Exegetical Notes: 1 Corinthians 1:10-25 (The Cross, The Calling, and The Unity of the Church)

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

“I appeal to you” – An informal request, but with emphasis. “I strongly urge you” or ” I earnestly asking you”

“by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” – Paul appeals on the basis of Christ’s authority over the church and His redeeming work on behalf of his gospel. Paul’s overarching point throughout chapter one is his desire for all believers to remain steadfastly pointed to Christ and give him praise because his crucifixion provides the power for men to find forgiveness. Note that Paul begins his plea with Jesus at the center here in verse 10 and concludes this section by writing, “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

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Exegetical Notes: Acts 28:17-28

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

“after three days” – Meaning 3 days after his arrival in Rome (see v. 16). Paul’s house arrest prevents him from going to the local synagogue as is his usual custom, thus he arranges a meeting for them to come to him. 

Even in the midst of unpleasant circumstances (to say the least) Paul continues with the mission of teaching and sharing the gospel to those within his sphere of influence.

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Exegetical Notes: Acts 22:3-8; 15-22

1“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”

“hear the defense that I now make before you” – Paul’s entrance into the temple resulted in a quick uproar (Acts 21:26-36). In short, Paul was falsely accused by some Jews from Asia, who claimed he taught against the temple and brought Gentiles into the temple. The news of the riot soon reached a local Roman commander and he seized Paul in order to squelch the disturbance.

2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: Continue reading “Exegetical Notes: Acts 22:3-8; 15-22”