This passage starts out with Festus rudely interrupting Paul’s testimony by telling him he is insane; that his education has gone to his head and scrambled his brains (v. 24). Apparently this charge came as a result of Paul’s declaration that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. …
It is only when the heart is ready to receive instruction, and the ear is ready to hear that a person will grow in his spiritual life (v. 12). There is a big differ¬ence between reading the Bible (or hearing it explained) and meditating upon it. That is why so many people never grow much in their Christian …
Few nations have possessed the proud national consciousness of Israel. Patriotic feeling burned brightly. Israel’s past made it impossible for her to be indifferent to the elements of greatness in her history. Ezekiel, however, did not share her pride. One commentary said …
Is God unjust in choosing Isaac over Ishmael & Jacob over Esau? Moses over Pharaoh & Israel over Egypt (vv. 14-18)? Paul responds, “Not at all! God is not under obligation to give mercy to anyone.” In Malachi 1:2,3, the statement “Jacob I have loved but Esau I have hated†refers to the …
In today’s passage, the Lord passes judgement upon Moab (vv. 1-3) and Judah (vv. 4-5). Moab was situated east of the Dead Sea between Ammon and Edom (vv. 1-3). They had descended from an incestuous relationship between Lot and his oldest daughter. Balak, king of Moab tried to hire
At the beginning of this chapter a group of the elders in exile came to Ezekiel to seek counsel of the Lord (vv. 1-3). It appeared that they were finally been convinced that judgment was coming to their brethren still at Jerusalem. The context indicates that the question in …
The emphasis in this passage is that the workman needs to be diligent in his labors so that he will not be ashamed when his work is inspected. The word study (v. 15) means “to be diligent, be zealous.” An approved worker studies the Word and seeks to apply it to …
One of the things in Christian circles that tends to be done in a careless manner is stewardship or the handling of money. The apostle Paul in this passage organizes the collection of funds for the saints in Jerusalem so that it will be managed honestly and faithfully. Especially in financial …
The person who has been changed by wisdom can at least grasp the problems of society and how to deal with them. The first question in this chapter is how should we relate to authority?Obedience (vv. 2-8) – There is no way a Christian can argue a biblical case for civil disobedien …
In chapters 1-34, Isaiah has delivered a message of judgment on all nations for their rejection of God. Chapter 34 spoke of great distress when God will judge all people for their actions. In this chapter, Isaiah contrasts the barrenness of Edom with the blossoming of Israel …