This week we finish reading II Corinthians and read all the way through Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and part of Colossians.
Here is a bit of background to help you with your readings:
Galatians - The book of Galatians is thought to be Paul's earliest letter, corresponding with the events of Acts 11:30. Here he addresses a group of churches in a Roman province known as Galatia, now in modern-day Turkey. This letter mainly addresses the question of whether the Mosaic law is binding on Gentiles.
Ephesians - Here Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus (now Selcuk, Turkey) while he is imprisoned in Rome (about 62AD) to address the unity of the church between its many Jewish and Gentile believers. Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman empire in Paul's day and home to one of the seven ancient wonders of the world (temple of Artemis). Paul started the church in Ephesus as recorded in Acts 18 and eventually he would send his young protege Timothy to serve as their pastor. One of my favorite passages is Paul's admonition in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God.
Philippians - Philippians has a different tone than many of Paul's letters - it is written about 62AD to the church in Philippi (now Filippoi, Greece) which was one of the first church's that Paul ever started. From the tone of his letter, Philippi is often called Paul's "sweetheart" church. My life verse (and the first piece of Scripture I ever memorized) is found here: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).
Colossians - Colossians is directed to the church at Colosse (now Honaz, Turkey) and was probably written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome. Apparently, the church had been incorporating pagan elements into their practice including the worship of elemental spirits and Paul's letter declares Christ's supremacy over the entire created universe and reminds the believers to live godly lives.
Here is the schedule:
8 (Su) - II Corinthians 4-7
9 (M) - II Corinthians 8-11
10 (Tu) - II Corinthians 12-13; Galatians 1-2
11 (W) - Galatians 3-6
12 (Th) - Ephesians 1-4
13 (F) - Ephesians 5-6; Philippians 1-2
14 (Sa) - Philippians 3-4; Colossians 1-2
May God add his richest blessings to the reading, the hearing and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word. Amen.
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