Category Archives: Weekly Table

Colossians 1:1-12

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Research the book.

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.

Identify the key verse.

Hint: Find the author’s emphasis by looking for repeated words and ideas throughout the text.

The Technicalities

A hundred miles from the coast of modern-day Turkey, tucked up at the base of Mt.

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Ephesians 6:10-24

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Dig into the linguistics.

Look at the Greek word, panoplia, for “whole armor” in Ephesians 6:11, then do some historical research on the ancient Greek armor (panoply) to get a better footing for this passage.

Note the repetition.

Paul uses the word “stand” four times in two different verses. Dig deeper into the Greek word and its usages to better understand its importance.

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Ephesians 6:1-9

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Dig into the linguistics.

Take some time to sit with the Greek word for “obey” in Ephesians 6:1 and 5. Pay attention to the root word and passages in which it is used. How does the impact of Paul’s message become more fine-tuned with that emphasis? 

Pair the passages.

Read the “bondservants” of Ephesians 6:5-9 alongside Acts 12:5-19 and the “damsel” or “maid-servant” of verse 13.

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Ephesians 5:22-33

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Look at other translations.

Read this passage in different Bible translations including the Amplified Bible and the Living Bible to get better insight on Paul’s tone and intention.

Order first things first.

Dig into the keywords with your relationship with Jesus in mind first – how He loves you and the way you respond to His love. Once you get a good grasp on the language in that context, re-read it.

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Ephesians 5:1-21

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Pair the passages.

With the “therefore” of verse one in mind, read this passage alongside Luke 6:27-36. How do the details of one help support the truth of the other?

Dig into the imitating.

Use Blue Letter Bible to dig into the Greek word, mimētēs, for “imitators” (or “followers” in the KJV). Look at each of the six other verses in which the word is used, as well as the root word in which it is found.

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