Compromise

Pilate’s Compromise - John 18:38 – 18:40 (commentary)

In this passage, Pilate declares Jesus innocent three times, yet subjects Him to a terrible beating (18:38-19:1). His actions speak louder than his words. He was a weak-willed man who hoped to find a happy compromise. Pilate asks the question, “What is truth” (v. …

Exodus 8:16 – 8:32 (commentary)

In the previous plagues, of  turning water to blood and the frogs, the Egyptian magicians were able  to imitate Moses. Today’s plague, however, of turning the dust into lice could not be imitated (vv.16-18). In fact the magicians even told the king that God had done thi …

The Compromising Church - Revelation 2:12 – 2:17 (commentary)

Pergamos was the capital of a Roman province located about 55 miles north of Smyrna and was known for its learning, science and especially medicine. Like Ephesus and Smyrna it was a wealthy city but was stooped in idolatry and was adverse to any Christian life and testimony. It c …

Compromise Recommended but Refuted - Acts 21:17 – 21:26 (commentary)

Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem and went before the church leaders to give a missionary report of what God had done in his journeys (vv. 17-19). They listened very politely but when he was finished they told him they had a local situation that perhaps he could help them settle …

Trial Before Pilate - Matthew 27:11 – 27:26 (commentary)

As Jesus enters Pilate’s judgment hall the Jewish leaders accused Him of the following crimes: Guilty of misleading the nationForbidding the paying of taxesClaiming to be a kingPilate focused on the third charge when he asked, “Are you the King of the Jews” (v. 11)? Jes …

Joshua’s farewell address - Joshua 23:9 – 23:16 (commentary)

As this chapter opens some twenty years have passed since the wars in Canaan. Joshua knew that his days on this earth were numbered. He had a deep concern, for he observed a growing complacency on the part of Israel toward the Canaanites that still dwelt in the land which should …

Balak sends for Balaam - Numbers 22:1 – 22:20 (commentary)

The key person in this passage is a mysterious soothsayer named Balaam. He was a Gentile who lived at a place called Pethor near the Euphrates River (v. 5). He had a reputation for receiving hidden knowledge and the use of occult power to grant blessing or cursing and sold his se …

Failure in Northern Canaan - Judges 1:21 – 1:36 (commentary)

Judah’s victories were by no means complete. She was unable to cope with her enemy’s chariots of iron. Benjamin was not able to drive out the Jebusites from their portion of the land. Manasseh was unable to overthrow the Canaanites in her own terrain (vv. 21-22). She kept them in …

Compromise Invites an Attack by Satan - Proverbs 25:21 – 25:28 (commentary)

The kindness shown in giving someone food and water makes him ashamed of being an enemy, and will soften his angry feelings (vv. 21-22). Nothing brings sorrow and strife among people more than the repeating of matter that cannot profit, and brings pain to the one of who …

The Results of Compromise - Jeremiah 7:1 – 7:7 (commentary)

Most of his messages from chapters 7-20 were delivered during the reign of Jehoiakim. King Josiah had led the nation in a reformation during which he restored the temple and removed idols from the land. In 609 he was wounded in battle near Megiddo and taken to Jerusalem w …