Berean Study Bible Greetings from Paul and TimothyPaul opens by establishing the office entrusted to him by the risen Christ. Though not among the Twelve, he was personally called by Jesus and commissioned as an apostle, meaning “one who is sent,” to proclaim the gospel, especially among the Gentiles. His authority rested on Christ’s appointment rather than on human recognition. 1Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus… by the will of God, Paul’s calling came through God’s sovereign purpose. Once a persecutor of the church, he was set apart by God to serve Christ and bear His message. The Colossians could therefore receive the letter as instruction given through an apostle appointed by God. 2Co 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,… and Timothy our brother, Timothy joined Paul as a faithful coworker and fellow believer. Calling him “our brother” reflects the shared standing of Christians as members of God’s family and recognizes Timothy’s established service among the churches. Phm 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother… To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Paul addresses believers who had been set apart for God through faith in Christ. Their faithfulness marked their continued commitment to the Lord amid the religious pressures of their region. Colossae was a smaller city in the Roman province of Asia, near the larger cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis in modern Turkey. Epaphras likely brought the gospel to the city and helped establish the church. Their identity rested not in their location or social standing but in their union with Christ and their place among God’s people. Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,… Grace and peace to you from God our Father. God’s grace is His undeserved favor shown in salvation, and peace is the restored relationship with Him that Christ has secured. Both blessings come from God, whom believers know as Father through the work of His Son. Rom 1:7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints…
Thanksgiving and PrayerPaul’s thanksgiving was continual, grounded in God’s work among the believers at Colossae rather than in changing circumstances. 1Th 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, remembering you… the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, God is identified as the Father of Jesus Christ, affirming the Son’s unique relationship with the Father and His divine authority as Lord. Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,… when we pray for you, Although Paul had not personally visited Colossae, he regularly interceded for the church. Their congregation had been established through Epaphras, and Paul’s prayers expressed his pastoral care for their faith and spiritual growth. Eph 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you,… because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus Paul had received this report through Epaphras, who had ministered among the believers in Colossae. Their faith rested in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, not in the religious ideas and practices that surrounded them. In a city exposed to pagan worship and spiritual speculation, the church stood firm in the Messiah promised by God and revealed in the gospel. Eph 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith… and your love for all the saints— Their faith was evident in a genuine love for fellow believers. The saints were God’s people, set apart through Christ, including Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, and those from differing backgrounds. Such love strengthened the church’s unity and showed that the Colossians belonged to Christ rather than to the divisions of their former way of life. Phm 1:5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus… the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, Faith in Christ and love for fellow believers arise from the secure hope of eternal life reserved in heaven. This hope rests on God’s promises and includes the future inheritance of all who belong to Christ. It is certain, not merely desired, and gives present strength to live in faith and love. 1Pe 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!… of which you have already heard in the word of truth, The Colossians had learned of this hope through the true message proclaimed to them. Amid competing religious ideas and false teaching, the gospel they received stood as God’s reliable revelation of salvation through Christ. Eph 1:13 And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth… the gospel The gospel announces that Jesus Christ died for sins, rose from the dead, and grants forgiveness and eternal life to those who believe. It is God’s message of salvation, fulfilled in Christ and proclaimed to people of every nation. 1Co 15:1-4 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel… that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, The same gospel proclaimed in Colossae was spreading throughout the Roman world. Wherever it was received in faith, lives were changed, churches were established, and believers grew in obedience to Christ. Its progress demonstrated the continuing work of God through the proclamation of the truth. Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached… just as it has been doing among you The Colossian church itself provided evidence of the gospel’s power. Their faith, love, and hope showed that the message they had received was producing genuine spiritual life among them. 1Th 2:13 when you received the word of God that you heard from us… since the day you heard it Their new life in Christ began when they heard and believed the gospel. The message was not merely information but God’s appointed means of bringing them to faith. Eph 1:13 And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth… and truly understood the grace of God. They came to know that salvation rests on God’s undeserved favor through Jesus Christ, not on human effort or religious achievement. This grace established their identity as God’s people and called them to live in keeping with the truth they had received. Act 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me… You learned it from Epaphras, Epaphras had brought the gospel to Colossae and likely helped establish the church there. Since Paul had not visited the city, the believers received apostolic teaching through this trusted worker. 1Th 2:13 when you received the word of God that you heard from us… our beloved fellow servant, Paul regarded Epaphras with genuine affection as a fellow laborer under Christ. Their shared service reflects the cooperation of early church leaders in establishing and strengthening congregations. Rev 22:9 But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant… who is a faithful minister of Christ Epaphras had proved dependable in carrying out Christ’s work among the Colossians. His ministry faithfully represented the gospel Paul preached. Eph 6:21 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant… on our behalf, Epaphras served with Paul’s confidence and support, acting in harmony with the apostolic mission while caring for the church in Colossae. Php 2:25-30 But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus,… and who also informed us Epaphras reported to Paul about the Colossian believers, including the evidence of their spiritual growth. Having first brought them the gospel, he remained concerned for their welfare and kept Paul informed of their condition. 1Th 3:6 But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit… of your love Their love for fellow believers demonstrated the reality of their faith and their shared life in Christ. It was expressed in practical devotion, mutual care, and commitment to the church. Phm 1:5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus… in the Spirit. Their love was produced by the Holy Spirit rather than mere human affection. The Spirit’s work among them confirmed that the gospel had transformed their lives and united them as God’s people. Rom 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out… For this reason, Paul’s prayer grows out of the Colossians’ faith in Christ and love for fellow believers. Their genuine response to the gospel gave him reason to seek their further maturity. Eph 1:15-16 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith… since the day we heard about you, Paul learned of the church through Epaphras, who had brought the gospel to Colossae and reported their faithfulness. Though Paul had not visited them, he regarded their spiritual condition as part of his apostolic concern. Phm 1:4-5 I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers,… we have not stopped praying for you Paul and his coworkers regularly interceded for the church, recognizing that believers depend on God for continued strength, discernment, and growth. Rom 1:9-10 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel… and asking God to fill you He asks for more than partial progress: that God would thoroughly shape their minds and lives by His truth. Luk 11:13 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts… with the knowledge of His will God’s will includes His saving purpose in Christ and the manner of life that accords with the gospel. Such knowledge leads believers to recognize what pleases Him and to resist the errors threatening the church. Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed… in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, God gives wisdom to apply His revealed will and understanding to discern truth from false teaching. This equips the Colossians to live faithfully in every area of life. Eph 1:17-18 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,… so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Paul prayed that the Colossian believers would live in keeping with the Lord they confessed. Surrounded by pagan religion and competing spiritual claims, they were to display a life distinct from their former ways and consistent with Christ’s authority. Eph 4:1 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk… and may please Him in every way: Their whole manner of life was to be directed toward God’s approval—through faith, obedience, motives, and conduct. Such obedience was not a means of earning salvation, but the response of those reconciled to God through Christ. 2Co 5:9 So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home… bearing fruit in every good work, Genuine faith produces visible results in service, generosity, holiness, and endurance. Bearing fruit visibly demonstrates a believer’s faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. As believers remain dependent on Christ, their lives become useful to others and testify to the transforming work of God. Jhn 15:8 This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit… growing in the knowledge of God, Spiritual maturity includes an increasingly faithful understanding of God’s character, will, and saving work in Christ. This guarded the Colossians against false teachings that offered spiritual fullness apart from Christ. Eph 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,… being strengthened with all power God supplies believers with spiritual strength beyond natural ability, equipping them to remain faithful in obedience, service, and suffering. Eph 3:16 I ask that out of the riches of His glory… according to His glorious might Their strength flows from God’s majestic and limitless power, the same divine power that accomplishes His purposes and sustains His people. Eph 1:19-20 and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe.… so that you may have full endurance and patience, Such strength produces steadfastness under hardship and patient restraint toward others, enabling believers to endure persecution, pressure, and delay without abandoning faith. 2Co 6:4-6 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way… and joyfully Christian endurance is joined with joy rooted in God’s faithfulness and the certainty of His promises, rather than in favorable circumstances. Heb 10:34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted… giving thanks to the Father, Believers respond to salvation with gratitude, recognizing God as the giver of every spiritual blessing and the source of their redemption. Thanksgiving also united the early Christian assemblies in their shared dependence on God. Eph 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything… who has qualified you God Himself has made believers fit to receive what they could not gain by merit. Through Christ’s saving work, they are accepted into God’s family and granted a new standing before Him. 2Co 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves… to share in the inheritance The inheritance promised to God’s people includes the blessings of His kingdom and the eternal life secured through Christ. What Israel anticipated in the promised land finds its ultimate fulfillment in the kingdom of God. Eph 1:18 I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,… of the saints All who belong to Christ are set apart for God. They form a holy people, no longer defined by their former life but by their place among those redeemed by Him. Php 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,… in the light. God’s kingdom is characterized by truth, holiness, and His revealed presence. Those rescued by Christ have been brought out of darkness and now belong to the realm of His light. 1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,… He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness God delivers believers from the power of sin, Satan, and spiritual blindness that mark a world in rebellion against Him. Like Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, this rescue is accomplished by God’s sovereign power rather than human effort. Act 26:18 open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness… and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, Those rescued are transferred into Christ’s rule and authority. Jesus reigns now over His people, who belong to Him and live under His lordship, while awaiting the full revelation of His eternal kingdom. As the Father’s beloved Son, Christ is the promised King whose reign will never end. 1Th 2:12 encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you…… in whom we have redemption, “In whom” refers to Jesus Christ, who accomplishes the believer’s release from sin and its condemnation through His sacrificial death. Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and the Jubilee year anticipated this greater redemption, in which Christ pays the price sinners could not pay. As the suffering Servant foretold by Isaiah, He bore the sins of many. Boaz’s redemption of Ruth also pictures the loving provision of a redeemer who restores those in need. Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood,… the forgiveness of sins. Through Christ’s atoning blood, sin’s guilt and penalty are removed for all who believe. The sacrifices of the Old Testament temporarily covered sin and pointed to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice is sufficient once for all. His death and resurrection reconcile believers to God and fulfill the promise of the New Covenant: God remembers their sins no more. Act 13:38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers,…
The Supremacy of the SonJesus Christ perfectly reveals the God whom no human being can see in His unveiled glory. As the eternal Son, He shares the Father’s nature and makes God’s character, authority, and holiness known in human history. In Christ, God was not merely represented by a messenger; He was made known through His incarnate Son. Heb 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory… the firstborn over all creation. Christ stands above all created things as their rightful heir, ruler, and Lord. He was not created, but existed before creation and holds authority over it. His preeminence confirms His eternal deity and sovereign rule over the universe. Psa 89:27 I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn,… For in Him all things were created, Christ existed before creation and stands at its source. The universe did not arise independently of Him; all created reality depends on His divine power. Jhn 1:3 Through Him all things were made, and without Him,… things in heaven and on earth, His work includes the entire created order—the physical world and the heavenly realm. Nothing in either realm exists outside His authority. Eph 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things… visible and invisible, What people can observe and what remains hidden from human sight alike belong to Him. Material creation and the spiritual world were both brought into being by Christ. 2Co 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen… whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. Every rank of angelic or spiritual power is created and subordinate to Him. No heavenly being possesses independent authority or rivals Christ’s rule. Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,… All things were created through Him and for Him. Christ is both the agent and the rightful goal of creation. All that exists was made through Him, as the means of creation, and for Him, to glorify Christ. Rom 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.… He is before all things, Jesus Christ existed eternally before the universe and everything within it. As the divine Son, He stands above creation in authority and nature; He was not made but is the Creator. His preexistence affirms His full deity and refutes teachings that reduced Him to a created being or lesser spiritual power. Jhn 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God… and in Him all things hold together. The created order continues by Christ’s active power. Every part of the universe remains subject to His rule and depends on His sustaining will. Creation is neither independent nor abandoned, but is upheld by the One through whom it was made and toward whom it ultimately belongs. Heb 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory… And He is the head of the body, the church; Christ rules and sustains His church, which is united to Him as a body is joined to its head. Believers have differing gifts and responsibilities, yet all are accountable to Him. His headship preserved the church against divisions, false teaching, and rival claims to spiritual authority. Eph 1:22-23 And God put everything under His feet and made Him head… He is the beginning Christ is the source of creation and of the new life given to those who belong to Him. He existed before all things and stands at the beginning of God’s work in both creation and redemption. Rev 3:14 To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:… and firstborn from among the dead, Christ was the first to rise permanently in a glorified body, never again subject to death. His resurrection secured the future resurrection of His people and demonstrated His victory over sin, death, and the grave. Rev 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness,… so that in all things He may have preeminence. Christ holds first place—preeminence, surpassing all others—over creation, the church, salvation, and the coming resurrection. Against teachings that reduced Him to one power among many, Paul declares His supreme authority over every ruler, power, and created thing. Php 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place… For God was pleased The reconciliation accomplished through Christ began in God’s own purpose and will. Redemption was not an emergency measure or a reluctant act, but the outworking of His plan to restore what sin had ruined. Mat 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved… to have all His fullness Jesus Christ possesses the complete fullness of God’s nature, authority, and power. He is not one spiritual being among many or a lesser mediator between God and humanity; all that belongs to God is fully present in Him. Eph 3:19 of the love of Christ, and to know this love… dwell in Him, God’s fullness resides permanently in the incarnate Son. In Jesus, God truly entered human history without diminishing His deity, making Him fully able to reveal the Father and reconcile humanity to God. Col 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity… and through Him God accomplishes reconciliation through His Son, who alone mediates between God and a fallen creation. Jhn 1:3 Through Him all things were made, and without Him,… to reconcile to Himself Sin brought alienation from God, and Christ’s death restores those who receive Him to fellowship with their Creator. 2Co 5:18-19 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself… all things, Christ’s work reaches as far as sin’s effects, extending beyond individual salvation to the renewal of creation under His authority. Rom 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.… whether things on earth or things in heaven, The visible world and the heavenly realm alike will be brought into proper order beneath Christ. This does not imply the salvation of every being, but the removal of all rebellion and the establishment of God’s rule. Eph 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things… by making peace Christ establishes true peace by ending the hostility caused by sin and securing the future restoration of creation. Eph 2:14-17 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one… through the blood of His cross. His sacrificial death satisfied the righteous demands of God’s justice and provided the only basis for forgiveness and reconciliation. Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood,… Once you were alienated from God Before coming to Christ, the Colossian believers lived separated from God by sin, without the fellowship and peace for which humanity was created. Eph 4:18 They are darkened in their understanding… and were hostile in your minds, Their separation was reflected in a settled resistance to God’s authority and truth. Like all people apart from Christ, they followed desires and values opposed to His will. Rom 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God… engaging in evil deeds. This inward rebellion appeared in sinful conduct. Their former lives showed the practical results of estrangement from God, from which Christ reconciled and cleansed them. Rom 1:29-32 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… But now He has reconciled you God has acted decisively to restore those once alienated from Him by sin. Reconciliation begins with His grace, not human effort. Eph 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away… by Christ’s physical body Jesus Christ took on true human flesh, not merely an appearance of humanity. His real humanity enabled Him to stand in the place of sinners. Heb 2:14-15 Now since the children have flesh and blood,… through death His sacrificial death bore sin’s penalty and fulfilled the purpose pictured in the Old Testament sacrifices. Through His death, the barrier created by sin was removed. Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower… to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless Those reconciled through Christ are set apart for God and counted righteous before Him. The language recalls sacrifices required to be without defect, pointing to the complete cleansing provided by Christ. Eph 5:27 and to present her to Himself as a glorious church,… in His presence— Reconciliation restores access to God and anticipates the day believers will stand before Him without condemnation. Heb 9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made copy… if indeed you continue in your faith, Paul calls the Colossian believers to remain in the faith they received, showing that genuine faith endures rather than turning away under pressure or deception. Act 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples… established and firm, Their confidence in Christ was to rest on a settled foundation, strengthened by the truth taught by the apostles and not shaken by competing claims. 1Pe 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while,… not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, The gospel gives certain hope of salvation and eternal life through Christ. False teaching threatened to draw believers away from that hope by adding human rules, spiritual intermediaries, or other requirements to Christ’s work. 1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable.… which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, The gospel had spread widely throughout the Roman world through the work of the apostles and early believers, fulfilling God’s purpose that the message of Christ reach every nation. Mrk 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world… and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Paul served the gospel as Christ’s appointed apostle, giving his life to proclaim it among the Gentiles despite suffering, imprisonment, and opposition. Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle,…
Paul’s Suffering for the ChurchPaul rejoices not because suffering is pleasant, but because his imprisonment and hardships serve the spiritual good of the Colossian believers. His endurance demonstrates the cost of proclaiming Christ in a hostile world and reflects his pastoral commitment to churches he had not personally visited. 2Co 1:6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation;… and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions Christ’s death fully accomplished atonement for sin; nothing is lacking in its saving power. Yet Christ’s people continue to face affliction as His message advances. Paul bears his share of the hardships appointed to the church’s witness, suffering in union with the risen Christ and for the spread of the gospel. 2Co 4:10-12 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,… for the sake of His body, which is the church. The church belongs to Christ and is united to Him as a body to its head. Paul’s sacrifices strengthen and protect believers by preserving the truth of the gospel and helping them mature in faith amid persecution and false teaching. Eph 1:22-23 And God put everything under His feet and made Him head… I became its servant Paul served the church as Christ’s appointed minister, laboring for the spiritual maturity and unity of believers. His position as an apostle did not place him above the church but bound him to sacrificial service for its good. Eph 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace… by the commission God gave me God entrusted Paul with a stewardship to carry out among the Gentiles. His ministry and authority came from God’s calling, not personal ambition or human appointment. Act 26:16-18 But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared… to fully proclaim to you Paul was responsible to present God’s revealed message completely, withholding nothing necessary for faith, salvation, and growth in Christ. His teaching addressed the whole counsel of God and guarded the church from error. Rom 15:19 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power… the word of God, God’s word is the message of the gospel centered on Jesus Christ, including the truth formerly hidden but now revealed: Christ is proclaimed among the nations, and all who believe in Him share in His salvation. 1Th 2:13 when you received the word of God that you heard from us… the mystery God’s saving purpose in Christ, long present in His counsel, had not been fully disclosed before the coming of Christ. Eph 3:3-6 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation… that was hidden Earlier generations received promises, patterns, and prophecies concerning redemption, yet the full scope of God’s plan remained concealed. Eph 3:9 and to illuminate for everyone… for ages and generations From the beginning of human history through the era of Israel, God progressively prepared the way for the Messiah. Rom 16:25-26 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel… but is now revealed Through Christ’s death, resurrection, and the proclamation of the gospel, God made known His plan to redeem both Jews and Gentiles in one people. Gal 1:15-16 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb… to His saints. All who belong to Christ are set apart for God and have been entrusted with the revealed truth of the gospel. Eph 3:8-10 Though I am less than the least of all the saints… To them God has chosen to make known God revealed His saving purpose to the saints, bringing to light what had been hidden in earlier ages. Eph 1:9-10 And He has made known to us the mystery of His will… among the Gentiles The nations were included fully in God’s covenant blessing through Christ, not as second-class members but as fellow heirs with Jewish believers. Act 13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:… the glorious riches of this mystery, God’s revealed plan displays the immeasurable spiritual wealth found in Christ and available to all who belong to Him. Eph 3:8 Though I am less than the least of all the saints… which is Christ in you, Christ dwells in Gentile believers through His Spirit, joining them to Himself and making them part of His redeemed people. Rom 8:10-11 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin… the hope of glory. His present indwelling guarantees the believer’s future resurrection and participation in Christ’s glory. Rom 5:2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace… We proclaim Him, Christ Himself is the message proclaimed. Paul’s ministry centered on the crucified and risen Lord, not on human ideas or religious systems. The church carries this same message, declaring who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for sinners. 2Co 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord… admonishing and teaching everyone Paul joined warning with instruction. Believers needed correction when they strayed from truth and careful teaching to grow in understanding and obedience. The gospel was for everyone without distinction, including Jews and Gentiles, people of every social standing and background. Act 20:31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years… with all wisdom, Such ministry required wisdom from God. Paul did not rely on rhetoric or human insight, but on spiritual discernment to apply truth faithfully and appropriately to each person. Luk 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom… so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. The purpose was the full maturity of believers in union with Christ. Paul looked toward the day when those entrusted to his care would stand before the Lord complete, having been shaped by God’s continuing work of sanctification. Col 2:10 And you have been made complete in Christ… To this end I also labor, Paul devoted himself fully to proclaiming Christ and helping believers mature in faith. His ministry involved constant travel, opposition, hardship, and personal sacrifice as he carried the Gospel throughout the Roman world. 1Th 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil.… striving with all His energy Paul’s work required determined effort, yet he recognized that the strength for it came from God. He did not rely on natural ability or personal resolve, but on Christ’s power sustaining him in every labor and trial. 1Ti 4:10 To this end we labor and strive, because we have set… working powerfully within me. The results of Paul’s ministry came from God actively working in him. Christ empowered Paul to preach, endure suffering, establish churches, and guide believers toward spiritual maturity. Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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