Paul arrived in Ephesus, one of the greatest commercial centers of that time, as it was located on the main trade route between Rome and the east. It was also the center of Satan worship, and the place where the temple of Diana stood. This temple has been described as one of the seven wonders …
When it was confirmed that Gideon was the one guilty of tearing down the altar of Baal the followers marched on Gideon’s house and demanded that he be turned over to them for execution (v. 30). Joash, Gideon’s father responded by saying, “If (Baal) is a God let him contend …
The critics who say that God allowed David to get by with his great sin apparently haven’t read the whole story. God’s man can get in sin, but he will not stay in sin. That is what distinguishes God’s man from the man of the world. God left David in his guilty state for almost a …
Peter goes on to describe these false teachers as “wells without water” (v. 17). Can you picture finding a well of water in the middle of a desert and then discover that it was dry. In conclusion Peter says it is better to be ignorant of the way of the truth than to kno …
In today’s passage God proves once again to the people that Aaron can be trusted and he is the High Priest of Israel (vv. 1-6). A situation was set up for a visible sign of God’s unmistakable choice of Aaron as High Priest. Each tribe was to be represented by a rod or branch of a …
Nehemiah ruled as governor for twelve years in Jerusalem. During this time he did not take advantage of his position (v. 14). The governors who had ruled before him had heavily taxed the people (v. 15). He was more interested in serving the people than he was in fulfilling a voca …
As Stephen laid the blame for the slaying of Christ squarely on them, the members of the council began to murmur. Finally under heavy conviction, they interrupted his sermon and rushed on him in preparation to stone him. They were so angry at him that they literally gnashed their …
Don’t pass over the Passover. This is God’s memorial day. The Passover marks the beginning of deliverance from bondage and the beginning of the Jewish religious year (vv. 1-2). The Lord said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you†(v.13). The sprinkle …
In today’s passage, Amos has a vision of the Lord standing next to the alter. This is either the alter in Jerusalem or more likely, the alter in Bethel (Amos 7:12). The Lord makes a proclamation of top to bottom destruction upon the religion and the people of Israel (v. 1). The top of the temple …
This passage of scripture now returns to the history of Israel. The heir apparent to Israel’s throne, Abijah, had died in childhood. Therefore, his brother Nadab ascended to the throne. His reign lasted for less than two years (vv. 25-32). He continued the policies begun by his …