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Paul’s Roman Citizenship On Trial
This passage is not the first time the fanatical Jews tried to prove Paul was breaking the Roman law (refer to Acts 16:19-24 and 17:6-7). They accused him of propagating an illegal religion. Judaism was a recognized religion of the empire, and was given the protection of th …
What it Means to Have God on Your Side
Although Edom, Ammon, and Moab had harassed Israel God would not give Israel their land (vv. 16-23). Instead, they were instructed to bypass their nations and let God take care of them. However, the situation changed with Sihon and the Amorites (vv. 24-25). The Amorites under …
How to Respond to Criticism
The people refused to accept Jeremiah’s declaration of doom because it conflicted with the life they were enjoying (vv. 18-23). Proud sinners don’t enjoy hearing about God’s sovereignty or the threat of impending judgment. Their solution was to attack him with t …
The Meaning of Daniel’s Vision
Daniel was at first deeply troubled about this vision concerning the four beasts (v. 15). He then spoke to one standing nearby which was probably an angel, asking for an interpretation (v. 16). This one gave a brief interpretation (v.17-18) but Daniel still wanted to know more …
The Destruction of Shechem
The central theme of this event shows how the Lord dealt in history with those who dared to transgress His moral laws. Abimelech had made his home at a fortress five miles southeast of Shechem. He had put Zebul, one of his officials in charge of Shechem. A new leader by the name …
Paul Explains How Believers Should Live
All men everywhere should obey the laws of God. But believers have an even greater responsibility: to live victorious lives before the Father in heaven (v. 12). Paul explains how belie?vers should live:Towards one another (verses 12-14). With “bowels of compassion.&q …
Jehoiada Makes Joash King of Judah
After Joash had hidden in the temple for six years, Jehoiada the priest, got the support of several army officers (v. 1). These men went to the towns in Judah and invited the Levities and clan leaders to come to Jerusalem (v. 2). They met at the temple where they agreed to help Joash become their …
Wise Leaders Always Seek Advice
Wise leadership always seeks advice but many of us hate to admit that we need to be taught. Have you ever thought about the “why of many counselors?†God seems to do his best work through a group of men rather than by a “lone wolf†(v. 22). Seldom does the &qu …
God’s Wisdom Protects from Immoral People
We can see in this portion of Scripture two enemies that lie in the path of this young man. One is the evil man (v. 12) and the other a strange woman (v. 16) …
Sennacherib’s Threat And Hezekiah’s Prayer
When Hezekiah heard the report from his messengers he tore his clothing, put on sackcloth and went to the temple to pray. He also sent two of his priestly leaders to Isaiah for advice (vv. 1-2). The people were completely demoralized. It seemed as if the whole nation would di …