Persecution spread across the empire which included social ostracism, public torture and murder. Paul was imprisoned for the last time, and he knew he would soon die. As his life drew to a close he realized in a deeper way how dear Timothy is to him. Knowing that he would soon …
We need to keep in mind that the context of this chapter is soon after Lot has gone back to Sodom. Abraham was wondering whether his efforts to rescue and restore his backsliding nephew had been totally useless. Now God comes to Abraham to discuss some family affairs …
This chapter gives a pointed example of reaping what you sow (Gal. 6:7). This final banquet for Haman was prepared by Esther in her apartment and attended by her husband (the king), Haman and herself (v. 1). While they lingered at the table after a nice meal, the king once again pressed …
Jesus and His disciples were in a boat in a storm (vv. 23-24). Jesus was asleep and the disciples were frightened so they woke Him up and asked Him to save them (v.25). He asked them why they were afraid and told them that they certainly didn’t have much faith (v. 26). Then, He got up …
The law stated that wherever there were 10 Jewish families there must be a synagogue. This meant that wherever there was a colony of Jews, there was a synagogue. If a man had a message to preach, the synagogue was the obvious place to preach it and that is why Jesus went there. On …
Chapter eight shares the climax of Solomon’s accomplishments and the dedication of the temple. The verses today recount the period of “moving in” (vv. 1-21). The most important item after all the new furnishings and utensils had been put in place was the Ark of the Cov …
Paul prayed that the God of peace will keep them from profane things, make them pure and consecrated to God and completely blameless at the coming of Christ (vv 23-24). He also requested that the Christians pray for him (v. 25). After the worship services are over, the Chri …
This chapter is the beginning of what some Bible scholars refer to as “Isaiah’s apocalypse.” The next four chapters discuss God’s judgment on the entire world for its sin. It starts off with a pronouncement of “Woe” on “Ariel”, a code name for Jerusalem. Jerusalem’s worship had become …
Two things distinguished Israel’s history from that of all other nations.Divine presence – (vv. 7, 8) – Picture Israel marching out of Egypt wrapped in a Shekinah cloud. When, in all of history, has this world ever seen anything like this?Divine providence – (vv. 9, 10) – For man …
Jesus knew that before the day was done He would die, and not just die but die a very painful death. Oh sure, he was God and He could make it so it wouldn’t hurt, but that wasn’t a part of the plan. Dying would be the easy part and Jesus Christ, the son of God knew th …