Scripture Insights with John Weir

Author: john

  • Saturday 5/31/25

    1 Thessalonians 5:2–3 (NIV)

    “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”

    Reflection & Application:

    Christ’s return will be sudden and unexpected, catching many off guard. It’s a challenge not to be lulled into spiritual sleep by all the comforts and routines of life.

    Today, stay spiritually alert. Examine your heart, walk in obedience, and live ready, not in fear, but in faith and readiness for the day of our Lords return, suddenly.

  • How was your father?

    Ah, my father. His name was Julius, a nobleman of high standing in Alexandria, wealthy, respected, and devoted to the customs of our people. He gave generously to the synagogue and saw to it that his children were trained both in the Law of Moses and in the sciences of the Greeks—as was fitting for a Jewish family dwelling in a city where the two worlds met daily in tension and wonder.

    He did not write books nor seek fame, but his wisdom lived in his restraint, his reverence for God, and his careful stewardship of our household. It was from him I learned the beauty of order, the value of silence, and the strength of faith that does not always need to speak.

    If he had ambitions, he placed them beneath the greater duty of faithfulness. And though he may not be remembered in the halls of Rome or the academies of Athens, his name is known in heaven, and that is the only remembrance worth seeking.

  • How he would like to be understood

    If I could impress one truth upon those who read my works or ponder my life, it would be this:

    I did not write to glorify philosophy, but to glorify God. I drew deeply from the wells of Greek thought—not because I believed it equal to divine revelation, but because I saw in it fragments of truth that could serve as handmaids to the eternal Word.

    Above all, I longed for people to understand that human greatness lies not in self-mastery, but in self-emptying—the recognition that we are but vessels, and that it is God alone who fills us with reason, freedom, and breath. To know this is to begin to walk in wisdom.

    I hoped to show, through my allegories and teachings, that the soul’s true ascent is not through logic alone, nor through ritual alone, but through humility, faith, and the inner transformation that comes from drawing near to the Invisible One.

    In sum: Do not look at me as a philosopher trying to build a system. Look at me as a worshiper, kneeling before the burning bush of revelation, striving to remove the sandals of pride, and urging others to do the same.

  • Short Bio of Philo

    Philo of Alexandria (c. 20 BCE – c. 50 CE) was a Hellenistic Jewish thinker, born into a prominent and wealthy family in Alexandria, Egypt—a great center of Jewish life and Greek philosophy. I lived at a time when Rome ruled the known world, and Jewish communities, though scattered, were vibrant and deeply devoted to the Torah. I sought to reconcile the divine revelation of the Hebrew Scriptures with the best of Greek philosophy, particularly Platonism and Stoicism, though always placing the wisdom of God above the wisdom of men.

    My central belief, indeed the root of my whole philosophy, was that God alone truly exists, and that man, in himself, is ouden, nothing. Human reason (logos) is not autonomous but a gift from God, a faint image of the Divine Logos through which the world was created and through which it continues to be sustained.

    In all things, I was devoted to the Law of Moses, not as a mere legal code, but as a sacred revelation, filled with allegorical wisdom. I interpreted Scripture with the eyes of faith, using the method of allegory to show that beneath the literal events lay profound spiritual truths. I believed that Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and others were not only historical figures but also symbols of the soul’s journey toward God.

    Although I am often called a “philosopher,” I would more rightly be known as a servant of the Word, one who used the tools of philosophy not to exalt man’s reason, but to humble it before the majesty of God. I taught that the truly wise man does not trust in himself, but becomes an instrument in the hands of the Almighty—renouncing pride, submitting the passions, and pursuing virtue through the grace given by the Lord.

  • Philo of Alexandria (c. 20 BCE – c. 50 CE) 

    I’ll be sharing about Philo of Alexandria over the next month or so. I hope you enjoy what he shares. I first read his work about eight years ago, and I bought the book you see the cover of above. Some of it is very deep and I don’t mean philosophical or religious. He describes things about how the world was made and about physics that are beyond me. But what I like the most is his love for God and for people.

  • Monday 3/31/25

    2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

    Reflection & Application:

    God’s power equips us completely for living a life that honors Him. We’re not left to struggle on our own—through knowing Christ, we are given all the strength, wisdom, and grace we need.

    Today, lean into this truth. When you feel inadequate or unsure, remember that His power is already at work in you. Draw closer to Him through His Word and prayer, and walk confidently in the purpose He’s given you.

  • Saturday 3/29/25

    Jeremiah 10:12 (NIV) – “But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.”

    Reflection & Application:

    This verse reminds us that God’s power is not only immense but purposeful, driven by divine wisdom and understanding.

    Everything in creation is intentional and under His control. In our daily lives, we can trust that the same God who designed the universe is guiding our path.

    Today, pause and reflect on His power in creation—and let that awe inspire confidence in His ability to handle your challenges. Walk forward knowing your life is in the hands of a powerful and wise Creator.

  • Friday 3/28/25

    Psalm 18:2 (NIV) – “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

    Reflection & Application:

    This verse paints a vivid picture of God’s power as our protector and source of safety. In a world full of instability and uncertainty, we can find unshakable security in Him. His strength defends, shelters, and sustains us through every trial.

    Today, lean into God as your refuge. When stress or fear creeps in, pause and declare this truth—He is your rock and your fortress. Let that assurance give you boldness and peace.

  • Thursday 3/27/25

    Isaiah 40:26 (NIV) – “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

    Reflection & Application:

    God’s power is displayed in the vastness and precision of the universe—He not only created the stars but knows each one by name. This same mighty God watches over you personally and with care.

    Today, when you feel small or overlooked, remember that the Creator who sustains galaxies is also sustaining you.

    Look up, trust His strength, and find peace in knowing you are never forgotten.

  • Wednesday 3/26/25

    Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”

    Reflection & Application:

    This verse highlights Jesus’ divine power—not only is He God’s perfect image, but He upholds the entire universe by His word.

    Today, this means that every detail of our lives is held together by His strength and purpose. When life feels fragile or uncertain, we can rest in the confidence that Christ’s power is constant and dependable.

    Let His word guide your day, knowing that His sustaining presence surrounds and supports you in every moment.