Do a character study on both Timothy and Epaphroditus and see what you can learn about them, as well as why Paul was so keen on sending them to the Philippians.
Read this Scripture section alongside 1 Samuel 18:1-3. How do the details of one help support the truth of the other, particularly the importance of like-minded partnership when tackling a ministry?
Paul uses the word “mind” four times in three verses (2:2, 3, and 5) but, when he does, he uses three different Greek words. Dig into them and see what kind of narrative you can piece together.
Read this Scripture section alongside Matthew 11:29. How do the details of one help support the truth of the other?
Go to Blue Letter Bible and look up the definitions for “furtherance” in verse 12 and “progress” in verse 25. How do they enhance the narratives in each context?
Read verses 12-14 alongside Esther 9:1 and Genesis 50:20. How do the details of one help support the truth of the other?
Consult your Bible’s introduction to the book, your favorite study tools (like Search the Scriptures) or The Bible Project for foundational introductory information before beginning to study the first chapter.
Hint: Find the author’s emphasis by looking for repeated words and ideas throughout the text.
From a young age, I was taught to speak with kindness.
Take note of the repeated phrase in Esther 9:10, 15, and 17. Dig into the linguistics of the words. Why does that phrase bear repeating?
Look at Mordecai’s full story and compare it with David’s, especially in 2 Samuel 3:1 and 1 Chronicles 11:9.
Six years after Esther first accepted the crown and stepped into her role as queen, in the 12th month, on the 13th day, the time had come.
