Ephesians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 61 A.D.

Audience: Christians living in and around the city of Ephesus.

Genre: A letter in Koine Greek.

*aha!: One of Paul’s most successful mission stays was in the city of Ephesus. He stayed longer there than any other city he did. Ephesus was a very important city and Paul managed to construct a church made up of Jews and Gentiles.

Galatians: Insight.

One of the most striking and affecting contrasts Paul presents is that of works of the flesh against the fruit of the spirit. He clearly presents so many of the things that not only the ancient Galatians were participating in, but things that people today are still trapped by. In verse 19 he explains saying, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkeness, orgies, and things like these.” I can personally say that I do struggle with resisting these worldly temptations. But it is an encouragement to then read his words concerning the pursuit of the fruits of the spirit. He writes, “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with it’s passions and desires.” Although the battle is though, Paul assures us that our constancy in adhering to God’s virtues will bring us these everlasting gifts.

Galatians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul. Surprise, surprise.

Date: About 49 A.D.

Audience: Christians living in the Roman province of Galatia.

Genre: A letter written in Koine Greek.

*aha!: In this letter, Paul uses several contrasting concepts. Most prominently those of divine revelation vs. human insight, grace vs. law, and the fruit of the spirit vs. the works of the flesh. He heavily emphasized the importance of living a godly life by trusting in Jesus Christ alone, not by keeping the law or by counting on good works.

2 Corinthians: Insight.

Even though Paul employs a slightly more harsh tone toward the end of the book, he makes sure to affirm his love for the Corinthians and the importance of loving each other. His closing words of the book say, “Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” He also explains that we should not only rely on others to build our faith, but ourselves, saying in chapter 13 verse 5, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?- unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” 2 Corinthians is truly a very affirming yet challenging book.

2 Corinthians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 56 A.D.

Audience: Again, the Christians in Corinth.

Genre: Another long letter in Koine Greek. A pastoral letter.

*aha!: This is the second letter Paul wrote to the church and believers in Corinth. The first letter (1 Corinthians) was not very well receive or implemented into the lives of the Corinthians. And Paul’s continued urgency and seriousness toward the Corinthians can be easily detected in the writing. Chapters 1-9 are generally warm, friendly, and encouraging while the second part, chapters 10-13, are noticeably more harsh.

1 Corinthians: Insight.

Obviously, one would pin love as a central theme or 1 Corinthians. Chapter 13 of the book is widely known as one of the most recognized writings on the subject of love, Christian or not. I agree with this idea, but how could I not? Although it is a clique passage, it simply and truly evokes the precious love that Christians encounter in their relationship with Christ.

Yet the last verse of chapter 13 truly reminds me of what is most important in our Christian walk. It reads, “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I often really so much on and highly exercise the virtues of faith and hope, but love can often be the toughest of these to truly carry out. 1 Corinthians is a constant reminder to love, not in the worldly way, but in an imitation of Christ.

1 Corinthians: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 55 A.D.

Audience: Christians in Corinth.

Genre: A long letter written in Koine Greek.

*aha!: A clever tactic that Paul employs in his writing of this letter is his use of the word ‘about’. Normally, this word might give off an uninterested air, but it enables Paul to address several topics that were of need in Corinth. Among these topics were the issues of marriage, virgins, food offered to idols, spiritual gifts, the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, and Apollos. Paul also effectively answered some bigger issues by addressing the matter of division in the Church, and most notably, the high level of immorality occurring in Corinth.

Romans: Insight.

Romans is by far one of my favorite books of the entire Bible. I have always had an affinity for Romans ever since my freshmen year of high school when I was required to memorize Romans 12:1 for a missions trip I was participating in. My love for the book has grown enormously in my freshmen year of college as well. So many passages have become applicable to my own personal journey with the Lord. As I embark on this very important part of my life, several different verses have struck a chord in my thoughts and dreams. Romans 5:1-5 speaks eloquently of the hope we gain through faith. Romans 8:24 goes on to say, “Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees?” This verse reminds me of the challenge of faith, yet also the power it can wield. Also, continuing in the vein of hope, and taking into account the several beautiful prophecies present in the old testament, chapter 15 verse 4 says, “For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope.”

Finally, the passage of Romans 12:9-21 truly embodies much of what is required to follow Christ. Including “outdoing one another with honor” and “being patient in affliction.” This passage is one I tend to read very often, because it is such a beautiful reminder of how I should passionately be pursuing to live my life.

Romans: Intro.

Authorship: Paul.

Date: 57 A.D.

Audience: Christians worshiping in house churches in Rome.

Genre: A long, formal letter in Koine Greek.

*aha!: Paul wrote Romans with a special anticipation. It was written near the end of his third missionary journey. He had long been anticipating to encourage the believers in Rome and share with them his unique plans for Rome and the surrounding areas. This passion is clearly shown by Paul’s avid presentation of his theological thoughts and intense focus on righteousness and the fruits that come of it.

Acts: Insight.

So many interesting things occur in the book of Acts. Yet the one occurrence, or rather process, that takes place that is so astounding is the conversion of Saul. The amazing transformation of this persecutor of the Christian faith and church, to one of the most influential and powerful early Christian leaders is so marvelous. Suddenly, after being healed of his failing eyesight, he was filled with the holy spirit. His vigor for breaking down the church turned to enthusiasm for spreading the love of Jesus and presence of the church. Saul became engulfed in traveling across Israel going between Damascus, Caesarea, Tarsus, and so on. Acts 9:31 attests to his efforts reading, “So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in fear of the Lord and in encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.” The life of Saul, soon to be known as Paul, is very indicative of the power of God’s transformation in our lives. If He can work so intensely in Saul’s life, then I must trust infallibly in His power to transform the wrongs in my life into efforts for the glory of the Kingdom.

Acts: Intro.

Authorship: Anonymous, but perhaps thought to be Luke.

Date: Around 61 or 62 A.D.

Audience: Acts was also written for Theophilus, thus supporting the evidence the Luke was the author.

Genre: A historical narrative including facts, theological interpretation, and early Christian speeches.

*aha!: Acts fills a pivotal role in the New Testament. Without it, there is no historical context for understanding Paul’s letters and thus the beginning formations of Christianity. The author of Acts does a fantastic job of preparing for the rest of the following books to unfold. It focuses on the faithful activities of Jesus’ disciples (mainly Peter and Paul) following His ascension to heaven, which is what we are called to do as believers today. Acts’ timelessness is truly astounding.

John: Insight.

John highlights several beautiful aspects of Jesus’ teachings and how we should live our lives accordingly, but none is so affecting to me as when he writes of Christ as the Light. Jesus says in Chapter 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Next in chapter 12:35-36, He says, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become sons of light.” Both of these sets of verses embody the concept of Christ as the light, and the importance of that truth. A relevant quote I found from Edwin A. Blum concerning these teachings reads, “This discourse continues Jesus’ public teaching in the city of Jerusalem in the temple area. How fitting that during the Feast of Tabernacles, when the large lamps were burning, Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’”

Compared to the ‘lights’ of this world, the aura that Jesus projects is so much greater. And the book of John emphasizes that this light should shine so brightly and recognizably in our lives. It also reminds me that I should live life illuminated in Christ’s teachings. When I attempt to follow my own ways and selfish purposes, I stumble into the darkness. Walking in the light of Christ should be of utmost importance, for me and for my impact on others.

John: Intro.

Authorship: John, the apostle of Jesus.

Date: Around 80-90 A.D.

Audience: Probably Christians living in Roman Asia.

Genre: A simple yet provoking gospel in Koine Greek.

*aha!: Although we don’t know for sure the reason that prompted John to write his gospel, and interesting approach that we can take is that as he grew into old age, he became aware of his unique perspective on Jesus’ life. Significantly, he wrote of several incidents that are missing from the other gospels. Including: the miracles of water into wine, the man born blind, and Lazarus raised, and the teachings of ‘I am’, the new birth discourse, and the upper room discourse, and also the meeting of the Samaritan woman and the washing of the disciples feet.

Luke: Insight.

Upon my renewed study of the book of Luke, I noticed several inspiring and influential women’s stories filled the pages. As the book of Luke opens, the first event that we encounter is Gabriel’s prediction of John’s birth to Elizabeth (who was thought to be barren) and Zechariah. Immediately following that, Gabriel predicts that Jesus will be born to Mary, a relative of Elizabeth, and also a virgin. Gabriel declares in verse 37 that, “nothing is impossible with God.” Then the two women encounter one another. Mary comes to stay with Elizabeth as they are both carrying children that were miracles of God. Verse 45 says, “She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her bye the Lord will be fulfilled!” The sheer faith of these two women is greatly inspiring. And for me, the faith of Elizabeth has become more pronounced in my study of Luke. She was barren, and knew that she would never conceive a child. That fact was set in stone. But when it was revealed to her that she would indeed give birth, she never once doubted for a moment. To Elizabeth, God said what he meant. His promise was irrevocable. Elizabeth truly embodies an undying faith in God’s sovereign plans.

In chapter 7:36-50, the story of a sinful woman washing Jesus’ feet is recounted. Jesus uses this woman’s humility as an opportunity to teach about the importance of forgiveness in accordance with love saying, “her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Next, in chapter 8:1-3, we learn of several women who have joined Jesus’ cause and began to travel with him and his disciples. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, and many others. Finally, another story of a faithful woman was the story of the Widow’s gift. Chapter 20:1-4 displays the giving of a gift of a mere two coins to the temple. Even though the gift was small, it was of great value and cost to the widow. Jesus goes on to say, “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

In ancient times, women were always relegated to a lower social standing and were thought of as weak and incompetent. In fact, that attitude still sometimes remains today. It is so encouraging to read about the great faith and works of these women. They sacrificed there selfish thoughts, desires, and possessions. It is very comforting and empowering to see this prominence of women of faith.

Luke: Intro.

Authorship: Luke, a first century Christian physician, who was also a traveling companion of Paul’s.

Date: A.D. 60-61.

Audience: This gospel was dedicated to Theophilus, a gentile, probably of a high social standing, who craved a more researched account of Jesus’ life.

Genre: A gospel composed in Koine Greek. Luke is distinguishable for it’s careful literary style and vast vocabulary.

*aha!: Luke appears to be the most researched and thorough gospel, because Luke was very aware that he was writing a history. Hence, the chronological order of events in the book is very precise. In addition to meticulous and intricate detail, the book centers on a certain theme of Jesus’ life and teachings: mercy. Several of Jesus’ acts in the book concentrate on the sympathy and mercy that He showed for those who were downcast, poor, or unaccepted. Also, an interesting fact about the book of Luke is that towards the end, there are reported resurrection appearances found in no other gospel.

Mark: Insight.

This past winter break, I ventured to the California with some of my new college friends. As we sat an surveyed the sea, my favorite ‘ocean’ verse, Psalm 139:17-18, came to mind. Yet as I read through Mark, I discovered two passages marked by God’s extraordinary power, concerning the ocean and nature in general: Mark 4:35-41 and Mark 6:45-52. In this first passage, Jesus calms a storm that frightens his disciples by simply telling the wind to be still. Amazed by his power, their faith was invigorated by this act. In verse 41, “They were terrified and asked one another, ‘Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” How powerful is our God that not only does he rule the forces of nature and produce a calm, but that he can invoke a similar calming affect in my soul. Jesus wields peace in so many aspects.

In Mark 6:45-52, Jesus defies the laws of physics. While his disciples were suffering high winds in their boat on the sea, so He decided to approach the boat by walking across the water. At first they were extremely frightened at this sight. Yet Jesus reminded them to have courage, and as he stepped into the boat, the winds died down, and the disciples were comforted. Sometimes, I am frightened by what is going on in my life, but Jesus always has a way of reminding me to have courage, like the disciples, and trust in His sovereignty.