Recent Commentaries

Paul speaks in his own defense, stating that he has not broken the Law of his people and that he has not done anything against either the temple or the Emperor (v. 8). Festus, wanting to please the Jews, proposed to Paul that he go up to Jerusalem to stand trial (v. 9). At …

It is far better to have a peaceful and quiet meal of dry bread than having a lot to eat in a house where there is strife (v. 1). Harmony of a person’s relationship with others is to be desired over a bountiful supply of food. Think of the children today who grow up in a home w …

Israel prospered under King Jeroboam’s leadership by gaining military and economic strength. However, the more prosperous the nation became the more they used their income for building more altars for idol worship (v.1). It is often the same today. More wealth means more worship of …

James has already said a lot about prayer but now he puts a fitting climax to his letter with further instructions on the subject. Two of the greatest weak?nesses in the life of the average Christian today is prayer and praise (v.13). There is much need for prayer …

In this text it appears that there were those who were attributing hidden motives to Paul. His answer is that his whole conduct is dominated, not by shrewdness, but by the grace of God (v. 12). There were no hidden motives in Paul’s life. If we are honest, we will have to admit that we seldom do …

Why is the world in such a mess? The problem is not with God, but with man (vv. 1-3). This passage describes the wickedness of Israel and the wickedness of the whole world. God says there is something wrong with us. It is foolish for any of us to deny it, but that’s exactly what we do …

Moses gives instruction for a ceremony of covenant renewal that was to be followed when Israel entered the promised land. It seems that throughout Israel’s history it was necessary for God to periodically call His people to renewals of covenant commitment and obedience…

Gideon who came through the test of adversity with flying colors was not so successful in the test of prosperity. After his successful encounters with the enemies of the Lord he yielded to two temptations which brought devastating consequences …

In yesterday’s passage, judgment was declared on those who practiced idolatry and refused to worship the Lord (vv. 4-6). Today’s passage will focus on the more everyday type of sin, the kind of wrongdoing that is so easy for us to ignore. It was customary to summon people to a sacrifice …

After David had captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it the capital of Israel and Judah, he was eager to make it the religious center as well. This could not be done, however, till the Ark of the Covenant was returned to a permanent resting place in Jerusalem. The Philistines had …