Talk of JESUS . com

Tag: Luke

Christ – Light to the People and Ethnos
A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,

And for the glory of Your people Israel.”

Gospel of Luke 2:32 LSB

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2 BSB

Paul Convicted by the Light of Christ
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I had thought to skip past this story of Paul's too-familiar retelling of the Apostle's conversion by Christ (since Luke has already repeated it with frequency in Acts). 

But just as Paul now witnesses with intensensity to a new audience, so shall I point to the Light of Christ JESUS that changed his life. 
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Who are you, Lord?

ănî yᵊhôšûaʿ

egō eimi iēsous

Acts of the Apostles 26:

Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance.

Acts of the Apostles 26:19-20 RSV

The Apostle witnesses the Gospel in his own defence before Agrippa the King and his Herodian sister, as well as the Roman Governor Porcius Festus for a second time.

šā’ûl apangellō [kept declaring]

the heavenly vision,
- to those at Damascus,
- then at Jerusalem
- and throughout Judea,
- and also to the Gentiles
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

To this day I have had the help that comes from God,

and so I stand here testifying both to small and great,

saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:

Acts 26:22 RSV
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Paul then quotes Scripture - the Old Testment Scriptures
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that the Christ must suffer

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Zechariah 12:10 KJV

the first to rise from the dead,

my flesh also shall rest in hope.

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;

neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Psalm 16:9b-10 KJV

Light to the People (of God – the Jews)

The Greeks have no Messiah — nor the Romans — nor did the Persians, the Babylonians or the Egyptians.

ONLY the JEWS. — Only the Jews are the PEOPLE of YHWH — the chosen PEOPLE of God.

When Paul points to the ‘people,’ the Apostle means the Jewish people, like Agrippa, Bernice and many other Herodian guests and officials hearing his argument.
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The Christian Standard Version makes this point clearly:
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“that the Messiah [christos] would suffer, and that, as the first to rise from the dead,

he would proclaim light to our people

and to the Gentiles [ethnos].”

Acts 26:23

JESUS is the MESSIAH or Christ of the JEWS!

Yet the Apostle to the ethnos, Saul (from the Hebrew) or Paul makes clear what the risen CHRIST has done ALSO for the gentiles.

and to the Gentiles.”

To THIS the Gentile Governor reacts!
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Now remember that in addition to what the Governor knows from his predecessor Felix, Festus had already heard Paul's witness at length. 
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Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice,

“Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

“I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.
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Now Paul's appeal is to Herod Agrippa, Bernice and the Jews in his hearing.
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For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things;

for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.

Acts 24:26

The Jewish King responds

The Apostle defending the appearance of the risen Messiah of the Jews most certainly turns his own focus to the Herodian king claiming leadership of God’s chosen people.

“King Agrippa,

do you believe the prophets?

I know that you do believe.”
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Again, certainly Paul turns to Herod Agrippa II while the entire room also looks to the Jewish king for his answer. 
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The NIV perhaps catches the tone of Agrippa's meaning more clearly than the NKJV
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Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

Acts 26:28 NIV

Herod Agrippa is on the spot. Some of the Jews hearing Paul may be convinced that Jesus appeared to the Apostle. But most of Agrippa’s subjects will not have ears to hear even the Prophets.

The Light of Christ

Why has Luke recorded this third trial of Paul in Caesarea reiterating the Apostle’s same witness of the risen Christ Jesus?

This is Paul’s last appeal to the Jews.

The Apostle witnesses not only his own conversion and the evidence of the risen Messiah Jesus, but supports his new Gospel with the evidence of Scripture.

and God divided the light from the darkness.

the Prophesy of Isaiah [NKJV]
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Prophet to Judah 740-681 BC   
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Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

Isaiah 5:20a

The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.

Isaiah 9:2

“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness,
And will hold Your hand;
I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the Gentiles,

Isaiah 42:6

Indeed He says,
‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant

To raise up the tribes of Jacob,
And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;

I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,

That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Isaiah 49:6

A light shines in the darkness

And Paul said,
“I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
Acts of the Apostles 26:29 NKJV

Agrippa’s hearing of Paul adjourned.

When he had said these things, the king stood up,

as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them;

and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves saying,

“This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”

Then Agrippa said to Festus,

“This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
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Luke records: 
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And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.

Acts of the Apostles 27:1
July 29, 2025
šā’ûl servant of the living Yeshua
Saul’s defense of himself and the Gospel

ἀπολογέομαι – apologeomai

To the Greeks the Apostle to the gentiles is Παῦλος – Paulos or Paul. And to Romans encountering this fellow Roman citizen from Tarsus certainly fluent in the Latin of their heritage, the Apostle would be called Paulus.

But to the Aramaic Jews of Jerusalem and Judea this illusive convert to Jesus of Nazareth is well-known as Sha’ul, the same name as Saul, Israel’s first king.

It is now about A.D. 59 or 60. Some thirty years ago JESUS had fore-warned the Twelve:

“Now when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say..

Gospel of Luke 12:11 LSB

Two years later the Jews had stoned Stephen to death for proclaiming the risen Christ Jesus. Saul had been a young witness to this unjust execution and a leading authority in bringing many followers of The Way to justice for five years – that is, until the Lord met him on a road to Damascus.

Saul disappears for a time and then makes his own defense to Peter and those in Jerusalem.

And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews, but they were attempting to put him to death.

Acts 9:29 LSB
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All this prior to the Apostle being sent out to all the world of the gentiles on three missionary journeys for ten years. 
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So now back in Jerusalem by intention, the Apostle has already been detained by the Jews and held by the Romans.

Most Excellent Felix – Tertullus for the Prosecution

And when the governor [Felix] had nodded for him to speak, Paul answered:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make G626 [apologeomai] my defense G626

Acts of the Apostles 24

Two more years and another administration – Porcius Festus

“.. while Paul said G626 in G626 his own defense G626 [to Festus {who is also present here}], “I have committed no sin either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”

Acts of the Apostles 25

Saul’s third apologeomai before Herod Agrippa

Agrippa said to Sha’ul,
“You may speak for yourself.”

Then Sha’ul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
Acts of the Apostles 26:1 Hebrew Names Bible

Saul addressing King Herod Agrippa –

Jew to fellow Jew
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continuing in his complimentary introduction: 
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Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Acts 26:3 KJV
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Remember, Paul is speaking of events beginning some twenty years ago. 
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My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Acts 26:4-7 KJV
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Paul addresses the "Jewish" king caught in the middle of controversaries between the Saduccees, Pharasees and pagan Romans not part of the promise of the One God to Abraham. 
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Testimony of the Resurrection

The Apostle now confronts Herod Agrippa with the politically divisive question concerning the Messiah Jesus.

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Acts of the Apostles 26:8 KJV

“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Acts 26:9-11 NKJV

What’s Paul doing here?

The Apostle is confessing that as a leading Pharisee he was one of them – agreed with them – as zealous to put to death these blasphemers of Yahweh as now they seek to have Paul killed for his witness of the risen Messiah Yeshua.

Herod Agrippa knows the Jesus controversy well. And Paul’s defense now presents evidence of why he has turned from his former disbelief (in the resurrection of the Messiah Jesus of Nazareth). So šā’ûl of Tarsus recounts his journey to Damascus and life-changing encounter with the risen Lord Jesus, the crucified Messiah.

Saul sent out as the Apostle Paul
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Luke has previously recorded Paul's account (Acts 9:1–19; 22:6–16).
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- I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
- At midday I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun,
- We all fell to the ground
- I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew dialect:
‘Sha’ul, Sha’ul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

Acts 26:14b Hebrew Names Version

Herod Agrippa would understand the significance of the Voice from heaven Who communicates with Paul in Hebrew. Sha’ul asks what any man might ask of an unknown person speaking:

Τίς εἶ κύριε

(tis ei Kyrios) Who are you, Lord?

And He said (in the Greek of Luke’s account of Acts of the Apostles)

egō eimi iēsous
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Or in the Hebrew šā'ûl likely heard from the Lord: 
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ănî yᵊhôšûaʿ

“He said,

‘I am Yeshua, whom you are persecuting.

Acts 26:15 b Hebrew Names Version

Yeshua, the risen Son of God, commissions Paul
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As Paul knows, Herod Agrippa II, with his Roman and Jewish cultural upbringing, will full-well know and understand the implication of what he is about to say. (And note that this Voice from heaven commands Saul as a King (like Herod Agrippa) would command any subject. 
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And He said,

‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

But rise and stand on your feet;

for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.

Acts 26:14-15 NKJV
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Remember, Paul has already been witnessing Christ crucified and risen on three missionary journeys since about AD 47 (more than ten years after Christ's crucifixion in Jerusaalem) until now (~AD 59) for some twelve years.
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‘I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Acts 26:17-18 NKJV – account to Agrippa of the commissioning of Paul by the risen Christ Jesus

It is significant that in sending Saul to the Gentiles that the Lord mentions their redemption – Gospel Good News!

The Lord Jesus also points to our deliverance from original sin and Satan.

And do not overlook His mention of holiness and how Jew and Gentile will now receive sanctification.

Sanctification
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Just a reminder of God's HOLINESS and that of CHRIST JESUS
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ἁγιάζω – hagiazō –
- to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow
- to separate from profane things and dedicate to God
  - consecrate things to God
  - dedicate people to God
- to purify
From hagos G40 (an awful thing) – sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), saint.

Source: Lexicon :: Strong’s G37 – hagiazō – BlueLetterBible.org

21st century Common Era christians tend to overlook Jesus’ role in sanctification of the redeemed saints of Christ, therefore missing the mark of showing ourselves saved from the sin so common in all of us.

Roger@TalkofJesus.com

OPEN YOUR EYES – SEE the implication of what the Lord says to Saul of Tarsus that changed him for all eternity:

to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God,

that they may receive forgiveness of sins

and a place among

those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Acts 26:18 RSV

Are YOU, like Saul, a SAINT — a most HOLY thing —

by FAITH in the LORD CHRIST JESUS?

Paul asks the Lord’s question of Agrippa and of Portus Festus.

The Apostle asks JESUS’ question of you who seek forgiveness of your sins somewhere else than by faith in the Person of Him – the risen Christ Jesus.

Next: Agrippa and Festus reject Christ

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
July 24, 2025
First Corinthians Synopsis- Do everything in love
Love — exceeds wisdom, but does not exclude it.

Would you say that this pretty much sums up Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church?

You desire wisdom (and some of you have it), but seek the love of God available to us through our Lord Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16:
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I recommend that you read 1 Cor 16 here [in the link above], since I will not detail much of this closing chapter (into which of course Paul's letters were not divided) in this brief synopsis. 
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Paul closes his epistle to the Corinthian saints first by asking for their charity to help the struggling and persecuted church in Jerusalem. (Their regimen should be like what the Apostle set in place for the Galatian churches.

Part of the collection of gifts and delivery of other epistles (letters) always depends upon who may be available at the time.

Paul is not in person, which is why he writes, and neither is Apollos.

The Apostle closes his letter with several detailed instructions, explanations of where and why they travel with the Gospel, and specific mention of several individuals (to whom we will get after looking back at Paul’s entire epistle to the Corinthians).

Basically, this is his personal closing like any of us would end a personal letter to loved ones.

Corrective Behavior – Guided by Love

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love [agapē] — but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 Christian Standard Bible
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We addressed this central theme of agape love in 1 Corinthians 13. 
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To have and to hold Christian Love

John MacArthur introduces Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:

Although the major thrust of this epistle is corrective of behavior rather than of doctrine, Paul gives seminal teaching on many doctrines that directly relate to the matters of sin and righteousness.

In one way or another, wrong living always stems from wrong belief.

John MacArthur :: Bible Introductions – 1 Corinthians

Another introduction to Paul’s first epistle put’s it this way:

Summary: 1 Corinthians addresses issues within the Corinthian church, emphasizing unity, moral integrity, and spiritual gifts.

Paul advises on matters like divisions, immorality, and worship practices, highlighting love as the greatest virtue.

He confirms the resurrection of Christ and its implications for believers.

1 Corinthians Overview – Theme: Christian Living
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We might note Paul's caution in the verses preceding our opening verse here. 

Many of you know this and understand that it has little to do with age and more to application of Christ's love in your mortal life. 
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When I was a child,

I spoke like a child,

I thought like a child,

I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man, I put aside childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:11 CSB

The Apostle’s entire letter to worshipping saints of the church in Corinth sought to correct childish morals with the firm and gentle love of God.

megas agapē – the Greatest Love

In addition to Paul, advice on LOVE also proceeds from the words of Jesus.

“Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.

Gospel of Matthew 24:12 CSB

Christ is prophesying signs of the end of the age.

Let the Common Era reader understand.

Like the Apostles Paul, John and others, Jesus also addresses His followers (any disciples) as “little children.”

“Little children, I am with you a little while longer…

.. you are also to love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Gospel of John 13:33a,34c-35 CSB

Paul’s great dilemma in ‘fathering’ the Corinthians was to correct some of these disobedient children in the faith with the love Christ commands for each of us who claim Jesus as Lord.

The Wisdom of Mature Love in Christ

What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

1 Corinthians 4:21 CSB

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up...

But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.

1 Corinthians 8:1,3 CSB

Speaking of human wisdom, Paul compares it by saying that ‘knowledge makes arrogant’ [KJV] gnōsis physioō;

while agapē Love edifies [KJV].

Idols – Stumbling in Christian Liberty – 1 Corinthians 8
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Grow-up from the wisdom of an arrogant child, beloved believer, into the love and faith in Christ Jesus who loved us so much as to have died for us. 
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And we all know and many can quote some translation of Paul’s famous ‘love chapter’ 13 highlighted above.

If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal…

13-1 CSB
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How many clanging christians in our Common Evangelicalism claim Jesus without love? 
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Love – ἀγάπη -agapē

suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up…

13:4 NKJV

Synopsis of 1 Corinthians

The opening and closing of Paul’s epistle both appeal to the individual love [agapē] of the Corinthians the Apostle knew and loved so well.

He contrasted the morals and behaviors of those who challenged their faith in Christ Jesus to the childish ways of the wisdom of the world worshipping SELF — even with the crowds in Corinth’s temples of worship of myths and wisdom of the logic of mythological man-created gods and goddesses.

Wisdom of the Cross *a few points
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* from ROAD MAPS for the PAULINE EPISTLES - Kress Biblical Resources
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- The church must deal with unrepentant sin. (5)
- The church must deal with disputes among its members. (6)
- Stay focuses on serving Christ whether married or single. (7)
- The right practice and purpose of the Lord’s Supper (11)
- Spiritual gifts should unify and build up the church (12)
- Spiritual gifts should prioritize the proclamation of the truth to others in an orderly manner — not pacification of self. (14)
Our Imperishable Resurrection Body Raised in Glory and Power
- The RESURRECTION is certain
- The RESURRECTION is supernatural
- The RESURRECTION is our sure hope and motivation
HOW IS YOUR CHURCH DOING WITH THESE?

Paul loved the Corinthian saints as Christ has loved us.

The Apostle closes his epistle with these important points:
- Plans and communication are important for and effective gospel ministry.
- Personal relationships and communication are important for and effective gospel ministry.
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In closing, let's look at what the Apostle writes to the leaders and saints of Corinth — and to the pastors and Sunday sheep of our Common Era christian flocks. 

After all, when you write to someone you love, don't you want to leave them with a final thought about you and what you write to them? 
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Final Exhortation

16:13

γρηγορέω – Be alert

“Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.[in which the Son of Man is coming.]

Gospel of Matthew 25:13

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, [NASB]

στήκω – stand firm in πίστις – the faith

Then he said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith? ”

And they were terrified[filled with awe] and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him! ”

Gospel of Mark 4:40-41 CSB

ἀνδρίζομαι – act like a man [be courageous]

andrizomai – Middle voice from ἀνήρ (G435) – man, husband, sir, fellow (not a boy or woman)

κραταιόω – be strong.

The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him.

Gospel of Luke 2:40 CSB

6:14

Let all that you do be done in love.
1 CORINTHIANS 16:14 ESV – Paul’s closing appeal to the CHURCH

Paul’s talking AGAPE here.

Other translations read:
- Let all your things be done with charity. – KJV
- And do everything with love. – NLT
- All that you do must be done in love. – NASB20
One FINAL WARNING

Whoever does not love our Lord Yeshua The Messiah,

let him be damned. our Lord has come.

1 Corinthians 16:22 – Aramaic Bible in Plain English

Quite a CONVICTING affirmation!

Other translations use simply Lord, or ‘the Lord Jesus Christ’ but the Person of their intent is the same Lord and God NONE dare oppose!

1 Corinthians 16:22 Translations
- let him be Anathema
  - accursed
- that person is cursed
- let that person be cursed!
  - tis & eimi (here) are not specific to males
- a curse be on him.
- Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed.
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Don't get to hung up on the specific words — or English parts of speech. 
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The seriousness of the Apostle’s line-in-the-sand for Christians cannot be missed.

The term “curse” translates from the Greek “anathema,” meaning something devoted to destruction.

In the Jewish context, it referred to things set apart for God, often through destruction, as seen in Joshua 6:17 with the fall of Jericho.

Paul uses strong language to stress the seriousness of rejecting Christ,

aligning with Galatians 1:8-9, where he condemns any gospel contrary to the one he preached. This reflects the early church’s struggle against false teachings and the necessity of maintaining doctrinal purity.

Biblehub.com Study Bible – 1 Corinthians 16:22

a FINAL word

Unfamiliar to MOST Common Era christians, Paul uses the words: μαράνα θά — marana tha – [English: “Maranatha“]

Most English translations substitute its meaning — an invitation worthy of our most serious consideration.

Of Aramaic origin (meaning our Lord has come).

The Apostle concludes his epistle to the Corinthian church:

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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And thus do I conclude our study of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, joining the Apostle in His love for all of you. 
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Talk of JESUS . com

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
May 31, 2025