Recent Commentaries

Josiah became king of Judah when he was eight years old and ruled for 31 years (v. 1). He followed the example of his ancestor David by obeying the Lord (v. 2). When he was 16 years old, he began worshiping God, just as David had done (v. 3). Four years later he decided to destroy the local …

Three years after Paul’s conversion he goes to Jeru?salem and visits with Peter. This was his first visit to this city as a Christian. He stayed fifteen days and only saw Peter and James (vv. 18-20). It would appear that the Apostles were suspicious of him and he had a tough …

Christ who is God, came to earth as man. Yet in doing so, He did not merely “appear” like a man; He became one (v. 14). When it says “we have seen” it implies that the author was an eyewitness. John the Baptist gave a continuing testimony concerning Jesus (v. …

This psalm speaks about the blessing of a family. He says that it is a real privilege and blessing to be able to provide the physical needs for your own family. Then comes the blessing of a productive wife and many children who are looked up to in the community. Added to th …

To avoid conflict with the Pharisees, who were alarmed at His increasing popularity, Jesus left Judea and started north for Galilee (vv. 1-3) It states that “He must needs go through Samaria” (v. 4). An Orthodox Jew would have crossed the Jordan River near Jericho, made his way through …

Chapter 15 is preparatory to the seven “Bowl” judgments. John gave us the seven “Seal” judgements in chapter 6, the seven “Trumpet” judgments in chapters 8 and 9, and now he leads us to the seven “Bowl” judgments in chapter 16. Why does there need to be these three series of …

Manoah wanted to have a sacrificial meal with the angel of the Lord for he was not aware that his guest was superhuman (v. 15). The angel refused to partake of such a meal but suggested instead that a sacrifice be offered to the Lord (vv. 16-18). Manoah appears to have taken the angel’s …

The servants of a ruler are apt to become like the ruler and follow his example. If he prefers falsehood to truth, then his servants and those around him will be encouraged to become liars also (v. 12). As we read history and even today we can see this happen so often in governme …

After Jesus had silenced the Pharisees and Herodians, the Sadducees try their hand at trapping Him. It has been said that the Pharisees were the ritualists, the Herodians the politicians, and the Sadducees the rationalists. This is the only time in Mark’s gospel that the Sad …

Paul made plans to return to Greece and Palestine, and then go to Rome (v. 21). Two and a half years had passed since Paul arrived in Ephesus, and he felt his work there was over. To prepare the believers in Macedonia for his coming, Paul sent two of his disciples (Timothy and Erastus) …