Tag Archive | 2025 Journaling the Bible

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 340

Dec6

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 340 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 10 – 13

Read and believe in Jesus!

 2 Corinthians 10-13

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

2 Corinthians 10.

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

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

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 11.

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

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

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

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 12.

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

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

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

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 13.

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

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

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 339

Dec5

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 339 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 5 – 9

Read and believe in Jesus!

 2 Corinthians 5.

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

Our Heavenly Dwelling

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

The Ministry of Reconciliation

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

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

Paul continues in the urgency of the message.

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

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 6.

No Fault in Our Ministry

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

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

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

.

The Temple of the Living God

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 7

Paul’s Joy

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 8.

Encouragement to Give Generously

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

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

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

.

Commendation of Titus

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 9

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

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

.

The Cheerful Giver

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

.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 338

Dec4

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 338 – Reading – 2 Corinthians 1 – 4.

Read and believe in Jesus!

2 Corinthians

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

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 1.

The God of All Comfort

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

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

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

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

Paul’s Change of Plans

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 2.

Forgive the sinner

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

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

.

Triumph in Christ

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

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

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 3.

Ministers of the New Covenant

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

Paul answered that last accusation with,

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

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

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

.

2 Corinthians 4.

The Light of the Gospel

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

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

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

.

Treasures in Clay Jars

Paul continues,

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

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

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

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 337

Dec3

The LAST Month of 2025’s Reading!

Day 337 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 15 – 16

Read and believe in Jesus!

 I Corinthians 15.

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

WOW!

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

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

IN Adam we all die. 

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

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

.

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

Yep, it’s a mystery.

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

.

1 Corinthians 16.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

,

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 336

Dec3

The LAST Month of 2025 Reading!

Day 336 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 12 – 14

Read and believe in Jesus!

I Corinthians 12.

Paul scolds the Corinthians on the misuse of the Holy Spirit’s Spiritual gifts.  He knows that a lot of pagan practices have been going on in Corinth that offer “power” to the user. (Such as sorcery, but also included drunkenness, orgies, frenzied chants, etc.) 

He tells them that the Spiritual Gifts God gives are for the good of His church, to build up the church as a whole and not the individual, and to help the Gospel be proclaimed near and far.  And that NO ONE speaking in the Spirit of God could EVER say “Jesus is accursed!!!”

Paul names a few of the gifts of the Holy Spirit here (and in his other letters):

  • Utterances of wisdom and knowledge
  • Extraordinary faith
  • Gifts of healing
  • Working of miracles
  • Prophecy (forthtelling of God’s Word)
  • Discernment of Spirits
  • Various tongues
  • Interpretation of tongues

All these are empowered by the one and same Spirit, who gives to each individual as HE wills.

.

1 Corinthians 13.

LOVE is the lotion, the grease, that helps the gifts to be used for the Glory of God and the strengthening and enlargement of the church. (Apply it generously.)  All the grandiose things you can say or do “for” God result in just a lot of noise and are useless unless LOVE guides them.  (LOVE is a fruit of the Holy Spirit too, we read in Galatians 5.)

Sometimes, verses 4-8a, and 13 are used at weddings or with Valentine messages. They truly inspire a relationship between man and wife.  But read them again in connection with the body of Christ, the church.

  • Love is patient and kind;
  • Love does not envy or boast;
  • It is not arrogant or rude.
  • It does not insist on its own way;
  • It is not irritable or resentful;
  • It does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in the truth,
  • Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
  • Love never ends.
  • So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

.

1 Corinthians 14.

And in their individual churches, Paul (along with God) calls for decency and order, not mayhem. May they always look away from self-aggrandizement, and to their fellow believers, striving to encourage and build them up. Use the gift of prophecy more than the gift of “tongues.”  And if that gift is used, there must always be the gift of “interpretation of tongues” in operation.

  • Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

And (sigh), Paul firmly states that in ALL the churches, the women should keep silent, and not to “speak” (with authority) in the services. (See his elaboration and reason in 1 Timothy 2:11-14)  Paul gets a lot of “flak” for this today, and he probably did then, too. He says that if women would like to learn, they are to ask their husbands at home. (Can you feel the ire rising?)  This was Paul’s solution to the free-for-all in the services. 

  • “All things should be done decently and in order.”

,

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 334 & 335

Dec1

A NEW Month!

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 334 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 5 – 8

Day 335 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 9 – 11

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 334 –

I Corinthians 5 – 8.

Paul reviews more nitty-gritty problems in the Corinthian church stemming from reports from Chloe’s people or from letters some of the members had written. You would NOT think such problems as these would be found in a church, but we have to remember, these new believers have come out of heavy idolatry with its pagan worship practices.

.

Immorality in the Church

Paul is shocked at the level of immorality that these believers were allowing to go unheeded in the church. 

A man was living immorally with his father’s wife (step-mom), and no one said a thing. The deed would have been punished by death under the Old Testament Jewish law, and in fact, was illegal under Roman law.  Paul said such “extreme wickedness” should result in the man being “removed” from the church. It was both a cancer to the body, but a horrible witness to outsiders.

Paul judged the man, and now the congregation needed to act too.  As long as the man remained unrepentant, they were to “turn him over to Satan” for the destruction of the flesh, so his redeemed spirit might be saved. 

  • “Do not associate with anyone in the world, and now especially anyone who bears the name of a Christian who is sexually immoral, an idolater, reviler, drunkard, swindler, or greedy.  Do not even eat with such a person.  Purge this evil person from among you.”

Paul tells them ALL to flee sexual immorality. 

  • “Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?”  

He admits that some of them were in deep sin before they trusted in Christ. 

  • “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

And reminds them,

  • “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  And do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” So, glorify God in your body.”

.

Lawsuits

Another “worldly” thing they were doing was taking a fellow believer to court for minor and major grievances.  

  • “Don’t you know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters about THIS life.”

He told them they should settle matters between themselves and not do anything that could make the outside world ridicule them, for the sake of Christ.  Or…. if need be, they were to simply suffer the wrong done to them.

.

Marriage (or Not)

Paul was not married. His entire life was taken up by the mission God gave to him to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. He admitted that a wife to him would be a hindrance, for part of him would want to serve his wife. Now he could wholeheartedly live for Christ, especially as persecution of Christians was escalating.

But it was not wrong to want to be married, and if both parties wanted that, they should go ahead, neither withholding their bodies from the other (except for a brief time for mutual prayer). 

But to the unmarried and widows, Paul says it is good for them to remain single.  As long as her husband is alive, the wife is bound to her husband. But if he dies, she is free to live alone or remarry.  “In my judgment, she is happier if she remains single.”

To the new believer who is married to an unbeliever, don’t be separated, for the spouse and the children are made “holy” by the believer.  However, if the unbeliever wants to leave, that is okay, but the parties should not divorce. 

  • “Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to Him, and to which God has called him.”

In fact, Paul continues, “it’s best for anyone to remain in the position or condition in which you were called by God.”  Circumcised? Don’t be… er… uncircumcised.  Uncircumcised? Don’t be circumcised.  A slave, don’t be concerned about it, unless you are offered freedom.  A freedman?  Well, you are now a slave/servant of Christ. 

  • “So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. 

.

Food Offered to Idols

This seems like no big deal to us today. Because what difference is it if the steaks in the deli have been “waved” before an idol or not?  Meat is meat. An idol is nothing.

But for the Corinthians, this was an “iffy” problem.  All their lives, if most of them wanted to eat meat, they would go to the temple and buy it there, knowing these animals had been killed ritually in worship of a false god. And that the ritual worship involved prostitution of both young women and men.  It was all very sordid.  And wild. And fleshly.

Paul knew meat was meat.  But to these new Christians, meat – if they knew it came from the temple – stirred horrid memories of their old life.  When they cut into a steak, perhaps a female prostitute would come to mind… or other things.    If they went ahead and ate it, they would feel contaminated and wretched.

So, Paul says if eating (and serving) that food offered to idols would cause a Christian brother to stumble, THEY WERE NOT TO EAT MEAT.  Hey, veggies and quinoa are healthier anyway!   Of course, if it were possible to NOT KNOW where the meat came from (say they were eating with a shepherd or herdsman), then believers could eat freely.  It was not the MEAT.  It was the CONSCIENCE.

Even if your newbie guest does not partake, YOU might be hurting their conscience if you go ahead and eat the meat. For they couldn’t help but judge you.  So… best not to serve to or eat in front of them. 

  • “Sinning against your brother in this case and wounding their conscience when it is weak, means you are SINNING AGAINST CHRIST.  ‘Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I MAKE HIM stumble.'”

,

###

.

MONDAY – Day 335

1 Corinthians 9 – 11.

Paul goes on instructing the Corinthian Church in nitty-gritty matters we may not have to face today. But the principles remain the same.  We are Christ’s, and our lives should glorify Him in everything. 

.

Paul Surrenders His Rights.

All for Christ and His kingdom is Paul’s motto.  As a verified apostle, he would be free to claim some “rights.” One was to take a wife along with him, as Peter did. Another was the right to be financially supported by the church congregations or by those who originally sent him out. 

We have that today.  We pay pastors and visiting evangelists.  We support the missionaries we send to foreign countries.  We want these workers to focus solely on the ministry.  Nothing wrong with that.  

But Paul wanted to remain above reproach.  Yes, he agreed, as the Law of Moses said, an ox that ground the grain was not to be muzzled (he could munch a bit as he worked).  Also, both the plowman and the thresher should work in hopes of a portion of the crop. 

 And who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some milk?  What soldier serves at his own expense.  Nothing is wrong with all this.

He then asks, “Missionaries “sow” spiritual things among the people; would it be too much to “reap” material things from them?” The answer is it would NOT be too much to ask. 

But Paul has a higher thing.  He will not be obligated to anyone to support him. (When he does collect an offering from these Corinthians, it is for the needy in Jerusalem.)  Wherever Paul goes to preach and “reason” in synagogues, he works at his livelihood; tent-making.

Why?

Because he would rather die than preach the Gospel for reward (or even the semblance of reward).  He wants to present the gospel “free of charge.” He is entrusted with this “stewardship,” and he will be rewarded … later.

And he is free from any obligation to anyone, so that he might win more of them. Jews and Gentiles, the weak and strong.”

  • “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.  And …. I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be ‘disqualified’ as in a  running race.”

.

Warnings Against Idolatry

Paul then turns to the history of Israel and their “love affair” not with God, but with idols.  He says that 1.) all the rescued Israelites went through the Red Sea on dry ground, 2.) all were under the “cloud” of God’s protection day and night in the wilderness, and 3.) all ate Manna and drank water from the Rock.  But God was not pleased with most of them, and overthrew them in the wilderness. 

  • Do not be idolaters, as some of them were, and 23,000 were killed in one day.
  • Do not indulge in sexual immorality.
  • Do not put Christ to the test as some did and were killed by serpents. 
  • Do not grumble as some did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.
  • All these things were written to them for our example, our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
  • “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, H will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
  • THEREFORE, flee from idolatry. 

.

Do All to the Glory of God.

The Paul reminds them that “all things are lawful (legal), but not all things are helpful.  All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 

“Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without ASKING any questions.

“If you are invited to dinner and you go, eat whatever is put before you ASKING no questions.

  • “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the GLORY OF GOD.”

“Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”

“Don’t seek your own advantage.”

.

Head Coverings (or Not)?

Should ladies wear hats? Wear their hair down? Cut their hair?  Put ribbons and jewels in it?  Should men cut their hair? Cut off their beards or sideburns? 

SHEESH, these Corinthians were sure bothered by “much ado about nothing.”

At least to us.

But hair stuff was important culture to the Corinthians.  Certain things MEANT certain things to them.  There were ways to honor and dishonor one another with head covering or head uncovering.

Every man who prayed with his head covered dishonored Christ.  (Yikes, what about yarmulkes or “beanies” today?)

Every wife who prayed with her head UNCOVERED, dishonored her husband. (Same, if her head was shaved.)

Short hair on women was disgraceful. Long hair on women is their “glory.”

If a man wears long hair, it is a disgrace.

Okay, is all that settled?

.

The Lord’s Supper.

Then Paul turns from hair to a sacred practice in our churches today, to The LORD’s Supper, or as we oldies say, “Communion.”

Paul first warns them about practices that dishonor the sacred memorial.  Greed, discrimination, and divisions among them. They were coming to the “Table” in order to eat, not to remember the Lord. “Straighten up and fly right!”

Then he goes over the order of service.

  • Taking the bread, the Lord gave thanks, broke it, and shared it, saying, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
  • Then He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Then Paul’s warnings.

  • ‘Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.  Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For….. anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks JUDGMENT on himself.”

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have DIED.

.

Then before going on to Spiritual Gifts, Paul says… “About the other things, I will give directions when I come.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 333

Nov29

Day 333 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 1 – 4

Read and believe in Jesus!

1 Corinthians 

Paul is back in Ephesus. 

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

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

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

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

 

I Corinthians  1.

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

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

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

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

.

I Corinthians 2.

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

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

Then Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13.  

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

.

1 Corinthians 3.

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

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

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

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

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

.

1 Corinthians 4.

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

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

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

WHOA!

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

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

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 332

Nov28

Day 332 – Reading – Acts 18 – 19

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 18.

Paul leaves Athens for Corinth and stays there a long time.

In Corinth, Paul (a tentmaker himself) meets and stays with a Jewish tentmaking couple. Aquila and Prisilla had fled from Rome because of Emperor Claudius. Paul earned a living during the week and “reasoned” each Sabbath in the Synagogue, trying to persuade both Jews and Gentiles that Jesus was the Messiah, slain and resurrected.

Silas and Timothy finally arrived from Macedonia to help in the ministry.  But the Jews were resistant, so the missionaries “shook out the garments,” saying he was on to the Gentiles. 

Next store to the synagogue lived Titus Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, also believed in the LORD with his entire household and was baptized. Paul based his ministry there, and one night had a clear vision from the Lord.

  • “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”

Paul stayed in Corinth for another 18 months, teaching the word of God among them. 

During the time Gallio was the Proconsul of Greece, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him to court, saying,

  • “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the Law.”

But Gallio had no time for them.

  • “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves.  I refuse to judge on these things.”

The angry Jews then seized Sosthenes, another believing ruler in the synagogue, and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio paid no attention to all of this. 

.

Paul visits Ephesus for a short time.

After this incident, Paul stayed in Corinth for many days. Then he said goodbye and set sail for Ephesus, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. He spent a short time reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue, then he left the tentmaking couple there and sailed on to Caesarea.

He traveled up from there to Jerusalem to complete the vow he’d made. After that, he returned to his “sending” church in Antioch and spent some time there.

.

Acts 18b.

Paul travels back to Ephesus.

Paul visited the original churches in Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen them, then kept going toward Ephesus.

While Paul was on the way, a man from Alexandria named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker, competent in the Scriptures, instructed in the way of the Lord, and fervent in Spirit.  He began speaking boldly in the Synagogue, but not the “whole story.”  Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and “caught him up” about the ‘Way” more accurately.

When Apollos desired to go across to Greece to minister there, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the believers there to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Messiah was Jesus.

.

Acts 19.

Paul’s 3-year stay in Ephesus was eventful.

He first ran into twelve converts of Apollos and asked them if they’d received the Holy Spirit when they believed.  They hadn’t, Paul explained that John’s baptism was only for repentance.  Paul explained Jesus more clearly, and they believed.  He then baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus, and they received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues.

Paul went to the synagogue again and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them.  But when some were stubborn and continued in unbelief, even speaking evil of “The Way,” Paul withdrew and afterwards spoke daily in a community center called the Hall of Tyrannus.  This continued two years, and ALL THE RESIDENTS of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.  WOW!

.

Miracles and Exorcists.

Amazing miracles verified the spoken word by the hands of Paul.  Even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched him were carried away to heal the sick and send out demons.  Then, as in Samaria, seven exorcists, all sons of one man, wanted that power.  They tried to cast out devils, too. Their words did not come with Holy Spirit power, however. They said,

  • “We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims, come out.”

The evil spirits said, 

  • “Jesus, we know, and Paul, we recognize, but who are YOU?”

Then the demons attacked the exorcists, stripping them and beating them up.

Seeing the weakness of human spiritualism, many former exorcists and magicians in the city, who had now come to believe in Jesus, came forward to confess and divulge their practices. They brought their books of spells and black arts and burned them in the sight of all. (Worth 50,000 silver pieces!)

So the Word of the Lord continued to increase and prevailed mightily.

.

A Riot at Ephesus

The increase in the number and power of believers, along with the witness of the Holy Spirit and miracles, led many devotees to lose trust in the idols they had worshiped.  Ephesus was the center of the worship of Artemis (Diana), and the Silversmiths’ Union was powerful. When fewer people bought their little silver statues and shrines, their business began to hurt. 

The Union leader, one Demetrius, gathered together workmen of similar trades and roused them against Paul and the other believers. With more tradesmen and spectators gathering every minute, a great disturbance rocked the city.  The mob called, chanted, and screamed.

  • “Great is Artemis of Ephesus! Great is Artemis of Ephesus! GREAT IS ARTEMIS OF EPHESUS!!”

For two hours, the rioters shouted, pumped fists, and threatened to rage out of control. Confusion reigned. Then some of the rioters dragged out Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonian men who were traveling with Paul.  Paul wanted to go help them, but the believers there held him back.

A Jew named Alexander tried to make a defense, but they overpowered him with their continuous chanting.  Finally the town clerk was able to quiet them down.

  • “Men of Ephesus, who is it that does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?  Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 
  • For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemous of our goddess. If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a complaint, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring a legal charge.  For … we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause to justify this commotion!”

And he dismissed the assembly.

.

North to Macedonia.

(After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell, and they departed for Macedonia.)

WHEW!

 

 

 

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.

.

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!

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.”

.

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.

.

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).

.

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.

.

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.”

.

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.”

.

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.”

.

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.

.

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.”

.

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.

.

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 330

Nov26

Day 330 – Reading – Acts 17

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 17.

Thessalonica

We left Paul and company politely being asked to leave Philippi, after being imprisoned, loosed by an earthquake, and the salvation of the jailor. Paul does not often claim the power of his Roman citizenship, but it’s part of who he is.

After this, Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke make their way west across Macedonia to Thessalonica, a major city. Finding a synagogue of Jews, Paul went in (as was his habit: to the Jews first) on three Sabbaths, and “reasoned” with them from the Scriptures.  He showed them that the Messiah needed to suffer (die) and be raised from the dead, and that this Jesus is the Messiah.

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas.  A great many devout Greeks and quite a few leading women also believed.   Of course, this causes jealousy among the unbelieving Jews, and they mobbed Jason’s house, thinking the missionaries were staying there.  But they weren’t, so the mob grabbed Jason and some of the new believers and took them before the city authorities.

Accusations were made that they were “turning the world upside down,” and that they were telling people to honor another King besides Caesar.

But Jason, a wealthy man, paid the surety for himself and the others, and they were let go. 

.

Berea

That night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to the nearby town of Berea.  They arrived in the morning and immediately found and entered the Jewish synagogue. 

Paul says that the Jews of Berea were more “noble” than those of Thessalonica.  They received the Word with eagerness, and then examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true.  Many, therefore, believed in Jesus, including some prominent women, because the Word is a powerful tool in evangelism. 

But the irate Jews from Thessalonica came to cause trouble, and the Berean believers whisked the apostle off to Athens by boat.  Silas and Timothy stayed behind to nurture the new believers.  As soon as Paul arrived in Greece, he sent word back for Silas and Timothy to come ASAP.

.

Athens

The first thing Paul noticed was the many statues and idols in town. Then he “reasoned” with the Jews and devout Gentiles in the synagogues, and in the marketplace every day.  Various Greek philosophers talked with him and asked him to stay for more “conversation” (debate?).  But when Paul mentioned Jesus’ resurrection, they laughed and turned away. “Perhaps another day.” 

.

The Areopagus

Paul was then taken to the Areopagus, an open-air court, and asked to defend his claims.  EVERYBODY liked nothing more than to spend their time telling and hearing new things.  So Paul obliged.

He began, “Men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious.”  He then pointed out their statue to “The Unknown God,”  built possibly so no god would feel offended.  But Paul used it to point them to the God they did not know, and His Son, who was sent to save mankind from sin by first dying and then being resurrected. Mankind now needed to repent because God had set a day for judgment.

But again, the topic of the resurrection turned them to mocking.  However, a few men joined him and believed, plus a woman named Damaris and a few others. 

.

Tomorrow we read Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian believers.