And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, Truth to Learn Committed Christian living will result in affliction – and joy. Behind the Words “Followers” is translated from mimētēs, from which we get our English...
1 Thessalonians 1:5 – Holy Spirit Enlightenment
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. Truth to Learn The empowering Spirit Behind the Words The word “gospel”...
1 Thessalonians 1:4 – Chosen and Loved
knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. Truth to Learn All Christians are chosen by and loved by God. Behind the Words The word “knowing” is from the Greek verb oida, which means “to see with perception,” that is, “to be aware of.” It is expressed here as a casual...
1 Thessalonians 1:3 – Hang In There!
remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, Truth to Learn The Christian life requires hard work and patience. Behind the Words “Without ceasing” is translated from adialeiptōs, made up of...
1 Thessalonians 1:2 – Prayer Warriors
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, Truth to Learn Our ministry should be focused on what God will do for others. Behind the Words The words “We give thanks” are translated from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which is made up...
1Thessalonians 1:1 – Grace and Peace
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn All Christians can know peace in the midst of attack. Behind the Words “Church”...
Ephesians 6:24 – Eternal Joy
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Truth to Learn God’s grace and His love are unfading and eternal. Behind the Words “Grace” is translated from the Greek word charis. This is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” It specifically refers to...
Ephesians 6:23 – Peace, Love, and Faith
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn You can experience peace and the love of God through faith. Behind the Words The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention,...
Ephesians 6:22 – A Personal Comforter
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Truth to Learn The church needs people of comfort and encouragement. Behind the Words “I have sent” is translated from the Greek verb pempō, which means “to...
Ephesians 6:21 – The Beloved Waiter
But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; Truth to Learn God gives recognition to those who serve humbly. Behind the Words The words “that you may know”...
Ephesians 6:20 – Proclaim It Boldly!
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Truth to Learn We need to boldly proclaim the Gospel message. Behind the Words Presbeuō is the Greek word translated “ambassador.” It literally means “to be an old man,” but...
Ephesians 6:19 – Pray for Paul?
and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, Truth to Learn All of us need prayers, especially regarding our ministries. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “utterance” is logos, which is derived...
Luke 2:8-10; Matthew 28:5-7 – He Is Risen!
8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them,...
Matthew 27:39, 41; Luke 23:39, 40, 42, 43 – The Father’s Will
39And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads 41Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders ... 39Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." 40But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you...
Luke 23:13, 14; 20-22; John 19:4 – Spotless Lamb of God
13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. … 20Wanting to release Jesus,...
Mark 14:55, 56, 61b-64 – Christ the Messiah
55Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. 56For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. ... 61bAgain the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of...
Mark 14:44, 45; John 18:4-6 – Deception vs. Righteousness
44Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely." 45As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, "Rabbi, Rabbi!" and kissed Him … 4Jesus therefore, knowing all things...
Mark 14:32-34 – Man of Sorrows
32Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful,...
Ephesians 6:18 – Perpetual Persistent Prayer
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Truth to Learn Prayer is important in spiritual battles and at every other time. Behind the Words “Praying” is from the Greek verb proseuchomai, which is...
Ephesians 6:17 – The Sword, The Word
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Truth to Learn Christians have a sword to use in our spiritual battle. Behind the Words “Take” is translated from the Greek verb dechomai, meaning “to deliberately and readily accept what is...
Ephesians 6:16 – Keep the Faith!
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Truth to Learn We need faith to protect us from some of Satan’s attacks. Behind the Words The words “above all” are translated from the Greek words...
Ephesians 6:15 – Stand Firm!
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Truth to Learn We have a firm standing in our salvation. Behind the Words “Having shod” is translated from the verb hupodeō, which is a compound word made up of hupo, meaning “under” and deō, meaning “to...
Ephesians 6:14 – Truth and Righteousness
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Truth to Learn Truth and righteousness are two of the key pieces of our armor. Behind the Words “Stand” is translated from the Greek word histēmi, meaning “to stand.” It is expressed here in the...
Ephesians 6:13 – Prepare for Battle
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Truth to Learn We need to be prepared for spiritual battle at all times. Behind the Words Analambanō is the Greek word translated “take up.”...
Ephesians 6:12 – Spiritual Wrestling Match
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Truth to Learn We are in a spiritual battle and we are on the winning side. Behind the...
Ephesians 6:11 – Protective Armor
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Truth to Learn We Christians need protective armor for our spiritual battles. Behind the Words “Put on” is translated from the verb enduō, which is made up of en, meaning...
Ephesians 6:10 – Be Made Strong!
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Truth to Learn Christians need to prepare for spiritual warfare. Behind the Words The word “finally” is translated from loipos, meaning “that which remains.” There is some variation in Greek manuscripts as to whether this...
Ephesians 6:9 – God-Honoring Bosses
And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. Truth to Learn Bosses are to do their job in a God-honoring way. Behind the Words The words “giving up” are from...
Ephesians 6:8 – Rewards, Temporal or Eternal?
knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Truth to Learn Living for God will produce eternal rewards from God. Behind the Words “Knowing” is from the Greek verb eidō, which means “to have seen with perception.”...
Ephesians 6:7 – Give Your Best!
with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, Truth to Learn God gave us His best, so we should give Him our best. Behind the Words The word “with” is from the Greek preposition meta, which indicates accompaniment. It is different than the Greek preposition sun,...
Ephesians 6:6 – Jesus, Our Boss
not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, Truth to Learn We are to work at our jobs as if our boss was Jesus himself. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “eyeservice” is ophthalmodouleia, which is composed of ophthalmos,...