Paul continues his epistle to the Colossians by establishing the head of the church, which is Christ. The apostle now identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of holy scripture and prophecy. “15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15) Jesus is the visible image of our invisible God. […]

Believers in Colosse had been under attack by false teachers who not only diluted the gospel, but misdirected seekers all together teaching ascetic based salvation rather than the truth, that salvation only comes through faith in Jesus Christ and His divine Father, God almighty. In his letter to the Colossians written around A.D. 60 the […]

The apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthians by calling on them to abide by the word of God and rid themselves of evil. By dwelling in the truth, believers are made new as their sin is washed away in redemption, and wisdom attained through scripture. Paul’s prayer for the Corinthians focuses on strength […]

Paul found himself under attack by the Judaizers in Corinth based on his meekness and gentleness. Now the apostle engages the Corinthians in putting him to the test where he would indeed display Christ like strength, allowing the spirit of God to be revealed. Describing his forthcoming visit as the ‘third time” he would visit […]

Because they had been exposed to boasting by the Judaizers, the Corinthians expected Paul to also boast about his accomplishments and more importantly, about the blessings bestowed upon the apostle by almighty God. Instead of boasting about things that set him apart from other apostles, Paul’s boasting was aimed at glorifying God and edifying the […]

Paul compared his boasting to that of the Judaizers in Corinth, where self-proclaimed men of God made false claims about their relationship with Christ as well as the outpouring of blessings he bestowed upon them. On the flip side was the apostle Paul, boasting about his weaknesses and using his downfalls as stepping stones for […]

Paul had been confronting the Judaizers about their boasting in Corinth. He boasted himself, of his infirmities or weaknesses by which he would continue to advance the gospel of Jesus christ through any means made available to him by God almighty. “1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to […]

Using a rhetorical tone the apostle Paul now confronts his opposers with the trail of his own sacrifices and suffering for Christ. He begins by comparing their esteemed Judaic lineage with his own which he reveals is identical. “22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed […]

The apostle Paul continues his rebuke of the Judaizers in Corinth by addressing their boasting which he deems inappropriate. Because he was labeled as soft spoken and weak by the same false teachers in Corinth, Paul calls on his audience to extend to him the same courtesy as that offered to pagans throughout the region. […]

Paul felt his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ was under attack by false teachers in Corinth who preached a gospel different than the truth made known to Paul by the Lord Himself. Now comparing himself to the so called apostles in Corinth, Paul declares his authority as not at all less than these […]