Category Archives: Bible

Hosea INTRODUCTIONHosea began his ministry near the end of the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (793-753 B.C.). At that time Israel prospered economically, but was marked by injustice and spiritual decline. Hosea’s message constitutes God’s final warning to apostate Israel, and the prophet lived to see his predictions of judgment fulfilled when the kingdomContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

Philemon INTRODUCTIONThis brief, intensely personal letter was written to Philemon, a wealthy Christian slave-owner in Asia Minor’s Lycus Valley. In it Paul appealed to Philemon to welcome back Onesimus, a runaway slave who had been converted under Paul’s ministry. The letter is a dramatic example of how the Gospel unites people of every social classContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

THE ARMOR OF GODEphesians 6 “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:10–11). Use every resource God has provided to wage spiritual warfare. OverviewPaul examines mutual responsibilities of children and parents (6:1–4), andContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

IMITATORS OF GODEphesians 5 “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Eph. 5:1–2). There’s nothing flattering in a poor imitation. OverviewChristians are to follow God’s example and live loving (5:1), holy lives (vv. 2–14), responsive toContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

BECOMING MATUREEphesians 3–4 “So that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12–13). Love is essential to mutual ministry, and mutual ministry toContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”