In 2 Thess 3: 7 – 9, Paul contrasts idle behavior to his modeled work ethics. Paul continuously worked night and day in Thessalonica to not be a burden to the church as well as to be a model. The participle form of ἐργάζομαι indicates Paul's continuous action with the emphasis placed on the action. The action of work means, "to work,... Read More
In 2 Thess 3, Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians, by once again providing instruction for behavior within the church. Before instructing the Thessalonians' behavior, Paul requests prayer for the spreading of the gospel and deliverance from wicked people. Scholars suggest that Paul's introduction follows a captatio benevolentiae, an... Read More
1 Thess 2: 1 – 16 presents Paul's ideological stance about his and his companions' missionary behavior. His ideas emphasize the manner in which missionaries conduct themselves and the impact made upon the Thessalonians. He first describes their mistreatment and opposition for declaring the gospel. He then establishes his argument for why they... Read More
1 Thess 2:1 – 16 identifies Paul's and his companions' behavior in Thessalonica, prior to their eviction. In chapter 1, Paul primarily encourages the believers in Thessalonica as he placed emphasis on the power of the gospel in their lives. Despite his gratitude for their faith, Paul indicates the hardships they endured, while preaching the... Read More
Paul's opening in 1 Thess follows his traditional pattern of addressing the recipients of his letters. His opening includes a greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer report. Paul, remembering the Thessalonians in prayer, attributes the effects of the gospel in the Thessalonians' lives. In verse 4, Paul asserts that God made their election sure or chose... Read More
Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians during his stay in Corinth. This location can be inferred from his mention of Athens in 3:1 - 2. According to Acts 18:11, Corinth is the city visited, where he resided for a lengthy period of time. In addition, Paul wrote the letter upon Timothy's return from Thessalonica. Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage... Read More
What would Christians' lives be like, if we devoted ourselves to living out the Word of God? In this devotion, we would remove anything in our lives that did not match up with the Word of God. For instance Gal 5:16 – 25 provides a comparison of behavior for those who walk by the Spirit versus the flesh. The flesh embodies sin and does not... Read More
Acts 17:1-9 describes Paul's and Silas' missionary journey to Thessalonica. This journey occurs in the macro-context of Paul's deliberate Gentile ministry, where he embarked on his second missionary journey. Prior to Paul's and Silas' arrival, Luke describes their hardships in Philippi, where they endured beatings and imprisonment. It is after... Read More
Acts 17:1 – 9 identifies Paul's and Silas' journey to Thessalonica. They do not waiver in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, despite being imprisoned prior in Philippi. In verse 2, Luke identifies Paul's custom of entering Jewish synagogues to reason with them. This custom parallels to Luke 4:16 of Jesus' custom of entering the synagogue on the... Read More
2 Corinthians 4: 16 – 18 reveals Paul's closing thoughts about gospel bearers and their hardships. Paul understands that gospel bearers in the temporal will waste away. However, their hope for the eternal inspires them beyond their afflictions. Paul concludes the third pericope by proclaiming hope for those who endure for the sake of the... Read More
- God is Love: Nuts & Bolts Pt II
I wanted to know and allow others to know that there is no fear in God’s love and judgment. His love is perfect and complete. However, in His perfect love, God prompts us to respond to make it complete.
- God is Love: Nuts & Bolts Pt I
Background In 1 John, John calls the believers back to a fundamental understanding that God is love. He reveals that God is love later in the book. The first issue that he addresses deals with a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief. The opposing ideology known as Gnosticism split the believers into two. In 1 John 2:18 – 23, John reveals that antichrist who denied Christ lived among them. These individuals eventually left the church community, but their false teachings continued to infiltrate the church. 1 John 4:1 – 3 …
- God is Love Pt III
When I started this study, I aimed to prove that God’ love remains complete and that His believers reside in His love. I wanted to demonstrate that when believers are imperfect, God perfectly loves them. This understanding is true. God loved us first, so much so that He sent His Son as our sacrifice. In this sacrificial love, God tells us that we do not need to fear the Day of Judgement. Fearing Judgment Day means that we have not embraced the salvation that He has provided. At this point, I wanted the study to be complete. I wanted to …
