Hebrews 2:1-18
v16-17) What does it mean that Jesus is "our merciful and faithful High Priest before God"?
He came to earth as a human being and understands our weaknesses and shows mercy to us. We are released from sin's domination over us when we commit ourselves fully to Christ, trusting completely in what he has done for us.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
Hebrews 1:1-14
v1) What is the background of the book of Hebrews?
The book of Hebrews describes in detail how Jesus Christ not only fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, but how Jesus Christ is better than everything in the Jewish system of thought.
The Jews accepted the Old Testament, but most of them rejected Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The recipients of this letter seem to have been Jewish Christians. They were well-versed in Scripture, and they have professed faith in Christ. Whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, however, they may have been in danger of giving up their Christian faith and returning to Judaism.
The authorship of this book is uncertain. Several names have been suggested, including Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla, and Paul. Most scholars do not believe that Paul was the author, because of the writing style of Hebrews is quite different from that of his letters.
In addition, Paul identified himself in his other letters and appealed to his authority as an apostle, whereas this writer fo Hebrews, who never gives his or her name, appeals to eyewitnesses of Jesus' ministry for authority. Nevertheless, the author of Hebrews evidently knew Paul well. Hebrews was probably written by one of Paul's close associates who often heard him preach.
v13-14) Why does Hebrews say that Christ is better than the angels?
False teachers in many of the early churches taught that God could be approached only through the angels. Instead of worshipping God directly, followers of these heretics bowed to angels. Hebrews clearly denounces such teaching as false. Some thought of Jesus as the highest angel of God. But Jesus is not a superior angel; and, in any case, angels are not to be worshiped. Jesus is God, he alone deserves our worship. Angels are God's messengers, spiritual beings created by God and under his authority.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
v1) What is the background of the book of Hebrews?
The book of Hebrews describes in detail how Jesus Christ not only fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, but how Jesus Christ is better than everything in the Jewish system of thought.
The Jews accepted the Old Testament, but most of them rejected Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The recipients of this letter seem to have been Jewish Christians. They were well-versed in Scripture, and they have professed faith in Christ. Whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, however, they may have been in danger of giving up their Christian faith and returning to Judaism.
The authorship of this book is uncertain. Several names have been suggested, including Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla, and Paul. Most scholars do not believe that Paul was the author, because of the writing style of Hebrews is quite different from that of his letters.
In addition, Paul identified himself in his other letters and appealed to his authority as an apostle, whereas this writer fo Hebrews, who never gives his or her name, appeals to eyewitnesses of Jesus' ministry for authority. Nevertheless, the author of Hebrews evidently knew Paul well. Hebrews was probably written by one of Paul's close associates who often heard him preach.
v13-14) Why does Hebrews say that Christ is better than the angels?
False teachers in many of the early churches taught that God could be approached only through the angels. Instead of worshipping God directly, followers of these heretics bowed to angels. Hebrews clearly denounces such teaching as false. Some thought of Jesus as the highest angel of God. But Jesus is not a superior angel; and, in any case, angels are not to be worshiped. Jesus is God, he alone deserves our worship. Angels are God's messengers, spiritual beings created by God and under his authority.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
October 29, 2008
Philemon 1:1-25
v1) What is the purpose of Paul's letter to Philemon?
Paul wrote this letter from Rome in about A.D. 60, when he was under house arrest. Onesimus was a domestic slave who belonged to Philemon, a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colose. Onesimus had run away from Philemon and had made his way to Rome where he met Paul who apparently led him to Christ. Paul convinced Onesimus that running from his problems wouldn't solve them, and he persuaded Onesimus to return to his master. Paul wrote this letter to Philemon to ask him to be reconciled to his runaway slave.
v1-2) Who were Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus?
Philemon was a Greek landowner living in Colose. He had been converted under Paul's ministry. Apphia may have been Philemon's wife. Archippus may have been Philemon's son, or perhaps an elder in the Colossian church. In either case, Paul included him as a recipient of the letter, possibly so Archippus could read the letter with Philemon and encourage him to take Paul's advice. The Colossian church met in Philemon's home. The early churches often would meet in people's homes.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
v1) What is the purpose of Paul's letter to Philemon?
Paul wrote this letter from Rome in about A.D. 60, when he was under house arrest. Onesimus was a domestic slave who belonged to Philemon, a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colose. Onesimus had run away from Philemon and had made his way to Rome where he met Paul who apparently led him to Christ. Paul convinced Onesimus that running from his problems wouldn't solve them, and he persuaded Onesimus to return to his master. Paul wrote this letter to Philemon to ask him to be reconciled to his runaway slave.
v1-2) Who were Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus?
Philemon was a Greek landowner living in Colose. He had been converted under Paul's ministry. Apphia may have been Philemon's wife. Archippus may have been Philemon's son, or perhaps an elder in the Colossian church. In either case, Paul included him as a recipient of the letter, possibly so Archippus could read the letter with Philemon and encourage him to take Paul's advice. The Colossian church met in Philemon's home. The early churches often would meet in people's homes.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October 28, 2008
Titus 3:1-15
v12) Where was Nicopolis?
The city of Nicopolis was on the western coast of Greece. Artemas or Tychicus would take over Titus' work on the island of Crete, so Titus could meet Paul in Nicopolis. Tychicus was one of Paul's trusted companions. Titus would have to leave soon because sea travel was dangerous in the winter months.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
v12) Where was Nicopolis?
The city of Nicopolis was on the western coast of Greece. Artemas or Tychicus would take over Titus' work on the island of Crete, so Titus could meet Paul in Nicopolis. Tychicus was one of Paul's trusted companions. Titus would have to leave soon because sea travel was dangerous in the winter months.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Monday, October 27, 2008
October 27, 2008
Titus 2:1-15
v9-10) Why did Paul speak of slavery?
Slavery was common in Paul's day. Paul did not condemn slavery in any of his letters, but he advised slaves and masters to be loving and responsible in their conduct. The standards set by Paul can help any employee/employer relationship. Employees should always do their best work and be trustworthy, not just when the employer is watching.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
v9-10) Why did Paul speak of slavery?
Slavery was common in Paul's day. Paul did not condemn slavery in any of his letters, but he advised slaves and masters to be loving and responsible in their conduct. The standards set by Paul can help any employee/employer relationship. Employees should always do their best work and be trustworthy, not just when the employer is watching.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
October 26, 2008
Titus 1:1-16
*Why did Paul write to Titus?
Paul wrote this letter between his first and second imprisonments in Rome (before he wrote 2 Timothy) to guide Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete. Paul had visited Crete with Titus and had left him there to minister (Tit. 1:5). There was a strong pagan influence on this small island, because Crete may have been a training center for Roman soldiers. Therefore, the church in Crete needed strong Christian leadership.
*Who was Titus?
Titus, a Greek, was one of Paul's most trusted and dependable co-workers. Paul sent Titus to Corinth on several special missions to help the church in its troubles (2 Cor. 7-8). Paul and Titus also traveled together to Jerusalem and Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete to lead the new churches spring up on the island. Titus is last mentioned by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul's last recorded letter. Titus had leadership ability, so Paul gave him leadership responsibility, urging him to use his abilities well.
v12) Why would Paul say such terrible things about the people of Crete?
Paul was quoting a line from a poem by Epimenides, a poet and philosopher who had lived in Crete 600 years earlier. Some Cretans had a bad reputation and were known for lying. Paul used this familiar phrase to make the point that Titus' ministry and leadership were very much needed.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
*Why did Paul write to Titus?
Paul wrote this letter between his first and second imprisonments in Rome (before he wrote 2 Timothy) to guide Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete. Paul had visited Crete with Titus and had left him there to minister (Tit. 1:5). There was a strong pagan influence on this small island, because Crete may have been a training center for Roman soldiers. Therefore, the church in Crete needed strong Christian leadership.
*Who was Titus?
Titus, a Greek, was one of Paul's most trusted and dependable co-workers. Paul sent Titus to Corinth on several special missions to help the church in its troubles (2 Cor. 7-8). Paul and Titus also traveled together to Jerusalem and Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete to lead the new churches spring up on the island. Titus is last mentioned by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul's last recorded letter. Titus had leadership ability, so Paul gave him leadership responsibility, urging him to use his abilities well.
v12) Why would Paul say such terrible things about the people of Crete?
Paul was quoting a line from a poem by Epimenides, a poet and philosopher who had lived in Crete 600 years earlier. Some Cretans had a bad reputation and were known for lying. Paul used this familiar phrase to make the point that Titus' ministry and leadership were very much needed.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
October 25, 2008
2 Timothy 4:1-22
v8) What is the "crown of righteousness" Paul is expecting?
In Roman athletic games, a laurel wreath was given to the winners. A symbol of triumph and honor, it was the most coveted prize in ancient Rome. This is probably what Paul was referring to when he spoke of a "crown". But his would be a crown of righteousness.
v10) Who was Demas?
Demas had been one of Paul's co-workers (Col. 4:14; Philem. 24), but he had deserted Paul because he "loved this world." In other words, Demas loved worldly values and worldly pleasures. There are two ways to love the world. God loves the world as he created it and as it could be if it were rescued from evil. Others, like Demas, love the world as it is, sin and all. Mentioning Demas reminded Paul of more faithful co-workers. Only Luke was with Paul, and Paul was feeling lonely. Tychicus, one ofhis most trusted companions, had already left for Ephesus.
v13) If Paul was in prison why did he need his coat?
Paul's arrest probably occurred so suddenly that he was not allowed to return home to gather his personal belongings. Because he was a prisioner in a damp and chilly dungeon, Paul asked Timothy to bring him his coat. Even more than the cloak, Paul wanted his scrolls and parchments. The scrolls ma have included books of the Old Testament; the parchments may have included copies of his own letters or have been blank sheets for writing.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
v8) What is the "crown of righteousness" Paul is expecting?
In Roman athletic games, a laurel wreath was given to the winners. A symbol of triumph and honor, it was the most coveted prize in ancient Rome. This is probably what Paul was referring to when he spoke of a "crown". But his would be a crown of righteousness.
v10) Who was Demas?
Demas had been one of Paul's co-workers (Col. 4:14; Philem. 24), but he had deserted Paul because he "loved this world." In other words, Demas loved worldly values and worldly pleasures. There are two ways to love the world. God loves the world as he created it and as it could be if it were rescued from evil. Others, like Demas, love the world as it is, sin and all. Mentioning Demas reminded Paul of more faithful co-workers. Only Luke was with Paul, and Paul was feeling lonely. Tychicus, one ofhis most trusted companions, had already left for Ephesus.
v13) If Paul was in prison why did he need his coat?
Paul's arrest probably occurred so suddenly that he was not allowed to return home to gather his personal belongings. Because he was a prisioner in a damp and chilly dungeon, Paul asked Timothy to bring him his coat. Even more than the cloak, Paul wanted his scrolls and parchments. The scrolls ma have included books of the Old Testament; the parchments may have included copies of his own letters or have been blank sheets for writing.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Friday, October 24, 2008
October 24, 2008
2 Timothy 2:22 - 3:17
v6-7) Who were the "gullible women loaded down with sins"?
This phrase is also translated "silly, sin-burdened women" (TLB). Because of their cultural background, women in the Ephesian church had had no formal religious training. They enjoyed their new freedom to study Christian truths, but their eagerness to learn made them a target for false teachers. Paul warned Timothy to watch out for men who would take advantage of these women.
v8-9) Who were Jannes and Jambres?
According to tradition, Jannes and Jambres were two of the magicians who counterfeited Moses' miracles before Pharaoh (Exod. 7:11-12). Paul explained that just as Moses exposed and defeated them (Exod. 8:18-19), God would overthrow the false teachers who were plaguing the Ephesian church.
v11) How did Timothy know about Paul's troubles?
In Lystra, Timothy's hometown, Paul had been stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19); it is likely that Timothy witnessed this event. This was only one incident amony many. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 Paul summarized his lifetime of suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul mentioned his suffering here to contrast his experience with that of the pleasure-seeking false teachers.
v16) What is the meaning of the phrase "All Scripture is God-breathed"?
This is a more literal translation of the Greek words that are often rendered "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (NKJV). The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down his message for his people (2 Peter 1:20-21). This process is known as inspiration. The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing. The Bible is "God-breathed." Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
v6-7) Who were the "gullible women loaded down with sins"?
This phrase is also translated "silly, sin-burdened women" (TLB). Because of their cultural background, women in the Ephesian church had had no formal religious training. They enjoyed their new freedom to study Christian truths, but their eagerness to learn made them a target for false teachers. Paul warned Timothy to watch out for men who would take advantage of these women.
v8-9) Who were Jannes and Jambres?
According to tradition, Jannes and Jambres were two of the magicians who counterfeited Moses' miracles before Pharaoh (Exod. 7:11-12). Paul explained that just as Moses exposed and defeated them (Exod. 8:18-19), God would overthrow the false teachers who were plaguing the Ephesian church.
v11) How did Timothy know about Paul's troubles?
In Lystra, Timothy's hometown, Paul had been stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19); it is likely that Timothy witnessed this event. This was only one incident amony many. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 Paul summarized his lifetime of suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul mentioned his suffering here to contrast his experience with that of the pleasure-seeking false teachers.
v16) What is the meaning of the phrase "All Scripture is God-breathed"?
This is a more literal translation of the Greek words that are often rendered "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (NKJV). The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down his message for his people (2 Peter 1:20-21). This process is known as inspiration. The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing. The Bible is "God-breathed." Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
October 23, 2008
2 Timothy 2:1-21
v8-9) Why did the Gospel bring suffering to Paul?
Paul was in chains in prison because of the gospel he preached. When Paul said that Jesus was God, he angered the Jews who had condemned Jesus for blasphemy; but many Jews became followers of Christ (1 Cor. 1:24). He angered the Romans who worshiped the emperor as god; but even some in Caesar's household turned to Jesus (Phil. 4:22). When Paul said Jesus was human, he angered the Greeks who thought divinity was soiled if it had any contact with humanity; still many Greeks accepted the faith (Acts 11:20-21). The truth that Jesus is one person with two united natures has never been easy to understand, but it is being believed by people every day.
v17) Who were Hymenaeus and Philetus?
They were heretics who had "wandered away from the truth" (2 Tim. 2:18). Hymenaeus is also mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20. He weakened people's faith by teaching that the resurrection had already occurred. In 1 Timothy 1:20 Paul says that he handed Hymenaeus over to Satan, meaning that Paul had removed him from the fellowship of the church. Paul did this so that Hymenaeus would see his error and repent. The ultimate purpose of this punishment was correction.
v18) What does it mean that "the resurrection of the dead has already occurred"?
The false teachers were denying the resurrection of the body. They believed that when a person became a Christian, he or she was spiritually reborn, and that was the only resurrection there would ever be. To them, resurrection was symbolic and spiritual, not physical. Paul clearly taught, however, that believers will be resurrected after they die, and that their bodies as well as their souls will live eternally with Christ.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
v8-9) Why did the Gospel bring suffering to Paul?
Paul was in chains in prison because of the gospel he preached. When Paul said that Jesus was God, he angered the Jews who had condemned Jesus for blasphemy; but many Jews became followers of Christ (1 Cor. 1:24). He angered the Romans who worshiped the emperor as god; but even some in Caesar's household turned to Jesus (Phil. 4:22). When Paul said Jesus was human, he angered the Greeks who thought divinity was soiled if it had any contact with humanity; still many Greeks accepted the faith (Acts 11:20-21). The truth that Jesus is one person with two united natures has never been easy to understand, but it is being believed by people every day.
v17) Who were Hymenaeus and Philetus?
They were heretics who had "wandered away from the truth" (2 Tim. 2:18). Hymenaeus is also mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20. He weakened people's faith by teaching that the resurrection had already occurred. In 1 Timothy 1:20 Paul says that he handed Hymenaeus over to Satan, meaning that Paul had removed him from the fellowship of the church. Paul did this so that Hymenaeus would see his error and repent. The ultimate purpose of this punishment was correction.
v18) What does it mean that "the resurrection of the dead has already occurred"?
The false teachers were denying the resurrection of the body. They believed that when a person became a Christian, he or she was spiritually reborn, and that was the only resurrection there would ever be. To them, resurrection was symbolic and spiritual, not physical. Paul clearly taught, however, that believers will be resurrected after they die, and that their bodies as well as their souls will live eternally with Christ.
(The One Year Bible Companion)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
October 22, 2008
2 Timothy 1:1-18
What is the background of Paul's second letter to Timothy?
This is a somber letter. Paul was imprisoned for the last time, and he knew he would soon die. Unlike Paul's first imprisonment in Rome, when he was in a house (Acts 28:16, 23, 30) where he continued to teach, this time he was probably confined to a cold dungeon, awaiting his death (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Emperor Nero had begun a major persecution in A.D. 64 as part of his plan to pass the blame for the great fire of Rome from himself to the Christians. This persecution spread across the empire and included social ostracism, public torture, and murder. As Paul was waiting to die, he wrote a letter to his dear friend Timothy, a younger man who was like a son to him (2 Tim. 1:2). Written in approximately A.D. 66/67, these are the last words we have from Paul. (The One Year Bible Companion)
What is the background of Paul's second letter to Timothy?
This is a somber letter. Paul was imprisoned for the last time, and he knew he would soon die. Unlike Paul's first imprisonment in Rome, when he was in a house (Acts 28:16, 23, 30) where he continued to teach, this time he was probably confined to a cold dungeon, awaiting his death (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Emperor Nero had begun a major persecution in A.D. 64 as part of his plan to pass the blame for the great fire of Rome from himself to the Christians. This persecution spread across the empire and included social ostracism, public torture, and murder. As Paul was waiting to die, he wrote a letter to his dear friend Timothy, a younger man who was like a son to him (2 Tim. 1:2). Written in approximately A.D. 66/67, these are the last words we have from Paul. (The One Year Bible Companion)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
October 21, 2008
1 Timothy 6:1 - 21
v1) Praise God that we are slaves to none but righteousness. Romans 6 speaks clearly of how we benefit and reap holiness and eternal life.
v3 - 4) Praise God we have solid God-fearing pastors and teachers, that build us up with sound instruction from the Lord! This is also a reminder for me to live with the solid backing of scripture and have a vibrant, Christ-centered lifestyle. That said, pray for teachers and pastoral leaders to be godly, wise and discerning with finances!
v6-10) A perfect capsule summary of our Sunday sermon. A reminder that money itself is an object and that the attitude with it is what counts. Money cannot buy you happiness and looking to it as such will only lead you away from God and to much sorrow.
v11-14) How do you stay away from loving money? By pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness!
v17) How are you using your financial wealth? Those of you who are prosperous, are you using money for good deeds? Money will pass away with this world and I encourage you to lay up treasure in heaven by being generous and willing to share.
v1) Praise God that we are slaves to none but righteousness. Romans 6 speaks clearly of how we benefit and reap holiness and eternal life.
v3 - 4) Praise God we have solid God-fearing pastors and teachers, that build us up with sound instruction from the Lord! This is also a reminder for me to live with the solid backing of scripture and have a vibrant, Christ-centered lifestyle. That said, pray for teachers and pastoral leaders to be godly, wise and discerning with finances!
v6-10) A perfect capsule summary of our Sunday sermon. A reminder that money itself is an object and that the attitude with it is what counts. Money cannot buy you happiness and looking to it as such will only lead you away from God and to much sorrow.
v11-14) How do you stay away from loving money? By pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness!
v17) How are you using your financial wealth? Those of you who are prosperous, are you using money for good deeds? Money will pass away with this world and I encourage you to lay up treasure in heaven by being generous and willing to share.
Monday, October 20, 2008
October 20, 2008
1 Timothy 5:1-25
v1-2) It seems that these instructions are not limited to only believers, but to all people. The command then is to treat everyone as family.
v3-7) Very strong verses about putting our religion into practice and by repaying parents/grandparents. Are we providing for those relatives/family members in need?
v11-15) Reminder to not say things we ought not to.
v17-19) May God continue to bless and provide for Pastor Sam Song, Pastor Sam Kim, and Pastor Nate Chung.
v1-2) It seems that these instructions are not limited to only believers, but to all people. The command then is to treat everyone as family.
v3-7) Very strong verses about putting our religion into practice and by repaying parents/grandparents. Are we providing for those relatives/family members in need?
v11-15) Reminder to not say things we ought not to.
v17-19) May God continue to bless and provide for Pastor Sam Song, Pastor Sam Kim, and Pastor Nate Chung.
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