Through the Bible for Skeptics and Seekers

Paul begins by urging believers to restore and help one another when someone stumbles or falls into sin. He emphasizes the importance of gentleness and humility in this process, encouraging the stronger members of the community to come alongside the weaker ones to offer support and guidance. The chapter continues with the concept of accountability and personal responsibility. Paul encourages each...

Paul begins by emphasizing the freedom that believers have in Christ. He contrasts this freedom with the burden of legalistic observances and highlights that relying on circumcision or following the law for salvation is unnecessary. Instead, he stresses that faith in Christ is what truly matters. The chapter then shifts to the concept of living by the Spirit. Paul explains that when one follows th...

Paul begins by comparing the time when people were under the law to a period when they were like children under the guardianship of rules and regulations. Just as a child is subject to tutors and guardians until a certain appointed time, humanity was under the constraints of the law until the coming of Christ. Paul highlights the significance of Jesus' arrival, explaining that through his life...

Paul begins by reminding the Galatians that they received the Holy Spirit not through their adherence to the Jewish law but through faith. He points to the example of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, who was justified by his faith in God's promise rather than by obeying the law. Paul argues that all those who have faith in Christ are considered children of Abraham and share in the ble...

Paul begins by describing a visit to Jerusalem, where he met with other apostles, including Peter and James, to discuss the message they were preaching. He emphasizes that his message to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) is consistent with the gospel they all share, and they agreed that Paul and his companion Titus should continue their ministry to the Gentiles. A significant part of Galatians 2 re...

Paul starts by asserting his authority as an apostle, emphasizing that his message and authority come from Jesus Christ himself, not from human sources. He expresses concern about false teachings that have infiltrated the Galatian communities, particularly the idea that salvation requires adherence to certain Jewish laws and customs, such as circumcision. Paul vehemently opposes this notion and em...

Through Galatians for Skeptics, Seekers, and Those Who Love Them During the first missionary journey in A.D. 47 or 48, Paul and Barnabas arrived in the region, called Galatia. In one town they thought they were Greek gods! As is often happened to Paul, a riot broke out. (See Acts 14). They were planting Multiethnic churches made up of Jews and Gentiles who saw Jesus as their Rescuer. They saw Jesu...

Paul warns the Corinthian Christians that he is coming to visit them for a third time. He reminds them that during his visits, he will not hesitate to address any wrongdoings or issues that need correction. Paul urges them to examine themselves before his arrival, making sure they are living in accordance with their faith in Christ. The apostle emphasizes the importance of testing and proving thei...

Paul shares a personal experience where he was given a remarkable vision and revelation from God. He speaks of a thorn in his flesh, a metaphorical problem or weakness that he faced. Paul prayed three times for God to remove it, but God responded by saying His grace was sufficient to sustain Paul through his weakness, as His power is made perfect in weakness. Despite this thorn, Paul sees it as an...

Paul expresses his concern for the Corinthian Christians as false teachers have infiltrated their community. These deceitful individuals are preaching a different gospel and trying to lead the believers away from the true teachings of Jesus. Paul passionately defends his position as a genuine apostle, asserting that he has worked hard, endured numerous hardships, and even faced persecution for the...

Paul addresses some challenges within the Corinthian church. He defends his authority as an apostle and leader, responding to criticisms from certain individuals who questioned his credentials and undermined his ministry. Some felt he is not that impressive in his appearance or as a speaker yet his letters are bold. Paul asserts that though he is human, he carries divine authority granted by God t...

Paul uses the Macedonians' example to encourage the Corinthian Christians to also excel in the act of giving. He explains that giving should come from a willing heart and not out of compulsion. He reminds them that God loves a cheerful giver and that generosity is a reflection of their love for Him and their fellow believers. “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows g...

Paul discusses the grace of giving and the example set by the Macedonian churches. He praises the Macedonian believers for their generosity, even though they were experiencing their own difficulties and poverty. Despite their limited resources, they willingly gave to support the needs of other believers and the work of spreading the message of Jesus. The apostle also highlights the example of Jesu...

The tone seems to change in 2 Corinthians 7. Some think this is another letter being added as if 2 Corinthians was actually several of Paul’s letters compiled together. More than likely, Titus arrived with a positive report while Paul was writing the Corinthians. Paul expresses his joy and relief upon hearing that the Corinthian Christians have responded positively to his previous letter of correc...

Paul addresses the importance of living as authentic followers of Christ. He urges believers not to waste the grace of God by continuing in sinful behavior or compromising their faith. Instead, he encourages them to be genuine in their actions and attitudes, even in the face of hardships and trials. Hypocrisy is saying you are a follower of Jesus but not living anything like Jesus. Not only do you...

Paul discusses the hope and assurance that believers have in Jesus. He starts by expressing his desire for believers to look forward to the future, where we will have new bodies and be with the Lord in eternity. He explains that while we are in our earthly bodies, we long to be with God in our heavenly home, free from the limitations and struggles of this world. Paul emphasizes that our faith in C...

Paul talks about the ministry of spreading the message of Jesus. The message of Christ's love and salvation is valuable, but it is carried by imperfect and fragile human beings, symbolized by the jars of clay. Paul acknowledges that those who spread this message may face hardships and difficulties. They may encounter persecution, trials, and discouragement, but he emphasizes that the power of...

Paul highlights the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant. He explains that the old covenant, which was based on the law of Moses, brought condemnation because people could not fully obey it. However, the new covenant, established by Jesus, brings righteousness and life through the Spirit. Paul emphasizes that the new covenant is more glorious than the old one. He uses an analog...

Paul and the Corinthians are experiencing tension in their relationship. Some do not respect Paul and prefer others like Peter or Apollos. Some have started following what Paul sarcastically refers to as the “super apostles.” Some seemed to be upset that Paul was writing a letter rather than coming to visit. Paul explains that he chose not to visit them at that time to avoid causing more pain like...

Paul begins by praising God, who is the source of all comfort and compassion. He explains that as believers, we may face trials and troubles, but God is always there to provide comfort and support. Paul shares his own experiences of going through hardships, such as persecution and suffering, but he emphasizes that these experiences have allowed him to rely on God's strength. A religious mindse...

Paul provides instructions to the Corinthians regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He encourages them to set aside a portion of their income each week, according to their ability, to support the needs of the believers in Jerusalem. He discusses his travel plans, indicating that he intends to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia. He expresses his desire to spend some time...

Paul addresses the topic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance for believers. He presents the resurrection of Jesus as a foundational truth of the Christian faith. Paul provides multiple witnesses to the resurrection, including appearances to the apostles, to more than 500 people at once, and to himself. He emphasizes the transformative impact of Christ's resurrection and it...

Paul encourages the Corinthians to eagerly desire spiritual gifts but to exercise them in a way that promotes unity, understanding, and building up the church. He focuses on the proper use of spiritual gifts, specifically speaking in tongues and prophecy. He also does not want the women who do not yet understand what it means to follow Jesus to be disruptive. Paul urges the Corinthians to prioriti...

Paul emphasizes the importance of love and describes what true love requires. He explains that even if someone possesses incredible spiritual gifts or accomplishes remarkable feats, without love, those actions are ultimately empty and meaningless. Love is eternal and everlasting, and it should be the foundation of all relationships and actions within the church and beyond. He encourages them to em...

Paul addresses the topic of spiritual gifts and their purpose within the body of Christ. He begins by emphasizing that there are various spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, and each believer has a unique role to play in the functioning of the church. Just as the human body is made up of different parts with different functions, so too is the church. Each member has a specific gift and functi...