Letters by Paul
-
Galatians 3.15–29 Excuse me, do you have faith?
We are too used to hearing it, but it is actually amazing and unbelievable. Thanks to the teacher-slave, who actually used to exist and whose duty was to bring the master’s children to and from school in the ancient days, we have safely arrived at the giving of the promise and the essence of faith—the… Continue reading
-
Galatians 3.1-14 Law’s working or Faith’s hearing
So then, what is the substance or object in which the Gentiles are to have faith or Abaraham is to believe? The fact that God does it, that it is God who gives you the reward without you doing anything, that he takes care of it, and that you just receive it Continue reading
-
Galatians 2.11–21 The Law of Grace
I was saved from hanging on the cross myself, but with me now knowing him, God counts the death of Christ just as good as my own doing and honours it as my attitude and outcome. Continue reading
-
Galatians 2.1–10 Law versus Grace
The thought and realisation of making that prophecy and promise come true through Christ is grace. Therefore, the law was originally grace. Continue reading
-
Galatians 1 By Grace
Faith is given by grace. Grace precedes faith. God has grace in store for us even before we realise it with faith, just as the father waits for his son before even the prodigal begins to think of returning home Continue reading
-
Philippians 4.15–23 Recognition
God’s glory is when God is shown as God, when his intention is realised, and when his desire is satisfied. Therefore, when we recognise each other in Christ, we glory God our Father, who fills our every need and holds us even tighter together as one body. Continue reading
-
Philippians 4.8–14 Boldness (‘Be Strong and Courageous’)
Paul’s agenda is not at all about his capability but about the Philippians’ material contribution given to him. Well done! – he says, not because I am in need of it (v. 11). But because you are sharing in my trouble (v. 14). Continue reading
-
Philippians 3.15–21 Belonging
Our body seems weak, but the power of the head can transform even our faulty bodies (v. 21) from following our stomach (v. 19) to following the General Holy Spirit instead. How fortunate this is. Continue reading
-
Philippians 3.10–14 The Joint
If we had not thought of the role of the Holy Spirit, we would have almost taken these struggles as Paul’s own endeavour. But thanks to Paul’s teachings about Christ and his Spirit, we know, at a step back, that he is describing the work of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading
-
Philippians 2.12–18 Fear and Trembling
Can you imagine a car trying to move forward in reverse gear, or vice versa? How hard it must be! But we must be getting some sort of odd satisfaction out of the ‘hard work’; as far as I am concerned at least, I tend to go for what I want. Continue reading
Read with Ssam 