Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
As a result …
Summary: The first three words of this passage open the door to looking back through time at the beginning of our human history.
I thought we might start this next verse with the first three words, “As a result…”
Paul has just pointed out that what has happened to him has actually been good — from a certain point of view.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:13a – As a Result …”
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
Summary: Comparing ourselves to Paul puts our own experiences in an interesting light.
Most of us have had a bad day now and then, but very few of us have ever had bad days like Paul’s bad days.
Imagine going to work and ending up in prison — for years! Or, you are just minding your own business, trying to do your job, and somebody stirs up a riot against you. Before you get to your first coffee break, soldiers grab you and drag you off to be flogged or beaten with rods. Then, just before you clock out for the day, an angry crowd gathers around you, physically carrying you outside the city limits while simultaneously beating you up on the way. Once outside the city, they all pick up rocks and throw them at you until, bruised and bleeding, you black out from the pain (2 Corinthians 11:21-27).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:12 – Paul’s Bad Day”
[… filled with the fruit of righteousness] that comes through Jesus Christ…
Summary: Righteousness that comes through Jesus is different than human righteousness.
As we continue through this passage, we discover that Paul is referring to a specific kind of righteousness, the kind that comes through Jesus Christ.
The word Paul uses for “righteousness” is “dikaiosýnē,” in Greek, which Strong’s Concordance defines as “equity (of character or act)” (Strong’s G1343).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:11b – God’s Standard”
… whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
Summary: Paul, writing from prison, talks about sharing in the grace of God. This leads us to wonder about what “grace” is and what it means.
Have you ever noticed that whatever you are looking for, you always find it in the last place you look? It’s funny because it is true! It is also “funny” (odd) because sometimes the last place we look is the last place we would ever think to look.
For example, whoever thought the world would be saved by someone crucified by the Romans two thousand years ago?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:7b – The Last Place”
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…
Summary: Paul’s joy is an indicator of a special relationship with the Philippian church.
This verse alone tells us a lot about Paul’s relationship with the Philippians. His prayer for them is filled with joy.
Paul’s other letters all convey his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, but his relationship is different with each one.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:4 – The Source of Joy”
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…
Summary: As we begin our meditations on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are prompted to reflect on God’s Word as his family album.
I often think of the Bible as God’s family album. Even without pictures, the Bible includes “portraits” of people who are important to God and who are part of his story.
Of course, we are all important to God! He loves us without a doubt! Yet, some people play a more prominent role than others (1 Corinthians 12:18-20).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:1a – One Voice”
Remember my chains.
Summary: When Paul asks us to remember his chains, he has something very specific in mind. When we realize what it is, we discover the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.
As we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he asks one last thing: “Remember my chains.”
Why?
Why does Paul want us to remember his chains?
Continue reading “Colossians 4:18b – When Paul Met Jesus”
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.”
Continue reading “Colossians 4:13 – Faith in Action”
Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
Summary: Paul’s comment about being comforted by his Jewish companions leads us to consider “Why?”
No matter what you might think of Paul, the objective facts of his life tell a story. Paul is a man of deep passion. In the first half of his life as a Pharisee, Paul is so passionate about eradicating believers from the face of the earth that he chases them all over the Middle East.
How many Pharisees bothered to do that? Did any Sadducees mount expeditions to pursue early Christians?
Continue reading “Colossians 4:11 – Three Jews”
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
Summary: This verse provides a peek at life in Paul’s day and the people around him.
At some point, after reading the Bible enough times, a person begins to see things differently. Take Aristarchus, for example.
Paul casually mentions “my fellow prisoner,” Aristarchus. Instantly, questions come to mind: Who is Aristarchus? Why is he in prison with Paul? Where is he from?
Continue reading “Colossians 4:10 – Paul’s Time”