1 - 13 Food Offered to Idols
My notes say that Paul is talking here about an issue that the Corinthian congregations is struggling with: is it okay to eat meat that was left over by pagan sacrificial rituals. Acts 15.29 comes out against it - Paul doesn't really say. Paul basically says that the food isn't the root cause of sin against other Christians, but since it may be a factor, he's more or less against it. (13: Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.) I take this to mean a Christian must live by example.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
1 Corinthians 7
1 - 16 Directions Concerning Marriage
Paul states that a man and a woman should be married to avoid sexual immorality. The best bet for the unmarried and widowed is not to be married, but "it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion." (9) Paul recommends against separation and divorce. He also says that the unbelieving spouse is made holy by the believing spouse so they should divorce, but if the unbeliever wishes to separate, then that's okay.
17 - 24 The Life that the Lord Has Assigned
Paul doesn't recommend Christians to try to change themselves. "Let each of you lead that life that the Lord has assigned, to which God has called you." (17)
25 - 40 The Unmarried and Widows
Again Paul doesn't recommend the unmarried and widowed to marry. This makes sense, since it's hard to please both a spouse and follow one's heart in following God.
Paul states that a man and a woman should be married to avoid sexual immorality. The best bet for the unmarried and widowed is not to be married, but "it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion." (9) Paul recommends against separation and divorce. He also says that the unbelieving spouse is made holy by the believing spouse so they should divorce, but if the unbeliever wishes to separate, then that's okay.
17 - 24 The Life that the Lord Has Assigned
Paul doesn't recommend Christians to try to change themselves. "Let each of you lead that life that the Lord has assigned, to which God has called you." (17)
25 - 40 The Unmarried and Widows
Again Paul doesn't recommend the unmarried and widowed to marry. This makes sense, since it's hard to please both a spouse and follow one's heart in following God.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
1 Corinthians 6
1 - 11 Lawsuits Among Believers
Paul is against taking problems to the Roman courts. It's even worse when a believer goes against another believer in an unbeliever's court.
12 - 20 Glorify God in Body and Spirit
Paul corrects the Corinthians on what it means to be faithful to the gospel. 13 "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food," and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
19. Here it says the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (and not your own). In 20 we must remember that we were bought for a price, and therefore, we must glorify God in the body.
Paul is against taking problems to the Roman courts. It's even worse when a believer goes against another believer in an unbeliever's court.
12 - 20 Glorify God in Body and Spirit
Paul corrects the Corinthians on what it means to be faithful to the gospel. 13 "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food," and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
19. Here it says the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (and not your own). In 20 we must remember that we were bought for a price, and therefore, we must glorify God in the body.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
1 Corinthians 5
1 - 8 Sexual Immorality Defiles the Church
Paul describes a specific case in which an unnamed member of the Corinthian church is living with his step-mother. Paul recommends that they "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that his spirit be saved in the day of the Lord." I hope Paul means this figuratively - that the man must destroy his fleshly desires.
Paul then says that the old yeast (evil) must be cleaned out in the new dough so that the bread will rise.
9 - 13 Sexual Immorality Must Be Judged
Paul tells them not to associate with those who are sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber (I guess going to drill is a bad idea . . . ) He tells them not even to eat with these people (may notes say this could mean communion supper) . For what have I do do with judging the outside? . . . God will judge the outside. "Drive out the wicked person from among you" (12 - 13).
Paul describes a specific case in which an unnamed member of the Corinthian church is living with his step-mother. Paul recommends that they "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that his spirit be saved in the day of the Lord." I hope Paul means this figuratively - that the man must destroy his fleshly desires.
Paul then says that the old yeast (evil) must be cleaned out in the new dough so that the bread will rise.
9 - 13 Sexual Immorality Must Be Judged
Paul tells them not to associate with those who are sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber (I guess going to drill is a bad idea . . . ) He tells them not even to eat with these people (may notes say this could mean communion supper) . For what have I do do with judging the outside? . . . God will judge the outside. "Drive out the wicked person from among you" (12 - 13).
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
1 Corinthians 4
1 - 13 The Ministry of the Apostles
We must think of ourselves are servants to Christ and stewards of God's mysteries (the gospel). Don't worry about who will judge you (Paul states he doesn't judge himself).
What does the saying "Nothing beyond what is written" mean? Paul states that no one should be "puffed up" in favor of one against the other. I see this "puffing up" a lot between the different denominations.
8. Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! I think I wrote about this in an earlier entry - but of course, Paul is talking about spiritual riches.
14 - 21 Fatherly Admonition
Paul speaks to the Corinthians as a "father of the gospel." He wishes them to become imitators of him.
We must think of ourselves are servants to Christ and stewards of God's mysteries (the gospel). Don't worry about who will judge you (Paul states he doesn't judge himself).
What does the saying "Nothing beyond what is written" mean? Paul states that no one should be "puffed up" in favor of one against the other. I see this "puffing up" a lot between the different denominations.
8. Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! I think I wrote about this in an earlier entry - but of course, Paul is talking about spiritual riches.
14 - 21 Fatherly Admonition
Paul speaks to the Corinthians as a "father of the gospel." He wishes them to become imitators of him.
Monday, October 23, 2006
1 Corinthians 3
1 - 23 On Divisions in the Corinthian Church
Paul returns to the issue of the problems in the Corinthian Church. He states that they are "infants in Christ" (new Christians) and that he has fed them milk (Mother's milk) and not solid food. He says they're still not ready for solid food. This gives me the idea that being a Christian is a process and that certain issues are better for mature Christians than for newer Christians. (what these issues are, I don't know).
Paul likens building a church community to that of building a physical building - laying the foundation (Jesus Christ) and then going upward.
18. Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become folls so that you amy become wise. 19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. I don't take this to mean that one should avoid a secular education - one just shouldn't think one is wise in this world.
Don't boast about human leadership - you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God (21 - 23)
Paul returns to the issue of the problems in the Corinthian Church. He states that they are "infants in Christ" (new Christians) and that he has fed them milk (Mother's milk) and not solid food. He says they're still not ready for solid food. This gives me the idea that being a Christian is a process and that certain issues are better for mature Christians than for newer Christians. (what these issues are, I don't know).
Paul likens building a church community to that of building a physical building - laying the foundation (Jesus Christ) and then going upward.
18. Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become folls so that you amy become wise. 19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. I don't take this to mean that one should avoid a secular education - one just shouldn't think one is wise in this world.
Don't boast about human leadership - you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God (21 - 23)
Friday, October 20, 2006
1 Corinthians 2
1 - 5 Proclaiming Christ Crucified
Paul focuses on nothing "except Jesus Christ and him crucified" so that their faith might not "rest on human human wisdom but on the power of God."
6 - 16 The True Wisdom of God
Paul shows how the "foolishness" of the gospel is actually the highest wisdom. They are "revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everyting, even the depths of God." (10)
"Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (14) In order to understand God's word, one must open oneself to the message - otherwise we'll "think too much" and it will be blocked. (It's like when I watch Superman, I accept that he can fly - if I couldn't accept that "fact" I'd stop watching, and I'd miss the movie!)
Paul focuses on nothing "except Jesus Christ and him crucified" so that their faith might not "rest on human human wisdom but on the power of God."
6 - 16 The True Wisdom of God
Paul shows how the "foolishness" of the gospel is actually the highest wisdom. They are "revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everyting, even the depths of God." (10)
"Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (14) In order to understand God's word, one must open oneself to the message - otherwise we'll "think too much" and it will be blocked. (It's like when I watch Superman, I accept that he can fly - if I couldn't accept that "fact" I'd stop watching, and I'd miss the movie!)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
1 Corinthians 1
1 - 9 Salutation
Paul greets the Corinthians and prays thanks for the "grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus" . . . "just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened in you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for teh revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
10 - 17 Divisions in the Church
Paul's concerned that the community has been breaking down. Chloe's people reported that there were quarrels. It seems that some follow Paul, some Apollos (mentioned in Acts) and some Cephas (Peter?). Who baptized who seems to be an issue. Paul doesn't like this; he says that Christ did not send him "to baptize but to prclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power." The power of Christ's message is its simplicity. (Those who claim to know some secret or special truth shouldn't be trusted).
18 - 31 Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
Paul eschews "wisdom" and says the "the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" He goes on to say that "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak in the world to shame the strong, etc." (reminds me of the Beatitudes) He chose this so that one can "boast in the presence of God."
"He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, 'Let one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'" (30 - 31) It's okay to boast if God gets the glory.
Paul greets the Corinthians and prays thanks for the "grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus" . . . "just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened in you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for teh revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
10 - 17 Divisions in the Church
Paul's concerned that the community has been breaking down. Chloe's people reported that there were quarrels. It seems that some follow Paul, some Apollos (mentioned in Acts) and some Cephas (Peter?). Who baptized who seems to be an issue. Paul doesn't like this; he says that Christ did not send him "to baptize but to prclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power." The power of Christ's message is its simplicity. (Those who claim to know some secret or special truth shouldn't be trusted).
18 - 31 Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
Paul eschews "wisdom" and says the "the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" He goes on to say that "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak in the world to shame the strong, etc." (reminds me of the Beatitudes) He chose this so that one can "boast in the presence of God."
"He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, 'Let one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'" (30 - 31) It's okay to boast if God gets the glory.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
John 21
1 - 14 Jesus Appears in Galilee
Jesus helps Peter & the disciples catch fish.
15 - 19 Jesus' Instructions to Peter
Jesus asks Simon Peter if he loves him more than these (other disciples). Peter says he does. Jesus asks him a second time. Peter still does. Then he tells Peter, "Tend my sheep." When he asks Peter a third time if he loves him, Peter's feelings are hurt, Jesus says, "Feed my sheep" (My notes say this refers to Peter's leadership in the early church). Then Jesus warns that Peter may be martyred if he follows him.
Further, my notes say that "Peter's threefold profession of his love parallels his threefold denial.
20 - 25 The Beloved Disciple
At dinner, Peter wonders that someone is going to betray Jesus, but Jesus says again, "Follow me."
The book concludes by testifying that it is true.
Tomorrow, let's start 1 Corinthians!
Jesus helps Peter & the disciples catch fish.
15 - 19 Jesus' Instructions to Peter
Jesus asks Simon Peter if he loves him more than these (other disciples). Peter says he does. Jesus asks him a second time. Peter still does. Then he tells Peter, "Tend my sheep." When he asks Peter a third time if he loves him, Peter's feelings are hurt, Jesus says, "Feed my sheep" (My notes say this refers to Peter's leadership in the early church). Then Jesus warns that Peter may be martyred if he follows him.
Further, my notes say that "Peter's threefold profession of his love parallels his threefold denial.
20 - 25 The Beloved Disciple
At dinner, Peter wonders that someone is going to betray Jesus, but Jesus says again, "Follow me."
The book concludes by testifying that it is true.
Tomorrow, let's start 1 Corinthians!
Monday, October 16, 2006
John 20
1 - 10 the Empty Tomb
Mary Magdalene comes on Sunday and notices that stone had been removed from the tomb. She ran to Simon Peter and "the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved" who go to the tomb. The cloth that had been Jesus' head is by itself!
11 - 18 Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
She's crying outside the tomb and Jesus walks up to her.
Jesus: "Woman, why are you weeping?"
Mary: "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him."
Jesus: "Woman, why are you weeping?'
Mary: "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away."
Jesus: "Mary!"
Mary: "Rabbouni." (Teacher)
Jesus: "do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
She goes to the disciples and says, "I have seent the Lord."
19 - 24 Jesus Appears to the Disciples
He appears before the disciples and shows him the wounds on his hands and side. He breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
25 - 29 Jesus and Thomas
Thomas says he won't believe "(u)nless I see the mark of the nails on his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side". A week later, he sees them. Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Belessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
30 - 31 The Purpose of This Book
This book (which is only part of the signs he did in the presence of his disciples) was written "so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name."
Mary Magdalene comes on Sunday and notices that stone had been removed from the tomb. She ran to Simon Peter and "the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved" who go to the tomb. The cloth that had been Jesus' head is by itself!
11 - 18 Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
She's crying outside the tomb and Jesus walks up to her.
Jesus: "Woman, why are you weeping?"
Mary: "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him."
Jesus: "Woman, why are you weeping?'
Mary: "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away."
Jesus: "Mary!"
Mary: "Rabbouni." (Teacher)
Jesus: "do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
She goes to the disciples and says, "I have seent the Lord."
19 - 24 Jesus Appears to the Disciples
He appears before the disciples and shows him the wounds on his hands and side. He breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
25 - 29 Jesus and Thomas
Thomas says he won't believe "(u)nless I see the mark of the nails on his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side". A week later, he sees them. Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Belessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
30 - 31 The Purpose of This Book
This book (which is only part of the signs he did in the presence of his disciples) was written "so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name."
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
John 19
1 - 16 Jesus Before Pilate Continued
Since the Jews want Barabbas, Pilate has Jesus flogged. The soldiers give him a crown of thorns & dress him in a purple robe. The Jews want him crucified because he has claimed to be the Son of God. This makes Pilate afraid. He asks Jesus where he's from. No answer. Pilate explains that he has the power to crucify Jesus and Jesus says, "You would have no power over me unless it was given to you from above; therefore the one who anded me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." Pilate tries again to release him, but he bows to the public outcry. He asks if he should crucify their king. The crowd responds, "We have no king but the emporer. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified.
17 - 30 The Crucifixion of Jesus
They take Jesus and he carries his cross to the Place of the Skull (Golgotha) He was crucified with one on either side under a sign Pilate had maks that reads, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." The priests didn't like this, but Pilate says, "I have written what I have written." The soldiers cast lots for his stuff (fulfilling scripture). Lots of Marys come to see him - Jesus says, "I am thirsty," but he is given sour wine. After he receives the wine, he says, "It is finished," bows his head, and gives up his spirit.
31 - 37 Jesus' Side is Pierced
Since the soldiers don't want bodies hanging on their holy day, the Day of Preparation, the soldiers come and pierce his side (but don't break his legs). This fulfills scripture as well.
38 - 41 The Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea (not the husband of Mary) comes to take the body. Nicodemus brings 100 pounds of burial spices (!) They wrap Jesus' body according to Jewish custom and lay him in a tomb.
Since the Jews want Barabbas, Pilate has Jesus flogged. The soldiers give him a crown of thorns & dress him in a purple robe. The Jews want him crucified because he has claimed to be the Son of God. This makes Pilate afraid. He asks Jesus where he's from. No answer. Pilate explains that he has the power to crucify Jesus and Jesus says, "You would have no power over me unless it was given to you from above; therefore the one who anded me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." Pilate tries again to release him, but he bows to the public outcry. He asks if he should crucify their king. The crowd responds, "We have no king but the emporer. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified.
17 - 30 The Crucifixion of Jesus
They take Jesus and he carries his cross to the Place of the Skull (Golgotha) He was crucified with one on either side under a sign Pilate had maks that reads, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." The priests didn't like this, but Pilate says, "I have written what I have written." The soldiers cast lots for his stuff (fulfilling scripture). Lots of Marys come to see him - Jesus says, "I am thirsty," but he is given sour wine. After he receives the wine, he says, "It is finished," bows his head, and gives up his spirit.
31 - 37 Jesus' Side is Pierced
Since the soldiers don't want bodies hanging on their holy day, the Day of Preparation, the soldiers come and pierce his side (but don't break his legs). This fulfills scripture as well.
38 - 41 The Burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea (not the husband of Mary) comes to take the body. Nicodemus brings 100 pounds of burial spices (!) They wrap Jesus' body according to Jewish custom and lay him in a tomb.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
John 18
John 18
1 - 14 The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
After Jesus' prayer Jesus goes to the Kidron valley with his disciples. Judas brings a detachment (my notes say a detachment is 600 soldiers !) there to pick him up. Jesus goes peacefully - he even tells Simon Peter to put back his sword after he cuts off the ear of a high priest's slave. The Jewish soldiers take him before Annas (father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest). "Caiaphas is the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people."
15 - 18 Peter Denies Jesus
Peter follow Jesus, but when the woman asks him if he's a disciple, he denies it (you know, he might wish to avoid trouble regarding the slave's ear . . .)
19 - 24 The High Priest Questions Jesus
He says he has no secrets - the police hit him in the face. Then they send him bound to Caiaphas.
25 - 27 Peter Denies Jesus Again
He denies knowing Christ two more times (the second time by a relative of the man whose ear was cut off). Then the cock crows.
28 - 40 Jesus Before Pilate
Pilate asks Jesus if he's king of the Jews. Jesus evades answering. Pilate finds no case against him and asks the crowd if he should release him. They say to release the bandit Barabbas.
1 - 14 The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
After Jesus' prayer Jesus goes to the Kidron valley with his disciples. Judas brings a detachment (my notes say a detachment is 600 soldiers !) there to pick him up. Jesus goes peacefully - he even tells Simon Peter to put back his sword after he cuts off the ear of a high priest's slave. The Jewish soldiers take him before Annas (father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest). "Caiaphas is the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people."
15 - 18 Peter Denies Jesus
Peter follow Jesus, but when the woman asks him if he's a disciple, he denies it (you know, he might wish to avoid trouble regarding the slave's ear . . .)
19 - 24 The High Priest Questions Jesus
He says he has no secrets - the police hit him in the face. Then they send him bound to Caiaphas.
25 - 27 Peter Denies Jesus Again
He denies knowing Christ two more times (the second time by a relative of the man whose ear was cut off). Then the cock crows.
28 - 40 Jesus Before Pilate
Pilate asks Jesus if he's king of the Jews. Jesus evades answering. Pilate finds no case against him and asks the crowd if he should release him. They say to release the bandit Barabbas.
Monday, October 02, 2006
John 17
John 17
1 - 25 Jesus Prays for His Disciples
In Jesus' last prayer before his crucifixion, (my notes say that it shows how the Savior intercedes for his disciples before his departure), he prays, "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world . . . and they have kept your word." (6)
He goes on, "Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may bew one, as we are one." (Jesus wants his followers to worship as one).
Jesus prays, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world so I have sent them into the world. (17 - 18). Jesus wishes his followers are to carry on his teachings to the world. He expounds on this idea here: "The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one." Jesus looks for a "unity based on God's love" (my notes).
1 - 25 Jesus Prays for His Disciples
In Jesus' last prayer before his crucifixion, (my notes say that it shows how the Savior intercedes for his disciples before his departure), he prays, "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world . . . and they have kept your word." (6)
He goes on, "Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may bew one, as we are one." (Jesus wants his followers to worship as one).
Jesus prays, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world so I have sent them into the world. (17 - 18). Jesus wishes his followers are to carry on his teachings to the world. He expounds on this idea here: "The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one." Jesus looks for a "unity based on God's love" (my notes).
John 16
John 16
4b - 15 The Work of the Spirit
Jesus says that he must leave the world so the "Advocate" (Holy Spirit) cand prove the world wrong about sin and guide the world to truth.
16 - 24 Sorrow Will Turn into Joy
The disciples mutter amongst themselves, and Jesus says that things will get worse before they will get better. "So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." (22)
25 - 33 Peace for the Disciples
Jesus says that later he will speak more plainly; the disciples will be scattered but he will not be alone because he is with the Father. He says this so the disciples will be at peace. He concludes, "In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" (33)
4b - 15 The Work of the Spirit
Jesus says that he must leave the world so the "Advocate" (Holy Spirit) cand prove the world wrong about sin and guide the world to truth.
16 - 24 Sorrow Will Turn into Joy
The disciples mutter amongst themselves, and Jesus says that things will get worse before they will get better. "So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." (22)
25 - 33 Peace for the Disciples
Jesus says that later he will speak more plainly; the disciples will be scattered but he will not be alone because he is with the Father. He says this so the disciples will be at peace. He concludes, "In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" (33)
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