Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
The only other time someone had given someone else their miraculous power in the Bible was with Elijah and Elisha but this only happened when Elijah left.
v.1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
The only other time someone had given someone else their miraculous power in the Bible was with Elijah and Elisha but this only happened when Elijah left.
v.16 Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Shrewd meaning prudent. These two qualities, prudence and innocence, balance each other.
(From Constable’s commentary) “Doves are retiring birds; they leave when other birds oppose them rather than fighting.”
v.16 Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Shrewd meaning prudent. These two qualities, prudence and innocence, balance each other.
(From Constable’s commentary) “Doves are retiring birds; they leave when other birds oppose them rather than fighting.”
v.19-20 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Not only don’t worry about what to say, but also how to say it. The Spirit of your Father will be speaking through you. While these verses apply to answering charges, in a general sense, they give assurance of the Spirit’s help.
v.19-20 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Not only don’t worry about what to say, but also how to say it. The Spirit of your Father will be speaking through you. While these verses apply to answering charges, in a general sense, they give assurance of the Spirit’s help.
v.24 The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.
Jesus’ critics called him Satan, therefore we should not be surprised when people think we are evil.
v.24 The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.
Jesus’ critics called him Satan, therefore we should not be surprised when people think we are evil.
v.26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
Do not be afraid, or intimated, or “bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies.” (v.28) (MSG).
v.26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
Do not be afraid, or intimated, or “bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies.” (v.28) (MSG).
v.27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Quote from a friend: “If I am not hearing him in the darkness, what will I speak in the light? If I am not hearing him whisper in my ear, what will I proclaim on the housetops?!” Listen to God.
v.27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Quote from a friend: “If I am not hearing him in the darkness, what will I speak in the light? If I am not hearing him whisper in my ear, what will I proclaim on the housetops?!” Listen to God.
v.32-33 Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
We cannot fulfil the requirements of discipleship in private.
v.32-33 Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
We cannot fulfil the requirements of discipleship in private.
v.34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Jesus states the consequence of his coming. By coming Jesus knew he was going to create conflict.
v.34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Jesus states the consequence of his coming. By coming Jesus knew he was going to create conflict.