Abide | 6 Months in the New Testament - Daily Readings From the Bible Sample

Prayer

You’ll take a few minutes to read through today’s passages in just a moment. Before you do, start with a simple prayer like this:

“God, I invite you into this moment and ask that you open my heart to Your Word. Help me to know you deeply through it, and let your truth transform my heart, mind, and soul today.”

Once you finish your reading, take a few moments to walk through P.R.A.Y.

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P - PAUSE to be still. Meditate on what you’ve just read, allowing it to sink in.

R - REFLECT on Scripture. What was God saying to you today through His Word? Speak aloud a verse to remember, and maybe even write it down.

A - ASK for God’s help. The challenge is to be with Jesus and become more like Him. How does today’s Word challenge you to do that?

Y - YIELD to His will in your life. God lovingly invites you into His beautiful plan for you, His church, and the world. Take up His invitation to live differently; understanding His plan is beyond anything we could ask or imagine.

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Some Context on 2 Corinthians

Who Wrote the Book of 2 Corinthians?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of 2 Corinthians. This is the second of two known letters Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

Who was the Book of 2 Corinthians written for?

Like 1 Corinthians, the second epistle was written to the church that resided in Corinth of Achaia.

Context

The events described in 2 Corinthians take place in the city of Corinth. 2 Corinthians was likely composed between 53 and 58 C.E., about one year after Paul’s first letter to Corinth. This second letter of Paul to the Corinthian church was occasioned by the report brought back by Titus, who informed Paul of their reception of the first letter and how they received the rebuke that letter contained (2Cr 2:12-13; 7:5-9). Titus's report was encouraging, but evidently, it also brought troubling news that some at Corinth were questioning Paul's authority as an apostle.

Literary Styles

The book of 2 Corinthians is a letter written in prose discourse to the churches in Corinth.

Key Themes

• Reconciliation through Jesus
• God’s generosity
• The upside-down way of the cross

Structure

2 Corinthians can be divided into three parts. Chapters 1-7 finalize his reconciliation with the Corinthian church. Chapters 8-9 address generosity in the community. Chapters 10-13 challenge those who reject Paul.

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Some Context on Galatians

Who Wrote the Book of Galatians?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Galatians.

Who was the Book of Galatians written for?

Galatians is written to the churches Paul and Barnabas established in the Roman province of Galatia (Ac 13:14-14:23).

Context

The events described in Galatians take place in the Roman province called Galatia. This letter was likely composed between 47 and 50 C.E. Shortly after the church began, ​​some Jewish Christians came in and began teaching that Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses (similar to what happened at Antioch of Syria, cf. Ac 15:1). In an effort to persuade the Galatians, it appears the tactic was to discredit Paul as an apostle, challenge his concept of the gospel of Christ, and charge his doctrine with leading to loose living. This letter is written as a defense of Paul’s apostleship and a rebuttal of the false Gospel that was being taught.

Literary Styles

The book of Galatians is a letter written in prose discourse to the churches in Galatia.

Key Themes

1. Unity of God’s covenant people
2. Jesus as fulfillment of the law
3. New creation through the power of the Spirit

Structure

Galatians can be divided into three parts. Chapters 1-2 begin with God’s family through Jesus. Chapters 3-4 address God’s family as diverse and united in the Spirit. Chapters 5-6 are a reminder of the new creation and the power of the Spirit.