Jesus began to drive the money changers out of the temple and the blind and lame came to him to be healed (vv. 12-14) The priests and religious leaders saw His miracles and were indignant (vv. 15-16). God desires that His name be honored and that His people be treated well (v. 12). He then …
The writer drew a distinction between those people who lived in Jerusalem and those who lived in Gibeon. There were Benjamites who lived in Jerusalem and others who lived in Gibeon. Gibeon was where the central sanctuary stood during most of Saul’s reign and from then until Solomon …
This psalm is more concerned with the deliverance from Egypt than with thanksgiving for an abundant harvest. As the psalmist traces the Exodus he passes quickly to the wilderness trials which was a test. In this chapter we can learn some valuable lessons from rebellious Israel:Re …
The chairman of this Jerusalem council was James, the half brother of Jesus, who did not believe in Him until after the resurrection (v. 13). Peter was also an important participant in this meeting. It appears that at least four different meetings were involved in this strategic …
The Lord said: When someone offers a sacrifice to give thanks to me, the priests from Aaron’s family must bring it to the front of the bronze altar (v. 14), where one of them will scoop up a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense on it (v. 15). Then, to show …
Look ahead – To “those things that cannot be shaken†(vv. 25-29). If you read the newspaper or watch the news you know that many things around the world are shaking today. Many people (including Christians) are building their lives on things that can shake. A common rea …
In the culture of Esther’s day any person who received the death penalty automatically had to turn over his estate to the king (v 1). This included all of Haman’s property, possessions, as well as all the people in his house. The king gave all of this to Esther, and she then turned it all over to …
What does it mean when it says to be “baptized for the dead†(v. 29)? The Bible Knowledge Commentary says that “up to 200 explanations have been given for this verse. Some, such as the Mormons, believe it means "proxy baptism”, where a believer is baptized on behalf of a dead …
The ascension of Christ occurred near Bethany on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives. As the disciples stood and watched, Jesus began rising into the air, and soon disappeared into heaven (v. 50). Seeing Jesus leave must have been frightening but the disciples knew th …
Probably one of the best known accounts from the book of Kings is the one in this passage concerning a Gentile who had leprosy and was healed. This person was a well-known Syrian army officer named Naaman. An Israelite girl who the Syrians had taken prisoner was serving in Naama …