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 Thessalonians

Who Wrote the Book of 2 Thessalonians?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Paul wrote the Book of 2 Thessalonians. This is the second of two letters that Paul wrote to the Thessalonian people.

Who was the Book of 2 Thessalonians written for?

This letter is written to the church at Thessalonica, which Paul helped establish in Acts 17.

Context

The events described in 2 Thessalonians take place in the city of Thessaloniki (or Thessalonica). 2 Thessalonians was likely composed during Paul’s second missionary journey between 48 and 52 C.E., about one year after he wrote 1 Thessalonians. From the second letter, it appears that they remained strong in the Lord despite persecution (cf. 2Th 1:3-4). But it is apparent from this letter that misunderstanding about the Lord's coming was present in the church. Some of the members were being troubled by false reports (cf. 2Th 2:1-2); others had stopped working, perhaps assuming that the Lord's imminent return meant one did not need to work anymore (cf. 2Th 3:11-12).

Literary Styles

The Book of 2 Thessalonians is a letter to the churches in Thessaloniki.

Key Themes

1. Patient endurance in suffering
2. Hope for the Day of the Lord
3. Imitation of Jesus’ self-giving love

Structure

2 Thessalonians can be divided into three parts. Chapter 1 offers hope in the midst of continued persecution. Chapter 2 clarifies the coming Day of the Lord. Chapter 3 places a challenge before people who have been refusing to work.

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Some Context on 1 Timothy

Who Wrote the Book of 1 Timothy?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Paul wrote the Book of 1 Timothy. This is the first of two letters Paul wrote to a young pastor named Timothy.

Who was the Book of 1 Timothy written for?

This letter was written directly to Timothy, Paul's "true son in the faith." This young disciple traveled with Paul, is mentioned in multiple letters, and stayed with multiple congregations to lead after Paul had planted them and moved on.

Context

The events described in 1 Timothy take place in the city of Ephesus. Paul likely composed 1 Timothy between 62 and 64 C.E. Paul had left Timothy behind at Ephesus with an awesome responsibility: to charge some not to teach anything contrary to the "sound doctrine," which was according to the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" (1Ti 1:3-11). Fulfilling this charge was made difficult by Timothy's youth and natural timidity (1Ti 4:11-12; cf. 2 Ti 1:7-8). While Paul hoped to come himself, he wrote Timothy to guide him in the meantime (1 Ti 3:14-15).

Literary Styles

The Book of 1 Timothy is a letter written in prose discourse to a young pastor in Ephesus named Timothy.

Key Themes

1. Love and genuine faith in the Church
2. Equality and responsibility for the marginalized in the community
3. Hope in Jesus as King of the world in spite of suffering

Structure

1 Timothy can be divided into four parts. Chapter 1 begins with the purpose of the Torah. Chapters 2-3 address problems caused by corrupt teachers. Chapters 4-6a continue addressing false teachings. Chapter 6b is a call to be rich in generosity.