Paul, the writer of Galatians, uses a powerful analogy in this passage to illustrate the difference between living under the law (Old Covenant) and living by faith (New Covenant). He does this by telling the story of Abraham’s two sons: Ishmael and Isaac. What Happened? Abraham had two sons. Ishmael was born to Hagar, Sarah’s […]
The Bridge between Judaism and Christianity – The Book of Romans
The book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is a profound exploration of the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. It serves as a theological bridge, explaining how the new Christian faith is deeply rooted in and fulfils the promises of the old Jewish covenant. Key Connections Overall, the book of Romans paints a […]
Galatians 4:13-20: A Message of Love and Concern
In this passage, Paul gets personal with the Galatians. He reminds them of their previous close relationship and expresses his deep concern for their spiritual well-being. What Happened? Paul first visited the Galatians because of an illness (possibly a physical ailment or persecution). Despite this, the Galatians welcomed him warmly and treated him like an […]
Special Responsibility v Special Privilege – Romans 3 v 1-8
In Romans 3:1-8, the Apostle Paul addresses the question of what advantage the Jews have, given their special relationship with God. He acknowledges that they have been entrusted with the “oracles of God” (the Old Testament Scriptures), which is indeed a significant advantage. However, Paul emphasises that this advantage comes with a corresponding responsibility. The […]
Living a Life Pleasing to God
Romans 13:11-14 Commentary “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (v. 11) This verse serves as a powerful wake-up call to believers. It emphasises the urgency of living a righteous life in […]
Galatians 4:8-12: Don’t Turn Back to What You’ve Outgrown
In this passage, Paul expresses his frustration and concern for the Galatian Christians. They had experienced the freedom of knowing God but were tempted to return to their old ways of living. This might seem confusing, but it’s a struggle many people face, even today. What Happened? The Galatians, before becoming Christians, lived according to […]
Galatians 4:1-7: Growing Up in God’s Family
In this passage, the Apostle Paul uses a relatable analogy to explain our spiritual journey as Christians. Let’s break it down: Imagine a young heir to a vast fortune. Even though he’s destined to inherit everything, as long as he’s a child, he’s no different from a servant. He’s under the control of guardians and […]
Galatians 3:23-29: God’s Family – No VIP Section
Ever felt left out or like you didn’t belong? Maybe because of your background, gender, or social status? Paul’s letter to the Galatians tackles this head-on with a radical message for its time, and ours. What’s the Scene? Some early Christians were saying, “To be really God’s people, you gotta follow Jewish laws on top […]
Jude Chapter 1: A Message of Hope and Warning for Young People
Hey everyone! Let’s dive into Jude chapter 1, a short but powerful letter packed with wisdom for young people navigating this wild world. Jude, a follower of Jesus (and brother of James, another prominent figure in the early church), addresses this letter to all who have been called and loved by God. That means YOU! […]
Jude 1 – Commentary
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, writes this letter to address a pressing issue within the early Christian community: the infiltration of false teachers who are distorting the message of grace and leading believers astray. Salutation and Purpose (Verses 1-2) Jude opens his letter by identifying himself as a bond-servant of […]
Galatians 3:15-22: Understanding God’s Promises and the Law
In this passage, Paul addresses a confusion some early Christians had about the relationship between God’s promises and the law. What’s the Big Deal? God made a promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). This promise was based on faith, not on following the law, which came hundreds of […]
Galatians 3:1-15: A Reminder of God’s Grace
In this passage, Paul addresses the Galatians, who have been swayed by false teachers and are starting to doubt the core message of the gospel. He reminds them that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through obeying the law. What Happened? Paul expresses his frustration with the Galatians for so quickly abandoning […]