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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 353

Dec19

Day 353 – Reading –  Titus  1 – 3
Read and believe in Jesus!

Titus.

Titus was another of Paul’s younger helpers, called “sons in the faith.” He probably was with Paul on his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys. He was a Gentile believer. They had visited Crete after Paul’s stay of house arrest in Rome and established a few churches. (Paul had actually been there briefly, at the harbor of Fair Havens, just before that huge storm and shipwreck.) 

Now, Paul was leaving Titus there (much like he left Timothy in Ephesus), to straighten out and steady up the new churches, who were behaving in a very naughty way (like Cretans!).  Paul later planned to send either Tychicus or Artemas to Crete, and when he arrived, Titus was then to come to Paul in Greece at Nicopolis.

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Titus 1.

Paul practically preaches a sermon on the gospel in his greetings to Titus in verses 1-3!  (Check it out and see how many doctrinal truths you can discover!!)

He states the reason why he left Titus in Crete: “so that he might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in very town, as he directed.”

As in the letter to Timothy, Paul lists the qualifications of elders, VERY important here in Crete, for they were known for their debauchery and insubordination!

  • Above reproach,
  • husband of one wife (at a time)
  • children who believe,
  • not open to charges of that debauchery or insubordination,
  • not arrogant or quick tempered,
  • not a drunk or violent, or greedy for gain,
  • hospitable, a lover of good,
  • self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
  • He must HOLD FIRM to the trustworthy Word, as taught,
  • able to give instruction in sound doctrine, 
  • and able to rebuke those who contradicted it.

Paul seems not to have a high opinion of the unsaved Cretans. He quotes one of their own prophets, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”  YIKES!  Infiltrating the church, these men were empty talkers, deceivers, teaching a “works” religion. 

“They must be silenced,” Paul tells Titus, then adds, “Rebuke them sharply!” He further says, “they profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work!”

(Yikes, Paul, let it all out!!)

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Titus 2.

“TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE” Paul instructs Titus. Then singles out members of a household.

  1. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and steadfastness.
  2. Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and train the….
  3. Young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands.
  4. Younger men are to be self-controlled. (Here Paul tells the “young man,” Titus, to be an example of good works to them. He is to model integrity, dignity, and sound speech, so that their opponents will have nothing evil to say about them.)
  5. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters. They are to be well pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, showing good faith, so in everything glorify the doctrine of God.

Then Paul breaks into another paragraph of what the glorious gospel means in faith, duty, actions and words. He praises “Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for his own possession…”

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Titus 3.

Paul continues to tell Titus to “remind them” to be good!  He acknowledges that “we all” were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to passions and pleasures, and we passed our days in malice, envy, and hatred.

But!   “…when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he SAVED us, not because of works done by US in righteousness, but according to his own MERCY, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our savior…. so that being justified by His GRACE we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life!”

And a final exhortation before closing, “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works (charity), so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

Grace be with you all.

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 352

Dec18

Day 352 – Reading –1 Timothy 1 -6
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 Timothy.

It was on Paul’s first missionary journey that he met Timothy and led him to Christ. The boy was from a family of godly women (mom and grandma) and a non-Jewish father. On Paul’s second journey back through the area to strengthen the churches, he found Timothy in Lystra growing in the Lord. Paul chose him to accompany him on the trip. Because Paul always went to the Jews first in new towns, he circumcised Timothy – NOT as a point of salvation, but to make work in the synagogue easier.

Timothy accompanied Paul through many villages and trials after that, sometimes staying on in places to finish a work, and sometimes delivering and returning letters to Paul. Timothy was with Paul when he went to Jerusalem, presumably through the shipwreck, and in his imprisonment in Rome, at least for a time.  (At the end of Paul’s life, in a Roman dungeon, facing death, Timothy ministered to his old teacher.) 

After Paul was released from his first confinement in Rome, he and Timothy went to Ephesus and discovered some problems there. Paul left his “son in the faith,” as pastor, to help resolve them, while he went on to Macedonia.  From Macedonia, Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, documenting what they had found and discussed during their visit to Ephesus.

Some of the pervasive problems were the intrusion of false doctrine, disorder in worship, the need for qualified leaders, and materialism.  Paul also briefly covers the proper use of the Law, salvation, election, and the second coming of Jesus. 

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1 Timothy 1.

“My true child in the faith,” Paul lovingly calls Timothy.  Then he jumps right into the first, and perhaps most serious of the problems at Ephesus (as in many of the other churches) – people who came in teaching false doctrine, mainly legalism.  You have to keep the Law AND believe in Christ, as well as some pagan myths and genealogies.  Paul tells Timothy to address this problem first.

Yes, the law is good.  But it was not given as a way to righteousness, but to lawbreakers, to reveal their sin. The Gospel of Jesus is the only path to salvation.

Paul confesses to being the chief of sinners until Jesus showed him grace and mercy and gave him faith.  He became “an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life” that even this chief sinner could be saved.

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1 Timothy 2.

Paul urges Timothy to pray, with intercession and thanksgiving, for all in authority, so that the church may be left in peace to teach and preach. 

Paul wants men to pray in every place, lifting holy hands, without anger or quarreling, godly and dignified in every way.  And that women are to dress modestly. They should learn quietly with all submissiveness. Paul doesn’t want women teaching or exercising authority over men in the church.  They are to continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control… and good works.

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1 Timothy 3.

Paul then sends Timothy a list of qualifications for the overseers (pastors) in the church. They must be….

  • above reproach
  • the husband of one wife (at a time),
  • sober-minded,
  • self-controlled,
  • respectable,
  • hospitable,
  • able to teach,
  • not a drunkard, 
  • not violent, but gentle,
  • not quarrelsome,
  • not a lover of money.
  • manage his own household well,
  • keep his children submissive.
  • not be a new convert,
  • be well thought of by outsiders.

(Wow!!)

As for deacons, or helpers, they must…

  • qualified,
  • not double-tongued,
  • not addicted to much wine,
  • not greedy for dishonest gain.
  • hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
  • tested first, then let them serve if they prove themselves blameless.
  • the husband of one wife
  • managing their children and households well
  • in good standing wit the community
  • have great confidence in the faith of Christ Jesus.

The wives of these men must be…

  • dignified,
  • not slanderers,
  • sober-minded,
  • faithful in all things.

Wow. Well, at least Timothy knew now how to judge the qualifications of leaders.  I wonder if he (I would) look at himself as well to see if he kept these.

Paul lists these qualifications so that he “might know how one ought to behave in the household of God, the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

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1 Timothy 4

Paul warns Timothy of other deviations he must watch for. Some will depart from the faith by…

  • devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons
  • being influenced by the insincerity of liars with seared consciences.
  • like those who forbid marriage,
  • and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving.

Paul urges and exhorts Timothy personally to…

  • “Have nothing to do with these irreverent, silly myths,
  • but rather to train yourself for godliness.
  • Command and teach these things!
  • Let no one despise you for your youth,
  • but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
  • Do not neglect the gift you have. 
  • Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.”

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1 Timothy 5.

Paul gives more instructions to his young associate on various relationships.

  • Do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him as you would a father,
  • younger men as brothers,
  • older women as mothers,
  • and younger women as sisters, in all purity.
  • Honor widows (true widows with no children or grandchildren)

And on that subject, he gives Timothy further instructions on widows, their provision, and their reputations, behavior, and good works.

Then Paul tells Timothy to encourage the elders to be paid for their service. “You should not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and “The laborer deserves his wages.”

But if an elder persists in sin, after being approached privately for it, well then, rebuke them in the presence of everyone… so that the rest of them may stand in fear.

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1 Timothy 6.

Paul mentions a little bit about the relationship between believing slaves and masters.

He then lists things false teachers have and don’t have (true contentment).  False teachers….

  • teach a different doctrine, not the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ,
  • they become puffed up with conceit,
  • have an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words,
  • are depraved in mind and of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

Paul exhorts them.  There IS significant gain from godliness with contentment, but not what they want.  If we have food and clothing, be content with these. 

Those who desire to be RICH fall into temptation. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils, and it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

And again, words to those who are earnestly trying to serve God well. “As for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

With this, Paul bursts into praise and doxology.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen”

Then back to the faults of mere man.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on GOD, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so they may take hold of that which is TRULY LIFE.

And O Timothy… “Guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it, some have swerved from the faith!

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(Can’t you just feel the love and concern Paul has for Timothy? A godly father to a godly son.)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 351

Dec17

Day 351 – Reading – Philippians  1 – 4
Read and believe in Jesus!

Philippians.

This is another letter that Paul wrote while on house arrest in Rome, while awaiting an audience with Caesar. This was written toward the end of those two years, as he tells the Philippians, that the court date is approaching, and that he hopes to visit them when he’s freed.

It is written to the church at Philippi, the first in Europe (Macedonia), during Paul’s second missionary journey.  Remember how he first met with Lydia, the seller of purple, at a prayer meeting on the beach? She invited him to use her house as a base, and it went from there.  Persecution forced him to move to Thessalonica and Berea, and then to Greece.

When Paul cast out a demon from a young fortune-telling girl in Philippi, he got into trouble and was put in prison. That resulted in the prison guard and his whole house (and possibly some other prisoners) becoming believers.  He and Silas were nicely escorted out of this “proudly Roman town” after the officials learned he was a Roman Citizen.

The Philippian church was a “giving” church, generously supporting the needy in Jerusalem, Paul in prison at the beginning of his stay, and now again towards the end of his stay, sending a beloved member to help him in any way. Paul says they gave even beyond their means.

Paul truly loved the Philippian church.  There is not one bit of correction or scolding in this letter.  He thanks them, praises them, teaches and warns them, and tells them of his love. Pursuing Christlikeness was his theme.

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Philippians 1.

Paul says in Greetings, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy — because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Then he encourages them, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

“…I hold you in my heart…”

“…I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

Then he assures them by telling how his imprisonment has worked “for good.”  “…it served to advance the Gospel.” “…the whole imperial guard and all the rest,” have heard the gospel.”  And “…most of the believers here have become confident in the Lord, and much more bold to speak the Word without fear.”

“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ THIS will turn out for my deliverance.”   Then he adds that it doesn’t really matter to HIM how it goes. To die and see Jesus is gain, but to live is more helpful for them, for their progress and joy in the faith.

He wants THEM to also stand firm in one spirit and with one mind, striving for the faith of the gospel, and NOT FRIGHTENED in anything by your opponents.  “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only BELIEVE IN HIM, but also SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE.”

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Philippians 2.

Paul encourages the Philippians to be like Christ: to do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but with humility, counting others more significant than themselves, looking not to their own interests, but the interests of others.  “Have this same mind among you, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

Then he tells how Jesus did just that, leaving all the glory of heaven and suffering for them.  (A great passage to memorize, if you will.) (Philippians 2:6-11)

“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross. 

THEREFORE God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the NAME (LORD) that is above every name, so that at THE NAME of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father.”

And so he continues, telling them to do all things without grumbling or questioning (like Jesus, who is their example), that you may be blameless and innocent children of God.  In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, shine as lights of the world!

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He tells them he hopes to send Timothy to them soon, so he can get some “first-hand” cheerful news from them.  As soon as he knows the outcome of his trial, he’ll send “his son in the Lord,” and then come to them personally, as soon as he can.

He is also sending back Epaphroditus.  This man brought the last generous gift to Paul, but on the way had become deathly ill.  God brought him back to health, and in case they were unduly worrying about him, they would see him soon and well.

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Philippians 3.

Here, Paul warns them about “evildoers who insist that believers be circumcised.” He tells them, that Jews (like him) put NO CONFIDENCE in circumcision, in the flesh.  He reminds them, of course, of his own background, in case ANYONE should have confidence in the works of the Law.

He was circumcised on the 8th day, as all faithful Jewish parents did for their sons.  He knows his heritage, though he has no confidence in it for salvation. He is a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, and as for his zeal… he persecuted the church.  In the righteousness of the law, he considered himself blameless.

BUT, “whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.”  He counted all that prestige as garbage so that he might gain Christ, and be found in Him, having His righteousness by faith.

Oh, he’s not perfect by any means, but “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.”

Brothers, he urges, “…join in imitating me.”  “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.”

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Philippians 4.

Then, on to some practical things.

Two ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, who have been laboring side by side with Paul in the gospel, now have some disagreement.  He asks them to “agree in the LORD.”  And he asks one of the church elders to help them in this.  “Rejoice in the Lord always.” “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” 

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Then Paul gives some excellent exhortation for them and all of us too.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let yur requests be known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your Minds in Christ Jesus.

And finally…

  • “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
  • if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise… THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS.   
  • And what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things.  And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul tells these beloved Philippian believers that he so appreciates their concern for him.  “But in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do ALL things through Him who strengthens me.”

Yet, he tells them it was kind of them to share with him. No such church entered into a partnership with him in giving, except them. They sent a gift once when he was first imprisoned, then again now with Epaphroditus. “They were a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”  He promises them, “My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

He sends final greetings to them all in Christ.  Then, I’m sure with a smile, he adds, “All the saints greet YOU, especially those of Caesar’s household.”   (These are the fruit of his ministry in prison, which they had helped to win by their generous gifts.)

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 350 to

Dec16

Day 350 – Reading – Ephesians 1 – 6
Read and believe in Jesus!

Ephesians 1 – 6.

Ephesians was also written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome, perhaps at the same time as Colossians and Philemon.

Paul, Aquilla, and Priscilla were instrumental in the founding and growth of the church at Ephesus. It was a seaport and known for its massive Temple of Diana (Artemis). Paul pastored there for three years. When he left for Jerusalem (and eventually Rome), Timothy became the pastor. Like other churches, they were infiltrated by false teachers.

The first three chapters are theological, emphasizing doctrine, and the last three focus on the Christian walk. Paul reminds believers in Ephesus of their “immeasurable blessings in Jesus Christ.”  The blessings are both for saved Jews and Gentiles.  Both are heirs of the promises of Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

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Ephesians 1.

After his greetings, Paul spends paragraphs praising and uplifting Jesus Christ, and telling his readers how absolutely blessed they are IN HIM.  (chosen before the foundation of the world, predestined for adoption as sons, redeemed through His blood, forgiveness of sins, an inheritance, and the promised Holy Spirit)

He also continually gives thanks for the believers in Ephesus, and prays that God would give them wisdom, revelation, and knowledge, and that their eyes would be opened to the riches of His glory in their inheritance in Christ.

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Ephesus 2.

This chapter is a treasure of Gospel truth, emphasizing the grace given to believers through faith. 

Yes, while we were all DEAD IN TRESPASSES IN SIN… FOLLOWING THE DEVIL… SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE… CARRYING OUT THE PASSIONS OF OUR FLESH…. BY NATURE CHILDREN OF WRATH…

GOD LOVED US… GOD WAS RICH IN MERCY TOWARD US… GOD MADE US ALIVE WITH CHRIST… SAVED US… AND SEATED US WITH CHRIST IN HEAVENLY PLACES.

  • “By GRACE you have been saved through FAITH. And this is NOT your own doing, it is the GIFT of God, NOT as a result of works, so no one may boast.”

He urges both believing Jews and Gentiles to remember this.  It’s NOT by works that we have done, but according to God’s mercy that He saved us.

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Ephesians 3.

Here, Paul emphasizes again the “mystery” that was not clear in the Old Testament, that both Jews and Gentiles would be saved – both placed into the body of Christ – according to God’s grace.

And it seems as though Paul now falls to his knees in prayer for them….

  • “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, that according to the riches of His glory, He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being….
  • so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith….
  • that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth….
  • and KNOW the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…
  • and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God!”

(Wow… to think that this prayer is directed to us as well.  Re-read it!)  And then he says that God is able to do this, and “far more abundantly above all we ask or think.”  Praise Him!

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Ephesians 4.

And so – with all that in mind, all the blessings, etc., – Paul urges them to “walk in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, patience with each other, love, and unity f the Spirit in peace.

(That’s not much to ask from ones so blessed!)

Paul then lists the people who are “gifts” of God to the church (workers in different ministries): Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. These men will help the “body” to grow up into Christ and no longer be immature children, swayed by every wind of doctrine.

They are to “put off their OLD selves” which belong to their former way of living, and “be renewed.  They are to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Tough, but those gifted leaders will counsel and teach them.

And then, some practical notes:

  • Be angry, but don’t sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.
  • Let the thief steal no more, but do honest work, so he can share with others.
  • Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth.
  • Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
  • Put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander from you.
  • Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God, in Christ, forgave you!

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Ephesians  5.

  • “Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Paul lists other details of the Christian life and walk, including what to avoid and what to do. And to sum it up,

  • “Walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. 
  • And… try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
  • Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual song, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.

Wow, have you ever tried that last one???  Addressing each other with singing!  Amazing!

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Then, like with the Colossian letter, Paul touches on the Christian way of family life. He speaks to wives and husbands (in more detail in this letter).

Ephesians 6.

Continuing to instruct in Christian family life for children, fathers, and also slaves and masters, including specifics, and even blessings for obedience.

And finally, that familiar passage:

  • Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
  • Put on the whole ARMOR OF GOD, to be able to stand against the devil.
  • Fasten on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness to share the Gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…. and with all this, PRAYING AT ALL TIMES IN THE SPIRIT. 

He asks the Ephesians, as he did the Colossians, to PRAY FOR HIM, that words may be given him to boldly proclaim the mystery of the Gospel.

(We should all be praying this for each other and ourselves.)

And he closes with brief salutations and blessings.

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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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##

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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 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 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 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!”

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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)

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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).

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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 331

Nov27

Day 331 – Reading – 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians (Wow)

Read and believe in Jesus!

1 & 2 Thessalonians

These are the two letters that Paul sent to the churches of Thessalonica. His visit there was cut short after the angry Jews from Philippi came and disrupted his ministry.  But many Jews, Gentiles, and prominent women were saved, and the Bereans made sure their beliefs were correct by checking out all the scripture references Paul stated. (They would make good teachers!)

After Paul was hurried off to Athens for his own safety, he was concerned about these believers. Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Athens, but were soon sent off to check on the believers – Silas to Philippi and Timothy to Thessalonica.  Paul then went to Corinth. 

When they later joined him there, bringing news and concerns, Paul wrote the first letter of encouragement to the baby church. Then he wrote the second one a few months later, after hearing of some false doctrine that had begun there.

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1 Thessalonians

Paul’s purposes in writing the first letter were many. (I’m sure he wished he were there to tell them in person, but God graciously arranged these letters for OUR benefit too.  Praise Him!

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Encouraging the church.

After sending greetings from all three of them to the new church, Paul jumps right in to encourage them.  He thanks God for them.  He prays for them.  He tells them that God has chosen them and loves them.  He tells them their faith is an example to the other churches.

Oh, how we should encourage other believers like this.

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Answering false allegations

Paul says they are missionaries who came to them to declare the gospel of God.  They came with gentleness. They were NOT a burden to them, but worked for their living.  They did NOT come to please men by flattery. They did NOT seek glory from people.  They did NOT come as a pretext of greed. They came only to share the Gospel.

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Comforting the persecuted flock

Paul thanks God constantly for them, because when they HEARD the word of God preached, they ACCEPTED it as coming from God, and not men.  And like their brethren in Judea, they suffered the same persecution.

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Expressing joy in their faith

Paul says he was desperate to come to them personally, but was hindered.  He views them as his hope, his joy, his crown of boasting before the LORD at His coming. He was so eager to learn about them that he sent Timothy.  And when Timothy returned with the news that they were standing fast in the LORD, he overflowed with thanksgiving and joy. 

He sends them a mini prayer – “Now may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, so He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God, at the coming of Jesus.”

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Reminders of the importance of moral purity

Then Paul urges them to continue and do more to walk and please God.  For the will of God is their sanctification (growing in holiness). They are to abstain from immorality, for God has called them to holiness and has given them the Holy Spirit.

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Condemning the “sluggard” lifestyle

He tells them they have been loving one another as they were taught, but to do so more and more.  And also to: aspire to live quietly, to mind their own affairs, and to work with their hands, as he taught them.  This is so they may walk properly before unbelievers  (and be dependent on no one).

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Correcting their understanding of prophetic events.

Then Paul approaches the false teaching they have received about the second coming of Jesus.  He tells them not to grieve those believers who have died.  They have NOT missed Jesus, but will rise again, as He did, at His Coming.  Living believers will not precede them.  They will rise first, meeting those still alive, and both shall arise in the air to meet Jesus, and so all believers will always be with the LORD.

Then he addresses the false teaching that Jesus has ALREADY come, and they missed Him.  He tells them that NO ONE WILL KNOW Jesus has come until the very moment of His coming. There will be a command, the voice of an archangel, the sound of the trumpet of God.  They will KNOW.

“God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are AWAKE or ASLEEP, we might live with Him.

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Defusing tensions within the flock

Paul also addressed their attitude towards the ones he’s left in charge as their teachers and overseers. He tells them to “respect them who labor among you and are over you,” and to “esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”

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Exhortations on the basics of Christian Living.

Then, he gives a series of short exhortations: “Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all!”  “Don’t repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good.”   “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”    “Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophecies, but test them.” “Abstain from every form of evil.”

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Benediction

“And may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and my your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.”

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2 Thessalonians

Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church was shorter and may have served as a postscript, summarizing what he had heard and wanted to add to their instruction after the first letter. 

The first two chapters contain a lot of prophetic material about Jesus’ second coming, because this was the main issue the false teachers were preaching. Some said Jesus had ALREADY come. Others said that believers who had died would miss out on Heaven.

Paul comforted the persecuted believers.

And again, Paul gives thanks for the believers in Thessalonica, for their faith and love for one another, even though suffering. Those who afflict God’s people, will be punished in eternal destruction from the Lord.  Paul prays that the name of Jesus will be glorified in them.

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Paul corrected the believers who had been taught falsely and were frightened.

He tells them not to be “shaken” thinking they missed the coming of Jesus.  “Let no one deceive you that the day has come!”  Paul assures them that it won’t happen until the “Antichrist” (the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction) appears and does his despicable work. 

Paul had told them about this when he was there, now he tells them to remember.  This lawless one, whom the Lord will kill, is the activity of Satan for those who are perishing.  God is sending to these condemned people a strong delusion that they will believe the lie. 

BUT, Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians, because God chose them to be saved, through the sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.  They will obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.  So stand firm and hold fast to what you were taught in our spoken words and this letter.

And he prays for them, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our father, who love us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”

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Paul confronted the disobedient and undisciplined believers.

Paul asks that they also pray for him and the others that they be delivered from wicked and evil men who oppose the Gospel.

Again he exhorts them against idleness.  Waiting for Christ return does not mean doing nothing.   They are to work, and not eat if they don’t work.  Even as they preach and minister to each other, they are to hold jobs and labor, just as Paul had done, and not be a  burden to anyone.

They are also to not grow weary in doing good.  If anyone of you does, take note of him and I’ll deal with it when I come again.

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Benediction

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.”

 

Then Paul signs the letter in the typical way he does, with large letters. Some say his eyesight is failing.

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.”

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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?

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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.”

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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”

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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.”