A contingent from Jerusalem, along with Paul and Barnabas, took the good news to Antioch (v. 30). Two of this group, Judas and Silas, are noted as especially being appreciated for their ministry by the saints in Antioch (v. 31). They remained in this dynamic church to minister the Word of …
The instructions pertaining to the construction of the tabernacle and the account of it being carried out (Ex. 35-40) represent 13 chapters out of the total of 40 for the entire book. This is approximately the same amount of space devoted to the deliverance of Israel from E…
This Psalm details the Lord’s glory in creation while revealing the fall of man and the cursed earth. This section of the Psalm (vv. 1-13) approximates the first 3 days of creation (Gen. 1:1-13). The Creator is greater than the creation and he is to be worshiped and not the creation (vv. 1-2). The …
How does someone write to suffering Christians and tell them to stay faithful, despite the fact they are going through severe trials? The author wisely begins not by considering their difficult circumstances, nor by simply telling them, “This is right to do, so do it.†…
Solomon reigned in what has been referred to as Israel’s golden age. He built the magnificent temple, and even the pots and pans in the kitchen were made of gold. However he had pity on the poor and the weak and helped everyone who was poor and needy (vv. 12-13). He cared f …
John was probably writing to believers in the city of Ephesus, a city given over to the worship of Idols. In the city of Ephesus stood the Temple of Diana. The Ephesians were proud of the structure and the prominence it gave to their city. Few people today, bow to idols of …
The sins Paul mentions in this passage are either the result of church division or caused by lax morality which disunity tends to produce (vv. 20-21). Legalism and immorality are often frequent bedfellows (Philippians 3:3,19). If you don’t believe this is true, just look at the great number of …
Many brave and experienced soldiers came to Hebron (300,000) to make David king over a once again united monarchy. Every tribe was represented, including the Levites and both halves (east and west of Jordan) of Manaseh. The decision to make David king was one of total unity. All …
When Jesus and His disciples arrived back at Capernaum, the tax collectors were waiting for them (v. 24). Every Jew 20 years or more of age was required to pay a temple tax of half a shekel (Exodus 20:13-24). Apparently Peter and Jesus had not yet paid their tax for that ye …
Psalm 119 is the longest of the psalms. With 176 verses it is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except 4 or 5 contains a synonym for the Word of God. The Word of God is spoken of as “His Testimoniesâ€, “His waysâ€, “Your preceptsâ€, and “Your statutesâ€. It has an interesting …