Commentary

Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8; 10:23-11:1 Lesson Context: Paul emphasizes two points in 1 Corinthians 8: The first  is the awareness that an idol is “nothing” (8:4); therefore those who are mature in knowledge on […]

Background Scripture: Colossians 2:6-23 Lesson Context: When Paul composed this letter, he had not yet visited the area (Rom. 1:4-7). He most likely penned the letter under arrest (4:3) in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30). He […]

Background Scripture: Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Lesson Context: In Romans chapter 12, Paul begins this section by challenging readers to offer themselves as “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). What follows is what that kind […]

Background Scripture: Acts 15:1-21 Lesson Context: The Jerusalem Council. The events of Acts 15:4-29 depict a meeting sometimes called the “Jerusalem Council.” The Jerusalem Council is a council described in Acts chapter 15 of the […]

Background Reading: Galatians 3:19-4:7 Lesson Context: In today’s lesson, Paul continued his efforts to instruct the Galatians about the correct relationship between law and grace. Because of some false teachers called Judaizers, the churches in […]

Background Scripture: Galatians 3:1-18 Lesson Context: Paul’s letter to the Galatians arose from a real life crisis. He was confronting a menace to the churches he had planted in the province of Galatia. This danger […]

Background Scripture: Romans 7:1-23 Lesson Context: In Romans 5, 6, and 7, Paul identifies three tyrants of humankind: sin, death, and the Law. Each of these has had a role in oppressing men and women […]