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 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 that 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

• Unity of God’s covenant people
• Jesus as fulfillment of the law
• 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.

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Some Context on Ephesians

Who Wrote the Book of Ephesians?

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

Who was the Book of Ephesians written for?

This letter seems to be intended not just for the churches in Ephesus but all the churches in the surrounding region. The letter lacks any specific exhortations or personal greetings. However, without question, it is intended for "the saints...and faithful in Christ Jesus." (Eph 1:1)

Context

The events described in Ephesians take place in the city of Ephesus. Ephesians was likely composed while Paul was in custody in Rome between 60 and 64 C.E. Unlike other epistles written to specific churches, this epistle does not deal with specific problems in a local congregation. Instead, Paul addressed great themes that pertain to the Christian's position in Christ as a member of the body of Christ, the church.

Literary Styles

The book of Ephesians is a letter written in prose discourse to the churches in Ephesus.

Key Themes

1. The generous gift of God
2. How to walk in a way worthy of God’s gift
3. Standing firm in the face of spiritual evil

Structure

Ephesians can be divided into two parts. Chapters 1-3 introduce God’s lavish grace and divine purpose for the new humanity. Chapters 4-6 exhort readers to live according to God’s gift and offer a challenge for unity in the new humanity.