Tag: Jesus

1 Corinthians Chapter 12 Overview. Today’s BDBD.

The chapter is easy enough to understand. All who believe in Jesus are in Jesus. Each has been given at least one gift to be used for the greater good of the congregation. The least part should be honored more than the greater part. Each should use their gift accordingly. Unity exists in the diversity […]

1 Corinthians 11:29-32. Stand on Scales. Today’s BDBD.

The bold say as Job, “If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit– let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless– if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have […]

1 Corinthians 11:27-28. Unworthy Manner. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul continues to correct faults in Corinth’s congregational meetings. The current subject is the Lord’s Supper, the remembrance and thanksgiving of Christ’s body and blood given for us through the bread and wine. After stating their misconduct and passing on to them Jesus’ words on the night Jesus was betrayed, he concludes with judgment: […]

1 Corinthians 11:25-26. Proclaim the Lord’s Death. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul recants that the cup of wine was shared “in the same way” as the bread, with all the apostles. Both the bread and wine are a remembrance of Jesus and his suffering and death for our salvation. Jesus took simple worldwide available food and drink, and used them to help us not forget […]

1 Corinthians 11:23-24. Thanksgiving is… Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul says he “received” from the Lord the method and meaning of the Lord’s Supper. The Greek verb for “received” is “paralambano”, associated with being educated in a tradition from someone else. A NIV text note says, “Paul does not necessarily mean that he received the Lord’s Supper directly from Christ. The information was […]

1 Corinthians 11:17-22. By Your Fruit You Are Revealed. Today’s BDBD.

Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17) When divisions come, which […]

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Overview. Today’s BDBD.

Jesus made a new covenant with anyone who would believe in him (25). When he did, he changed the Passover meal so that I could remember him and what he did for me through his suffering and death. The bread symbolizes his body broken. The wine symbolizes his blood poured out. He told us when […]

1 Corinthians 11:11-16. Differentiation Invigorates Interdependence. Today’s BDBD.

The Holy Spirit, through Paul, speaks of the interdependence between men and women, both at a general social level and in the personal relationship between husband and wife. Interdependence in sociology and social psychology refers to the mutual reliance among individuals, in which outcomes, behaviors, and emotions are shaped by interactions. Developed by Harold Kelley […]

1 Corinthians 11:4-10. Visible Respect. Today’s BDBD.

The subject continues to be the Corinthian congregation’s meetings, specifically the issues that needed correction. Paul commended them for following the teachings, aka traditions, as he passed on to them when he started the congregation (1). All the early founded congregations had the same mood of worship service, which he introduced to the newly founded […]

1 Corinthians 11:3. And the Responsibility Goes To? Today’s BDBD.

Paul begins to expand on worship service traditions (teachings) with the general truth in verse 3. The keyword in verse 3 is “head”, translated from the Greek noun “kephale” (a transliteration), used 75 times in the New Testament. It literally means “head” or “top” and, metaphorically, signifies authority, leadership, and preeminence, particularly in discussions of […]

1 Corinthians 11:2. Traditions. Today’s BDBD.

Sorry, I missed yesterday. I was sick. Apostle Paul started the congregation at Corinth. He was there for only eighteen months. He started preaching Jesus in the Jewish synagogue, but left it to form a Christian congregation. (Acts 18:1-18) Before he left the city, he established the basics of the Christian congregation after the model […]

Chapter 11:1-16 Overview. Today’s BDBD.

Paul is now writing about an ancient Jewish and Middle East tradition. Specifically that a woman is to wear a head covering during a religious service and a man is to take his hat off. This is not done in almost all congregations now. However, movies and videos from before the 1960s portray this was […]

1 Corinthians 10:27-33. For the Glory of God. Today’s BDBD.

To answer the Corinthian congregation’s question, “Is it acceptable to eat meat offered to idols?” (8:1), the Apostle Paul could have repeated the letter written by the apostles and elders of Jerusalem to the brothers, Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (Acts 15). However, that letter simply gave the general requirements, “You are to […]

1 Corinthians 10:23-26. Seek Others Good Before Self. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul addresses eating meat offered to pagan idols, first addressed in chapter 8. There, he gave directions on eating the meat at the idol’s temple (8:10). He said do not eat meat at the idol’s temple, even though you rightfully know that an idol is nothing but stone and wood, because a fellow believer […]

1 Corinthians 10:18-22. Partake in Christ, Partake Not in Demons. Today’s BDBD.

The common subject in verses 14 through 22 is partake. Verses 14 through 17 establish that the Lord’s Supper illustrates that as one body, the church partakes in fellowship with Christ Jesus. Verse 18 establishes that the temple sacrificial altar illustrates that, as one nation, Israel partook in fellowship with the Lord. Similarly, verse 20 […]

1 Corinthians 10:14-17. Blood and Body. Today’s BDBD.

After presenting the parallels between Israel during the Exodus to the church as a warning to us, a command is given, “…flee from idolatry” (14). Building on this, Apostle Paul presents communion, (aka “The Lord’s Supper”) as the Messiah Jesus transformed the Passover for the New Covenant for the church into The Lord’s Supper. One […]

1 Corinthians 10:11-13. Best of Ages, Worst of Ages. Today’s BDBD.

The fulfillment of ages came in Christ Jesus and continues (11). The day has begun and continues. The new age commences till this moment. The New Covenant in Christ’s blood is now. The best of ages, the worst of ages, inaugurated by Christ’s death, resurrection, and sending the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and continues until […]

1 Corinthians 10:6-10. Idolatry and Sexual Immorality. Today’s BDBD.

Sexual immorality was rebuffed in 6:12-20, “Flee from sexual immorality,” the Holy Spirit commands through Apostle Paul. Now again, the Spirit, through Paul, uses Israel’s Exodus as an example, showing us what happens when one who is called by Christ and begins following Christ does not flee sexual immorality. While Moses was on Mount Sinai […]

1 Corinthians 10:1-5. Not Pleased Parallel. Today’s BDBD.

The lessons from the Old Testament are numerous. The apostles learned from Jesus, and the Holy Spirit revealed multiple truths within the historical accounts of the Old Testament. Apostle Paul learned the parallels between Israel that was led out of Egypt and slavery to Mount Sinai, our forefathers, and the new church. Paul conveyed this […]

1 Corinthians Chapter 10 Overview. Today’s BDBD.

Chapter 10 is a conclusion of Paul’s comments in the previous 2 chapters. Paul is still answering the question is it right to eat meat offered to idols. I read about what took place in ancient temples built for various idols. It helps in understanding this question and Paul’s answer. Idol worship started with slaughtering […]

1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Prize Determination. Today’s BDBD.

The intent of the sport analogies in the last paragraph of chapter 9 is to expound upon one of Jesus’ more challenging forewarnings. “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up […]

1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Winning, Gaining, and Saving. Today’s BDBD.

The two Greek verbs that are interchangeable and repeated in almost every sentence in this paragraph are “kerdaino” (19-22a) and “sozo” (22b) (transliterations). “Kerdaino” is translated as either “to win” or “might gain”. The English translations that use “might gain” translate the verb as “to win” elsewhere. (1 Peter 3:1; Matthew 23:25). The illustration depicts […]

1 Corinthians 9:15-18. Compelled to Preach. Today’s BDBD.

“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” Apostle Paul wrote (16b). A woe is no light statement for it is deep distress, misery, and calamity. Apostle Paul was compelled to preach the gospel (16a). He is a classic description of prophetic reluctance overcome by divine compulsion to preach Jesus, just as the […]

1 Corinthians 9:7-14. We Put Up With Anything. Today’s BDBD.

The point is stated again and again using many examples. Paul could have received a salary, but voluntarily chose not to receive any money for his labors for the Lord and his church. Apostle Paul even finds the obscure Deuteronomy 25:4 to practically beat his point into the Corinthian believers’ and my skulls. He declares, […]

1 Corinthians 9:1-6. Lifestyles. Today’s BDBD.

Jesus personally chose and trained many apostles according to his divine purpose for them. Each had a different personality. Each had their own look and skill. Each had been given a different path as they fulfilled his command, “Be my witnesses throughout the whole world.” (Matthew 10:18; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:13, 24:48; Acts 1:8, 9:15, […]

1 Corinthians Chapter 9 Overview. Today’s BDBD

Apostle Paul is continuing his thoughts from the previous chapter. There he wrote that although we are free to eat meat offered to idols because they are not alive and not gods, we shouldn’t do it if it would cause a fellow believer who has a weak conscience to sin. Continuing the thought of freedom […]

1 Corinthians 8:7-12. Why? Love is the Reason. Today’s BDBD.

The council in Jerusalem in ~49 A.D. made the most controversial decisions of their time regarding Gentiles coming to believe in Jesus. Should they follow the Laws of the Old Covenant given through Moses? (Acts 15:1-5) First, Apostle Peter reminded the council of the most important truth: through the grace of our Lord Jesus, we […]

1 Corinthians 8:4-6. One God, One Lord. Today’s BDBD.

What is an idol? A man-made idea that may be a form put before God, considering Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Jesus further defines an idol with these words, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he […]

1 Corinthians 8:1-3. Love and Knowledge. Today’s BDBD.

Imagine being told of and then given a small deposit of gold with a map to a sure vast treasure. The map consists of learning truths and discovering that things you thought were true are misconceptions and lies that, if held onto, will keep you from the great vast treasure. Quickly, you obtain knowledge and […]

1 Corinthians Chapter 8 Overview. Today’s BDBD

The Greek and Roman cultures were full of idols and temples where people would offer sacrifices, including meat. People would buy and eat this meat at the temples. Paul answered a question about this. The Corinthian congregation asking if it was ok to eat this meat since the idols weren’t really gods. He said sure […]

1 Corinthians 7:39-40. Widowed Perplexed. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul finishes the Corinthian congregation’s questions concerning the married, the young single -the virgins, those thinking about divorce, those thinking about marriage, and sex with advice concerning the covenant bond of marriage. Does the bond last beyond the grave? Can they marry another? Paul states in verses 8 and 9 that it would be […]

1 Corinthians 7:36-38. Both Seem Right. What to Do? Today’s BDBD.

What can we do when we face a major life decision, and there are only two choices: do or do not do? Both seem right. So, which one do we choose? Can we be sure that we are making the best choice? The Corinthian congregations’ request for direction regarding virgins (25-38), especially in these three […]

1 Corinthians 7:32-35. Please, Please Thee. Today’s BDBD.

The year before I was born, an album and song were recorded that began a rock ‘ n ‘ roll group’s very long, popular career. “Please Please Me” was the name of The Beatles’ first album and hit. The not-so-subtle request in the title stands in opposition to the selfless sacrifice presented in this paragraph. […]

1 Corinthians 7:25-31. Passing Away Mindset. Today’s BDBD.

The Corinthian congregation asked another question about a subject that Jesus did not give a command on while on the earth. The subject was about virgins. Should these young ladies marry or live a celibate life as they waited for the Lord Jesus to return, serving him and the congregation? Paul, inspired by the Holy […]

1 Corinthians 7:21-24. Retain, Be Content. Part 2. Today’s BDBD.

The subject Paul is continuing is mixed-religion marriages: a Christian with a non-believer. He is given illustrations to show the basic concept applies to more than mixed-religion marriages. The basic concept is repeated a third time in verse 24, “Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.” […]

1 Corinthians 7:17-20. Retain, Be Content, Part 1. Today’s BDBD.

The general principle is given. Retain the place in life the Lord assigned me. Retain the place God has called me. As God distributes when called, I am to walk it as a believer in Christ Jesus. This implies two things. First, God was in control of my life before he called me, when he […]

1 Corinthians 7:12-16. I Believe, My Spouse Does Not. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul continues his answer on their questions about marriage, giving advice that Christ Jesus did not speak about during his earthly ministry, a mixed religion marriage. What should a spouse do when they come to faith in Jesus and their spouse has not yet done so? Should they remain married to them or divorce […]

1 Corinthians 7:10-11. Divorce. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul responds to a request related to the one he addressed in the previous two verses. The subject is divorce. Paul repeats what the Lord Jesus taught concerning divorce (Matthew 5:31-32, 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18) The most notable quote comes from Apostle Matthew. Jesus told some Pharisees who came to test him, “Moses […]

1 Corinthians 7:8-9. Is This For Me? Today’s BDBD.

When a person is not married, the questions they ask themselves are, “Does God intend me to marry?” “Is there someone out there I am supposed to be with for the rest of our lives?” “Can I live alone?” “Am I designed to live alone?” “I know God is with me always, but sometimes I […]

1 Corinthians 7:3-7. Practical Union. Today’s BDBD.

“The two will become one flesh,” so wrote Paul in 6:16, quoting Jesus, who added, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife… So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate. Anyone who divorces his wife […]

1 Corinthians 7:1-2. But Since. Today’s BDBD.

Corinth was on a peninsula. Ships needing to get from two important shipping seas would be taken across land at Corinth. Sailors would have several hours to explore the city as their ships traversed the land. The temple prostitutes for the goddess Aphrodite numbered in the hundreds, even thousands, at Corinth, profiting from the sailors. […]

1 Corinthians 7 Overview. Today’s BDBD.

Chapter 7 is long, with a lot of advice about husbands and wives, marriage, divorce, and indirectly sex. Paul is answering questions they had while continuing the subject at the end of the previous chapter. Corinth was the center of much immorality, causing the new congregation to be confused about many things involving marriage and […]

1 Corinthians 6:18-20. Holy Spirit Onboard. Today’s BDBD.

Almost everyone has been in an environment where they have experienced a sense of special presence. The ambiance was the combination of the comfort and warmth of the womb, the glorification and illumination of the heavens, and the serenity and beauty of a nature retreat. The Temple possessed such an environment as long as the […]

1 Corinthians 6:14-17. Union. Today’s BDBD.

Continuing his point in truth, countering a misrepresentation of grace, Apostle Paul presents the resurrected Christ and our future resurrection (14). Jesus was raised from the dead, and we will be bodily raised too. Why? We will be raised because we are united with him in body. Those who believe in Jesus has a been […]

1 Corinthians 6:11. Washed, Sanctified, Justified in Jesus, Part 2. Today’s BDBD.

Those in Corinth who put their faith in Jesus were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by the Spirit of God. (11) What did Apostle Paul mean by washed, sanctified, and justified? The original Greek word for washed is “apolouo” meaning “washed away”, not “ablution”. Ablution is a washing […]

1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Washed, Sanctified, and Justified in Jesus, Part 1. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul, tells the Corinthian believers, “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already.” (7a) Then, he defines the wicked, something he did in 5:9-11. Here, he lists sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prospitutes, homosexual offenders, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers. Paul identifies three kinds of […]

1 Corinthians 6:1-8. Settle It Within. Today’s BDBD.

The disputes Apostle Paul addresses are civil matters, not criminal. If it were criminal violations, the Roman state would be involved. (Romans 13:3-4) Also, Paul’s declaration, “Why not rather be cheated?” (7), also indicates that the disputes were civil matters involving money and property. The Romans allowed Jews (Christians were still considered a Jewish sect) […]

1 Corinthians Chapter 6 Overview. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul addresses two more problems in the Corinthian congregation in chapter 6. First, lawsuits against others in the congregation, and second, employing a prostitute. The points are rather straightforward. Yet, some good truths are also revealed within. First, if there is a dispute between two believers, they should settle it among themselves (1-8). The […]

1 Corinthians 5:9-11. Association, Part 2. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul lists Christians not to associate with. They call themselves a brother or sister in Christ Jesus, but continue to apply these six. They are sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness (substance addiction), and swindling (11). The confessed Christian knows these are sins, but does not resist committing them. The 5 Biblical sexual immorality […]

1 Corinthians 5:9-11. Association, Part 1. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is the third-earliest letter that we have today, 1 & 2 Thessalonians being earlier. In verses 9-10a, Paul has them recall an earlier letter that we do not have. That letter stated, “Do not associate with sexually immoral people.” He adds here, “…not at all meaning the people […]

1 Corinthian 5:6-8. Hold the Yeast. Today’s BDBD.

Understanding the Biblical Holy Week (aka Passover Week) helps in understanding Paul’s analogy. (Exodus 12:1-30, Leviticus 23:4-8; Deuteronomy 16:1-8; John 13:1-2, 18:27, 19:14) Preparations were needed before Passover began. According to tradition, cleaning the location of any yeast was first. “Get rid of the old yeast,” Paul repeats the Mosaic Law (7). Yeast is usually […]

1 Corinthians 5:1-5. Sinful Nature Destroyed. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul addresses another problem at the Corinthian congregation, their handling of a member who is engaging in sexual immorality of a kind that does not occur even among pagans (1). The woman involved, according to the phrase the apostle used, “father’s wife”, suggests that the woman was his step-mother. Some commentators have suggested that […]

1 Corinthians chapter 5 Overview.

Some avoid this chapter because some could be offended. I do not mean to offend. I am looking at Paul’s instructions here to understand and thus to have hope, faith, and love to continue in my life. Paul addresses sexual immorality in the congregation. Incest is specifically mentioned in 1 thru 5. He says that […]

1 Corinthians 4:18-21. Kingdom Power. Today’s BDBD

The Kingdom of God is stated nearly 300 times in the New Testament. The Old Testament consistently foreshadows the Kingdom of God. Paul states that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power (20). Jesus is the King. He is power and coming in power (Revelation 1:10, 12-18, 4;1-6, 5:6-8). […]

1 Corinthians 4:14-17. My Way of Life. Today’s BDBD.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) Here, Paul instructs the congregation in Corinth, “I urge you to imitate me… my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.” (16, 17b). Later in this letter, he will repeat, “Follow my […]

1 Corinthians 4:8-13. Rich Reign. Today’s BDBD.

Why does one have more than another? We usually compare ourselves with those who have more and desire to be like them. Who compares themself to someone who has less and more hardship and say, “I want to be like them?” Apostle Paul contrasts the Corinthian congregation with the apostles, something not hard to do. […]

1 Corinthians 4:6-7. Snake Pride. Today’s BDBD.

“I have made myself.” These four words are one of the main causes of divisions. Using one word instead of four would be “pride”. “Do not take pride in one man over against another,” Paul told the congregation at Corinth. “Over and against another” is division caused by pride. Everyone has opinions. Truth is truth. […]

1 Corinthians 4:3-5. The Appointed Judgement. Today’s BDBD.

The point is clear. A judgment is coming. All will be judged, a judgment that Apostle Paul does not exclude himself from. If the man God chose to write a large section of the New Testament is going to stand before the judgment seat of Christ Jesus, then which person who considers themselves a Christian […]

1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Entrusted. Today’s BDBD.

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them,” so begins Jesus Parable of the Talents. (Matthew 25:14-30) Actually, the main issue Paul has been addressing for three chapters, Jesus cleverly presents in one brilliant easy to grasp parable. Apostle Paul concludes his […]

1 Corinthians Chapter 4 Overview. Today’s BDBD.

The apostles lived a hard life. They were poor. They endured persecution. All but John were killed. They had no home. They were ridiculed. They did not have fine clothes. They went without food and drink. People who have often poorly judge those who have not. Wise people often poorly judge those who are not. […]

1 Corinthians 3:18-23. All Things Are Yours. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul concludes the matter, “No more boasting about men! All things are yours…” (21). When stating “all things are yours,” he is saying that God supplies many things, including people, the world, life, death, the here and now, and the future, to teach and equip his people. God gives all things for good and […]

1 Corinthians 3:16-17. God’s Temple. Today’s BDBD.

God’s temple is God tangibly being with his people. Apostle Paul, in the previous paragraph, uses an illustration of a building, such as a temple, to describe God using him to establish God’s tangible presence with a group of people in Corinth. They were God’s temple, a people with whom God interacted continually. God’s Spirit […]

1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Building Inspection. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul expands upon another of Jesus’ teachings as he explains his point that the Corinthian congregation needs to stop arguing and idolizing human teachers. Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” […]

1 Corinthians 3:5-9. Only Servants. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul pulls examples from some of Jesus’ parables concerning seeds and plants to help the Corinthians congregation understand what he is saying concerning a man’s place before the Lord Christ Jesus. Jesus taught that the word of God is like seed which a man took and planted in his field. The field had four […]

1 Corinthians 3:1-4. Live By the Spirit? Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul presents to his brothers and sisters in Christ at Corinth self-examination questions. Are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? Doesn’t your pledged loyalty to a human instead of Christ Jesus show you are mere human beings? The answer to all these is yes. They were worldly, mere humans. Paul […]

1 Corinthians 3 Overview. One Shepherd, Jesus. Today’s BDBD.

In ancient times people did not go to an institution, school, college, nor university to get an education. Rather, they went to a person and asked them if they could become a disciple. If a Jew wanted to learn about God the same was true. They went to a prominent rabbi to be trained as […]

1 Corinthians 2:10-16. The Spirit Imparts The Mind of Jesus. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul is still redressing the Corinthians Christians, who are proud of the gifts of knowledge and teaching, the gifts they were given upon receiving the Holy Spirit when they first believed. Paul introduces the topic of the office and work of the Holy Spirit in verses 10-16, which he will maintain and build upon […]

1 Corinthians 2:6-12. Analyze Your Wisdom. Today’s BDBD.

Solomon, imprinted by the Holy Spirit, was gifted with God’s wisdom as the Corinthians were gifted with knowledge and speech. However, wisdom can be flawed and misguided when based on improper morality and ethics. When one’s concept of right and wrong is not based in absolute truth, then the wisdom that comes forth, though it […]

1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The Spirit’s Power. Today’s BDBD.

The Spirit of God was promised and still is promised to be the means by which a person comes to faith in Jesus. Wisdom and elegant words were not promised and is not promised to be the means. One of the reasons believers in Jesus give for not witnessing to their faith in Jesus is […]

1 Corinthians 2 Overview. Pure White Flowers. Today’s BDBD.

Paul was highly educated for his day. Yet his human education led him to false beliefs that were reinforced by an impure spirit and mind. Knowledge is one thing, wisdom another, and the truth is absolute. Paul did not know the truth. This leads him to cruel and evil acts. He persecuted Christians. God’s wisdom […]

1 Corinthians 1:26-29. Not Much of Anything. Today’s BDBD.

Take a self-assessment is the theme of these verses. The congregation at Corinth had become conceited. God revealed truth to them, and it boosted their pride. They began thinking too much of themselves. They forgot who they were when God called them. They forgot God was the one who built them up. Not many were […]

1 Corinthians 1:22-25. Miracle Mania – Wisdom Insanity. Today’s BDBD.

A person will experience God’s miracle and then foolishly ask for a miracle as proof that God’s miracle is true because the ego loves power and the praise of men more than God. A person can hear pure wisdom and unfutable knowledge and refuse to concede to them because pride loves imperfection and insanity more […]

1 Corinthians 1:18-21. The Problem: A Wrong Idea of God. Today’s BDBD.

Ask people on the street, scroll through social media, and talk with anyone on a college campus about God, and you will find a wide range of ideas and understandings about God. The types of people and their comments about God would not be much different from the ideas people had in Paul’s time, 2,000 […]

1 Corinthians 1:13-17. Cross and Baptism. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul supports his call for unity with two basic concepts given by Jesus Christ: the cross of Christ and baptism in the name of the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11, 28:19; John 1:25-33, 14:26). The church of God in Corinth would have known both from the very beginning of […]

1 Corinthians 1:10-12. Quarrels. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul addresses the first problem amongst the believers in Jesus Christ at Corinth, divisions and quarrels. I believe the meaning of divisions here is “the condition of being divided in opinion, which leads to separate meetings and isolation of groups and individuals.” All suffer with divisions and quarrels, especially the weak and vulnerable. But […]

1 Corinthians 4:7-9. God is Faithful. Today’s BDBD.

The Holy Spirit, through Paul, made it clear in prior verses that each member of the young congregation was sanctified and called to be holy because of their faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit did so by giving them gifts to be used for the benefit of others. Collectively, they did not lack any […]

1 Corinthians 1:4-7. Gospel Effect Abuse. Today’s BDBD.

The Apostle Paul had visited the city of Corinth around two years earlier, sharing his testimony about Christ. The congregation listened and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace in the form of spiritual gifts confirmed that the good news was received. They were enriched in every way -especially with the gifts of speaking […]

1 Corinthians 1:3. The Father and Jesus Christ. Today’s BDBD.

Greeks’ traditional religion did not see its gods as their fathers. When a Greek became a Christian, they accepted that the One and Only Supreme God was their Father. The pronoun “from” which is applied to “God our Father” is also implied to be with “the Lord Jesus Christ”, so that it would also read, […]

1 Corinthians 1:2. To the Church of God. Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul is writing to “the church of God.” The Greek word for church can be better translated as “congregation” due to the many modern-day uses of the English word “church”. The meaning behind the Greek word for “church” implies that God called people to come to His community of believers from among the people […]

1 Corinthians 1:1. Called to Be… Today’s BDBD.

Apostle Paul’s defined himself with, “called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”. Apostle means sent on a mission with full authority of representation; an ambassador. Jesus chose twelve to be his apostles during his earthly ministry. (Mark 3:13-19) When Judas betrayed Jesus another was chosen to take his place. […]