Category: Mining the Scriptures

In these verses, Paul switches from the prayers he offers for the Christians in Colosse to be worthy of Christ, to affirming the preeminence of God. In verse 13 he establishes two truths:

First, that God has delivered us from the power of darkness. That power is Satan (cf. Acts 26:18). Satan holds men captive in their sins, but God redeems us through the blood of His Son. By His sacrifice, Jesus secures for us “the forgiveness of sins” (vs. 14).

Second, when he delivers us from Satan’s clutches, the Father conveys us “into the Kingdom of the Son of His love.” This verse is important for several reasons. If we are in Jesus’ kingdom we are citizens, with full privileges and benefits. We are subject to the laws of the King, and are to recognize and respect His authority. Finally, in affirming that the Colossians had already been translated in Christ’s kingdom, Paul refutes the common view that the kingdom of Christ has yet to be established. This single verse clearly disproves a central tenet of the doctrine of Premillennialism.

Our text establishes clearly the apostle Paul’s priorities in life. Though the “things which happened to me” included imprisonment and possible loss of life, Paul considered it a fortunate turn of events. Because of his trip to Rome and house arrest, the gospel was preached to individuals who otherwise would not hear it. Paul wrote of those in Caesar’s palace who were aware that his “chains are in Christ” (13).

A further benefit was the courage taken by others from Paul’s example. Because he preached boldly despite persecution, others were emboldened to do the same. This serves to illustrate the benefit of a godly example. If you live for Christ despite opposition, others see that and are encouraged to do the same.

Paul rejoiced because the gospel was preached. He didn’t care what it cost him personally. He understood the purpose of the message, and made its spread his life’s work (cf. Romans 1:15-16).

Verse 7 is a wonderful, concise statement revealing the way God redeemed man. It is through the blood of Jesus. As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, that we might not die for our transgressions. This gift of the Son is the extension of God’s grace to man.

This gift granted is the result of God’s wisdom and prudence. The word prudence is defined by Strong as “intellectual or moral insight.” The problem of sin is a difficult one, solved only by Divine wisdom and action. We can’t save ourselves. Salvation comes from God’s wise and prudent gift of his Son Jesus.

Jesus’ sacrifice is the culmination of God’s scheme of redemption. He came in the “fullness of time.” God determined to save man at that time, in that way.

Jesus’ sacrifice is for all men. In Christ, “all things” are gathered together. There is no distinction between in race or gender. All are eligible for salvation — “In Him.”

As Paul continues the defense of his apostleship begun in verse 11, he notes that the first time he met any of the other apostles was three years after he began his ministry. Further, that on that occasion, Peter was the only apostle he met, during a two week trip to Jerusalem. (vs. 18-19).

Why would he point this out? Because of the Judaizing teachers who claimed that he was usurping his position as an apostle. Perhaps they claimed that Paul was just taking what he had heard, and parroting it while claiming an apostleship he did not deserve.

Paul’s here responds by relating his early ministry. He could not have been parroting the apostles because he hadn’t met or heard them. Instead, as he affirmed in verse 12, “For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Since the gospel he preached was revealed to him by Jesus Christ, it was authoritative, and to be obeyed by the Galatians (cf. 1:6-9).

The apostle Paul suffered through many dangerous and difficult circumstances in Asia. He was persecuted in Lystra (Acts 14); there was a plot against his life in Macedonia (Acts 20:3); he fought against wild beasts in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32). Here he refers to one, or perhaps all of those troubles, stating that the “sentence of death” was in him, and that he “despaired even of life.” A more complete list of what Paul suffered is given in 2 Cor. 11:22-29.

Paul wished to share the information regarding his struggles with the Corinthians, that they might know of his trust in God, as the one “who raises the dead.” Paul knew that his life had been spared many times by providence, God having a further purpose for him. Even on the occasion where he was left for dead (cf. Acts 14:19), his life was spared.

Paul also attributed his rescue from peril to the petitions made for him by others (11). In thanking them for their prayers, he shows us the power of prayer too, and encourages us to pray for others.

In this text, the apostle expressed thanks for the blessings the Corinthians had received from Jesus. These blessings to which he referred were the spiritual gifts such as tongue speaking, prophecy, etc. With these, the “testimony of Christ was confirmed” in them (vs. 6). This is a primary purpose of such spiritual gifts. They not only equipped each one who received them, they also confirmed the teaching that each one imparted to others.

Paul, as did the rest of the New Testament writers, commonly looked forward to the coming of Jesus Christ (7). From His departure, recorded in Acts 1:9-11, the emphasis has ever been upon his eventual return. The angels affirmed that He, “will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

In these introductory words, we see a foreshadowing of admonitions to come. Paul’s mention of spiritual gifts as blessings that enrich in verses 4-7 presage his admonition of their abuse of such gifts in chapters 12-14. His continual references to Jesus (9 times in the first 9 verses) serve to center the Corinthians minds upon the Christ, rather than their own divisive tendencies to inappropriately elevate mere men (cf. 1:10-15, 3:1-6).

The apostle here expresses his desire to overcome any obstacles, and visit the Romans, that he might, “have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles” (13). Remember, Paul was appointed by God to be an apostle to the Gentiles (cf. Acts 9:15).

His admission of indebteness to them is an interesting one. Why did he owe them? He owed them because of what God had done for him! Paul recognized that both the gift of salvation (cf. Romans 7:24-25) and the ministry to which he had been appointed (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10) were not his because of any merit on his part. If such a gift had been given to him, it seemed to him that he was obligated to do his very best, for the remainder of his time on earth, to avail others of that same gift.

Emphasis will be placed upon preaching as a means of servicing that debt in our comments on verses 16 and 17. For now, note his complete dedication to the task. “For as much as is in me, I am ready…” (15). These words give us some understanding of the value of our gift from God. Grace brings salvation. Rather than thinking of grace as freedom from sin’s consequences (cf. Romans 6:1-2), we should see it as obligating us to righteous living! (cf. Titus 2:11-14).

Immediately following Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples following His resurrection, He ascended into heaven. With His ascension came the angel’s promise that Jesus would return, “in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (11).

There are several truths to note regarding Jesus’ promised second advent. First, note that his coming (as with his ascension) would be a visible event. The apostle Paul affirmed this as true in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Second, this second coming of Jesus will be a coming in judgment upon the world. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10, Paul writes that when Jesus comes, it will be to take vengeance upon the disobedient, and to give eternal rest to the faithful.

Third, when Jesus comes a second time, it will mark the end of the physical universe. Peter weighs in on this truth, affirming it in 2 Peter 3:8-13. The immolation of the universe is cause for us to live lives of “holy conduct and godliness.”

The promise of Jesus’ coming is sure. The angel’s words must be heeded. We must prepare for that day, lest we, as the foolish virgins, be shut out when the bridegroom comes! (cf. Matthew 25:1-13).

Here John identifies the life and light of Jesus as something that shines in the darkness, but that “the darkness did not comprehend it.” Jesus’ time on earth was destined to end in a violent death for this very reason. He was the “light of the world”, but man hates the light, and refuses to come to it, “lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:20).

The word “comprehend” means to “seize or possess.” Some think it means that the world was unable to contain the light. Others that the world would not embrace the light. Both concepts are certainly true. Jesus was rejected by both the Jews and the Gentiles while on earth. He is likewise rejected by the worldly today. However, regardless of the efforts of the enemy, the light is not extinguished.

Peter said, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:37).

Any who reject Jesus do so at their own peril. It is inevitable that all will eventually acknowledge Him. “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:11-12).

When the angel promised Zacharias and Elizabeth they would have a child, God’s messenger promised that the boy would grow to be a great man.

The angel said that John would be a austere man, and an inspired preacher. His efforts, it was said, would “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” (16).

John’s ministry would be one of preparation, the prophesied forerunner of the Christ. It would be his purpose to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (vs. 17).

The prophet Malachi spoke of him, “Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me” (3:1) His ministry would portend the advent of the Messiah, “Behold, He is coming,’ says the Lord of hosts’” (3:1).

Jesus himself referred to John and his ministry in Matthew 11. Of John he said, “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet” … “And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come” (vss. 9,14).

God is faithful, and all these glad tidings to the childless couple came true in every detail, to His glory.

Early in His ministry, Jesus came across four men, who He made the first of His apostles. They were two sets of brothers, Simon and Andrew, and James and John.

Several well known details are enumerated here. One, that James and John were sons of Zebedee. Two, that all four of the men were fishermen by trade. Jesus later gave Simon the name Peter (cf. Mark 3:16).

While Matthew, Luke and especially John have things to say about the call of these men, we want to especially note the phrase used by Jesus as recorded in Mark, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (vs. 17). These words clearly establish the importance of the work they were to begin. While they were engaged in secular work, their occupation was an honorable and important one. Fishing was important in Galilee — a source of commerce and sustenance for the people. But, the idea of fishing for men — cleverly indicating the work of witnessing and preaching the Christ of God — is compelling. There is no greater use of our time and effort than that of fishing for men. When we catch them, (convert them), we have given them the most valuable gift imaginable — Salvation!

The circumstances of Jesus’ birth are established forthrightly by Matthew and Luke. While modernists struggle with the concept of a child being born of a virgin, the believer accepts God’s intent, purpose and ability to bring this event about.

Matthew reveals the following in this short section of his gospel:

1. After Joseph and Mary were betrothed (a type of engagement), Mary became pregnant.
2. At this time Mary was a virgin, the conception was the work of the Holy Spirit.
3. Joseph was informed of God’s plan, and scuttled his plans to put away Mary (as he obviously had thought from her pregnancy that she had been with another man).
4. God’s plan was that the virgin would bear a son named Jesus, who would be the Savior of mankind (vs. 21).
5. The birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). That prophecy refers to the child as “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” Thus, Jesus was declared from birth to be God on earth (cf. John 1:14).
6. In answer to the vision from God, Joseph did not have sexual relations with his wife until after she gave birth to Jesus.

This account marks the beginning of the events leading to the ultimate redemption of mankind (cf. John 17:3).

First, a pet peeve. The book is not titled Revelations (plural), it is Revelation, as in “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (vs. 1). The term “revelation” is taken from the Greek “apokalypsis”, and literally means an unveiling.

What is contained in this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, sent to the apostle John by way of a vision. John asserts that what he writes in the book is a faithful testimony of “all things that he saw” (vs. 2).

As John pronounces a benediction upon “he who reads and those who hear”, and “keep those things that are written” in this Revelation, he indicates that the vision in the book concerns events that would soon occur. Note the two phrases: “things which must shortly take place” (vs. 1), and “the time is near” (vs. 3).

The book of Revelation contains many symbols. The style of writing has been referred to as “apocalyptic language,” and requires careful interpretation. It is important to note that the method of interpretation used to successfully divine the meaning of Revelation takes into consideration that the book was written to Christians in that day concerning events which would “shortly take place.”

In these verses Jude continues his description of the false teachers, who in their treachery destroy themselves and those they are able to influence. He calls them clouds without water, trees without fruit, raging waves of the sea, and wandering stars. In all of this they are seen to be vain and destructive in the error they propagate, and doomed for eternity.

Two questions arise from the text. First, what are the “love feasts” referred to in verse 12? The word “spot” may be a mistranslation, as the term may instead have reference to hidden rocks rather than a blemish. Regardless, they are destructive. The phrase “love feasts” most probably refer to social meals that brethren eat together, giving them an opportunity to express their devotion to one another. These men use such occasions to promote their evil agenda.

The second question concerns the origin of Enoch’s prophesy in verses 14-15 concerning the judgment of these false teachers. The prophesy quoted is not found elsewhere in scripture. However, as Jude spoke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we can be assured of its legitimacy (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17) . He here describes the final judgment when these men will give account of themselves to God.

As John closes his epistle, he notes that there is much more he could write to Gaius, but it was his preference to share those things “face to face.” This no doubt was in part a result of his relationship with his beloved friend, but there are also advantages to a “face to face” conversation.

We can learn much from this expressed desire. In our time we communicate not only through written letters, but also through truncated social media posts, email, telephone and video calls. None of these methods of communication are as effective as “face to face.”

Human beings communicate through body language and inflection almost as readily as through the words themselves. Whenever possible, be it exhortation or admonition, such sentiments are best expressed “face to face.”

As John closed his letter he expressed the hope that he would have that “face to face” meeting with his friend. He prayed God’s peace upon Gaius, a welcome respite considering the conflict he was experiencing with the contentious Diotrophes. What a wonderful comfort to know the concern that faithful brethren have for one another. Such expressions of love are always beneficial and appreciated.