Philippians Overview

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

I know you know this already, but this is another letter written by Paul, from Prison.  Paul had visited Philippi during his second mission trip (if you printed the maps).  Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and his family were converted at Philippi. A few years later, the church was well established.

Paul is writing this letter to acknowledge a gift of money from the church at Philippi, brought to the apostle by Epaphroditus, one of its members.   This is a loving letter to a group of Christians special to Paul. ❤️

The book is about:

  • Christ is our life,
  • Christ in our mind,
  • Christ as our goal,
  • Christ as our strength,
  • and joy through suffering.

It was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, about thirty years after Christ’s ascension and almost ten years after Paul first preached at Philippi.  Paul is a prisoner of Nero (remember him?)🤮 yet he talks about “joy”. .

GOSPEL GREATER THAN CIRCUMSTANCE - Lighthouse Christian Church

A sneak peek of some familiar scriptures:

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

The book of Ephesians

~ Patricia ~ 1 Comment

If you read this today, you will see scatterings of familiar scriptures.  However, after reading these books chronologically, do unfamiliar scriptures now stand out to you?  Some read the blog first, then the scriptures, some read the scriptures first.  So be the blog author today.  What would you have written if you were me?    It’s not as easy as you think.  Try it…c’mon!

If you are not willing to do that, then tell me what stood out to you today?

Ephesians Overview

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This is not a typical Paul letter; it will not have your customary greeting, nor does it deal with a particular problem inside or outside the church.  It reads more like a sermon than a letter, focussing on the character of the church.  Yesterday we read about Jesus as the Head of the Church (Colossians), well in Ephesians, we will read about the Body of the Church (Believers).

Paul will state oneness between all believers, even Jews and Gentiles.  By no means does Jesus intend there to be a separate church for Judaism or Christianity. On the contrary, we are fully designed to be one church.  The word Church in Greek is Ecclesia, meaning the assembly of the called-out ones.  In other words, the body of believers.

The city of Ephesus was a RICH port to the Mediterranean Sea.  This huge city contained an enormous theater (holding 25,000 at a time), a town square, a marketplace, public baths, libraries, and several enormous temples (mainly to the fertility goddess, Diana, also called Artemis).

Ephesus

This book is about “actions.”  You will hear cool verses like “learn what pleases the Lord,” and you will read action words that we are to do as Christians like “put off…and put on”.  Not things that we ask the Lord to change in us, but things we are to do ourselves FOR the Lord.   Anyway, this might just be your new favorite book!

Here are some pictures of Ephesus of the Temple in Ephesus.  It held 25,000 people.  Yes, that is a lot, and the sound is incredible (I hear).

If you want to recall Paul’s trip to Ephesus and how he planted the church, click here to return to Acts 19.

 

The book of Philemon

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Click here to listen

A large portion of the letter addresses the Roman practice of slavery, specifically in the life of a man named Onesimus. This man was a runaway slave of Philemon, a church leader in Colossae.

Paul’s letter to Philemon includes five main parts:

  1. An introduction (1:1–3),
  2. encouragement to Philemon (1:4–7),
  3. a request regarding the runaway slave Onesimus (1:8–16),
  4. a pledge to Philemon from Paul (1:17–22)
  5. and a brief conclusion (1:23–25).

(I listened to the book; I loved it when Paul said, “Get my room ready…I am coming to visit)

When you think about the letter’s purpose, don’t think of the people but think of God’s character. So what is the purpose of this book?

  • Respect
  • Love
  • Forgiveness
  • Care
  • Protection

 

The book of Colossians

~ Patricia ~ 5 Comments

If you missed the “Overview” from last night, it would help to read it.  It helps to know why some of these topics are being addressed.  Because Paul is about to teach about false philosophies in Colossae, he begins with the reminder that Jesus is Supreme above all.  So even if you let some of that false teaching “in” and believe in superstitions, reading cards, horoscopes, the ‘elements’ like fire and water, remember: Jesus is Supreme and lords over all of it.

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Chapter 2…here we go: (this will make sense if you read the overview)

  • 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. (he knows they are)
  • 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ
  • .He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
  • 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 
  • do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.
  • 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Chapter 3. What is the solution to the dilemma?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

Set your HEART and your Mind on Christ.

Watch how the list of sins starts from the “outside” and works its way to the “core” and then reverses.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: 

  • sexual immorality, 
  • impurity, lust,
  • evil desires
  • and greed, 

which is idolatry.

Next:

8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these:

  • anger,
  • rage,
  • malice,
  • slander,
  •  and filthy language

AFTER that has been ridden (is that a word?), THEN you replace it with, Christ will replace it with the fruits of the Spirit.  (You have to pull the weeds from the garden if you want the flowers to grow) 

clothe yourselves with

  • compassion,
  • kindness,
  • humility, 
  • gentleness
  • and patience.

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Ok, if I started cutting and pasting scripture, we would be here all day….such GEMS in this book!!  I would love for you to tell me which one you loved (or several!).

I read the final greeting.  Such LOVE.   It is hard to imagine that this was the guy that asked for permission to go have people in Damascus arrested just so he could bring them to Jerusalem to stone them….for following Jesus!!

9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

 

That is our segway scripture to the next book….Philemon.

Philemon Overview (yup 2 books tomorrow)

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Philemon

This one little book in the Bible may be only 25 verses, but it completely encompasses the change Christ can have on us.  Have you ever read it?  ( I am not even sure I know how to pronounce it)

This book is about 2 things:

  1. Love
  2. Forgiveness

So if you struggle with either/both of those,  dig in.

  • Paul is in prison and comes to meet a man by the name of Onesimus.
  • Onesimus is a runaway slave to Paul’s friend Philemon in Colosse (a leader in the Church).
  • So, before meeting Paul was considered useless, Onesimus has come to be a Christ Follower (Christian); thus, his name Onesimus actually means “useful” in Greek.

Paul writes a letter from the Love in his heart to Philemon to accept and forgive Onesimus for running away and committing crimes.   Paul not only asks for forgiveness but also for his protection.

Enjoy this wonderful personal letter that Paul writes from prison.  By the way, if you ever had to defend “Slavery” in the Bible, it is important to arm yourself with what God intended slavery to be and how slaves were to be treated.  Slavery was a vehicle for poor people to work to get on their feet again.  This book is a beautiful reflection of how God wanted slaves to be treated.  So if you were faced with “Well, God supported slavery…” here is another tool in your apologetic toolbox.

Colossians Overview

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Colossians: The Supremacy & Sufficiency of Jesus — Immanuel Church

Collossians: Setting the Stage

Paul established a church in Colossae on his third missionary journey.  Today this area is in Turkey.  There were two prominent men in Colossae, Philemon, and Epaphus,  who became Christians and spread the message while Paul was in Prison.   Paul wrote them this letter to be read in the Church.

The trouble in Colossae was other ideas, and philosophies from other religions were being introduced and put on the same level as Christianity.  (pertinent to today or what!).

  1. Syncretism- This idea of “there are many ways to God” has been since the beginning of the Church.  I have heard people say, “You have your way, and I have mine…it’s personal.” But, no, it is Doctrinal.  Syncretism does not abandon the idea of 1 God, but it adds in other supernatural forces such as astrology and puts cult-like practices equal with Christianity.
  2. Mysticism –reliant on visions, angelic sightings, or supernatural experiences to improve your relationship with God, affected the Colossians. Paul will use the terms “worship of angels” and “what he has seen” to identify this activity.
  3. Gnottiscims– Colossians also believed in a “higher” knowledge (Gnosticism) such as so-called scientific, archaeological, or paleontological “facts” that contradict Scripture.
  4. Legalism: observance of laws to win God’s love (legalism).
  5. Asceticism– abstaining from things to earn merit with God. Some examples are: fasting to force God’s hand, living in isolation to avoid temptation, and self-mutilation to mortify the flesh.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies.

Acts 27-28

~ Patricia ~ 4 Comments

The last chapters of Acts!!

Extra credit: Here is a cool video I stumbled upon.

This post is just for entertainment and visual support.  Just a fun one to look at.

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME
Acts 27:1-28:16
DEPARTURE > DESTINATION MILES
Jerusalem to Caesarea 65
Caesarea to Sidon 70
Sidon to Myra 500
Myra to Cnidus 130
Cnidus to Salmone 130
Salmone to Fair Havens 80
Fair Havens to Phoenix 40
Phoenix to Cauda 50
Cauda to Malta 500+
Malta to Syracuse 85
Syracuse to Rhegium 85
Rhegium to Puteoli 200
Puteoli to Forum of Appius 100
Forum of Appius to Three Taverns 10
Three Taverns to Rome 35
Approximate Distance Traveled 2,130

I hope these visuals help with the read.  If you read it slowly, you will pick up on small details like “we,” meaning Luke traveled with him or Paul knew more about sailing than the sailors.  Just some fun details.

29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So, the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

Why did Paul say this?  Because an angel of the Lord had told him ❤️

4 anchors were found off the coast of Malta at the exact depth Paul’s ship dropped theirs.  Is it from Paul’s ship? IDK, but they are dated from the 1st century.

This is an Alexandria Ship

Acts | DWELLING in the Word

11 After three months, we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.

  • Now, if you are a John Travolta fan, you may have thought of the movie Face-Off.  (Soooo good!!)
  • If you are a reader, you may have recognized them from The Lightning Thief or The Mocking Jay.
  • If you are a Gemini like me, you might have recognized the names.  And no, I do not read horoscopes (I did as a teen).  They are the Gemini constellation.
  • Why would a Greek boat have Castor and Pollux figureheads?
    • Castor was the mortal son of King Tyndareus, while Pollux was the immortal son of Zeus. Both Castor and Pollux, being identical twins, were inseparable in their looks and actions. Castor was a great horseman, and Pollux was a great fighter. Together, they went with Jason on the Argo and saved the ship from a terrible storm. Pollux pleaded with Zeus to bring him back when Castor was killed in battle. Zeus agreed to immortalize Castor and Pollux if they spent half of their time on the Earth and the other half amongst the stars in the heavens. Since then, when sailors saw these two stars together, they knew their journey would be prosperous. However, seeing only one star foretold bad luck.

ANTINOUS THE GAY GOD: CASTOR AND POLLUX TWIN GODS OF HOMOSEXUALITY

Acts ends with…

30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Why are these called the Prison Epistles ?

Acts 24-26

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

If we recapped yesterday,

  • Paul brought an offering to Jerusalem. 
  • He was accused of being unclean (not true) but took part in a ceremonial cleansing anyway to keep the Peace. 
  • He was then accused of bringing Gentiles into the Temple (not true he had not even met them).   
  • When Paul is beaten and flogged, he lets them know he is a Roman- they stop immediately!

 

He now stands before Felix in Caesarea, the governor of Judea and Samaria.  He was formerly a slave but was promoted by Caesar to be a governor. Even though he was known for hating the Jews, his beautiful wife, Druscilla, was Jewish. (see above 12 & 13)

Souvenir Chronicles: ISRAEL: CAESAREA

Five days later, Ananias, the high priest, some Jewish elders, and a hired lawyer named Tertullus showed up. Once the proceedings had begun, Tertullus and the Jewish leaders accused Paul of being a troublemaker who had attempted to desecrate the Temple.Good Liars: Their Characteristics and Why They are So Hard to Detect | Workplace Psychology

Given his turn to speak, Paul politely denied the charges against him. He also pointed out that his actual accusers, Jews from Asia, were not present and that he had not been found guilty of any crime before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.

Nevertheless, Paul sat in prison for 2 years…2 years! He was waiting for Paul to offer him a bribe!

Paul defends himself in Ceasrea and says:

8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”

9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”

And then in verse 11, he says:

“I appeal to Caesar!”

12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar, you will go!

(Keep in the back of your head, the Caesar in Rome at this time was the one and only Ceasar NERO!

NO one wants to look like an idiot.  If Fetus had brought Paul to Rome before Caesar without a charge, he would have looked incompetent.  So let’s have another trial…clearly, I am missing something, right?  Let’s bring him before King Agrippa!  Look at his genealogy!

His Father has James killed.

His Grandfather killed John the Baptist.  CLEARLY, if anyone can find fault in “the way,” it will be Agrippa!

Now ANOTHER trial.  Attempting to handle matters locally, King Agrippa hears Paul’s defense.  Look at the chart again.  Who is  King Agrippa rumored to be in love with??

🤮

24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome.

Paul had already played his hand.  As a Roman citizen, he had a legal right to be tried in Rome.

Paul continues with the BEST possible defense one can give for proving Truth:

YOUR TESTIMONY!

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

and Agrippa says:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

To be continued…

Airline Boarding Pass Tickets To Rome Isolated On White - The.. Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 92598263.