LORD, WE WANT TO SEE JESUS.
QUESTION: Why did the Greeks approach Philip and say, “We want to see Jesus”? What is the main theme of this event, and why is it recorded?
ANSWER: From the time of Jesus through the apostolic period, there were two main groups of people who sought to understand the full reality of God’s truth.
The first group was the Jews, and the second group was the Greeks. The primary distinction between the two was that the Jews sought confirmation through signs, while the Greeks pursued wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:22-23
[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom;
[23] but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.
This distinction highlights a crucial theological point: the Jewish mindset was focused on the tangible and visible manifestations of God’s power, as they had a long history of God revealing Himself through miraculous signs (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven, and the miracles of the prophets). In contrast, the Greeks, influenced by philosophical thought, believed that true understanding of God would come through reason and wisdom.
When Jesus arrived, He was the fulfillment of both groups’ deepest longings: a Messiah who would not only offer signs of divine power but also speak with the wisdom of God. Yet, despite this, many still rejected Him. The Jews, who expected the Messiah to come with signs of glory (such as calling down fire from heaven or delivering them from Roman oppression), could not accept the idea that the Messiah would suffer and die. The Greeks, who valued philosophical wisdom, could not grasp the idea that the Creator of the universe would humble Himself to die on a cross for humanity’s sins.
Jesus’ Sign of Resurrection:
Jesus, while not giving the signs the Jews expected, gave them a deeper, more profound sign—the sign of Jonah. In Matthew 12:38-40, Jesus referenced Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish as a prophetic foreshadowing of His own death, burial, and resurrection.
Matthew 12:38-40
[38] Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”
[39] But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
[40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
The sign of Jonah is an emblem of resurrection—just as Jonah emerged from the depths of the sea, so too would Jesus rise from the dead. In this, Jesus pointed beyond the need for miraculous signs to a greater truth: His death and resurrection are the ultimate proof of His identity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4). The resurrection of Jesus is the central event of Christian faith, proving God’s victory over sin and death.
The Greeks’ Search for Wisdom:
The Greeks were seekers of wisdom and knowledge. Their philosophical heritage was shaped by thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, who sought to understand the nature of the divine through reason and reflection. However, the revelation of God through Christ transcended human wisdom.
Acts 17:22-23
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;
[23] for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To the Unknown God.’ Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.”
Paul’s address in Athens to the philosophers at the Areopagus shows that while the Greeks were deeply spiritual, they were still searching for the true God. They had an altar inscribed “To the Unknown God”, symbolizing their acknowledgment that, despite their philosophical inquiries, they still lacked the knowledge of the one true God.
Paul uses this point of contact to proclaim the gospel: the God they sought unknowingly is revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). Jesus is not just a teacher of wisdom; He is the embodiment of God’s wisdom. In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden (Colossians 2:3).
The Greeks Believing in Jesus:
The arrival of the Greeks, who had traditionally sought knowledge through philosophical reasoning, to inquire about Jesus shows a profound shift. These Greeks represent the larger world’s search for truth, which is now being fulfilled in Christ. When they approached Philip to ask to see Jesus, it was not merely a request to meet a man from Galilee but a desire to encounter the very truth of God.
John 12:20-26
[20] Now there were some Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.
[21] Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
[22] Philip went and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
[23] But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.”
[24] Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
[25] He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
[26] If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”
Here, Jesus reveals that His glorification (through His death on the cross and resurrection) is central to His mission. He uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to bear fruit to illustrate the necessity of His sacrificial death. Through His death, He would bring life to many, fulfilling the deep longing for truth and salvation that both Jews and Greeks sought.
Theological Significance of Jesus’ Mission:
The fact that the Greeks, who represented human wisdom and knowledge, came to seek Jesus signifies the universal nature of Christ’s mission. Jesus is not just the Savior of the Jews but the Savior of the world (John 3:16). He is the fulfillment of both Jewish expectations and Greek philosophical longings. The gospel of Christ is the ultimate bridge between faith and reason, the tangible and the abstract.
The theological truth here is that true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ alone. He is the “Logos” (Word) through whom all things were created (John 1:1-3), and in Him, all the mysteries of God are revealed (Colossians 1:26-27).
Application Today:
Even today, Jesus is revealed in all things. Whether in the scientific community, among soldiers, rulers, the wealthy, the poor, scholars, or doctors—those who truly seek God will find Him in Jesus Christ. Jesus is not limited by human categories or positions; He is revealed to all who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their circumstances.
If we look around us, we see that faith in Jesus exists in every sphere of life. Many people, even in the most difficult situations or those who have rejected God in the past, come to believe in Jesus because He reveals Himself to them. The truth of Jesus is inescapable; He is revealed in the natural world (Romans 1:20), in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), and in the lives of believers.
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Have You Believed in Christ?
The ultimate question remains: Have you believed in Christ? If not, what are you waiting for? He has completed the work of salvation through His death on the cross and resurrection. Through Him, we receive forgiveness for our sins.
Ephesians 2:8-9
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
[9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Accept His work today through true repentance and baptism. Once you do, you will receive forgiveness for your sins—free of charge, through God’s grace.
Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Receive Jesus now, and experience the joy and peace that come with knowing Him.
God bless you.
What Does the Bible Mean When It Says, “For Our God Is a Consuming Fire” (Hebrews 12:29)?
Question: What does the Bible mean when it says, “for our God is a consuming fire”?
Hebrews 12:29 (ESV)
for our God is a consuming fire.
Understanding the Meaning
This verse reveals a profound attribute of God’s nature. God is not only described metaphorically as water, light, or oil elsewhere in Scripture, but here He is identified as a “consuming fire.” This phrase communicates God’s holiness, justice, and the seriousness with which He confronts sin.
Context in Hebrews 12
To understand this, we must consider the immediate context. The author of Hebrews is warning believers against rejecting the voice of Christ and the salvation He offers. The “consuming fire” imagery emphasizes the severity of God’s judgment on sin.
Hebrews 12:25 (ESV) says,
See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.
Here, the author references the example of Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness — a warning that rejecting God’s voice leads to judgment.
Old Testament Background
The phrase “consuming fire” is rooted deeply in the Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (ESV):
Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire, 24 lest you act corruptly and make a carved image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 25 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 26 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the waters below. 27 And beware, lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and worship them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. 28 But the LORD took you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own possession, as you are this day. 29 Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. 30 Keep therefore his statutes and his commandments, which I am commanding you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, 31 because you shall be doing what is right in the sight of the LORD your God.
Note: In some versions, including the KJV, Deuteronomy 4:24 explicitly states, “For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” This description conveys God’s holiness and zeal for His covenant relationship.
Theological Significance of “Consuming Fire”
Holiness and Justice:
God’s fire symbolizes His holiness — He is utterly pure and cannot tolerate sin. Fire consumes impurities, and likewise, God’s presence purifies His people but also consumes sin and rebellion (Isaiah 33:14, “the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness.”).
God’s Jealousy:
The “jealous God” aspect reveals His passionate commitment to His covenant people. This jealousy is not sinful envy but a righteous zeal to protect His glory and the faithfulness of His people.
Judgment and Refinement:
Fire represents both judgment and refinement. God’s consuming fire punishes unrepentant sin (see Revelation 20:14-15 on the lake of fire). Conversely, it refines believers like gold and silver, removing impurities and strengthening faith (Malachi 3:2-3).
New Testament Application
In Hebrews, the writer warns believers not to neglect God’s present warning through Christ. While God once spoke through the Law and the prophets, now He speaks directly through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).
The “consuming fire” reminds believers that God’s holiness demands respect and obedience. Deliberate sin after receiving knowledge of salvation leads to severe consequences (Hebrews 6:4-8).
But for those who obey, God’s fire purifies and protects:
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV):
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Practical Takeaway
Understanding that God is a consuming fire should lead believers to:
Approach God with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29).
Take sin seriously and avoid deliberate rebellion.
Trust in God’s refining work through trials and discipline.
Persevere in faith, working out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
May the Lord bless you and keep you in His holy and loving care.
Who Were the Prominent Women? (Acts 17:12)
QUESTION: Who are the “prominent women” mentioned in Acts 17:12, and what role did they play in the spread of the gospel?
ANSWER:
As the apostles obeyed the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ—to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)—they encountered people from diverse backgrounds, social classes, and cultures. Among those who believed the message of the gospel were women of high status, also referred to as “prominent women” in Acts 17:12.
This passage refers specifically to Paul and Silas’s ministry in Berea, where their message was received with eagerness and sincerity.
Acts 17:10–12 (ESV)
[10] The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue.
[11] Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
[12] Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
Who Were These Prominent Women?
The Greek phrase used here, gunaikes euschēmones, translates to “women of high standing” or “of honorable estate.” These were likely women of influence—socially, politically, or economically. In the Greco-Roman world, women of wealth and prestige often supported public causes, religious temples, and philosophical teachers. When they encountered the message of Christ, their hearts were opened to the truth.
Theological Insight:
God does not show partiality (Romans 2:11), and the gospel is intended for all people regardless of class, gender, or ethnicity. The early church was revolutionary in its inclusion of women in spiritual matters, which contrasted with the prevailing culture that often marginalized them. That women of status would believe and be recorded in Scripture emphasizes how the kingdom of God breaks down social barriers.
Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Prominent Women as Gospel Partners
These women were not only believers—they were likely benefactors of the early Christian movement. In the New Testament, we see several examples of women supporting the ministry of Jesus and the apostles with their resources:
Lydia, a wealthy merchant and the first convert in Europe (Acts 16:14–15), opened her home for ministry.
Phoebe, a deacon in the church at Cenchreae, was commended by Paul as a servant and supporter (Romans 16:1–2).
Joanna, Susanna, and others supported Jesus financially during His earthly ministry (Luke 8:1–3).
These examples show that women of means were essential to the growth and sustenance of the early church, not just in faith but in tangible, sacrificial service.
Opposition from the Influential
Interestingly, people of influence could be used both for and against the gospel. While some high-standing women became believers, others—manipulated by opposition—were stirred up against the apostles.
Acts 13:50 (ESV)
But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
Just as in Berea some prominent women became believers, in Pisidian Antioch, others were used to oppose the gospel. This illustrates the spiritual reality Paul later described:
2 Corinthians 2:15–16 (ESV)
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life…
Practical Application:
Today, this account reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of the gospel—whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, powerful or marginalized. We must preach the gospel without discrimination, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in every heart.
We also learn that those with influence can play a significant role in either advancing or resisting the purposes of God. That’s why it’s important to pray for leaders, to evangelize boldly, and to disciple people across all levels of society.
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…
Conclusion:
The “prominent women” of Acts 17:12 serve as a testament to the power of the gospel to transform every type of person. Their faith and influence became a vehicle for God’s kingdom to grow in unexpected places. May we be faithful to share the gospel with all, living the results to the Lord.
May the Lord bless you.
And may you boldly share this good news with others!
What Are the Main Pillars of Christianity?
In our previous lesson, we explored the foundation of Christianity — that Jesus Christ Himself is the cornerstone. Scripture calls Him the chief cornerstone, the rock upon which the entire spiritual building rests. Without Him, there is no true Christianity. He is the foundation of our faith and the author and perfecter of our salvation (Hebrews 12:2)
“Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.”
— Psalm 118:22; Acts 4:11 (ESV)
Like any solid structure, once the foundation is laid, pillars must be raised to support and stabilize the building. These pillars uphold the whole spiritual house, allowing it to stand firm through storms.
As a Christian, after establishing Jesus as your foundation, you must build up the seven pillars that form the framework of your spiritual life.
1. LOVE
Love is the foremost pillar because God is love (1 John 4:8). Christian love (agape) is unconditional, self-sacrificing, and transcends human affection. It reflects God’s own nature — a love that chooses to give, bless, and forgive even those who oppose us.
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
1 Corinthians 13:1 (ESV)
This love is the essence of the Christian life. It is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the mark by which the world recognizes Christ’s followers (John 13:35). Without love, all other works are empty.
2. PRAYER
Prayer is the believer’s direct line of communication with God — essential for spiritual vitality. It’s through prayer that we cultivate intimacy with God, receive guidance, intercede for others, and gain strength to endure trials.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 4:2 (ESV)
Jesus modeled a life of prayer (Luke 5:16), teaching us to pray persistently and with faith (Luke 18:1-8). The apostles likewise emphasized prayer as foundational to the church’s life and mission.
3. THE WORD (Scripture)
God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) — the means by which we are nourished, corrected, and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Immersion in Scripture forms the spiritual backbone for discerning God’s will and growing in Christ.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
A healthy Christian life depends on regular engagement with the Bible, which reveals God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation.
4. FELLOWSHIP
Christianity is not a solo journey. God designed us for community, where believers encourage, correct, and strengthen one another through the Spirit’s unity.
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)
The early church exemplified this, gathering constantly for teaching, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Fellowship guards against isolation, discouragement, and error, while fostering love and accountability.
5. HOLINESS
Holiness is both God’s nature and His call for His people. The believer is set apart — sanctified — to reflect God’s character in word and deed.
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
The Christian life is a call to ongoing sanctification, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to overcome sin and grow in Christlikeness.
6. EVANGELISM
Evangelism is the natural overflow of salvation — the command and joy of sharing the gospel. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is central to the Christian mission, emphasizing disciple-making as the church’s purpose.
Those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
Acts 8:4 (ESV)
Every believer is called to be a witness, empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8), to bring others into the kingdom.
7. GIVING
God is the ultimate giver, freely bestowing grace and salvation. Christians imitate God by giving generously, supporting ministry, and caring for those in need.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
Giving is an act of worship and trust, acknowledging God’s provision and participating in His work on earth.
In Summary:
If we faithfully build our spiritual lives on these seven pillars — love, prayer, Scripture, fellowship, holiness, evangelism, and giving — our faith will be like a well-built house, standing firm against every storm.
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24 (ESV)
May your faith be strong and your life glorify God until the day Jesus Christ returns.
God bless you.
He Set His Face Toward Jerusalem
The Courage of Christ and the Call to Discipleship
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today, I invite you to reflect on a powerful moment in the life of Jesus—one that reveals His unwavering resolve, deep obedience to the Father, and profound love for humanity. It’s found in Luke 9:51:
As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51, NIV
This verse marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. From this point forward, the Gospel of Luke shifts in tone—Jesus begins His journey to the cross. But what does it mean that He “resolutely set out” or “set His face” toward Jerusalem? And what can we, as His disciples, learn from it?
1. Jesus’ Courage Was Prophetic and Purposeful
Jesus’ determination to go to Jerusalem was not reckless—it was rooted in the divine plan foretold in the Scriptures. The prophets had spoken of the Messiah who would suffer and be rejected (Isaiah 53:3–7), who would bear the sin of many and make intercession for transgressors.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth;He was led like a lamb to the slaughter,and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,so He did not open His mouth.
Isaiah 53:7, NIV
Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem—betrayal, torture, humiliation, and death. Still, He chose obedience.
For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me.
John 6:38, NIV
This was not a journey of chance. It was the unfolding of God’s eternal redemptive plan. Jesus was not a victim of circumstance—He was the obedient Son, fulfilling His mission.
2. Resistance from the World—and His Own
As Jesus moved toward Jerusalem, resistance came from all directions:
The Samaritans rejected Him (Luke 9:53), not out of hatred, but due to the historic division between Jews and Samaritans and because Jesus was heading to a place they considered spiritually corrupt.
His disciples misunderstood His mission. When James and John asked to call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:54), they echoed Elijah’s act in 2 Kings 1. But Jesus rebuked them because His mission was not to destroy, but to save:
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10, NIV
Even His closest friends—the disciples—struggled to grasp His path. When Jesus spoke of His death, Peter rebuked Him, prompting Jesus to say:
Get behind Me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.
Mark 8:33, NIV
This reveals a crucial truth: The way of God often offends human logic, comfort, and expectations.
3. Jesus Took Up His Cross Long Before Calvary
We often think Jesus took up His cross only on the day He carried it physically (Luke 23:26), but spiritually, He had already embraced the cross when He resolved to go to Jerusalem. His commitment began long before the nails pierced His hands.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13, NIV
This is why He calls us to a similar surrender:
Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.
Luke 9:23, NIV
Taking up the cross isn’t merely about suffering; it’s about deliberate obedience to God, even when it costs us everything.
4. Spiritual Determination: “He Set His Face”
The phrase “He set His face” (Greek: stērizō to prosōpon) implies a deliberate, unwavering focus. This was not passive acceptance—it was active submission to God’s will. It recalls the steadfastness of the prophets, like Ezekiel:
I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint.
Ezekiel 3:9, NIV
Jesus was resolved—not because He desired death, but because He desired our salvation more than His own comfort. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed:
Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.
Luke 22:42, NIV
That is divine determination fueled by love.
5. The Cost of Discipleship: We Must Also Set Our Faces
We, too, will face moments when obeying God costs us relationships, reputation, security, or comfort. We must not wait for perfect conditions to follow Christ. Faithfulness doesn’t always feel safe—but it is always right.
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1–2, NIV
We cannot afford to wait until:
The world approves of us,
Our friends support us,
Or our flesh feels ready.
Instead, we must, like Jesus, set our faces, trusting that the cross leads to resurrection.
6. Final Encouragement: Glory Lies Ahead
Though the road to Jerusalem was full of rejection and suffering, it led to glory. After the cross came the resurrection. After Gethsemane came the garden tomb—and then the empty grave. This is the pattern of the Kingdom: suffering before glory, obedience before reward, the cross before the crown.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.
Philippians 2:8–9, NIV
This is our hope, too. When we set our faces in obedience to God, even through hardship, we are not forsaken. We are following in the footsteps of our Savior.
Conclusion
Let us not wait for the right moment or favorable circumstances. Let us resolve, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow Jesus with fixed eyes and unwavering hearts.
Like our Lord, may we set our faces toward our God-given purpose—whatever the cost—and trust Him for the victory.
I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8, NIV
May the Lord bless you and give you strength to walk the path He has marked out for you.
What Does It Mean to “Arm Yourselves with the Same Attitude”?
Key Verse
1 Peter 4:1 (NIV):
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.”
Understanding the Passage in Context
The Apostle Peter is writing to believers scattered across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), many of whom were facing persecution for their faith in Christ. In this context, he calls them to “arm themselves with the same attitude” that Christ had specifically His attitude toward suffering.
This statement is profoundly theological. Peter isn’t simply offering moral advice; he’s calling Christians to adopt a cruciform (cross-shaped) way of living, where suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs but embraced when it results from faithfulness to God.
The Weapon of Christlike Resolve
When Peter says, “arm yourselves,” the Greek word used is “hoplizō” a military term meaning to equip oneself with weapons. Here, the weapon isn’t a sword or a shield, but a mindset: the resolve to suffer in the body rather than to sin. This is the same resolve that Christ demonstrated during His earthly life and especially during His passion.
Philippians 2:5–8 (NIV) echoes this concept:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God… humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross!”
Christ’s attitude was one of humility, obedience, and unwavering commitment to the will of the Father even when it led to suffering and death. Peter says that this mindset is a spiritual weapon.
Suffering as a Mark of Sanctification
Peter’s logic is not that physical suffering earns forgiveness or merits righteousness (that would contradict the gospel of grace, cf. Ephesians 2:8–9), but rather that a believer’s willingness to suffer for righteousness is evidence of a break with sin. It reflects sanctification the ongoing process of being made holy.
Romans 6:6–7 (NIV):
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with… because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”
In the same way, one who suffers for Christ is showing a decisive break with the sinful nature. They are “done with sin” not in the sense of sinless perfection, but in the sense of renouncing its power and refusing to live under its rule.
Living for the Will of God
1 Peter 4:2 (NIV):
“As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”
A Christian’s time on earth is short and sacred. Having turned from sin, the believer is called to live for the will of God, not human passions. This echoes Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 (NIV):
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Denying self, enduring hardship, and pursuing God’s will are central to discipleship.
The Old Life Is Behind You
1 Peter 4:3 (NIV):
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”
Peter reminds his audience that their past life, filled with sinful indulgence, is over. There is no need to look back or return to it. The language used here captures the moral depravity that characterized Gentile life apart from God. For those in Christ, such practices are not only inappropriate but detestable.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Suffering for Christ: A Shared Destiny
It’s important to understand that Christian suffering is not random or meaningless it is a participation in the sufferings of Christ, which ultimately leads to glory.
Romans 8:17 (NIV):
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
And again, Peter writes later:
1 Peter 4:13 (NIV):
“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
A Call to Embrace the Cross Daily
The call to arm ourselves with Christ’s attitude is a call to spiritual maturity. It means being willing to endure rejection, opposition, and loss for the sake of righteousness. Whether it’s giving up dishonest work, turning away from ungodly relationships, being ridiculed for your faith, or even facing legal persecution this mindset is a sign that the flesh is no longer in control.
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV):
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Final Encouragement
Peter is not telling us to seek suffering for its own sake, but to remain faithful when it comes knowing that this mindset is a weapon that breaks the grip of sin.
Hebrews 12:4 (NIV):
“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”
Shalom.
A Theological Study of the Book of Galatians and Its Author
The Book of Galatians is one of the epistles written by the Apostle Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia (modern-day Turkey). Paul wrote this letter to address a serious theological crisis: the churches were turning away from the gospel of grace and adopting a legalistic approach to salvation.
Right from the opening verse, Paul identifies himself as the author and emphasizes his divine calling—not from human authority, but directly from Jesus Christ:
Galatians 1:1 (ESV)
“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead…”
The Issue in Galatia
Paul expresses shock that the Galatian believers were so quickly deserting the gospel he preached. They were being influenced by Judaizers—Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile believers must obey the Mosaic Law (especially circumcision) to be saved.
Galatians 1:6–7 (ESV)
“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—not that there is another one…”
Paul challenges them strongly in Galatians 3:1 (ESV):
“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.”
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Paul firmly states that the foundation of the Christian life is faith in Jesus Christ—not obedience to the law. The Galatian churches had begun in faith but were now trying to be perfected by works.
Galatians 3:3 (ESV)
“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
Paul’s message echoes Ephesians 2:8–9:
Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
He clarifies that righteousness comes through faith, just as it did for Abraham:
Galatians 3:6–7 (ESV)
“Just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.”
The Role of the Law
Paul explains the purpose of the law: it was a guardian until Christ came. It reveals sin but cannot save.
Galatians 3:24–25 (ESV)
“So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”
He warns that those who rely on the law for justification are under a curse:
Galatians 3:10 (ESV)
“For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse…”
And if righteousness could come through the law, Christ died for no purpose:
Galatians 2:21 (ESV)
“…if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
Living by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh
Paul anticipates a misunderstanding: If we are saved by grace, does that mean we can live however we want? He answers that true believers have crucified the flesh and now live by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:24 (ESV)
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
The Christian life is not lawless—it is Spirit-led. The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and produce godly character.
Galatians 5:16 (ESV)
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
He then lists the “works of the flesh” and warns that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19–21), contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”
Adoption and the Gift of the Spirit
Paul reminds believers that they are sons and daughters of God, adopted through Christ, and have received the Holy Spirit:
Galatians 4:6 (ESV)
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”
This Spirit empowers us to live righteously—not by human strength, but through divine enablement.
The Central Message
The core message of Galatians is that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Legalism cannot save. Neither can religious rituals. Only faith working through love matters in Christ.
Galatians 5:6 (ESV)
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.”
As believers, we are called to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit:
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…”
This comes through prayer, studying Scripture, worship, and fellowship with God.
Final Thought
When we live under grace and walk by the Spirit, sin loses its power, and the law is fulfilled not through obligation, but through love.
Romans 8:2–4 (ESV)
“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death… in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
May the Lord bless you. Share this good news with others.
Why Did God Place the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Middle of the Garden?
Question:
Why did God place the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the center of the Garden of Eden, knowing it would ultimately lead Adam and Eve to sin? Why didn’t He simply remove that tree and leave only the Tree of Life?
Answer:
At first glance, it might seem wiser for there to be only one tree in the garden the Tree of Life. However, if only the Tree of Life had been present, its meaning and significance would not have been fully understood.
Theologically, this touches on the principle of moral dualism to truly recognize good, there must be an awareness of evil. God’s creation included the freedom to choose, and moral knowledge required the possibility of disobedience. Goodness, by itself, without the contrast of evil, could become meaningless or taken for granted. The existence of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil served as a real choice, providing the context in which obedience to God’s command would have real moral significance (Genesis 2:16-17, NIV).
Consider the analogy of light and darkness:
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19, NIV)
Light cannot be known or appreciated without darkness. Similarly, good cannot be fully understood without evil. The presence of evil or its knowledge confirms and defines the goodness of God and His creation.
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, whose fruit symbolizes death and separation from God (Genesis 2:17), contrasts with the Tree of Life, whose fruit represents eternal life and fellowship with God (Genesis 3:22-24). Adam and Eve needed this contrast to understand the gravity of life, death, and obedience.
Without knowledge of death, Adam and Eve could not fully appreciate life. This theological tension reflects God’s sovereign allowance of free will and the moral responsibility given to humanity. Even today, concepts like peace are understood only in contrast to conflict; health is known because of sickness; wealth because of poverty (Romans 7:15-25).
Pain and suffering, likewise, serve a divine purpose (Hebrews 12:5-11). If our bodies could not feel pain, we would not protect ourselves from harm. Pain reminds us to care for the body God has given us and helps us recognize the blessing of health and safety.
In the same way, the presence of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not to trap Adam and Eve but to teach them the value of obedience and life itself, and to prepare the way for redemption.
Have you received Jesus Christ and had your sins washed away?
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Tree of Life, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. He restores fellowship with God, reversing the consequences of the Fall.
John 14:6 (NIV):
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Revelation 2:7 (NIV):
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Revelation 22:2 (NIV) further describes the restored Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem, symbolizing eternal life and healing:
“Down the middle of the great street of the city, on each side of the river, stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
May the Lord richly bless you
How Do We Possess the Gate of the Enemy?
Understanding Genesis 22:17 Through Christ
God made a powerful promise to Abraham: that his descendants would possess the gates of their enemies. But what does this really mean? How is this fulfilled and who ultimately possesses those gates?
📖 Genesis 22:17 (NIV)
“I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies.“
In the ancient world, the city gate represented much more than just an entryway it was the seat of power, authority, governance, and defense. Whoever controlled the gate controlled the city.
This promise wasn’t just about military conquest it pointed toward spiritual victory over the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and hell.
1️⃣ The True Seed of Abraham: Jesus Christ
Although Abraham’s physical descendants (Israel) partially fulfilled this promise through military conquest (e.g., defeating the Canaanites), the ultimate fulfillment is in Christ.
📖 Galatians 3:16 (NIV)
“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ.”
Jesus Christ is the promised Seed through whom all nations are blessed (Genesis 12:3). He is the one who would fully possess the gates of the enemy, not only in the natural but in the spiritual and eternal sense.
2️⃣ Israel Possessed Physical Gates But Not All
Israel, as a nation, conquered many enemy cities. Examples include Jericho (Joshua 6), Ai (Joshua 8), and numerous Canaanite cities. This physical conquest reflected God’s faithfulness to His covenant.
However, there was one gate they could not possess: the gate of death and hell (Sheol/Hades).
📖 Job 38:17 (NIV)
“Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness?”
Israel could defeat earthly enemies, but they had no power over spiritual death. They couldn’t stop people from dying, nor could they rescue anyone from the realm of the dead.
3️⃣ Only Christ Possesses the Keys to Death and Hades
The one who possesses a gate is the one who holds its keys. And Scripture is clear—only Jesus Christ has those keys.
📖 Revelation 1:18 (NIV)
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.“
This means Jesus has total authority over death and the realm of the dead. He conquered them through His death and resurrection (see also Hebrews 2:14–15).
4️⃣ Christ’s Authority Over Life and Death
Jesus not only holds the keys He has full authority over His own life and death.
📖 John 10:17–18 (NIV)
“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.”
Unlike any man, Jesus gave up His life willingly (Luke 23:46) and took it up again, proving His divine authority over the last enemy: death.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:26 (NIV)
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
Christ’s resurrection is not only victory over death for Himself, but also for all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).
5️⃣ Christ Now Rules the Living and the Dead
Jesus’ lordship extends over all existence both physical and spiritual.
📖 Romans 14:9 (NIV)
“For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.”
Satan no longer holds dominion over death or the grave. Those powers were stripped from him when Christ descended into the lower parts of the earth (Ephesians 4:9–10) and rose victorious.
✅ Application: We Must Come to the One Who Holds the Keys
If Jesus holds the keys of death and hell, then the only way to overcome death, hell, and sin is through Him. No one else can save. No one else can open the grave. No one else can redeem a soul from Sheol.
Rejecting Christ is rejecting the only one who has the authority to open the gates of life and close the gates of destruction.
❗ Theological Summary:The “gates of enemies” in Genesis 22:17 are ultimately spiritual gates sin, death, and hell.Jesus Christ is the true Seed of Abraham who fulfills this promise in full.He conquered death through His resurrection, and now holds the keys of death and Hades.Victory over sin, death, and hell is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.The church also shares in this victory, for Jesus said:
📖 Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Through Christ, the Church now advances in His victory possessing the gates of the enemy, not by military might, but through the Gospel, by which souls are rescued from darkness.
Be blessed!
What Kind of Suffering Is Mentioned in 1 Peter 4:12?
1. Introduction
In 1 Peter 4:12, the Apostle Peter addresses believers who were experiencing trials and persecution. His message provides comfort, perspective, and theological clarity about the nature of Christian suffering.
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
The phrase “fiery ordeal” (Greek: purosis) implies a painful, refining trial, not merely common hardships, and certainly not referring to death or mourning as we commonly associate the word “suffering” in modern language.
2. The Nature of This “Suffering” It’s a Trial of Faith
Peter is referring to the intense trials and persecutions believers face for the sake of Christ. These are not ordinary challenges of life, but specific sufferings that test and refine our faith, much like gold refined in fire (see 1 Peter 1:6–7).
1 Peter 1:6–7 (NIV)
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith of greater worth than gold… may result in praise, glory and honor…”
This connects to the theme that suffering is not strange, but rather part of the Christian experience, meant to produce spiritual maturity and eternal reward.
3. A Biblical Example: The Woman With the Issue of Blood
Peter’s use of the word “suffering” echoes the kind of deep, personal trial seen in:
Mark 5:27–29, 33–34 (NIV)
“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’
Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.”Then the woman… told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’”
This example helps us understand that “suffering” (in both Hebrew and Greek) often includes prolonged affliction, not just physical pain, but also social shame, emotional pain, and spiritual longingmall of which Jesus redeems.
4. Theological Insight: Suffering for Christ
Returning to 1 Peter 4, verse 13 clarifies that the specific suffering Peter refers to is related to sharing in Christ’s sufferings—that is, enduring hardship because of loyalty to Jesus.
1 Peter 4:13–14 (NIV)
“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
Here we see:Suffering for Christ is honorable, not shameful.The Holy Spirit strengthens and dwells with those who suffer in Christ’s name.It is a foretaste of future glory (cf. Romans 8:17).
5. Biblical Consistency: Trials Are Expected
This teaching aligns with Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonians and Timothy:
1 Thessalonians 3:7 (NIV)
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.”
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV)
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Jesus Himself warned us in John 15:18–20 that the world would hate His followers just as it hated Him.
6. Final Reflection
Christian suffering is:A test of faith, not punishment.A way to share in the life and victory of Christ.A cause for joy, not shame. temporary trial with eternal significance.
If we love the world and conform to it, we will avoid persecution. But we also risk losing the power of godliness.
James 4:4 (NIV)
“Don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?”
Conclusion
The suffering mentioned in 1 Peter 4:12 is not about death or grief from loss—it is about the refining fire of persecution and trials faced because of faith in Christ. These trials, though painful, are purposeful. They deepen our faith, glorify God, and prepare us for eternal reward.
Romans 8:18 (NIV)
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
