!  NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WE HAVE DONE, but by God’s grace are we saved.

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Romans 13.

Paul continues his list of good Christian lifestyle, pertaining to authorities.

  • Be subject to the governing authorities. (and he gives reason why to do so is wise).
  • Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, and honor to whom honor is owed.
  • Owe no one anything (except to love each other).  Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

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REMEMBER:  Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.  The night is far gone and the day is at hand.  Let us walk properly as in the daytime. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 343

Dec10

Day 343 – Reading – Romans 8 – 10

Read and believe in Jesus!

Romans 8-10 is a tough section of scripture for us mortals to understand. Paul does a good job, but we need the Holy Spirit’s help more than ever.

Chapter 8 begins with a heart-swelling statement.

  • “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free IN Christ Jesus from the Law of sin and death. (Praise God!)

Here’s how God did it.  It’s the Gospel.

  • “By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us,”

Then he puts forth some serious considerations.

  • “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit IF in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. (Anyone who does not have the Spirit of God does not belong to Him.)
  • “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through the Spirit who dwells in you.”
  • “IF you live according to the flesh you will die, but IF by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
  • “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
  • “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs … provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”

And not only does the Holy Spirit of God witness that we are God’s children, He also intercedes for us when we attempt to pray.  And He intercedes according to God’s will.

Then Paul lists the order of our salvation, which is ALL God’s doing. This is hard to understand, and often hard to WANT to understand.

  • “For those whom He FORENEW, He also PREDESTINED to be conformed to the image of His Son.  And those whom He predestined He also CALLED, and those He called He also JUSTIFIED, and those whom He justified He also GLORIFIED.”  

Then Paul asks these questions, “If God is for us, who can be against us?  Who shall bring any charge against God’s ELECT?  Who is to condemn?  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

And he answers them. “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Romans 9.

Here, Paul bares his heart and soul about his fellow countrymen, the Jews.  He grieves for them for their hardness of heart and rejection of Jesus.  He says they have had and still do have so many privileges, like the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, the worship, the promise of the Messiah.  They have the patriarchs, and from their own race, they have the CHRIST.

Paul knows that not all Jews belong to “Israel.” Not all the offspring of Abraham are his “children.”  God elects only SOME of them.  It depends NOT on human will or exertion, BUT ON GOD, who has mercy (on whomever He wills, and hardens whomever He wills).

Okay. Say it.  That doesn’t seem fair.

Aha!  It’s as if Paul has heard your response.

“Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’  Has the potter no right over the clay to make… (what He wants, vessels of wrath and vessels of mercy, both of which will be for His glory)?  

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Romans 10.

Paul – whom God has sent to bring the Gentiles into His kingdom – has a heart aching for his own people too… another reason why he takes the message to the Jews first in any new town he visits.

“My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved!”

He says they (like so many today) have a ZEAL for God, and they are seeking RIGHTEOUSNESS.  But NOT the way God demands – by faith.  They strive by their own effort, their own strength, and do not seek or submit to God’s Way. Pride is the culprit.

God says that the “righteous shall LIVE by faith.”

  • The word (of faith) is near you, in your mouth and in your heart; because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
  • For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.  EVERYONE (Jew or Gentile) who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Then he asks these progressive questions that put an urgency on us today to go and preach the gospel.

  • How will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
  • How are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?
  • How are they to hear without someone preaching?
  • How are they to preach unless they are sent?

(How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!)

And then Paul adds his sad conclusions:

  1. But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
  2. “But of Israel, Isaiah says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

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Chapter 11 will go on with this thought, speaking of a REMNANT of ISRAEL. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 341 & 342

Dec8

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 341 – Reading – Romans 1 – 3

Day 342 – Reading – Romans 4 – 7

Read and believe in Jesus!

  • “Some of those converted on the day of Pentecost founded the church at Rome. Paul had long sought to visit the Roman church, but had been prevented. In God’s providence, Paul’s inability to visit Rome resulted in this masterpiece of gospel doctrine. 
  • The theme of Romans is the righteousness that comes from God: the glorious truth that God justifies guilty, condemned sinners by grace alone through faith in Christ alone.  Chapters 1-11 give theological truths, while chapters 12-16 detail the practical working out of those truths.” (from John MacArthur’s commentary)

SUNDAY – Day 341 – Romans 1.

Paul introduces himself and greets the church in Rome.  He calls himself both a servant (slave) of Jesus and an apostle (sent one).  Paul was called to share the gospel (good news) of God, which God promised through His prophets in the Old Testament concerning His Son, to the nations, including the Romans. He prays for them, the Grace and Peace of God.

Then Paul tells them how he’s been longing to come to Rome, but it has never worked out.  But he has been praying non-stop for them because he so wants to impart a spiritual gift to them to strengthen them… and be strengthened BY them. He knows there is a huge harvest there among both the Jews and Gentiles, just the people God is sending him to.

  • “I am eager to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome!   For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the POWER of God for salvation to EVERYONE who believes.  In the gospel is the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God revealed. 

Next, as is necessary, Paul presents the evidence of man’s overwhelming sinfulness and how man deserves God’s judgment. They have suppressed the truth about God and ignored His attributes and power.

  • “Although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools and worshiped images of man, birds, animals, and creeping things … instead of the immortal, glorious God. So… God gave them up to impurity, to serve the creature rather than the Creator.

Then Paul lists the despicable, gross, unrighteous things that their debased minds prompt them to do. (Not only to DO, but to approve of others doing too!  Ugh!!

(Read this awful list carefully, for in it, we also will see some things that we are/were guilty of at one time.)

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Romans 2.

Paul nails that thought down even tighter.

  • “You have no excuse, O man, EVERY ONE OF YOU who judges. For in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself.  You, the judge, practice the very same things!!”

Then Paul strikes deeper into the Self-righteous in us all.

  • “Do you suppose, you who practice the very same things, will escape judgment?  Do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?  Don’t store up wrath for yourself when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

Paul (and God) shows no difference between Gentiles and Jews in the matter of sin.

For all who have sinned “outside the law” will also perish “outside the law.  All who have sinned “under the law” will be judged “by the law.”

It is the “doers” of the law who will be justified, not just those who “hear” it.  Gentiles may not know the letter of the Mosaic Law, but the law is “written on their hearts.”

No one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, but inwardly by the Spirit, and not by the letter.

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Romans 3. 

Then Paul asks a question.  What is the advantage then of the Jew?  MUCH!

They were entrusted with the Words of God!  What IF some were unfaithful, did that nullify God’s word?

And then, seemingly, the opposite question. Are we Jews any better off?  No, not at all.  The whole population is under the curse of sin and death…

  • ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God;  ALL have turned aside; together they have become worthless. No one does good, not even one.”

This is a terrible position to be in, to comprehend, but he says it so NO ONE can justify themselves.

  • Yes…. ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…… and are justified by His GRACE as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….. whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood….. to be received by FAITH.

Oh, what hope he brings to the desperate, soul-sick sinner!

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##

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MONDAY – Day 342 – Romans 4.

Paul then calms the worries of the Jewish believers reading his letter.  Yes, Father Abraham IS included in righteousness by faith alone.  He BELIEVED God’s promises (personal to him as well as about the future Messiah).  And so, God counted that as righteousness for him.  This was BEFORE the law, and even before Abe and his family were circumcised.  Faith alone in the promises of God!

  • “To the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”

Praise God!  And not to Abraham only.

  • “It will be counted to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, the One who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.”

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Romans 5.

Then Paul writes those promises that are so sweet to us who have believed. Hopefully we have memorized them.

  • “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame … BECAUSE God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
  • a. “For while we were still WEAK, at the right time, Christ died for the UNGODLY.
  • b. “God shows His love for us in that while we were still SINNERS, Christ died for us.
  • c. “For while we were ENEMIES, we were reconciled to God by the death of His son, and saved by his life. 

Weak, ungodly, sinners, and enemies.  Oh, the matchless love, grace, and mercy of God toward us for Jesus’ sake!

Paul then reminds them of how it all happened.

SIN came into the world through one man (Adam), and DEATH came through that sin.  Then death spread to all men because, after Adam, we ALL HAVE SINNED.  (And as we will see in 6:23, the WAGES or PAYMENT for sin is death.)

However, life, eternal life through Jesus, is a GIFT by God’s grace.  If death reigns because of the sin of one man (Adam), Paul says that righteousness reigns through one perfect “man,” Jesus Christ. As the ONE ACT of trespass led to condemnation for all men, so ONE ACT of righteousness (the cross) leads to justification and life for all men.

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Romans 6.

Paul says it gets even closer to Home. 

  • Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised by the dead by the glory of the Father, WE TOO might walk in the newness of life.
  • So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
  • LET NOT SIN REIGN IN YOUR BODY TO OBEY ITS PASSIONS.
  • Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness. 
  • Present your members as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification.
  • “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Amen and amen!

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Romans 7.

Paul then speaks mostly to Jewish believers about the Mosaic Law.  After a lifetime trying to keep the LETTER of that law and failing, failing, failing, it is hard to let it go and simply TRUST in Christ.  Paul compares it to a marriage.  A married woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives.  But if her husband dies, she is released from that marriage.

“Likewise, my brothers, YOU also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead. And so, you are released from the law, so that they can serve in the new way of the Spirit.

Paul isn’t saying the Law is bad – for how could we know what sin is, unless God gave the law against it.   But the law does try to draw him back into sin.  It’s a huge struggle sometimes. for…

  • I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
  • Now, if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good,
  • It is no longer “I” who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
  • For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
  • For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep doing.
  • If I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

 

  • O wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death!!
  • Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

Wow, do you ever feel that way?  I do.  I keep on doing the things I don’t want to, and as for the things I want to do to please God… well often they never happen.

But the VERY BEST NEWS COMES IN VERSE ONE AND TWO OF THE NEXT CHAPTER!  Take a peek at it right now!!

 

 

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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**** 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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.  

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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?)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 337

Dec3

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 337 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 15 – 16

Read and believe in Jesus!

 I Corinthians 15.

This chapter is an extensive teaching on the RESURRECTION – of Jesus and of true believers.  The Corinthians had already heard the Gospel which Paul preached to them, including the resurrection of Jesus. They were saved by this Gospel.  He’s reminding them of it.

  • First:  Jesus died for our sins, as per the Scriptures.
  • Second: Jesus was buried.
  • Third: Jesus was raised on the third day, as per the Scriptures.
  • Fourth: Jesus appeared to Peter.
  • Fifth: Jesus appeared to the “Twelve” (Eleven)
  • Sixth: Jesus appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most still alive.
  • Seventh: Jesus appeared to James (His brother).
  • Eighth: Jesus appeared to all the apostles.
  • Ninth: Jesus appeared to Paul.

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The Corinthians believed the Gospel. They believed in the resurrection of Jesus, but they had a hard time believing in their own resurrection one day.  Part of this comes from their pagan beliefs and background, which taught that everything physical was “evil” so the idea of the resurrected body was disgusting.

Maybe some of the Jewish believers had also been influenced by the Sadducees (Sad, you see.), who also did not believe in resurrection. (Remember the test question they gave Jesus in Matthew 22:23-33?)  Jesus taught about it plainly, especially in John’s gospel.

So, Paul now lists six disastrous outcomes for believers, IF THERE WERE NO RESURRECTION. (Verses 13-19)

  • Preaching Christ would be senseless.
  • Faith in Christ would be useless.
  • All the witnesses and preachers of the resurrection would be liars.
  • No one would be redeemed from sin.
  • All former believers would have perished.
  • Christians would be the most pitiable people on earth.

WOW!

Then the coup de gras – “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins.” 

But (Paul says) Christ HAS been raised from the dead, the “first fruits” of those who have fallen asleep.  

IN Adam we all die. 

IN Christ we shall all be made alive!   (Praise God!)

Then Paul is facetious.  “What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus, if the dead are not raised?”  If there is no resurrection, then…”Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”  HA!

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Then there is the discussion of what the resurrected body will look like. (Remember the Corinthians had been taught the “body” was evil.   Paul reminds them that “flesh and blood,” the body we see and feel now, can’t inherit the kingdom of God.  The flesh we see on our bodies is perishable (just ask an 80-year-old!), so it can’t inherit the imperishable. 

Yep, it’s a mystery.

At the sound of the last trumpet sound, we will ALL be changed in a blink of an eye.  Those who have died and been buried will rise first. (Why?) So they can meet those who are still alive above ground, and descend heavenward together, neither before the other. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16)

The new, imperishable body will not be “disgusting,” aged, hurting, maimed, or decayed.  It will be changed in the “twinkle” of an eye – both the living and the dead bodies (The Lord God will push the “Refresh” key!  haha).  We’ll have imperishable bodies like Jesus.

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Paul quotes from Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14

  • He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away fears from all faces.” 
  • O death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting?

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

And so, Paul says, “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is NOT in vain.” (see 15:14)

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1 Corinthians 16.

Since his last trip to Jerusalem to fulfill his vow, Paul has been very aware of the suffering and needs of the believers in Jerusalem. There has been persecution by the Roman rulers, and there has been a famine on top of that. They need help.  Paul wants the Corinthian believers to show love (as he preached about in chapter 13) and send an offering to them.  Here’s what he says,

  • “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper (no set amount or percentage), so there will be no (last-minute) collecting when I come.  Then, I will send those whom YOU accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If I need to go too, I will.”

 

Paul tells them he is in Ephesus now and will be until Pentecost. He then plans to go through Macedonia. Then he will come to Corinth and perhaps even stay the winter with them. (Ship travel is dangerous in winter.) 

He tells them Timothy is coming to see them (probably to deliver this letter).  They are to host him and send him back to Paul.  He had urged Apollos to visit them with Timothy, but it was not in Apollos’ plans at that time.  He would come when he got a chance.  Meanwhile, 

  • Be watchful,
  • Stand firm in the faith,
  • Act like men,
  • Be strong.
  • Let all you do be done in LOVE

He sends greetings from Asia, and especially hearty greetings from Aquila and Priscilla and the church in their house.

Then, with a scowl, “If anyone has NO LOVE for the Lord, let him be cursed.” and a softer, “My LOVE be with you all in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

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