Through the Bible for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples

Paul writes to help those who follow Jesus know how to live in a pagan world. He begins by reminding us of our identity in Christ. In Christ, we are blessed, loved, chosen, holy, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, included, marked, and called. Paul prays followers of Jesus would experience greater spiritual understanding, enlightenment, and insight into the depths of the incredible power and hope that comes through faith in Jesus. He desires for them to know God more deeply and to fully grasp His love, power, and grace. #NewTestament, #Ephesians, #BibleStudy, #Christianity, #BibleCommentary, #ScriptureAnalysis, #Faith, #ReligiousEducation, #Devotional, #ChristianLifestyle, #SpiritualGrowth, #ChristianTeachings, #Church, #EarlyChurch

The letter to the Ephesians was actually a circular letter written by the apostle Paul. It was meant to be passed from church to church as he included guidance on on how to live for Jesus in a pagan world. Paul lived and served in Ephesus for 2 years (and may have been imprisoned there for another year). Ephesus was the 3rd largest city in the Roman Empire behind Rome and Alexandria. There were 250,000 people living there in what was the most prominent city in all of Asia. Ephesus had a giant Temple to Artemis which was 4 times bigger than the Parthenon. As people came to Christ, they stopped buying idols to the goddess Artemis and sorcerers even burned their scrolls. As a result, Paul and the church experienced persecution including the famous moment where 25,000 Ephesians chanted for their goddess while Paul hoped to speak to the rowdy crowd. The letter to the Ephesians describes our identity and Christ, our calling to be people who walk the way of love, our invitation to live as children of light in a multiethnic church community, how to have healthy households, how to put on our the armor of God, and how we are made alive in Christ. #NewTestament, #Ephesians, #BibleStudy, #Christianity, #BibleCommentary, #ScriptureAnalysis, #Faith, #ReligiousEducation, #Devotional, #ChristianLifestyle, #SpiritualGrowth, #ChristianTeachings, #Church, #EarlyChurch

Paul begins by urging believers to restore and help one another when someone stumbles or falls into sin. He emphasizes the importance of gentleness and humility in this process, encouraging the stronger members of the community to come alongside the weaker ones to offer support and guidance. The chapter continues with the concept of accountability and personal responsibility. Paul encourages each person to carry their own load and fulfill their obligations, while also emphasizing that the community should share in one another's burdens. He underscores the idea of contributing to the needs of others, both spiritually and materially. Paul introduces the principle of sowing and reaping, using agricultural imagery. He explains that the choices and actions we make in life have consequences, just as sowing seeds in a field leads to a harvest. He encourages believers to sow good deeds and to persist in doing what is right, trusting that in due time, they will reap the benefits. Paul concludes the letter by reiterating the centrality of the cross of Christ. He emphasizes that boasting should only be in the cross, which represents the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. He also mentions the marks on his body that symbolize his dedication and suffering for the sake of the gospel. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

Paul begins by emphasizing the freedom that believers have in Christ. He contrasts this freedom with the burden of legalistic observances and highlights that relying on circumcision or following the law for salvation is unnecessary. Instead, he stresses that faith in Christ is what truly matters. The chapter then shifts to the concept of living by the Spirit. Paul explains that when one follows the Holy Spirit, they experience transformation and produce positive attributes known as the "fruit of the Spirit." These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Paul also discusses the inner conflict between the desires of the flesh and the promptings of the Spirit. He lists various acts of the flesh, such as immorality, idolatry, and jealousy, which are in contrast to the Spirit-led life. He encourages believers to crucify the desires of the flesh and walk in step with the Spirit. The chapter concludes with a call to live in harmony and love within the Christian community. Paul encourages believers to support and bear one another's burdens, exemplifying the law of Christ, which is the law of love. He highlights the importance of humility and avoiding conceit. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

Paul begins by comparing the time when people were under the law to a period when they were like children under the guardianship of rules and regulations. Just as a child is subject to tutors and guardians until a certain appointed time, humanity was under the constraints of the law until the coming of Christ. Paul highlights the significance of Jesus' arrival, explaining that through his life, death, and resurrection, believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God. This adoption brings them into a new and intimate relationship with God, allowing them to address Him as "Abba," an affectionate term for father. The chapter also delves into the contrast between the old way of living under the law and the new life of freedom and grace through faith in Christ. Paul expresses his concern that the Galatians are returning to legalistic practices, observing days, months, seasons, and years, as if they were still bound by the law. He urges them to embrace the true freedom that comes from being heirs of God's promise through Christ. Paul employs an allegory involving two women, Hagar and Sarah, and their sons, Ishmael and Isaac, to illustrate the difference between the two covenants. Hagar represents the covenant of the law, while Sarah represents the promise of grace. Paul explains that those who rely on the law are like children born to Hagar, while those who have faith in Christ are like children of promise, born to Sarah. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

Paul begins by reminding the Galatians that they received the Holy Spirit not through their adherence to the Jewish law but through faith. He points to the example of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, who was justified by his faith in God's promise rather than by obeying the law. Paul argues that all those who have faith in Christ are considered children of Abraham and share in the blessings of his faith. Paul also discusses the purpose of the law, explaining that it was given to reveal human sinfulness and the need for a Savior. He emphasizes that the law cannot justify anyone before God; rather, it serves as a tutor leading people to Christ, who fulfills the requirements of the law through his sacrificial death and resurrection. The chapter goes on to describe how faith in Christ brings about a new status for believers. Paul uses the metaphor of putting on a new garment to illustrate how those who believe in Christ are "clothed" with Christ and become part of God's family. He stresses that this new identity erases distinctions based on ethnicity, social status, or gender, as all believers are one in Christ. Paul concludes by highlighting the permanence of God's promise and the importance of faith as the key to receiving God's blessings. He compares the law to a temporary guardian, while faith in Christ brings about a new and direct relationship with God. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

Paul begins by describing a visit to Jerusalem, where he met with other apostles, including Peter and James, to discuss the message they were preaching. He emphasizes that his message to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) is consistent with the gospel they all share, and they agreed that Paul and his companion Titus should continue their ministry to the Gentiles. A significant part of Galatians 2 revolves around an incident in Antioch, where Paul confronts Peter for his inconsistency in associating with both Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul rebukes Peter for compromising the gospel's message by separating from the Gentile believers due to pressure from certain Jewish legalistic customs. Paul uses this incident to underscore the importance of remaining true to the gospel of grace and not compromising its core principles. Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through adherence to the Jewish law but through faith in Jesus Christ. He stresses the concept of justification by faith, explaining that no one is justified (made right with God) by observing the law but rather through faith in Jesus. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

Paul starts by asserting his authority as an apostle, emphasizing that his message and authority come from Jesus Christ himself, not from human sources. He expresses concern about false teachings that have infiltrated the Galatian communities, particularly the idea that salvation requires adherence to certain Jewish laws and customs, such as circumcision. Paul vehemently opposes this notion and emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Paul shares his personal story, explaining how he was formerly a persecutor of Christians but was transformed by a direct encounter with Jesus. He highlights the importance of the gospel message he preaches, which is centered on the grace of God and the crucifixion of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

Through Galatians for Skeptics, Seekers, and Those Who Love Them During the first missionary journey in A.D. 47 or 48, Paul and Barnabas arrived in the region, called Galatia. In one town they thought they were Greek gods! As is often happened to Paul, a riot broke out. (See Acts 14). They were planting Multiethnic churches made up of Jews and Gentiles who saw Jesus as their Rescuer. They saw Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection from the dead as the inauguration of a new Kingdom, where everyone regardless of ethnicity, gender, or background could belong. Being made right with God is not a result of religious rituals, but in trusting in the work of Jesus on our behalf. #newtestament #galatians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch

Paul warns the Corinthian Christians that he is coming to visit them for a third time. He reminds them that during his visits, he will not hesitate to address any wrongdoings or issues that need correction. Paul urges them to examine themselves before his arrival, making sure they are living in accordance with their faith in Christ. The apostle emphasizes the importance of testing and proving their own faith, asking them to evaluate whether Jesus Christ is truly in them. He encourages them to strive for perfection in their Christian walk and to live in peace with one another. Paul's hope is that the Corinthians will mature in their faith and work together in harmony, allowing God's love and peace to reign among them. Paul concludes his letter with a message of grace and blessing, expressing his desire for the Corinthian believers to experience the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. He prays that God's grace will be with them, strengthening and guiding them in their journey of faith. #newtestament #corinthians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch