by Dr. Grant C. Richison
“Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains.”
that God would open to us a door for the word
Paul’s request for prayer revolved around God opening the door of opportunity for the gospel (cf. I […]
“Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains.”
to speak the mystery of Christ
“Mystery” does not mean something that is mysterious or spooky. It means that which is known to the initiated (Phil. 4:12, “I […]
“Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains.”
for which I am also in chains
It was the preaching of the mystery that put Paul in jail in the first place. The gospel compelled Paul to […]
“That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”
That I may make it manifest
“That” introduces a purpose clause. We are about to hear the purpose of Paul’s life.
“Manifest” means make clear or bring to light. Paul wanted to expose the gospel in such a way that people can see it clearly. He wanted […]
“That I may make it manifest,as I ought to speak.”
as I ought to speak
The word “ought” means necessary; “As it is necessary for me to speak.” Paul wanted to meet the need for getting the gospel out to the world. There is a divine imperative or necessity upon Paul.
Acts 4:18-20 “And they called them […]
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside
When it comes to sharing our faith, God expects us to exercise wisdom. How we share our faith could cause them to further prejudice their ideas toward Christianity. The witnessing style may give them an occasion to reject […]
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside
The word “walk” means to walk around and has the idea of course of life. It is the manner of life of a consistent walk. What we are speaks so loud that people cannot hear what we […]
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
toward those who are outside
Note the phrase “those who are outside.” This idea occurs in I Thessalonians 4:12: “That you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” This is our testimony to those who do not know […]
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
redeeming the time
“Redeeming” means seize the opportunity, buy up an opportunity. It comes from two words “out” and “to buy” and in this passage means to buy up for oneself (Eph. 5:16).A Christian operating in wisdom seizes opportunities to share his faith. He takes the […]
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Let your speech always be with grace
Grace here means winsomeness or graciousness (cf. 3:16). God wants us to carry on conversation of courtesy, appropriate to the people involved. This is wise communication (v.5) of […]
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