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Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/13) Mark 3:20-35

Jan13

A 5-day per week study.

January 13 – Reading Mark 3:20-35.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”  Mark 3:35

 

The Gospel According to Mark 3:20-35. 

Two groups responded to what Jesus was doing in Galilee: His family and some scribes (Pharisees) who came from Jerusalem.  Seeing Jesus “spending Himself” on the needs of the crowds, one group said He was crazy; the other said He was demon-possessed.  Let’s look at the first group first.

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Vss. 20, 31-35. Family.

After Jesus went up to a secluded spot on the mountain and chose His twelve special disciples to train for ministry, He went “home.”  This meant that He went back to Capernaum to Peter’s house, where He was staying. (See Mark 2:1)  

As soon as he got there, the crowds began gathering and maybe even accosting Him again, pressing in and seeking healing from their many health issues, and deliverance from foul spirits.   Before Jesus went up into the mountain, Mark says the crowd was about to “crush” Him. They pressed Jesus so much to heal them that He didn’t even have time to eat.

We might wonder why Jesus didn’t tell them to “back up” or “get in line,” or even “come back at two o’clock, after I have lunch.”  But Jesus didn’t.  He continued to meet the crowd’s needs, hour after hour.  In Mark 6:34, it says Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  (The religious leaders of the day certainly were not “shepherding” them.)

Somehow, Jesus’ family (mom, sisters, and brothers) heard how hard and long He had been ministering to the crowds, some from as far away as Lebanon and the other side of the Jordan River. His family couldn’t understand this and came to “rescue” Jesus by force if needed.  They thought he was “out of His mind.”

  • (Note: Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:13-14a, “if we are ‘beside ourselves,’ it is for God, if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ constrains/controls us … that those who live, might no longer live for themselves but for Him, who for their sake died and was raised.”  
  • This was Paul’s dedication to others. And Jesus’s.  Self-sacrificing LOVE.

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Vss. 31-35.

Jesus was finally inside Peter’s house.  There were still crowds around the house and even inside.  (Remember when the four men had to let down their paralysed friend through the roof?)  

A message from his family, who were outside, came to Jesus.  They wanted Him to come out.  They probably wanted him to go with them, to get some “peace and quiet,” a meal perhaps, to rest, and “catch His breath.” 

Jesus said, “Who are my mother and my brothers?  HERE are my mother and brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.“

Do you think Mary was “hurt” to hear this, or was this another truth that she “pondered in her heart”?  Did it anger His half-siblings?  They teased Jesus about His ministry until after His death and resurrection, when at least two of them became believers (James and Jude). 

The verses don’t say, but it’s probably true that Jesus’ earthly family eventually went away, not understanding.  One day, they would.

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Vss. 22-30.  The scribes/Pharisees.

More religious leaders came from Jerusalem to check out Jesus. (Perhaps the local leaders sent for them after Jesus healed and cast out a demon on the Sabbath Day.)  These scribes, sometimes called lawyers, were mostly Pharisees, although a few were Sadducees. 

These ultra-religious men observed Jesus casting out unclean spirits. Did they envy this power? They knew that only a prophet sent from God could have such authority.  And yet they said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul (Satan), and by the Prince of the demons, He casts out the demons.”  

Did they think about what they were saying?  WHY would Satan cast out his own demons???

Jesus caught that too and said, “How can Satan cast out Satan?  If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided … he can’t stand and is coming to an end.”

Then Jesus – in a parable of sorts – tells them that HE is the only one who has power over Satan and his minions.  “No one can enter a strong man’s house (Satan’s domain) and plunder his goods (cast out demons), unless he (Jesus Himself) first binds the strong men.  Then he can plunder as he wishes.”

Then Jesus turns to these scribes, who knew the Law and the Prophets in detail, and proclaimed a very chilling statement.  (Which has sent terror into the hearts of people even today.)

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, BUT whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit NEVER HAS FORGIVENESS, but is guilty of AN ETERNAL SIN.”

Why is this so?

Because, in deliberately slandering the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit who points to the lordship and the redemption of Jesus Christ, they completely forfeit any possibility of present or future forgiveness of sins.  There is NO OTHER WAY.

Serious stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/12) Mark 3:13-19

Jan12

A 5-day per week study.

January 12 – Reading Mark 3:13-19.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And He appointed twelve (whom He also named ‘apostles’) so that they might be with Him and He might send them out to preach.” Mark 3:13-19

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The Gospel according to Mark 3:13-19.

We left Jesus last time with an ever-growing crowd of needy people following and then almost crushing Him in order to get near and be healed.  He healed the sick of all diseases and cast out the demons who possessed others, silencing them as they left. 

The fishermen disciples had prepared a boat for Jesus, and at the end of the day, he got into it along with them and went to a deserted place. 

 

Vss. 13-15,

From there, Jesus went up on the mountain and called to Him the men whom He had chosen to be the special “Twelve.”  By His sovereign will, Jesus CHOSE these twelve men from among the many who followed Him.  He called them “Apostles” so they might 1) be with Him, and 2) He might send them out to preach and to have authority to cast out demons.

(A ‘disciple’ is a student being taught by another.  An ‘apostle’ is a qualified representative who is sent on a mission.)

These (with the replacement for Judas) are the foundation of His church. (See Ephesians 2:19-21.)

 

Vss. 16-19.

Here are those Jesus called and chose:

  1. Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter),
  2. James, the son of Zebedee,
  3. John, the brother of James (to whom He gave the name “Sons of Thunder”).
  4. Andrew,
  5. Philip,
  6. Bartholomew (or Nathaniel),
  7. Matthew (or Levi), the tax collector,
  8. Thomas,
  9. James, the son of Alphaeus,
  10. Thaddaeus (or Judas, the son of James),
  11. Simon, the Zealot,
  12. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him. (Iscariot = Ish Kerioth, “a man of Kerioth,” a town south of Hebron. (He was the only disciple from Judea and not Galilee.)

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Believers today are also called and chosen of God. (See John 15:16, and Romans 8:28-30.)

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/8) Mark 2:18-28

Jan8

A 5-day per week study.

January 8 – Reading Mark 2:18-28.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”  Mark 2:27

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The Gospel according to Mark 2:18-28.

In today’s reading, we see the Pharisees becoming more vocal in their displeasure with Jesus.

When the paralytic man was forgiven and healed, they criticized Jesus “in their hearts.”  When Jesus had dinner with a tax collector and other “sinners,” the Pharisees spoke their criticism aloud, but only to each other. 

Now, they openly confront Jesus with a question that is actually an accusation.  They will get an answer, alright, and it will be outrageous.  But first…

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Vs. 18.

John the Baptist still had some followers as he preached and baptized people for the forgiveness of their sins. These were super loyal to him, especially now that he was in prison.  They would have supplied him with food and carried messages, including the haunting question they later took to Jesus from John and Jesus’ answer. They also told Jesus the news of John’s death. 

These disciples of John adhered to the strict Pharisaic practice of fasting twice a week.  The Pharisees used this unnecessary practice to “promote their holiness” in the eyes of the people.  God only required His people to fast on ONE DAY per year, the Day of Atonement in late autumn. (See Leviticus 16:29, 31).  (Sometimes, in a time of national crisis, a special fast might also be called.)

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Vss. 19-20.

This concerned the people who daily crowded around Jesus. Eventually, they asked Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast… but YOUR disciples do not fast?”

Jesus’s answer might have confused them at first, but they would have understood what He meant after thinking about it.  “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?  As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and THEN they will fast … in that day.”

Um…. was there a wedding somewhere? 

Was Jesus getting married? 

Who would be taking “this bridegroom” away?   

Then, the people saw the analogy.  A wedding was a time of celebration. No one fasted, but rejoiced and ate and drank.  Jesus wasn’t getting married, but His time among them with His teaching and healing miracles WAS a time for rejoicing … LIKE a wedding. And after He was gone, yes, THAT would be a sad time. Fasting would be suitable. 

(Of course, no one – even the disciples – realized that Jesus was talking about His death on the cross.) 

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Vss. 21-22.

Jesus continues with some illustrations about the “new life” He was bringing to them, and how the “old traditions of the Pharisees” just wouldn’t mesh with it.  The people were certainly acquainted with the examples he gave.

  1. “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth onto an old garment. If he does, the patch will pull away from it (when washed), and a worse tear is made.”
  2. “No one puts new wine into old (stiff) wineskins. If he does, the wine (as it ferments) will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are destroyed.  New wine is for new wineskins.” (New life is for changed hearts.)

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Vss. 23-24.

We know what “the Sabbath” is. (Sabbath actually just means “seventh.”)  After God’s six days of Creation, He “rested” on the seventh day.  He declared the day “holy,” which just means “set apart for Him.” 

God gave this GIFT to his people, Israel.  No longer would they be required to labor nonstop for seven days per week, month after month, year after year, as they had in Egypt.

They would now have a legally mandated day of rest.  Even the women would not be required to cook meals that day.  Rest, glorious rest.  God wanted them to also think of Him, as their Creator and Savior, and have a heart of gratitude.

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Centuries later, the rabbis of Judaism, to protect the commandment to “NOT WORK” on the Sabbath, created 39 detailed restrictions on what constituted “work” on the Sabbath. 

  • You couldn’t spit on the ground, for it might make a groove in the dust, and that would be “plowing,” or it might make a little mud, and that would be “mixing mortar,” which would be “building.” 
  • You could have nothing in your pockets or wear a piece of jewelry, for that would be “carrying a burden.”  
  • Untying a knot was prohibited because it couldn’t be done with one hand.
  • You couldn’t cut your nails or trim your beard. It would be considered “shearing.”
  • AND, you couldn’t pluck grain, rub it in your hands to remove the chaff, and then blow the chaff from your hand.  THAT would be “reaping,” “threshing,” and “winnowing.”

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Vss 25-28.

Well, one Sabbath, Jesus and his disciples were walking by a grainfield.  As they walked, the disciples began to pluck heads of grain to eat.  (God’s law allowed this. See Deuteronomy 23:25).  The “extra” rules of the Pharisees did NOT allow this.

“Look!  Why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath??” they demanded, no doubt pointing fingers.

Jesus, like a ‘mama bear,’ turned to protect his disciples.  He was harsh.  “Hey, you, Teachers of the Law, haven’t YOU read the Scriptures?   David, when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him entered the house of God (the Tent of Meeting) and ate the bread of the Presence (Showbread), which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to his men.

Life or bread. Which is more important?  “The Sabbath was made FOR men, not man for the Sabbath.”

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 Jesus would later emphasize this whenever He healed someone on the Sabbath.  If they could rescue a sheep in a pit on the Sabbath, why couldn’t He “rescue” one made in the image of God who had been suffering long with a disease or demon possession?   “The Sabbath was made FOR men, (for their health and welfare).  It was a kindness from their God.  Having food, helping others – this was good.

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After this incident, the Pharisees and religious leaders kept an eagle eye on Jesus, and pounced on Him for every good deed He did on the Sabbath.  It was part of the case against Him that would later lead to their demand for His crucifixion. 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (1/7) Mark 2:13-17

Jan7

A 5-day per week study.

January 7 – Reading Mark 2:13-17.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners”  Mark 2:17b

 

The Gospel According to Mark 2:13-17

Vss. 13-14.

Jesus is again beside the Sea of Galilee (it was near Peter’s home).  The crowd was coming to him, and He was teaching them. (Standing by the water and speaking up the sloping land made for great acoustics. Many people were able to hear Jesus’ voice clearly.) 

Then, Jesus continued along a certain path, but this time He wasn’t looking at the boats.  He knew where He was going and who He would find there. And as he’d specifically called the two sets of fishing brothers to Himself, Jesus now spoke to a Tax Collector sitting at his tax booth.  

“Follow me,” Jesus said, looking into the man’s eyes.  (I almost expected Him to say, “…and I will make you a ‘Collector of Men’,” but of course He didn’t say that.)  The tax collector, Levi, got up, left his coveted Roman franchise booth, where he’d become a rich man at the expense of his fellow Jews, and followed Jesus.  

Don’t you wonder what Peter, Andrew, James, and John were thinking?  Levi had probably extorted money from their family’s fishing businesses many times. And Jesus was calling… him?  How did the richly ornate robe of the Publican blend with the simple attire of local fishermen?  

(I’m so glad that Jesus calls all types of people to follow Him.)

Like with the fishermen, I believe Levi had heard Jesus speak before as He made his way along the shore of Galilee.  Perhaps he’d witnessed miraculous healings too, as he watched from inside his booth.  Whatever he’d seen and heard, Levi’s heart was now toward Jesus.  The instant the Master called, Levi was out of the booth – leaving the quills, ledgers, and piles of coins behind – and walking with Jesus.

(By the way, this man’s other name was Matthew.  And this careful calculator wrote the wonderful Gospel by his name, specifically to the Jews about their Messiah.)

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Vss. 15-17.

Peter had invited Jesus to headquarter in his home. Now, Levi asked Jesus (and disciples) to a feast at his house. He also invited a bunch of other tax collectors (and “sinners”) that he knew. 

(Another tax collector – Zacchaeus – did the same thing in Luke 19.  This is SO like what happens to a person who has truly been converted. They want to share “the good news” with others. They want friends and family to know Jesus, too.)

Jesus, of course, accepted the invitation. He is comfortable with anyone who truly seeks Him.  Did other “sinners” there believe in Him and follow His way too?  

Outside, the Scribes (probably the same ones who’d observed the paralytic man being healed) had sour faces.  “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  (THEY would never do that!)

Jesus heard what they said as He left Levi’s house.  He looked these self-righteous men in the eyes and said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

Did they understand what Jesus meant?  What DID Jesus mean? 

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Did He truly see these Jewish rulers as “righteous,” not needing forgiveness and salvation?  Absolutely not.  Psalm 14:2-3 says, “None is righteous (good), no, not one.”  Jesus was speaking about the “self-righteous” who “think” they don’t need a savior.

Later, in Luke 18, we will see that Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a Tax Collector. Was He thinking of Levi and these men?   He told this story “to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt.”

In the story, the Pharisee stood and bragged of all his good works and accomplishments, and how he had never done such sinful things as the extortioners, adulterers, the unjust, or even… the tax collector…

The Tax Collector, on the other hand, could say nothing but, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.”  (Were those Levi’s words that Jesus quoted?)   Jesus told his audience that the Tax Collector went to his house JUSTIFIED, while the braggadocio Pharisee did not.

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Here, in Capernaum, the Jewish leaders were just beginning to spar with Jesus.  It would get worse. Would any of them recognize their lack of true righteousness before it was too late?

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 360

Dec26

Day 360 – Reading – 1 John  1 – 5
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 John

(An aside: I just noticed that this is Day 360. 360 degrees is a perfect circle. That’s interesting because John writes this letter/sermon in a very circular manner, returning to and repeating things he’s already said, but in different ways. See if you notice it as you read.)

The author is John, the “beloved disciple” of Jesus.  He’s already written the Gospel of John.  He will write this letter/sermon, two more very short letters, and the massive book, The Revelation.   The Gospel and these letters were probably written while he was at Ephesus.  The Revelation was written while he was in exile on the island of Patmos.  John was an old man when he became an author. He was the last remaining “eyewitness” disciple of Jesus.

After the threat of “legalism” in Paul’s day, it is “Gnosticism” that now threatens to destroy the churches. It’s the belief that matter is evil and spirit is good. This means they taught that Jesus was God but not human (to preserve Him from that evil).  However, if Jesus were not human, He couldn’t have died as the redeemer of humanity. John emphasized that Jesus WAS human.  John was an eyewitness. He saw Him, heard Him, and TOUCHED Him. A test of a true believer was someone who would affirm that “Jesus has come in the flesh.” (1 John 4:2-3)

Also, since “the body” was evil, it didn’t matter what sins it committed. Indulgence and immorality were permissible. They could deny that sin even existed.  John boldly confronted this idea. (1 John 1:8-9. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…..But if we confess our sin… )

1 John is a call “back to the basics of Christianity.”  God had preserved John for such a time as this, and he wrote with true apostolic authority. 

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1 John 1.

Credentials:   “That which was from the beginning (Jesus), which we have HEARD, which we have SEEN WITH OUR EYES, which we looked upon and have TOUCHED WITH OUR HANDS….” The word of life — that which we have seen and heard, we PROCLAIM to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.“

And what did John (and true believers) PROCLAIM?  

  • “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
  • If we SAY we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie…
  • If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all SIN.
  • If we SAY we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
  • If we CONFESS our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us… and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
  • If we say we have NOT sinned, we make Him a liar, and the truth is not in us.”

John’s first “chapter” refutes Gnostic beliefs.

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1 John 2.

John speaks more about sin.  It’s a real thing. It is against God’s laws.  His readers (and we) DO IT. And it’s wrong.

“Little children, I’m writing these things to you so that you may NOT sin. But IF anyone does sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father: Jesus Christ the Righteous.  He is the PROPITIATION (appeasement) for our sins.”

John offers some proofs that they really “know” Christ (and are saved).

  • “If we keep His commandments, we know “we know” Him.
  • Whoever says he knows Him, but does NOT keep His commandments, is a liar.
  • Whoever KEEPS His Word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.
  • Whoever SAYS he abides in Him ought to WALK in the same way in which He walked.”

John does a little wordplay with “old” and “new” commandments from Jesus.

  • The “old” commandment is still the same:  LOVE.
  • Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
  • Love “others’ as (you love) yourself.

Jesus raised the standard of love for others to a new level for His followers.

  • Love “others” as “I have loved you.”  (Sacrificially, to the death if need be.)

Again, SAYING and DOING make all the difference.

  • “Whoever SAYS he is in the light (saved) and yet hates his brother, is still in darkness (unsaved).
  • Whoever loves his brother, abides in the LIGHT, and there is no cause for stumbling.”
  • But… whoever HATES his brother is in the darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.  (Speaking about false teaching.)

And more on what NOT to LOVE.

  • “DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD, or the things of the world. 
  • If you do, the love of the Father is not in you.”
  • Everything in the world (lust, greed, and pride) is NOT from the Father and is passing away.
  • Whoever does the will of God abides forever.

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Next, John warns them about the false teachers, liars, antichrists, and deceivers.

Many antichrists have come already!  They are already here, in the form of those who would lead them astray.

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?

If you confess the Son, you have the Father too, and eternal life.  You also have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who teaches you what is true.  Abide in Jesus, so when He appears, you may have confidence.

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1 John 3.

“What love the Father has for us – that He calls us His children.  We are His children now, and when Jesus appears. we shall be like Him, because we shall SEE Him as he is.  WE have this HOPE, and it makes us want to live pure lives, as He is pure.

In Him, there is no sin. No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either SEEN Him or KNOWN Him.   Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil!  And the reason the Son of God appeared was TO DESTROY the works of the devil. NO ONE BORN OF GOD practices sinning.

Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God….. nor is anyone who does not love his brother. (Anyone who hates his brother – like Cain – is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal LIFE dwelling in him.)

Instead of killing, we should be “laying down our own lives” for the brothers.  And we should be loving, not in “talk” only, but in DEEDS and truth.

This is His commandment, that we BELIEVE in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Faith, love, and obedience.

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1 John 4.

Warning: Do NOT believe EVERY spirit, but TEST the spirits to see whether they are from God.  By THIS you will know the Spirit of God – that he confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

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“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

(Yes, I sang the song as I typed that!)

“And this is how the love of God is made manifest (evident) to us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation (appeasement) for our sins.”

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1 John 5.

  • “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.
  • Everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him.
  • By this, we KNOW that we love the children of God, when we LOVE God and OBEY His commands.
  • Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the World.
  • He who overcomes the world is the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 

John says three things testify that Jesus is the Son of God.  It’s the SPIRIT and the WATER and the BLOOD. The witness of God via the Spirit at Jesus’ baptism, and His blood shed on the cross for the redemption of sinners. 

HE IS GOD. HE DID COME IN THE FLESH. IN THE FLESH HE DIED AS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TOOK AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD. HE AROSE, ASCENDED, AND NOW INTERCEEDS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TRUSTED IN HIM BY FAITH.

  • We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning.
  • We know that we are from God, and the world lies in the power of the evil one.
  • We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding to know Him who is true.

Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 357

Dec23

Day 357 – Reading – Hebrews 11 – 13
Read and believe in Jesus!

Hebrews 11.

This chapter is what is well-known as “The Faith Chapter.”  The author defines what faith IS to a believer, and just what has to be BELIEVED.

  1. Faith is the ASSURANCE of things hoped for, the CONVICTION of things not seen. (1:1)
  2. Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God, MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS, and that He REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM.

The author then names 18 specific people from the Old Testament who had faith in the promises of God and acted upon them … plus many others, not named, known by their actions of faith.

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, the people of Israel when they crossed the Red Sea on dry land and when the walls of Jericho came down, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets of God. 

These all conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong when weak, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 

And by faith WOMEN received back their dead by resurrection. 

Some of these O.T. Faith people were tortured.  Some suffered mocking and flogging, chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, sawn in two, and killed with the sword.  They were destitute, afflicted, and mistreated.

All these were commended for their FAITH, and the world was not worthy of them, but they did not receive what was promised.   They LOOKED FORWARD to the salvation WE HAVE received in the finished work of Jesus the Messiah, on the cross.

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Hebrews 12.

  • Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (all those men of FAITH listed above), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right had of the throne of God. 
  • And consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.  In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  

Then the writer relates some of the suffering that believers endure as “Discipline of the Lord.”   We are not to regard it lightly or grow weary of it, knowing that God disciplines the one He loves.  When God disciplines you, He is treating you as a son.  It’s for our own good, so we can share in His holiness. 

Okay, yes, discipline is painful at the moment when we are “spanked,” sent to our room, or have a privilege removed.  But later, this yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness,” if we learn from it.  So, “buck up,” lift your drooping hands, strengthen your weak knees, and make straight the paths for your feet.  Don’t allow circumstances to get the best of you!  Endure.  Get a second wind.  RUN THE RACE!

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Hebrews 13.

The writer of Hebrews concludes with practical ethics of Christian living. 

  • First and foremost is LOVE for one another. 
  • And showing hospitality, which is a visible form of love.
  • Generosity to those in need (prisoners and mistreated) is another outward way to show love. 
  • Faithfulness to one’s marriage partner is another way of showing love. 
  • Contentment with what you have been given shows that you love God more than money.

Remember to honor, obey, and imitate the faith of your leaders. Don’t be led astray by strange teachings.

Continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of your lips, that acknowledge his Name.

And PRAY FOR US. Do it urgently so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

And his benediction:  “Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good, that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

And a final hope that his readers will “bear with his brief (???) “word of exhortation.” (This letter to the Hebrews).  

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 354

Dec20

Day 354 – Reading – 1 Peter 1 -5
Read and believe in Jesus!

1 Peter.

We haven’t heard from Peter in a while, but he’s in what he calls “Babylon,” which is the “code word” for Rome. Since the City burned under Nero’s watch, the Emperor is dodging blame by saying “the Christians did it.”  More persecution resulted, and a mass fleeing from the Empire’s capital. 

Many went to Asia, Galatia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia, places where Paul established churches during his first and second missionary journeys.  Peter calls the recipients of his letter “elect exiles.” And they needed strengthening to endure the more intense suffering and persecution that was coming. 

Peter’s wife is probably with him (1 Corinthians 9:5), and also Mark who abandoned Paul earlier but who has since become useful in the ministry to both Peter and Paul.  Tradition says that Peter helped Mark write his Gospel. (Many things in that short, fast account of Jesus DO sound like Peter!)  Silas helped write this letter and will deliver it for Peter, having gone (and suffered in Asia) with Paul.

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1 Peter 1.

In his opening, Peter calls his readers elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, who caused them to be born again by His mercy through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (Peter was there. He saw it!)

He tells them to rejoice through their various trials, which are testing the genuineness of their faith, and which will ultimately bring glory, honor, and praise to Jesus Christ.  He encourages them to prepare their minds for action, and to set their hope on the grace that will come to them when Jesus is revealed.

He tells them not to be conformed to their former passions, but to be holy in their conduct, as He is holy. They are to remember that they were ransomed with the precious blood of Christ. And they are to love one another earnestly with a pure heart, since they’ve been born of imperishable seed through the Living Word of God.

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1 Peter 2

He encourages them to long for the pure spiritual milk, like infants, that they may grow up into salvation.  He tells them they are like precious stones, being built up as a spiritual house, Jesus Christ being the chosen and precious cornerstone.  He tells them they are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession whom He called out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

(THIS he’s saying to Gentile believers! WOW.)  

Once they were NOT a people, but now they are God’s people. Once they had NOT received mercy, but now they do receive mercy.   “Just keep your conduct honorable among unbelievers. They may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of salvation!” 

(Doesn’t this sound like Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?” Here’s some more.)

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor or governors. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.” 

They are to be like Christ. He also suffered as their example to follow.  When He suffered, he did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly.

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

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1 Peter 3.

Peter, as Paul did, admonishes his readers who are wives and husbands to be God-pleasing in their relationship.

  • Wives, be subject to your own husbands.
  • Don’t let your adorning be only external. 
  • Be adorned with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. 

And for husbands;

  • They are to live with their wives in an understanding way,
  • Show honor to them as weaker vessels.
  • This, so their prayers won’t be hindered.

Then Peter segues into  the topic of suffering.

“If you suffer for righteousness, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy.” 

“Always be prepared to made a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…. but do it with gentleness and respect.” 

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit.”  

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1 Peter 4.

Peter continues..

  • “Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.”   
  • “The END of all things is at hand, therefore be self-controlled and sober minded, for the sake of your prayers.” 
  • “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 
  • “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice, insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”   
  • “If your are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 
  • “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 
  • “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

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1 Peter 5,

And then some words to the elders (or shepherds) of the churches, and to the people themselves.

  • “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, NOT under compulsion, but willingly as God would have you, NOT for shameful gain, but eagerly, NOT domineering, but being examples.” 
  • “Be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves – all of you –  with humility toward one another (for God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble).” 
  • “Humble yourselves under the hand of God so that at the proper time, He may exalt you.” 
  • “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 
  • “Be sober-minded and be watchful for your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  RESIST him firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experience by your brethren throughout the world.” 
  • ” And, after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you,”

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And then final greetings and a prayer for peace to all of them who are in Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.)