The sight the apostle beheld at the opening the fifth seal was very heart searching. He saw the souls of the martyrs under the altar, at the foot of the altar in heaven, at the feet of Christ. Evidently these were the martyrs of the first months of the tribulation period (v. 9). Note that these martyrs …
At the conclusion of the service at the synagogue Jesus goes to the home of Simon Peter. Peter’s mother-in-law was very sick “with a great fever” (v. 38). In a moment Jesus heals her and she is able to “minister unto them” (v.39). It is quite evident from …
It seems that several years (some say 30) have transpired between the experience of Daniel’s three friends in chapter 3 and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and period of insanity in chapter 4. King Nebuchadadnezzar tells all people to prosper (v. 1). Although Nebuchadnezzar pr …
Before developing the themes of guilt and judgement (12:9-13:16), Hosea reminded Israel of its unfaithfulness (vv.1-2), and of its need to repent (vv. 5-6). In doing so he drew a lesson from the …
Moses calls Israel together and exhorts them with four key words (vv. 1-2). The words are hear, learn, keep, and do. It is a restating of the Law, but the emphasis is still on love and obedience. What the Lord demanded of Israel is still required of His people today (v. 3). The only difference …
After the Lord Jesus ascended Peter became the recognized leader of the disciples. He was bothered by the empty space left by the treachery and suicide of Judas, and had decided that someone must replace the missing member of the Apostolic ranks. With this mind a prayer meeting w …
Moses teaches Israel the principles of the Hebrew bond- slave and the conditions for setting him free (vv. 12-18). The Lord had previously made it clear that six full years of a person’s life were enough to have to work as a slave for defaulting on a loan (Exodus 21:2). At the end of that time …
In giving instructions about the tabernacle God progressed from within to the courtyard outside the tabernacle. A large altar of acacia wood covered with brass rested outside (vv. 1- 8). It was about seven feet square and almost five feet high which was large enough to burn the sacrifice…
The northern Israelites were living beneath a pious veneer of religion, worshiping idols, and oppressing the poor. Amos is identified as a sheep-breeder (vv. 1-2). He is a fiery, fearless, and honest shepherd from the south who confronts the people with their sin and warns them of the …
Moses returned to his father-in-law Jethro since he could not depart for Egypt without first returning the flock (Ex. 3:1) and he also wanted Jethro’s blessing on his going. He told Jethro that he wanted to go back to Egypt and see if his family was still alive (v. 18 …