January 2, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 7
1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 7 of the Second Corinthians letter reveals the deep emotional and spiritual connections between Paul and the Corinthian church. It addresses the path of repentance that leads to sanctification and renewal. Paul emphasizes the power of divine sorrow, which leads to repentance and ultimately to joy. His words reflect both pastoral care and the hope for mutual growth in grace.
Commentary
Purification and Sanctification (Verse 1)
Paul begins the chapter with a call to sanctification. He urges the believers to cleanse themselves from every defilement of the flesh and spirit to advance in the fear of God. This exhortation serves as a reminder that God’s promises come with not only encouragement but also responsibility. Sanctification is an active process that encompasses our entire being.
Paul’s Sincerity (Verses 2-4)
Paul emphasizes that he has never hurt or exploited the Corinthians. This statement underscores his pure motivation and deep love for the church. His joy and comfort amidst trials demonstrate how closely he is connected to the congregation.
The Power of Divine Sorrow (Verses 5-10)
A central theme of the chapter is the distinction between divine and worldly sorrow. Divine sorrow leads to repentance and thus to salvation, while worldly sorrow leads to death. This passage emphasizes that true repentance is a divine grace that purifies character and leads to a renewed life.
The Testimony of the Church (Verses 11-13)
The Corinthians’ response to Paul’s letter of admonition shows that they have embraced divine sorrow. Their zeal, responsibility, and purity in the matter attest to their seriousness and dedication to God. Paul is pleased that the relationship between him and the church has been restored.
Joy Over Titus’ Report (Verses 14-16)
Paul is exceedingly grateful for Titus’ report about the Corinthians. Their obedience and warm reception of Titus demonstrate their willingness to grow in faith. This mutual encouragement strengthens Paul and affirms his hope in the good within the church.
Summary
The chapter illustrates how divine sorrow and the resulting repentance can lead to profound renewal. It underscores the importance of sanctification, sincerity in relationships, and mutual comfort within the church. Paul’s words testify to the transformative power of the Gospel, which can change not only individual hearts but also communities.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 83—The Walk to Emmaus
This chapter is based on Luke 24:13-33.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “The Walk to Emmaus” depicts one of the most deeply moving events following the resurrection of Jesus, as described in Luke 24:13-33. Two disciples encounter the risen Christ on their way to Emmaus but do not recognize him immediately. This event illustrates the importance of scripture, the necessity of faith, and the transformative power of the knowledge of Jesus.
Commentary
The disciples are wandering in deep disappointment and despair, unable to comprehend the significance of the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of his resurrection. Their lack of understanding and faith reflects the human need to recognize God’s plan in difficult times. Jesus approaches them unrecognized, listens to their sorrow, and begins to explain the Old Testament scriptures. This teaching conversation shows that Christ is present throughout the entire Bible and that his mission is confirmed by the prophetic predictions of the Old Testament.
The way Jesus addresses the disciples is both gentle and instructive: he lovingly rebukes them for their unbelief and opens their eyes through the scriptures. Only when the breaking of the bread occurs do they recognize him and understand the depth of his presence and mission. This encounter makes it clear that faith and understanding of scripture are the foundation for a fulfilled life in Christ. It was not a miracle, but the scriptures and fellowship that ignited their hearts.
The chapter also emphasizes the joy and urgency of conveying the message of the resurrection. The disciples leave everything behind to return to Jerusalem and proclaim the Gospel. Their encounter with Christ transforms their sorrow into hope and their doubt into certainty.
Summary
The Walk to Emmaus is a message of hope, insight, and transformation. The story shows how Jesus explains his mission through scripture, transforms doubt and grief into faith and joy, and makes the disciples witnesses of his resurrection. This event reminds us that Christ is always near, even when we do not recognize him immediately, and that through understanding the scriptures, our hearts can be ignited for the truth and joy of the Gospel. It encourages us to share this truth with zeal and courage.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 84—“Peace Be Unto You”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:33-48; John 20:19-29.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “Peace be with you!” describes the events following the resurrection of Jesus, where He appears to the disciples, strengthens their faith, and brings them peace. It is based on the accounts in Luke 24:33-48 and John 20:19-29. These encounters reveal the deep mercy and patience of Jesus towards His disciples, who, despite His repeated teachings, struggled to comprehend His resurrection.
Commentary
The appearances of Jesus after His resurrection are marked by a message of peace, forgiveness, and new life. Jesus unexpectedly enters the midst of the disciples and greets them with the words “Peace be with you!” This greeting reflects the core message of the Gospel: reconciliation with God and inner peace despite external uncertainty. By showing them His pierced hands and feet, He strengthens their faith by answering doubt with the reality of His resurrection.
A key message of this chapter is that Jesus approaches the doubters with love and patience, as in the case of Thomas. Thomas, who reacts skeptically to the reports of the others, receives exactly the evidence he demands from Jesus. However, Jesus gently admonishes that greater blessings await those who believe without seeing. This is an invitation to trust, even when not all questions are answered.
Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus breathes into the disciples to prepare them for their mission. Without the Spirit of God, they are unable to preach the forgiveness of sins and spread the Gospel to the world. The gift of the Holy Spirit is essential to continue Christ’s work.
Summary
The chapter “Peace be with you!” demonstrates Jesus’ loving manner in renewing the faith of His disciples, dispelling their doubts, and preparing them for their mission. His words and actions after the resurrection call for finding peace and faith, even when external evidence is lacking. The disciples were equipped with the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and sent out to share this message with the world. This chapter reminds us that Jesus meets every doubt with patience and love and that the Holy Spirit is the key to serving in His name.
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