Understanding

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem - John 12:12 – 12:19 (commentary)

The scene now shifts from a quiet dinner in Bethany to a noisy parade in Jerusalem (v. 12). Thousands of Galilean pilgrims had come to the Passover, and they had seen many of Jesus’ mighty works. These people were expec­ting Christ to establish David’s kingdom. Waving p …

Understanding God’s Word and Applying It - John 16:25 – 16:33 (commentary)

Even though Jesus was a master teacher and taught His disciples for three years by spoken word and example their perception of His relationship to the Father was limited. He now explains to them that they are about to enter a new situation because of His resurrection, ascension a …

At Simon the Leper’s House - Matthew 26:6 – 26:16 (commentary)

During the final week of His life before the cross, the Lord spent the night in Bethany which was east of Jerusalem on the south side of the Mount of Olives. We find recorded here an event that took place one evening in the home of Simon the Leper (v. 6). Who he was we do not kno …

Prayer for knowledge and power - Ephesians 1:15 – 1:23 (commentary)

Faith and love are two great words. Paul commends the Ephesian Christians for their “faith” in the Lord and (their) “love” for all the saints (v. 15). Because of their spiritual growth, both as individuals and as a church body he goes on to say h …

Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers - I Corinthians 14:18 – 14:25 (commentary)

As a nation, the Jews were always seeking a sign (Matt. 12:38, I Cor. 1:22). At Pentecost, the fact that the apostles spoke in tongues was a sign to the unbelieving Jews who were there celebrating the feast. The miracle of tongues aroused their interest, but it did not convict th …