For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints. I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers (Ephesians 1:15-16, ESV). When the Apostle Paul prays for followers of Jesus in the first century, I believe his prayers are for […]
Paul Teaches Big Prayers! Read More »
Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you (Philippians 3:15, NASB1995). Throughout my ministry, I had to resist the temptation to compare myself to other pastors and ministries that seemed more successful. We can all easily fall into the
The Apostle Paul’s Perfect/Just Right Attitude Read More »
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8, ESV, emphasis mine). Why did Paul write so many lists in his epistles? Anyone who reads Paul
Why Paul Writes So Many Lists Read More »
I couldn’t look at the Apostle Paul’s bank records, as when I asked my personal Gemini® AI Assistant (I call her “Gem”) to investigate, she told me that while she knows everything about my personal and your personal finances, her research prowess doesn’t extend to the first century. However, we can infer many details about
The Apostle Paul’s Personal Finances Read More »
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 »