Recent Commentaries

As we read through Paul’s sermon in Athens, keep in mind the beliefs held by those to whom he was addressing and observe how Paul interacted with those beliefs. The Epicureans in the crowd were more materialistic and non-religious, believing that life was for pursuing pleasure, while the …

There were four Roman soldiers at the crucifixion. These four divided up Jesus’ clothes, which would have included his robe, his sandals, his belt, and his head covering. Each would have received one of these. His Tunic, however, was woven in one piece from top to bottom. They did …

In this chapter the final siege of Jerusalem is described. The fate of Israel is pronounced by the Lord (v.1). He says, I will make Jerusalem and Judah like a cup of poison to all the nearby nations that send their armies to surround Jerusalem (v. 2) Also pictured is the delivera …

God treated me with kindness (v. 7). His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news. I am the least important of all God’s people (v. 8). But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured …

Many of life’s problems are caused by wrong words spoken in the wrong spirit. Peter exhorts us to: (1) Have unity of mind. Unity is not uniformity. Unity is cooperation despite diversity. (2) Have compassion. Compassion or sympathy means to have a sincere feeling for and with the needs …

The farmers and vine growers had reason to mourn since the fruit of their labor had been destroyed (vv. 11-12) Joel cries out to the temple priests to recognize their desperate condition, to gird themselves with sackcloth and to prostrate themselves all night before God i …

This chapter defines the boundaries of Judah’s inheritance (vv. 1-12). As we listen to Joshua parcel out the inheritance of the land to the various tribes and observe the reaction of what was given to them, it is not hard to see ourselves. We find Caleb getting down to business and defeating the …

This parable is not to be confused with the parable of the great supper (Luke 14:16-24). The period described here must be after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Father is still inviting the people of Israel to come, despite what they did to His Son. The king …

As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem and eventually the cross, He is teaching His disciples and preparing them for the time He will no longer be with them. In the passage we are reading today he is teaching them about forgiveness and faithfulness: Forgiveness (vv. 1- …

Chapter 23 opens with Paul standing before the Sanhedrin presenting his case. Gazing earnestly at the council, he told them he had lived before God, doing his duty with a perfectly good conscience (v. 1). Ananias, a corrupt high priest, order that Paul should be slapped across the mouth to forcibly …