In the opening chapter of the Acts, we are introduced into the first congregational meeting, so to call it, that ever was held in the Church of Christ. There are a hundred and twenty members present in the upper room, and the Presbytery of Jerusalem are met there with the congregation: moderator, clerk, and all.… Continue reading Matthias, The Successor To Judas Iscariot
Category: Bible Study
What happened on the Mount of Olives?
The Mount of Olives, sometimes referred to as “Olivet” in the KJV (2 Samuel 15:30; Acts 1:12) or “the mount facing Jerusalem” (1 Kings 11:7), is a ridge running along the east side of Jerusalem, separated from the city walls by a ravine and the Brook Kidron. The Mount of Olives was the site of many… Continue reading What happened on the Mount of Olives?
You Will Receive Power, and Be My Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 1:8 NIVBut you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” But you will receive power… – Literally, as it is translated in the margin, “You shall receive the power of the… Continue reading You Will Receive Power, and Be My Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
The Parables of the Precious – Matthew 13:44-46
One of the tools Jesus used in his teaching was the parable; a simple story using common every day circumstances that had something to say to his hearers, both then and now. A parable is kind of like an object lesson, and Jesus used them often to illustrate spiritual truths. Some of these parables were very… Continue reading The Parables of the Precious – Matthew 13:44-46
How Far is “a Sabbath day’s Journey”? Acts 1:12
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. Acts 1:12 ESV For the Jew, the Sabbath was entirely a day of rest when all work was forbidden. A Sabbath day’s journey is how far a person can walk on a Sabbath without violating the Law. A… Continue reading How Far is “a Sabbath day’s Journey”? Acts 1:12
The Glory Of Departure And The Glory Of Return – Acts 1:9-11
Acts 1:9-11 ESVAnd when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand… Continue reading The Glory Of Departure And The Glory Of Return – Acts 1:9-11
Romans Bible Study 18: Dying To Live – Romans 6:1-11
Romans 6:1-11 As he has so often done in this letter, Paul is once again carrying on an argument against a kind of imaginary opponent. The argument springs from the great saying at the end of the last chapter: “Where sin abounded, grace super abounded.” It runs something like this. The Objector: You have just… Continue reading Romans Bible Study 18: Dying To Live – Romans 6:1-11
The Parable of the Rich Fool – Luke 12:13-21
How important are things to you? I would be the first to admit that I have lots of stuff. Far more stuff than I need to survive, or even to live a comfortable life. But how important is all that stuff to me? Would it ruin my life if any of it went away? Is… Continue reading The Parable of the Rich Fool – Luke 12:13-21
Why did They Call Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes In Acts 14?
Acts 14:8-12 NIV – In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, “Stand up on your feet!”… Continue reading Why did They Call Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes In Acts 14?
Sister, servant and leader: Who was Phoebe in the Bible?
With only 50 odd words – or two verses – dedicated to her in the Bible, you could easily miss Phoebe in your reading of Romans. But that would be a shame. Although few words are given, the ones chosen reveal a woman of faith who served her church both spiritually and financially. Romans 16:1-2 says: “I commend… Continue reading Sister, servant and leader: Who was Phoebe in the Bible?