2 Peter 3:1-18 International Bible Lessons Commentary

Posted on May 12, 2013 by LG Parkhurst

2 Peter 3:1-18

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, May 26, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, May 26, 2013, is from 2 Peter 3:1-18 (I have added verses 1 & 2 to the official lesson). Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse International Bible Lessons Commentary (formerly, Bible Lesson Forum) below. Study Hints for Thinking Further discuss the five questions below to help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion; these hints are available on the International Bible Lessons Commentary website. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper. See also the Contents and Schedule for 2013.

See also the International Bible Lessons, Why Does Jesus Delay His Coming? on 2 Peter 3:13 – “But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home,” and the new International Bible Lesson to be published on Saturday, May 25, 2013, How to Receive Loving Power on 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

International Bible Lesson Commentary

2 Peter 3:1-18

(2 Peter 3:1) This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you

Peter wrote 1 Peter to the Christians in the area of what is now modern Turkey. Though this letter does not address these same Christians directly, we can suppose that the same Christians were meant. However, his letter to these churches is a letter to all churches. Just as Peter wanted to remind them of important truths by repeating them, so we need to keep reminding ourselves of important truths as we learn new truths by our continued study of the Bible.

(2 Peter 3:2) that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles.

Peter insisted on three sources of divine truth. First, the holy prophets are the writers of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament. Moses, David, and others were among the writing prophets; such as Isaiah and Jeremiah. Second, Peter expected his readers to obey the commandments or moral law of love, and trust in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, because Jesus is Lord and Savior. The commandment of the Lord is to love God and others, and we must bow before Jesus and obey Him as our loving Lord and Savior. The words the apostles spoke and wrote comprise much of our New Testament, and this is a third source of divine truth.

(2 Peter 3:3) First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts

The last days had a beginning, which included what Jesus accomplished for the salvation of His followers. The last days are the years between Jesus’ first coming and His second coming. What Peter described will intensify and be seen as more obvious to believers than to unbelievers (who may become scoffers). Scoffers will include those who live in open rebellion against God, Jesus, His followers, and their warnings. Opposed to God, scoffers will do whatever they want for their personal pleasure and ambition.

(2 Peter 3:4) and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!”

These scoffers reject the operations and presence of God in past space and time history in our world. Rejecting God’s past judgments on sinners and societies in the past, they also reject any promises they learn respecting Jesus returning and a future judgment of God upon their disobedient behavior and persistent false beliefs. They do not believe that God created the world or that God has made any changes in our world in history.

(2 Peter 3:5) They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water,

Unbelievers, those who live contrary to God’s commands, ignore the facts. In response to unbelievers, Peter described one important fact that those who reject the existence of God (as God has revealed himself) ignore. They deny the fact that God created the world. This fact includes that God created the world by His word, by speaking (see Genesis 1 and John 1).

(2 Peter 3:6) through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished.

The fact of God’s involvement in His creation is further confirmed by the fact of the great flood in the days of Noah, when God judged rebellious sinners and brought an end to the increasing violence upon the earth because of sin. He saved Noah and his family, but the original creation was changed by the great flood. Unbelievers ignore the evidence of the great flood as part of God’s judgment and God’s ending of a period of time.

(2 Peter 3:7) But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.

By the Word, the world was created. By the Word, the prophets spoke words of warning and coming judgment. This present worldly order will not be destroyed by water again, because God promised never to do so again. However, this present worldly order will be cleansed or destroyed by fire and prepared for the visible rule of Jesus as King in the visible kingdom of God in heaven and earth. The godless will have no place in God’s kingdom, having chosen His judgment and punishment rather than love and worship God and live with His people.

(2 Peter 3:8) But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.

Peter reminded his readers (and that includes us) that God does not measure time exactly as we do. How much can one human being accomplish over 24 hours? How much do you suppose God can accomplish with His wisdom and power – the power of His Word – during 24 hours? God measures time in ways beyond our understanding, so we must be patient and not suppose that Jesus will never return just because the days and years pass by over centuries of time.

(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

God’s patience and God not desiring or wanting any to suffer from His judgment and destruction are some of the reasons Jesus Christ has not yet returned to earth. God will keep His promises, but He will not send Jesus back to earth until He is certain no more people will repent and turn to Him in faith. Since God does not desire or want anyone to perish, the fact that some people do perish and will perish indicates that God respects the right of people to reject Him and His love.

(2 Peter 3:10) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

The day of the Lord is when Jesus returns to our world. Jesus will return unexpectedly, and those prepared to meet Him will be caught up with Him in the air (as Paul explained). The godless and unrepentant will remain on earth when it is dissolved: their spirits will face God in the final judgment and their thoughts and deeds will be disclosed.

(2 Peter 3:11) Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness,

The godless and all that make up what people love about this world, whether their sins or the possession of gold, silver, and precious gems, will be dissolved. Everyone will face either the judgment of God and His punishment or His salvation and eternal life. Therefore, true believers and followers of Jesus Christ need to express their love and thankfulness to God by leading lives of holiness and godliness.

(2 Peter 3:12) waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire?

If the followers of Jesus Christ live godly, holy lives, then they will not perish for they have come to repentance. They can hasten the return of Jesus Christ, because God will not need to wait patiently for them to repent. Furthermore, by following Jesus in love, holiness, and obedience, some of the ungodly may be led to repent, and this too will hasten the coming of the day of God.

(2 Peter 3:13) But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

As Christians, we do not feel at home in this world. Those who live godless, unrighteous lives, cause as much grief both directly and indirectly. Therefore, we long for and pray for the soon return of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, though that will mean the destruction of the godless; for then, we will feel at home in a righteous heaven and earth where the godless would not feel at home.

(2 Peter 3:14) Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish;

When Peter wrote about the future of both judgment for the ungodly and hope for the godly, he did so to encourage those who say they believe in and follow Jesus Christ in order to help them stay motivated in their efforts to maintain their faith and love for Jesus Christ. Their love for Jesus should motivate them to strive to live godly, holy, without practicing sin, while maintaining peace with Jesus by obeying Him and not rebelling against His commands.

(2 Peter 3:15) and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,

The patience of our Lord as salvation includes Jesus giving us and others another opportunity to turn from the practice of any sins to faith in Him and obedience to Him. God gives us sufficient time to repent; therefore, His patience is salvation if we choose to trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we continue to live apart from faith in Jesus Christ, then God’s patience is not salvation, but even more reason for God to justly punish us (for God has been patiently waiting).

(2 Peter 3:16) speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures.

Paul wrote with wisdom that God gave him, not his own ideas about God and life. His letters were inspired by the Holy Spirit; therefore, Peter called them the other Scriptures which we have preserved in our Bibles. The Holy Spirit will help the followers of Jesus Christ understand Paul and the Scriptures. Those ignorant of God or unstable will misinterpret the Scriptures and destroy themselves if they do not repent.

(2 Peter 3:17) You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability.

The lawless try to tempt others into lawlessness. If we follow the ways of the lawless, we will be unstable or tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. The lawless will misinterpret the Scriptures and try to prove that God now permits their sinful choices, the sins they want to commit. If Christians are not careful, they can be misled by the godless into sin or into accepting the sins of the godless.

(2 Peter 3:18) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

The way to avoid the traps of the lawless and ungodly is to keep praying for God to give us more grace (His power and wisdom that we do not deserve) and more knowledge of Jesus Christ as we study the Bible. Then, we can honor Jesus by telling others the truth about Him and by living publicly on the basis of the truth that we teach from the Bible as the Holy Spirit helps us.

Five Questions for Discussion
and Thinking Further

1. What are some activities that churches can do today to encourage and help believers remember Bible truths?

2. What are some sources of divine truth?

3. In what way does Peter say some will scoff at Christian truths?

4. How would you compare or contrast Genesis 1, John 1, and 2 Peter 3:5?

5. What will God do with the godless someday?

Easy to Print Bible Lesson Commentary

[Easy to Print: Commentary on 2 Peter 3:1-18]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on 2 Peter 3:1-18]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On 2 Peter 3:1-18]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On 2 Peter 3:1-18]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy to Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse KJV 2 Peter 3:1-18]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse GNB 2 Peter 3:1-18]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse NRSV 2 Peter 3:1-18]

In order to view and print the Easy to Print International Bible Lessons Commentary PDF files on your computer, you must have a PDF reader program installed. If you do not already have such a reader, you can download a free reader at Adobe’s website.

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Prayer Steps to Christmas: Daily Quiet Time Edition — Daily Meditations and Prayers on the Birth of Jesus Christ
How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:

Write your comments, suggestions, and thoughts on the International Bible Lessons Commentary, formerly, Bible Lesson Forum. Read the International Bible Lessons at http://internationalbiblelessons.org.

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

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1 Peter 4:1-11 International Bible Lessons Commentary

Posted on May 12, 2013 by LG Parkhurst

1 Peter 4:1-11

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, May 19, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, May 19, 2013, is from 1 Peter 4:1-11 (I have added 1 Peter 4:1-3). Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse International Bible Lessons Commentary (formerly, Bible Lesson Forum) below. Study Hints for Thinking Further discuss the five questions below to help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion; these hints are available on the International Bible Lessons Commentary website. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper. See also the Contents and Schedule for 2013.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

1 Peter 4:1-11

(1 Peter 4:1) Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin),

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into our world in human flesh; therefore, He knows by His own experience the pain of suffering through human flesh. He suffered because He chose to do God’s will even if it meant suffering at the hands of evil doers. Those who follow Jesus Christ and choose to suffer for Him and His purposes instead of following in the ways of sin, self-centeredness, self-indulgence, and the world have finished with sin, though they may still be tempted and defeated by sin sometimes. Therefore, Peter wrote “arm yourself;” which means to put on each day and throughout the day the intention to love God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength no matter what the personal cost. We need to “arm” ourselves, because we still must face “the world, the flesh, and the devil.”

(1 Peter 4:2) so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.

Arming ourselves means choosing at the beginning of each day to live by (to intend to live by) the express will of God; His commandments revealed in the Bible and summed up in the word “love” as the Holy Spirit helps us. Prior to our new birth in Jesus Christ, we lived following human, selfish, worldly desires. Now whenever we are tempted to fall back into this way of life, we need to pray for the strength and the way to do God’s will instead of committing sin. We need to remind ourselves of what the Bible teaches and of what Jesus will do for us when we turn to Him for help when we are tempted. He came to save us from our sins.

(1 Peter 4:3) You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry.

When we look back we need to consider that we have spent enough time and have wasted enough talent and treasure living apart from the will of the true God (the Gentiles did not know the true God apart from Judaism and Christianity). Peter made a list that is not exhaustive so believers would know some of the behaviors and sins to avoid if in doubt about what God will permit.

(1 Peter 4:4) They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme.

Those Jews who disregarded the will of God and those Gentiles who did not know the will of God (or disregarded their conscience and what they knew about true morality) lived contrary to their commonsense and nature as created by God. Because new Christians will no longer live as they once lived, as pagans, unbelievers will no longer trust them, but naturally feel some fear and a sense of condemnation. Even if nothing is said condemning the unbeliever, the new way that new Christians live and act is a form of judgment to many unbelievers; therefore, they curse God and Christians.

(1 Peter 4:5) But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.

God not only judges our bad behavior now and intervenes to bring punishment now or allows the disobedient to suffer the natural consequences of their rebellious behavior, there will also be a final “day” when God judges those who will stand before Him and give an accounting, or reason, or explanation for their misdeeds, or try to defend their behavior before God passes a sentence of judgment.

(1 Peter 4:6) For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.

In my opinion, the dead spoken of in this verse are those who in the days of Noah repented of their sins and called out to God in faith to save them as the waters rose and eventually drowned them. They did not curse God as they died; they saw and admitted and regretted their rebellion against God and His commandments. They repented and came to a measure of faith, but they needed Jesus Christ to die and rise again from the dead for them in order for Christ to save them from their sins. Christ preached this good news of salvation to them after He died on the cross for them.

(1 Peter 4:7) The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.

“Near” is a relative term to us since 1000 years can be as a day to God. Our own physical death is near and draws near with each passing day; therefore, we need to arm ourselves with the intention to love God supremely and be serious and discipline ourselves when tempted. For our prayers in behalf of others and ourselves to be the most effective, we must live within the will of God, especially as God has revealed His will and purposes in the Bible.

(1 Peter 4:8) Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.

In addition to loving God, His heavenly Father, Jesus Christ loved and still loves others. His loved constantly; furthermore, He loved all the way to death on the cross, and in the life beyond He still loves. He gave his life to forgive us and free us from slavery to sin. Our love for others can lead us to forgive them and where possible help them to overcome temptations and a life of sin through faith in Jesus Christ and His redeeming power. Our love can put their sins against us out of sight and out of mind (cover a multitude of sins).

(1 Peter 4:9) Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

To be hospitable takes some effort on our part, some expense of time, energy, and treasure (usually) in the service of someone else. Whatever the personal sacrifice, Peter wrote and said we should not complain when helping others. In a day of few places to lodge safely and with poverty among many Christians, Christians needed to especially depend upon the hospitality of one another.

(1 Peter 4:10) Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

God’s grace and God’s free gifts are beyond whatever we can imagine. Our very existence as well as salvation depends on God. Whatever we possess, even the education and talent to earn money in the job, are gifts of God. Keeping that in mind, we need to avoid selfishness and seek to share our gifts with others – our sharing with others is another way for God to express His manifold grace to all.

(1 Peter 4:11) Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Our language, the words we use and the words we avoid, will be affected if we consider how God would speak and try to speak as God would speak in every situation. We need to seek to do the will of God at all times in our thoughts, words, and deeds, and pray for God to give us the strength and wisdom to serve God and others according to the will of God. In this way, we will proclaim the nature and character of God through our lives and words. We will show forth the fact that Jesus Christ changed us and made our new way of living possible through our new birth. To Christ Jesus, not to us, belongs the praise, glory, honor, and power for whatever we say or do for ever.

Five Questions for Discussion
and Thinking Further

1. When we are tempted to do wrong, what are some of the actions we can take?

2. Why do some people curse you or other Christians or make life difficult for many Christians?

3. If sinners hear the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and refuse to turn from their sins and to Jesus Christ for salvation from their sins; and instead they keep sinning and even curse Christians for living apart from a life of sin, what does Peter say about their future?

4. What did Peter say Christians need to do for the sake of their prayers?

5. In what ways might obeying 1 Peter 4:11 make a difference?

Easy to Print Bible Lesson Commentary

[Easy to Print: Commentary on 1 Peter 4:1-11]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on 1 Peter 4:1-11]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On 1 Peter 4:1-11]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On 1 Peter 4:1-11]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy to Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse KJV 1 Peter 4:1-11]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse GNB 1 Peter 4:1-11]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse NRSV 1 Peter 4:1-11]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

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2 Peter 1:1-21 International Bible Lessons Commentary

Posted on May 5, 2013 by LG Parkhurst

2 Peter 1:1-21

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, May 12, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, May 12, 2013, is from 2 Peter 1:1-21 (I have added 2 Peter 1:1, and 16-19 to the official lesson). Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse International Bible Lessons Commentary (formerly, Bible Lesson Forum) below. Study Hints for Thinking Further discuss the five questions below to help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion; these hints are available on the International Bible Lessons Commentary website. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper. See also the Contents and Schedule for 2013.

See also the International Bible Lessons, How Can We Live the Happiest? on 2 Peter 1:3 – “Christ’s divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness,” and the new International Bible Lesson to be published on Saturday, May 11, 2013, Why We Study the Bible on 2 Peter 1:12 – “Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you.”

International Bible Lesson Commentary

2 Peter 1:1-21

(2 Peter 1:1) Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

An apostle is one who is chosen and sent by someone else to represent them. Jesus called some of His disciples “apostles,” because He wanted them to represent Him and the truths He taught as His servants when they served His Church in the world. Everyone in the Church shares a precious faith; a precious faith made possible because Jesus Christ lived a righteous life on earth and died for the forgiveness of our sins. His death on the cross upholds the righteousness of God when God forgives sinners who come to live by faith in Jesus Christ. Peter wrote specifically that Jesus Christ is both our God and Savior. He is the One who saves us from the consequences of our sins, and through faith in Him and trust in His word, He also helps us live in righteousness each day. He saves us from committing sins and shows us the way of escape when we struggle against temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

(2 Peter 1:2) May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Knowing the true God and the truth about God, knowing and obeying Jesus Christ as our Lord, will give us abundant peace of mind and spirit. We need to personally follow our Lord Jesus Christ daily, instead of simply thinking about Jesus as seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven where He reigns over all the earth. God’s abundant grace has made and makes our knowledge of God and His will possible, along with the power to obey Him each day.

(2 Peter 1:3) His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

God created everything that exists and God holds everything in existence that continues to exist. The divine power upholding creation gives us everything we need for mental, physical, and spiritual life, and also all that we need for a moral transformation and a life of godliness. We can live godly through knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior and through knowing and doing His will as our Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit. If we lived ungodly in the past or still engage in ungodly behaviors under the power of temptations, it is our fault and no fault of God’s, for He has given us all we need to live a godly life through knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Because Jesus is good in all ways, He has called us to follow Him; when we follow Him, our goodness will bring Him glory and influence others to trust in Him as their Lord and Savior too.

(2 Peter 1:4) Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature.

Through the righteousness, grace, glory, and goodness of Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ has given us great and precious promises. By trusting in Jesus Christ and His promises, we can live godly in this life. By His power and through our knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures, we can gain the victory over all temptations; furthermore, our past ways of sinful living as slaves of sin can be overcome and we can be freed from slavery to sin by the Holy Spirit who indwells believers. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we participate in the divine nature — we do not become divine — we participate in the divine life of God and fulfill His purposes.

(2 Peter 1:5) For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge,

Faith in Jesus Christ should mark the beginning of Christ-like living. Christian faith should lead to following Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, which sometimes requires great effort and struggles; however, Jesus Christ gives us the power we need to make the effort when we prayerfully trust in Him and increase our knowledge of Him through the study of His word, the truth, the Holy Scriptures. Sanctification is a process of growth made possible as we trust more and more in Jesus Christ as both our Lord and Savior. Christian faith and a sincere desire to live according to God’s standards of goodness should lead us to seek greater knowledge of God and His will in the Bible so we can live better to please God.

(2 Peter 1:6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness,

We begin with faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Truly knowing Jesus Christ as He is, as God the Son, Lord, and Savior should inspire us to live and act with goodness. To do this at all times, we need to increase our knowledge of Jesus and His will. Once we know what to do we must fight against our old ways of living, which will involve self-control and endurance throughout our lives moment-by-moment. Choosing to practice self-control whenever tempted will lead to the ability to endure and overcome more powerful temptations to live for self instead of for God our Savior. Living for God in Jesus Christ no matter what the consequences will lead to the daily practice of godliness instead of the daily practice of our old sinful habits or the development of new sinful habits.

(2 Peter 1:7) and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.

Some who have a false understanding of godliness and of themselves can develop a sense of self-satisfaction and mistakenly think they are better than others. Therefore, true godliness should lead us to have affection and concern for one another, especially in the Church. The root and fruit of all the steps Peter listed is love for Jesus Christ, a divine love that should result in love for everyone — neighbor, friend, and enemy according to the Scriptures. Mutual affection and love will open the door for believers to help one another as they struggle against sin to develop the virtues of self-control, endurance, and godliness.

(2 Peter 1:8) For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Considering the Christian virtues that Peter listed in his letter can help us evaluate how well we are living the Christ-like life. Practicing these virtues should increase in intensity and consistency as we personally commit ourselves to following Jesus Christ at all times. With these virtues can we be truly effective in serving Jesus Christ. If our knowledge of Jesus Christ does not bear good fruit, the reason may be our immoral behavior or a lack of godliness that requires repentance and a return to faith in Jesus Christ or a beginning of true faith in Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 1:9) For anyone who lacks these things is short-sighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins.

When Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross, He made forgiveness for sins and cleansing from sin possible through true faith in Him. Through faith in Jesus Christ, our past sins are forgiven; we are cleansed from sin; we know peace with God and experience peace within ourselves. If we do not pursue godliness and grow spiritually in the virtues Peter listed in this letter, we lack understanding and do not know the truth of Christianity. Our cleansing from past sins by Jesus Christ should not lead to our practicing new sins; but instead, to newness of life and godliness in Christ Jesus.

(2 Peter 1:10) Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble.

When you say, “I am a Christian,” truly knowing what that statement means through study of what the Bible teaches, you confirm that God in Christ has called and elected you to live in His family of followers. By the way you believe, speak, and behave with godliness day by day, you confirm that indeed God did call and elect you and you were not mistaken in your thinking. When you seek daily to confirm your faith in Jesus Christ by your study of the Bible and by your actions, you will not stumble into sin or fall away from true faith.

(2 Peter 1:11) For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

Jesus said good trees produce good fruit. He cleanses us and empowers us to live godly and bear good fruit. Jesus makes us good so we can bear good fruit that will bless others and nourish them physically, morally, and spiritually as needed. By our choosing to live and serve God’s way according to the Scriptures, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will find joy in giving us what He has promised us in heaven and on earth after He comes again.

(2 Peter 1:12) Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you.

We can build up or establish our life in Jesus Christ and the good news that we have received regarding Him as our Lord and Savior. To do so, we need to keep reminding ourselves of the truths upon which we have built our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. We remind ourselves through the continuous study of the Scriptures and doing what they teach. Bible teachers and preachers have the duty to remind their students and listeners of what they already know from the Bible.

(2 Peter 1:13) I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory,

Preachers and teachers of the Bible refresh the memory of the followers of Christ who listen to them. The Bible is the written foundation upon which we must establish our lives in faithfulness to Jesus Christ and the godliness that leads to effective and fruitful service to Jesus Christ and others. As we mature, our memory may fade, so we need to keep refreshing our memory of the Scriptures with regular habits of reading and study of the Bible.

(2 Peter 1:14) since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

Peter knew he would die as a martyr, because Jesus Christ had told him so. In prison, he knew his time to die was near; so, he dictated his letters at every opportunity. Sylvanus took dictation from both Peter and Paul. From Peter’s letters we learn that Peter did not focus on all he could get out of life before he died; rather, he focused on all he could do to serve Jesus Christ and the Church before he died.

(2 Peter 1:15) And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

Peter’s readers (including those of us today) could more easily recall what he taught if he wrote down or dictated his teachings in a letter. He wanted believers to remember facts that would help them live godly each day and give them reasons to rejoice as they neared death — some of his readers would suffer and die as martyrs too (including some of his readers of today). Before he died, Peter wrote what he thought believers most needed to learn from all of his teachings, as the Holy Spirit inspired him.

(2 Peter 1:16) For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Cleverly devised myths are of demonic or human origin. They are designed to mislead people — perhaps to make them feel good about themselves and the future — but these myths are false. The apostles taught what they actually saw and experienced of Jesus Christ. They saw Jesus Christ exercise His divine power in many ways and they saw His Majesty in the way He treated others in love.

(2 Peter 1:17) For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Some of Jesus’ disciples heard the Father speak to Him and they saw the Holy Spirit descend as a dove when John baptized Jesus. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain and they heard the voice of God the Father telling them to listen to Jesus. Peter wanted his readers to listen to Jesus too, because the apostles knew the power and majesty of Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 1:18) We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

Not only had they seen the power of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God, but they had also heard the voice of God the Father confirming Jesus’ divine and holy nature. Furthermore, they saw the Holy Spirit come as a flame of fire on the day of Pentecost, and they knew His presence in their hearts. Peter and all the apostles could give evidence as eyewitnesses to the divine character and nature of the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

(2 Peter 1:19) So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

The prophetic message included the Hebrew Scriptures which we call the Old Testament. The Hebrew Scriptures were fully confirmed for the apostles by what they saw Jesus do and heard Him say. Therefore, the followers of Jesus Christ need to be attentive to the teachings of the whole Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible shines the light in our dark world, showing us how to walk and keeping us from stumbling in the darkness. If we will believe in Jesus Christ as the Bible reveals Him, the Spirit of Christ will indwell our hearts and we will know the Spirit is His Spirit. As the Holy Spirit shines the light, we must always interpret the Old Testament in terms of its fulfillment by Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 1:20) First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,

The prophecies of the Old Testament and the prophets and apostles who wrote the New Testament were inspired to write the truth and protected from writing errors by the Holy Spirit, Who inspired them for the sake of their readers, so their readers could know and trust in the Bible and live according to the truth. Interpreters of the Scriptures need to pray for the Holy Spirit to help them understand and teach the Bible truly and clearly as God intends, rather than teach the Bible according to their own ideas and limited human understanding.

(2 Peter 1:21) because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

No one should try to interpret the Bible without praying for the Holy Spirit to help them understand and interpret the Bible correctly. No one should try to use their “human will” to interpret the Scriptures to move people in the way they want them to move for either “good” or selfish reasons. We must pray for the Holy Spirit to teach us the Bible. We must pray for the Holy Spirit to help us teach the Bible God’s way and not our way. Though the Bible may not answer all of our questions, the Bible is divinely inspired and infallible truth that teaches us all we need to know in order to live godly in Christ Jesus. We always need to pray that our Bible study and interpretation is blessed and inspired by God to achieve His will and purposes.

Five Questions for Discussion
and Thinking Further

1. Do you think churches today emphasize godliness as much as Peter did in his letters?

2. What reason does Peter give for the corruption that is in the world? Give some examples.

3. What does Peter say we need to do in addition to having faith?

4. Give some reasons for or examples of people who are “ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8).

5. From where did the scriptures and true prophecies come?

Easy to Print Bible Lesson Commentary

[Easy to Print: Commentary on 2 Peter 1:1-21]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on 2 Peter 1:1-21]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On 2 Peter 1:1-21]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On 2 Peter 1:1-21]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy to Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse KJV 2 Peter 1:1-21]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse GNB 2 Peter 1:1-21]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse NRSV 2 Peter 1:1-21]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

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1 Peter 1:1-16 International Bible Lessons Commentary

Posted on April 28, 2013 by LG Parkhurst

1 Peter 1:1-16

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, May 5, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, May 5, 2013, is from 1 Peter 1:1-16 (I have added 1 Peter 1:1-2). Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse International Bible Lessons Commentary (formerly, Bible Lesson Forum) below. Study Hints for Thinking Further discuss the five questions below to help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion; these hints are available on the International Bible Lessons Commentary website. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper. See also the Contents and Schedule for 2013.

See also the International Bible Lessons, You Can Begin to Live Again on 1 Peter 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” and How Can We Face Troubling Times? on 1 Peter 1:13 - “Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.”

International Bible Lesson Commentary

1 Peter 1:1-16

(1 Peter 1:1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to Jewish Christians (to those Jews dispersed or scattered when the Assyrians dispersed the Northern Kingdom and to those who moved to these areas for business or personal reasons or to escape persecution) and to Gentile Christians (the meaning of “exiles” can also mean those who are away from their heavenly home and await Jesus’ return) in the area of what is modern Turkey between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

(1 Peter 1:2) who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance.

God deserves and should receive the glory and praise for the fact that anyone becomes a Christian. Christian faith is a response to learning the truth of the good news as God graciously works through the Holy Spirit to influence the believer. Christian faith is God’s gift and our response to God’s work in Christ on Earth and the Holy Spirit’s work within us. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit set apart believers to live holy and obedient to Jesus Christ. His blood (Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross) provides forgiveness for sin and cleansing from sin. God’s grace includes the unearned and unmerited blessing and power of God that God gives believers so they can live daily as faithful representatives of Jesus Christ. Peace with God and peace within are fruits of the Christian faith and life. Obedience to Jesus Christ is an indication that a believer has been chosen and destined by God to enjoy saving faith in Jesus Christ. Obedience to Jesus Christ is not a means of earning salvation, but is an indication that a believer is saved and sanctified (set apart by God for God’s holy purposes).

(1 Peter 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

The word blessed can mean happy. When Christians walk by faith, they can bring happiness to God. Peter remembered and wrote in his letter that our Lord Jesus Christ talked about and prayed to God as His heavenly Father (since Jesus is the Son of God). By our way of life, we show our love for God and our desire to bring happiness to our Lord Jesus Christ and our heavenly Father. God’s love and grace moved God to extend mercy toward us through His Son. True Christians enjoy a new birth; therefore, Christians should live as differently from the darkness of this world as a baby lives differently from the darkness of life in their mother’s womb. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we now have hope for a better life and future after we die.

(1 Peter 1:4) and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

As exiles, our true home is heaven until we return to Earth when Jesus Christ returns as visible Lord. As exiles, our hope is in the future that God has prepared for us. Since Jesus Christ died for us, believers will inherit what Jesus has prepared for them through His death and resurrection. Since Jesus rose from the dead, He guarantees we will receive our inheritance as believers in Him. Our inheritance is not like a worldly inheritance that someone might receive or another person might steal from us. Some receive a worldly inheritance that has been defiled by the sins of their parents, but Jesus did not sin so our inheritance from Him is undefiled. The inheritance God has planned to give us will never be defiled, but is pure and holy, an inheritance that God plans for us to put to a holy use in heaven and someday on Earth.

(1 Peter 1:5) who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Not only does God protect our inheritance, He also protects us so we will receive our inheritance even though we may suffer and die for our faith (as Peter knew he would die for his faith). God’s gracious power will help us maintain a strong faith no matter what our earthly circumstances. Our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord will result in our salvation, which will be fully revealed in the last time (when Jesus Christ returns to Earth as visible Lord and King over all creation).

(1 Peter 1:6) In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials,

Peter and Paul both suffered in prison in Rome, and both died for their faith in Jesus Christ and for continuing to declare the truth of the good news about Jesus Christ in all circumstances. Suffering in this life for any reason and in any way will always be for a little while compared to rejoicing for eternity with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, whose very presence face-to-face with us will be the most wonderful inheritance.

(1 Peter 1:7) so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Testing, trials, and suffering can give Christians the opportunity to show God and others that we genuinely live by faith in Jesus Christ instead of just saying that we believe in Jesus while living by this world’s standards and values. Faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in Jesus Christ while we live and even suffer, is more precious than possessing gold, for our faith can bring praise, glory, and honor to Jesus Christ when He returns and everyone sees Him.

(1 Peter 1:8) Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,

Typically, Christians do not see Jesus until they die or when He returns, though some claim to have seen visions of Jesus Christ (Who is now seated at the right hand of God the Father). The Bible does not encourage us to try to see Jesus in any way before we die or He returns (to try to see Jesus in this life can lead us into deception). Rather, Peter wrote that without seeing Jesus, by God’s grace through faith we love Jesus, we believe in Jesus, we rejoice in knowing Jesus, and we can give Jesus praise and glory and honor now and forever. The glorious joy of knowing Jesus without having seen Him is indescribable with our limited human language.

(1 Peter 1:9) for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Our inner spiritual reality, our souls, who we really are spiritually as created in the image of God, indwells our material, physical, fleshly human bodies. As a result of faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, when we die we will go to heaven (our souls will experience salvation). In heaven, we will enjoy our inheritance until Jesus Christ returns to Earth, at which time we will receive our resurrected glorified human bodies and be whole again.

(1 Peter 1:10) Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry,

The prophets and other writers of the Old Testament wrote very little about life after death, though many Old Testament figures talked about going to Sheol after they died. They did not know, in spite of careful, prayerful, inquiry, as much as Jesus would reveal about grace, salvation, eternal life, and the type and quality of life after death that would be given to believers (they believed what God revealed and that they would receive God’s promises).

(1 Peter 1:11) inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory.

The Spirit of Christ, before He was born and came to Earth as a human being, worked within the Old Testament prophets and testified (a legal term for telling the truth under a legal oath to tell the truth) to them. No one prophet knew all the details of how Jesus would come and what He would do, but some knew and revealed that Jesus would suffer, die, and rise from the dead, and His body would not decay when it rested in His tomb. They learned these truths in different ways, different times, and in different places. Only Jesus has fulfilled these many and varied prophecies.

(1 Peter 1:12) It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look!

These prophets did learn that there prophecies would not be fulfilled in their lifetime, but would be fulfilled in the lifetime of others. The prophets foretold the good news about Jesus that Peter and the other apostles experienced and proclaimed. The Holy Spirit (sent from heaven where Jesus now sits on His throne) also worked within His disciples and enabled those who witnessed the good news of Jesus to tell others truthfully (to testify) about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Angels enjoy watching the work of salvation and rejoice when sinners repent and come to saving faith. The angels enjoy watching believers when they live faithful lives according to the Scriptures in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(1 Peter 1:13) Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.

Some who say they believe in Jesus Christ mistakenly think that because once upon a time they said they believed in Jesus that they can continue to live in their disobedient, sinful, and self-centered ways. Peter and the other apostles declared that true Christian belief leads to a life of faithful action and obedience. Believers prepare their minds for action as they follow (obey) Jesus Christ daily as their Lord. Believers discipline themselves to serve Jesus and others faithfully, rather than do whatever they desire or practice whatever sins they did before their new birth gave them a living hope.

(1 Peter 1:14) Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance.

Our heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus our Elder Brother, expect believers in Jesus Christ to live as obedient children. Obedient children of God live differently from those who live in sin. If we once lived immorally to please ourselves supremely and selfishly, we now love and live for God. We now seek to know and do the will of God in the power of God. We need the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, and the light of the Holy Spirit to give us guidance and strength daily to know and do the will of God and avoid the immoral ways of this world.

(1 Peter 1:15) Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;

God, Who is holy, Who has set himself apart from selfishness and self-centeredness in order to love and serve others, will not set a lower standard of behavior for His children, whom He expects to love God, others, and themselves. God the Father and Jesus Christ live morally pure, and when they give new birth to believers, these believers can trust in God to help them live morally pure too.

(1 Peter 1:16) for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Peter referred back to the Hebrew Scriptures that the Spirit of Christ (or the Holy Spirit) had inspired so the Scriptures could serve as another witness that what he wrote was true. The meaning of the word “shall” in this verse includes what a believer should do, should strive to do, and will actually do as the grace and power of God through the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures enable them.

Five Questions for Discussion
and Thinking Further

1. Give one reason God has chosen, destined, and sanctified you as a Christian.

2. How has God given Christians a new birth and a living hope?

3. How does Peter describe the inheritance of Christians? What does that lead you to think about God? How does knowing these truths make you feel?

4. Give one reason Christians suffer various trials on earth.

5. Does someone need to see Jesus in order to become a true believer in Jesus? Why is this truth important for both believers and unbelievers to know?

Easy to Print Bible Lesson Commentary

[Easy to Print: Commentary on 1 Peter 1 3-16]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on 1 Peter 1:3-16]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On 1 Peter 1:3-16]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On 1 Peter 1:3-16]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy to Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse KJV 1 Peter 1:3-16]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse GNB 1 Peter 1:3-16]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse NRSV 1 Peter 1:3-16]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

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2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17 International Bible Lessons Commentary

Posted on March 17, 2013 by LG Parkhurst

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, April 28, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, April 28, 2013, is from 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17. Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse International Bible Lessons Commentary (formerly, Bible Lesson Forum) below. Study Hints for Thinking Further discuss the five questions below to help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion; these hints are available on the International Bible Lessons Commentary website. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

For additional commentary, see the older International Bible Lessons Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 from July 18, 2010.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

(2 Thessalonians 2:1) As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters,

In Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians, he needed to answer some questions the church had about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They wanted to know if Jesus had already come and they had missed His coming, or when is He going to come. Furthermore, they wanted to know how they could be together (as individuals and the church) with Jesus and their loved ones.

(2 Thessalonians 2:2) not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here.

Paul wrote them so they would know what to expect in order not to be deceived or misinformed. An evil spirit or a deceiving spirit might speak through a false prophet or creature and mislead them. Untruths might be passed on by word of mouth. A spurious letter might be sent to them supposedly from Paul or one of the other apostles that spread falsehoods. In spite of what they may have heard, the Lord Jesus had not yet returned.

(2 Thessalonians 2:3) Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction.

Paul carefully ended his letters in ways that would assure his readers that the letter had come from him and not someone impersonating him. Believers are susceptible to being deceived, and the Bible writers took care to warn all Christians to discern the spirits and evaluate what they heard so they would believe and follow only the truth. The “rebellion” will probably come from within the church when many people reject biblical teachings, truths, and morality (while perhaps claiming to follow Jesus). The “rebellion” may be happening now in some churches and places. The “lawless one” may be a political or religious leader who does not obey God’s law, but leads according to his own selfish ambitions and the selfish desires of others(often promoting lies and death).

(2 Thessalonians 2:4) He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God.

Some believe a new temple must be built in Jerusalem for this prophecy to be fulfilled. Others believe that the Christian church is the Temple of God, and those who exalt themselves will try to take the place of God in the church and lead people away from the Word of God (Jesus and the Bible). Our bodies have also been called the Temple of God, and evil people may want to try to control our bodies or lead us into abusing our bodies. The “lawless one” will declare that he himself is God, perhaps claiming to be Jesus Christ returned (as has been done by some, and perhaps by some even today). Believers must not believe or follow anyone who is “lawless” or who takes the authority of God upon himself.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-17

(2 Thessalonians 2:8) And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the breath of his mouth, annihilating him by the manifestation of his coming.

There have been and are many lawless ones; a lawless one will reveal himself by what he does and says. When Jesus breathed on His disciples, they received the Holy Spirit. When He comes and reveals himself at His Second Coming, Jesus will breathe on the last lawless one and annihilate him, for no one can defeat Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9) The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders,

Satan works in “the lawless one,” and Satan works, or can work, in all who are lawless—both those who reject the law of God and biblical morality, and those who reject sound government that does not reject the law of God. Some governments are godless and create laws, rules, and regulations contrary to God’s laws. True lawlessness rejects God’s law, as do some governments of church and state.

(2 Thessalonians 2:10) and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Satan will use demonic power, false signs, and lying wonders to deceive people, and the deception is a wicked deception that those who are perishing will accept and practice. If someone refuses to believe the truth and love the truth, they will be deceived and parish. Jesus is the Truth of God in human flesh, and the Bible is the Truth of God written.

(2 Thessalonians 2:11) For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false,

When someone refuses to believe and love the truth, they choose to believe what is false. Having chosen to believe what is false, Satan can use deceiving spirits and deceiving people to deceive those who do not love the truth. As punishment for rejecting God and turning from His Truth, God will send upon some a powerful delusion so they will believe what is false and suffer the consequences. This is a part of the just judgment of God in this life upon those who choose to turn from God, the truth, and the free gift of salvation that true believers receive by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. After suffering under a powerful delusion, some will seek the truth and turn to Christ for freedom and redemption.

(2 Thessalonians 2:12) so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.

Those who will not believe the truth take pleasure in unrighteousness. They enjoy the sins of the mind and flesh that the Bible condemns. They prefer to practice sin rather than believe the good news of Jesus Christ. They prefer to live a life of sin rather than ask Jesus to save them from slavery to sin and grant them eternal life. When someone chooses to turn away from God they choose the consequence of condemnation.

(2 Thessalonians 2:13) But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

Paul thanks God for the Christians who have asked about the Lord’s coming and who love and want to know the truth. He knows and assures them that the Lord Jesus loves them from heaven, even though He has not yet returned. They were some of the first to become Christians in the early years of the New Testament church. Paul indicates how we are saved or reveals something of the process of salvation. In the process of being saved, we must believe the truth: the truth of Jesus and the Bible as the revealed will and word of God. The Holy Spirit also sets believers apart for God and enables us live a pure and holy life in the service of God and others. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible (the Word of God written) to help us follow Jesus Christ (the Word of God in human flesh) so those who are saved can live for Jesus Christ instead of for themselves.

(2 Thessalonians 2:14) For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote his letter to Christians (or at least to those who claimed to be Christians in the church). Jesus Christ calls believers into His church and He does so through the preaching and teaching of the Good News about the purpose of His coming, His achievements, His teachings, and who Jesus truly is as the only begotten Son of God. We will obtain the glory of purity and a resurrected body through faith in Jesus Christ, and our transformed lives will reveal to all the glory, wonder, love, and truth of Jesus Christ.

(2 Thessalonians 2:15) So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

Believing these and other facts that Christians have been taught by word of mouth and the letters that eventually became the New Testament, Christians need to stand firm and hold fast to these truths no matter what they may hear that may contradict these facts. False teachings may sound persuasive, so we need to “hold fast” to the truth we possess, then we can keep learning and practicing more truth from the Word of God.

(2 Thessalonians 2:16) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope,

After explaining why they needed to “hold fast” and do what they were taught, Paul offered a prayerful blessing upon his readers. God loves us: the Father and the Son love us. Believers need to hold fast to those truths. God is our Father and Jesus is our Lord; they freely and graciously give us comfort, a comfort and peace that will remain with us forever, and a hope for future blessings from God.

(2 Thessalonians 2:17) comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

The Word of God, the truths of the Christian faith, can be used by Christians to give everyone comfort in times of trial. The truths of the Christian faith can give us the resources we need and the perseverance and strength to keep on doing good work. Notice: “good work and word” go together. Good works and good words are needed by believers to keep on keeping on, and both are needed by unbelievers to understand the truth and come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Doing good works and teaching good words of truth from the Bible give us assurance that we are truly following Jesus Christ, which comforts our hearts and strengthens us. Just doing good works without explaining that the source of our good works and the guidance we receive for doing good works comes from Jesus Christ may mislead some.

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. In this Bible lesson, what does Paul say must happen before Jesus Christ returns?

2. What did Paul say would eventually happen to the lawless one?

3. What are some tools that Satan will use to help the lawless one deceive people?

4. Who does Paul say will be deceived by Satan and the lawless one?

5. How do believers in Jesus Christ differ from those who believe what is false?

Easy to Print Bible Lesson Commentary

[Easy to Print: Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy to Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse GNB 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse NRSV 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

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1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11 International Bible Lessons Commentary

Posted on March 17, 2013 by LG Parkhurst

1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, April 21, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, April 21, 2013, is from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11. Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse International Bible Lessons Commentary (formerly, Bible Lesson Forum) below. Study Hints for Thinking Further discuss the five questions below to help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion; these hints are available on the International Bible Lessons Commentary website. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

For additional commentary, see the older International Bible Lessons Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 from July 4, 2010.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

(1 Thessalonians 4:13) But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

Paul did not teach that we should not grieve when a loved one dies: we can grieve with hope. We feel their loss, but we know that whenever believers die in the Lord our loss is their gain. Some grieve because they have no hope of ever seeing their loved ones again. As followers of Jesus Christ, when we die we will see Jesus and all who have gone before us who love Him too. If a follower of Jesus dies before we do, we know that in the Lord we will see them again someday: we have this hope as we grieve.

(1 Thessalonians 4:14) For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.

We have hope for the future based on excellent eyewitness testimony and the teachings of the Hebrew prophets. We believe that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, died and rose again. Jesus promised to return according to His Father’s perfect timing. When Jesus does return, He will bring back to Earth all who have died believing in Him.

(1 Thessalonians 4:15) For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died.

The Apostle Paul had the word or promise of the Lord on this fact. He used “we declare,” because all of the apostles of the Lord Jesus agreed on this fact. Those who have died physically have gone spiritually to be with the Lord and with whoever else has died with faith in the Lord Jesus. We may be alive when the Lord returns, but we will not precede or see the Lord before those whose bodies are buried in the ground—they will have seen the Lord already in their spiritual bodies and will return with the Lord before their resurrected human bodies are raised from their graves.

(1 Thessalonians 4:16) For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

The Lord Jesus will return according to God’s perfect timing, and Jesus will remain in charge or in command over all events related to His coming. We will recognize His return, because we will hear the archangel’s call and God’s trumpet at Jesus’ command. Jesus himself will return, and the bodies of those who died believing in Jesus Christ will rise first.

(1 Thessalonians 4:17) Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.

If we are alive on the earth when the Lord Jesus comes, we will see the deceased rising from their graves, but our eyes will be focused on Jesus Christ as our Lord and Redeemer, Who comes to fulfill His promises. We will not be left behind when the dead in Christ rise from their graves. We will be caught up also (not having died) and all believers in Jesus will be with Him and their loved ones forever.

(1 Thessalonians 4:18) Therefore encourage one another with these words.

When a loved one dies or is sick or near death, and if we are sick or near death ourselves should the Lord not come in our lifetime, we and other Christians may grieve our losses and illnesses, even as we pray with hope for Jesus’ healing others or us in this life. But when we or others grieve, we are to encourage one another with these Scriptures, these words of the Apostle Paul.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–5:11

(1 Thessalonians 5:1) Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you.

Paul did not write about the exact day or hour of the Lord’s coming. With time zones and international datelines, Jesus would not have explained all of the complications that would be in place 2000 years later if he had tried to explain the Father’s calendar of events and their timing. The exact times and seasons above and below the equator are different, and Jesus listeners did not know about the equator with the fact that someday we would have time zones. It would not have made much sense for Him to say something like on the ninth hour Jerusalem time.

(1 Thessalonians 5:2) For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

The Lord will come unexpectedly. Certain conditions that Jesus described before His return must be fulfilled; for example, the gospel must be preached to all nations. We can look for many of these conditions to be fulfilled, but when Jesus comes we will not be forewarned as so as to get prepared at the last moment to meet Him. We need to live each moment of each day prepared for His second coming.

(1 Thessalonians 5:3) When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape!

The world system or the kingdoms of this world may be signing peace agreements and perhaps even using economic pressure and intimidation to ensure or think they have achieved world peace and security—which is always being sought apart from trusting God. However, God will bring sudden destruction on those who trust in themselves or other people instead of trusting in Jesus and receiving His peace.

(1 Thessalonians 5:4) But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief;

The kingdoms of this world or the people of this world live in darkness. Having turned from the truth or having refused to accept the truth of God and the Scriptures, they live in error, falsehood, and lies, deceived and deceiving others. Believers in Jesus and the Word of God live prepared, so they are not surprised when Jesus returns, but look forward to His returning with rejoicing.

(1 Thessalonians 5:5) for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.

All those who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are adopted into God’s family as His sons and daughters. Jesus is the light, the light of this world. Jesus is the truth, the truth of God that came into this world. As children of God, we walk in the light and truth of God that God provides—not in error, falsehood, or lies.

(1 Thessalonians 5:6) So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober;

To “fall asleep” means to become morally and spiritually lazy; as children of God, to stop living according to Jesus’ teachings and examples, to fall into the traps of the devil and began practicing sin, to live without faith and trust in Jesus in our everyday lives. We need to keep studying God’s Word to know, believe, and live according to God’s Word and not destroy our powers of reasoning by turning back to sinful practices.

(1 Thessalonians 5:7) for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night.

The “night” is a symbol for a place of moral darkness, a place where the clear teachings of biblical morality are ignored, repudiated, even mocked by some. Some believers might purposely wander into one of these dark places and lose their moral and spiritual sensitivity and God’s guidance. Some go into dark places to do the dark things of the night.

(1 Thessalonians 5:8) But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Paul wants Christians to see themselves (and actually live) as living in the light that Jesus Christ came to give. To be sober is to live according to the Word of God, to follow your sound reasoning, and to rely on the leading and influence of the Holy Spirit. We need to use our faith in and love for Jesus Christ to help us protect our hearts, our minds, and our will, so we do not choose to follow the devil’s temptations. We keep hoping for the complete salvation that Jesus came to give, and this hope of salvation helps us remain sober and think about Jesus Christ rather than ponder the perceived pleasures of sin.

(1 Thessalonians 5:9) For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We have the hope of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, because God has determined that by grace those who place their faith in Jesus Christ will inherit salvation—salvation from the habitual practice of sin, salvation from the judgment and punishment of God that our sins deserve, and the salvation of joyful living with Jesus Christ, God the Father, and all those who love God forever.

(1 Thessalonians 5:10) who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him.

In this verse, Paul uses the word “sleep” to mean physical death rather than losing our moral and spiritual commitments to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Those who love Jesus, whose bodies are physically dead, spiritually live with Jesus in heaven. Those of us who are physically and spiritually alive in Jesus Christ will live in Him and with Him in heaven someday, because Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and made our forgiveness possible.

(1 Thessalonians 5:11) Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

Paul wants the followers of Jesus Christ to encourage one another when they grieve over their loss of a loved one. He wants believers to build up one another when they are tempted to do wrong, fall into temptation, or take the forbidden path. Believers build up each other by using the words of Jesus and pointing people back to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Believers can build one another up as they study the Bible together, pray for one another, and share the truths of God’s Word with one another.

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. What are some indications in Paul’s letter that it is okay for Christians to grieve the death of a loved one who also believed in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?

2. What aspect of the Christian hope did Paul emphasize in this letter?

3. How will Jesus return to our world?

4. How have some been deceived about Jesus’ return?

5. What is one sign that Paul mentions in this letter that Jesus’ return may be near?

Easy to Print Bible Lesson Commentary

[Easy to Print: Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy to Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse KJV 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse GNB 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse NRSV 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

Posted in Bible Lesson, New Testament | Comments Off

Acts 2:1-16 International Bible Lessons Commentary

Posted on March 17, 2013 by LG Parkhurst

Acts 2:1-16

International Bible Lessons
Sunday, April 14, 2013
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, April 14, 2013, is from Acts 2:1-16. Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse-by-verse International Bible Lessons Commentary (formerly, Bible Lesson Forum) below. Study Hints for Thinking Further discuss the five questions below to help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion; these hints are available on the International Bible Lessons Commentary website. For additional International Bible Lesson Commentaries, see the complete and comprehensive International Bible Lessons Commentary Index. The weekly International Bible Lesson is posted each Saturday before the lesson is scheduled to be taught at http://InternationalBibleLessons.org and in The Oklahoman newspaper.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

Acts 2:1-16

(Acts 2:1) When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

The disciples obeyed Jesus and they waited in Jerusalem until they had received the promised power from on high (the Holy Spirit). Because Jesus had been raised from the dead 50 days earlier, and had appeared to them, they were no longer scattered and hiding. They were all together in one place, probably so they would not miss the sending of the Holy Spirit as a gift from God and so they could encourage one another as they waited and wondered what would happen.

(Acts 2:2) And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

The Holy Spirit did not come quietly. If He had come quietly, that might have left some doubt among some as to whether or not the Holy Spirit had been sent or received. The Holy Spirit came from heaven (from a location above them or outside of this world as the sound came into the room). It might have sounded similar to a roaring tornado or a sudden loud gust of wind. Notice: the Spirit “filled the entire house;” therefore, everyone in the house heard the Spirit’s coming and everyone could talk about their experience.

(Acts 2:3) Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.

When the Holy Spirit came, each follower of Christ could see the flames of fire upon each one of them. They saw that no one was left out, and all of them had received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit filled the house in a general way, as air fills a house, and the Holy Spirit also related individually and particularly to each person in the house as He came to each person and gave them the gift of Himself. The Holy Spirit also gave a variety of different gifts to each person, as Paul later described the giving of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. The Holy Spirit came on Pentecost as the power from on high to help the disciples teach others about Jesus and lead them to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

(Acts 2:4) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

The Holy Spirit rested upon each one and entered into each one, but not to manipulate them as a puppet master from the outside. The Holy Spirit not only gave them gifts, but the Holy Spirit also gave them himself by coming into the life of each person and filling each person. No part of any person was left untouched by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was heard with human ears as He entered the house. He gave the disciples the ability to speak various human languages on that day, languages previously unknown to each one of them so unbelievers could hear the truth with human ears. The Holy Spirit came as a spiritual and physical presence in human history, revealing His coming to believers and unbelievers alike; just as Jesus came and revealed himself to believers and unbelievers alike.

(Acts 2:5) Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.

Not only did Jews come to Jerusalem to visit on special feast days, but some also came to live in Jerusalem—some for business and work, some visiting family and friends, some who were happy to move from the land of their birth to Jerusalem itself. The Jews had been scattered the first time in 722 BC, and later after defeats by their enemies and through exile. By this day of Pentecost, many had returned to Jerusalem for a variety of reasons, and many would return home with the amazing story of Jesus, the crucified and resurrected Messiah, and of how they had been there when the Holy Spirit came. Some would return home as dedicated followers of Jesus Christ and lead some in their family and some in their community to saving faith in Jesus Christ, so they too could receive the Holy Spirit. As Peter concluded the sermon he preached on the day of Pentecost, he promised “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

(Acts 2:6) And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.

Perhaps those living near the house or passing by heard the sound of the Holy Spirit as a rush of violent wind in the house. Perhaps they heard many loud voices, and as they listened each one could distinguish a voice or voices that were speaking their own language. No wonder they were shocked and confused.

(Acts 2:7) Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

Thinking back to the Tower of Babel, where God confused the people’s language into many languages and scattered them into various language groups because of their sins. At Pentecost, everyone from any of these language groups could hear the good news of Jesus Christ preached to each one in their own language. In their own language, each one heard the good news of forgiveness for sin; and each one learned about God’s gift of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. Each one heard Jesus’ disciples from Galilee teaching about Jesus, and they heard them, not in a Galilean accent or dialect, but in their own native languages.

(Acts 2:8) And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?

They all knew the story of the Tower of Babel. Now that they could all hear and understand the same gospel message each in their own language, they may have wondered how the consequences of the Tower of Babel had been substantially reversed. They knew that those in the house were Galileans; therefore, they would not know all of their various languages.

(Acts 2:9) Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

Luke listed the various language groups present on the day of Pentecost. The first four groups he listed lived east of Judea, and the Jews living there spoke varieties of Aramaic. Those from the northern kingdom had been placed in exile there by the Assyrians. More Jews joined them exile in Nebuchadnezzar’s time. Many chose not to return when given the opportunity. During the reigns of King David and King Solomon, before their kingdom was divided, they controlled Judea, which included extensive land holdings from the Egyptian border to the Euphrates River. From Luke’s list, we see how far millions of Jews had spread after the time of King David and King Solomon. We see how God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled by his having as many descendants as stars in the sky.

(Acts 2:10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia included large Jewish communities in Asia Minor (see Acts chapters 13-19). In all of these places, Jews numbered in the millions. The Israelites left Egypt with Moses, but Jews have lived continually in Egypt since the sixth century BC. Libya was the name for North Africa west of Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea. Cyrene was a city in North Africa and the capital of Cyrenaica, a province of Libya. Rome is the only city mentioned on the European mainland. Proselytes were Gentiles who had fully converted to the Jewish faith, law, practices, and teachings.

(Acts 2:11) Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”

Cretans and Arabs included those from the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea and in the area of the Nabatean Arabs east of Syria and Palestine whose capital was Petra. On the North, South, East, and West, Luke listed all the lands that surrounded Judea under Roman rule, including Rome itself. People from all of these places heard the disciples speak in their own languages, because the disciples under the power of the Holy Spirit were speaking in their own languages. The Holy Spirit worked a miracle of speaking in well-known foreign languages, and many of those who heard returned home and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ before the disciples ever left Jerusalem as missionaries.

(Acts 2:12) All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

Praises to God would be heard in Jerusalem in languages from all of the above places. On the day of Pentecost, the curse of the Tower of Babel (see Genesis 22) was reversed. Now, all of the Jews from all of these places heard Galilean Jews speaking in their own individual languages. No wonder they were amazed and perplexed and wanted to know what it meant. The Holy Spirit created eager listeners by His gift of tongues on the disciples of Jesus. Any Gentiles in Jerusalem at the time could have also heard the gospel in their own language. From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to the day of Pentecost and beyond, Gentiles have had the opportunity to hear and believe the good news.

(Acts 2:13) But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

No matter how convincingly the Holy Spirit may work, or how human reasoning may be flawless, or how the Bible may be taught without error, some will sneer, disbelieve, and slander Christians who give their testimony about God and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Eventually, some who sneer will come to believe. On the day of Pentecost, refusing to believe, some sneered and thought these Galileans could suddenly speak in their own native language because the Galileans had drunk too much wine. What an unreasonable and unrealistic belief on the part of those who sneered! Refusing to believe in God and the gospel is never logical, and the objections of unbelievers to the Christian faith are never reasonable.

(Acts 2:14) But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.

During the trial of Jesus and before Jesus rose from the dead, three times Peter fearfully denied knowing Jesus. Now, filled with the promised Holy Spirit, Peter courageously addressed the crowd and gave his defense of Jesus and His promises. As Peter spoke in his Galilean dialect, something different happened. Before, the Galileans spoke different languages. Now, Peter speaks in his own native language, one language, and each one hears in his own native language in order to understand Peter. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit worked both a miracle of speaking in the disciples and a miracle of hearing in those who listened to Peter talk in his Galilean tongue.

(Acts 2:15) Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning.

The first miracle was one of speaking and the next miracle was one of hearing. Peter reasoned with those who sneered by saying that no one is drunk at nine o’clock in the morning. So, Peter began his defense by using logic and appealing to human reason. Then, he turned to the Scriptures and made his defense from what their Scriptures (the Old Testament) taught. When Peter began with a logical explanation, he helped many begin using their human reason to understand an experience as he taught them from the Scriptures (and of course Peter spoke with the leading and power from on high, the Holy Spirit).

(Acts 2:16) No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:”

Once again, the Bible gives us at least two witnesses to the facts (or Peter presented at least two witnesses) to prove the true facts about the event. The experience of the tongues or various languages they all heard were not from being drunk (this first witness they could verify from their own experiences and observations). The second witness was the Holy Scriptures; notably, from the prophet Joel. Joel foretold this event, so they saw his prophecy fulfilled. Peter gave good and sufficient reasons from their experiences and from the Scriptures for them to believe; furthermore, and the Holy Spirit worked to help many of them come to believe and trust in Jesus for salvation.

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. Why do you think the disciples obeyed Jesus and waited in Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Spirit?

2. Why do you think the Holy Spirit came with a loud noise instead of quietly?

3. Why do you think the Holy Spirit visibly rested individually on each one in the upper room instead of simply giving each one a special feeling?

4. Describe the miracles of hearing and speaking?

5. Why did Peter refer those looking for an explanation to what the prophet Joel had said?

Easy to Print Bible Lesson Commentary

[Easy to Print: Commentary on Acts 2:1-16]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Commentary on Acts 2:1-16]

Teacher Study Hints for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On Acts 2:1-16]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On Acts 2:1-16]

Verse By Verse Study Guide Class Handouts

[Easy to Print: How to Use the Verse By Verse Study Guides Below]

[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse KJV Acts 2:1-16]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse GNB Acts 2:1-16]
[Easy to Print: Verse By Verse NRSV Acts 2:1-16]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:

You can drop me an e-mail note using the form on the Introduction page.

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International Bible Lessons Sunday, May 26, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

2 Peter 3:1-18

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International Bible Lessons Sunday, May 19, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

1 Peter 4:1-11

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International Bible Lessons Sunday, May 12, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

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2 Peter 1:1-21

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International Bible Lessons Sunday, May 5, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

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1 Peter 1:1-16

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International Bible Lessons Sunday, April 28, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

2 Thessalonians 2:8-17

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International Bible Lessons Sunday, April 21, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

1 Thessalonians 5:1–5:11

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International Bible Lessons Sunday, April 14, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary

Acts 2:1-16

Five Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

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