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John, Chapter 5

The Healing at Bethesda

5 After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now in Jerusalem, by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porticoes. 3 In these porticoes lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, limping, or  paralyzed. 

-        After these things (what things? Jesus had met a royal official who’s son lay sick at Capernaum (which means - the field of repentance; City of comfort) ; Jesus healed the man son’s in the 7th hour. (the hour of completion and rest); the official believed the word Jesus spoke and his son was healed; the official later believed in Jesus and his house was saved)

-        There was a feast of the Jews (we don’t know which feast) but it was important enough that Jesus went up to Jerusalem)

-        Now in Jerusalem (City of peace; In awe of peace; teaching peace)

-        By the Sheep Gate (the place where sheep would be brought to be sacrificed)

-        There was a pool which in Hebrew is called Bethesda (house of mercy)

-        Having five porticoes (five is the number for grace)

-        In architecture a "porch" is strictly an exterior structure forming a covered approach to the entrance of a building; a "portico" is an ambulatory, consisting of a roof supported by columns placed at regular intervals--a roofed colonnade.

-        Notice their description of being ambulatory (for those needing an ambulance)

-        in these porticoes lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, limping or paralyzed (how many is a multitude?) It seems a like a large number of people who truly needed:

o   the field of repentance; the City of comfort

o   healing by Jesus in the 7th hour

o   salvation spiritually not just physically along with their whole families

o   in order to come to the feast with Jesus

o   in the city of Peace

5 Now a man was there who had been [f]ill for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus, upon seeing this man lying there and knowing that he had already been in that condition for a long time, *said to him, “Do you want to get well?”

-        Now a man was there who had been ill for thirty eight years (this is a very long time and the man was likely feeling like giving up or that he had no hope)

-        Jesus upon seeing this man lying there knowing that he had already been in that condition for a long time (Jesus shows us suddenly; sees the man lying there which means He saw him and singled him out of the crowd (focused His eyes on him)

-        Said to him “Do you want to get well?”  (so too, Jesus will show us just when you’re about to give up or feel there is no hope; just then; Jesus will show us and ask you do you want to get well?”

 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus *said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.

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John, Chapter 4 - Jesus Goes to Galilee

4 So then, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing; rather, His disciples were), 3 He left Judea and went away again to Galilee. 4 And He had to pass through Samaria. 5 So He *came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; 6 and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, tired from His journey, was just sitting by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

-          Pharisees (separated ones)

-          John (YHWH is gracious)

-          Jesus (Savior)

-          Judea (praise or worthy to be praised)

-          Galilee (circle or region)

-          Samaria (watch mountain or watch tower)

-          Samaria (watch tower or mountain)

-          Sychar (liar, drunkard or to be shut up)

-          Jacob (heel catcher or supplanter)

-          Joseph (YHWH increases or may add)

-          Jacob well (heel catcher or supplanter)

-          Jesus (Savior; YHWH saves)

-          Sixth hour (noon Jewish time; same time Jesus died later)

Dear separated ones, YHWH is gracious, sending a savior worthy to be praised, by those in the inner circle, in the watch tower, watching to shut up the liar the devil, the supplanter as YHWH increases by replacing man with YHWH at the sixth hour (the very hour Jesus died) Luke 23:44

The Woman of Samaria

7 A woman of Samaria *came to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. 9 So the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus replied to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

-          A woman of Samaria came to draw water (she was thirsty)

-          Jesus said to her “Give me a drink” (Jesus was thirsty too)

-          His disciples had gone away to buy food (Jesus was left alone with this Samarian women)

-          The Samaritan women said to Him, “how is that you, though you are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?”, though I am a Samaritan woman (this was against Jewish tradition and would be seen as inappropriate)

-          For Jews do not associate with Samaritans (Pride always comes before a trial)

-          Jesus replied her

o   If you knew the gift of God (Jesus was the gift of God, the Savior of the world)

o    and who it is who is saying to you, Give me a drink, (it is God’s one and only Son asking for a drink; if she only knew who she was talking too)

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John, Chapter 3  - The New Birth

3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

-          Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus a ruler of the Jews

o   Pharisees (means separated one) they were scientists, separatists, normally antagonist to Christians who walked by faith

o   Nicodemus (means Victory of the People), a ruler of the Jews, this man was part of the Sanhedrin which made the laws for Jewish religious leaders.

-          This man came to Jesus at night (it seems he didn’t want to be seen by his peers)

-          And said “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him (it’s obvious Jesus had God-given power)

-          Jesus responded to him, “Truly, truly (double truth), I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jesus said it; that’s settles it)

4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a person be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”

-          Nicodemus said to Him

o   How can a person be born when he is old (it doesn’t make sense to the carnal mind)

o   He cannot enter his mothers womb a second time and be born can he? (this is a ridiculous suggestion; the answer is obviously not)

-          Just answered

o   Truly, truly, I say to you, unless some is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God

o   That which has been born of the flesh is flesh (carnal, worldly, physical)

o   And that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit (born of the Holy Spirit)

o   Do not be amazed that I said to you, “You must be born again”

§  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it (sound and hearing our physical attributes)

§  But you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going (even though you hear it, you can’t see it and you don’t know where it came from or where it is going; therefore, it doesn’t make sense to your mind either and yet you believe its real)

§  So is everyone who has been born of the Spirit (even though you don’t understand it, it still is true just like the wind example)

9 Nicodemus responded and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you people do not accept our testimony.

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John, Chapter 2 - Miracle at Cana

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

-          On the third day there was a wedding in Cana (Cana was a river and a village in the promised land; it was between Ephraim (fruitful, fertile, productive) and Manasseh (God has made me forget entirely my troubles and my father’s house” Gen 41:51)  So too, we will attend a wedding feast up in heaven for 7 years and it will be fruitful and God will make us forget our troubles in the houses we grew up in)

-          Cana of Galilee (a circle), and the mother of Jesus was there (it’s going to be a great day)

-          And both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding (so too, Jesus and his other disciples, you, and I, are going to be invited to His wedding feast…

-          Weddings are holy matrimonial ceremonies creating a marriage bond between a man and a women for life.  Note that marriage is ordained by God; He approves of it.

 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus *said to her, “What business do you have with Me, woman? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother *said to the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it.”

-          When the wine ran out (the party is over)

-          The mother of Jesus, said to Him, “They have no wine” (in other words the party is going to end prematurely)

-          And Jesus said to her, “What business do you have with Me, woman?” (I don’t know about you but I would never say this to my mother; I think Jesus doesn’t seem to want to do anything about it at first)

o   My hour has not yet come (Jesus doesn’t want to reveal His power and position until it is the right time)

-          His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He tells you do it”

o   It seems Mary expected Jesus to do something even though He seemed reluctant

o   She expects Jesus to tell the servants to do something (servants should listen)

o   Whatever He tells you, do it (Do Whatever, even if it seems odd or impossible)

 6 Now there were six stone waterpots standing there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing two or three measures each. 7 Jesus *said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.

-          Now there were six stone waterpots standing there for the Jewish custom of purification (this custom was to wash before entering the temple; it was also the custom to purify women to be ready for marriage)

-          Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water” (this was His instruction to the servants)  go get the water and fill the pots used to cleanse people 

-          So they filled them up to the brim (these servants did even more than asked)

 8 And He *said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” And they took it to him. 9 Now when the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter *called the groom

.

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John, Chapter 1 - 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. 5 And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it.

-          In the beginning (this is where it all started)

-          Was the Word (the Word is God’s thoughts; it is His intentions; it is The Truth)

-          And the Word was with God (part of Him, in Him)

-          And the Word was God (this is a declaration of Divinity – and its absolute)

-          He was in the beginning with God (notice it is now He; a son)

-          All things came into being through Him (all things means “all things”; came into being means “created” by Him – Jesus)

-          Not even one thing came into being that come in being (not even one thing came into being “nothing was created not even one” except what He created)

-          In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind (the very breath of life was in Him and the life was the Light of mankind; Light is the beginning of sight, the ability to see, comprehend and understand; without light you cannot see, understand or comprehend)

-          And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it (Darkness could not understand Light; Darkness ceases to exists when Light is present)

The Witness John the Baptist

6 A man came, one sent from God, and his name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

-          A man came, one sent from God (notice the man came; from where to where?; one sent by God – from Heaven to the Earth)

-          his name was John (John means The grace or mercy of the Lord; Jehovah has been gracious; has shown favor) This is what God was announcing.

-          He came as a witness, to testify about the Light (to come as a witness is a legal matter to testify under oath of a fact to establish absolute truth; John came to testify the truth about what?; to testify about the Light (Jesus) to establish and confirm Jesus is from God and is absolute truth)

-          So that all might believe through him (“so that”, this is John’s purpose; all might believe)

-          He was not the Light (John is not the Light, not Jesus; but he came to testify about the Light (to again confirm and establish that Jesus is the Son of God)

9 This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.

-          This was the true Light (notice He is the true light; not the false light; 2 Cor 11:14 the devil disguises himself as an angel of light)

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Philippians Chapter 4 - Think of Excellence

4 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Therefore (because of what we learned in Chapter 3 – we are citizens of Heaven eagerly waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory (transformed into our heavenly body)

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.  Apparently these two women were having a dispute or some type of falling out. Paul wants them to live in harmony in the Lord. It important that the women get along and not continue in their disharmony. 

Paul asks his true companion to help these women “who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, who names are in the book of life”.   It might be Timothy but its not clear.  It’s good example for those in leadership, help the family of God to settle their differences and keep the main thing the main the thing.  Let’s not get caught up in trivial issues…

Euodia means “prosperous”

Syntyche means “fortunate” or “with fate”.

Clement means “merciful”

Some of those in the church are “prosperous”, others are “fortunate” and others are “merciful”; each one was being used to serve others.  This is a great example for us too…

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! (God said it twice. Did you get it?)  Have you been rejoicing today? Next, let your gentle spirit be known to all men (do all men know your gentle spirit?)  Can anyone see it or notice it?  Don’t forget the Lord is near. If the Lord is near, how should we conduct ourselves?  Do that …

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Be anxious for nothing (nothing means nothing, not finances, not health, not job, nor marriage)

But (instead of being anxious) in everything (not some things, but in everything)

-          By prayer (talking to God and asking Him to take action)

-          And supplication (talking to God with urgency)

-          With thanksgiving (thank Him in advance that He will give you what you asked for)

-          Let your request be made known to God (ask specifically in Jesus Name) 

-          And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will (peace beyond comprehension; greater peace than you can understand)

Memorize this verse. Speak it out loud often. Share it with others.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

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Philippians Chapter 3

The Goal of Life

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

-      What is the goal of life?

-      Rejoice in the Lord (because of what He has done)

-      Paul is going to write the same things again (to remind us)

o   It is a safeguard for you!

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

-      Beware of dogs

o   They act according to impulse (the flesh)

-      Of the evil workers

o   Those who pervert the truth of the Gospel or tempt you to turn off the path

-      Don’t have confidence in the flesh

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

o   Nothing can be compared.

-      In view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ my Lord

-      Righteousness through faith in Christ

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

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Philippians Chapter 2

Be Like Christ

2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

-          If there by any encouragement

-          Any consolation of love

-          If any fellowship of the spirit

-          If any affection and compassion

-          Then, make my joy complete by being of the same mind (intent on one purpose)

 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

-          Do nothing from selfishness

-          Or empty conceit

-          But with humility of mind (regard one another as more important than yourselves)

-          Don’t just look out for your own but look out for others

-          Have this attitude which was also in Christ Jesus (God emptying himself to be a bond-servant and made like man

-          Obedient to the point of death, even on a cross

 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

-          For this reason (because of Christ’s humility and choice to serve)

-          God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him a name above every name

-          At the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW (in heaven, on the earth, under the earth)

-          And every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (to God’s the Father’s glory)

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

-          Obey the Word in the presence of saints and when they are absent

-          Work out your salvation with fear and trembling

-          For (because) it is God who is at work in you (to Will and to Work for his good pleasure)

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world

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Philippians Chapter 1 - Thanksgiving

1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul and Timothy remind us they are bond-servants (free to leave or live as they please, but they willingly agreed to serve their master for life). They have something to say to “all the saints” in Christ Jesus who are Philippi including overseers and deacons.  You are either a saint or you ain’t.

You might even be called to be an overseer or a deacon (a overseer is episkopos a man charged with the duty of seeing that things  done by others are done rightly, a guardian or superintendent.

A deacon is diakonos, one who executes the commands of another, especially a master or minister. A decon often cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use. A deacon can also mean waiter, one who serves food and drink. It has the connotation of serving others.

True Christian Leadership is always done in the service of others.  Think about Jesus Christ who left his Glory in Heaven and came down to serve mankind.  He is our great example!

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you (so too, we should thank our God for each and every saint we know). Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all (so too, this is a great example for us, we should offer prayer with joy!)  … in view of your participation in the gospel (sharing the good news of Jesus Christ) – they were participating in it – so should we!

6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Paul & Titus were confident of this very thing (we should be confident too) that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus).  God started the work and He will finish the work. It’s all God’s doing.  This is why we rejoice and have joy!  Also, notice the longing.

 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul will now give us deeper insight into what he has been praying for “I pray that your love may abound still more and more (how much love is that?)

… and more in real knowledge and all discernment (knowledge of God’s word is real knowledge. | and all discernment which the ability to understand the moral implication and life application of the knowledge learned from The Word).

We learn God’s will and then discern what we should do in each situation.

Why?  so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be since and blameless until the day of Christ.  The only way to achieve this is through a knowledge of God’s word and using discernment to make good decisions.  We approve what is excellent (Godly) and disapprove of everything else (ungodly)

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Romans Chapter 16

Greetings and Love Expressed

16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.

I commend you to our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church (Paul is confirming Phoebe, her name means “bright”.  Phoebe is being a bright light to the church. She was helping to illuminate Jesus Christ.  This is a good example of how women are being used in the Church. This was a church at Cenchrea.  Cenchrea means “millet” a fast growing edible plant that grows fast in poor soil.  Phoebe was planting seeds and bearing fruit fast!

Notice that Paul tells the brothers and sisters to “receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints”. What manner is worthy of the saints?  This means with great care!

And “that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you” – Paul tells the family to go to work for helping her. Do what she says in whatever matter she may have need of you!  Godly women make a huge difference.  

Notice this – for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.  Phoebe was not some high minded woman of God directing others. She was a helper too!  She is the same level as Paul or any other saint serving God !  We should be helpers…

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet the church that is in their house. 

Paul is not done yet.  Now he says to greet Prisca and Acquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks! Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned by name six times in the New Testament, always together as a couple (Acts 18:2-3, Acts 18-19, Acts 26; Rom 16:3-5; 1Cor 16:19; 2Tim 4:19). They exercised leadership among the fledgling churches and were held in high esteem. Prisca was the wife and Acquila was her husband. Notice that she was named before him showing her importance.  This is not normal, it’s the opposite of the custom in that day.

Prisca means “venerable” which menas accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character. Acquila means “eagle” known for its keen sight and ability to soar over great distances.  He was a tentmaker who made tents in many places.  Obviously well traveled.  Paul lived with them for 18 months.

Notice they had a church in their house (an ecclesia) a small gathering together – this is the way to do church….  We meet home to home. We actually know each other, pray for each other and love one another.  Does this describe the way you do church?

Intro to Outbless Weekly

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