Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.
Discussion Question:
What lessons regarding the Law and Satan’s power was Jesus trying to convey to the people?
Discussion Summary:
This woman did not approach Jesus. He was the one who noticed her and called her over. He did not ignore those on the sidelines but engaged those who needed his help. She had come to the synagogue demonstrating her faith in God even in her affliction. Jesus responded to her faith.
Jesus had earlier in chapter 6, verse 5 declared himself to be Lord of the Sabbath. It would be through his death that he would be able to offer to all a true rest from the labour of sin. We read in Leviticus 25 that as the sabbath is every 7 days, and every 7 years there is a sabbath year where the land lies fallow, so on the 50th year (following 7×7) there was a year of jubilee in which all captives were released, debts pardoned and land redistributed to the tribes. Jesus is illustrating this grand sabbath lesson as foretold in Isaiah 61:1.
Satan as the “god of this world” has blinded the eyes of men that they cannot see (2 Corinthians 4:4). Figuratively, people are in bondage to him and cannot free themselves. They are in effect leashed like an animal. While the religious leaders would have unleashed an animal on the sabbath to lead it to water, they denied the unleashing of this woman by healing her.
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Discussion Question:
Last week we learned the Galatians were mainly Gentile Christians. After Paul had left them, false teachers came among them who persuaded the Galatians that they had to come under the Jewish Law in order to properly follow Christ. For example, they had to be circumcised and follow dietary laws.
There are two different sections within Chapter 2 and we’d like to discuss both separately.
Section 1 (vss 1-14) What was Paul’s relationship to the brethren in the Jerusalem church and in particular, Apostle Peter?
Section 2 (vss 15-21) is an argument that Paul probably gave to Peter in Antioch and is now also giving to these false teachers in Galatia because it is addressed to Jewish Christians. What are the points Paul is making?
Discussion Summary:
It seems to have been common knowledge that Paul’s preaching was different from the Apostles’. In 2 Peter 3:15,16 it states that Paul says things that are “hard to understand.” There seems to have been an understanding that Paul carried on his work independently of the Jerusalem church, while still being mindful of them (verses 9,10). In Acts 15 we read of the agreement reached between Paul and the Jerusalem church that circumcision would not be required of Gentile converts.
In verses 15-21, Paul is referring specifically to the incident in Antioch. He is saying that he would have been transgressor if he had joined Peter in reintroducing the food laws they had earlier torn down. He is now telling the Galatians that if he joined these false teachers in requiring circumcision after that requirement had been torn down, he would be a transgressor. Whoever would rebuild the Law’s distinction between Jew and Gentile after God had torn that down through Christ would show himself to be a transgressor in God’s eyes. Christ makes things right with God, not the law.
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”
In this section Jesus uses two current events and one parable to teach about repentance.
What is the lesson of each part and how are they related?
Discussion Summary:
In the ancient world sickness and tragedy were looked upon as evidence of wrongdoing and punishment. We see this principle vividly in the Book of Job. In the first two current events, the people died tragically being martyred and engaged in good works. Jesus is using both of these examples to make the people understand that even good people have “punishment” because in God’s eyes all are sinners (Romans 3:23).
Everyone is in need of the forgiveness of sins ever since Father Adam first disobeyed God. This forgiveness is given once the sinner repents and asks for it. This message of repentance to the nation of Israel at the first advent was being preached by
The parable is designed to show that there was still time for the nation to obtain this repentance. The man in the parable was willing to give the fig tree more time to bear fruit and he was actively engaged in helping it. God was also willing to give time for the nation to repent before a judgment would be meted out. During this time John the Baptist (Matthew 3:8), Jesus (Mark 1:15), and the Apostles (Acts 2:38; 17:30) preached repentance.
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Discussion Questions:
What is the situation in the various ecclesias throughout Galatia that caused Paul to write this letter?
Why does Paul give a history of his activities from his conversion to his first visit to the church in Jerusalem?
Discussion Summary:
In Acts 13 and 14 we read that Paul and Barnabas traveled to the area of Galatia and founded many eccelesias. These ecclesias consisted of Jews and Gentiles. Paul taught that belief in the cross of Christ was all that was required of these Christians. After Paul left these eccelesias, he received reports that new leaders were teaching these Christians that it was necessary to first enter in to the Law Covenant of Moses prior to entering into Christ. These teachers were requiring circumcision as an indication that were under the Law Covenant of Moses. The brethren in Galatia were being persuaded by these new teachings. Paul was disappointed in their change of mind. He had expected more from them.
This letter addresses this problem. Paul begins by establishing his credentials as an Apostle. He establishes his claim that his teaching and authority comes from God through revelation. The gospel that he preaches (verse 11) is opening a door to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27) and this commission was given to him directly by God and not be the other Apostles.
54 He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 57 “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Discussion Question:
This section is divided into two parts: verses 54-56 and verses 57-59. What is Jesus saying in each part and how do they relate to each other?
Discussion Summary:
Verses 54-56: In Chapter 11 Jesus had denounced the religious leaders of his day. In Chapter 12 he had set out what true discipleship was to consist of. He is now telling the people to choose. They should be able to make the correct choice because even man’s wisdom can discern things like the weather that are from above. They should be able to discern Jesus’ true nature which also was from above.
The people were “wise” in their outward affairs, learning from the traditions of their fathers about things that would affect crops but when it came to spiritual traditions of their fathers and prophets, they refused to acknowledge them while at the same time professing a holiness that was not true.
The people had been given miracles, but their heart condition made them reject these signs (John 9:16). They were unable to apply Jesus’ teachings and warnings to themselves.
The people had been given prophesies of Jesus (Daniel 9:25-27; Isaiah 53), but their heart condition made them reject these as signs (John 9:16).
Verses 57-59: These verses state that if you had wronged a man it would be obviously wise to avert the consequences of your wrongdoing before it became too late.
Jesus was telling the nation that since the Law Covenant was accusing them of sin, they should agree with, or admit the justice of its condemnation. Jesus was urging them to admit this quickly, while they were “still in the way.” In other words, there was a time limit to the nation’s relationship to God under the Law Covenant.
49“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!
50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!
51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.
53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Discussion Question:
After laying out lessons about servants and masters, Jesus now focuses on his current ministry.
What events are these scriptures referring to? In answering this question, please consider the following:
What does the last phrase of verse 49 mean “would that it were already kindled!”?
Jesus was already baptized, why is he using this word (verse 50)?
Isn’t the gospel a message of good tidings and peace (verses 51-53)?
Discussion Summary:
Jesus’ ministry will result in a division between those who accept him and those who reject him (Luke 2:24, John 9:39). This result is revealing the heart condition of those who heard him (John 3:19-21). As Jesus faces the continued rejection and eventual death in Jerusalem, he expresses the wish that because it must be this way, let it be done. There was no longer any hope that the whole nation would reform.
This division as represented by fire can be thought of in two ways:
Fiery trouble upon the nation (Luke 3:16,17)
Tongues of fire given at Pentacost (Acts 2:1-3)
The baptism that Jesus refers to involves more than his water immersion at Jordan. It encompasses the process of laying his life down in sacrifice which started at Jordan and ended at Calvary. This same thought is expressed in Mark 10:38,39 where Jesus asked his disciples, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” The Apostle Paul refers to this all-encompassing baptism in Romans 6:1-4, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”
This was the last letter written by the Apostle Paul. It was written to Timothy and instructed him how to be a leader and teacher within the church at Ephesus. All Christians can take these words to heart.
Timothy was told that he was “to do his best.” He was to be diligent in the performance of his duty. He was to apply and use the Scriptures. They were to be his manual.
The word “handling” has the thought of dissecting or dividing. All Christians should have the desire to become proficient students of the Word of God. This can only happen through reading and studying and experience. We want to understand the words, and more importantly we want to apply these thoughts to our own lives and live them.
We always want to be ready to speak about God’s word (1 Peter 3:15)
41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Discussion Question:
In verses 35 – 40 Jesus spoke about the importance of watching and being ready. In verse 41, Peter then asks a question, “Lord, do you tell this parable for us or for all the people?”
How does Jesus’s lessons about the “faithful manager” (verses 42-46) and his lessons about the unfaithful servants (verses 47,48) answer Peter’s question?
Discussion Summary:
All followers of Jesus must be in a waiting and ready condition. Every believer is styled as either a wise or foolish servant based on their level of preparation (Matthew 25:1-13). Each believer has a responsibility to be a good steward serving others (1 Peter 4:10,11).
The scriptures also speak of servants that are to serve the other believers in specific ways (Ephesians 4:11-13). These are those servants given administration, ministry and offices within the community of believers who are entrusted with the care of the flock. These are called shepherds (1 Peter 5:1-4). These must give an account of what was entrusted (Hebrews 13:17). An example of this responsibility is given in Acts 20:17-35 when Paul met with the elders in Ephesus.
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, ; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Discussion Questions:
In Chapter 3 what is the situation in Thessalonica that Paul is addressing?
How does he seek to correct it?
Discussion Summary:
In verse 10 the Apostle Paul lays down a commandment governing the actions of the Thessalonian brethren when they gathered together. He is speaking of the communal meals that the believers ate together every Sunday (Acts 20:7). There were various issues that arose over these meals. Sometimes the rich and poor were treated differently (James 2:1-3), sometimes those causing problems among the brethren used these meals to influence others (Jude 12, 16), sometimes the emphasis was on the food instead of holiness (1 Corinithians 11: 20-23, 33). In Thessalonica the problem was that some brethren would not work by choice and did not contribute, but expected to be fed.
In his letter the Apostle Paul corrects this situation by emphasising the importance of work. He uses his own example where he did not receive a salary for his ministry but worked for his living while he was with them. 1 Corinthians 9:1-16 explains that Paul had every right to receive a salary as a minister and apostle, but he chose to waive that right. He did so to not be a burden on the brethren, which is the example these idle brethren should follow.
The importance of work is shown in Proverbs 6:6-11. We are also instructed to work for our employers in the spirit of working for the Lord in Ephesians 6:7.
Paul saw this problem of idleness in Thessalonica as being very destructive to the community of believers. So he instructed the leaders of the community to enforce this commandment very strictly in verse 14.
