Category: Biblical Reflections

Hebrews 1:1–4 (NKJV) The book of Hebrews, which some presume to have been written by Paul the Apostle, opens with a powerful statement about the work of Jesus Christ. If this book is truly written to Hebrews, or Jews, then this opening is an attempt to help them understand the validity and authority of Jesus … Continue reading In These Last Days

Philemon 17–25 (NKJV) Paul sums up the letter to Philemon with a call to obedience. Paul asks Philemon to receive this runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother, and offers to cover whatever damage he may have incurred from his forsaking his duties. 17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would … Continue reading Put His Debt on My Account

Philemon 8–16 (NKJV) Paul has just greeted and complemented Philemon for his love and compassion toward others, and now moves to an appeal for Onesimus. This man was a slave in Philemon's house, and fled Philemon's household to go to Paul. The result of this visit and Paul's wish are the subject of this section … Continue reading From a Slave to a Brother

Philemon 1–7 (NKJV) Paul writes this letter to Philemon, not as doctrinal or practical teaching per se, but as a personal appeal on behalf of another soul. Paul's appeal is in some measure outside of societal norms, but nevertheless shows the reader the greater truth found in Christian love, even though it is not socially … Continue reading I Thank God for You, Philemon

Titus 3:9–15 (NKJV) Paul has just finished explaining to Titus and the church in Crete the Christian’s responsibility to live peacefully and humbly among others, in the church and outside of the church. He emphasized the greatness of the grace Christians have received. Now Paul moves into a discussion of the uselessness of debates and … Continue reading Maintain Good Works

Titus 3:1–8 (NKJV) After instructing Titus to teach the people in Crete about the greatness of God's grace and the expected behavior in response to that grace, Paul begins to give specific instructions on how the people of God should relate to each other and to the world around them. He speaks to the Christian’s … Continue reading How to Live in This World

Titus 2:11–15 (NKJV) In this passage, Paul seeks to teach Titus, and by extension the church at Crete, the way to respond to the grace of God given to us by the work of Jesus Christ. Grace should drive us toward a holy lifestyle, full of gratitude for the wonderful grace of God. The elements … Continue reading Our Response to Grace

Titus 2:1–10 (NKJV) 1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4 that they admonish … Continue reading Make Jesus Look Good

Titus 1:10–16 (NKJV) 10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy … Continue reading The Faith That Saved You

Titus 1:1–9 (NKJV) 1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through … Continue reading Elder Traits