Commuter Bible NT

On today’s episode, Jesus is crucified on the cross, fulfilling the Scriptures concerning the suffering servant. Though there isn’t enough time to cover every instance, we can quickly say that Jesus was the fulfillment of Isaiah 53, for he was “despised and rejected by men” and “a man of suffering.” He is the one who “bore our sicknesses and carried our pains.” He is the one who “was pierced because of our rebellion” and “crushed because of our iniquities.” Furthermore, “he was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.” At the cross, we see, not only a pivotal point in gosp...

Christ has just celebrated the Passover with his disciples and now they are in a garden named Gethsemane. Other gospels tell us that this had been their pattern over the last few days, so Judas knew where they would be. When Judas arrives he kisses Jesus to identify the man they are to arrest. The mob comes wielding an assortment of weapons, and a certain young man (probably Matthew himself) is so scared that he ducks out of his clothing in order to escape their grasp. Jesus is taken to the Jewish high counsel known as the Sanhedrin where...

Jesus has a massive following, so much so that when he arrived in Jerusalem people shouted his praise as he entered. The chief priests and the scribes have been rebuked by this new teacher time and again, and are actively looking for a way to murder Jesus to put an end to this growing movement. Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 chosen from among the disciples to be an apostle, decides to betray Jesus to these men. While Judas is plotting evil, Christ celebrates the Passover with the twelve. He breaks the unleavened bread and takes the cup, saying that...

Jesus is in Jerusalem and the Passover is drawing near, after which, we know that Jesus is falsely accused of blasphemy, mocked, beaten, sentenced death, and unjustly executed on the cross. Before that time arrives, Jesus has much to say to his disciples about the end of days and the endurance required to be a disciple. Persecutions will increase, as will false messiahs. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of Jesus will never pass away. Finally, no one knows the day or the hour when the end will come, therefore, his disciples should stay alert.

Today's reading opens with a parable that addresses the Pharisees. In the parable of the vineyard owner, farmhands rebel against the owner of the land they are working on. They reject anyone sent by the owner and refuse to give the owner any of the produce of the field. Time and again they reject and even kill the messengers sent to them and when the son of the vineyard owner comes they plot to kill him so that they might take the vineyard for themselves. Later, those view themselves as authorities in matters of theology pepper Jesus with questions...

Jesus enters Jerusalem and is welcomed heartily with fanfare, cheers, and expectation. Many had concluded rightly that Jesus was the promised Messiah, but had concluded wrongly that Jesus would a conquering king in the traditional sense. They assumed that Jesus had come to take the throne of Israel in a limited, earthly sense, like kings that had come before him. Christ, however, came to vanquish sin and death, not the Roman government. When he enters the temple he rebukes those who use the worship of God as a money-making venture. The chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge the authority...

The Pharisees continue to test Jesus to see what his conclusions will be concerning various topics of the law. Today that ask about divorce, and Jesus asserts that divorce was permitted under the Law only because of the hardness of man’s heart. Next, Jesus tells his disciples to let children come to him, for one can never enter the kingdom unless he does so like a child. Here in the 10th chapter of Mark’s gospel we also find a lengthy account of the rich, young ruler who cannot fathom leaving his riches behind to follow Jesus. This acco...

Out of the twelve apostles that Christ selected there are three with whom he had a closer relationship; those men are Peter, James, and John. Today, Jesus takes the three of them up a mountain to pray where he is transfigured before them. In other words, his glory is revealed through his humanity in a unique and tangible way, so that the disciples might bear witness to his divinity. When they descend the mountain to meet the other disciples, Christ finds the remaining disciples trying to cast out a demon, but they are unable to do so. Later, Jesus...

In our reading today, Jesus miraculously feeds four thousand people with only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. When the people are satisfactorily fed, they collect the uneaten pieces and gather seven large baskets full of leftovers. Jesus later warns his disciples to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, and they think he’s talking about literal leaven, and begin talking about how they don’t any bread. Later, Jesus heals a blind man partially, and then fully, as a parallel to his disciples who are beginning to see things clearly but whose eyes are...

The Pharisees observe a number of practices that they have developed outside of Scripture in order to maintain what they perceive to be according to the law. These traditions began to be held in such high esteem that they were seen to be equal to the Law itself. Moreover, they lacked a true love for the God of Abraham, essentially adhering to regulations as their salvation and their righteousness. As we read the interactions Jesus has with the Pharisees today, keep in mind that Christ came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. He teaches the crowd that it...

Jesus and his disciples have been traveling from town to town, and in today’s reading, they return to Nazareth, which is where Jesus grew up and where his family resides. Those who knew his family knew that he grew up without formal teaching under the roof of a humble, blue-collar father. Jesus doesn’t have the accolades of the scribes and Pharisees, and so they reject his teaching. Jesus then commissions the twelve apostles and they spread out into the nearby towns and villages teaching, healing, and casting out demons. Later, Mark gives us a detailed account of the...

Jesus and his disciples are crossing the sea. When they reach the other side, they are greeted by a man who is possessed, not just by one demon, but by many demons. While others attempted to bind and imprison this man who caused so much chaos, Jesus chooses to set him free, casting out the demons into a herd of pigs. This display of power freaks people out, and they ask Jesus to leave their region. Jesus and his disciples cross back to the other side of the sea where a leader of the synagogue meets Christ and begs...

Our reading begins as Jesus tells a parable about the seed of a sower. The sower scatters the seed, but it falls onto different types of ground and into varying circumstances. The seed that falls on good soil is fruitful and reproduces, whereas the rest of the seed is not fruitful. The twelve apostles are confused. Jesus explains that his parables are intentionally obscured from those outside, but the kingdom of God is revealed to his followers. Later, as Jesus and his disciples travel by boat, a great windstorm arises on the open sea. Like Jonah, Jesus is asleep...

Jesus puts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees on display by healing a man on the Sabbath, and in turn, the Pharisees begin looking for a way to kill Jesus. The crowds continue to grow, and Jesus has the disciples get a small boat so that he can teach without getting crushed by those asking for healing. From the crowd of disciples, Jesus summons 12 men who be his apostles, and knowing the history of God’s people, we’re meant to understand that these 12 men parallel the 12 tribes of Israel. While eating and teaching in a house, scribes from Jerusalem ente...

Here in chapter 2, Mark continues to reveal that Jesus is not just any ordinary man, nor is he just another prophet, but is, in fact, God in the flesh. When a paralytic man is brought to Jesus for miraculous healing, Jesus does not heal him at first, but instead tells the man that his sins are forgiven. When the scribes present begin thinking about how only God can forgive sins, Jesus reveals his divinity threefold by perceiving their thoughts, by confirming that he has such authority, and by miraculously healing the man to attest to his power. This chapter...

Today, we begin the gospel of Mark, which is one of the three synoptic gospels. “Synoptic” basically means “seeing the same thing,” and the other two synoptic gospels are Matthew and Luke. Historical evidence from early church fathers tells us that the apostle Peter is the one who passed these reports on to his attendant and writer, John Mark. Mark’s gospel is the shortest, but the most action-packed, as he includes a number of accounts and moves quickly from one scene to the next. connecting his stories with phrases like “immediately,” “just then” and “as soon as.” We also get a sense for h...

Paul has argued that to submit to the law’s demands as a means of righteousness is to submit to a yoke of slavery, whereas those who submit to Christ are free. Today, he continues that train of thought by arguing that to submit to circumcision as a means of righteousness is to obligate yourself to the entire law. He encourages the church to reject the works of the flesh and embrace the fruit of Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He encourages the church to share of their blessings with other be...

Some of you may have noticed that we didn’t quite finish chapter 3 yesterday, and yes, that was intentional. The last three verses of chapter 3 actually fit better with Paul’s flow of thought into chapter 4, because Paul is pointing us to our inheritance as heirs in Christ. When it comes to what we each inherit in Christ, there is no division or hierarchy between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; we are all sons and heirs. Paul is concerned that the Galatians will be enslaved to the law rather than free in Christ. Using an anal...

In chapter 3 of Galatians, Paul’s frustration with the churches in Galatia begins to show as he explains that it is foolish to trust in the law. He argues that the children of Abraham are not those who are his descendants by physical descent, but those who have faith. Those who rely on the law are under a curse, but Christ delivered us from the curse by being hung on a tree, that is, the cross of crucifixion. He goes on to argue that the law came 430 years after the covenant promise with Abraham, and did not void that co...

In the first chapter of Galatians, Paul began defending his apostleship from rumors that he was not a true apostle and that gospel he preached was not the true gospel. Writing largely to Jews who felt that they must continue to abide by the Levitical law while following Jesus, Paul began by giving his testimony, moving from a former zealot in Judaism who persecuted the church to one who had a miraculous encounter with Christ. He continues that testimony today, including a brief history of his ministry to the Gentiles. The rubber meets the road when Paul brings up...

Paul’s purpose in writing this letter to the churches in Galatia is to rebuke them for abandoning the true gospel for a false one, relying on works of the flesh rather than on works of the Spirit which they received through faith. He is more critical of his audience in this letter than in any other, calling them “foolish Galatians” and asking “who has put a spell on you?” He also defends himself against accusations that the gospel he is preaching is man-made rather than God-given. Using his own testimony, the testimony of others, and sound logic from Scripture...

James begins today’s section by explaining that fighting, warring, and quarrels arise from the passions that wage war within us. In other words, people fight because they want what they want and won’t humble themselves before the Lord. James says that it is arrogant even to confidently assert that you know what tomorrow will hold. Instead, James says that our conversations should be peppered with reminders that God is control of our days. Later he condemns those who become rich through unjustly withholding wages from those who have worked for them. Though many in this world may be d...

James says that those who teach will be judged more strictly, and goes on to tie teaching in with one’s ability to control their own tongue. The mouth of the Lord’s servant should not release both cursing and blessing any more than you’d expect a saltwater spring to produce fresh water. He then gives a checklist of the kind of wisdom that comes from above. Earthly wisdom, on the other hand, reveals itself through bitter envy and selfish ambition. Fighting, warring, and quarrels arise from the passions that wage war within us. Those who refuse to submit...

James wants his audience to know showing favoritism and partiality because of one’s social status is sinful and breaks the law of God. Specifically, James addresses the practice of honoring those who have money above those who are poor, reminding us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Next, James addresses what seems to be an argument between the value of faith and the value of works. While good works do not save one from hell or make someone righteous before, faith without works is useless. In other words, true faith is accompanied by works.

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We’re beginning the book of James, written by James the brother of Jesus. Writing to his Jewish kinsmen who are scattered abroad, this letter is largely focused on the practical outworkings of faith, answering the question: “What does faith look like when it is lived out?” In the opening chapter, James commends the church to rejoice in trials, for it will produce endurance in the faith. Furthermore, when life presents opportunities to act sinfully, no one should say that he is being tempted by God, because God doesn’t tempt anyone. He also warns his audience, not simply to hear...

Well today is our last episode in the book of Acts, and as this book concludes, we see Paul continue to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. He has presented the good news of Jesus to kings, noblemen, soldiers, Jews, Greeks, and yes, even angry mobs who would like to see him dead. Paul has little regard for his own life or comforts, but instead, seeks to preach Christ no matter the cost. In our episode, Paul and the crew escorting him were shipwrecked, and today we see the Lord’s provision fo...

The action in Acts picks up again as Paul shipped off with other prisoners to Italy, where he hopes to meet with Caesar. Luke is still accompanying Paul on the journey, as indicated by the use first person plural. Paul tells the captain of the guard that the voyage is headed toward disaster, but he pays him no mind. As they travel, the winds pick up and begin to make the seas unnavigable. Tossing out valuable cargo along the way and exhausting themselves with the work of staying afloat, Paul finally tells them that will survive, but the ship...

On today’s episode, Paul gives his defense before Porcius Festus, the newly appointed governor, as well as before his two guests: King Agrippa and his wife Bernice. Recall that Paul has been imprisoned under house arrest for over two years, and recently appealed to Caesar, so that he might make his case before him and not return to the Jewish mob in Jerusalem. Part of Paul’s testimony includes the vision of Christ he saw on the road to Damascus. At this, Festus mocks Paul, but Paul takes it on the chin and continues to try and persuade King...

Paul has spent two years under house arrest by command of Felix, the governor, who has postponed a verdict in his trial. As referenced at the end of our last chapter, Felix has been succeeded by Porcius Festus, but Paul remains in custody. Today, when Festus travels to Jerusalem, the Jews ask for a favor against Paul. Festus, on the other hand, encourages them to come to Caesarea and make their case against him. The Jews don’t have a case against Paul, and the charges they bring are false. When asked if he would like to travel to Je...

Let’s recap the last few chapters that have led up to the trial we’ll read about today. Paul was on his way to Jerusalem when a fellow Christian prophesied that he would be bound by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. He entered Jerusalem nonetheless, and upon meeting with the church there, he discovered that false reports were being spread about him. Paul entered the temple and was promptly attacked by a mob. A Roman commander sent troops to seize Paul and figure out what was happening. Having made his case to the mob in Jeru...

Our last reading ended with a bit of cliffhanger: Paul has just given his testimony to an angry Jewish mob who became even more enraged when he testified that the Lord had sent him to preach salvation to the Gentiles. A centurion arrested him in order to interrogate him by torture, but Paul reveals he is a Roman citizen. In order to find out more, the centurion instead puts him in front of the Sanhedrin, and our reading picks up as Paul gives them an account. Paul cunningly sees a way out and takes it, and the Sanhedrin begin...

When we last left Paul, he and his companions had entered the temple in Jerusalem, but when the Jews discovered he was there, they accused him of bringing Gentiles into a space that was not meant for the unclean. Though he was not guilty of their accusations, a riot ensued and they dragged him out of the temple in order to kill him. The Roman authorities intervened and had Paul bound in chains. Today, Paul asks permission to address the Jews. They willingly listen to Paul’s testimony, including his visions of Christ, but when he mentions being sent by...

Luke begins today’s passage by including a brief log of their journeys, including a prophecy from Agabus, who foretells that Paul will be bound by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles when he reaches Jerusalem. Undeterred, Paul heads to Jerusalem and meets with the elders of the church. There is a rumor going around that Paul is maligning Jewish customs amongst those Jews who live alongside the Gentiles, when in reality, he’s only teaching that those customs have no saving power. When he enters to the temple, Paul is falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into...

Once the riot on behalf of the goddess Artemis calms down, Paul leaves Ephesus and heads for Macedonia, then Greece, where he stays three months. Again, the Jews plot against him, so he changes plans and ends up in Troas. Paul gathers with a group of Christians and talks well into the night. A young man named Eutychus not only falls asleep but falls out of an adjacent third story window. Though dead, Paul is able to revive him, and continues teaching until dawn. Returning to Ephesus, he conducts a farewell speech amongst friends as he is certain that...

Our reading opens with an account of Paul finding some former disciples of John the Baptist who have been baptized by John but have not yet been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. After a brief conversation with Paul they are baptized into the name of Christ and are immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul continues teaching, and after being rejected in the synagogue he begins speaking to both Jews and Greeks in the hall of Tyrannus. He stays there to teach for two years. Later, some Jewish exorcists try to use Jesus’ name to expel de...

Paul leaves Athens and ventures on to Corinth where he meets Aquila and his wife Priscilla. It’s noted that they are tent-makers, which brings up an interesting aspect of Paul’s life that we don’t often consider. Paul was a tentmaker by trade, and while he often received financial help and contributions, he had a job by which he made a living. Aquila and Priscilla were also tentmakers, so they became fast friends and began working together. After an initial attempt to witness to the Jews in Corinth, Paul turns away from his fellow Hebrews and instead focuse...

Our reading opens with Paul preaching to the Jews on the Sabbath over the course of three weeks in the town Thessalonica. After a bit of unrest, the travel to the town of Berea by night. The Bereans are noted as being of more noble character than the Thessalonians, receiving the word with eagerness and examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true. The Thessalonians catch wind of Paul’s location and come to town to start trouble again. He moves on to Athens, where he gives his famous sermon at the Areopagus, a pl...

Paul has left Jerusalem after conferring with other apostles and elders about giving instructions for the new Gentiles believers. Having delivered instructions to them in Antioch, Paul and Silas return to Lystra (where Paul was almost stoned to death) to visit the growing church, and while there, they pick up a young man named Timothy who continues on with them. This is the same Timothy to whom Paul later writes the books of 1 & 2 Timothy. They also pick up Luke, our narrator, along the way, which can be noted when he changes from third person plural to first person plural...

At this point in our reading of Acts, it has become clear that the Gentiles are welcomed by God Himself into this burgeoning body of Christ followers known as the church. The Gentiles did not have Abraham as their father and were not originally part of the Jewish community, which raises the question: should they be required to abide by the customs of God’s covenant with Israel? The apostles and elders of the early church discuss two important factors: 1) The Spirit has been freely given to the Gentiles without distinction, 2) it was prophesied that David’s fallen tent woul...

Barnabus and Paul are on a missionary journey together, traveling through towns in the Roman empire to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. They have just left Antioch of Pisidia where they preached Christ in a Jewish synagogue, and while many of the people received them warmly, the Jewish community at large was displeased and expelled them from their district. Today, Barnabus and Paul visit Iconium where the Lord performs signs and wonders through them. When they discover some have plans to stone them, they flee to Lystra. There, a man who is unable stand is healed...