GLOBAL BIBLE STUDIES

  Context, Structure, Form Matthew 7:21-23 is the climax of the eschatological teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. [1] It talks about people who profess their allegiance to Jesus and engage in charisma but are inadmissible to the Kingdom of God because they did not do the will of God. It is followed by a parable of eschatological judgment in vv.24-27. [2] Finally, Matthew concludes the first major section of the teaching of Jesus with the response of the crowd towards Jesus in vv.28-29. Exegetical notes: Obeying God  Matthew 7:21-23  Matthew 7:21-23 discusses a group of people who professed allegiance to Jesus but were inadmissible to the Kingdom of Heaven. The context of the discussion is eschatological salvation. The future tense clause ε ἰ σελεύσεται ε ἰ ς τ ὴ ν βασιλείαν τ ῶ ν ο ὐ ραν ῶ ν (v.21) and the phrase “in that day” (v.22) probably indicate eschatological salvation and judgment. [3] It might be possible that Matthew continues his discussion of frau...

Form, context, and structure Paul states the thesis for his discussion in 3:1-4:1 in 3:1, that is, the ongoing experience of believers with Christ is the reason for rejoicing. [1] This idea is developed through two rhetorical comparisons in 3:2-3 and 3:4-11. Phil. 3:2-3 compares the confidence in the flesh and boasting in Christ. Phil. 3:4-11 compares Paul’s former ways of living as Pharisees and life as a Christ-follower.   It is followed by a self-correction in 3:12-16 in which Paul confesses that he has yet to achieve knowing Christ. This remains as his call that he must pursue. [2] He turns to exhort Philippians to follow his example of Christian living in v.17. This exhortation is followed by a third comparison in vv.17-21, comparing enemies of the cross and heavenly citizenship. Paul uses apocalyptic and imperial terms here. Finally, he concludes his discussion in 4.1 by exhorting them to stand firm. Exegetical Notes: Imitating  Philippians 3:17 Paul used an expr...

Context of Galatians 5:13—18 Below, we discuss the context in which Paul speaks about the fruit of the Spirit and how we can produce it in our lives. Galatians is divided into three parts: Chapters 1—2 are understood as autobiographical and apologetic; Chapters 3—4 as doctrinal; and Chapters 5—6 as a practical application or as a section of exhortations. [1] Paul explained the inadequacy of the Torah in chapters 3—4 and now the question in chapters 5—6 is how a person in Christ (right standing with God) lives a Christian life. He answers: (a) The essence of God's law is encapsulated in the directive to love one another (5:13–15). (b) Love is the fruit of the Spirit. (c) The love flourishes in those who live by the Spirit. On the contrary, the old order of the 'flesh' manifests in people through a distinct set of attitudes and behaviours called the acts of the flesh (5:19–21). Even though we have freedom in Christ, it does not mean that we can live in the flesh (5:13)...