Monday: Read 1 Tim 6:11-21 Paul closes this letter to Timothy by turning his attention back to Timothy. He does so with a series of strong imperatives: “flee,” “pursue” (11), “fight,” “take hold” (12), and “keep” (14). The command to “flee all this” is counterbalanced by the command to pursue “righteousness, godliness faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” (11). Paul’s command to “fight the good fight” (12) must be understood in light of the whole of his message. As Paul says... Read more
It is critical to understand the baggage (if I can call it that) that we bring to the table. Whether it is a discussion of politics, matters of science, ethics, or issues that confront our daily lives, the fact of the matter is that we all approach these topics or decisions with a prior set of assumptions, and these assumptions often radically affect what we are even willing to believe or do. NB: I know that I am in the... Read more
Monday: Read 1 Tim 3:8-16 Paul continues his teaching on the requirements for ministry by addressing the role of deacon. The word “deacon” literally meant one who waits on tables or serves. It is used in the NT of Jesus (Matt 20:28; Mark 10:45), the apostles (Matt 20:26; Mark 10:43), Timothy (4:6), and as a common designation of a NT leader (1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 3:6; 6:4; Eph 3:7; 6:21; Col 1:7, 23, 25; 4:7). In the present passage,... Read more
Monday: Read 2 Thess 3:1-18 Paul asks the Thessalonians, “Pray for us” (1). Paul’s request is not a generic thing. Nor is he simply speaking Christianese. He follows this request with two purpose clauses. First, they are to pray for him in order that “the word of the Lord will spread rapidly.” Paul knew well that “church growth,” or the effectiveness of the proclamation, was a result of the work of the Spirit. Therefore, prayer was needed. Second, they are... Read more
Monday: Read 1 Thess 4:9-18 Beginning in 4:9, Paul appears to be responding to questions raised to him—perhaps in a letter (see: 4:9, 13; 5:1). The first question is concerning brotherly love (9). The problem here was caused by the Roman practice of patronage. It appears that some of the Thessalonians were relying on their patrons for support (as clients). The involvement in the system caused them to be involved in affairs that stained the reputation of the church and... Read more
Monday: Read 1 Thess 1:1-10; Acts 17:1-9 Thessalonians is one of Paul’s first letters. The record of Paul’s time in Thessalonica is found in Acts 17:1-9. The city of Thessalonica was one of the largest and most important cities in Macedonia. It was an important port city along the Via Egnatia: a Roman highway that led towards Rome by way of the Adriatic sea. Roads such as the Via Egnatia, which led to the west towards the Adriatic Sea were... Read more
As I write this post, I, along with 2 billion others, am anxiously looking forward to the closing matches in the World Cup. This is my third post on FIFA and the Beast (see post 1; post 2). In this series of posts, I have noted that this World Cup has been covered in the blood of the thousands who have died in the process of constructing the venues and the needed infrastructure in Qatar—a country with zero world-class venues... Read more
Monday: Read Colossians 3:1-4 Colossians 3:1-4:6 gets to the heart of Paul’s lived theology. His exhortation is clear: you died to your old way of life, so live in accord with the kingdom of God. In particular, Paul draws out the implications of the fact that we have risen with Christ. Paul affirms that “if you have been raised up with Christ” (1). Though the Greek is often translated “if” (as in most English Bibles), the meaning is much more... Read more
In July-December of 2021, I made a series of 19 posts on the issue of race and injustice. Much of the research for those posts had extended over the previous several years. NB: I have included a number of links in this post to previous posts of mine addressing various issues. I would strongly encourage you to take the time to read the relevant posts. I must say that it was a troublesome few years for me. After all, as... Read more
Monday: Read Colossians 1:1-14 Colossians is deemed a “twin” epistle along with Ephesians. As you read, you will notice that the language of Colossians is very similar to Ephesians. The key distinction between the two letters is that Ephesians focuses on the Church as the body of Christ, whereas Colossians focuses on Christ as the head of the body! Colossians emphasizes the work of Christ in creating the community of God’s people. Christ has done so by making peace on... Read more
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