Haritha

Book 50 The Book Of Philippians

Who wrote the book of Philippians: Paul When was it written: 61 A.D.

The focus of Philippians is joy. Over and over again Paul tells readers to find joy in the LORD rather than to search for it in worldly places and pleasures. Paul also cautions us against being prideful, independent, and self-seeking.

Philippians is also known as one of Paul’s prison letters; meaning he wrote it to the church in Philippi while he was in prison in Rome. He wrote the letter as a way of saying thank you for the encouragement and gifts he had received from them.

Bible study guide for Book of Philippians

In the first chapter of the book of Philippians Paul praises his Christian brothers and sisters in Philippi for their faithfulness to God, and their expressions of brotherly love toward him.

Additionally, he shares his joy in the fact that “…most of the brothers in the LORD have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….” because he (Paul) is in prison. The implication is that his fellow evangelists aren’t going to let Paul’s imprisonment be for nothing.

Intertwined with and following these comments, Paul gets down to the business of encouraging these faithful followers of Christ.

Christian living lessons from Philippians

What We Learn From The Book Of Philippians

We are to continually grow in wisdom and knowledge of God’s Word. (1:9)

Our knowledge of God’s Word should be used to discern what God’s will for our life is, the difference between truth and lies, and right from wrong. (1:10)

We should never be ashamed of our faith. (1:20)

We are to conduct ourselves as representatives of Jesus Christ at all times and in all situations because that is exactly what we are. (1:27)

We are to be united with our brothers and sisters in Christ because of our mutual love for him. (2:1-2)

We are to consider others better than ourselves; meaning we should possess the qualities of humility and selflessness. We should also resist the temptation to be self-serving by looking for ways to serve and help others who are in need. (2:3-4)

We learn that equality with God is not possible. (2:6)

We are reminded that Jesus humbled himself to humans out of obedience to God in order to save us from our sins through his death on the cross. (2:7-8)

We are told that because of Jesus’ obedience to the Father, God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place—that someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD. (2:9-11)

The verse that tells us we are to “…work out our salvation with fear and trembling….” does not mean our salvation is based on works, but rather that our faith spurs us into action to do God’s will for our life. (2:12-13)

We are to do everything without complaining or arguing. (2:14)

We need close brothers and sisters in Christ that we can depend on to encourage us, hold us accountable, and serve side by side with. (2:19-30)

Rejoice in the LORD! (3:1)

We are to watch out for evil men and false teachers. (3:2)

Nothing we can accomplish or attain here on earth is nothing compared to the reward of heaven. (3:7-8)

We are to persevere and not give up on God and in serving him. (3:12)

Those who live contrary to God’s commands will suffer a destiny of destruction and suffering in hell. (3:18-19)

Philippians verses about contentment and faith

Rejoice in the LORD always! (4:4)

Be gentle. (4:5)

We don’t have to be anxious or worry about anything as long as we give it over to God in prayer. Why? Because when we do that we have the promise that God will guard our hearts and minds with unspeakable peace. (4:6-7)

We are to fix our thoughts on anything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and/or praiseworthy. (4:5)

The secret to contentment is knowing that no matter what God is on our side and that we can do any and all things through him. (4:11-13)

God will meet and exceed all our needs with his glorious riches. (4:19)

Book 49 The Book Of Ephesians

Who wrote the book of Ephesians: Paul

When was it written: 60 A.D.—most likely during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

The book of Ephesians is different than most of Paul’s other letters, as it does not address specific issues or problems. Instead, the book of Ephesians focuses on the unity of Christians. It is a book that looks at the different ‘elements’ of the family.

Paul explains the responsibilities of each, how they relate to the Church, and the joys that come from being in a Christ-centered marriage, parent/child relationship, and a member of a church family.

Ephesians on unity in the body of Christ explained

What We Learn From The Book Of Ephesians

We were created in the image of God and chosen even before the creation of the earth to be his children (1:4)

Predestination is explained: Predestination is NOT that only certain people have been pre-selected to be saved, but rather the human race was preselected from the very beginning to be God’s children and five with him…(l:5 and 1:11)

Sin messed up God’s plan, requiring him to put into place a plan for salvation (1:7)

Our hope for eternity is found only in Jesus (1:15-23)

• We are saved by the grace of God because of the blood of Jesus through our obedience that comes from faith (2:8-9)
• We were created for specific purposes (2:10)
• We can approach God through Jesus with confidence (3:12)
• We are to be humble, gentle, patient, and treat each other with love so that the body of Christ (the church) can be unified (4:2)
• There is one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one God, and one Father who is over all, through all, and in all (4:5-6)
• Becoming a Christian is not something we do, but rather someone we become (4:22-23)
• It is not necessarily a sin to be angry, but we cannot allow our anger to lead us into sin (4:26)
• We are to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving (4:32)
• We are to be imitators of God (5:1)

We are to live in such a way that honors and respects the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross (5:2)

The character traits and moral virtues of a Christian do not include sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscene, foolish, or crude language, greed, idolatry, or any other form of sin (5:3-5) We must be careful to not be misled by empty words; testing what we hear and are taught by comparing it to the Word of God, which is the Bible (5:6-7)

We are to live wisely and seek God’s will for our life (5:15-17)

Give thanks in any and all situations and circumstances (5:20)

Ephesians explanation for new believers

God’s Instructions And Intentions For The Family

Beginning in verse twenty-two of chapter five, Paul begins writing about the core relationships in our lives—the relationship between a husband and wife, between parents and children, and slaves and their masters, which today translates into employers and employees.

Because he has so much to say on the subject that is pertinent to the actual relationships themselves AND to our relationship with Christ, we need to examine these passages closely.

Husbands And Wives

Paul begins by issuing the command that wives are to be submissive to their husbands IN THE SAME WAY they are submissive to the LORD.

First of all you need to understand that these are not Paul’s commands, but God’s. Remember, nothing is written in the Bible that God did not determine to be there. The writers’ words are inspired by God.

Secondly, you need to understand what it means to submit to a husband in the same way one submits to the LORD. A wife who submits to her husband in the same way she submits to the LORD is to willingly commit to her husband as a faithful wife and a wife who trusts her husband to know and do what is best for their marriage and their family.

And yes, the husband is to be the ultimate ‘buck stops here’ authority in the home. Someone has to be and God has declared that someone to be the husband. But this is not a bad thing.

For a wife it means not having to shoulder the burden of responsibility of negative consequences, of financial worries, and for standing against those who try to tear down your home, cheat you, lie to you, or disarm you in any other way.

Submission is not meant to make a woman feel inferior. It is actually a form of protection and nurturing. And whether you like it or not, men and women are different. They have different strengths and weaknesses. And because God, as our creator, knows what these things are, he knows how we need to live in order to function at optimal levels.

Besides, the responsibility that falls on the husband so that he can be worthy of his wife’s submission is tremendous. A husband’s love for his wife is to be the same as that of Christ’s for the Church!

That’s not something a husband can or should take lightly. In loving their wife as Christ loves the Church, a husband must:

Love her as he loves himself.

Present himself as spotless and pure like Jesus is. No, husbands won’t be perfect, but they are to be perfectly committed to the marriage and sexually pure (virgins when married and faithful throughout).

• Respect his wife’s body, her intellect, her emotions, and her talents/abilities.
• Be willing to lead the marriage and the family according to God’s commands.
• Be a spiritual leader by setting an example at home, at work, in the community, and in the local church.
• Be a spiritual leader by treating their marriage as a holy union—just like the holy union between himself and the LORD.
• Be a spiritual leader by raising any children they have to know and love the LORD.
• Be willing to die for his wife if necessary, just as Christ died for us; making the Church possible.

So you see, the act of submission is nothing a wife should fear or find off-putting. It is a blessing that only serves to enhance a marriage and the individuals in the relationship. It brings out the best of each other’s God-given character traits.

But, you are asking, what about marriages between people who aren’t Christians—or marriages in which the wife is a Christian but the husband is not? Does she need to submit in these situations?

First of all, these instructions are for Christian marriages and families. You cannot expect non-Christians to have Christ-like behavior or to pattern their lives after Christ’s life. But as for a marriage in which the wife is a Christian and the husband is not? Or vice versa; a Christian husband married to a non-Christian wife?

As you saw in looking at the book of 2nd Corinthians, we are warned against being unequally yoked; meaning marrying someone who is not a Christian. And this (meaning these verses in Ephesians) is the reason why.

When a Christian is married to a non-Christian, it is like trying to start a car that has no gas. You’ve got everything you need to travel in safety and comfort, except the thing you need the most.

You should not, however, end the marriage because of this. Simply love your spouse as you are called to love them in Ephesians 5 and pray for God’s blessing on your marriage and for the unbelieving spouse to come to know Christ as their Savior, too.

Lessons from Ephesians on Christian living

Children And Parents

Simply stated, children are to obey their parents. It is one of the Ten Commandments—the only one that comes with a promise.

The promise is this: children who obey their parents will enjoy a good and long life.

Before we delve into the actual meaning of this promise, let’s take a minute to understand the importance of obedience and the impact it has on the home, on the individual, and on society in general.

Obedience is essential in order for children to grow and mature properly. Children are not born knowing the finer points of right from wrong. Children have to be taught how to respond rather than react.

They have to be taught to make choices and decisions based on facts and by weighing the outcome of their choices and decisions versus making them based on feelings and emotions. And the only way parents can teach these things to their children is to expect and insist on obedience.

Obedience in the home allows the home to run smoothly and for relationships between the people in the home to grow in a positive direction. Obedience in the home trains children to be obedient outside the home, as well.

And we all know the value of obedience outside the home—school, rules of the road, societal law, in the workplace, etc. Without obedience in the home, we have schools in which teachers can’t actually teach because they are too busy trying to maintain order and respect in a classroom filled with disrespectful, disobedient, selfish students.

Without obedience in the home, we have people in the workplace who believe that respect, salary, and benefits are owed to them just because they bother to show up.

Without obedience in the home, we have people who think nothing of taking things that don’t belong to them, driving recklessly because they have to get someone and shouldn’t be bothered by others on the road, bullying others who are smaller, weaker, or just different than they are, and who think nothing of taking another person’s life.

Without obedience, society fails. And that’s what God’s promise is all about. God’s promise says that when we are obedient, we can expect good things because good things result from obedience. We are respected. We are lawful.

We are healthy in the fact that we don’t purposefully abuse our bodies. We are people of integrity and sound morals. What God’s promise doesn’t mean is that when a little child dies his/her death is because they weren’t obedient. Disease, the careless acts of others, and tragic accidents happen that result in death because we live in a fallen and sinful world.

But the parent/child relationship isn’t solely dependent upon the child’s obedience or even the parent’s attention to teaching and insisting on it. The parent/child relationship as intended by God is also dependent upon how the parent teaches and insists upon the obedience God commands.

The best way to explain what God means when he tells Paul to write, “Fathers, do not exasperate you children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the LORD.” (Ephesians 6:4) is to say this:

Parents are to love their children with the same unconditional love God showers upon us. It’s the unconditional love that says “I love you just because you are mine—not because of what you look like, how smart you are, how athletic you are, how musically talented you are, or because you want to follow in my footsteps, but just because you are mine.”

Parents are to let their children know up-front what is expected of them. God laid it all out there for us. He didn’t change the rules in the middle of the game, so to speak. We should do the same.

Parents are to be firm and unyielding in their expectations, yet slow to anger and willing to extend mercy. God is direct and unyielding in his commands. Follow his commands and receive the reward of eternal life in heaven with him. Don’t follow his commands and spend eternity in hell.

It’s that simple. But, God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He created us so he knows that isn’t possible. So as long as we are trying he is patient and merciful. He guides and directs, administers discipline instead of punishment, and loves us along the path to getting it right. We should do the same.

Workplace Relationships

The best way to sum up God’s intentions for us in these types of relationships is to quote Ephesians 6:7-8, which says, “Serve whole-heartedly, as if you were serving the LORD, not men because you know that the LORD will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”

In other words, approach every job, volunteer task, ministry within the church… everything as if you are doing it for the LORD. When you do, you will be able to rest assured that no matter what anyone says or does, you will be okay. God will make sure you are blessed.

Historical context of Ephesians in the New Testament

The Armor Of God

The book of Ephesians concludes by talking about the armor of God—the spiritual tools and weapons we have available to us that enables us to be the people we’ve just been called to be in the preceding verses (and elsewhere throughout the Bible, for that matter).

The armor of God is something we cannot live without if we truly want to grow and mature into the person God created us to be. It is what makes our Christian faith who we are instead of just something we do.

Paul introduces us to the armor of God by reminding us that we are at war against Satan and that the trophy or spoils of the war we are fighting is our soul.

So if you think the obstacles standing between you and God are your boss, your financial disasters, the unfaithful spouse who trampled your heart, the cancer that took your twelve-year-old, or the abusive father you couldn’t get away from, think again. These people and situations are nothing more than Satan’s puppets.

Satan is the real enemy and it is only when you understand this truth (Ephesians 6:10-12) and put on the armor necessary to fight him off and defend yourself against him, that you can truly be free in Christ.

The Armor Of God Consists Of:

Belt Of Truth: you cannot have a relationship with God or experience his love and the blessings he has to offer without first acknowledging the truth that he is the one true God and that Jesus is his Son and the source of our salvation.

You also need to live with the truth of the scriptures firmly around you to uphold the decisions and choices you make in your life—just like a physical belt holds your clothing in place.

Breastplate Of Righteousness: A breastplate’s purpose was to protect a soldier from being hit in the heart, lungs, and other vital organs by the arrows and spears of the enemy. The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts from being attacked by the lies Satan tells—lies that have become the world’s accepted philosophies and ways of life.

In wearing the breastplate of righteousness we are able to refute these lies and not let them invade our hearts and minds and become our way of thinking and living.

Shoes of the gospel of peace: The shoes we wear on our feet help us stand steady, straight, and tall. They keep us upright. Likewise, the gospel keeps us upright. Its truth provides peace and assurance that God is in control and that he truly will work all things for our good.

Shield Of Faith: A soldier’s shield deflects the arrows and spears thrown by the enemy; hopefully knocking them out of the way so that the breastplate doesn’t have to stop them.
(But isn’t it great to know that that breastplate is there just in case and to stop the ones that come from behind?)

Satan is relentless in throwing arrows at us—doubt, sickness, grief, fear, job loss, broken trusts, and all sorts of other things. But when we keep our shield of faith in front of us and hold to the faith that God is real, that he loves us unfailingly, that he will never leave us, and that he will always bless and reward us for our faithfulness, Satan doesn’t stand a chance.

Bible study guide for the Book of Ephesians

Helmet Of Salvation: God gave us a heart with which to love, extend compassion and mercy, and experience the emotions he created within our being. But God also gave us a mind. And it is from that mind that our conviction of who Jesus is and what his sacrifice on the cross means for us needs to come.

Living a life for Christ isn’t an emotion. It is a purposeful decision made in our minds. The helmet of salvation, then, should be worn to protect that decision of truth from being attacked and slaughtered. Our hope for eternity in heaven depends on it.

Sword Of The Spirit: The Bible is the sword of the Spirit. It is the weapon we use to defend our beliefs, our actions, our moral integrity, our choices, and our message. But without first-hand knowledge of what it says, we cannot truly defend ourselves. So read. Study. Know. Defend.

While I would never insinuate that one book of the Bible is more valuable than another, you can see that the book of Ephesians is an extremely important book for the Christian who is seeking to gain insight and wisdom into God’s expectations for our conduct, attitude, and spiritual maturity.

Book 10 The Book of 2nd Samuel

The books of 1st and 2nd Samuel were originally one manuscript. Therefore, the author and date of writing of 2nd Samuel are the same as it is for 1st Samuel.

Why was it written: Records the events of the reign of King David

The book of 2nd Samuel is a historical account of the reign of King David following King Saul’s death. It is a book filled with action, adventure, family drama, victories, and defeats.

The book also gives us an uncensored look into the life of the man who was described by God himself as being “A man after God’s own heart”—even when the heart of David was marred with sins most of us never deal with in our own lives. So beyond the historical value of the book of 2nd Samuel, the book overflows with the truth of God’s redemptive love.

The fact that God is ready, willing, and able to forgive and redeem us back into his loving arms cannot be missed in the 2nd Samuel. Time and time again we see

David falls victim to temptation followed by remorse, regret, repentance, and thanksgiving for God’s forgiving nature.

One of the most valuable lessons we should take from the life of David in regards to sin is this: David sinned on more than one occasion and his sins were not ‘trivial’ (no sin is).

But David did not live a sinful lifestyle. He learned from his mistakes and did not allow himself to fall into a pattern of repeating the same sins over again. He was by no means perfect, but he truly desired to be God’s servant and do God’s will in his life.

To try to cover all the details of David’s reign over Israel in one chapter of a book is unrealistic. I simply could not do it justice. Instead, I will simply provide you with a list of the highlights and a few major details and let you read the rest for yourself.

2 Samuel Bible study guide and overview

David’s Reign Over Israel

• David grieved the deaths of Saul and Saul’s son, Jonathan (his best friend)
• David didn’t automatically assume the role of king but rather waited for God to tell him when to go, where to go, and who to appoint as his advisors

David’s humility and obedience are clearly seen in these events.

• David encounters animosity and conflict with Saul’s loyal advisors, but God’s will wins out and David takes the throne

Battles are fought and won; giving Israel justifiable reasons to honor and respect their new king

• David establishes his home in Jerusalem, “The City of David” and brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem
• David very much wanted to build a Temple for God in Jerusalem, but God said no. Through the prophet, Nathan, God told David that because he was a man of war (who had taken human lives) he could not build the temple. God did promise, however, that David’s son who would come after him, would build a Temple worthy of being a dwelling place for the LORD
• God promises David his family will sit on the throne of Israel as long as Israel is a kingdom (NOTE: this is somewhat prophetic in nature since God knew Israel would not ‘live’ to be the kingdom he desired it to be)
• David commits the sins of adultery, fornication, conspiracy, and even murder

Spiritual lessons from King David’s reign

David committed adultery and fornication with Bathsheba; resulting in a pregnancy

To try to cover up or hide his sins, David brings Bathsheba’s husband, a trusted army officer, home to spend time with his wife so that she can simply say the child is his. Things don’t go according to plan (because of Uriah’s loyalty to David and the men he is leading) so David has him killed, but makes it look as if it was an act of war.

Nathan is once again called upon by God to guide and reprimand David. David doesn’t try to deny anything, shift the blame, or justify his actions. He admitted his sins, asked forgiveness, and repented by never doing those things again, and most poignantly portrayed in the book of 2nd Samuel is David’s acceptance of his discipline by God for his actions.

The disciplinary action taken by God for David and Bathsheba’s sins was to take the life of the child they conceived during their act of adultery. David prayed that God would spare the child’s life, but when God did not do so, David did not become angry at or resentful toward God. He accepted God’s will and moved on.

As a result of David and Bathsheba’s repentance and faith, God granted them other children born because of their love in marriage. One of them was Solomon—the successor to the throne of Israel.

• David struggles against his son, Absalom. It is a struggle that eventually leads to Absalom’s death, which causes deep agony and grief in David’s heart.
• David once again disobeys God by counting the members of his army.
  • God had expressly told David not to count the members of his army. God wanted David to know and believe that their
    success was not the result of numbers but of God’s divine intervention.
  • David’s sin of disobedience had far-reaching effects—-just like ours often does. Because of his sin, God brought a plague on Israel for a period of three days, killing seventy thousand people.
  • God’s heart was heavy with grief (2nd Samuel 24:16). In fact, he was so grief-stricken that he ordered the angel of death to stop before the people in the city of Jerusalem were stricken by the death plague.
  • After God stopped the plague, he instructed David to build an altar at the place where the death angel had been when God ordered the plague to end.

The final event to take place in the book of 2nd Samuel is David’s altar-building and sacrifice as an act of repentance for his disobedience. It isn’t the act itself that shows the true heart of the man whose lineage is that of our Savior.

Verse by verse meaning of 2 Samuel chapters

It is the heart with which he makes the sacrifice that reveals to us why David was ‘labeled’ by God to be a man after his (God’s) own heart.

David’s words to the owner of the wine press where God has instructed David to make his sacrifice are an excellent summation of what our constant mindset and attitude toward God should be: “But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it, I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”…. 2nd Samuel 24:24a

Book 51 The Book Of Colossians

Who wrote the book of Colossians: Paul When was it written: 60 A.D.

The book of Colossians is Paul’s letter to the Christians in Colossae. Colossae was a city in the ancient land of Phrygia, which was part of the Roman Empire’s territory in Asia Minor. The city no longer exists, but was located near the current-day town of Honaz, Turkey.

Paul wrote the book to encourage the new Christians there who were struggling to combat a group of people who were trying to steer them away from the truth.

While we don’t know exactly what false teaching was being touted as truth, we know from Paul’s writing that it revolved around the supposed need for something other than and/or in addition to Jesus in order to obtain salvation.

Colossians Bible study guide and overview

Pauli also reiterates to readers that without Christ as the center of our life, we are nothing.

What We Learn From The Book Of Colossians

The only real hope is found in Jesus. (1:5)

The message of the Gospel is meant to be shared with the world. (1:6)

We are to seek knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding in order to do God’s will for our lives. (1:9)

Our life’s goal should be to live a life that honors and pleases God. (1:10)

When we depend on God and seek to do his will for our lives, we are assured of receiving strength, power, endurance, patience, and joy, and an abundance of other blessings he has to offer. (1:11)

key themes in the Book of Colossians

Our inheritance for living a life of faithful obedience is heaven—an inheritance made possible through the blood of Jesus. (1:12-13 and 1:22-23)

Jesus is God’s son and is the creator and master of all. Nothing was made that he did not make and everything was made for his pleasure. (1:16)

Christ is the head of the Church. (1:18)

We are to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world and to encourage them to remain in the truth in whatever ways we can. (2:1-5)

We are to guard our hearts and minds against false and deceptive teachers. (2:8)

We are to be buried with Christ in baptism and raised with him (immersion) to symbolize our death from sin and resurrection from sin. (2:12)

Sin is spiritual death. (2:13)

We are to set our hearts and minds on the things of Christ rather than on earthly things and worldly wealth and possessions. (3:1-2)

We are to get rid of the things God has deemed sinful so that we can appear before him in judgment with the calm assurance of spending eternity with him. These things are sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, idolatry, anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying. (3:1-9)

We are to ‘clothe ourselves’ with the character of Christ; meaning we are to be compassionate, kind, humble, patient, gentle, forgiving, helpful, and supportive of our brothers and sisters in Christ (and others), and treating one another with Christ-like love. (3:12-14)

We are to be thankful. (3:15)

Colossians message about the fullness of Christ

We are to soak up the wisdom of the Word of God, and praise and worship him through songs, and prayers. (3:16-19-17)

We are to follow God’s instructions for our personal relationships: wives are to be submissive to their husbands, husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church and as they love themselves, children are to obey their parents, parents are to raise their children in a loving, Christ-like manner, employees are to do their job as if they are doing it for the LORD, and employers are to treat their employees fairly and justly. (3:18-4:1)

We are to devote ourselves to prayer (4:2)

We are to be tactful but truthful when talking to non-Christians by making the most of every opportunity to ‘season our conversations with salt’. In other words what we say (or don’t say) and how we say it should reflect our faith and relationship with Jesus. (4:5-6)

Books 47 and 48

The Book Of 2nd Corinthians

Who wrote the book of 2nd Corinthians: Paul When was it written: Late 55 A.D.

The focus of the 2nd Corinthians is to encourage and remind the Christians in Corinth to be disciplined in Christian character and to remain faithful.

As stated in the previous chapter, Corinth was not an easy place to be a Christian—especially a new Christian.

Paul knew the struggles the people faced were real. Paul was also writing to address the issue of false teachers in the church at Corinth— people who were trying to convince the congregation that Paul was not genuine and sincere in his love for the people or his work for the LORD.

In writing this second letter, Paul offers assurance that he is the man of God he says he is and that when he is able to come to them, they will be able to see for themselves and they will enjoy a time of growing together in the LORD.

Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians and Galatians explained

What We Learn From The Book Of 2nd Corinthians

• God comforts us in times of trouble (1:4 and 2:14)
• Our confidence should be because of Christ and what he did for us (3:4)
• Our purpose is to fearlessly and boldly share the message of the Gospel by being the unique person God created us to be (4:7-9)
• We will all stand before God to be judged (5:10)
• We should not be joined (date/marry) unbelievers (6:14-15)
• We are to keep ourselves pure (7:1)
• We are to be generous with our money, time, and talents
• God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but rather to let him be perfect in us and through us (12:7-9)

The Book Of Galatians

Who wrote Galatians the book of Galatians: Paul When was it written: 50 A.D.

The book of Galatians is a letter to the church in Galatia. The converts in Galatia were Judaizers. Judaizers were Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah, but who also firmly believed that the ceremonial practices of the Mosaic Law were still necessary acts of worship.

2nd Corinthians vs Galatians comparison Bible study

It was also necessary for Paul to counter the Galatians’ belief that the salvation of the Gentiles was not real because they did not observe circumcision and other old Law rituals and ceremonies.

Making these clarifications was essential to the health of the Church and for the unity of the people.

2 Corinthians and Galatians Christian living and faith lessons

What We Learn From The Book Of Galatians

• There is no other gospel than the one taught by Jesus and shared through the teachings of Paul, the apostles, and early leaders of the Church (1:6-9)
• Paul shares his past life for the purpose of explaining that he knows the difference between lies and truth because he had been on both ‘sides of the fence’ (1:13-24)
• Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law; making the ultimate sacrifice for us (3:10-14)
• Anyone baptized into Christ is a son or daughter of God (3:26)
• Your faith and acts of praise, worship, service, and giving need come from a genuine and sincere heart (4:18)
• Let the Holy Spirit guide you in all things so that you live by faith and do not fall into a sinful lifestyle (5:16-18)
• The acts of sinful nature are: sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, drunkenness, witchcraft, hatred, jealousy, rage, discord, selfish ambition, dissension, envy debauchery, and orgies (5:19-21)
• Rather than let our sinful nature rule, we are to live fruitful lives—lives that produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (5:22-23)
• Instructions on restoring a brother or sister in Christ caught in sin (6:1-2)
• We reap what we sow (6:7-9)

Book 46 The Book Of 1st Corinthians

Who wrote the book of 1st Corinthians: Paul When was it written: 5 5 A.D.

The focus of 1st Corinthians is Christian living. In this first letter to the church of Corinth, Paul addresses several issues that can distance us from Christ and keep us from developing our character to be more like him.

Paul’s warnings and encouragements come from a heart that truly cares for the people he is writing to. Paul wasn’t trying to sound superior or holier than the people he was writing to (or to us, for that matter).

1st Corinthians Bible study guide with meaning

Paul also knew the obstacles they were facing. He knew what a sinful, corrupt, and evil place Corinth was. But Paul also knew that God was bigger and mightier than all of it and if the people would stay focused on God, they would be victorious over sin.

The other primary message in the book of 1st Corinthians is love. Paul reminds us that at the root of everything—including God’s gift of salvation through Jesus—is love. God’s love for us, Jesus’ love for us, and the fact that we are to share that love back both with them and with others—it all comes down to love.

But love as the world knows it is often very different than God’s definition (which is the only one that should matter to us) of love. As we look at God’s definition of love toward the end of this chapter, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how well your definition and exhibition of love line up with God’s.

Major lessons from 1st Corinthians chapter by chapter

What We Learn From The Book Of 1st Corinthians

God has called us into fellowship with Jesus (1:9)

We are to be united with our brothers and sisters in Christ (1:10)

Our faith is to be in Jesus—not men (1:121-17)

The wisdom that comes from God is far greater than earthly or worldly wisdom (2:6-8)

We cannot even begin to comprehend the amazing things God has prepared for us when we love him faithfully and obediently (2:9)

We aren’t to give up or consider our witness useless if we don’t see immediate results (3:6-9)

Those who call themselves Christians cannot be allowed to live sinful lifestyles and remain a part of the church (if they refuse to repent) (5:1-5)

We can’t expect non-Christians to have Christ-like behavior, but we are to set an example for them (5:12-13)

God says those who do the following cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven: sexually immoral, idolaters, those who commit adultery, homosexuals, prostitutes, thieves, drunkards, slanderers, those who are greedy, and those who cheat and swindle (6:9-10)

Our bodies are not our own if we have accepted Christ as Savior—they are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should treat them as such (6:15-20)

Marriage is between one man and one woman and should last as long as both are alive

We should live in such a way that we do not dishonor God nor cause others to stumble in their faith or be able to call us hypocrites (8:9-11)

We will never be tempted to do anything God does not supply a way out from—even if that ‘way out’ is turning around and running as fast as you can (10:13)

Instructions regarding worship and the LORD’S Supper

We are all members of one body—the Church and body of Christ, and we have all been given gifts, talents, and abilities for the purpose of serving, praising and worshipping him, and to use for serving others and sharing the Good News of the Gospel

The second coming of Christ and the victory we have over death and eternity in hell because of Jesus

Paul’s message to the Corinthians explained

Book 45 The Book Of Romans

Who wrote the book of Romans: Paul When was it written: Approx. 5 7 A.D.

From what we know historically, Paul most likely wrote this letter to the church in Rome during one of his missionary journeys to Corinth. The purpose of this letter is to outline God’s plan of salvation and how it relates to living our daily lives. The book of Romans emphasizes a personal relationship with God.

Paul makes a point in addressing the letter to Jews and Gentiles alike who believe in Jesus and who want to accept him as Savior, as well as to those who already have.

Being justified (made right with God) through faith is definitely part of Paul’s message

Romans Bible study guide with interpretation

Because the book of Romans (like most of the other books of the New Testament) is more doctrinal than eventful in nature, we will look at each of them from the perspective of what they have to say in regard to being a Christian—one who lives in faithful obedience for Christ and in Christ, according to the word he has given us, which is the Bible.

Major lessons from the Book of Romans

What We Learn From The Book Of Romans

The message of the gospel, which is salvation, is the one promised by the prophets (1:2)

Our salvation is the result of God’s grace and our obedience (1:5)

We are to encourage and build each other up by loving as Jesus loved and by using the message of the gospel (1:12)

We should never be ashamed of the gospel because it is the reason we can be saved—the reason Jews and Gentiles alike can be saved (1:16)

God does not tolerate sin and when he is ready he will punish people for their sins (1:18-2 5)

God clearly told us what he considers sinful; greed, envy, homosexuality, murder, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, God-haters, arrogance, and depravity (1:26-31)

God will reward us on the day of judgment according to our persistence in doing his will (2:6-7)

No one is righteous; meaning no one deserves to be saved— it is only because of God’s loving grace and mercy and our obedience to his commands (out of faith and a respectful awe of his loving grace and mercy) that we are able to spend eternity with him in heaven

We are to view our suffering and times of trial and hardship as positives because through those things we are able to see God at work in our lives (5:3)

We are to allow the hardships and difficulties we encounter to build our character, make us more persevering, and fill us with hope (5:5)

Salvation and grace are not a ‘ticket’ to keep on sinning— salvation is a gift to be honored and treated with respect (6:1-4)

We are to run from sin and its desires because as Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.”

Sin is real and we are powerless against it without the Holy Spirit in our lives working to protect us from Satan (chapter 8)

If God is for us (if we put our faith in him), nothing can win against us (8:31)

We must confess Jesus as LORD and put our trust fully in him (10:9-11)

God’s explanation of the remnant of Israel and their ultimate destiny (chapter 11)

We are to be living sacrifices to God (12:1)

As Christians, we are all members of one body (12:4-8)

God’s expectations for us in regards to loving others and ourselves (12:9-13)

We are to submit to authorities here on earth (13:1-3)

We are to encourage one another and try to live in peace with each other (14:19)

Paul’s message in the Book of Romans explained

Book 44 The Book Of Acts

Who wrote the book of Acts: Luke When was it written: Around 63 A.D.

The book of Acts is the historical account of the beginning of the Church and the spread of Christianity following Christ’s death, resurrection, and return to heaven. The book of Acts also provides the foundation of doctrine for the Church as God and Jesus intended it to be.

In the first chapter of Acts Luke briefly sums up Jesus’ post-resurrection time here on earth; specifically focusing on how the disciples received the Holy Spirit, the selection of a twelfth disciple to replace Judas Iscariot, and the information that after betraying Jesus, Judas killed himself out of remorse and shame.

Acts Bible study guide with interpretation

In reading the book of Acts we learn that the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples and others chosen by God to do great and miraculous things as they disbursed themselves around the world to take the message of the gospel to any and all who would listen.

But none of these actions takes place solely for the purpose of wowing the crowd or to make a point. The miracles done or experienced by early leaders of the Church are done in conjunction with the teaching and acceptance of Jesus as Savior.

The most important chapter of the Book of Acts is chapter two. In chapter two we see the establishment of the Church and the foundation of the doctrinal beliefs and essentials of salvation. The sermon preached by Peter on the Day of Pentecost, took place forty days after Jesus rose from the grave and seven days following his return to heaven.

The crowd Peter is addressing is the same crowd who had flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. These were also the same people (many of them, anyway) who had taken up the ‘battle cry’ for Jesus to be killed.

Peter, knowing that the majority of the people there were staunchly entrenched in the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets, began by reading the message from the prophet, Joel.

Major lessons from the Book of Acts

He then followed up with words penned by Kind David. Let’s take a look at what Peter had to say, so that you, too, will be able to experience the full impact of what he had to say afterwards:

‘“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

Following this message Peter testified that he had seen, heard, and experienced Jesus; meaning he could say beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was indeed the one Joel, David, and all the other prophets of the Old Testament had spoken of.

Acts of the Apostles explained for Bible study

Thousands in the crowd were convinced and ashamed of what they had done. Desperately wanting to rectify the situation, they asked Peter what they could do. And Peter replied with the words that are the source of salvation according to the teachings of Jesus:

The remainder of chapter two through the end of chapter eight is filled with historical accounts of how the early Church started growing. They faced opposition, hardships, and uncertainties, but they faced them with hope, faith, and a spirit of perseverance.

The people shared what they had with one another, fellowshipped together regularly, and formed close family-like bonds with one another out of their desire to worship God and develop a deeper relationship with him.

The spread of the Church brought with it the need for additional leadership. This resulted in some of Jesus’ faithful followers stepping up into the roles of evangelists and leaders. Among them was Stephen. Stephen’s commitment to the spread of Christianity cost him his life at the hands of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court system).

While some might look at Stephen’s death as a blow to the Church, it was actually a blessing. Why? Because following Stephen’s death, the Sanhedrin went on a ‘witch hunt’ to try to shut the Church down; sending scores of new Christians to other cities and towns far and wide.

They left Jerusalem, but they were not silent, and the Church began to grow even more—to Samaria, Gaza, Judea, Damascus, and many other areas.

Chapter nine is another extremely important chapter in the Book of Acts. It is here we read of the conversion of Saul. Saul was a Pharisee of Pharisees (his words). He hated Christians and all they stood for. His hatred was so great that he devoted his time to hunting them down and killing them.

Application of the Book of Acts for modern Christians

But God had other plans for Saul. God saw in him a passion so great that he (God) knew that he was capable of doing amazing things for the cause of Christ and the growth of the Church.

Saul’s conversion and name change to Paul resulted in giving us the greatest missionary of all time and thirteen New Testament books (which are letters to churches and individuals).
Chapter ten of the book of Acts is significant in the fact that Peter is sent by God to begin making salvation available to the Gentiles.

To this point, the gospel had been preached primarily to those who were Jewish or Samaritans. Yes, there are some Gentiles who had accepted Christ as their Savior prior to Peter’s visit to Cornelius, but by and large, Gentiles had been excluded.

Opening up their hearts and minds to accepting Gentiles into the Church was not an easy thing for some of the apostles to do. It went against everything they had been taught for generations. But God loves each of us and wants each and every one of us to have the opportunity to know him and spend eternity with him in heaven.

The remainder of the book of Acts tells of Paul’s missionary journeys and the continued spread of the Church under the leadership of Peter, John, Barnabas, Silas, and a few others. It is a book not only of history, though, but of doctrine that we must hold to today if we are to be the Church God called us to be.

In reading through the book of Acts you cannot help but learn that it isn’t easy to be a Christian in a sinful world and society. There are going to be times of ridicule and persecution.

Your faith is going to be tested. But you will also experience the joys and blessings that come from standing firmly on the truth and holding tight to the loving hands of God who will never leave your side.

Acts chapter summaries and key verses

Key Verses In Acts

Every book of the Bible provides us with words of wisdom, instruction, comfort, encouragement, admonishment, warning, promise, and hope. Let’s look at some of what the Book of Acts has to offer.

Book 42 The Book Of Luke

Who wrote the book of Luke: Luke

When was it written: Sometime between 59 and 63 A.D.

The gospel of Luke is the most orderly and complete telling of Jesus’ life and ministry. This is interesting in the fact that Luke was not one of the twelve disciples. He was also a Gentile by birth—the only Gentile to author books in the Bible (he also wrote Luke).

He was, however, a highly educated individual, a doctor by trade, and a devoted follower of Christ and assistant to Paul on his missionary journeys and in the early churches. Luke was also a keen historian and stickler for details. Many call him the first apologist, which is a person who makes reasonable ‘arguments’ and justifications for religious teachings.

Luke’s target audience was his fellow Gentiles. He wanted them to embrace the truth and experience the love and grace of

Luke Bible study guide with interpretation

Luke’s Introduction To His Book Of The Gospel Answers This Question:

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.

The name is Theophilus means ‘loved of God’. This fact has caused some theologians to wonder if the Theophilus Luke was writing to was not actually a person, but rather a title for all Christians and would-be Christians because we are loved of God.

The words ‘most excellent’ preceding his name, however, strongly indicate that the Theophilus Luke addresses in the opening verses of his book of the gospel is a real person—most likely a Roman official.

Major lessons from the Book of Luke

What Does Luke Tell Us About Jesus

The book of Luke is very thorough and it is the only one of the four gospels to give us several different accounts of events and teachings of Jesus’ ministry. For example, Luke is the only one of the four gospels that tells us the parable of the Good Samaritan, the prodigal son, and the post-resurrection encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

Because of Luke’s most thorough account of Jesus’ life and ministry, I am simply going to go through the book; listing the major sections of the book and provide you with interesting or noteworthy information to go with them.

Birth of John the Baptist: Luke is also the only one of the gospels that gives us the account of the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. John, who was Jesus’ cousin, was born to Zechariah, the priest, and his wife, Elizabeth—devoted Jews descended from Aaron.

They were also very old and had not been able to have children. So when an angel told Zechariah he was going to be a father, the old man questioned the angel Gabriel who had been sent to give him the message. Because of his doubt, Zechariah was struck dumb.

He and Elizabeth, however, did conceive a child and named him John as the angel had instructed Zechariah to do—at which time he was again able to speak. John was then raised up to know and honor God in all things and as prophesied, became the man who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry.

Birth Of Jesus: The second chapter of Luke provides us with the most-often recited/read account of Jesus’ birth because it is the most complete and most beautifully told. Not only does it capture the facts, but the feelings of those involved.

The details encompassed in Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth are an excellent example of the extent of Luke’s interviews and research. Even secular scholars agree that Luke was a historian among historians—the best of the best.

Jesus As A Boy: Once again Luke stands alone in revealing to us the only details we have about Jesus’ boyhood beyond their return from Egypt as recorded in Matthew. From Luke, we are able to discern that Mary and Joseph were devoted to God and took their job as parents of this miraculous baby seriously.

By presenting Jesus at The Temple to be circumcised and blessed by Simeon and Anna, they were unwittingly fulfilling prophecy while keeping the Law as they had been raised to do.

We also see in the second chapter that even from an early age Jesus knew he had a one-of-a-kind purpose. He knew he was different, yet he was also  child who needed to be cared for and treated as any child should.

NOTE: One particularly interesting verse is Luke 2:50: “But they did not understand what he was saying to them.” This verse is in reference to Jesus’ reply to Mary’s question of why Jesus had run off from her and Joseph. Why had he worried them so? Jesus’ reply was that they should know he needed to be in his Father’s house.

Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth and early life

Why Didn’t They Understand?

Their Lack Of Understanding Could Have Been A Number Of Things:

To that point, on the outside, Jesus was just like every other kid—including his siblings. It is quite possible that Mary and Joseph were so focused on just getting by that they had allowed the passage of time to dull their senses in regard to who Jesus really was.

They may have been focusing more on the fact that Jesus had been missing for a few days—something any conscious parent would do. Their misunderstanding may have been more about what he had done rather than why he had done it.

Following the accounts of Jesus’ pre-ministry life, Luke also gives us the account of Jesus’ baptism, the period of fasting, and the temptations from Satan. Included in the fact that Jesus was about thirty years old when he started his formal ministry and a genealogy of Jesus from the side of his earthly father, Joseph.

Following his baptism and time in the desert, we read in Luke 4 that Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, but it was not the homecoming one would expect the Messiah to receive. Or was it? When Jesus first read from the scroll of Isaiah, everyone was proud of their ‘hometown boy’.

They were also amazed because as far as they knew, he was nothing more than the son of Joseph, a poor, but respected carpenter. When they questioned how he, the son of Joseph, could be so knowledgeable, Jesus warned them about the dangers of not accepting him for who he was.

This angered them and they drove him out of town. In all honesty, one would have to admit that the confusion in the minds of the people was somewhat justified. They’d known Jesus most of his life (since the family had returned from Egypt when Jesus was approximately three years old).

They had watched him grow up. Their children had played with him. They celebrated the Passover with him and his family. He was just another member of their community as far as they were concerned, so who was he to all of a sudden be telling them… He was Jesus, that’s who.

The last half of chapter 4 and chapter 5 give us the same accounts as Matthew and Mark do—the calling of the first disciples and some of Jesus’ early miracles.

Chapter six begins with Luke’s account of Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees over picking up heads of grain to eat and healing a man on the Sabbath. This is immediately followed by a listing of the twelve disciples and Luke’s condensed version of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

In parts of chapters ten, eleven, and twelve, Luke again records sections of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. From this, we see that Luke’s account of Jesus’ ministry is not solely chronological, but also topical; meaning he inserted sections of the Sermon on the Mount where they fit with some of the other things he was writing.

This doesn’t make the Bible any less accurate, though. It is simply telling the story from a different perspective to a different audience. The facts always have and always will remain the same.

Ministry, parables, and miracles of Jesus make up chapters seven through nine.

Chapter ten begins with Jesus sending out seventy-two followers in pairs. Their job was to go into towns and villages ahead of him to prepare the people for his coming.

These men were given explicit instructions as to how to present themselves, what to do, and what not to do. They were also given authority from God to heal people and cast out demons.

The time in which they were to do these things was obviously limited, as we read that they returned to him with a report of what had taken place (verse 17). Another verse that is of particular interest in this passage is verse 20: “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus’ words were words of warning against pride and arrogance— of falsely believing that what they were able to accomplish was their doing rather than God’s. It is a warning we need to heed today, as well.

Chapter ten ends with the parable of the Good Samaritan and our introduction to Jesus’ close friends and followers, Mary and her sister, Martha (their brother was Lazarus).

The next several chapters primarily consist of Jesus’ parables. Again, a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly or spiritual meaning.

The parables Luke records for us teach us about God’s forgiving and merciful character, the fact that God is personally interested in each of us, the importance of us forgiving others and treating them as we want to be treated, the power of persistent prayer, and the importance of standing firm in the truth.

The account of Zacchaeus the tax collector surrendering his life to Jesus is recorded only in the gospel of Luke, yet it is one of the most often-told accounts in the Bible. Zacchaeus’ conversion is a positive reminder of the fact that none of us are beyond saving or unloved by God.

Chapters twenty-two through twenty-four are devoted to the end of Jesus’ life here on earth. Luke begins his account with Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus and ends with the ascension to heaven.

Luke’s account is completely in line with those of the other three gospels, but as is the case with the other three, he includes some things the others do not and vice versa. Some of the things Luke includes that the others do not are:

The fact that an angel from heaven comforted Jesus while he was praying in the garden just prior to his arrest

The fact that Jesus put the soldier’s ear back on his head after Peter cut it off with a sword (while Jesus was being arrested)

That Peter and Jesus made eye contact right after Peter denied Jesus the third time

The friendship that was formed between Herod and Pilot as a result of Jesus’ arrest and death sentence

More of the words Jesus spoke while on the way to Golgotha

The account of Jesus speaking with Cleopas and someone else on the road to Emmaus. We don’t know for certain who Cleopas was or who was with him. We know it wasn’t one of the eleven chosen disciples (242:33), but we know whoever the two men were, they were faithful followers Jesus trusted enough to share his resurrected presence with.

Luke does not, however, share with readers the Great Commission. He simply says that Jesus blessed the disciples before leaving them and that they worshipped him and praised God in The Temple for all they had seen, heard, and experienced.

Luke’s portrayal of compassion and mercy

Key Verses In Luke

Every book of the Bible provides us with words of wisdom, instruction, comfort, encouragement, admonishment, warning, and promise, and hope. Let’s look at some of what the Book of Luke has to offer.

Luke 2, the account of Jesus’ birth and early life

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

Luke on prayer, discipleship, and forgiveness

While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.” Luke 24:4-7

salvation as he had. Luke’s joy in Christ is almost tangible and his hope for eternity in heaven is contagious.

So how did Luke gain such intimate and detailed insight into the life and ministry of Jesus?

Book 41 The Book Of Mark

Who wrote the book of Mark: Mark, who is justifiably assumed to be the son of Peter

When was it written: Around 5 5 A.D.

Mark is the shortest of the gospels and focuses on the facts surrounding Jesus’ ministry and miracles.

Like Matthew and the other gospels, Mark also has a target audience—Roman and other Gentile readers. Because these people groups were not familiar with Jewish laws and customs, Mark takes the time to explain these things in detail and why/ how they relate to Jesus’ ministry as the fulfillment of the Law. Mark is committed to convincing readers of Jesus’ deity as the Son of the one true and living God.

Mark’s explanations of Jewish laws and customs are interwoven within the accounts of Jesus’ miracles and messages so that readers will see the purposefulness of everything Jesus did.
And finally, it is worth noting that Mark devotes one-third of his writing to one week in Jesus’ life—his last week on earth.

This makes a powerful statement as to the depth of Mark’s gratitude for the gift of salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross. It also demonstrates Mark’s desire to live out the Great Commission (Matthew 28)—to take the message of the gospel to all nations.

Major lessons from the Gospel of Mark

Who Was Mark

Mark was a devoted follower of Jesus even though can safely assume from various scriptures throughout the New Testament that Mark was considerably younger than Jesus and the disciples.

His close association with Jesus combined with his young age is one more piece of evidence (in addition to those given below) that the belief that Mark was the son of Peter is correct. While there is no indisputable proof that Peter and Mark were father and son, there are several strong indicators pointing in that direction:

Mark’s style of writing and his ‘voice’ are very similar in nature to Peter’s.

• Mark was active in the ministry—both with Barnabas, his cousin, and Paul. This fact, coupled with the fact that we know he was considerably younger than Paul and Peter also makes it a logical assumption.
• Peter refers to Mark (also known as John Mark) as his son. Scholars are not sure whether this is in a biological sense or spiritual sense, so that is why this statement is not considered indisputable.

Summary of the Gospel of Mark Bible

What Does Mark Tell Us About Jesus

Rather than begin with the miracle of Jesus’ birth like Matthew and Luke do, Mark begins his account of Jesus’ life here on earth by telling readers about John the Baptist and his role in bringing Jesus onto the scene.

The account of Jesus’ baptism, God’s audible voice being heard, and a greatly condensed mention of Jesus’ time of fasting and being tempted by Satan immediately follow.

Mark’s intent was not to make light of what happened to Jesus in the desert. But quite frankly, the people Mark was reaching out to didn’t understand the concept or reasoning behind fasting and they certainly didn’t comprehend the power of Satan and sin in our lives.

They didn’t even see sin as sin. In other words, expounding on these events wouldn’t have promoted Mark’s efforts to convince the non-Jews he was writing for that Jesus is the Messiah.

But the need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and that God literally spoke to express his pleasure and approval of what had taken place…those things needed to be shared.

From here Mark, like the other gospel accounts, informs readers of the calling/selection of the first disciples and the fact that Jesus wasted no time in preaching, teaching, and healing.

With that being said, I want to list for you what Mark felt was most important for his targeted audience to know about Jesus and his ministry:

• Mark is the only one to mention the fact that some of Jesus’ earliest miracles took place in the home of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. If indeed Mark is Peter’s son, this would definitely have made a lasting impression upon young Mark, because the probability of him being an eyewitness to these events was quite high.
• Jesus wasn’t content to stay in one place. Verse 1:38 expresses Jesus’ desire and commitment to reach as many people as possible.
• Mark wasn’t shy about letting readers know that Jewish religious leaders were highly opposed to Jesus. From the very beginning, they were looking for ways to trick Jesus, catch him in a lie, or some other offense. But they couldn’t so they resorted to name-calling and threats. His purpose in exposing their thoughts and feelings wasn’t to come to their defense, though. It was to discredit them even more because no matter what they said or did, Jesus had an appropriate answer that exposed their pride and ignorance to the truth.

Mark gives us two different accounts of Jesus breaking the Sabbath by allowing his disciples to pick up heads of grain to eat as they passed by some fields and by healing a man on the Sabbath. Both were considered work, which was strictly forbidden according to the Law of Moses.

Jesus countered their accusations by asking questions that would only serve to expose their true motives for calling him out. Jesus wasn’t antagonizing them solely for the purpose of ‘picking a fight’.

He wanted…he needed to expose them for who and what they really were. These men were the religious leaders of their day. They were highly respected (and feared) by the Jewish community—and had been for hundreds of years.

Jesus wasn’t there to win a popularity contest between him and them. He was there to seek and save the lost, to be the fulfillment of the Law (thus ending the old Law), and to establish the Church as God intended it. He had to help the people see and understand that the old ways were no longer necessary.

Mark tells us that the Pharisees and other religious leaders hated Jesus so much that they conspired with the Herodians (who were extremely corrupt and pro-Roman government) to kill Jesus.

Mark is the only writer to mention the fact that people came from Idumea to see and listen to Jesus. This is especially relevant due to the fact that Idumea is the Greek name for Edom, the land of Esau’s descendants.

In addition to the miracles Mark records, he records a number of Jesus’ parables including the Parable of the Sower that explains why some people will reject the truth even though they know it as truth.

Mark, like the other gospels, records the account of Jesus sending out the twelve disciples to teach, preach, and heal.

Chapter 6 gives us an account of the beheading of John the Baptist.

We are given detailed accounts of Jesus’ feeding of 5,000 men (plus women and children) using only five little loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle is one that had literally thousands of witnesses and benefactors and could not be explained away on any level.

Mark Bible study guide with interpretation

Jesus summed it up best in verse 8 when he said, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”

In addition to mentioning the fact that at least a few Edomites came to investigate Jesus, a Syrophoenician woman boldly approached Jesus requesting he drive the demons out of her daughter.

The term ‘syrophoenician’ could have denoted

• She was Phoenician but living in the Roman province of Syria instead of Africa, or
• She was biracial—part Syrian and part Phoenician. Either way, she was a Gentile who was unafraid to approach Jesus and unashamed to admit her faith. And that was exactly the point Mark wanted to make—that Jesus is the Savior of all mankind.

Like Matthew, Mark gives us the account of Peter’s confession of faith but adds the not-so-little detail that after praising Peter for his acknowledgment of truth, he warns the disciples not to tell anyone about him.

This statement is extremely troubling and contradictory to many. Why shouldn’t they tell people? Hadn’t Jesus been preaching and doing miracles in order to get people to believe he was God’s Son, their Savior? Hadn’t he sent the disciples out to do the very same?

Hadn’t Jesus said he was there to seek and save the lost? Yes, to all of those. But Jesus knew things were about to change. He was in the final months of his ministry and life here on earth.

He still had lots to do and little time left to do it, so he needed as little opposition as possible. So instead of focusing on large crowds, he focused his attention on small groups of people and individuals—among those where he would have the greatest impact.

Mark provides insight into the conversations Jesus has with his disciples—conversations about how they are to present themselves and conduct themselves while going about the business of ministry.

He reminds them that the kingdom of God is not an earthly one and that they shouldn’t be concerned with power and popularity, but with speaking and holding to the truth in bold humility no matter what.

The remainder of the book of Mark contains the accounts of many of the same incidents the other gospels give us including Jesus’ message about the signs of the end of the age, what faith really is, the cost of following Jesus, and what it means to be truly great in the eyes of God.

The final chapters of Mark give us the account of the Last Supper, Jesus’ arrest and trial before the high priests and Pilot, his death on the cross, his burial and resurrection, and a couple of references to his post-resurrection appearances to the disciples.

The Book Of Mark Ends With:

The statement that after seeing Jesus return to heaven the disciples went out and preached just as they had been told to do and that the LORD confirmed his word by allowing them (the disciples) to do mighty works in his name.

The Controversy Surrounding The Book Of Mark

Some scholars say that the last few verses of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) are not found in the earliest manuscripts of Mark; causing questions as to whether or not they should actually be part of the Bible. In fact, footnotes in the Bible make note of this. However, when you look at the whole picture, you see that these statements are not completely accurate.

Yes, the verses are missing from some of the early manuscripts, but not all—not by any means. While verses 9-20 are not present in less than a half-dozen early manuscripts (fourth to twelfth century), they are present in several hundred others dated from the second to thirteenth century; including the old Latin (second century), Armenian (fifth century), Ethiopian (seventh century), and the Byzantine (450 A.D.) just to name a few.

It should also be noted that the history and doctrine contained in these verses are repeated without any hint of contradiction in multiple other places in the Bible and that ALL scripture is God-breathed. It is all there because God wants it to be.

Key Verses In Mark:

Every book of the Bible provides us with words of wisdom, instruction, comfort, encouragement, admonishment, warning, promise, and hope. Let’s look at some of what the Book of Mark has to offer.

“These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” Mark 3:16-19

Mark’s portrayal of Jesus’ life and ministry explained

Mark 13, the Signs of the End of the Age

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” Mark 16:6

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

Book of Mark Bible study questions and answers