Latest Commentaries

Paul challenges the Corinthians’ factions, where some declare themselves for Paul and others for Apollos. Paul demonstrates that this feud is artificial. Both he and Apollos served the same purpose, to teach the gospel. Paul brought the Corinthians to initial faith, while Apollos taught them to grow. It was God who caused their growth, and God who deserves the glory. Otherwise, Paul and Apollos are one and the same, since they both serve God’s purpose in their individual obedience, for which they will be rewarded.

Paul reprimands the Corinthians because of their immaturity. They were once newborn babes when they first believed in Jesus, and yet they have not grown since then. Paul wishes he could teach them deeper spiritual truths, but he is stuck having to teach them basics because of the jealousy and tribalism they are engaged in. Some Corinthians say they only follow Paul, while others only follow Apollos. This is a meaningless argument they are having. Paul shows them they are being sinful, not spiritual.

Luke 4:22-30 describes how the people of Nazareth marvel at Jesus’s interpretation of Isaiah’s prophecy, but quickly grow skeptical, questioning how someone they know as Joseph’s son could make such claims. Jesus responds by confronting their unbelief and reminding them that prophets are often rejected in their own hometowns, citing examples from Elijah and Elisha’s ministries. Enraged by His words, the crowd drives Him out of the synagogue and attempts to kill Him, but He passes through their midst and departs.

Luke 4:16-21 describes when Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in His hometown synagogue, declaring a message of good news, healing, and freedom. He then boldly proclaims that this Scripture has been fulfilled in their hearing, revealing Himself as the promised anointed one.

Joshua 5:10-12 describes how the Israelites observed the Passover in Canaan and ate some of the land’s produce. Then, the miraculous provision of manna stops.

Joshua 5:8-9 shows that after the circumcision and recovery of the Israelite men, the LORD declares that He has rolled away the reproach of Egypt from them.

Joshua 5:1-7 describes how after the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River, the LORD commands Joshua to circumcise all the males. Joshua obeys the LORD and circumcises the Israelite men, marking their membership in the covenantal community.

Joshua 4:19-24 shows how Joshua sets up a memorial at Gilgal, a town near Jericho, to testify of God’s love and miraculous assistance in crossing the Jordan River. Through the monument, all the nations will know the power of God, and Israel will fear Him throughout their lives.

Joshua 4:1-7 describes how twelve men picked up twelve stones from the dry riverbed of Jordan to commemorate how the LORD dried it, allowing His covenant people to cross it and enter the Promised Land.

Peter concludes this letter by commending Silvanus for carrying his letter to his readers. He testifies that its contents are about God’s grace in which his readers are to stand firm. Greetings are given and exhorted as the letter ends with a prayer for peace among believers.

Our suffering is temporary. God is still in control. He has brought us into His favor. He is growing us, building us up, preparing us through our suffering. He is sovereign over everything.

Peter exhorts us to keep our wits about us. We need to be mentally fit, to guard ourselves against Satan’s temptations. Satan is like a dangerous lion hunting for us to destroy us. We can withstand his attacks by having strong faith. We can take courage that we aren’t alone in our suffering; all faithful Christians suffer for their faith. But it is to God’s purpose.

Church members are to submit to the church elders and humbly live in submission to one another. God gives favor to humble people. God will lift us up if we humble ourselves. God cares for us; we can throw away our fears and worries. We can live humbly and harmoniously by God’s power.

Peter makes a final application to the elders of the church. He reminds them he is also an elder, and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and His glorious transfiguration. Church elders are not to lead with bad motives to exploit the church. They are instead to shepherd the church with the right motives as good examples of servant leaders. Then when Christ comes they have the promise that He will greatly reward them.

1 Peter 4:17-19 asks since judgment will come soon for the church, what will happen to those who have not believed in Christ? God will reward the righteous; He will also condemn the sinner. So believers who suffer for being faithful to God should rest on God’s faithful promises as we do what is right.

1 Peter 4:14-16 shows that those who suffer for the name of Christ are blessed by God’s Spirit at work in their life. In contrast, we should be careful not to bring suffering on ourselves by sinning. The pain we feel when we are punished for sin is not the same as suffering for doing good. When we suffer for being obedient to God, we should praise God, because it comes to our benefit by growing us now and rewarding us in Christ’s kingdom.

1 Peter 4:12-13 reminds us again that believers who live faithfully will encounter suffering. We should not   be shocked or think something unusual is happening when we suffer as Christians. God uses suffering to grow us, strengthen us, and refine us. We can take courage during our suffering so that when Jesus comes, we will be rewarded and overjoyed.

1 Peter 4:10-11 makes the point that since God will one day judge our deeds, another way believers can make our lives on earth count for eternity is by using our God—given spiritual gifts to serve one another. Some have gifts for communicating God’s word, to teach and encourage, others have gifts to help others through acts of service, and by taking care of earthly needs. It is God who gives the ability to serve one another, and when we do, God is glorified.

1 Peter 4:7-9 teaches that because there will soon come a day when God will judge all men, believers need to focus on activities that have eternal value such as wisdom, prayer, love for each other, and hospitality for other believers.

1 Peter 4:6 shows that God’s purpose in sending Jesus to die for our sins then resurrect from the dead was so that we who believe could live according to God’s will. We can live the way God wants us to, with new life, free from sin. This will invite rejection and mistreatment from nonbelievers.