The Surprising God

This post exegetes 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, providing context for the Epistle reading on 10/18/26. Insights are drawn from John Stott's commentary on this passage. "St Paul preaching to the Thessalonians" by Dore (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction  In 1 Thessalonians, Paul shows how the church and the gospel are inseparably interrelated. The gospel forms the church and the church spreads the gospel. In discussing this interrelationship, Paul begins with the church's evangelism. In 1Thess.1:5-10 he outlines in three stages the progress of the gospel in Thessalonica. First, 'our gospel came to you' (v5). Secondly, 'you welcomed the message' (v6). Thirdly, 'the Lord's message rang out from you' (v8). Thus it came to you, you received it, and you passed it on. This sequence is God's continuing purpose, worked out through the church. The gospel came to you The gospel did not come to Thessalonica by being dropped by parachute f...

This post exegetes Matthew 21:28-22:14), providing context for the Gospel reading on 10/11/26. Insights are drawn from "Kingdom, Grace, Judgment"  by Robert Capon; "New Bible Commentary" by RT France; and "Bible Knowledge Commentary" by Louis Barbieri. "The Wedding Feast" (author unknown) Introduction In Matthew 21:1-7, Jesus has been showing who God's people are not (they are not the Jewish religious authorities). But that leaves us asking, who are God's true people? In Matthew 21:28-22:14, Jesus answers with three parables. Each one speaks of one group of people who are losing their privileged position and being replaced by those whom they despise. The point is that a fundamental change in the identity of the true people of God is taking place. Parable 1: The two sons  Matthew 21:28-32 28 "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' 29 "...

This post exegetes Philippians 3:1-16, providing context for the Epistle reading on 10/4/26. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Francis Foulkes ("New Bible Commentary"). "Lost and Found" by Greg Olsen (used with artist's permission) Introduction  In Philippians chapter 3, Paul begins a new section of his letter with this promise and exhortation: “ All joy be yours in your union with the Lord ” (Phil 3:1 TCNT).  Believers have great joy because they know Jesus—they know of and participate in the union that all humanity has with the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ. Sadly, some Philippian believers were undervaluing this union—failing to understand that their true citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20).  As a Roman colony, Philippi was a sort of “Rome away from Rome.” Its citizens, though living in Philippi, rightfully saw themselves as citizens of Rome. In similar fashion, though we are earth-bound, ...

This post exegetes Philippians 2:1-11, providing context for the Epistle reading on 9/27/26. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Francis Foulkes ("New Bible Commentary"). "Paul in Prison" by Dore (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction  Paul is in prison, and Epaphroditus visits, bringing the apostle a generous gift from the church at Philippi. But he also brings disturbing news of a double threat to that congregation’s unity: false teachers from without (Phil 3:1–3) and disagreeing members from within (Phil. 4:1–3). Paul is greatly concerned, and so in his letter to the Philippians he pleads with them to recover a true and lasting unity. They will do so as they, through the Spirit, actively share in the mind of Jesus. Note Philippians 2:1-2: 1 Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tendern...

This post exegetes Philippians 1:20-30, providing context for the 9/20/26 Epistle reading drawing on commentary from Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Francis Foulkes ("New Bible Commentary"). "Without Purse or Scrip" by Liz Lemon Swindle (used with artist's permission) Introduction  Note this statement from Paul, which gives us context for what we'll look at in this exegesis of the first chapter of Philippians: Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (Phil. 1:12) Desiring to advance the gospel into new territory, Paul had prayed and made detailed plans to travel to Rome. He knew that a beachhead in the capital city of the mighty Roman Empire would afford entrance into the far reaches of the Mediterranean world. His deep desire to get to Rome was eventually realized, but not in the way he planned. Rather than travelling there as a preacher, he went as a prisoner.  Now ...