#The Epistle of Colossians

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Seasoned With Salt

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. — Colossians 4:5-6 | BRG Bible (BRG) Blue Red and Gold Letter Edition™ Copyright © 2012 BRG Bible Ministries. All rights reserved. Cross References: Ezekiel 43:24; Matthew 12:35; Mark 4:11; Mark 9:50; Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Peter 3:15

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Why are we told to “let your words be seasoned with salt”?

[biblebloodhound]

Filled with Divine Fullness (Colossians 2:6-15)

Whenever you're full, you have no need for more; unless you listen to somebody who is 'full of it.'

Resurrection, by Oliver Pfaff As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Watch out that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental principles of the world, and not according to…

[pastordin]

The Life of the Apostle Paul: Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Paul’s Writings and Theology | The Life of the Apostle Paul | Pastor Aamir Din Home | Portfolio | Contact The Life of the Apostle Paul Chapter 7: Paul’s Writings and Theology Published on: May 27, 2020 Introduction Paul the Apostle is renowned not only for his missionary endeavors but also for his prolific contributions to Christian theology through his letters, or epistles, which…

[apenitentialprayer]

We don't have a clear answer to this. But it's fun to consider. First, we would need to figure out if other members of the genus homo are "human" in the theological sense. Saint Augustine helps us with this in the sixteenth book of his City of God; according to him, a human is "a rational animal," and that any earthly beings that fit this definition "are descended from Adam" (Chapter 8). He gives this definition when discussing the potential humanity of beings like cynocephali, akephaloi, and skiapodes - all beings whose existence were attested to in ancient sources, but of whose existence Augustine personally doubted. Nonetheless, Augustine argues that if they were real, and if they are rational animals, that being, "no matter what unusual appearance he presents . . . no Christian can doubt that he springs from that one protoplast [Adam]." If that is true, that would seem to indicate that "humans" in the theological sense do not have to be limited to anatomically modern homo sapiens; it is possible that multiple human species share a common human nature. Second, assuming that multiple species of hominin nonetheless share a common human nature, I don't think there's a reason why God would need to come again as a member of each specific biological human species (though Saint Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologia, Tertia Pars, Question 3, Article 7, thinks He could if He wanted to); as Dignitas infinita (§19) states, Christ "unit[ed] Himself with every human being through His Incarnation," so if other species in the genus homo are in fact human beings, they are already benefiting from their Savior. (But even if other hominins don't share a common nature with us, that doesn't necessarily mean that God would need to Incarnate again to save them; Romans 8:20-22 says that the rest of Creation will "share in the glorious freedom of the children of God," and the hymn in Colossians 1:15-20 says that the fullness of divinity rested in Christ "through Him to reconcile all things for Him," implying that the singular Incarnation is enough)

Abrahamic faiths, lend this poor sinner your ears

Did the other species of humans have original sin*? Since most wouldn't have bred with us, so it wouldn't have been inherited into them, save for Neanderthals once in a while. Did they have souls? Did Adam count them as animals? Did they have their own fall from grace? Is there a homo erectus Messiah?

*In the context of the curse given to Adam and Eve after the fall. Oh No I Was A Part Of The Most Common Religion in the World Surely This Means ..... Idfk. Cultural Christian discourse on here is weird.

[idylls-of-the-divine-romance]

"Romans is the best epistle-" Clearly you have never read Ephesians, Philippians, or Colossians and thus you do not have all the information necessary to make such a claim

[emptyjanitor]

New testament authorship

Let’s break down directly and clearly, sticking strictly to the scholarly consensus and historical facts about the New Testament’s authorship, why American mainstream Christianity often doesn’t teach this, and what the Bible actually is.

1. Factual Authorship of the New Testament

Scholarly consensus—meaning mainstream, non-fundamentalist academic biblical studies—has long since established that most New Testament books are either anonymous or pseudonymous. Here’s a summary of the best evidence for each:

The Gospels

• Matthew, Mark, Luke, John:

None of the gospels name their authors in the original texts. The names were assigned later, likely in the second century, to give the texts apostolic authority.

• Mark: The earliest gospel. Author is unknown; traditionally attributed to “Mark,” but no evidence supports this.

• Matthew: Anonymous. Tradition credits “Matthew,” but the text copies much from Mark (odd for an eyewitness apostle).

• Luke: Anonymous. Author was educated, not an eyewitness, probably a companion of Paul, but not necessarily named “Luke.”

• John: Anonymous. Tradition attributes it to John the Apostle, but the text itself never says this, and internal evidence suggests it wasn’t written by a direct eyewitness.

Pauline Epistles

• Undisputed letters of Paul: Scholars are confident Paul wrote seven letters: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Philemon.

• Deutero-Pauline letters (disputed authorship): Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians. Most scholars think these were written by followers of Paul in his name.

• Pastoral Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus. Overwhelming scholarly consensus: written long after Paul’s death, by unknown authors using his name.

• Hebrews: Anonymous. The text itself never claims Paul as author, and the Greek style and theology are very different from Paul’s letters.

Other Letters

• James: Anonymous; attributed to “James,” but which James? There were several. Highly unlikely the brother of Jesus wrote it.

• 1 & 2 Peter: Almost universally agreed by scholars that Peter did not write these, especially 2 Peter, which is clearly pseudonymous.

• 1, 2, 3 John: Anonymous. 2 & 3 John are brief and refer to “the elder.” No evidence these were written by John the Apostle.

• Jude: Claims to be by “Jude, the brother of James,” but there’s no way to verify this, and the letter is highly stylized.

Revelation

• Revelation: Claims authorship by “John,” but it’s almost certainly not the same John as the gospel, given radically different Greek, theology, and style.

⸻

2. Why American Mainstream Christianity Is Unfamiliar With This

Several reasons explain the gap between academic knowledge and mainstream Christian belief:

A. Tradition and Catechism

• Churches teach tradition, not historical criticism. Sunday school, sermons, and even many seminaries rely on inherited attributions (Matthew wrote Matthew, etc.) because these give the texts apostolic authority and reinforce doctrinal unity.

B. Institutional Interests

• The church’s power and authority rest on the idea that scripture is divinely inspired, authoritative, and connected directly to Jesus and his apostles. Admitting most books are anonymous, pseudonymous, or written generations later could undermine confidence and religious authority.

C. Anti-Intellectualism and Distrust of Academia

• Many American denominations (especially Evangelical and Fundamentalist branches) view “secular scholarship” with suspicion, seeing it as hostile to faith. Academic biblical criticism is often dismissed as biased, “worldly,” or “faithless.”

D. Lack of Religious Literacy

• Most Christians don’t read the Bible deeply, let alone read critical scholarship. Religious education in the U.S. is shallow; most believers simply inherit beliefs from family and community.

E. Publishing and Media

• Christian publishers, bookstores, and media overwhelmingly promote traditional views. Scholarly works rarely reach the mass audience, and if they do, they’re often denounced as heretical.

⸻

3. What the Bible Actually Is (Factually)

The Bible Is:

• A Human Anthology: The Bible is a collection of ancient texts, written by dozens of different people over many centuries. The New Testament was written in Greek, by Jews and Gentiles in the eastern Roman Empire, between roughly 50 CE and 120 CE.

• A Library, Not a Book: It’s not a single book, but an anthology—each “book” with its own agenda, context, style, and theology.

• Anonymous or Pseudonymous Works: The vast majority of its books do not name their authors. Most names attached to biblical books (Moses, Matthew, etc.) are traditions, not claims made by the texts themselves.

• Edited and Redacted: Many biblical books were edited, redacted, or compiled from earlier sources, both oral and written. Some gospels and epistles were likely revised over time.

• Political and Theological Documents: Each book has its own agenda. Some gospels and letters were written to address controversies, define orthodoxy, or combat rival Christian sects.

• Product of Historical Communities: The texts reflect the beliefs, hopes, struggles, and politics of various early Christian communities, not a unified, consistent message.

⸻

4. What the Bible Is Not

• Not Dictated by God: There is no evidence any part was directly dictated by God to a scribe. Even the writers themselves rarely claim this.

• Not Eyewitness History: The gospels are not eyewitness accounts. They were written decades after the events they describe, drawing on oral traditions and earlier sources.

• Not Consistent or Inerrant: The Bible is full of contradictions, differing theologies, and even mutually exclusive accounts (see the resurrection narratives, genealogies of Jesus, and chronology of Paul’s life).

• Not Frozen or Unchanging: The canon itself was debated for centuries, with books being added and removed. The version Protestants use is different from Catholic and Orthodox canons.

⸻

5. Bottom Line

The New Testament is a messy, complex collection of ancient texts, written mostly by unknown authors, with competing theologies and purposes, reflecting the turbulent, diverse origins of Christianity. The myth that it is a single, unified, divinely authored, eyewitness record is a product of later tradition, religious politics, and the need for institutional authority—not historical reality.

[antiochianorthodoxcumberlandmd]

Daily Scripture Readings and Lives of the Saints for Monday, April 14, 2025

Strict Fast

Feasts and Saints celebrated today:

Holy Monday

Aristarchus, Pudens, Trophimus the Apostles of the 70

Thomais the Martyr of Alexandria

Ardalion the Actor and Martyr

Demetrios the New-Martyr of Arcadia

Readings for today:

Matthew 21:18-43

Matthew 24:3-35

Holy Monday

Reading from the Synaxarion:

The holy Passion of our Saviour begins today, presenting Joseph the all-comely as a prefiguring of Christ. He was the eleventh son of Jacob, and his first son by Rachel; because he was so beloved of his father, his own brethren came to envy him and cast him into a pit. Later they sold him to foreigners for thirty pieces of silver, who later sold him again in Egypt. Because of his virtue, his master gave him much authority in governing his house; because he was fair of countenance, his master's wife sought to draw him into sin with her; because of his chastity, he refused her, and through her slanders was cast into prison. Finally, he was led forth again with great glory and was honoured as a king. He became lord over all Egypt and a provider of wheat for all the people. Through all this, he typifies in himself the betrayal, Passion, death, and glorification of our Lord Jesus Christ (see Gen., chapters 37, 39 41).

To the commemoration of Patriarch Joseph is added also the narration concerning the fig tree, which on this day was cursed and subsequently dried up because of its unfruitfulness. It portrayed the Jewish synagogue, which had not produced the fruit demanded of it, that is, obedience to God and faith in Him and which was stripped of all spiritual grace by means of the curse (Matt. 21:18-20).

Apolytikion of Holy Monday in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

See! The Bridegroom sets forth in the dead of night. And blessed is that servant whom he shall find on watch; unworthy the one he shall come upon lazing. See to it, soul, that sleep does not overtake you, lest you be given up to death and be shut out of the kingdom. Bestir yourself, then, and sing out: "Holy, holy, holy are You, our God; through the protection of the bodiless powers, save us."

Kontakion of Holy Monday in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Jacob mourned the loss of Joseph, while the noble one rode in a chariot, honored as royalty. For having spurned the enticements of the Egyptian woman, he was in turn glorified by Him who knows the hearts of men and bestows an incorruptible crown.

The content on this page is under copyright and is used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

Reading (c) Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

Apolytikion of Holy Monday (c) Narthex Press

Kontakion of Holy Monday (c) Narthex Press

Aristarchus, Pudens, Trophimus the Apostles of the 70

Reading from the Synaxarion:

Saint Aristarchus is mentioned in the Epistle to the Colossians (4:10), and also in the Epistle to Philemon (v. 24). By his ascetical manner of life, this Saint proved to be another Saint John the Baptist. He became Bishop of Apamea in Syria, and brought many to the Faith of Christ. Saints Pudens and Trophimus are mentioned in II Timothy 4:20-21. Also, Acts 21:29 mentions that Trophimus was from Ephesus. According to sources that Saint Dorotheus of Tyre (celebrated on June 5) found written in Latin in Rome, these Apostles were beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero (54-68).

Apolytikion of Aristarchus, Pudens, & Trophimus of the 70 in the Third Tone

O Holy Apostles, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

The content on this page is under copyright and is used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

Reading (c) Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

Apolytikion of Aristarchus, Pudens, & Trophimus of the 70 (c) Narthex Press

Prayer Before Reading Scripture

Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered all sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Gospel Reading

The Reading is from the Gospel According to Matthew 21:18-43

At that time, as Jesus was returning to the city, he was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside he went to it, and found nothing on it but leaves only. And he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither at once?" And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will be done. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. " And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'From men,' we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet." So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.

"Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it."

Gospel Reading

The Reading is from the Gospel According to Matthew 24:3-35

At that time, as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" And Jesus answered them, "Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the sufferings.

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because wickedness is multiplied, most men's love will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come.

So when you see the desolating sacrilege spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house; and let him who is in the field not turn back to take his mantle. And alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. Then if anyone says to you, 'Lo, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Lo, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Lo, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out; if they say, 'Lo, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of man. Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 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 heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (February 16)

St. Onesimus was a slave to Philemon, an influential man who had been converted by St. Paul.

Onesimus offended Philemon and fled in order to escape any sort of retribution.

He then met St. Paul while the latter was in a Roman prison. Shortly after, Onesimus was baptized.

Paul then sent a letter to Philemon asking for Onesimus' freedom, so Onesimus could become one of his own assistants.

This letter is the Epistle to Philemon and entreats Philemon to accept Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me.”

Philemon pardoned Onesimus and he returned to faithfully serve St. Paul.

We know that St. Paul made him, together with Tychicus, the bearer of his Epistle to the Colossians (Col. 4:7-9).

Later, as St. Jerome and other fathers testify, he became an ardent preacher of the Gospel and succeeded St. Timothy as bishop of Ephesus.

He was cruelly tortured in Rome for 18 days by a governor who was infuriated by his preaching on the merit of celibacy.

Onesimus' legs and thighs were broken with bludgeons before he was stoned to death.

His martyrdom occurred under Domitian in the year 90.

[albertfinch]

Power Study A 65 - Notes

We must come out of old mind-sets and into the mind of Christ where the blazing glory of His glorious presence literally rests upon us as we minister first unto God, and then receive His strategies for our Christ calling to touch and impact.

By meditating and declaring how awesome He is in your place -- know that wherever you go so does He.

As we are obedient to our Christ calling -- He moves. As we take the required action -- He opens the way, and we go!

"I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys. For behold the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines." - Song of Solomon 2:1,11,12

The Lord says He is called 'The Rose of Sharon'. For He wants His fragrance to be upon all His people. You are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10).

Colossians 2:10 - "and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. "

He wants His Presence to visit you in your passion to help others with their spiritual lives. He wants His Presence to take residence in your body as you come to understand your Christ identity. He wants your body to become a moving vessel for His Spirit to bear Kingdom fruit through you. People will look upon you and they will see His light shining out of your eyes.

This is a season of sharpening -- let His Word become alive and active (Rhema) in you (Ephesians 6:17) so you will become His living epistle who walks the earth.

Ephesians 6:17 - "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[coolksaposts]

Stand Firm …14To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. 2 Thess 2:14-15

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges15. Therefore, brethren, stand fast) So then (R.V.), as in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (see note): the practical conclusion in which the Apostle gathers up all he has been saying in this letter. “Since the Lord’s return is delayed and its time uncertain, and in prospect of the coming of Antichrist, whose deceptive influence is already secretly at work,—inasmuch as God by our means has made you heirs of His glorious kingdom—Stand Fast.” Comp. 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 1:23,—where, as in this place, hope is the incentive to steadfastness.

and hold the traditions which ye have been taught] “Hold” is an emphatic word: stand firm and hold fast (Ellicott) gives the Greek sense more adequately.

In traditions which you were taught there is no suggestion of the Romanist idea of Tradition, conceived as an authority distinct from the written Word of God; for the Apostle continues, whether by word or latter of ours (the pronoun belongs to both nouns). He bids them hold by what he had taught, whether it came through this channel or that, provided it were really from himself (comp. 2 Thessalonians 2:2, and ch. 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:17). He is now beginning to communicate with the Churches by letter, and stamps his Epistles with the authority of his spoken word. The sentence asserts the claim of the true Apostolic teaching, as against any who would “beguile” the Church away from it. Comp. 1 Corinthians 11:2 : “I praise you that in all things you remember us, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.”

The Apostle’s “traditions” included, besides doctrine, also the “charges” (or “commands”) he gave on matters of morals and practical life (ch. 2 Thessalonians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:2). The body of Christian doctrine, brought to its finished form, he calls in his last letters “the deposit” (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:14); while his practical teaching is “the charge” (or “commandment”), 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:18.

[biblebloodhound]

Developing the Skill of Wisdom (Colossians 1:9-14)

Growth + Time = Maturity.

Colossians 1:9-10, by Bible Art For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being…

[anastpaul]

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ “The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He send labourers into His harvest. ” – Luke 10:2 REFLECTION – “That Luke was inseparable from Paul and his fellow-labourer in the Gospel, he himself clearly evinces, not as a matter of boasting but as bound to do so by the truth itself. For when Barnabas and John Mark, had parted company from Paul and sailed to Cyprus, Luke writes: “We came to Troas” (Acts 16:8.11)… Then he carefully indicates all the rest of their journey as far as Philippi,and how they delivered their first address … And all the remaining details of his journey with Paul, he recounts with all possible diligence … As Luke was present at all these occurrences, he carefully noted them down in writing, so that he cannot be convicted of falsehood or boastfulness for all these details were well known … That Luke was not merely a follower but also a fellow-labourer of the Apostles and especially of Paul, Paul himself declared too in his Epistles, saying: “Demas has forsaken me and has left for Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me” (2 Tim 4:11). From this Paul shows that Luke was always attached to and, inseparable from him. And again, in the Letter to the Colossians, he says: “Luke, the beloved Physician, greets you” (Col 4:14)…” – St Irenaeus (c130-c202) Bishop, Martyr, Theologian, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies III).

(via One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “Luke, the beloved physician, greets you” – AnaStpaul)

[tanadrin]

@intimate-mirror

i don't think "the new testament texts are much more likely to have a single author each", given that a bunch of them say they're written by Paul the arguments against Colossions being written by Paul seem rather weak to me, largely founded on mistaken assumptions about how people use language

i think the perception that the arguments against colossians not being written by paul are weaker is corroborated by the scholarly position, which AFAICT is much further from consensus than it is on other issues of NT authorship (like, the pastoral epistles show a much more overt philosophical tension with the rest of paul's writing that would need to be explained if we attributed them to paul)

but i admit that NT authorship stuff is much less interesting to me, and therefore i have looked into it much less than OT stuff.

[bibleversegarden]

God’s Anointing and Power in Our Lives

Mankind in a fallen, captive state, is incapable of rising to the high stature, high calling of God. Thanks be to God, for the anointing that removes burdens and breaks the yokes of sin, that keeps us bound.

God anointed Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. (See Acts 10:38)

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

At God's appointed time, "The Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)

Jesus who appeared in the flesh, and was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin, was able to resist the devil, and cast Him out of many, for He was full of the Holy Ghost and power. This Jesus, is calling disciples to Himself, to live holy lives, and to proclaim the good news of salvation in the earth, with signs and wonders following.

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."  (Luke 10:19-20)

In order to be effective ambassadors for Christ, we must be sanctified and consecrated vessels, reconciled to God, fruitful in every good work; bringing glory to His name.

"And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:10-11)

"Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:21 and 22)

A Prayer:

All thanks and praise to God our Father, for Christ His Son: Prophet, Priest and King; for the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and the anointing that breaks the yokes, and sets us free; for the power to daily walk in the Spirit; for a new and living way; for an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that doesn't fade away. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings:

In the Scriptures, God instructed Moses to make a holy anointing oil. (See Exodus 30:22-33 for its use and purpose.)

Luke 4:1-15; Luke 9:1-3; Luke 10:19 & 20; Acts Chapter 2; Isaiah 10:27; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians Chapter 5; Colossians Chapter 1, 2, 3 and 4; Psalm 23, Jeremiah Chapter 1; Ephesians in its entirety; First Epistle of John 2:27-29; Acts Chapters 1 and 2; Romans Chapters 6 and 12; Hebrews 1:8 & 9; First Epistle of Peter in its entirety; Philippians Chapter 3; 2 Corinthians Chapter 5; Joel 2:28-32

[swordwithribbon]

In Christian theology, kenosis (Ancient Greek: κένωσις, lit. 'the act of emptying'') is the "self-emptying" of Jesus. The word ἐκένωσεν (ekénōsen) is used in the Epistle to the Philippians: "[Jesus] made himself nothing" (NIV), or "[he] emptied himself" (NRSV) (Philippians 2:7), using the verb form κενόω (kenóō), meaning "to empty".

The exact meaning varies among theologians. The less controversial meaning is that Jesus emptied his own desires, becoming entirely receptive to God's divine will, obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Philippians encourages Christians to be similarly willing to submit to divine will, even if it comes at great personal cost.

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In coming to earth, the Son of God did not cease to be God, and He did not become a “lesser god.” Whatever the “emptying” entailed, Jesus remained fully God: “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).

It is better to think of Christ’s “emptying” of Himself as a laying aside of the privileges that were His in heaven. Rather than stay on His throne in heaven, Jesus “made himself nothing” (as the NIV translates Philippians 2:7). When He came to earth, “he gave up his divine privileges” (NLT). He veiled His glory, and He chose to occupy the position of a slave.

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[biblegumchewontheword]

Books of the Bible

Here is a detailed list of the 66 books of the Bible, divided by the Old and New Testaments, along with their divisions and categories:

**Old Testament:**

**Pentateuch (5 books):**

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

**Historical Books (12 books):**

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

**Poetry/Wisdom Books (5 books):**

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

**Major Prophets (5 books):**

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

**Minor Prophets (12 books):**

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

**New Testament:**

**Gospels (4 books):**

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

**History (1 book):**

44. Acts

**Pauline Epistles (13 books):**

45. Romans

46. 1 Corinthians

47. 2 Corinthians

48. Galatians

49. Ephesians

50. Philippians

51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians

53. 2 Thessalonians

54. 1 Timothy

55. 2 Timothy

56. Titus

57. Philemon

**General Epistles (8 books):**

58. Hebrews

59. James

60. 1 Peter

61. 2 Peter

62. 1 John

63. 2 John

64. 3 John

65. Jude

**Apocalyptic (1 book):**

66. Revelation

This list represents the traditional order and grouping of the books of the Bible in most Christian denominations.

These are the 66 books that make up the Bible.

Title: The Significance of Each Book of the Bible

Introduction:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that together form the inspired Word of God. Each book has its own unique message, themes, and significance that contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Let's explore the importance of each book of the Bible.

Lesson Points:

1. The Old Testament:

- Genesis: The book of beginnings, detailing creation, the fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with His people.

- Exodus: The story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

- Psalms: A collection of songs and prayers that express a range of human emotions and provide a guide for worship.

- Proverbs: Wisdom literature that offers practical advice for living a righteous and wise life.

- Isaiah: Prophecies about the coming Messiah and God's plan of salvation.

2. The New Testament:

- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

- Acts: Chronicles the early spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

- Romans: Explains the doctrine of justification by faith and the implications of salvation through Christ.

- Corinthians: Addresses issues within the church and provides practical guidance for Christian living.

- Revelation: Offers apocalyptic visions of the end times, the victory of Christ, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.

3. Themes and Messages:

- Each book of the Bible contributes to the overarching themes of God's love, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity.

- Together, these books provide a complete narrative of God's work in the world and His plan for His people.

Application:

- Take time to explore and study each book of the Bible, seeking to understand its unique message and significance.

- Reflect on how the themes and stories in the Bible can impact your own life and faith journey.

- Consider how the teachings and examples in the Bible can shape your beliefs and actions as a follower of Christ.

Conclusion:

The books of the Bible are not just separate entities but are interconnected parts of the larger story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Each book has its own importance and contributes to the overall message of God's plan for salvation. May we approach the study of the Bible with reverence and openness to the wisdom and guidance it offers for our lives.