Study Guide – Philemon 1:17-25

1:17 – In other words, if you don’t take him back…don’t consider me a partner any more? Wow Paul…that is some strong language. It shows you just how strongly Paul feels about Philemon making the right decision on this matter.

Have you ever stood up for someone or stepped into a situation to [...]

Study Guide – Philemon 1:8-16

Paul starts off with a pretty strong appeal. Who is Paul appealing for and why?

Why do you think Paul wants this to be Onesimus’ own decision and not something done because Paul is twisting his arm?
Paul wants Onesimus to do this out of love and not out of obligation…and yet Paul is [...]

Study Guide – Philemon 1:1-7

Philemon Study Guide (1:1-7)
First we notice that Paul is in prison. Philemon is one of four letters Paul wrote from prison. The other three are Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Colossians has some interesting overlap with Philemon. Both are introduced as coming from both Paul and Timothy. Both introduce Paul as a prisoner (Philemon 1:1, Col [...]

Paul’s Letter to Philemon – Historical Background

1 – Slavery in the Greco-Roman World
One of the most important things to understand about Philemon the is background of slavery in the ancient world. Once we have an informed understanding of slavery in the ancient world we will be able to make better sense out of what Paul is writing to Philemon regarding his [...]

Ecclesia Outside the Auditorium

The auditorium is so bitter sweet. It is sweet because there is nothing like having that many Christians together (which is what ecclesia means – “assembly”) worshiping God. It is bitter because some equate the worship hour with what church is. How do we get people to drop the old facility mindset and take on [...]

Living By Faith, Not By Exception

“So this guy is walking up to the baptistry…he has repented and made his confession before the congregation and just as he steps in the water he slips hits his head on the floor. He dies right before he is baptized. Is he saved?”
The point normally being made with this type of question is whether [...]

Misconceptions About Our Contribution to our own Salvation

There are a lot of misconceptions floating around out there about our salvation and what is expected of us in the process. Two misconceptions fall on the extremes of the pendulum of what is required of us to be saved. On one side, you have the misconception that because salvation is a “free gift” that [...]

The Remains of The Apostle Paul

Have a look at Claude Mariottini’s latest post on archaeologists and the body of the apostle Paul. He also includes a picture of what is possibly the oldest image of Paul from the fourth century. Here is the link.

Big Buts in the Bible

But is a very important word. In Greek it is the word “alla” (αλλα). There are times in scripture where you are glad for that small three letter word. Here are some examples that without the “but” we would be in bad shape. Imagine where we would be if Paul, Mark, Peter, or others didn’t [...]

Romans 8:37-39 in the New Living Translation (NLT) vs. New International Version (NIV)

A very interesting translation of this text in the New Living Translation:
“37No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. 38Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our [...]