When the Apostle Paul writes a letter, typically, he includes a greeting that is used in many of his other letters. He does this in 2 Thessalonians. . . Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:2, ESV). After this greeting, Paul often mentions something positive […]
Reading 2 Thessalonians Read More »
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
Read the Last Chapter First Read More »
But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15-16, NLT). Jesus called Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul’s calling was clear
Paul’s Missionary Madness Read More »
I’ve wondered about the Apostle Paul’s emotional state when he wrote, “Jesus came to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15b, ESV). Most people experiencing discouragement spiral downward in doubt and despair through the years, getting increasingly worse. And Paul expresses this negative spiraling in his writings. In the early years
Was the Apostle Paul Depressed? Read More »
Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers… I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep
The Apostle Paul’s and Pastor Grant’s Travels Read More »
This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:1, NLT). The Apostle Paul uses the word “slave” (also translated as “bondservant”) over 30 times in his writings in the New Testament. Paul calls himself a slave, his co-workers slaves, and all who follow Jesus slaves. This letter
The Apostle Paul ~ An Actual Slave? Read More »
Remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:2, NLT). Paul wanted the Thessalonians and all the churches that he had impacted through his apostolic leadership to remember what he taught them. His teachings, even to this day, continue to be the most influential instructions (other than Jesus’) in
The Apostle Paul’s Lists Read More »
The Apostle Paul includes lots of lists in his epistles. I thought this week, “After 50 years of reading the Apostle Paul, I have never counted the number of lists that he has in his letters. I should count them because I know this question has been on the minds of all the readers of
The Lists Of The Apostle Paul Read More »
I think the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3:14-21 is for us. How do I know this? Paul prays… For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name (vv. 14-15, NASB1995). Every family, every relationship, every people, and every nation – all who have received
Paul’s Prayer For Us! Read More »
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful (2 Timothy 4:7, NLT). It’s easy to idolize saints and consider that they didn’t have problems. Someone once said to me, “If I had the blinding light of Jesus appear to me causing my conversion like the Apostle Paul,
The Apostle Paul’s Issues Read More »