Category: Mining the Scriptures

Paul here gives a wonderful description of our Lord, expressing His preeminence.  He is the visible manifestation of God (John 14:9). He is the firstborn over all creation – not first created, but the preexisting Creator (John 1:3). The creation was created “for” Him as our Lord and God (Revelation 5:13). He is “before all things”, the preeminent One. In effect, His standing with relation to creation is supreme. He preceded it in eternity.  He is the Creator.

He also holds creation together.  That is the meaning of the word “consist.” In Hebrews 1:3, the writer affirms that the Son upholds “all things by the word of His power.” As such, the universe will continue until such time as He determines to bring it to an end (2 Peter 3:10-12).

Finally, He is the head of the church. He has all authority (Ephesians 5:23-24). The church is His creation (Matthew 16:18), and its hope comes from His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).  So He is  peerless, unique, and supreme, in all things. Praise Him!

In our text, Paul is unsure of whether he will live or die as he awaits his judgment from Caesar. So, his words, “For I know” should indicate faith rather than certainty. Paul was always willing to accede to God’s plan, but he believed the Lord would want him to continue his ministry to the Philippians and others.  “…to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (24).

Paul believed in the power of the Philippians’ prayers for him. He also believed in the ability and willingness of Jesus Christ to spare Him should he so desire. Paul was also confident that His ministry and life was in accord with the Lord’s will.

As such, his expectation (indicates an intense watching) and hope (desire and expectation) is that his life at present, and that which would follow would lead to God’s approval. He would not be ashamed.  There would be no legitimate reproach found in his suffering (cf. 1 Peter 4:16), and God would be glorified both through his life and also his death should he be martyred for the cause.

Our text here consists of a single, convoluted sentence by the apostle. There is much to unpack, but consider these highlights.  First, Paul was encouraged by the reputation of the brethren there at Ephesus. Their faith, and love toward the brethren were strong (15). So, he prayed to God for them. He gave thanks, and he made petitions for them to receive wisdom and understanding. In this they would know of hope (in eternal life), the glory of their eternal inheritance (that eternal abode), and power (of God, who raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand) (16-20).

As a part of his description of the Christ, Paul affirmed His preeminence in verse 21. The Lord has authority and dominion over all, “every name that is named.” His dominion has existed from the time that God sat Him upon the throne at His right hand. He is today King in His kingdom, a truth that some do not grasp. And, His dominion will continue, “not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” 

As Paul continues here his reference to the meeting in Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15, some might think that he writes disparagingly about the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.  Those who “seemed to be something”, “it makes no difference to me”, “who seemed to be pillars.”  This is absolutely untrue, as Paul was simply using this occasion to again argue for his independent, God given position as an apostle.  His standing did not depend upon James, Peter and John and they had nothing to add to the gospel he preached. Despite the efforts of the Judaizers to diminish Paul, he was acknowledged by the other apostles to be an ambassador “toward the Gentiles.”

As such, Paul receive from them the “right hand of fellowship.” Such a shaking of hands was and is now an expression of Christians of our joint participation in the faith of Jesus Christ. Paul was not a usurper, he was an equal partner in God’s work.

Paul was also eager to help the poor, a truth clearly established in the record of scripture, (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Rom. 15:26).

The apostle Paul expressed the reason for his failure to return in person to Corinth following his first letter to the congregation. He states that reason to be “to spare you” (23). It seems that his reconsideration of possible visits was being deemed by some as a fickleness on his part, an indication of flawed character.  This was not so.

In everything Paul desired to benefit the Corinthians. So, a change of plans should not be judged harshly.  Paul was not lacking in dependability, his plans were not made “lightly” (16). His plans were not a matter of personal whim, that with him should be “Yes, Yes, and No, No” (17). He called upon God as his witness that his communication with the church was not a matter of his own desires, but, (true with his preaching as well), was an effort to help them “stand” in faith (23).

Paul’s efforts did indeed have God as witness. It had the Holy Spirit as a “guarantee” (22). As do others, I believe this “seal” has specific reference to God’s appointment of Paul to his work as an apostle of Jesus Christ, (cf. 1:1, “by the will of God”).

As Paul condemned the Corinthians for their divisive attitudes, which he equated to carnality in chapter 3, he expressed his thankfulness for not having personally baptized any of them. Some take this as an indication of the relative unimportance of baptism itself, as Paul did the preaching, and left the baptism to others. This is absurd. What is unimportant is who does the baptism. (As Paul noted in 3:7, “So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase”). Paul simply did not want to be viewed as a proselytizer because of their contentiousness.

Paul’s purpose was to preach. To bring the believer to the point of baptism (Mark 16:15-16) so that they might be raised up to a new life (Romans 6:4). He accomplished this as a mere steward of the message, not through his own wisdom. So, it would improper for anyone to put the emphasis on him rather than the message he preached.

The power is in the cross of Christ. Therefore, all who come to faith should identify themselves solely as being “of Christ.”

Our text begins a significant section of Paul’s letter, establishing the evidence of God’s existence, and end of those who deny it. This denial can take place in atheistic views, or the distortion of God’s nature, changing, “the glory of the incorruptible God into an image make like corruptible man” (23), i.e. idolatry.

Idolatry is the specific problem in Romans 1. The people to whom Paul refers have by their idolatrous inclinations suppressed “the truth in unrighteousness” (18). Consider that we may know certain things about God simply by what is evident in nature (cf. Psalm 19:1-4). As the Psalmist said concerning the testimony of nature, “There is no language where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:3).

Because God’s eternal power and Godhead are clearly seen, those who are unwilling to acknowledge them become ungodly and unrighteous in their behavior. The Gentiles of the day are a very good example of this. God’s righteousness required He visit such rebellion and immorality with His wrath.  (cf. 1:32).

While the disciples waited in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to send the Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the need to appoint another to fill the office of Judas Iscariot.

The reason for the need was to fulfill prophecies found in the book of Psalms (69:25;109:8). The prophecies were general, concerning the enemies of David, but the Holy Spirit intended a special fulfillment in the events surrounding the Christ. There would be a need for someone to the chosen as Judas’ successor.

You may notice that verses 18-19 are parenthetical, supplied by Luke to explain the death of Judas. While Judas did not personally purchase the field where he committed suicide, it was purchased with the money he obtained by betraying the Lord. Thus Luke’s explanation surrounding the gruesome end of Judas Iscariot.

In verse 15, Peter stood among 120 disciples. These were not the only believers in the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 15:6 where we are told that over 500 believers had seen the resurrected Lord). But, these were the disciples present with the apostles as they awaited their promise. In verses 21-26 we will see how the successor was chosen.

In our text, the apostle John refers to John the Baptist’s “testimony.” The term is a general one and can be used in a judicial sense, as in many other contexts.  Here it is stating the truth that John said about himself as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist was a charismatic and compelling figure. A rough hewn man, coming out of the wilderness, preaching a message of repentance to the people.  As Herod knew, the people thought him to be a prophet (Matthew 14:5). From John’s own testimony we know the following:

• He was not the Christ.  In fact, he freely admitted that “One mightier that I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose” (Luke 3:16).
• He was not literally Elijah, or the Prophet, though Jesus later said that John did fulfill the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-ff.
• He was, however, the one to herald the coming of the Messiah, in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 40:3).

We are grateful for his ministry, he did his work powerfully, willingly and well.

Our text relates the news given to Mary that she would be the one to give birth to the Savior of mankind. Here is what the text tells us: Mary was a virgin. The news of this great blessing was delivered to her by an angel. Her being chosen was a great blessing and a reason to rejoice. Her Son, who would be called Jesus, would be the promised Messiah, and “of His kingdom there will not end.” The means of conception was through the power of the Highest, as the Holy Spirit would come upon her. Finally, that Mary accepted this blessing.

Here is what the text does not tell us: That this blessing bestowed upon Mary in some way elevated her above others. She was “highly favored”, and “blessed… among women”, but her blessing did not change who she was. Too, there is clear indication from Jesus Himself (in Matthew 12:46-50) that the physical relationship that He had with her as His mother was not significant compared to the spiritual relationship He had with His disciples. There is no indication that Mary’s own conception was immaculate. Nor is there an indication that she in any way serves as a mediatrix between us and God. These things are the inventions of men and should be disregarded.

Jesus taught as “one having authority” in contrast to the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught the people from the law, making their appeal based upon Moses or the prophets.  However, Jesus’ teaching was different. Consider His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). Again and again He made clear, “You have heard… but I say unto you…” Such authoritative statements amazed His audience.

The demons recognized the authority of Jesus. “I know who You are—the Holy One of God” (24). It is amazing how Jesus was rejected by so many in His day. While the demons recognized Him as God’s Son, often men did not.

However, early in His ministry He certainly had an impact upon those who heard Him. When Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, the authority with which He spoke led to the exorcism of the demon. This was new, and made clear the authoritative way in which Jesus spoke was legitimate. As such, “they were all amazed” (27).

It also gave Jesus notoriety. His words, together with His works made Him famous in the area. Such fame was a two edged sword. The people eagerly came to Him. The leaders felt threatened by Him.

King Herod desired the destruction of his perceived rival, the prophesied Son of David. His instructions in our text were a ruse to enable him to assassinate the child.  This is evident from verses 16-18.

We see the inability of men to accomplish any intent that God determines will not happen. The wise men departed in accord with Herod’s instructions, and did indeed find the child. They rejoiced, and worshiped Jesus, knowing He was the prophesied Savior. They shared gifts with the child. (Note: The fact that there are three gifts mentioned does not necessarily indicate three wise men. The traditions concerning the number and names of the wise men are merely speculation, not from scripture).

God defeated Herod’s plan by warning the wise men not to return to Herod. And so they returned to their own country rather than returning to Herod with the location of the child. No man, no matter how powerful, is able to thwart God’s scheme for redeeming man!

“Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You’” (Job 42:1-2).

Here Paul gives us an accurate and fully developed picture of the Messiah. He is the very image of God. God’s perfect character, wisdom and glory are seen in the Christ. His is a place of preeminence as the firstborn of God. All that is exists by His word, and persists through His power. (It is important to note here that the term “firstborn” has reference to His place, not His origin. The Creator of all things was not Himself created, cf. John 1:1).

His creative work covers not only what can be seen, but also what cannot be perceived by man. It is arrogant to assume that what exists is only that which can be measured or observed. The materialist is short-sighted, and ignorant of the Lord’s power and the extent of His reign.

His preeminence extends to His church. His victory over death affirms His Person and place as our Redeemer.

The gospel of Christ is God’s power of salvation (cf. Romans 1:16). When it is preached, it convicts the hearts of those who are honest and sincere. In the preaching, the message is what is important, not the messenger. That is not to say that God will not hold accountable those who preach, but are hypocrites. He will. That is not to say that when a messenger is personally unworthy of the message that it may not have a negative impact. I very well may.

However, whenever the gospel is preached it is a good thing! No matter if the motivation is impure or pure, no matter if the messenger is unworthy or worthy. Paul understood this, and rejoiced, though the preaching of the gospel may have impacted his own comfort and safety. Preaching the gospel will not save the preacher if his heart is not right, but it certainly has the ability to save the one who hears it. Praise God for His word!
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The context affirms our reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. It is through His shed blood that we obtain redemption, and as stated in verse 11, an inheritance.

The text also indicates that we obtain that inheritance as those who are “predestined according to the purpose of Him…” This refers to God, and it was His plan before the creation of man to redeem (our “adoption as sons”, cf. verse 5) through Jesus Christ.

In other words, God chose before the foundation of the world those who would go to heaven. His choice was that those who believe would be redeemed (cf. Mark 16:16). Predestination here refers to the group God chose to save. It is your choice whether you wish to be a part of that group.

For those who are predestined, those who are a part of that group, salvation is surely promised by our God.