… a servant of God …
Summary: Paul introduces himself as a “servant of God.” This sets the tone for the rest of the letter. These words are not about Paul, but about God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:1(b) — Servanthood”Titus 1:1(b) — Servanthood
Titus 1:1 (a) — Introduction
Paul …
Summary: Paul’s letter begins with a formal introduction typical of most letters in his day. More than a formality, Paul’s name also adds credence to the letter.
Continue reading “Titus 1:1 (a) — Introduction”1 Peter 5:13 — Mysteries
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
Summary: The concept of “knowledge” is widely misunderstood. We often confuse opinions for real knowledge. When it comes to the Bible, it is important to understand that our faith is in Jesus, the person, and not our opinions about the Bible.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:13 — Mysteries”1 Peter 5:11 — Ultimate Power
To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Summary: A doxology is an acknowledgement of God’s divinity and authority. The affirmation of God’s power is a unique kind of doxology that affirms our dependence on God.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:11 — Ultimate Power”1 Peter 5:9 (a) — How the Devil Roars
Resist him, standing firm in the faith…
Summary: The devil has ways of messing with our minds and the minds of others. We can be attacked from both directions. Our only hope in standing up to the devil is to put on the armor of God.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:9 (a) — How the Devil Roars”1 Peter 5:5 (a) — The Elders
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders.
Summary: Peter commends those under the authority of the church elders to submit to them. Yet there are two kinds of elders.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:5 (a) — The Elders”1 Peter 5:4 (b) — A Crown of Glory
… you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Summary: Peter helps us understand that being faithful to God while we serve him in this life leads to eternal favor.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:4 (b) — A Crown of Glory”1 Peter 5:2 (c) — Shepherds III — Eager to Serve
…not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve…
Summary: Peter points to a dangerous distraction that tempts some who are shepherds. He wants those who are shepherds to be ”eager to serve.”
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (c) — Shepherds III — Eager to Serve”1 Peter 5:2 (b) — Shepherds II — Willingness
… watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be…
Summary: We look at what it means to be a shepherd and explore how attitude affects what we do.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (b) — Shepherds II — Willingness”1 Peter 5:2 (a) — Shepherds I: Like David
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—
Summary: Peter begins a passage dedicated to helping elders shepherd their flock. Why would he need to remind them of this? Shepherds are people, too.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (a) — Shepherds I: Like David”