Recent Commentaries

Two more woes are pronounced on the Babylonians …

As a result of Stephen’s martyrdom (8:1-2) the saints were scattered abroad, and some of them ended up in Antioch, the capital of Syria, which was about 300 miles north of Jerusalem (v. 19). As a result, many Jews heard the gospel, believed, and turned to the Lord (vv. 20-21). When the …

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to defer to the weaker brother. Paul gives a simple rule of thumb to help in making that decision. He states that while we have freedom in Christ, we shouldn’t exercise our freedom at the cost of hurting a Christian brother or sister. Paul lays down the …

King Lemuel (some think this was actually King Solomon though we have no proof) was being taught the Word of God by his mother (v. 1). Her vows may mean that she made a vow as Hannah did, before his conception (I Sam. 1:11) or afterwards. She wanted him to know he was special to …

The first problem Paul addresses in the church at Corinth is division. He introduces the thoughts of this passage with an appeal for unity. Paul is emphasizing that as Christians we are a part of God’s family and share a unity that runs deeper than that of blood brothers and sisters. To speak …

Some Babylonians used this as a chance to accuse the Jews to King Nebuchadnezzar (v. 8). They said, “ Your Majesty, we hope you live forever (v. 9)! When the three Hebrew youths refused to bow, the Chaldeans, the very people whose lives had been spared because of the …

People in the Corinthian Church were questioning Paul’s authority and rights as an apostle, so he gave his credentials (vv. 1-10). Paul saw and talked with the resurrected Christ who called him to be an apostle (Acts 9:3-18). Changed lives within the Corinthian Church were the evidence that …

Solomon had both internal and external adversaries. We have already heard about Hadad, the Edomite, who had taken refuge in Egypt and lived for the day he could take revenge of David’s slaughter of the Edomites. Apparently he caused trouble for Solomon militarily (v. 25). Now we …

At the conclusion of “The Last Supper” in the upper room, Jesus crossed over the brook Kidron to the Garden of Gethsemane which is located at the foot of the mount of Olives. This was a customary place of retirement when in Jerusalem (v. 39). Peter, James and …

Following his return across the Jordan, Elisha was faced with three situations that confirmed his call. The first situation established his authority. The 50 prophets from Jordan did not realize that Elijah had permanently been ushered into the presence of God. Therefore …