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 Peter

Who Wrote the Book of 2 Peter?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Peter wrote 2 Peter. This is the second of two letters Peter wrote to multiple church communities in Asia Minor.

Who was the Book of 2 Peter written for?

This letter is written to the same audience as 1 Peter - namely, Jewish Christians and Gentiles who have converted.

Context

The events described in 2 Peter take place in the Roman province of Asia-minor. 2 Peter was likely composed between 64 and 67 C.E. Knowing his death is imminent (2Pe 1:13-14), Peter wanted to ensure that his readers remain established in the truth (2Pe 1:12), and be mindful of both the words spoken before by the prophets and the commandments given by the apostles, especially in regards to the promise of the Lord's return (2Pe 3:1-4).

Literary Styles

The Book of 2 Peter is a letter written in prose discourse.

Key Themes

1. Humans receiving faith as a gift and adding to it
2. God’s faithfulness to deliver his people
3. Jesus as the exalted king of the universe

Structure

2 Peter can be divided into three parts. Chapter 1 begins by encouraging Jesus’ followers to never stop maturing in their faith. Chapter 2 challenges the corrupt teachers’ lifestyles. Chapter 3 is a reminder of God’s justice and righteousness.

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Some Context on 1-3 John

Who Wrote the Books of 1-3 John?

Christian tradition holds that an anonymous author wrote 1 John, but 2 and 3 John were written by someone called “the Elder.”

Who was the Book of 1-3 John written for?

These letters appear to have all been written to Christians throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

Context

The events described in 1-3 John take place in the city of Ephesus. 1-3 John were likely composed between 64 and 66 C.E. The author writes these letters as a way of instruction but also appears to speak directly to Gnosticism's rise in popularity and warn against its dangers.

Literary Styles

The books of 1-3 John are letters written in prose discourse.

Key Themes

1. God’s light and love
2. Righteousness by loving our neighbors
3. Jesus as truth

Structure

1 John challenges followers of Jesus to stay true to what they already believe. 2 John is a warning to a specific house church. And 3 John is written to Gaius, one member of a house church.