Commuter Bible NT

Romans 8 is full of life-giving truths about the believer’s relationship to God in the Holy Spirit. Paul begins by assuring the believer that there is now no condemnations for those in Christ Jesus, explaining that the Spirit gives life to those who have put the flesh to death. It is by the Spirit that we are able to cry out to God as our Father, for we have been adopted into his family through the Son. Creation groans under the weight of sin, and we who have the Spirit also groan within ourselves, eagerly anticipating the redemption of ou...

Paul continues to make his case concerning the relationship between the follower of Christ and the law. How should we think of the law as it relates to sin and is it relates to freedom in Christ? In today’s reading Paul says that if a woman’s husband dies, then she is no longer bound to that man. Likewise, Paul says that we are to put our relationship with the law to death so that we may engage in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Now, the law is not sin; in fact, the law points out our sin, and...

Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Salvation came by faith for Abraham, and it also by faith for us today. We have been declared righteous by this faith, because we now have the righteousness of Christ credited to our account. In Christ, we experience an overflow of grace that is extended to many, for the gift of his perfect righteousness is given to all who trust in him. Through one man’s obedience, that is Christ, many are made righteous. So if we have been forgiven of all of our sins and if God ge...

The Jews considered their forefather Abraham to be a paragon of virtue, a man with whom no fault could be found. Paul refutes this idea, saying that Abraham, like all other men, was a sinner saved by grace. It is not Abraham’s works that justify him before a holy God, but his faith, for as it says in Scripture, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” In other words, if God serves an accountant, then his books would wipe clean the debt that was owed and his account would credited with a foreign righteousness, that i...

Here in chapter 3 Paul poses a series of questions from an opposing party’s point of view, as if he is being challenged by someone making arguments against his position. After most of these questions, Paul will respond by saying, “Absolutely not!” and will then proceed to explain why his opponents’ proposition doesn’t hold up. The overarching theme is that man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Such faith does not nullify the law, but instead, upholds it, because it is by the law that we know our sin. There is no one...

In chapter 1, Paul covered natural revelation, that is, the concept that everyone begins with an understanding that God exists because the natural world reveals it to men. Men suppress this truth in unrighteousness, and are guilty of any number of sins. Even though such is the case, Paul tells that church that they ought not concern themselves with casting judgment as much as they ought to concern themselves with faithfulness to God, especially in those cases where the accuser is guilty of the same sins whereby he finds fault in another person. Obedience to the Law means little if...

Paul’s letter to the house churches of Rome is full of rich, theological truth, often presenting ideas that are both mind-boggling and comforting all at once. In today’s passage, Paul begins to present his case for a righteousness that comes by faith. He begins by explaining that the world rejects God because they love their unrighteous behavior more than their Creator. Claiming to be wise, they become fools, and exchange the glory of God for created things. This twisting of worship results in twisted forms of living including sexual deviance, greed, malice, quarrels, gossip, slander, arrogance, and more...

In our last episode, Paul boasted about his works in order to show the church at Corinth that if boasting were a contest, he would win against his so-called competition, the super-apostles. In the end, however, he concluded that it was better to boast of his weaknesses. He continues where he left off, telling the church that the Lord gave him a “thorn in the flesh… a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself.” It is when we are weak in the flesh, that we can be strong in Christ. He concludes this line o...

As mentioned in previous episodes, the church at Corinth has been influenced by false teachers whom Paul calls “super-apostles.” They came to town with eloquent speeches, self-exaltation, pedigrees of varying kinds, and, unsurprisingly, requests for money. Paul is jealous for the church at Corinth as a husband would be jealous for his bride. He doesn’t want the church at Corinth to be impressed with polished public speaking or crafty teachings that are inferior to the gospel. He knows that if Satan can appear as an angel of light, then it is certainly no surprise that his servants would disgui...

In earlier sections of 2 Corinthians, we read about the distress the church experienced when Paul came to them with confidence and authority in addressing the sins of one of Corinth’s church members. Today, he assures them that his boldness comes from a desire to demolish arguments, not people. There are some in the church who say that Paul isn’t all that captivating or bold in person, he just talks a big game in his letters. Paul’s aim, however, is not to come across as impressive, but instead, to impress upon the church the goodness of the gospel...

Today, Paul commends the churches of Macedonia who have sacrificially given to support the work of ministry. Our ultimate example in sacrificial love and giving is Christ Himself, who became poor so that we might become rich. Paul also praises the work of Titus, whose life displays this kind of loving sacrifice as is evident in his devotion to the church. Having appealed to the church at Corinth to have their collection of funds ready to be collected and then distributed, Paul asks the church to be ready to give when they come. He wants to make sure that...

The reality of ministry is that it is filled with joys and sorrows, highs and lows, glory and dishonor. Paul highlights suffering for the gospel, which seems pointless to those who don’t know the treasure of Christ, but worthwhile to those who know the joy of our Savior. Joy and affliction seem like an impossible pairing, but Paul reminds the Corinthian church that God comforts the downcast, and that grief can lead to needed change in a person’s heart or to reconciliation with one another, both which bring lasting joy. This kind of grief, which Paul highlights as “...

Paul longs to live his life in a way makes the truth of the gospel clear to all. Unbelievers cannot see the gospel clearly because the god of this age, that is Satan, has made their minds blind. The same God who pronounced “Let light shine out of darkness,” must also shine into the hearts of men so that might see and believe. Our frail and humble bodies carry the infinite worth of Christ like jars of clay hiding treasure. Even though we are afflicted and persecuted in our frailty, we do not give up, for our affliction is prod...

Judging from Paul’s words of concern in today’s reading, it seems that he had a painful visit with the church at Corinth and wrote a letter after that visit. There seems to be a reference to the act of church discipline and the restoration of a repentant sinner into the fold of the church. As we get further into the book of 2 Corinthians, we’ll discover that the church had become impressed with a group of teachers referred to as “super-apostles” who in fact were false apostles. They came with letters of recommendation, so when the church asks Paul...

Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth begins with a reminder that God is a God of comfort. He comforts his people who are under affliction, and even when one experiences comfort, the end goal is that the comforted person might comfort others. Paul makes it clear that has, in fact, endured a great affliction in Asia, one so terrible that he thought it would be better to die. In the end, however, God delivered Paul and those who were with him. Even in the midst of such affliction, Paul has a clear conscience that he has ac...

As Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth draws to a close, he reminds them to set money aside at the beginning of each week according to how each one prospers. This would have been a way of prioritizing the work of the church, funding and supporting other believers who labored in preaching and teaching. He continues on with updates about the work of various men and women who are doing such work, and as he does so, he encourages the church to honor and support those who labor in the gospel and to humbly submit to them.

What would the Christian faith be like if Christ had not been raised from the dead? It’s hard to imagine what that would be like, but we can assume that such a worldview would be devoid of power and hope, relegated only to teachings about morals and good behavior. In today’s reading, Paul addresses those within the church who say that Christ was not raised and that there is not resurrection from the dead. Declaring such a faith to be pitiable, Paul moves on to talk about the coming resurrection, reassuring the church that Christ’s resurrection guaran...

In chapter 12, Paul began to admonish the church to consider the nature of spiritual gifts within the church. Individuals within the church really wanted to have the gift of speaking in tongues, but Paul says that they should rather think of themselves as a body with many parts, all working together, though each part if different. It is within this context that Paul speaks of the nature of love. Yes, this is the chapter that is often read at weddings, and that can be fitting. However, in the original context, Paul is telling the church that these gifts of...

In today’s reading, Paul begins a new topic of discussion that will carry us through the next few chapters, and that is the topic of spiritual gifts. In the early church, speaking in another language by the Spirit must have been an incredible and awe-inspiring sight, as indicated in the books of Acts at Pentecost. This gifting was so unique and thrilling that everyone wanted to have that gift. Paul begins to tell the church at Corinth that there are different gifts given to different members of the church so that all might work together as one body fo...

The first half of today’s reading will cover Paul’s recommendation to the Corinthian church concerning head coverings for women. While different cultures and different interpreters come to varying conclusions as to whether or not this particular recommendation is prescriptive in all societies, it is clear that Paul intends to establish a distinction between male and female, as well as a structure of authority. Next, Paul moves on to consider the celebration of the Lord’s Supper within the church, particularly as it regards to fair distribution, unity within the body between those of varying socioeconomic status, and self-e...

In today’s reading, Paul offers a word on faithfulness in the midst of temptation. Referencing the book of Moses which we call Numbers, Paul reminds his hearers that Israel desired evil things rather than God, and thereby received just punishment from the God with whom they had covenanted as a people. When we are tempted, we may feel that we are the only ones who have ever experienced what we are experiencing, but Paul reminds us that no temptation is out of the ordinary. Moreover, with every temptation one might face, God provides a way out so that yo...

Chances are that if you visit a friend’s house for dinner tomorrow night that you won’t be offered food offered to an idol, but in Paul’s day, that would have been more common. Paul says that there is only one God and all food is from him, so food sacrificed to idols, in reality, means nothing. Just because you can eat food sacrificed to idols, however, doesn’t mean you should, because it might cause your brother or sister to fall into sin. Later, Paul argues that those who serve as a minister of the gospel should b...

Paul continues to write to the church in Corinth concerning sexual ethics, and in today’s reading, he writes specifically about situations concerning marriage. In general, men and women are to give themselves to each other, for in marriage one’s body is not one’s own. If someone is married to an unbeliever, Paul commends that such a person should stay married because he or she may be able to save their spouse through their faithful, daily witness. Paul goes on to tell individuals in the church to be content to live life in whatever situation the Lord assign...

The church in Corinth had some messed views about what was permissible, especially where it pertains to sex and morality. Our reading opens with Paul addressing the church on resolving a matter the could fit well on day time talk shows: a man is having sex with his stepmother, and the church isn’t doing anything about it. Paul directs the church to execute church discipline, telling them to “hand that one over to Satan” but not so that he might be forever lost, but “so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” Paul continues...

Paul continues his thoughts from our last reading into today’s chapter concerning the way leaders are revered among the Corinthian church. As you’ll recall they had been attaching themselves to particular leaders within the church, causing unnecessary division. One shouldn’t be concerned with how others judge, but on how God judges, and he sees the intentions of the heart. Paul doesn’t want any of them to become arrogant, especially those among them who have become arrogant as teachers. Those who instruct may be many, but those who come alongside believers as humble and loving fathers are few...

Paul tells the church in Corinth that he was not able to speak to the Corinthian church as those who were mature in Christ, but as those who were immature and unable to process deeper truths, for envy, strife, and disunity are abundant among them. In humility, Paul tells the Corinthian church that he is nothing but servant, and that the glory for growth within believers goes to God alone. While a church is not, in fact, a building, Paul compares the people of God to a building, saying that their foundation is Christ and that there will be...

Today’s chapter is pretty short, but nonetheless intriguing. Though Paul is a man of great intelligence, he tells the Corinthian church that is resolved to know nothing among them except Christ and him crucified. This does not mean that he is emptying his mind, but that he orients all of his knowledge in such a way that Christ and his cross and central in his mind. The power of God’s wisdom was not given to the rulers of this age, but to the church. He has revealed his truth to us by his Spirit. Those who do not...

We’re beginning Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, a congregation that was comprised mostly of Greeks rather than mostly Jews. As we make our way through this letter, you’ll realize that in some ways, the Corinthian church was really messed up, but praise the Lord, this give us hope for Christ’s local church and our own congregations. Divisions had already begun among the church at Corinth, and some of the division came because believers began attributing themselves to mere men. Paul directs them to boast, not in the teachers they follow, but in Christ and Him...

We’re beginning the second half of 2 Thessalonians, and so far Paul has spent a good amount of time talking about God’s judgment and God’s glory, particularly as it relates to the end times. He continues to encourage the church to stand firm in the faith and count their suffering and persecution for the Gospel as evidence that they belong to the Lord. Paul asks the church to pray for him and those that labor with him in the Gospel. He warns them against those people who claim to be the Lord’s servants, but who aren’t willing...

We’re beginning Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church today, and in this letter Paul speaks a good deal about judgment and the afterlife. The church at Thessalonica was in the midst of suffering hardship and persecution, but Paul encourages them by reminding that persevering through such trials only brings further assurance that they have been counted worthy of God’s kingdom. Those who don’t obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus will pay the penalty of eternal destruction. Finally, if the church hears rumors that the day of the Lord has already come, they need not worr...

The final chapter of Paul’s first letter the Thessalonians begins with discussion about the end times, and ends with exhortations and blessings upon the church. Paul says that the day of the Lord, a phrase referring to the end-time period of God’s judgment, will come unexpectedly. Like labor pains on a pregnant woman, they will strike without warning and continue until the culmination of God’s final judgment. He encourages the church with figurative terms, telling them to stay alert as children of the day. In other words, be ready for the Lord’s return and don’t slack of...

At the end of our last reading, Paul called the Thessalonian church his joy and his crown of boasting. As we pick up today’s reading, Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica about the history and that he has with the believers in that church. His tone of brotherly affection and longing continues in today’s reading, as he recounts sending Timothy to strengthen and encourage the church while he was stuck in Athens. He continues by encouraging the church to keep away from sexual immorality, to continue faithful work in the bonds of brotherhood, and to not...

Today we begin reading Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica. What do we know about this church? Well, we know that on his second missionary journey recorded in Acts, Paul stopped in the port city of Thessalonica, preached in the synagogue, and a church formed in the city thereafter. In just a few short weeks, a riot began, and Paul was forced to leave the fledgling church body. Here in today’s first two chapters, Paul recounts the history that he and the church have with each other and with the gospel.

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On our last episode, we read Mark’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ. He died a gruesome death accompanied by miraculous signs, as Mark notes that the sky turned to darkness at midday and temple curtain was torn in two. While we know that this was not the end, we should also remember that the disciples assumed that it was. As you hear the account of the resurrection, imagine the joy and awestruck wonder that the early disciples must have experienced. Finally, our reading includes a passage that most likely is not original to Mark, and is...

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...