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Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ephesians 6:10-18
We read Ephesians 6:10-18 through the lens of covenant theology, understanding this passage as an exhortation to stand firm in the strength of the Lord because of our union with Christ. The imagery of the armor of God is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God himself is depicted as a warrior.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
We read this passage as an expression of the kingdom ethic established by Christ, who fulfills the covenant of grace. The Beatitudes reveal the characteristics of those who are recipients of sovereign grace, highlighting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the elect. This pass
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 32
In Genesis 32, we read Jacob's wrestling with God as a profound encounter with both Law and Gospel. The Law is evident in Jacob's fear and his recognition of his unworthiness and need for deliverance, as he prepares to meet Esau. This passage reveals the human condition of struggle and the futility
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 29:1-14
We read Genesis 29:1-14 through the Lutheran Lens by identifying the Law's exposure of human frailty and the Gospel's deliverance of grace. In Jacob's journey and his meeting with Rachel, we see the Law at work in his reliance on human effort and the resulting complexities of life. Yet, we also see
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 49:1-27
We read Genesis 49:1-27 as a pivotal moment in redemptive history where Jacob, under the guidance of divine revelation, pronounces blessings and prophecies over his sons, which are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. This passage is a covenantal testament, reflecting God's sovereign choice and provident
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 5:1-12
We read Psalm 5:1-12 through the Lutheran Lens as a clear interaction between Law and Gospel. The psalmist's cries for guidance and deliverance highlight our human inability to achieve righteousness before God, emphasizing the Law's role in revealing sin. In contrast, the assurance of God's steadfas
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Acts 10:34-35
We read Acts 10:34-35 as a powerful affirmation that God shows no partiality, and this is a message of profound liberation for all who have been marginalized and oppressed. In our tradition, this passage confirms that God's justice and salvation extend beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries, resonati
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Isaiah 1:10-17
We read Isaiah 1:10-17 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the text as a powerful proclamation of God's Law. The passage exposes the futility of the peopleβs sacrifices and religious rituals when disconnected from justice and genuine repentance. This is the Law doing its workβconvicting
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
We read this passage as a powerful testament to God's grace and sufficiency in weakness, a message that resonates deeply with the Black Church tradition. We see Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' not just as a personal struggle but as a symbol of the systemic oppression and suffering experienced by Black p
Traditional Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:1-6
We read this passage as a profound encouragement and exhortation. The Apostle John, under divine inspiration, writes to assure believers of the advocacy of Jesus Christ, our righteous Advocate, who intercedes for us before the Father. This text emphasizes Christ's propitiation for our sins, undersco
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ruth 4:1-12
We read Ruth 4:1-12 as a narrative that powerfully illustrates God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Boaz's role as the kinsman-redeemer prefigures Christ, who redeems us from sin and death. This passage showcases the interplay of Law and Gospel: the Law is evident in the
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ruth 1:1-5
We read Ruth 1:1-5 as highlighting the sovereignty of God in the midst of human suffering and the unfolding of His covenantal purposes. The passage introduces the dire circumstances of Naomi's family, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan through Ruth. Despite the apparent absence of divine in
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
We read this passage in John 7:10-13 as a powerful reminder of Jesus's strategic and subversive ministry. Jesus, aware of the plots against Him, chooses to go to the festival not openly, but in secret, embodying wisdom and shrewdness in the face of oppression. We see in this the necessity of discern
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 6:1-15
In John 6:1-15, we read this passage through the Lutheran Lens as a powerful demonstration of Christ's divinity and his role as the Bread of Life, which foreshadows the sacramental reality of the Lord's Supper. This miracle of feeding the 5,000 reveals both Law and Gospel: the Law shows our insuffic
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
We read this passage as a powerful affirmation of the critical role women play in the work of the Gospel. Phoebe is not simply a helper; she is a deacon, a leader, and a patron in the church. Her commendation by Paul is a testimony to the inclusive community that God is building, where all are value
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ephesians 6:10-18
We read Ephesians 6:10-18 as a profound articulation of the Christian's life under the cross, where the real battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. This passage is interpreted through the lens of Law and Gospel: the Law reveals the reality of spiritual warfare, our inabi
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Ephesians 6:10-18
We read this passage from Ephesians 6:10-18 as a profound call to spiritual vigilance and the necessity of divine grace in our struggle against the powers of darkness. The 'armor of God' is understood sacramentally, symbolizing the grace we receive through the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist,
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Ephesians 6:10-18
We read Ephesians 6:10-18 as a divine call to spiritual warfare for liberation and justice. This passage is not merely about personal piety but about equipping the community to stand against systemic evils and spiritual wickedness in high places. We see the 'armor of God' as God's provision for our
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 4:10-17
We read Exodus 4:10-17 as a vivid demonstration of God's active presence and providence in the life of Moses, which reflects our understanding of divine grace working in and through human weakness. This passage highlights the sacramental principle that God chooses to work through tangible signs and
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48
We read Matthew 5:43-48 as a profound call to love within the covenant community and beyond, reflecting the character of our sovereign God. This passage reveals the radical nature of the kingdom inaugurated by Christ, where love extends even to enemies, mirroring God's indiscriminate grace. In the r
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens, we read John 3:16-21 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign grace and the fulfillment of the covenant of grace in Christ. This passage reveals the love of God manifest in the sending of His Son, highlighting God's initiative in salvation β 'God so loved the
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read John 3:16-21 as a profound summary of God's salvific love manifested through the Incarnation. This passage emphasizes the sacramental reality of divine love entering history through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, which invites us into a living rel
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21
We read John 3:16-21 as a profound proclamation of the Gospel, where God's unconditional love is manifested in the giving of His Son for the world. This passage is a clear articulation of the Gospel promise β that whoever believes in Christ is not condemned but has eternal life. The Law is evident i
Traditional Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21
We read this passage as a clear and powerful proclamation of the gospel's core message: God's love manifested through the giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world. John 3:16 serves as a foundational text for understanding the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, where Christ