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 Timothy

Who Wrote the Book of 2 Timothy?

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

Who was the Book of 2 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 2 Timothy take place in the city of Ephesus. 2 Timothy was likely composed between 64 and 66 C.E., about one year after Paul wrote 1 Timothy. This epistle contains Paul's stirring words of encouragement and instructions to Timothy, his "beloved son." Longing to see him (2Ti 1:4), Paul writes this letter to have Timothy come quickly to Rome and bring along Mark, a cloak left at Troas, and some books and parchments (2Ti 4:9-13). He uses the occasion, however, to write concerning those things that are most heavy on his heart related to Timothy's work.

Literary Styles

The Book of 2 Timothy is a letter written in prose discourse to a young pastor in Ephesus.

Key Themes

• Jesus’ grace as a source of power
• Faithfulness to Jesus
• The comfort of Jesus amidst suffering

Structure

2 Timothy can be divided into three parts. Chapters 1-2a encourage Timothy to accept leadership. Chapters 2b-4a challenge Timothy to confront corrupt teachers. Chapter 4b is Paul’s personal plea for Timothy to visit him in prison.

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Some Context on Titus

Who Wrote the Book of Titus?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to Titus.

Who was the Book of Titus written for?

This letter was written to a man named Titus, who, like Timothy, was considered a son by Paul in the faith. There is no mention of Titus by name in the Book of Acts, but we can glean much about him from the epistles of Paul. He was a Gentile by birth (Ga 2:3) and accompanied Paul to Jerusalem during the controversy over circumcision (Ac 15:1-2; Ga 2:1-5) before eventually becoming Paul’s official emissary to the church in Corinth.

Context

The events described in Titus take place on the island of Crete. Titus was likely composed between 64 and 68 C.E. Like his first epistle to Timothy, this letter is written to a young preacher assigned a difficult task. Evidently, the churches on the island of Crete were in need of maturation, and this letter is designed to assist Titus in that work.

Literary Styles

The Book of Titus is a letter written in prose discourse to a pastor named Titus.

Key Themes

1. Jesus as eternal hope
2. The power of the Gospel in public life
3. The upside-down value of generosity

Structure

Titus can be divided into three parts. Chapter 1 instructs Titus with his responsibilities in the church. Chapter 2 focuses on guidance in public life for followers of Jesus. Chapter 3 is a reminder that Jesus provided a way for new creation.