First and Second Timothy, along with Titus, are collectively known as the “Pastoral Epistles,” a title given to them by a scholar in 1706. In the Pastoral Epistles, we find Paul writing to two of his disciples. First Timothy and Titus were written after Paul’s first imprisonment when he was traveling to many places in […]
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God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment (v. 1, ESV). Imagine God sitting on His throne. That’s the image of Psalm 82. The word “Elohim” is the most common word used for God in the Old Testament. It’s a plural noun, but when used with singular verbs,
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I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you (Colossians 4:18, ESV). Here’s the challenge: try reading the last chapter first, then the rest of the letter. With the Apostle Paul’s primary letters written to churches or groups of followers, I’ve enjoyed reading these epistles through the years and note that in
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When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books*, and above all the parchments (2 Timothy 4:13, ESV). Books have been an integral part of Christianity since the time of the Apostle Paul. Some historians believe that our modern form of books, instead of scrolls, originated from early Christianity
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Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19-20a, ESV). I came to know Jesus when I was 18 years old during what became known as the “Jesus Movement.” Personally, I led about 500 youth to know Jesus as their
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For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (John 1:16, ESV). We are created for habits. Recent brain studies indicate that our brains lay down neural pathways that reinforce behavior, and once a path is set, it’s difficult to change. Not impossible — but not easy. We experience addiction with food cravings, too much alcohol,
When was the last time you heard a quote from 3 John? I haven’t recently, and I’m constantly reading books and listening to podcasts about the New Testament. We hear quotes from the Gospels, Romans and Ephesians, which seem to be the most quotable of the letters. And I love repeating James’ words about enduring
Below are three translations of Psalm 65:1a. What’s the difference? Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion (ESV). There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, God (NASB). What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion (NLT). The literal translation in Hebrew would be, “To You praise is silent.” Not believing this statement has
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The Apostle Paul writes. . . I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows (2 Corinthians 12:2, ESV). In this passage, Paul describes a man (figuratively speaking about himself) being taken into the third heaven — the
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We are relational, created with the ability to talk, and our conversations both reveal and form our character. We become what we talk about! Below are three Cs to avoid while conversing with one another. Condemnation. . . There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, ESV). The
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