Five hundred years ago this month, Martin Luther, a 33-year-old theology professor, posted his 95 Theses. And although he was seeking, at first, merely to refute a papal charlatan who was milking Luther’s flock by selling indulgences, Luther’s act of defiance became the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation-and the world has never been the … Continue reading –>
There’s no question that the personal touch is the best way to communicate in most cases. We can phone, email, text, even Skype, but face to face, flesh to flesh, is the best way to communicate. That’s why Paul announced in his letter to the Romans that he intended to see them in person. He … Continue reading –>
Romans 16:1-2 indicates that Paul probably wrote Romans in the Greek city of Cenchreae, which was near Corinth. Paul’s mention of Phoebe, a resident of greater Corinth, establishes that place as the likely background for the letter to the Romans. One of the purposes of establishing the city of origin of the New Testament epistles is … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rom. 15:20-27, Acts 28:17-31, Phil. 1:12, Rom. 1:7, Ephesians 1, Rom. 15:14. Memory Text: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8, NKJV). It is important for a student of the book of Romans to understand the book’s historical background. Context isalways … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose … Continue reading –>
(Gal. 6:16-18) Paul bestows his blessing on those who, he says, “follow this rule” (Gal. 6:16, NIV, NRSV) . Given the context, what “rule” do you think Paul is talking about? The word translated “rule” literally refers to a straight rod or bar used by masons or carpenters for measuring. The word eventually took on a figurative meaning … Continue reading –>
Having emphasized the centrality of the Cross of Christ to the Christian life, Paul now emphasizes the second fundamental tenet of his gospel message: justification by faith. As we have seen all quarter, Paul has basically pitted circumcision against the gospel. Yet, he’s not against the practice itself. Paul has made several strong statements against … Continue reading –>
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14) . Having exposed the motives that prompted some to insist on circumcision, Paul presents his gospel message to the Galatians one final time, though only … Continue reading –>
Read Galatians 6:12-13. What is Paul saying in these verses? Although Paul has hinted previously about the agenda and motivation of his opponents (see Gal. 1:7, Gal. 4:17), his remarks in Galatians 6:12-13 are the first explicit comments he makes about his opponents. He describes them as wanting “to make a good showing in the flesh” (ESV). The phrase “a good … Continue reading –>
Compare Paul’s closing remarks in Galatians 6:11-18 to the final remarks he makes in his other letters. In what way is the ending of Galatians similar to and different from them? (See the final remarks in Romans, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians.) Paul’s closing remarks are not always uniform, … Continue reading –>
