Church – Three Minute Bible

November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Philippians 4:5a – More Than Human

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

Summary: In this passage, Paul makes a simple suggestion. But is it just a suggestion?

As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he begins Chapter Four with a plea to “stand firm in the Lord.” He then adds a note to stand firm “in this way.” “This way” turned out to mean adhering to the true Gospel, putting our confidence in Jesus, valuing Christ above all else, pressing on, striving for maturity in faith, focusing on the godly, and remembering we are citizens of heaven.*

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Philippians 4:2 – Of One Mind

Euodia and Syntyche stand back to back in disagreement (Grok)

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Summary: Euodia and Syntyche suffer from a condition that afflicts all of humanity: They want to be right.

What is up with Euodia and Syntyche?

Two women who had worked side by side with the Apostle Paul are caught up in a disagreement. Whatever they are unhappy about, the news of their conflict has reached Paul, hundreds of miles away.

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

Philippians 2:14 – Without Arguing (Part I)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing…

Summary: We begin our examination of this passage by focusing on the concept of arguing.

I try not to grumble. I really do! I especially try not to grumble in church or about church. After all, if churches were only for perfect people, I’d never be allowed in!

July 11, 2025July 11, 2025

Philippians 2:2a – In Search of Unity

A lone flashlight beam in a darkened room fall on a stone carving of the word "UNITY" (Grok)

… then make my joy complete…

Summary: Paul’s plea for unity among believers is one that echoes through the centuries and still haunts us today.

This phrase of Paul’s is heart-wrenching.

Paul, now an old man as he writes these words, is a prisoner. The man who was once free to roam the known world is now trapped like a bird in a cage. His heart longs to be with the Philippians, but his body is chained to the floor in Rome.*

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025

Philippians 1:27c – A Point of Focus

An image of a swan caught in the focal point of a camera lens (Pixabay)

… striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…

Summary: “Striving together” suggests a coordinated effort between people. On closer examination, we discover that a loose association of believers can also “strive together.”

When was the last time you found yourself “striving together” with anyone? Do you remember? What were you striving for?

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025

Philippians 1:25b – When Paul Met Jesus

… for your progress and joy in the faith…

Summary: Paul’s mission to the churches is somewhat unique and is summed up in this passage.

I find it interesting how God stage-manages his will in the world.

If I hadn’t already known better, I would have thought that the “Acts of the Apostles” would have been a story about how the former disciples of Jesus had become apostles to the world. But that didn’t happen.

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025

Philippians 1:18b – The Important Thing

Picture of a field of wheat with weeds growing in it. (Grok)

The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.

Summary: Paul is pondering what is most important in life. In this passage, he shares his conclusion that at the end of the day, all that matters is that Christ is preached.

How much Jesus is enough to save a soul?

This question may sound silly, but it stems from the passage before us. What does Paul mean by “in every way?” Does it matter if I preach a little Jesus or a lot? Is how I preach Jesus more important than the fact that I preach Jesus? What if I preach Jesus, but I do it in a way that you don’t like?

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025

Philippians 1:3 – A Special Place

Picture of Paul and a small group meeting alongside the river outside Philippi (Grok)

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Summary: Paul’s thankfulness for the church at Philippi is a sign of his love for them and his memories of his time with the Philippians.

Do you know anybody you’d do that for?

Do you know someone, whom every time you think of them, you literally thank God for that person?

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

Colossians 4:15 – Nympha

Picture of Nympha hosting a house church (Grok)

Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Summary: The mention of Nympha and the “church in her house” opens the door to considering other women of renown who served the Lord in different ways.

As we find our way through the last few verses of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we have found several that are “greetings” from Paul and his associates to specific people. In this passage, we focus on the “brothers and sisters at Laodicea” and on a woman named Nympha who hosts a church in her home.

The mention of Nympha is a good reminder to focus on the role of women in the early church.

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025

Colossians 4:13 – Faith in Action

Picture: Yellow "MEN AT WORK" sign with men kneeling in prayer.

I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Summary: This passage invites us to indulge in the heart of meditation: Imagining what is possible.

This passage is a bit of a puzzle.

Paul is vouching for Epaphras’s work. Unfortunately, all we know for certain is that he is “working hard” and that the work is “for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.”