Background After defensed both his authority as an apostle and the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ alone, Paul turned to defend the life of Christian freedom. Since Christians are not under law anymore, will that lead to sinful lifestyle? Of course not. Paul taught that alright Christians are called to be free, but … Read more
Background After Paul defensed the doctrine of justification by faith in chapter 3, Paul gave few illustrations in chapter 4 to strengthen his teaching. Division A legal illustration (v1-7) A personal plea (v8-20) An appeal not to turn to legalism (v8-11) An appeal to remember their relationship (v12-16) An appeal to consider Paul’s attitude toward … Read more
Background The Judaizers thought believers would have a more complete salvation and a greater sanctification if they would obey the Law, on top of having faith in Christ. In chapter 3 and 4, Paul presented unbreakable arguments to the Galatians churches to defense justification by faith in Christ alone. Division v1-5: By the experience of … Read more
Background Chapter 2 continues Paul’s defense of his apostolic authority and the gospel he preached, he focused not on the source of his message but on its content. Further, whereas in chapter 1 he emphasized his independence from the other apostles, he now demonstrated that there was a basic unity between himself and them. v1-10: … Read more
Background In chapter one, Paul condemned (v9) the false teaching of salvation by law. He defended the gospel he taught was a direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ (v12). Paul’s journey in his early years as believers After Paul experience the vision of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4), he some … Read more
Background Theme Justification by faith in Christ alone, liberty in Christ. Galatia Galatia is within the modem day Turkey. It was conquered by the Romans in 189 B.C., but allowed them to have some measure of independence until 25 B.C. when Galatia became a Roman province. Before 25 B.C., Galatia was referring to the northern … Read more
Background This last chapter of Isaiah ends with reference to new heavens and new earth, as well as reference to a place where worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched. Revelation ends with similar reference to new heavens and new earth (Rev 21:1) and the lake of fire (Rev 20:14-15). Division v1-4: … Read more
Background The main theme of this chapter is Redeemer’s reason for rejecting the nation; reservation of a remnant; and the revelation of the new heavens and the new earth. Chapter 65 and 66 is the answer for the prayer in Chapter 64, where Isaiah and the nation Israel were praying fervently to God for His … Read more
Background The first part of this chapter, from v1 to v6 talks about Jesus second coming. Unlike His first coming, on His second coming, Jesus will execute His role as a righteous Judge. He will punish the wicked who have not repent to receive His salvation. It will be a horrible scene. John saw the … Read more
