QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW TESTAMENT
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BOOK 6 - PAUL'S LETTER TO THE ROMANS
I - THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, AND "JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH"
PAUL'S EAGERNESS TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH THE CHRISTIANS OF ROME
Romans 1:1-32
1: 1-7 Greetings from Paul, an Apostle of the Gospel of the risen Christ, son of God - also 1: 7 Blessings and prayers
1: 8-15 Paul thanks God for the church in Rome, and longs to share the Gospel with them in person
1:16-17 God's power and salvation for everyone is revealed through the Gospel - also 1:16-17 The power of the Gospel is for everyone's salvation; 1:16-17 The Holy Bible
ALL MEN - JEW AND GENTILE, STAND CONDEMNED, AND NEED THE SALVATION OF CHRIST'S GOSPEL
1:18-23 There is no excuse for mankind's godlessness; they knew of God's existence, yet chose idolatry
1:24-32 He has allowed them to sink into every form of sexual depravity and human wickedness - also 1:24-27 Sexual immorality; 1:28-32 Non-Christian behaviour
Romans 2:1-29
2: 1-4 We are no different, so none of us has any right to judge - also 2:1-3 Judging others
2: 5-11 None of us will escape judgement for our wickedness, nor forgo reward for any good we do
2:12-16 Only those who obey God's Law, consciously or not, will be saved on judgement day
2:17-24 If the Jews preach God's Law, but disobey it, they dishonour his name - also 2:21-22 Hypocrisy
2:25-29 Circumcision has no value to Jews unless they change inwardly - also 2:28-29 Real religion; 2:29 Independence
Romans 3:1-31
3: 1-18 The Jews, although chosen to receive God's Law, are as much faithless sinners as the Gentiles
3:19-10 The Law is impossible to meet; it can only be a measure of our sinfulness
MANKIND CAN ONLY BE SAVED FROM GOD'S ANGER BY JUSTIFICATION - THAT IS BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
3:21-26 All mankind has sinned, but God provides an escape through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ - also 3:22b-23 Sin
3:27-31 Everyone can be reconciled with God, not by observing the Law, but through faith in Christ
ABRAHAM AS AN EXAMPLE OF JUSTIFICATION
Romans 4:1-25
4: 1-25 Abraham "justified" by faith before circumcision, not by obeying the Law afterwards; God's promises are for both Gentile and Jew
THE RESULT OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH IS CHRISTIAN SALVATION - SANCTIFICATION, PEACE, IMMORTALITY, THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 5:1-21
5: 1-5 With faith in Christ, we have God's peace, and can grow in spiritual maturity, even in suffering - 5: 3-5a Joy on earth; 5: 3-5a Maturity
5: 6-8 We are such powerless sinners, and God loves us so much, he sent Christ to die for us
5: 9-11 We are saved and reconciled with God, because of the blood of Christ
5:12-14 Sin and death came to all mankind through the disobedience of one man, Adam
5:15-19 Death and sin are now conquered through the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ
5:20-21 As sin brought death, so God's goodness brings eternal life
Romans 6:1-23
6: 1-14 Through baptism we die with Christ; as he rose again, so we are born again; now we live with Christ, we should be dead to sin - also 6:3-5 Baptism
6:15-23 Be slaves, not to sin but to God; sin leads to death, but God gives us eternal life
Romans 7:1-25
7: 1-6 An illustration; as death breaks the vows of marriage, so Christ's death sets us free from the Law - also 7:2,3a Adultery; 7:2-3 Divorce
7: 7-13 The Law was still needed; without it we would not have recognized sin, nor its power over us
7:14-20 We are ruled by sin and spiritually unable to meet the demands of the Law
7:21-25 We want to do what is right, but our sin stops us; only Christ can save us from this fatal dilemma
Romans 8:1-39
8:1-27 The Holy Spirit - also 8:1-4 Because of Christ, we are saved from the Law; 8:5-8 Through the Holy Spirit, we have victory over sin; 8:9-11 .... over death; 8:12-17 .... for all eternity; 8:18-25 This victory does not save us from present suffering or earthly frustration; 8:18,22 Trials of life; 8:26-27 The Holy Spirit actually supports us at these times; 8:26-27 Prayer
8:28-30 God has always known us, and always carries us
8:31-39 We can never lose, and nothing can ever separate us from Christ's love - also 8:35-39 Trials of life
THE JEWS OF ISRAEL, AND SALVATION THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
Romans 9:1-33
9:1-5 Paul's sorrow for his Jewish brothers - also 9:1-3 Paul's yearning for his fellow Jews to accept Christ
9:6-13 Why God has not included all Jews in his plan of salvation
9:14-29 God is not unjust; it is his business to whom he shows mercy and grants salvation - also 9:18-24 God's ways are not ours
9:30-33 The Jews still insist on good works; the Gentiles accept the need for faith in Christ
Romans 10:1-21
10: 1-4 The Jews still insist on good works (concluded)
10: 5-13 Salvation comes from believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord, and Lord of all
10:14-21 The Gospel must be preached, but still the Jews will not listen - also 10:14-17 Evangelism
Romans 11:1-36
11: 1-6 A remnant of Israel is being saved - also 11:1 Some of Paul's Jewish background
11: 7-12 The Jew's loss has been the Gentile's gain
11:13-21 The Gentiles have done nothing to receive God's salvation; they have nothing to boast of - also 11:13-14 He hopes to save some of the Jews for Christ
11:22-32 God can still receive back the Jews; and he will do so in full
11:33-36 God's wisdom and mystery
II - PRACTICAL ADVICE AND PERSONAL MATTERS
RELATIONS WITH OTHERS
Romans 12:1-21
12: 1-2 Maturity - also 12:2 Worldliness
12: 3-8 The Body of Christ - the Church - also 12: 3-5 Self-importance
12: 9a Love - its preeminence - also 12: 9a Insincerity
12: 9b Christian conduct
12:10 Christian fellowship - also 12:10b Self-importance
12:11 Laziness
12:12a The Happy
12:12b Trials of life
12:12c Prayer
12:13 Charitable giving - also 12:13 Hospitality
12:14 Enemies
12:15a The Happy
12:15b The Sorrowing
12:16a Christian fellowship
12:16b Snobbery
12:16c Conceit
12:17a Revenge
12:17b Witnesses to Christ
12:18 Peaceableness
12:19 Revenge
12:20-21 Enemies - also 12:21 Christian conduct
RELATIONS WITH AUTHORITY
Romans 13:1-14
13: 1-7 Government - also 13: 3-7 Law, Order and Justice; 13: 6-7 Taxes
13: 8-10 Love - its preeminence - also 13: 8a Debt
13:11-14 Christian conduct - also 13:13 Drunkenness; 13:13 Jealousy; 13:13 Quarrelling; 13:13 Sexual immorality
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE STRONG AND THE WEAK
Romans 14:1-23
14: 1-23 Differences of opinion - also 14:1-3 Food; 14:1-4a Vegetarianism; 14:5-6 Worship; 14:6b Fasting; 14:13 Judging others; 14:13 Responsibility for others; 14:14-15 Food; 14:17 Heaven; 14:20b-21 Food; 14:20b-21 Vegetarianism; 14:20b-23 Alcohol (wine); 14:21 Responsibility for others
Romans 15:1-33
15:1-3 Christian fellowship - also 15:1-2 Responsibility for others
15:4 The Holy Bible
15: 5-7 Christian fellowship
15: 8-13 Christ is the universal saviour of Jews and Gentiles - also 15:13 Blessings and prayers
PAUL'S HOPES AND PLANS
15:14-16 His reason for writing so boldly to the Christians in Rome - also 15:14 Responsibility for others
15:17-22 He wants to preach the Gospel wherever Christ is unknown
15:23-24 Paul hopes to visit Rome on his way to Spain ...
15:25-29 ... But first he must return to Jerusalem with gifts for the Church
15:30-33 Paul asks them to pray for his safety during his coming journeys - also 15:33 Blessings and prayers
AN INTRODUCTION AND GREETINGS; A WARNING AND A BLESSING
Romans 16:1-27
16: 1-2 He introduces Phoebe who is probably carrying Paul's letter to Rome - also 16: 1-2,3-5a Women
16: 3-16 Paul greets the Christians of Rome, many by name - also 16:6-7,12-13, 15b Women
16:17-20 He warns them about false teachers and trouble-makers - also 16:17-18 False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults; 16:19 Christian conduct; 16:20b Blessings and prayers
16:21-24 Greetings from some of the Christians in Corinth
16:25-27 A final blessing - also 16:25-27 Prayers
BOOK 7 - PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS
GREETINGS AND THANKSGIVING
1 Corinthians 1:1-31
1: 1-9 Greetings, thanksgiving, awaiting the return of Jesus in his strength
1: 1-3 Greetings to the church in Corinth
1: 3 Blessings and prayers
1: 4-9 Paul gives thanks for their Christian strength
I - MAJOR FAULTS CONDEMNED
SERIOUS DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH
1:10-17 Reject divisions; be united in the Gospel of the crucified Christ
1:10 Divisions in the Church
1:10-12 The first references to the divisions in the church
1:13-17 Paul's role in founding the church
1:17-18 Evangelism
1:18-25 Christ crucified is madness in the world's eyes; to those who are saved it is the wisdom of God
1:18 Worldliness
1:19-25 Wisdom
1:26-31 Many of the chosen are the weak and despised; then none can boast of their own wisdom and strength
1:26-29 Equality in God's sight
1:26-31 The unimportance of most of the Corinthians in worldly terms
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
2: 1-5 Paul came in weakness and fear, and preached nothing but the death of Jesus on the cross
2: 1-5 Paul's preaching was not eloquent, but in weakness to show God's power
2: 1-5 Preaching
2: 6-10a Only God's chosen people can understand this mystery; the world cannot
2: 6-8 The Gospel is not earthly wisdom, but the hidden wisdom of God
2: 6-8 Wisdom
2: 6-16 The Holy Spirit
2:10b-16 God's Spirit, giving us the mind of Christ, grants us this understanding
2:14-16 Spiritual insight & blindness
1 Corinthians 3:1-23
3: 1-9 You must be mature enough to understand that those who preach the Gospel are not important; they are merely God's servants
3: 1-4 They are still immature Christians; their divisions come from earthly jealousy and quarrelling
3: 5-10a Each of their Christian teachers had a part to play in their conversion
3: 5-11 Evangelism
3:10-15 You can only be built up on the foundation that is Christ; any other way will fail
3:16-17 Every Christian is God's holy temple, and home to his Holy Spirit
3:16-17 The Holy Spirit
3:16-17 The Human Body and Its Value
3:18-23 Become a Godly fool, not worldly wise; in God, through Christ, you have everything
3:18-19a Fooling ourselves
3:21-23 Each of their Christian teachers had a part to play in their conversion (concluded)
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
4: 1-5 Christian teachers are servants of Christ, judged only by God
4: 3-4 Independence
4: 6-7 Apply this criteria to your own teachers
4: 6-7 Hero-worship
4: 8-13 Paul's hard-hitting comparisons - the apostles are nothing, some of the Corinthians think themselves everything
4:14-17 Paul calls them back to the Gospel; Timothy will help them when he arrives
4:18-21 And when Paul arrives, he will take whatever action is necessary
4:20 Heaven
SEXUAL IMMORALITY
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
5: 1-8 The curse of sexual immorality in their midst; it must be dealt with
5: 1-2,9b-13 Church discipline
5: 6-8 Bad apples!
5: 9-13 Paul has already told them to avoid immoral Christians; God will deal with the non-Christians
5:11b Non-Christian behaviour
1 Corinthians 6:1-20
TAKING CHRISTIANS TO COURT
6: 1-8 Can't they deal with their own disputes? Why go to pagan law?
6: 1-2,5b-6 Disagreements
6: 8 Forgiveness
6: 9-11 The previous condition of many of them
6: 9-10 Heaven
6: 9-10 Non-Christian behaviour
6: 9b,10b Sexual immorality
GENERAL IMMORALITY
6:12-20 Christian freedom; sexual immorality
6:12-13a Addiction
6:12 Freedom as Christians
6:13b-20 Sexual immorality
6:13b-15a The Human Body and Its Value
6:19-20 The Human Body and Its Value (concluded)
II - ANSWERS TO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS FROM CORINTH
MARRIAGE
1 Corinthians 7:1-40
7: 1-16 Marriage
7: 1-2 Paul refers to their questions about Christian marriage
7: 5 The devil
7: 5 Sexual relations in marriage
7:17-24 New Christians
7:19b Obedience to God
7:22-24 Freedom as Christians
7:25-40 Marriage
THE MATTER OF MEAT SACRIFICED TO IDOLS - RELATIONS WITH PAGANS AND CHRISTIAN FREEDOM
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
8: 1-3 Maturity
8: 1a Their question about eating meat offered to idols in pagan ceremonies
8: 1b Love - its preeminence
8: 4-13 Responsibility for others
8:4,7-9,13 Food
1 Corinthians 9:1-27
9: 1-14 Paul's defence of his rights as an apostle
9: 4-14 Evangelism
9: 5 Celibacy
9:15-23 Yet Paul renounced his rights; his reward is to preach the Gospel in any way he can
9:24-27 Paul's strict and disciplined life as an example to others
9:24-27 The pilgrim life
1 Corinthians 10:1-33
10: 1-12 Religious complacency
10:11 The Holy Bible
10:13 Temptation
10:14-22 You cannot attend both the Lord's Supper and pagan sacrifices
10:14-15,19-21 The devil
10:16-17 The Lord's Supper
10:23-24 Freedom as Christians
10:25-26 Food
10:27-33 Responsibility for others
10:31 Witnesses to Christ
1 Corinthians 11:1-34
11: 1-2 Paul asks them to follow his example and remember his teaching
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
11: 3-16 Women
11: 3 Husbands
11: 3 Wives
11: 4-5,7 Worship
11:11-12 Equality in God's sight
11:17-34 Their unacceptable behaviour at the table of the Lord's Supper
11:17-19 Cliques
11:23-31 The Lord's Supper
11:23-34a The Lord's Supper - it's foundation and meaning; the need for self-examination beforehand
THE VALUE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, BUT THE PREEMINENCE OF LOVE
1 Corinthians 12:1-31
12: 1-3 Only through the Holy Spirit can we really know who Jesus is
12: 1 Their questions about spiritual gifts and worship
12: 1-3 The Holy Spirit
12: 4-13 The Body of Christ - the Church
12: 4-7 Diversity of talents
12:12-13 Equality in God's sight
12:12-13 The Holy Spirit
12:12-26 Every Christian has a role in the Church
12:27-30 The Body of Christ - the Church
12:31 Love - its preeminence
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
13: 1-13 Love - its preeminence (continued)
13:11 Maturity
13:12 The mystery of faith
1 Corinthians 14:1-40
14: 1a Love - its preeminence (concluded)
14: 1b-28 "Tongues"
14: 3-5,18-19 Preaching
14:18-19 Paul's ability to speak in tongues
14:20 Maturity
14:22-25 Preaching
14:26b Worship
14:29-33 Preaching
14:33a Chaos
14:34-35 Women
14:36-40 His authority as an apostle; a final word on worship
14:39-40 Worship
III - OTHER MATTERS
DEATH AND RESURRECTION
1 Corinthians 15:1-58
15: 1-11 Keep to the Gospel you have been taught - Christ died for our sins and rose again; the many witnesses include an unworthy Paul
15: 1-8 Paul summarises Christ's reason for dying; his summary of Christ's resurrection appearances
15: 9-11 Paul, an undeserving apostle
15:12-19 If there is no resurrection, Christ cannot have risen from the dead; our faith is futile, our hope pitiful
15:20-28 As death came through Adam, so life comes through Christ; he has destroyed death
15:29-34 Again, if there is no resurrection; it is pointless being persecuted for preaching the Gospel
15:29-34 A searching question - why bother to believe in the resurrection?
15:35-41 A resurrection analogy - the sown seed dying to grow into new life; other parallels in nature
15:35-38 Death
15:42-44a Resurrection transforms the weak and mortal body into a glorious spiritual body
15:42b-44 Death (concluded)
15:44b-49 As we have shared the natural body of Adam, so we will put on the spiritual body of Christ
15:50-53 Only the imperishable spiritual body will enter heaven
15:50 Heaven
15:51-55 Death
15:54-58 Death is defeated, sin overcome, and we have total victory through Christ; let no one cheat you of this truth
15:58 Another encouragement from Paul
VARIOUS BUSINESS AND PERSONAL MATTERS
1 Corinthians 16:1-24
16: 1-4 Practical advice on collecting for the church in Jerusalem
16: 5-9 Paul's immediate travel plans from Ephesus, including visiting Corinth
16:10-14 Proposed visits to Corinth by Timothy and Apollos; a short sermon
16:13-14 Maturity
16:14 Love - its preeminence
16:15-18 The welcome visitors from Corinth
16:19-24 Greetings from Asia; a curse; a final blessing
16:23-24 Blessings and prayers
BOOK 8 - PAUL'S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS
I - PAUL'S "GLAD" LETTER
SOME OF THE CHALLENGES PAUL HAS FACED
2 Corinthians 1:1-24
1: 1-7 Greetings to the church in Corinth; as God comforts us through Christ, so we can comfort others - also 1: 2 Blessings and prayers
1: 3-9 Trials of life
1: 5-6 The Suffering
1: 8-11 Paul's experiences in Asia; a lesson in trusting God
SOME OF HIS MISUNDERSTANDINGS WITH THE CHURCH AT CORINTH
1:12-14 His relations with the Corinthians are not based on worldly wisdom & standards
1:15-18 Paul's original travel plans
1:19-22 The Gospel first preached in Corinth by Paul, Silas & Timothy
1:23-24 Paul's reason for not making an early return to Corinth
2 Corinthians 2:1-17
2: 1-4 His hope that a letter would have more effect than a visit
2: 5-11 He recommends forgiveness of the "immoral man" in the Corinthian church - also 2:11 The devil
2:12-13 Paul's urgent need to receive Titus's report from Corinth
THE WAY OF THE TRUE APOSTLE OF CHRIST
2:14-17 The power of God as seen in the Apostle's of Christ - also 2:15-16a Witnesses to Christ
2 Corinthians 3:1-18
3: 1-6 The apostles need no recommendations; the lives of the Corinthian Christians are their credentials - also 3:6 The Holy Spirit
3: 7-18 As Christ's power is greater than the Law of Moses, so is the power of the apostles
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
4: 1-6 The apostles preach Christ's Gospel plainly, but many, including the false teachers, cannot see it - also 4:4 The devil
4: 7-14 The apostle's success, in spite of their apparent weakness, is to demonstrate the power of God - also 4:7-12 Trials of life
4:15-18 The apostles may seem defeated, but they know they eternal glory with God - also 4:15-18 Trials of life
2 Corinthians 5:1-21
5: 1-10 The Apostle's confidence in immortality, and their readiness for death - also 5:1b Heaven
5:11-15 Christ's love for the apostles compels them to serve the Christians of Corinth
5:16-21 The Apostle's spiritual ministry is to reconcile man to God; such men are new creations
2 Corinthians 6:1-18
6: 1-2 The Apostle's spiritual ministry is to reconcile man to God (concluded) - also 6: 1-2 Now is the time to receive God's gifts
6: 3-13 The hardships and the paradox of being an Apostle; the transparent honesty required - also 6: 4-10 Endurance; 6: 8b-10 Gods ways are not ours
PAUL'S APPEAL FOR RECONCILIATION, AND HIS JOY AT TITUS'S REPORT
6:14-18 You cannot combine Christian and pagan ways of living - also 6:14-15 Christian conduct; 6:16b The human body and its value
2 Corinthians 7:1-16
7: 1 You cannot combine Christian and pagan ways of living (concluded) - also 7: 1 Christian conduct
7: 2-4 Paul's honesty and love
7: 5-16 Paul joyfully receives Titus's report on the Corinthian church
COLLECTING FOR THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM
2 Corinthians 8:1-24
8: 1-5 Paul refers to the collection for the Church in Jerusalem, and the generosity of the Macedonians - also 8:2-4 Generosity; 8:2-5 Charitable giving
8: 6-15 He urges the Corinthians to exceed the generosity of the Macedonians - also 8:12-14a Generosity
8:16-24 Paul commends Titus and those who will be collecting the gifts for Jerusalem
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
9: 1-5 Paul's embarrassment if the Corinthians do not respond generously
9: 6-15 How God rewards the truly generous - also 9:6-11 Generosity; 9 8 God provides all our needs; 9:12-15 Witnesses to Christ
II - PAUL'S "STERN" LETTER
PAUL DEFENDS HIS MINISTRY AGAINST THE CLAIMS OF THE FALSE APOSTLES
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
10: 1-6 In earthly terms Paul appears weak, but in God's, he is spiritually invincible - also 10:3-5 Spiritual warfare
10: 7-11 Paul answers those who say he might write with power, but is nothing in person
10:12-18 He also responds to the false teachers who have all the answers; he knows his human limitation - also 10:18 Self-importance
2 Corinthians 11:1-33
11:1-6 Paul's godly jealousy that the church should follow the true Gospel - also 11:3-4 False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults
11:7-15 Paul's willingness to preach the Gospel without being a burden on the Corinthians; his consequent condemnation of the false teachers - also 11:14-15a The devil; 11:14b Spiritual warfare
HE EVEN "BOASTS" OF HIS QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES AS A CHRISTIAN
11:16-33 Paul "boasts like a fool" to justify his role as an apostle
2 Corinthians 12:1-21
12: 1-10 His "boasting" continues - his vision of heaven, his "thorn in the flesh" - also 12: 9-10 God's ways are not ours; 12: 9-10 Weakness
12:11-18 Paul justifies his boasting; his love for the Corinthians; his approaching visit
PAUL'S FINAL WARNINGS
12:19-21 Paul's aim is not to defend himself, but to warn them to turn away from sin before his arrival
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
13: 1-10 Paul's warning that sin must be dealt with; he may be weak, but God is strong - also 13:5a Hypocrisy
III - PAUL'S "GLAD" LETTER (concluded)
13:11-14 A final appeal; final greetings; a blessing - also 13:11a Christian conduct; 13:14 Prayers; 13:14 The Holy Trinity
BOOK 9 - PAUL'S LETTER TO THE GALATIANS
PAUL'S AUTHORITY AS AN APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES
Galatians 1:1-24
1:1-5 Greetings to the Christians of Galatia ... - also 1:1-5 Jesus' sacrifice to save us from our sins; 1:3-5 Blessings and prayers
1:6-7 ... Who are being led away from the Gospel of Christ
1:8-9 Paul totally condemns those responsible for false teaching - also 1:9 The Holy Bible
1:10-12 His Gospel, in contrast, was revealed to him directly by Jesus
1:13-24 Paul's zeal as a Jew; his early life as a Christian
Galatians 2:1-21
2:1-10 How he defended his ministry to the Gentiles - also 2:6 Status
2:11-14 His confrontation with Peter over forcing Gentiles to follow Jewish customs - also 2:12-14 Hypocrisy
2:15-21 We live by believing in Christ, not by obeying the Law; otherwise he died for nothing
THE CHOICE IS SLAVERY UNDER THE LAW OR FREEDOM IN CHRIST
Galatians 3:1-28
3:1-5 It is only by believing in the crucified Christ that God gives you his Holy Spirit - also 3:1-5 The Galatians must now choose between believing the new Gospel and obeying the old Law
3:6-9 Abraham as an example of living by faith, a faith freely available to all
3:10-14 No one can meet all the demands of the Law; faith in Jesus saves us from that impossibility
3:15-18 God told Abraham about the coming of Jesus long before he gave Moses the Law
3:19-25 The Law was given to sinful man to prepare the way for Christ's coming
3:26-29 Everyone who belongs to Christ receives everything that God promised Abraham - also 3:26-28 Equality in God's sight; 3:27-28 Women
Galatians 4:1-31
4:1-8 Under the Law, we are slaves to the world; in Christ, we become sons of God - also 4:6-7 The Holy Spirit
4:8-11 Having turned from pagan rituals, why now follow Jewish forms of worship
4:12-16 Paul pleads with them to return to the ways he taught them
4:17-20 He warns them not to be led astray by the false teachers - also 4:17-18 False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults
4:21-31 Abraham's two sons to illustrate the difference between being slaves to the Law and having freedom through faith in Christ - also 4:31 Freedom as Christians
Galatians 5:1-26
5:1 Freedom from slavery (concluded)
5:2-6 Circumcision is valueless; all that matters is faith in Christ, leading to action in love - also 5:1-3 They now have freedom in Christ; they must not become slaves to Jewish legalism; 5:6b Real religion
5:7-10 Those who hinder the Galatians progress as Christians will pay a price
5:11-12 Paul's total condemnation of those who preach circumcision
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY IS NOT A LICENCE FOR SELFISHNESS BUT AN OBLIGATION TO SERVE OTHERS
5:13 Christian conduct - also 5:13a Freedom as Christians
5:13b-14 Love its preeminence
5:15 Freedom as Christians
5:16-18 The Holy Spirit
5:19-21 Non-Christian behaviour
5:22-25 Christian conduct - also 5:22-25 The Holy Spirit
5:26 Self-importance
Galatians 6:1-18
6:1 Responsibility for others
6:2 Serving others
6:3-4 Fooling ourselves - also 6:4 Independence
6:5 Personal responsibility
6:6 Christian leaders
6:7-10 Reaping what we sow - also 6:9 Christian conduct; 6:9 Perseverance; 6:10 Serving others
PAUL'S EPILOGUE IN HIS OWN HAND
6:11 Paul's way of showing his distress
6:12-16 The self-seeking aims of the "Judaisers", and what the Galatians will lose - also 6:14 Worldliness; 6:14-16 In contrast, the preeminence of Christ's crucifixion
6:17-18 Paul emphasises his total commitment to Jesus; a final blessing - also 6:18 Prayers
BOOK 10 - PAUL'S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS
GOD'S PLAN TO SAVE ALL MANKIND
Ephesians 1:1-23
1:1-6 Greetings to the Ephesians and any other readers; God chose us before time began to be his sons through Jesus Christ - also 1:2 Blessings and prayers
1:7-10 God enables us to understand we are saved and forgiven through his son's sacrifice - also 1:9-10 Spiritual insight & blindness
1:11-14 All of us are included in this promise, which is confirmed by the Holy Spirit - also 1:13b-14 The Holy Spirit
1:15-19 Paul's prayer that all may receive wisdom, and appreciate the power God can make available to us - also 1:15-19 Paul gives thanks for the Ephesians
1:18-23 Unique claims of Christ - also 1:20-23 This is the power that raised Jesus from the dead, and confirms him as king of all creation
BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES ARE UNITED THROUGH CHRIST
Ephesians 2:1-22
2:1-3 Once we were all dead to worldly sin, now Christ has made us alive spiritually - also 2:1-3a Their previous condition
2:4-10 Now we are saved through faith in Christ, and not by any amount of good works we may do - also 2:5b,8-9 Real religion; 2:10 Duty
2:11-13 Before Christ came, Gentiles were excluded from God's promises to the Jews, but no longer - also 2:11-13, 19-20 How the Gentiles now have the same access to God as the Jews
2:14-18 Christ has brought Jew and Gentile together through his death on the cross
2:19-22 Now we are all building blocks in Christ's Church - also 2:19-20 Equality in God's sight; 2:21-22 The Holy Spirit
Ephesians 3:1-21
3:1 Now we are all building blocks in Christ's Church (concluded) - also 3:1 Paul in prison
3:2-6 It was revealed to Paul that God intended Christ to be for all men - also 3:2-9 His knowledge of Christ through revelation; his resulting ministry to the Gentiles
3:7-13 His duty is to reveal this mystery to the Gentiles so all may approach God directly through Christ - also 3:8 Humility; 3:8-9 Spiritual insight & blindness
3:14-19 Paul's prayer that they may know the immensity of Christ's love, and so love accordingly - also 3:16-17a The Holy Spirit; 3:17b-19 Love - its preeminence; 3:17b-19 Unique claims of Christ
3:20-21 A blessing:we have access to God's immeasurable power through Christ - also 3:20-21 Prayers
CHRISTIAN UNITY AND CHRISTIAN LIVING
Ephesians 4:1-32
4:1-6 Behave in a Christian manner; be united in the body of Christ - also 4:1 Paul confirms his imprisonment; 4:1b-3 Christian conduct; 4:3-6 The Holy Spirit; 4:4-6 Baptism
4:7-13 Our different spiritual gifts are needed to build the Church, the body of Christ
4:14-16 As mature and loving Christians, we are meant to play our part in building the Church of Christ - also 4:14-15 Maturity; 4:15-16 The Body of Christ - the Church
4:17-19 Therefore do not live like the Gentiles - ruled by your passions - also 4:17-19 Non-Christian behaviour; 4:17-20 The Gentiles must not return to their old pagan ways
4:20-24 You have been taught to reject your old earthly ways; you are a new creation
4:25 Lying
4:26-27 Anger - also 4:26-27 The devil; 4:26b-27 Reconciliation
4:28 Thieves
4:29 Christian conduct - also 4:29a Swearing and oaths; 4:29 The "Tongue"
4:30 The Holy Spirit
4:31-32 Christian conduct - also 4:32b Forgiveness
Ephesians 5:1-33
5:1-2 Love - its preeminence - also 5:1-2 Selflessness
5:3-21 Christian conduct - also 5:18 Alcohol (wine); 5:18 Drunkenness; 5:19-20a Worship; 5:21 Humility
CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS
5:22-24 Wives
5:25-33a Husbands - also 5:28-29 The human body and its value
5:33b Wives
Ephesians 6:1-24
6:1-3 Children's behaviour
6:4 Parents
6:5-8 Employees
6:9 Employers
CHRISTIAN DEFENCE AGAINST THE FORCES OF EVIL
6:10-18 As a Christian soldier, put on the full armour of God, and use it - also 6:10-13 The devil; 6:10-18 Spiritual warfare; 6:14-15,17 The Holy Bible; 6:18 Prayer
6:19-20 Paul asks for prayer
6:21-24 Tychicus will be Paul's messenger; a final blessing - also 6:23-24 Prayers
BOOK 11- PAUL'S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS
GREETINGS AND THANKSGIVING
Philippians 1:1-30
1:1-2 Greetings to bishops, deacons and all Christians - also 1:2 Blessings and prayers
1:3-11 Paul gives thanks for the Philippians; his affection and prayers for them
PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND CONTINUING MINISTRY
1:12-18a Paul's imprisonment furthers the Gospel
1:18b-26 All that matters is that Christ is preached; the hard choice between living and dying for him - also 1:18b-26 Whether Paul lives or dies, he longs to serve Christ
A CALL TO LIVE IN UNITY, LOVE AND HUMILITY
1:27-30 He encourages the Philippians to stand fast in their faith
Philippians 2:1-30
2:1-11 Be like Christ; live together in love, humility and selflessness - also 2:2b Christian fellowship; 2:3,5-8 Humility; 2:4 Responsibility for others; 2:8b Obedience to God; 2:11 Unique claims of Christ
2:12-18 Continue your Christian journey; shine like lights in a dark, fallen world - also 2:14-16a Christian conduct
PAUL'S MESSENGERS
2:19-24 Timothy will visit Philippi soon - also 2:21 Worldliness
2:25-30 Epaphroditus is returning to Philippi
FOR PAUL, NOTHING MATTERS IN LIFE BUT CHRIST
Philippians 3:1-21
3:1-6 Paul warns them about the "Judaisers"; he is as much a Jew as they, yet all that matters is knowing Jesus - also 3:2 Anti-Judaism
3:7-11 To lose everything for Christ is nothing; to know Christ through faith is everything - also 3:7-11 Paul's infinite commendation of all that Jesus Christ means; 3:7-11 Fulfilment as a Christian
3:12-16 Don't stand still or look back in your Christian life - also 3:12-16 Although still well short of perfection, Paul presses on towards Christ; 3:12-14 The pilgrim life; 3:13b-14 The past; 3:15-16 Maturity
3:17-21 His warnings against earthly living; his call to stand firm and live as Christians - also 3:17-21 Keep following the Christian way towards heaven; not the earthly path to destruction; 3:20-21 Death; 3:20-21 Heaven; 3:20-21 Worldliness
Philippians 4:1-23
4:1 His call confirmed - also 4:1 Keep following the Christian way towards heaven; not the earthly way to destruction (concluded)
ADVICE, THANKS AND FAREWELLS
4:2-3 A plea for personal differences between two women to be settled - also 4:2-3 Women
4:4-5 Christian conduct
4:6-7 Peace - also 4:6-7 Prayer; 4:6-7 Worry
4:8-9 Christian conduct - also 4:8b Beauty
4:10-13 Paul thanks them for their concern; he reveals the secret of his contentment - also 4:11b-12 Fulfilment as a Christian; 4:11b-13,19 Contentment
4:14-20 The continuing generosity of the Philippians
4:19 God provides all our needs
4:21-23 Final greetings and blessings - also 4:23 Prayers
BOOK 12 - PAUL'S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS
GREETINGS, THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER
Colossians 1:1-29
1:1-8 Greetings to the Christians of Colossae; the Gospel is changing the world as it is changing you - also 1:2b Blessings and prayers; 1:3-8 Paul gives thanks for their faith and love
1:9-14 Paul's prayer that they will know God's will and strength, and live accordingly, even in hard times - also 1:9-12 He prays that their knowledge and obedience to God will grow even as they suffer; 1:9b Spiritual insight & blindness; 1:10a Witnesses to Christ; 1:11-12 Trials of life
WHAT GOD HAS DONE THROUGH CHRIST
1:15-20 Unique claims of Christ - also 1:15-20 Christ is the image of God, creator of all things, head of the Church, and reconciles man to God; 1:15b-17,18b Creation
1:21-23 How they previously lived, their changed relationship with God, and the Gospel they heard - also 1:21-23 It is you who have been reconciled to God through Christ's death on the cross
PAUL'S MINISTRY AS AN APOSTLE
1:24-27 Paul's part in revealing the mystery of Christ to the Gentiles - also 1:24-29 Even in prison, Paul's ministry it to proclaim the glory of Christ to all people; 1:25b-27 Spiritual insight & blindness
1:28-29 He wants them to have a complete understanding of who Christ is - also 1:28-29 Evangelism
Colossians 2:1-23
2:1-3 He wants them to have a complete understanding of who Christ is (concluded) - also 2:1-3 His longing that the Colossians & Laodiceans will continue to learn more about love and Christ; 2:2b-3 Spiritual insight & blindness; 2:2b-3 Unique claims of Christ
PAUL DENOUNCES FALSE TEACHING; HE PROCLAIMS GOSPEL TRUTHS
2:4-8 Avoid any attempts to deceive you; live according to the Gospel of Jesus you were taught - also 2:4,8 He warns them against false teachers; 2:4,8, False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults; 2:6-7 Christian conduct; 2:6-7 Faith
2:9-15 Your sins are forgiven; because Christ died and rose again, God has given you total freedom - also 2:8 Intellectualism; 2:9-10 Unique claims of Christ; 2:11-12 Baptism; 2:13b-14 Unique claims of Christ
2:16-23 So have nothing to do with man-made religious rituals and spiritual ideas; you have Christ - also 2:16a,17 Food; 2:16-17 Religious observances; 2:18-19a False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults; 2:20-23 Religious observances
Colossians 3:1-25
3:1-4 Concentrate on heavenly, not earthly things - also 3:1-3,5a Worldliness
3:5-11 Stop behaving in the wicked ways that are so natural on earth - also 3:5-10 New Christians; 3:11 Equality in God's sight
LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
3:12-17 Christian conduct - also 3:12-14 As God's chosen people, learn to forgive, and above all, to love; 3:12b-13 Forgiveness; 3:12b-13 Patience; 3:12b-13 Tolerance; 3:14 Love - its preeminence; 3:15-17 Enjoy Christ's peace, worship together, do everything in the name of Jesus; 3:16b Worship; 3:17 Duty
3:18 Wives
3:19 Husbands
3:20 Children's behaviour
3:21 Parents
3:22-25 Employees - also 3:25 Employers
Colossians 4:1-18
4:1 Employers
4:2-6 Paul encourages them to pray, asks for prayer, and reminds them he is in prison; he also advises them on relations with non-Christians - also 4:2 Prayer; 4:5-6 Evangelism; 4:5-6 Witnesses to Christ
PERSONAL MESSAGES
4:7-9 Tychicus will be Paul's messenger, and accompany the returning Onesimus to Colossae
4:10-14 Paul includes greetings from fellow Christians Part in Rome
4:15-17 Paul sends his own greetings to the Colossians, and instructs them to circulate his letters
4:18 A personal farewell; a final reminder he is in prison - also 4:18b Blessings and prayers
BOOK 13 - PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS
THANKSGIVING
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
1:1-10 Paul gives thanks for the life and witness of the Thessalonian Christians - also 1:1 Blessings and prayers
PAUL AS AN APOSTLE
1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
2:1-12 He defends his motives and conduct as an apostle - also 2:3-12 Evangelism; 2:7 Christian leaders
PAUL'S LOVE AND ANXIETY FOR THEM
2:13-16 Paul praises their behaviour as they are persecuted because of the Gospel - also 2:13 The Holy Bible; 2:14-16 Anti-Judaism
2:17-20 Paul misses them
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
3:1-13 Paul is overjoyed at Timothy's report on their Christian progress - also 3:3-4a Trials of life; 3:11-13 A prayer for the Thessalonians; 3:11-13 Blessings and prayers
CALLS TO SEXUAL MORALITY, LOVE, AND EXAMPLE
1 Thessalonians 4:1-18
4:1-2 Paul introduces a summary of practical teaching
4:3-8 Sexual immorality - also 4:4-5 The human Body and its value
4:9-10 Love
4:11-12 Witnesses to Christ
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
4:13-18 Reassurances about those who die before Jesus returns
1 Thessalonians 5:1-28
5:1-11 Times and dates can not be known; continue to live the Christian life
MORE CALLS TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
5:12-13a Christian leaders
5:13b-22 Christian conduct - also 5:19 The Holy Spirit Part
5:23-28 Farewells & blessings - also 5:23-24 A final blessing and prayers
BOOK 14 - PAUL'S SECOND LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS
THANKSGIVING AND ENCOURAGEMENT
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
1:1-7a Paul again gives thanks for the life and witness of the Thessalonians - also 1:2 Blessings and prayers
1:7b-12 Christ will judge everyone when he returns
THE SECOND COMING
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
2:1-12 The anti-christ of Satan must appear before the return of Jesus - also 2:9-10a The devil
2:13-17 Paul's encouragement to stand firm - also 2:16-17 Blessings and prayers
A CALL FOR PRAYER, AND TO DISCIPLINE
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
3:1-15 Paul asks for prayer for his work, and warns against idleness - also 3:7-9 Evangelism; 3:10-12 Laziness
3:16-18 Farewells & blessings - also 3:16,18 Prayers
BOOK 15 - PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY
PAUL INSTRUCTS TIMOTHY TO DEFEND THE TRUE GOSPEL
1 Timothy 1:1-20
1:1-2 Greetings to Timothy - also 1:2b Blessings and prayers
1:3-4 Paul instructs him to stay in Ephesus, and deal with false teachers
1:5-7 Christian leaders
1:8-11 The Law is needed to control the wicked man; the Gospel to guide the good one
1:12-16 Paul was a wicked man, saved by God's goodness - also 1:12-16 Beyond hope?
1:15-17 Christ came to save sinners; as in Paul's case, no one is beyond salvation
1:18-20 Timothy is told to hold on to his faith; Paul names two men who did not
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING PUBLIC WORSHIP
1 Timothy 2:1-15
2:1-4 Worship - also 2:3-6 Unique claims of Christ
2:4-6 There is only one God, and Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man
2:7 Paul's appointment as an apostle to the Gentiles
2:8 Worship
2:9-15 Women - also 2:9b-10 Women's beauty
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF CHURCH LEADERS
1 Timothy 3:1-16
3:1-13 Christian leaders
3:14-15a Paul's reason for writing although he hopes to come soon
3:15b-16 The mystery of Christ's coming - also 3:16a The mystery of faith
HOW TIMOTHY SHOULD DEAL WITH FALSE TEACHERS
1 Timothy 4:1-16
4:1-2 Paul warns Timothy about those who will lose their Christian faith
4:3a Celibacy
4:3b-5 Food - also 4:4 The human body and its value; 4:4-5 The material universe
4:6-7 Christian leaders
4:8-11 Spiritual warfare - also 4:8 Physical fitness
4:12-16 Christian leaders - also 4:12 Young men and women; 4:13 Paul repeats his hope to come soon
HOW TIMOTHY SHOULD DEAL WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHURCH MEMBERS
1 Timothy 5:1-25
5:1-2 Christian leaders
5:3-16 Widows - also 5:3-4,7-8,16 Family responsibilities; 5:14a Marriage
5:17-20 Christian leaders - also 5:19-20 Church discipline
5:21 Favouritism - also 5:21 Impartiality; 5:21 Paul's insistence on impartiality
5:22 Christian leaders
5:23 Alcohol (wine) - also 5:23 Timothy's health, Paul's advice
5:24-25 Christian leaders
1 Timothy 6:1-21
6:1-2 Employees
WARNINGS ABOUT WEALTH; FINAL WARNINGS TO TIMOTHY
6:3-5 False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults - also 6:4b-5a Non-Christian behaviour; 6:5b Preaching prosperity
6:6-8 Materialism
6:9-10 Wealth
6:11-12 Christian conduct
6:13-16 Timothy's duty as a minister until Christ returns
6:17-19 Wealth - also 6:18-19 Charitable giving
6:20-21 Paul's final warning to hold to Christian doctrine; a blessing - also 6:20-21a Wisdom; 6:21b Prayers
BOOK 16 - PAUL'S SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
PAUL APPEALS TO TIMOTHY TO SHOW COURAGE
2 Timothy 1:1-18
1:1-4 Greetings; Paul's affection for Timothy - also 1:2b Blessings and prayers
1:5-7 He encourages Timothy in his faith and courage
1:8-12 Timothy should be prepared to suffer for the Gospel as Paul has - also 1:8-10 Suffer for the Gospel, for God has called us to a holy life and granted us immortality; 1:11-12 Evangelism
1:13-14 Paul's teaching as an example to Timothy
1:15-18 Paul's friends in Asia - the disloyal and the loyal
2 Timothy 2:1-26
2:1-2 Timothy must appoint reliable teachers
2:3-7 Christian leaders - also 2:3 Trials of life; 2:4-5 The pilgrim life
2:8-13 Sharing Christ's suffering means sharing his glory - also 2:9a Paul's treatment in prison
HOW TIMOTHY SHOULD DEAL WITH PRESENT PROBLEMS
2:14-15 Timothy's duty to the church and to God - also 2:14 Argumentative; 2:15 Christian leaders
2:16-18 False teaching destroys faith - also 2:16-17a False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults
2:19-23 Christian conduct - also 2:19a God - finding him; 2:20-21 The body of Christ - the Church; 2:23 Divisions in the Church
2:24-26 Christian leaders
FUTURE PROBLEMS, AND HOW THESE SHOULD BE DEALT WITH
2 Timothy 3:1-17
3:1-5 Non-Christian behaviour - also 3:1 The last days
3:6-9 False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults
3:10-11a Timothy should know what Paul has taught and suffered
3:11b-13 Trials of life
3:14-15 Timothy's grounding in scripture since childhood
3:15-17 The Holy Bible - also 3:15b-17 We are given insight of infinite value from God-inspired scripture
2 Timothy 4:1-22
4:1-5 Christian leaders - also 4:1-2 Paul exhorts Timothy to preach and teach; 4:3-4 False Christian teaching, false prophets, cults; 4:5a Trials of life; 4:5 Evangelism
4:6-8 Paul prepares for death
PERSONAL MATTERS
4:9-15 Paul's lonely imprisonment; only Luke is left to support him
4:16-18 He forgives those who deserted him; the Lord sustained him
4:19-22 Final greetings and instructions; a blessing - also 4:22 Prayers
BOOK 17 - PAUL'S LETTER TO TITUS
THE MAIN TASKS FACING TITUS IN CRETE
Titus 1:1-16
1:1-4 Paul's greetings to Titus - also 1:1-2,4 Blessings and prayers
1:5-9 Christian leaders - also 1:5 The reason Paul left Titus in Crete
1:10-16 Anti-Judaism - also 1:10-14 The threat from false teachers
TEACHING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Titus 2:1-15
2:1-8 Christian conduct - also 2:1 Paul exhorts Titus to teach sound doctrine; 2:6-7a Young men and women; 2:7 Christian leaders; 2:7b-8 Witnesses to Christ
2:9-10 Employees
2:11-14 Jesus came that we might live Godly lives until he returns - also 2:11-14 Christian conduct
2:15 Titus must teach and minister with authority - also 2:15 Christian leaders
Titus 3:1-15
3:1-2 Government - 3:2 Christian conduct; 3:2 The "Tongue"
3:3-8a We are saved from earthly sin and eternal damnation by Christ's sacrifice - also 3:3 Non-Christian behaviour
3:8b-11 Argumentation
3:9-11 Church discipline
FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
3:12-13 Paul's travel instructions
3:14-15 A warning about personal responsibility; farewell - also 3:14 Laziness; 3:14 Personal responsibility; 3:15b Blessings and prayers
BOOK 18 - PAUL'S LETTER TO PHILEMON
Philemon 1-25
1-3 Greetings to Philemon and his household - also 3 Blessings and prayers
4-7 Paul gives thanks for Philemon's Christian faith and witness
8-11 Paul introduces the matter of Onesimus, Philemon's escaped slave
12-21 He asks Philemon to welcome back Onesimus as a Christian brother
22-25 Paul hopes for release; his final farewells - also 25 Blessings and prayers
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