by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. What a tragic...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. Integrity was his confidence, yet without arrogance. Very few would dare tread where Paul goes in his teaching. He is actually using himself as an example of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Twice now we are challenged to have an...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 … but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This is the ultimate, worthy goal of the Christian. It is like the E=mc2 formula for...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet … Paul was very clear about his...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 … in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Paul wanted to know Christ, His power and His companionship during suffering, but how is that related to his hope of resurrection? Was his eternal destiny hanging in the balance, depending on the level...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 … that I may know Him and … and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death… Knowing Christ in the power of his resurrection is one thing. But many Christians are satisfied with a message where they are well-fed, like the multitudes of John 6...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 … that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection… Paul’s greatest aspiration in life was to “know Christ.” All else was a corollary to this axiom of life. Nothing surpassed the knowledge of Him who is God personified in human flesh. Paul and Jeremiah were of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
9 … and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith … The Christian leaves all behind, walking away from his trophies, his...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
5 … circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. Credentials are important … and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 … for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more …...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision … Acerbic language is what Paul used to describe false teachers. But not just any false teachers. He had in mind a certain kind that was trying to mix the law with grace. They taught...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Writing was a significant part of Paul’s ministry, in addition to being a traveling evangelist. Because God had appointed him to be an...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me. Receive them back—that is the message from our...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
27 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
25 But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26 because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. Highly...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
23 Therefore I hope to send him [Timothy] immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. Something was burdening Paul’s mind about the Philippians, but his attention first had to be with his...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. Paul was not a loner, he believed in and practiced team ministry. He had a penchant for developing young leaders and he mentions two by...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Paul gave everything in his service to the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
16 … holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Boasting was actually not uncommon for the apostle Paul, as odd as that may seem. To understand this we must unpack the use of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world … Glass half-empty,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 … for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. The primary “work” of our salvation is done by God, not by us. But, we do our work by keeping in step with His work. In the previous verse (Phil 2:12), we learned that we are to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling … Subject of much theological debate, the question cannot be relegated to intramural academics to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
6 … who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus … Thomas a Kempis’ book, “The Imitation of Christ,” written in the 15th century, is considered the classic of Christian devotionals. The title alone captures the central theme of the Christian...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. The crux of the unity matter comes down to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Opposition will come in the Christian life. Paul hinted at this in the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. So Paul’s choice was to remain on the earth in this...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Poetic language, concise and memorable. Startling in its core thought, a personal mission statement that is at once remarkable and at the same time not so unexpected from a man like Paul. He had given up everything...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Discipleship courses at some point all emphasize this verse, and encourage the assurance of sanctification in the young believer’s life. What a...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. Gratitude becomes the Christian, and so it is true of the apostle Paul. He...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Co-authors, Paul and Timothy, together penned this...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Closing his letter to the Ephesians, Paul turns to familiar themes: peace, love and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 … and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Segueing from...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints … Imagery of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
14 … having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth … Preparation is key to any battle, whether it be military wars,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Spiritual strength resides high on the list of necessities for the Christian. Without it, the Christian faith is impotent, and Christian teaching falls useless. To be sure, there is no lack of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Cultural...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Often neglected, this instruction to the fathers may be the most crucial influence in a child’s life. First, it is to be noticed that Paul addresses...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Six times in the NT, God reiterates this command...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. The...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
26 … so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Though Paul addressed...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. As we have written earlier, there is no greater submission than to submit one’s entire life for the sake of another. A husband may put down the newspaper and take out the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Submission is a good thing, once we...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. We are spending multiple days on...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 … always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Spirit-filled living is interesting for its non-spectacular restraint. Unfortunately in some circles the work...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord … The quest for unity, the common theme of this...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Wasting time constitutes a monumental sin, for once it is spent...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Exposure of sinful living is no small thing, either...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. Avoidance of the old, sinful practices is a common theme in this letter of Paul to the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Common vices are these in the world—the life...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Who on earth would attempt such a thing as trying to act like God? Sounds...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Itemizing a list of applications, Paul continues...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. In His epic speech which we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave authoritative...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. Devils need no help. In this...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 … that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus … Contrasting with the self-centered, passion–controlled, Gentile-kind of living, Paul turns to the Ephesian readers (and all Christians...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 … but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13… until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ… Four spiritual enablings or gifts are listed...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ … Gift giving comes by God’s nature, the inherent...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
8 Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Diversity in unity. Sameness is not the point of Paul’s message to the Ephesians, don’t be mistaken. Unity does not mean identicalness. The beauty of the Church is that we are a...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. Unity in the Church where the division between Jew and Gentile is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
2 … with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Walking worthy has the look of six descriptors, Paul writes. These quiet, unsung characteristics...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called … Of all the New Testament writers, Paul uses the phrase “I therefore” (or similar) the most frequently. This reflects his tight logical...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Overflowing with exuberance, the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 … so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man …...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20b … Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Metaphorically speaking, the apostles...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Since Jews and Gentiles are now one people in our standing before God, we...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. The “One Church” doctrine is so important, Paul gives detailed teaching to drill the point home. By...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 … by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall … This is the mystery Paul referred to earlier, captured in three verses (14-16), that was hitherto unknown anywhere before. Certainly, it was known that God...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Doing good is what we were made for, that’s the point of this verse. We should do good works. In our zeal to stress that good works is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Longtime staple of evangelism, this passage provides a concise statement about the gospel of grace and faith as...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 … and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. The Lord Jesus Christ is over all creation, and He is the supreme commander in chief of the church. The Greek word kephale, translated head, refers...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 … and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 He put all things in subjection under His feet … Exalted above...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 … and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead … With knowledge comes power, as the saying goes....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 … that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers … Thankfulness marks the Spirit-filled Christian, and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 … In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. The Ephesian...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
9 … He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight … Recurring throughout the section is the phrase or concept, “in Him.” This was flagged in verse...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
6 … to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. What an exclamation coming from the pen of the apostle Paul, every word pregnant with meaning, the sum of which is a high response to deep theological truth. The blessings...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul saturates his letter to the Ephesians with great doctrinal truth,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Boasting, by one...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. Paul is coming to the end of his treatise to the Galatian believers. Scattered throughout his writings are historical and personal tidbits like the one found in our verse today. While seemingly...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Grace-living means being freed from the fear of judgment and condemnation to live out the life God has designed for us, namely to do...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Many people start well, but give up in discouragement. In context, the apostle had just written about sowing to the Spirit and not to the flesh (vs. 7-8) with particular...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Cancer of the soul is how someone has described discouragement in the Christian life. Or as this verse puts it, losing heart in doing good. It is a curse that waits in the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Continuing on with the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Teaching in the church is absolutely essential, for knowing the Word of God creates a foundation for everything else. In the Word is truth and the truth sets us free (John...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Concluding his teaching on sanctification, and before he moves on to practical application of that teaching,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 [But the fruit of the Spirit is] … patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Fruit of the Spirit is essential evidence in the Christian’s life of walking by the Spirit. After love, joy and peace,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace … The fruit of the Spirit form a comprehensive and profound picture of the Spirit-controlled life. They are not called “fruit of human effort” which are described in the previous verses as the “deeds of the flesh.”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
21b …of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Can a Christian lose his salvation? Some think so, based on passages like this one. Is not Paul writing to Christians? Is he not...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these … A daily devotion...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. 12 I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves. Paul continued his attack against those who distorted...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. 10 I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. One person can influence a whole group. And the less people think...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. “Running well” was the best description Paul could use of the Galatians—in the past! But something had changed. They were no longer living in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Hope breeds patience, so hope therefore is immensely practical—this is not...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. A person’s doctrinal belief has tremendous...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Paul has been called “The Apostle of the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, For the son of the bondwoman shall not be an heir with the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
27 For it is written, “Rejoice, barren woman who does not bear; Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; For more numerous are the children of the desolate Than of the one who has a husband.” 28 And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. Some...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
24 This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. 25 Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. 23 But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. 24 This is allegorically speaking, for these women are...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you— 20 but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. 21 Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? Compassion and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. 18 But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. Shady, smooth-talking politicians today promise...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? Poignant questions, the two in our passage for today. Paul...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
12b You have done me no wrong; 13 but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. 12a I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are… What would Paul have written to Christians today, if he was so terse with the Galatians? Would he not, as William MacDonald...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
8 However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. To be sons of God, what a thrill! We Christians, though, are so used to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. The pivotal in the space-time continuum of creation was...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. One of the greatest truths in Scripture is that as a believer, you belong to Christ. You are more than an object that He owns; you belong to Him as a “son” (Gal 3:26)....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Hard to believe as it may be, our passage today is controversial among Christians. The issue has to do with whether the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Continuing the analogy, like a child coming to adulthood...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Our passage today explains that the Law...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. Up until...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” 12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.” Nothing could be more clear in the writings of the apostle...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Acerbic would be an apt description of Paul’s terse comment here, as he comes to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then those who...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 6 Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. The Christian life is begun “by the Spirit” (vs. 4)...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Paul chastises the Galatians again, using a different word for “foolish.” One lexicon defines the underlying...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? They should have...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
17 “But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be! 18 For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the Law I died to the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? 15 We are Jews by...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
12 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. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. Controversy was brewing in Antioch and Paul attacked it at the highest level. The gospel was being watered down, as we shall see in the next verses. However, here Paul takes on...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do. Social concern was high on the priority list in the early church. Paul had been infected with this concern through his association with Barnabas, if not earlier. Early on, the latter had...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised 8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), 9...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. 6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage....
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23 but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they were...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) James was the only other significant Christian leader with whom Paul met in Jerusalem (besides...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
16 … I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles … Paul’s authority rested in a greater background than his religious credentials; his...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul was clear about the source of his...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Man-pleasing was not what the apostle Paul was about. He had received his orders directly from God. From...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Few things amazed the apostle Paul,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
4 … who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. The apostle never strayed from the core truth, it was absolutely central to everything he...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
2 … and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ … Paul’s letters were personal, written in the context of his ministry with people. No ivory tower academic, his doctrine...
by Chuck Gianotti | Prison Epistles
1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead)… So begins Paul’s defense of the doctrine of justification, the centerpiece of his theology. The Galatian churches were...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
“… and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The Presence of Jesus Christ promised forever—what a promise! It was the same promise that Moses received as God inaugurated a new dispensation of Law. It began with the exodus from Egypt, as the Lord said...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth....
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.” 11 Now while they were on...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
62 Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ 64 Therefore, give orders...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” 55 Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
44 The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. 45 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
44 The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. 45 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
43b “… for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” The Jewish leaders understood clearly the thrust of Jesus’ message. He never actually said the words, “I am the Son of God.” His favorite self-identification was “Son of Man,” as we have noted previously. But after hearing...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
38 At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. 35 And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
32 As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross. Simon of Cyrene performed a unique service to the Lord, substituting for the One who would offer Himself as a substitute for the whole world. He bore...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
25 And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” This statement by the crowd at Jesus’ trial represents the greatest double entendre of all time—on the one hand tragic and on the other hand wonderful. Little did they realize the magnitude of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
5 And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood.” 7 And they...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
1 Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; 2 and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the governor. 3 Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
57 Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
56b Then all the disciples left Him and fled. What a sad thing, after having laid it all on the line for their Master. He had called some of them, Peter, Andrew, James and John, to leave their fishing business and they did. Matthew abandoned his tax career. They all...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword....
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
47 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
23 And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
20 Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” 22 Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” Less than 24...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus. 17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
11 “For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. The ubiquitous presence of the poor is the subject of much church work today. They are everywhere, but this is nothing new. Jesus made the assertion 2000 years ago, and things haven’t changed...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
11 “For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. What an enigmatic statement for Jesus to make, almost callous, it would seem. A woman had just used expensive perfume to anoint Jesus, when it could have been sold and given to the poor. Would...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. 11 For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12 For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial....
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. 8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
1 When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.” 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink;...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
24 “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 ‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
19 “Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 Immediately...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
45 “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
37 “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not understand until the flood...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
32 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; 33 so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I say to you, this...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
29“But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
23“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 25Behold, I have told you in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
17“Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. 18Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 19But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20But pray that your...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
15“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” Persecution would continue unabated during the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many....
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
4And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 5For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. 6You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
1 Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. 2 And He said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. 38 Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
31“So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell? 34 Therefore, behold, I am sending...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. 24 You...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’ 17 You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
8 “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11 But the greatest among...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The son of David.” 43 He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, 44 ‘The Lord...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. 35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Matthew
29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 But regarding the resurrection of the dead,...
