There are three types of literature in the Old Testament: the Law (Torah), the Prophets and the Writings. Genesis starts with creation and the fall until chapter 12 when it shifts its focus to the story of the patriarchs. Later, Joseph is the bridge between the Patriarchs and Moses (who is the one that leads them out of Egyptian captivity in Exodus). They will wander in the wilderness for 40 years and not reach the Read more…
At this point, Paul is likely chained to a Roman centurion so armor is right in front of him. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. BSB Some Christians see the world going to Hell so their approach is to get out the life preservers and simply hang on. Others Read more…
Verses 10 through 20 start another problematic section for some as in our enlightened, rational thinking world, any notions about the supernatural are often ignored and/or dismissed by many in the modern church. As a result, we aren’t as comfortable talking about these things as Paul is. This could easily make us ignorant of a fundamental truth that was obvious to Paul and every early Christian and that is there is more than one will Read more…
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely, 3“that it may go well with you and that you will live a long time on the earth.” NET While there were words that were in the general neighborhood, the word “obey” didn’t appear in the conversation about husbands and wives. The overarching principle at work in Read more…
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26 to sanctify Read more…
Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. NET In the ancient world, an Read more…
Ephesians 5:8 or you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – 9 for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For the things they do in secret are shameful even to Read more…
Ephesians 5:2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. NET The Bible often uses anthropomorphic (from the Greek words meaning “man” and “form”) language to describe God. This language may describe God in physical terms such as His arms or eyes or it may be in terms of feelings and emotions. In the days of the Temple, animals were being Read more…
Ephesians 4:28 The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. NET The Jewish community has a high regard for labor. Everyone had a trade since work is something God created for good before the fall (Genesis 2:15). Although Paul tells the Thessalonians that they weren’t going to eat if they didn’t Read more…
Ephesians 4:20 But you did not learn Christ that way; 21 if indeed you heard Him, and were taught in Him, even as truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old self, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, who in the likeness of Read more…