1 - 13 Visit of the Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon to ask him questions. She arrived with camels and spices, gold and jewels, and Solomon answers her questions. The Queen was breathless at the king's wisdom, temple, workers and holocaust, and she compliments him. She gave the king 120 talents, spices, and jewels. Hiram's fleet was used to bring timber and more precious stones and Solomon made harps and lyres out of it. When Solomon gave the Queen everything she desire, she returned to her country.
14 - 29 Solomon's Wealth
Here is a long list of Solomon's possessions. In a word, he was wealthy.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
1 Kings 9
1 - 9 Promise and Warning to Solomon
After the Temple is finished, the Lord appears to Solomon and promises to be there always and that if Solomon is upright and sincere as David was (!) He will establish his sovereignty over Israel forever. If Solomon or his descendants draw away from God, the Lord will cut off Israel and the temple will become a "heap of ruins."
10 - 28 Other Acts of the King
After 20 years, Solomon gave Hiram 20 cities in Galilee. Hiram sends Solomon 120 talents (three million six hundred thousand dollars - that was lot back then).
King Solomon levied forced labor to build the temple. (No Israelites were used - except as supervisors).
Solomon built Millo for Pharaoh's daughter.
Solomon offered three holocausts a year & kept the temple in good shape.
Solomon built a fleet at Eziongeber with seamen who went to Ophir and brought back 420 talents
After the Temple is finished, the Lord appears to Solomon and promises to be there always and that if Solomon is upright and sincere as David was (!) He will establish his sovereignty over Israel forever. If Solomon or his descendants draw away from God, the Lord will cut off Israel and the temple will become a "heap of ruins."
10 - 28 Other Acts of the King
After 20 years, Solomon gave Hiram 20 cities in Galilee. Hiram sends Solomon 120 talents (three million six hundred thousand dollars - that was lot back then).
King Solomon levied forced labor to build the temple. (No Israelites were used - except as supervisors).
Solomon built Millo for Pharaoh's daughter.
Solomon offered three holocausts a year & kept the temple in good shape.
Solomon built a fleet at Eziongeber with seamen who went to Ophir and brought back 420 talents
Thursday, August 28, 2008
1 Kings 8
1 - 21 Dedication of the Temple
My notes contextualize this pretty well: The transfer of th Ark of the Covenant into the newly constructed temple building, and the oracle of God's acceptance (1 Kings 9, 3-9), and his act of possession (1 Kings 8, 10-13), constituted the temple's solemn dedication, and made of it the abiding dwelling of God among his people for which David had hoped. The concurrence of the feast of Booths marks an appropriate transition of God's dwelling among nomadic trabes to his permanent abode among a settled people.
22 - 66 Solomon's Prayer
Solomon prays to the Lord for justice and in praise. Then he offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Then there was a great festival. (It sounds as if they ate well!) "On the eighth day he dismissed the people, who bade the king farewell and went to their homes, rejoicing and happy over all the blessings the LORD had given to his servant David and to his people Israel." (66)
My notes contextualize this pretty well: The transfer of th Ark of the Covenant into the newly constructed temple building, and the oracle of God's acceptance (1 Kings 9, 3-9), and his act of possession (1 Kings 8, 10-13), constituted the temple's solemn dedication, and made of it the abiding dwelling of God among his people for which David had hoped. The concurrence of the feast of Booths marks an appropriate transition of God's dwelling among nomadic trabes to his permanent abode among a settled people.
22 - 66 Solomon's Prayer
Solomon prays to the Lord for justice and in praise. Then he offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Then there was a great festival. (It sounds as if they ate well!) "On the eighth day he dismissed the people, who bade the king farewell and went to their homes, rejoicing and happy over all the blessings the LORD had given to his servant David and to his people Israel." (66)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
1 Kings 7
1 - 12 Building the Palace
Solomon spent 13 years constructing his palace. It is described as being very large and opulent.
13 - 51 Furnishing the Temple
My notes: "The two hollow bronze columns, Jachin and Boaz, stood free to the right and left of the temple porch. The names are related to God's power (Boaz) [I always thought that meant "Outlet Mall" - K] founding (Jachine) the temple and his people. (15-21)" Then . . . "The sea . . . rested on 12 oxen: this was a large circular tank containing about 12,000 gallons of water."
When it was completed, Solomon dedicated offerings of David, putting gold and silver into the temple treasuries.
Solomon spent 13 years constructing his palace. It is described as being very large and opulent.
13 - 51 Furnishing the Temple
My notes: "The two hollow bronze columns, Jachin and Boaz, stood free to the right and left of the temple porch. The names are related to God's power (Boaz) [I always thought that meant "Outlet Mall" - K] founding (Jachine) the temple and his people. (15-21)" Then . . . "The sea . . . rested on 12 oxen: this was a large circular tank containing about 12,000 gallons of water."
When it was completed, Solomon dedicated offerings of David, putting gold and silver into the temple treasuries.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
1 Kings 6
1 - 38 Building the Temple
480 years after the Israelites departed Egypt, in Solomon's fourth year as king, construction began. (My Notes: "Construction of the temple is here paralleled in importance with the founding of the nation after the departure from Egypt. In both, God is the central figure who chose Israel as his people, and now chooses the place where his temple should be built. The year given is a round number, 480, which corresponds to twelve generations. The fourth year of Solomon's reign = c. 968 B.C.)
The specs of the new temple are given. (My notes: The sanctuary of the holy of holies reserved for the Lord is the innermost part of the temple. Here through his presence he dwelt as on a throne between the cherubim above the ark of the covenant.) Solomon used the cedar and gold and put many nice carvings inside. It took about seven years to complete it.
Monday, August 18, 2008
1 Kings 5
1 - 14 Solomon's Royal State (Continued)
Solomon has quite a spread - lots of land, supplies and chariot horses. He's also the wisest man in land (3000 proverbs & 1005 songs) He knew a lot about plants and animals, and people came from all the earth to hear him.
15 - 32 Preparation for the Temple
Solomon writes to Hiram that since his father's enemies are gone, he will be able to build a temple. Hiram agrees to supply the lumber. In return, Solomon gives Hiram's family wheat and oil, and there is peace between them. Solomon consecrates 30,000 workers, 70,000 carriers and 80,000 stonecutters, 3,300 overseers. Large blocks are quarried for the foundation.
Solomon has quite a spread - lots of land, supplies and chariot horses. He's also the wisest man in land (3000 proverbs & 1005 songs) He knew a lot about plants and animals, and people came from all the earth to hear him.
15 - 32 Preparation for the Temple
Solomon writes to Hiram that since his father's enemies are gone, he will be able to build a temple. Hiram agrees to supply the lumber. In return, Solomon gives Hiram's family wheat and oil, and there is peace between them. Solomon consecrates 30,000 workers, 70,000 carriers and 80,000 stonecutters, 3,300 overseers. Large blocks are quarried for the foundation.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
1 Kings 4
1 - 6 Chief Officers of the Kingdom.
Solomon was king over all of Israel, and then we have a list of officials. (Cool names like Zadok, Jehoshaphat, and Adoniram (superintendent of the forced labor - I'd hate to be on his bad side).
7 - 19 Solomon's Royal State
Solomon had twelve commissaries for all Israel who supplied food for the king and his household, each having to provide for one month of the year.
My notes: "The administration of the kingdom thus initiated by Solomon continued in its main features for the duration of the monarchy in Israel and Judah.
Solomon was king over all of Israel, and then we have a list of officials. (Cool names like Zadok, Jehoshaphat, and Adoniram (superintendent of the forced labor - I'd hate to be on his bad side).
7 - 19 Solomon's Royal State
Solomon had twelve commissaries for all Israel who supplied food for the king and his household, each having to provide for one month of the year.
My notes: "The administration of the kingdom thus initiated by Solomon continued in its main features for the duration of the monarchy in Israel and Judah.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
1 Kings 3
1 - 15 Wisdom of Solomon
Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh. Solomon goes to Gibeon to sacrifice and the Lord speaks to him: "Ask something of me and I will give it to you." Solomon asks for "an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong." (This is a good thing to pray for). The Lord gives him "a heart so wise and understanding that there has not been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you." Oh, and he also gives Solomon riches, glory, and a long life.
16 - 28 Solomon's Judgment
Here is the famous story of two women who are fighting over a child, and Solomon orders the child cut in half. He declares the child's mother is the one who protests.
Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh. Solomon goes to Gibeon to sacrifice and the Lord speaks to him: "Ask something of me and I will give it to you." Solomon asks for "an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong." (This is a good thing to pray for). The Lord gives him "a heart so wise and understanding that there has not been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you." Oh, and he also gives Solomon riches, glory, and a long life.
16 - 28 Solomon's Judgment
Here is the famous story of two women who are fighting over a child, and Solomon orders the child cut in half. He declares the child's mother is the one who protests.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
1 Kings 2
1 - 11 David's Last Instructions and Death
Before he dies, David is reminded of God's Promise: "If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel." (2 Sam. 7: 11-16) The length of David's reign was 40 years (7 in Hebron and 33 in Jerusalem).
12 - 46 The Kingdom Made Secure
After Solomon's Ascension to the throne, Abinijah asks Bethsheba to persuade Solomon to grant Abishag the Shumanite as his wife. Instead, Solomon as Abinijah put to death. My Notes: "Abishag had been the concubine of King David. His successor, Solomon, inherited his father's harem. When Adonijah requested Abishag as his wife, he was subtly undermining the security of Solomon's throne and exposing himself to the suspicion of insurrection." Solomon lets Abiathar the priest go back home to Anathoth. Then Solomon has Joab struck down at the tent of the Lord. Solomon puts Shimei under house arrest in Jerusalem. When Solomon discovers that Shimei has gone to Gath, he has him executed. (This all reminds me of the last few minutes of The Godfather when Michael has to prove himself more ruthless than his father.)
Before he dies, David is reminded of God's Promise: "If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul, you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of Israel." (2 Sam. 7: 11-16) The length of David's reign was 40 years (7 in Hebron and 33 in Jerusalem).
12 - 46 The Kingdom Made Secure
After Solomon's Ascension to the throne, Abinijah asks Bethsheba to persuade Solomon to grant Abishag the Shumanite as his wife. Instead, Solomon as Abinijah put to death. My Notes: "Abishag had been the concubine of King David. His successor, Solomon, inherited his father's harem. When Adonijah requested Abishag as his wife, he was subtly undermining the security of Solomon's throne and exposing himself to the suspicion of insurrection." Solomon lets Abiathar the priest go back home to Anathoth. Then Solomon has Joab struck down at the tent of the Lord. Solomon puts Shimei under house arrest in Jerusalem. When Solomon discovers that Shimei has gone to Gath, he has him executed. (This all reminds me of the last few minutes of The Godfather when Michael has to prove himself more ruthless than his father.)
Monday, August 11, 2008
1 Kings 1
1 - Rise of Solomon
King David is older and sickly. His servants get Abishag the Shunammite to wait on him. Although she's very beautiful, there's no hanky-panky.
Adonijah, son of Haggith thinks he's going to be king. He sacrifices sheep, oxen, & fatlings by the Serpent's Stone.
Nathan warns Bathsheba, Solomon's mom, that their lives are in danger if Adonijah becomes king. She goes to David and reminds him that he promised that Solomon would reign after him. Nathan comes in and tells David of Adonijah. David tells Bathsheba that Solomon will reign after him. He calls Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah together to anoint Solomon and shout "Long live King Solomon!" They do this, causing Adonijah to flee. When Solomon finds out about Adonijah's fear of him, he states, "If he prove to be a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to earth; but if wickedness if found in him, he shall die."
King David is older and sickly. His servants get Abishag the Shunammite to wait on him. Although she's very beautiful, there's no hanky-panky.
Adonijah, son of Haggith thinks he's going to be king. He sacrifices sheep, oxen, & fatlings by the Serpent's Stone.
Nathan warns Bathsheba, Solomon's mom, that their lives are in danger if Adonijah becomes king. She goes to David and reminds him that he promised that Solomon would reign after him. Nathan comes in and tells David of Adonijah. David tells Bathsheba that Solomon will reign after him. He calls Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah together to anoint Solomon and shout "Long live King Solomon!" They do this, causing Adonijah to flee. When Solomon finds out about Adonijah's fear of him, he states, "If he prove to be a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to earth; but if wickedness if found in him, he shall die."
Friday, August 08, 2008
Philippians 4
1 - 23 Paul's urges unity within the congregation, joy, prayer, and the Christian outlook on life. Euodia and Syntyche need to reconcile their differences. Paul turns over everything to Christ, and even though he doesn't have earthly goods, he is rich: I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.
He closes the letter with greetings in the name of Christ.
He closes the letter with greetings in the name of Christ.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Philippians 3
1 - 6 Paul begins his concluding remarks by warning against legalistic teaching. He states that Christians are the circumicision, or the outward sign of God's covenant with his people. "We . . . do not put our confidence in flesh."
7 - 21 Righteousness from God: "Whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ." Paul warns against putting store in earthly goals. Paul looks forward in Christ - "the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus." Paul invites the Philippians to imitate him, not the enemies of the cross of Christ (materialists). My favorite description: "Their God is their stomach; their glory in their "shame." Remember: "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body . . . "
7 - 21 Righteousness from God: "Whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss because of Christ." Paul warns against putting store in earthly goals. Paul looks forward in Christ - "the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus." Paul invites the Philippians to imitate him, not the enemies of the cross of Christ (materialists). My favorite description: "Their God is their stomach; their glory in their "shame." Remember: "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body . . . "
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Philippians 2
1 - 11 Plea for Unity and Humility
Be humble - regard others as more important than yourself. He describes Jesus as the example of humility.
12 - 18 Obedience and Service in the World
Be obedient (even when others aren't watching) without grumbling or questioning.
19 - 24 Timothy and Paul
Paul plans to send Timothy to Phillipi.
25 - 30 Epaphroditus
My note: Epaphroditus: sent by the Philippians as their messenger (literally, "apostle") to aid Paul in his imprisonment, he had fallen seriously ill; Paul commends him as he sends him back to Philippi.
Be humble - regard others as more important than yourself. He describes Jesus as the example of humility.
12 - 18 Obedience and Service in the World
Be obedient (even when others aren't watching) without grumbling or questioning.
19 - 24 Timothy and Paul
Paul plans to send Timothy to Phillipi.
25 - 30 Epaphroditus
My note: Epaphroditus: sent by the Philippians as their messenger (literally, "apostle") to aid Paul in his imprisonment, he had fallen seriously ill; Paul commends him as he sends him back to Philippi.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Philippians 1
1 - 11 Introduction
Paul and Timothy address those in Philippi. He notes that gifts come from Christ the Lord (not just the God the Father.
12 - 26
Paul describes his present situation (his imprisonment) and that Christians still go on preaching the gospel (though some with hostility toward Paul and others out of personal ambition.
My notes: Paul earnestly debates his prospects of martyrdom or continued missionary labor. While he may long to depart this life and thus be with Christ, his overall and final expectation is that he will be delivered from this imprisonment and continue in the service of the Philippians and of others. In either case, Christ is central; if to live means Christ for Paul, death means to be united with Christ in a deeper sense.
27 - 30
My notes: Ethical admonition begins at this early point in the letter, emphasizing steadfastness and congregational unity in the face of possible suffering. The opponents are those in Philippi, probably pagans, who oppose the gospel cause. This is proof . . . may refer to the whole outlook and conduct of the Philippians, turning out for their salvation but to the judgment of the opponents, or possibly the sentence refers to the opinion of the opponents, who hold that the obstinacy of the Christians points to the destruction of such people as defy Roman authority (though in reality, Paul holds, such faithfulness leads to salvation).
Paul and Timothy address those in Philippi. He notes that gifts come from Christ the Lord (not just the God the Father.
12 - 26
Paul describes his present situation (his imprisonment) and that Christians still go on preaching the gospel (though some with hostility toward Paul and others out of personal ambition.
My notes: Paul earnestly debates his prospects of martyrdom or continued missionary labor. While he may long to depart this life and thus be with Christ, his overall and final expectation is that he will be delivered from this imprisonment and continue in the service of the Philippians and of others. In either case, Christ is central; if to live means Christ for Paul, death means to be united with Christ in a deeper sense.
27 - 30
My notes: Ethical admonition begins at this early point in the letter, emphasizing steadfastness and congregational unity in the face of possible suffering. The opponents are those in Philippi, probably pagans, who oppose the gospel cause. This is proof . . . may refer to the whole outlook and conduct of the Philippians, turning out for their salvation but to the judgment of the opponents, or possibly the sentence refers to the opinion of the opponents, who hold that the obstinacy of the Christians points to the destruction of such people as defy Roman authority (though in reality, Paul holds, such faithfulness leads to salvation).
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ephesians 6
1 - 9 How those in Authority and under Authority Should Relate
Children, obey your parents - since "that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth." In turn, fathers must not provoke children, but train and instruct children of the Lord. Slaves (employees included, I suppose) must be obedient "as to Christ." In turn, Masters (those in authority) must not bully those under them. (Even the masters have a Master in heaven).
10 - 20 Courage and Prayer
My notes: Paul describes the Christian in terms of the dress and equipment of Roman soldiers. He observes, however, that the Christian's readiness for combat is not directed against human beings but against the spiritual powers of evil Unique importance is placed upon prayer.
21 - 24 Postscript
If Ephesians is addressed to several Christian communities, it is understandable that no greetings to individual members of these communities should have been included in it.
Children, obey your parents - since "that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth." In turn, fathers must not provoke children, but train and instruct children of the Lord. Slaves (employees included, I suppose) must be obedient "as to Christ." In turn, Masters (those in authority) must not bully those under them. (Even the masters have a Master in heaven).
10 - 20 Courage and Prayer
My notes: Paul describes the Christian in terms of the dress and equipment of Roman soldiers. He observes, however, that the Christian's readiness for combat is not directed against human beings but against the spiritual powers of evil Unique importance is placed upon prayer.
21 - 24 Postscript
If Ephesians is addressed to several Christian communities, it is understandable that no greetings to individual members of these communities should have been included in it.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Ephesians 5
1 - 5 Rules for a New Life
Continued from Ch. 4 - Imitate God as Children - live in love. Don't mention immorality among each other. No "silly or suggestive talk which is out of place, but instead thanksgiving." Avoid impurity.
6 - 20 Duty to Live in the Light
Avoid the disobedient. Live in the light instead of the darkness. Live as the wise, not foolish.
21 - 33 Wives and Husbands
My notes: The apostle exhorts married Christians to a strong mutual love. Marriage is a divine institution, and Paul sees Christian marriage as taking on a new meaning symbolic of the intimate relationship of love between Christ and the church. The wife sould serve her husband in the same spirit as that of the church's service to Christ, and the husband should care for his wife with the devotion of Christ to the church.
Continued from Ch. 4 - Imitate God as Children - live in love. Don't mention immorality among each other. No "silly or suggestive talk which is out of place, but instead thanksgiving." Avoid impurity.
6 - 20 Duty to Live in the Light
Avoid the disobedient. Live in the light instead of the darkness. Live as the wise, not foolish.
21 - 33 Wives and Husbands
My notes: The apostle exhorts married Christians to a strong mutual love. Marriage is a divine institution, and Paul sees Christian marriage as taking on a new meaning symbolic of the intimate relationship of love between Christ and the church. The wife sould serve her husband in the same spirit as that of the church's service to Christ, and the husband should care for his wife with the devotion of Christ to the church.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ephesians 4
1 - 16 Unity in the Body
Paul urges the Ephesians to live in a manner worthy of the call (humility, gentleness, patience, bearing). Grace was given to each of us according to Christ's gifts. There's a diversity in everyone's call; evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc. We are to grow the knowledge of Christ from the head down (Christ is the head).
17 - 24 Renewal in Christ
We must put away our old selves and desires and put on the new self, "created in God's way in righteousness and holiness and truth."
25 - 32 Rules for the New Life
Put away falsehood, speak the truth. Be angry, but don't sin. Don't steal. No foul language, but only that which is needed for "edification". Forgive others.
Paul urges the Ephesians to live in a manner worthy of the call (humility, gentleness, patience, bearing). Grace was given to each of us according to Christ's gifts. There's a diversity in everyone's call; evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc. We are to grow the knowledge of Christ from the head down (Christ is the head).
17 - 24 Renewal in Christ
We must put away our old selves and desires and put on the new self, "created in God's way in righteousness and holiness and truth."
25 - 32 Rules for the New Life
Put away falsehood, speak the truth. Be angry, but don't sin. Don't steal. No foul language, but only that which is needed for "edification". Forgive others.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ephesians 3
1 - 13 Commission to Preach God's Plan
Paul describes himself as a "prisoner of Christ" - He emphasizes that Gentiles are" "coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promises in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Paul attributes his ministry to God's grace.
14 - 21 Prayer for the Readers
Paul prays for his readers' strength and for them to know Christ's love.
Paul describes himself as a "prisoner of Christ" - He emphasizes that Gentiles are" "coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promises in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Paul attributes his ministry to God's grace.
14 - 21 Prayer for the Readers
Paul prays for his readers' strength and for them to know Christ's love.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Ephesians 2
1 - 10 Generosity of God's Will
All Christians *were* dead in their transgressions and sins and were by nature "children of wrath." But God in his mercy - despite our transgressions, "raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens next to Jesus Christ (by grace you were saved) . . . for it is not by works, so none may boast.
11 - 22 One in Christ
Jesus, through his flesh, abolished the old law. No longer are there separate clans, but everyone is to be one through Christ - "members of the household of God."
All Christians *were* dead in their transgressions and sins and were by nature "children of wrath." But God in his mercy - despite our transgressions, "raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens next to Jesus Christ (by grace you were saved) . . . for it is not by works, so none may boast.
11 - 22 One in Christ
Jesus, through his flesh, abolished the old law. No longer are there separate clans, but everyone is to be one through Christ - "members of the household of God."
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
1 Ephesians
My notes: Ephesians is Paul's great letter about the church. It deals with the worldwide church, the head of which is Christ, the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making God's plan of salvation known throughout the universe.
1 - 14 Greeting and Hymn of Praise
God chose us in him, "to be holy and without blemish before him." (remember the sacrificial lambs in Moses' day. Also remember that Jesus died in order to make us without blemish). God has chosen us - through his grace.
We have been redeemed through Jesus' blood - we were chosen - "so that we might exist for the prose of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ (12). Hearing the word and believing is the first installment (down-payment) "of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession."
15 - 23 The Church as God's Body
Paul reaffirms that God raised Jesus from the dead adn setated him at his right hand in the heavens - above "every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name this is named not only in this age but also in the one to come." He put everything beneath his feet and is the head of the church, which is his body, "the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way."
1 - 14 Greeting and Hymn of Praise
God chose us in him, "to be holy and without blemish before him." (remember the sacrificial lambs in Moses' day. Also remember that Jesus died in order to make us without blemish). God has chosen us - through his grace.
We have been redeemed through Jesus' blood - we were chosen - "so that we might exist for the prose of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ (12). Hearing the word and believing is the first installment (down-payment) "of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession."
15 - 23 The Church as God's Body
Paul reaffirms that God raised Jesus from the dead adn setated him at his right hand in the heavens - above "every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name this is named not only in this age but also in the one to come." He put everything beneath his feet and is the head of the church, which is his body, "the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)