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Themes

Short articles on the big ideas of the Bible, from altars to the ascension.

All Is “Vapor”A key word in the book of Ecclesiastes is the Hebrew term hebel. This word means "vapor." Often it is translated as "meaningless." This word captures the main view about life in this world of the Teacher. The Teacher…
AltarsNoah built the first altar mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 8:20–21). Cain and Abel also gave offerings to God (Genesis 4:3–5). The patriarchs built many altars (see Genesis 12:7–8; 13:4, 18; 22:9; 26:25; 33:20; 35:1…
Ancestors of JesusBoth the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke include a list of Jesus' ancestors (Matthew 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38). These lists are called "genealogies." The two genealogies are different after they mention King David.…
Ancient Law CodesUntil the late 1800s, people thought the law of Moses was a unique legal code. They believed it existed nearly a thousand years before anything similar in Greek and Roman laws. Yet, archaeological excavations in Persia…
AngelsIn the Bible, angels are God's messengers who carry out his plans and tell his will to humans (Genesis 16:7–12; Numbers 22:22–34; Judges 13:3–21; 2 Kings 1:3, 15; Zechariah 1:4–12). The Hebrew Old Testament and…
AngerWise people do not get angry quickly. “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly” (Proverbs 14:29). Anger can cause bad judgment, so wise people think before they act (14:16). The…
Apocalyptic LiteratureSeveral Old Testament passages have themes similar to later Jewish apocalyptic literature (Isaiah 24–27; Ezekiel 38:1–39:29; Daniel 7–12; Zechariah 9–14). Apocalyptic literature is a kind of writing that uses visions…
ApostasySadly, opposition to God is not limited to those outside the community of faith. The Bible tells of many who seemed to know God but turned away (see Numbers 16; Deuteronomy 13; 2 Kings 17:5–23; Ezekiel 8). God brings…
Apostasy and RenewalDuring the time of Israel's divided kingdom, people often considered the northern kingdom of Israel as unfaithful and the southern kingdom of Judah as faithful. When Jeroboam started the northern kingdom, many righteous…
AtonementLeviticus 16 explains the Day of Atonement. On this day, the high priest presented the community's sins to the LORD. Worshiping a holy God requires removing any ceremonial uncleanness or sin. God's grace accepted an…
Babel: The Dispersion of NationsThe story of the tower of Babel explains how language barriers separated nations and ethnic groups, scattering them geographically. After the great flood, when God judged a very evil human race, humans rebelled again by…
BaptismBaptism has been a key part of Christianity since it began (Acts 2:38). In Judaism, "baptism" and "baptize" referred to a religious cleansing ceremony. The law of Moses required water to cleanse people from ceremonial…
Basic LawsIn Scripture, the one true God is the highest authority. God's laws include both positive and negative commands. Two main laws summarize the positive commands: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and…
Beauty in NatureAt the end of God's work of creation, God said that everything he made was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Scripture often considers the beauty and wonder of God's creation, especially in the psalms (see, for example, Psalm…
Belonging to ChristTo many people today, the New Testament seems to present an extreme view of the Christian life. God calls Christians to give up their rights, endure suffering, and even face death for Jesus (Mark 8:34–36). They must…
Biblical LawBiblical law is more than lists of rules. It is a system of what God expects about belief and behavior. If people follow it faithfully, they will receive God's greatest blessings. Keeping the law is essential for life…
Biblical MarriageThe story of creation portrays God as present with humanity’s first union, set within the sacred space of the garden (Genesis 2:18–25). Biblical marriage is a binding covenant (special agreement) before God. Violating…
BlessingBefore the patriarch Jacob died, he blessed each of his sons and Joseph's sons (Genesis 49:1–28; 48:3–20). This was also how his father Isaac had blessed him (27:27–29). A blessing gives, improves, and enriches life…
Bread from HeavenWhen the Israelites left Egypt and entered the wilderness, God provided manna. Manna was a substance like bread that God gave them to eat (Exodus 16). The LORD gave them enough food for their daily needs (see Nehemiah…
Bribery and GiftsThe Bible provides clear teachings about bribes (payments given to unfairly influence decisions) and gifts (offerings given to show respect or maintain relationships). Bribes are strongly condemned because they corrupt…
By FaithFaith is a key theme in Scripture, but many misunderstand it. Some think faith means any kind of spirituality, like saying someone is a "person of faith." Others think it means a strong belief that good things will…
Calling up the DeadThe Old Testament forbids magical practices like spiritism, divination, and necromancy. Necromancy involves contacting dead spirits, usually to seek future guidance (see Deuteronomy 18:9–12). Practicing necromancy and…
Canaanite ReligionThe Canaanites explained creation or nature in relation to their gods. Each god represented a natural force. They considered the moon, sun, important stars, and visible planets as gods or goddesses. Canaanite gods had…
CelebrationGod welcomes happy expressions of joy and delight from those who worship and praise him (Isaiah 30:29; Jeremiah 30:19; 31:13; Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). King David tried two times to bring the ark…
Charismatic LeadershipScripture describes some leaders as charismatic (gifted) because their authority came from God's Spirit. God's Spirit gave them special qualities. The Old Testament judges are often part of this group. These charismatic…
Children and ParentsWise children bring great joy to their parents, while foolish children cause them much grief (Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 17:21, 25). This motivates parents to guide their children toward wisdom and encourages children to…
Christian GivingGenerous Christian giving shows true grace. We see this in "our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9…
Christian JoyIn the final hours of his life, Jesus wanted his disciples filled with his joy (see John 15:11; 16:20–24). Joy is a common topic in many of the apostle Paul's letters and is a key theme in Philippians. Paul often…
Christian SufferingWe should not be surprised when we experience suffering (1 Peter 4:12). Christians who live differently by obeying God should expect the culture to respond with hostility. We should expect mockery, bad treatment, false…
Church LeadersThe first church gatherings were spontaneous and God's spirit gave gifts in a special way (see 1 Corinthians 14:26–33). The apostles generally led the Christian communities along with the elders in Jerusalem (Acts 6:2…
CircumcisionMany ancient cultures practiced circumcision, the removal of the male foreskin (see Jeremiah 9:25–26). God chose circumcision as a sign of a covenant (special agreement) that focuses on descendants. God promised to make…
Circumcision in the New TestamentCircumcision, which is the removal of the male foreskin, was common in the ancient Near East (see Jeremiah 9:25–26). For Jews, it held religious importance as a sign of the covenant (special agreement) God made with the…
Citizenship in the KingdomFirst-century Jews wanted a king like David or leader like Judas Maccabeus to defeat their oppressors. Jesus' idea of the kingdom of God was very different from these hopes (Matthew 5:43–48). The Gospel of Matthew shows…
Clean, Unclean, and HolyThe rules about ceremonial cleanness and uncleanness set Israel apart from other nations. One idea is that unclean things relate to death or the earth (see, for example, Leviticus 21:1, 11; 22:8). Recent studies suggest…
Community IdentityIn many Western cultures, people often emphasize individual identity and personal independence. In contrast, many Eastern cultures, such as those in China and India, prioritize family and community relationships over…
Community Responsibility: Achan’s SinIs the whole community responsible for the wrongs of a few people? Why did many of Israel’s soldiers die at Ai due to Achan’s sin (Joshua 7)? Why did the Israelites stone Achan’s family with him? Understanding community…
Compassionate HealerThe New Testament often describes Jesus as someone who "had compassion." This phrase is sometimes translated as "felt sorry" or "took pity." It appears in complex situations where: Someone shows distress and Jesus…
ComplaintsThe Bible teaches that complaining is often wrong. For example, God judged the Israelites for complaining about their difficulties in the wilderness (Numbers 14:27–37). The Job complained a lot and received God's…
Complete DedicationThe Hebrew word kherem (related to the verb kharam) means something that is “specially set apart.” It has no exact match in modern English. The word can mean either to destroy something completely or to dedicate it…
Completion of the Second TempleThe dedication of Israel’s second temple on March 12, 515 BC, was a major event for the Israelites returning from exile in Babylon. They could now worship and praise God as their ancestors did before the exile. This new…
Concern for the PoorGod instructed Israel to care for its people's well-being. Israel's covenant (special agreement) with God and its view of itself as a large family helped prevent claims to privilege. A family should support members in…
Counsel from OthersThe book of Proverbs teaches that having many advisors are good because they provide safety (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6). They increase our chances of success (Proverbs 15:22). The book of Job shows that advisors can also…
Curses and BlessingsAlmost all treaty or covenant texts from the ancient Near East included curses and blessings. The curses focused on those who violated the terms of the covenant. Blessings are for those who remained faithful. This was…
Darkness and LightDarkness Darkness means there is no light. There was no light until God commanded it to appear. He then separated light from darkness (Genesis 1:2, 4–5, 18). The ninth plague he sent against Egypt was three days of deep…
David's Response to Unfriendly LeadersAs David became successful, King Saul became his enemy. The Lord rejected Saul because of the king's unfaithfulness, and the Holy Spirit's anointing then rested on David (1 Samuel 15:1–16:14). When Saul needed someone…
Dealing with ConflictGod's people often experience conflict. It either comes from those outside of God's people who are against God. Or it comes from those within God's people who cause trouble. Dealing with conflict needs wisdom and care…
DeathHumans are mortal, and death is the natural end of life on earth (Psalm 90:1–6). Human identity began when God breathed life into the dust of the earth and made a man (Genesis 2:7). This state reverses at death when God…
Divine Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityThe Bible shows that everything is under God's control. In other words, God is sovereign over everything. For example, rain falls on both good and bad people as part of God's plan (Matthew 5:45). God is not responsible…
Early Christian HeresiesHeresy The Greek word hairesis, which first means "choice," refers to a sect or faction. For example, the Sadducees were a sect within Judaism, as were the Pharisees (Acts 5:17; 15:5). They called early believers in…
Eating TogetherFor the Pharisees and other practicing Jews, eating meals together was a religious event. Righteous Jews followed many rules to avoid ceremonial pollution during meals. They did this to show their commitment to the law…
Empowering LeadershipIn Acts 6:1–7, the early Christian community experienced a leadership crisis. The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews in Jerusalem. They were upset "because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution…
Encounters with JesusJesus' miracles and parables (symbolic stories with a special meaning) often take away the focus on his encounters with people that changed their lives. In these encounters, Jesus deals with individuals as they are. He…
EnduranceWhen Jesus was about to suffer and die, he told his followers they would also experience great difficulties (see Matthew 24:9). He emphasized the importance of endurance: “The one who perseveres to the end will be…
Enjoying God’s GiftsThe Teacher (the main speaker) in Ecclesiastes often concludes that we should enjoy life because it is a gift from God (see Ecclesiastes 2:24–25; 3:12–13, 22; 5:18; 6:9; 8:15; 9:7–9; 11:7–10). Even when life seems…
Ethnic HatredSelfish pride, a desire to keep power, and hatred for those who oppose them have often led to the persecution of racial or religious groups. Many people have died over the centuries because of this hatred. In the book…
Faith and Good DeedsJesus did not teach that we are saved by doing good things ("works"). Instead, he taught that we need to be changed on the inside. This change (or conversion) happens when God works in us through his grace. When God…
False ProphetsThe Bible describes many people who claimed to be prophets without authority and a true calling from God. They spoke as if they represented God. People often found it difficult to tell true prophets from false ones.…
Family, Community, and Sexual SinIn Israel, the family was the foundation for the unity of the community. Each of the twelve tribes was a mixed group of families and clans. Together, these tribes made up the entire nation of Israel. While this unified…
FamineFamine happened early in the lives of the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 12:10; 26:1). When the patriarch Jacob’s family experienced famine, God had already placed his son Joseph in Egypt to help God's people…
Fear of the LordAs Moses gives his final instructions to the people of Israel before his death, he repeatedly urges them to "fear the LORD" (see, for example, Deuteronomy 6:1–13; 10:12–21; 31:9–13). Joshua gives the same advice near…
Fearing PeopleGod promised to be with his people when they encountered opposition (see, for example, Deuteronomy 20:1–4; Joshua 1:9). As long as they remained committed to him, they had no reason to fear others. Israel's history…
Fishing in GalileeJesus' knowledge of fishing is obvious in the four Gospels. He used fishing in his stories to teach people (Matthew 7:10; 13:47–51). When Jesus called his first followers, he told them, "I will make you fishers of men,"…
Following JesusThe Gospels are books about the life of Jesus. They help people understand and accept the invitation from Jesus to follow him. Jesus describes this as "taking up their cross." This invitation is not just for the closest…
Four World EmpiresThe book of Daniel describes two important visions that show how God rules over all of history. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had the first vision (chapter 2), and the prophet Daniel had a similar one (chapter 7). Each…
Giving up RightsPaul consistently teaches that Christians should be willing to give up their personal rights and freedoms for the good of others and for the spread of the good news about Jesus. He does not command Christians to defend…
God as Holy WarriorThe Arabic term jihad, now familiar in English, refers to a "holy war" where men fight for God. Yet, the Bible describes a "holy war" differently. In the Bible, a holy war is a conflict where God fights for his people…
God or Satan?Who is responsible for trials and difficulties? It might see strange, but Scripture sometimes says God, sometimes Satan, and sometimes both. How is this possible? Understanding this requires looking at these situations…
God Protects His ServantWhen God called the prophet Jeremiah as his messenger, he promised to protect him. This protection was spiritual, as the Lord gave Jeremiah inner strength "like a fortified city" (Jeremiah 1:18). God's protection was…
God Works through PrayerGod has authority and control over all creation. But he wants people to share their concerns with him through prayer. The Bible shows examples of God responding to people's prayers. Prayer is important for living a…
God's Rule and Power Over All NationsIn ancient times, most people thought each nation had its own god or gods. For example, the king of Aram thought Israel's gods were only powerful in the hills (1 Kings 20:23). When the judge Jephthah talked about the…
God's Word at the CenterAfter God told Moses the law at Mount Sinai, God wrote it in stone (Exodus 34:1). He intended the Israelites to teach it to their children (Deuteronomy 6:7). People attached it to their hands and foreheads, They even…
God’s Absolute HolinessHoliness is one main way to describe God. It is not just one of his many traits, it is central to who he is. Calling God “the Holy One” emphasizes how he is completely different than anyone or anything else. Creation…
God’s AngerGod is just and righteous in his judgment (Psalm 7:11). He responds with righteous anger toward sin and injustice. God's anger is not like human anger. It is not an emotional outburst or loss of control. It is his…
God’s Change of MindThe Old Testament describes God 34 times as “changing his mind” or “being sorry” (the Hebrew word nakham). What does this mean? Does God relent, feel pity, experience sorrow, or grieve? One thing is clear: God never…
God’s Commitment to His PeopleSometimes, God's people have had to wait what seems like a long time to see God's promises come true. Here are some examples from the Bible: God first promised Abraham and Sarah he would make them a great nation. Yet…
God’s Covenant LoveThe Bible talks about God's love in two main ways. First, there is the common understanding that God deeply cares about and has great affection for all people. Second, in some parts of the Bible, like Deuteronomy (where…
God’s Covenant with AbrahamGod started a relationship with Abraham before making a formal covenant (binding agreement) with him (Genesis 12:1–9; 15). God started the relationship with Abraham by speaking to him in a vision. God promised that the…
God’s Covenant with DavidGod made five special agreements (called covenants) with his people in the Old Testament: God promised Noah, his family, and the creation that a flood would never again destroy the world (Genesis 6:18; 9:1–17). This is…
God’s Covenant with Israel’s KingsSolomon understood his role as David’s successor (1 Kings 3:7). The elderly King David advised Solomon to follow all of God's laws from Moses to "prosper in all you do and wherever you turn" (2:3). Solomon's…
God’s Covenant with NoahA covenant is a special agreement or promise between two groups or individuals. In the Bible, covenants are often made between God and humans. These agreements typically include promises, obligations, and sometimes…
God’s CovenantsThe word "covenant" (from the Hebrew word berith) means "bond." A covenant is a binding relationship based on a commitment that includes promises and duties. The covenant relationship requires faithfulness and enables…
God’s Faithfulness to His PeopleGod made a special agreement (called a covenant) with the people of Israel. It included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (see Deuteronomy 28:1–68). Many years later, after King Solomon dedicated the…
God’s Glory with His PeopleIn ancient Israel, God's glory was especially visible at the main holy places built for him. When the Israelites finished building the Tent of Meeting, "the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34–35). In…
God’s Grief over ApostasyThe God of the universe feels sorrow when his people suffer (Judges 10:16; Hosea 11:8–9). Even when people reject him, God's love is stronger than his justice. His compassion is greater than his judgment. Yet, this does…
God’s Inscrutable Purposes in HistoryGod directs people and events to achieve his purposes in history. He does not need to explain himself, but he always has a purpose. He guides individuals, nations, and events to achieve his will. This view of history…
God’s InstructionsThe common Hebrew word torah is usually translated "law" in most English versions. This translation comes from the Greek word nomos, which often means "law." The Septuagint (the ancient Greek Old Testament) used nomos…
God’s Judgment of His PeopleThe kings of Israel and Judah were very important in the history of the divided kingdom. But the people also influenced events. They followed their wicked rulers (2 Kings 3:3; 17:22; 21:9, 11, 16). They stopped obeying…
God’s JusticeGod is just (Psalm 9:7–8). He hates sin and fairly rewards people and nations based on what they do (Psalm 67:4; Isaiah 1:27; Jeremiah 46:28; Joel 3:1–8; Acts 17:31). God has complete control over the natural world and…
God’s Love for IsraelThe prophet Malachi begins his message to the people of Israel with, "I have loved you,” says the LORD" (Malachi 1:2). God's love for Israel is clear throughout the Old Testament. Malachi tells people to look at history…
God’s Name on His TempleIn his prayer of dedication, King Solomon said the temple was the house where God would put his name (2 Chronicles 6:20; compare 6:5–6). God said that a descendant of King David would build "a house for My Name" in…
God’s New CovenantA covenant is a promise or agreement between two groups or people that usually includes responsibilities for each side. God made a covenant with the people of Israel through Moses and the giving of the law (Exodus…
God’s Plan to RestoreOne of the best-known verses in the book of 2 Chronicles explains God's plan for Israel: “And if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I…
God’s Presence in the PsalmsThe writers of Scripture often express the desire to experience God's presence. In this close experience, God's goodness and love are all people need (see Psalm 21:6). In a similar way, when God is absent, it causes…
God’s Promised KingdomGod promised that his kingdom would come through King David (1 Chronicles 17:4–14). During his rule, David prepared for building the temple, which would be the center of God's kingdom (28:11–19). He urged Israel's…
God’s Sabbath RestThe idea of God's Sabbath rest (as described in Hebrews 4:1–11) has been difficult for many scholars to understand. It includes ideas from the Old Testament, like the promised land as a place to rest from slavery and…
God’s ServantIn Isaiah 40–66, God's servant is very important and appears often. The servant announces a new order of justice and righteousness to the world (42:3–4). He prepares the world for God's arrival (52:7). Who is the Lord’s…
God’s Unified Plan of SalvationGod reveals his plan for salvation throughout Scripture. It is a key theme in the letter to the Romans. In Romans 3:21, the apostle Paul emphasizes two important points about being "made right" with God through Jesus…
God’s UniquenessAs Creator, God is separate from what he has made. God is not part of nature. He created nature and governs it. He has always existed as the living God. God planned how everything in the universe would work according to…
God’s WordA basic truth of Scripture is that God has spoken. The author of the letter to the Hebrews, like other Jewish preachers of the time, presents the Old Testament as words from God. He often starts passages with "God…
Hardened HeartsThe book of Exodus often mentions that the Lord caused Pharaoh to act stubborn or "hardened Pharaoh's heart" (Exodus 4:21; 9:12; 10:1, 20; 11:10; 14:4, 8). These statements can be difficult. Did God make Pharaoh sin?…
Holiness and Sexual PurityThe Bible teaches that people should be holy in their sexual relationships. God created humans as sexual beings. The first command God gave to Adam and Eve was to "Be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). This means…
Holiness by RelationshipHoliness refers to God's transcendent nature and moral purity (Leviticus 10:3). God is completely set apart from everything else. God is pure, perfect, and greater than all. But we are limited creatures who sin. So how…
Holy WarThe Israelites’ total destruction of their enemies raises difficult questions about right and wrong. What reasons made Israel invade, conquer, and destroy Canaan and its people? From a human perspective, Israel's…
Hope Beyond JudgmentIn the Bible, the prophets often proclaim messages of judgment and doom, but sometimes they also provide hope. In the prophecy of Jeremiah, the first sign of hope is the Lord's command for Israel reject idolatry and…
Hope for the MessiahIn the first century, many Jews hoped the Messiah (God's chosen one) would come. They thought this rescuer would defeat Israel's enemies and bring peace and prosperity to God's people. The Hebrew word "Messiah" and the…
Human Confusion and God’s PurposeGod is not missing or only occasionally involved in human lives. He actively determines events in the world to fulfill his purpose (Habakkuk 2:3, 14; see also Psalm 47:9; Acts 17:24–26; Colossians 1:15–20). The Lord is…
Human SexualityWhen God created the first humans in his own image, he created them male and female (Genesis 1:27). God gave them the ability to have children through their sexuality. This was so they could fill the earth with people…
InfertilityAlmost all of the wives of the patriarchs suffered infertility (they were unable to have children) before eventually having children. The only possible exception was Leah, and even she could not have children for some…
Inheriting the LandIs the physical world bad? Are spirit, soul, and energy the pure good we seek on our life journey? Will we only be truly spiritual and happy when we are free from our earthly bodies? The Bible answers these and similar…
Intermarriage and DivorceGod had warned his people not to marry foreigners (Deuteronomy 7:1–6). The problem was not marrying someone from another country or race. The issue was marrying people who followed other gods. Moses himself married a…
InvasionIn the ancient world, foreign invasions were common. They caused great difficulty. If invaders succeeded, they brought destruction and suffering. Victorious invaders killed adult men, raped women, enslaved children…
Israel’s Geography as TheologyThe division of the land in Ezekiel 47:13–48:35 combines spiritual ideals with a practical message. It reinforces themes from earlier parts of the vision (Ezekiel 40–46). The prophet Ezekiel envisioned a future closely…
JerusalemJerusalem was an active city as early as four hundred years before the time of King David. The Israelites never fully captured it when they conquered Canaan or during the time of the judges (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:8…
Jesus and SatanSatan is a personal agent of sin and evil who opposed Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11). The Gospel of Matthew refers to this being as: “Satan,” which means adversary or opponent (4:10) the "devil” (4:1–11; 13:39) the "tempter”…
Jesus’ Final NightWhen Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover, he knew it was his last night before death. He came to Jerusalem to "suffer many things and … be killed" (Mark 8:31). His disciples prepared the meal, but…
Jesus’ PrayersIn Luke’s gospel, Jesus prays during important moments in his life: At his baptism (Luke 3:21). Before choosing the twelve apostles (6:12). At the transfiguration, when Jesus' appearance changed to reveal his glory…
Jews and Gentiles (Non-Jews)A key theme of the New Testament is that God has included non-Jewish people (called gentiles) in his people while keeping his promises to Israel. In Romans 11:11–32, the apostle Paul explains God's plan to save all…
Job’s InnocenceJob’s comforters could not accept the idea that any human could be truly innocent (Job 4:17–19; 15:14–16; 25:4–6). They believed suffering was a direct result of sin. So, Job must have done something wrong to deserve…
John’s Profile of DiscipleshipIn the first half of his Gospel, the apostle John describes various people who show true discipleship (see John 1:19–51; 4:1–42; 9:1–41). Through these examples, John outlines the qualities of a mature follower, or…
KingshipIsrael wanted a king to be “like all the other nations.” By the time of Saul and David, kingship in the ancient Near East was nearly two thousand years old. This was especially true in the Egyptian and Babylonian…
Knowing GodTo know someone meant having a close relationship with them. Knowing God involves more than just learning facts about him. It goes beyond discussing God's nature and character, though those things are important. Knowing…
Laziness and Hard WorkGod created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden of Eden to care for it, not just to relax and enjoy it (Genesis 2:15). Work is not a punishment from when humans first sinned. Instead, God made work to be a good…
LegalismThe law was very important to the Jewish people. Their understanding of religion often focused on following rules and ceremonies. This was natural to them because God had given his law to the Jewish people. He did this…
Letters to the Seven ChurchesIn the letters to the seven churches of Asia, the apostle John uses a single literary pattern (Revelation 2–3). Each letter starts with an address to the “angel of the church” in a specific city. It then mentions an…
Life After DeathWriters in the Old Testament describe the place where dead people are as beneath the earth's surface (Ezekiel 26:20). Sometimes, the earth swallows them alive (Numbers 16:31–33; Psalm 55:15). But usually, "the cords of…
Little FaithThe Greek term translated as "little faith" and related terms appear five times in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; 17:20). It also appears once in Luke (Luke 12:28; compare James 1:6–7). This…
Living for ChristThe apostle Paul writes from prison, “For to me, to live is Christ” (1:21). Why should Christians commit their lives to Jesus Christ? Christians recognize that they owe everything to Christ. This includes their…
Living WaterIsrael was a land often experiencing drought. People were very aware of water sources and quality. There were few year-round springs and rivers. So, people relied on a deep hole built underground to collect and store…
Love in the Community of ChristLiving in a community is not always easy. The community of Jesus Christ (the church) has often experienced disunity and division throughout its history. Even in its earliest days, the church struggled with unity issues…
Loving OthersJesus said that loving your neighbor is the second most important commandment in the Old Testament (Mark 12:31). The command to love sums up the entire Old Testament law (Matthew 22:40; compare 7:12; 9:9–13; 12:1–13…
Making Sense of the ExileThe kings and people of Israel repeatedly disobeyed God and failed to keep their special agreement (the covenant) with him. As a result, God announced that he would bring the covenant curses upon them (see Deuteronomy…
Marriage and SexualityScripture considers marriage holy from the very beginning. Sexual expression is an important part of it (Genesis 2:23–25). The first human sin caused a disruption in all relationships. This first happened between God…
Material RewardSome people in the Old Testament period believed that righteous people would usually prosper in material ways. They treated the wisdom sayings found in books like Proverbs as general rules for life. Other biblical…
Messages Against the NationsWhy did Israel’s prophets speak to nations who were unlikely to hear their messages? Why did the prophets care about these nations' thoughts and actions? The real audience was God's people. These messages reminded them…
MiraclesMiracles often happened in the Bible. They were especially common during the time of Moses and the ministries of Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, and his apostles. The Bible does not try to prove miracles. It just reports them.…
Miraculous Signs in the Gospel of JohnThe Gospels use three words to describe Jesus' miraculous works. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the Greek word dunamis means "power." It describes an act of raw force that amazes people and makes them realize that God is…
Misunderstanding in the Gospel of JohnIn John's Gospel, people often misunderstood Jesus (see John 3:4; 4:11, 33; 7:35; 11:12–13). They disagreed about who Jesus was. When they realized what he truly meant, some wanted to arrest him, while others wanted to…
Music in Ancient IsraelThe earliest people who moved from place to place (called nomads) made music. The first musician mentioned in the Bible is "Jubal," who played the harp and flute (Genesis 4:21). Music was important from the beginning of…
Natural RevelationWhen God speaks directly to people, we call it special revelation. God also speaks to everyone indirectly through natural revelation (also known as general revelation because it is given to all). This happens through…
Nehemiah’s Confidence in GodGod gave the prophet Nehemiah favor with a powerful Persian king. The king agreed to all of Nehemiah's requests (Nehemiah 1:11; 2:8, 18). Nehemiah then confidently shared his bold plan to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. The…
Oppression of God’s PeopleGod does not want his people to suffer under oppression. From the time when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses (the exodus), to when Joshua led them to conquer the promised land, and through…
Our AdvocateIn the Gospel of John, the Greek word paraklētos refers to the Holy Spirit. This word literally means "called alongside" and describes him as "Advocate" (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). This term appears in other Greek…
Overcoming the DevilThe New Testament writers believed in the reality of evil and the dangers of the spiritual world. They saw Satan, also known as "the evil one" or "the devil," as a serious threat. The devil blocks the work of God's…
Passing On Authority and Responsibility to a New LeaderThe role of a Christian leader is to serve and endure difficulties for those they guide (Mark 10:35–45). For the apostle Paul, good leadership meant setting an example like Jesus Christ. Jesus's death on the cross was…
Paul’s Role as an ApostleTo understand Paul's role as an apostle of Jesus Christ, a good place to read is the description in the second letter to the Corinthians. In this letter, Paul shares the core of his ministry. Paul was God's special…
PersecutionPersecution refers to systematic mistreatment, harassment, or oppression of an individual or group because of their identity, beliefs, or practices. In religious contexts specifically, persecution involves the targeting…
Praise and Rejoicing in Luke–ActsIn Luke's Gospel, those who receive God's grace praise him for his wonderful acts (Luke 1:44, 46, 64, 68; 2:13, 38; 5:25–26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15–18; 18:43; 19:37; 24:53). In the book of Acts, praise follows healings and…
Praise PsalmsThe Hebrew title of the book of Psalms means "Praises." This idea fits many of the psalms. The psalms praise God for his nature and great acts in creation and history. People wrote praise psalms for both personal and…
Prayers for VengeanceVengeance is punishment inflicted in return for a wrong suffered. It is the act of causing harm to someone as a response to harm they have caused. The writers of the psalms (called psalmists) sometimes asked God to…
Preaching to a Tough CrowdSometimes God asks people to share the good news about Jesus with a difficult audience. The listeners might resist God's truth and reject both the message and the messenger. This was especially true for the Old…
Pride and HumilityPride is a feeling people naturally have when they succeed or achieve something. Many people in the world value being recognized and famous (see 1 John 2:16). However, pride comes from thinking too much about yourself…
Promised LandGod gave the first man and woman the task of governing the earth and ruling over creation. This was to meet their needs and honor the creator (Genesis 1:28–30). But when humanity sinned, they became separated from God…
Prophetic Sign ActsThe prophets of Israel sometimes used sign acts to share their messages. Sign acts were dramatic actions performed in public to make their message stronger. These visual demonstrations helped people not only hear the…
Prophets in 1 KingsA prophet is a person chosen by God to speak on God's behalf to people. Prophets receive special messages directly from God and then share these messages with others. God’s prophets were important in the Old Testament…
Psalms of SufferingThe four psalms of suffering (Psalms 16, 22, 40, and 69) describe the intense distress experienced by God's servant. They are also called "Passion Psalms." Psalm 22 uses some of the most powerful language about…
Pure WorshipFrom the start of God's relationship with Israel, he provided ways for their worship of him to be pleasing to him (Exodus 20–40; Leviticus 1–8). One of the Lord's main goals for his people is to guarantee they offer him…
PurimThe Feast of Purim is the only Old Testament feast not established during the time of Moses. Its name comes from a word meaning lots or dice (Hebrew purim, from Akkadian puru). In ancient times, people often cast purim…
Purity and IdentityGod is holy, and he made a covenant (special agreement) with Israel to establish a holy nation (Exodus 19:4–6; Leviticus 19:2). Being God's people meant Israel needed to be pure in worship and social relationships. God…
Questions and DoubtThe writers of the psalms (called "psalmists") are not afraid to ask questions and express their doubts. The number of questions in a psalm shows how intense the mood is or how important the issue is. The psalms with…
Rebuilding of JerusalemThe wall of Jerusalem held great political, social, and religious importance for the people of Judah (see Nehemiah 2:10, 19; 4:1–15; 6:1–14). In ancient and even modern times, a city without walls cannot last long.…
Religious HypocrisyReligious hypocrisy happens when people selectively obey rules and only pretend to follow God's law without real change in their motives and lives. Those who boast about their religious commitment often lack a true…
Remaining in ChristThe Greek term menō, often translated as “remain,” “stay,” or “abide,” appears often in Jesus’ teachings about deep, intimate, and lasting relationships. For example, Jesus said, “If you continue in [menō en, ‘stay in’]…
Remember HimGod saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and made them his people. Yet, God knew they would forget him (Deuteronomy 31:16–21). Moses warned the people entering the promised land to always remember what the Lord…
Remove the EvilSin is so opposed to God’s holiness that it cannot exist with him. The same should be true for God's people. God is holy, and he expects his people to show his holiness (Leviticus 11:45; 19:2). God required severe…
Resurrection in the Old TestamentMany Old Testament passages suggest that the place where dead people are is a location from which people do not return (see, for example, Job 7:6–21; Psalm 6:5; Isaiah 38:18–19). Yet, some passages suggest the idea of…
RetributionGod gave humans the task of having children and taking care of the world (Genesis 1:28). Yet, as the population increased, so did spiritual evil, violence, and murder (4:8, 23; 6:5, 11–13). This led to a corrupt world…
Returning to the LordThe Old Testament prophets often told the people of Israel to return to the Lord, both before and after the exile to Babylon (see, for example, Isaiah 55:6–7; Hosea 6:1–3; Haggai 1:12; Malachi 3:7). This meant a renewed…
Rich and Poor in the Gospel of LukeIn Luke’s Gospel, entering or becoming excluded from the kingdom of God involves a reversal of worldly wealth. Mary, the mother of Jesus, proclaimed that God would elevate the poor and humble while humbling the rich and…
Righteousness by FaithA key question in the early church was whether gentiles (non-Jewish people) who accepted the good news about Jesus needed to follow Jewish rules (including circumcision) to become part of God's family. For the apostle…
Royal PsalmsThe royal psalms all mention the king, his rule, and his relationship with God. Most scholars consider Psalms 2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 61, 72, 89, 101, 110, 132, and 144 as royal psalms. Belief in God's rule is the foundation…
Salvation in IsaiahThe prophet Isaiah’s name means Yahweh is salvation. He urges people to turn from false saviors to God who is the only true savior and protector. Salvation affects all parts of life, including physical and spiritual…
Salvation in the PsalmsThe writers of the psalms (called psalmists) considered God's salvation as a rescue from evil in the world. They had suffered a lot. During difficult times, they felt God had abandoned them. Meanwhile, evil people used…
Security and ObedienceThe Book of Life is a divine record that contains the names of those who belong to God and will receive eternal life (Revelation 20:12). The idea of removing a name from the Book of Life may raise questions about…
Seeking the LordAs Israel was about to enter the promised land, Moses instructed the people to "seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes" (Deuteronomy 12:5). Moses told the Israelites to stop pagan…
ShechemShechem was in an important location at the entrance to the passage between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. It could control several important roads through the central hill country. Jacob bought land near Shechem…
Sin Enters the WorldGenesis 3 explains how humans lost their moral innocence by rebelling against God. What God called "very good" was no longer perfect (Genesis 1:31). The man and woman ate the fruit that promised knowledge of good and…
SlaverySlavery was common in the Roman world. Prisoners of war often became slaves, many were born into slavery, and some chose slavery temporarily to pay off debts. A large part of the population, including many Christians…
Social Chaos in JudgesThe book of Judges emphasizes divine rescue through heroes but also shows the problems of their current situation. During this time, personal commitment to God decreased while social problems increased. This is…
Social JusticeIn the Old Testament, prophets often challenged evil in society and called for social justice (fair treatment of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable). An early example is the prophet Elijah's response to…
Solomon’s WisdomWhen God gave King Solomon the chance to ask for anything, Solomon chose wisdom. He wanted to govern God's people well and know right from wrong (1 Kings 3:9). Because of this unselfish choice, God granted him the…
SpeakingSome people think words do not cause harm. Scripture offers a different perspective. Words hold the power of "life and death" (Proverbs 18:21). Proverbs lists many things we say that cause harm: lies (Proverbs 14:5, 25)…
Spirit EmpowermentThroughout the Bible, when needed, God gives special abilities to those committed to serving him. The story of Moses and the seventy elders is an early example. It shows that God has acted in special ways among his…
Spiritual MaturityWhen someone trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation, it marks the beginning of a journey that will continue the rest of their life. They do not stay the same. They transform and grow to be more like Jesus. This process is…
Spiritual Renewal in the Later ProphetsThe prophet Haggai commanded his audience to think about how failing to pay attention to their relationship with God affected their current situation (Haggai 1:5–7; 2:15–18). God sent natural disasters as a warning to…
Suffering in Following GodSometimes, people urge others to accept Jesus Christ because they promise that he will solve their problems. Yet, Jesus did not promise to solve all problems. He often warned people to think about the cost of following…
Symbolic NumbersNumbers in Scripture have often led people to strange conclusions. Understanding ancient number symbolism can help us interpret the Scriptures better. Yet, this symbolism is not precise. We must be careful when using…
Temple Design as a Picture of God's TruthThe temple plan in Ezekiel 40–43 does not seem possible to build, nor was it meant to be. The plan lacks enough detail for construction, as shown by the different diagrams scholars have created. Unlike the tabernacle…
Temple Legislation as TheologyThe religious teachers of Judaism (called "rabbis") spent much time trying to make the laws of Ezekiel 44–48 agree with those laws of the Torah (the law given to Moses). They failed because these chapters do not intend…
Temple WorshipIn the ancient Near East, kings had to provide for their nation's temple. King David, who started the family line (dynasty) of Judah's kings, made Jerusalem the capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:4–10). He also made it the…
The AntichristThe term antichrist appears only in the apostle John's letters (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). John believed many antichrists would appear throughout history (1 John 2:18). These antichrists would deny that Jesus is…
The Ark of the CovenantThe ark of the covenant was a wooden chest covered with gold, located in the Most Holy Place of the Jewish tabernacle, and later the temple. It reminded Israel of God's covenant with them. Inside were the tablets of the…
The Ascension of JesusWhen Jesus went up to heaven, he gave his apostles their final instructions and authority for their work (Acts 1:6–11; Luke 24:45–53). This event (the ascension) prepares the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit at…
The Birth of ChristThe stories of the birth of Jesus show contrasts show a clear contrast between humble circumstances and divine importance (Matthew 1:18–2:12; Luke 2:1–20). On one side, we see the humble nature of his birth. A poor…
The Blessings of JesusThe Beatitudes are the blessings Jesus gave to his followers. They get their name from the word beati (which means blessed) in the Latin translation of the Bible (the Vulgate). No single word can fully express what…
The Broken CovenantAfter God rescued the Israelites from Egypt, he made a special agreement (called a covenant) with them (see Exodus 20–24). In this covenant, God gave them the Ten Commandments and other laws. The people promised to…
The Bronze SnakeNumbers 21:4–9 describes an event where the Israelites complained against God and Moses. They were unhappy about the food and water and said, "We detest this wretched food!" (21:5). In response, the Lord sent poisonous…
The Central SanctuaryGod wanted people to worship where he had chosen to put his name. For Israel, this was first the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. God is transcendent (above all things) and omnipresent (present everywhere).…
The Choice of Life or DeathMoses instructed the Israelites as they were about to enter the promised land. They had a choice. They could obey the covenant, which is life as God designed it, and live. Or they could refuse to obey the creator's…
The Christ Hymn: Christ’s Divine NatureThe passage in Philippians 2:6–11 is often called the Christ Hymn. This section reveals what early Christians believed about Jesus Christ. The hymn shows that early Christians believed Jesus existed before his birth on…
The ChurchThe church is the community of people who acknowledge Christ as Lord and obey him (Ephesians 5:21–24). The New Testament word for "church" comes from the Greek word ekklēsia (meaning "a group of people who gather…
The Church as a Living, Active BodyThe apostle Paul considered the church as the living body of Jesus Christ made up of believers. Paul did not make any formal difference between professional church leaders and ordinary members, where only the leaders…
The Church as God’s TempleThe idea of the church as God's temple comes from the Old Testament. The kings David and Solomon received a promise that the temple in Jerusalem would be where God lived among his people (see 2 Samuel 7:12–16; 1 Kings…
The Cities of RefugeThe Israelites built the cities of refuge to protect innocent people from blood revenge. An avenger had the legal right to kill a murderer (Numbers 35:19; see Genesis 9:6). If someone accidentally caused a death, the…
The Climax of ScriptureThe gospel story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus is important. It shows Jesus' victory over death and reveals his role as the Messiah (God's chosen one). It also connects to Old Testament prophecies about…
The Cloud and FireWhen Israel was in the wilderness, God guided them with a pillar of cloud and fire. The pillar appeared to the Israelites immediately after the first Passover, when they left Egypt (Exodus 13:20–22). The pillar had many…
The Collapse of CultureImpressive cultures with creative and skilled people sometimes come to an end suddenly and completely. When digging, archaeologists often find a layer of ash between layers of impressive artifacts. The ash shows the…
The Coming of God’s KingdomA key part of Jesus' message was that God's kingdom had come. The people of Israel eagerly awaited this reality. It would fulfill God's many promises that had not yet become a reality: The Holy Spirit would return, as…
The Coming of the Lord as JudgeThe Bible tells us there will be a day of judgment. The book of James provides followers of Jesus with a warning and a promise about that day. James announces the Lord's future coming as Judge (5:7–9; see also Isaiah…
The Coming of the Spirit of GodIn the Old Testament, the Spirit of God sometimes "came upon" people to give them power for God's work and to prophesy (Numbers 24:2; Judges 3:10; 1 Samuel 10:10; 16:13; Ezekiel 11:5). During Jesus' time, many people…
The CreationThe story of the creation of the universe is key to the Bible's message. Understanding the first chapters of the book of Genesis is important for developing a biblical perspective of the world (worldview). The opening…
The Creator-KingGod created and established the world. All of creation is his work (Genesis 1–2; Psalm 24:1–2; 95:4–5). He also rules over his creation, managing and caring for everything he has made (95:6–7; 96:10). Several psalms…
The Cross and PassoverAt the start of John’s Gospel, John the Baptist introduced Jesus as "the Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36). This phrase might refer to the sacrificial lamb killed daily in the temple (Exodus 29:38–46). Or it might refer to…
The Dangers of SinChoosing sin instead of remaining faithful to the one true God leads to disaster. This has been true since the beginning, when Adam and Eve's disobedience brought curses and separation from their first home (Genesis 3).…
The Day Is ComingJesus prophesied three future events in the Synoptic Gospels: One event was his own death and resurrection (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33–34). This had already happened before the Gospels were written. The second event Jesus…
The Day of the LordThe phrase day of the Lord describes a time when God judges his enemies with righteous punishment. The ungodly receive the punishment they deserve, while the righteous gain their complete salvation (see Isaiah…
The Exodus as HistoryIsrael's view of reality was very different from other ancient cultures. Other major cultures around Israel, from Sumer in southern Mesopotamia in 2000 BC to Rome in AD 200, developed their perspectives by observing…
The Family RedeemerThe idea of the family redeemer was established in the law of Moses. The story of Ruth shows us an example of this idea. In that book, this term has a specific legal meaning. In other places, the Hebrew term go’el…
The Gift of ProphecyAs the apostle Peter stated on the day of Pentecost, prophecy was a result of God's Holy Spirit poured out (Acts 2:17–21; see Joel 2:28–32). The book of Acts mentions a few Christian prophets (Acts 11:27–28; 13:1…
The Glory of GodGlory in the Old Testament means something different than in English. In English, it often describes something temporary, like a sunset or last year's winning team. The Hebrew word for glory means what is "heavy" or…
The Good News MessageThe apostles shared the good news about Jesus (or "gospel") in a specific order, with these parts: The Old Testament promises came true through Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. God has lifted up Jesus by…
The Grace of GodGrace is an important word in the Bible. It shows God's kindness and favor. It is often related to how he saves those who do not deserve it. The New Testament emphasizes that grace came through Jesus Christ (John…
The Growth of the ChurchThe book of Acts describes the church's growth after the day of Pentecost. Initially, the church increased in numbers. After Jesus' ascension to heaven, only 120 Christians attended the first prayer meeting to seek…
The Heart in the PsalmsThe Hebrew words leb and lebab both mean "heart." But these words are difficult to translate. They rarely refer to the physical human heart. Instead, these terms usually refer to the center of a person's being. They…
The Holiness of God’s PeopleGod called the people of Israel "to be holy" because he freed them from slavery in Egypt (see Leviticus 11:45). He also freed humanity through Jesus Christ, who paid the price to release us from slavery to sin and death…
The Holy One of IsraelThe phrase The Holy One of Israel appears in the prophecy of Isaiah about 24 times. The Holy One is "the King" (Isaiah 6:5). The righteous and just one is the God without equal (26:7; 40:25). He is the redeemer of his…
The Holy Spirit’s PresenceThe book of Acts emphasizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Before the Spirit came, Jesus spoke about the Spirit's influence on his followers (1:8; see John 14:15–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7–15). The Spirit clearly…
The Holy Spirit’s WorkDifferent New Testament writers emphasized various aspects of the Holy Spirit's work. The apostle John, for example, emphasized the Spirit's role as a teacher and revealer of God's thoughts and ways (John 14:17, 26…
The HouseholdThe household was the basic family unit of Greco-Roman society. People believed that if households were stable, the state would also be stable. In these households, everyone had clear roles and responsibilities that…
The LandThe land was very important to ancient Israel because agriculture was the main way people made a living. Most Israelites were farmers or herders, and their survival depended on the land’s ability to produce crops and…
The Last Things and the ThessaloniansThe Christians in Thessalonica eagerly accepted the apostle Paul's teachings about the day of the Lord and Jesus' second coming. Yet, this led to questions and guesses about the end of time. They wondered what would…
The Law and the SpiritA common question many Christians ask is whether Christians need to follow Old Testament laws to spiritually grow in their faith. Does obeying God's law help Christians become more holy? When the Christians in Galatia…
The Limitations of LawThe law was central to God's special agreement (the covenant) with the people of Israel. Many Jews in the apostle Paul's time, including Jewish Christians, still considered it as essential for living. Therefore, Paul…
The Little HornIn the vision of the prophet Daniel, the little horn represents a king. It has human-like features, such as eyes and a mouth. This imagery is typical of apocalyptic literature. "Apocalyptic" is from a Greek word meaning…
The Lord of NationsBoth the Old Testament and the New Testament state that the Lord is the one true God. God is supreme over all nations and peoples at all times. Even if rulers do not believe in or acknowledge him, God remains in…
The Message of ReconciliationReconciliation is a term found throughout the New Testament. It means making peace and repairing broken relationships. When two people reconcile, they stop being enemies and become friends again. In the same way…
The MessiahThe Greek word christos has the same meaning as the Hebrew word mashiakh. It means "anointed one" (or "chosen one"). Both words translate as "Messiah" or "Christ." In the Bible, the Messiah is someone chosen by God for…
The Messianic BanquetThrough his teaching and miracles, Jesus showed that the messianic banquet was ready. The messianic banquet is a special feast that God promised to prepare when the Messiah came. He invited all people to come and…
The Mystery of the Good NewsIn his letters, the apostle Paul often uses the word mystery to describe the good news about Jesus (some translations use the word secret). Sometimes, Paul uses mystery as a way of referring to the good news itself…
The New CommunityThe New Testament emphasizes the importance of the Christian community. Cultures that focus on individuals can miss this emphasis. Although God converts and spiritually rebirths Christians as individuals, he does not…
The New CovenantA covenant is a formal agreement or promise made between two parties. In the Bible, covenants are special agreements between God and people. The old covenant refers to the agreement God made with the people of Israel at…
The New OrderIsaiah describes two different ways the world can be. The first way (the old order) is how things are now, where people struggle with power and difficulties. The second way (the new order) is God's new creation that…
The Old Life and the New LifeWhen people become Christians, they unite with Jesus and share in his death and resurrection. Their old life, marked by sin, ends with Jesus. They start a new life through his power within them (see Romans 6:3–14). God…
The Old Realm and the NewThe Jewish people in Paul's time saw a clear difference between the "present evil age" and a "glorious age to come." Throughout Romans 5–8, Paul uses these contrasting "realms" or "kingdoms" to explain our experience of…
The PassoverThe feast of Passover became a central part of Israelite religious practice. This festival celebrated God's rescue of the Hebrews from Egypt and his protection from the final deadly plague. God wanted it observed every…
The PlaguesThe main purpose of the plagues in Egypt was not to rescue the Hebrew people from Egyptian oppression. If rescue was the goal, one big miracle would have been enough. The plagues intended to show who God is to Israel…
The Poor and Needy in the PsalmsThroughout the Bible, God supports those who are poor and needy. These people are often oppressed and treated badly by society or greedy people. The book of Psalms frequently mentions the struggles of the oppressed and…
The Priestly BlessingThe priestly blessing is a well-known and beloved passage in the Hebrew Bible (Numbers 6:22–27). For centuries, worshipers have found comfort in its short yet meaningful lines. This famous text is simple and…
The Promise of a Second ExodusGod brought the people of Israel back to their homeland from Babylon, just as he had brought them out of Egypt many years before (Isaiah 48:20–21). (This first rescue from Egypt is called the exodus.) This time, when…
The Promise of DynastyGod promised King David that his family line would last forever (2 Samuel 7:11–16 and parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 17:9–14). Yet, the writer of Chronicles (called the Chronicler) lived when David's family line…
The Promise of New LifeThe resurrection is a key belief in Christianity. Without it, the Christian faith has no value (1 Corinthians 15:14). God promises that his people will share in this resurrection with Christ (Colossians 3:1). It is…
The Purpose of the JudgmentsWhat is the purpose of God's judgments? Are they meant to bring redemption, or are they just meant to destroy? The judgments in the book of Revelation provide some clues. At the end of the sixth trumpet, despite all the…
The Purpose of the Sinai CovenantAlmost everything the Israelites learned about ultimate reality from the Egyptians was incorrect. There are not many gods. There is only one God. The Creator is completely good, and evil comes from rebelling against…
The RemnantThe remnant is a small group of people who remain faithful to God. When foreign armies threatened to invade, and people feared being taken away from their homeland, the idea of the remnant was a source of hope for God's…
The Resurrection of JesusThe Bible clearly describes how Jesus physically rose from the dead through God's power. However, many other explanations have been suggested: Jesus did not actually die. He fainted and later woke up in a cold tomb.…
The Resurrection of the DeadJesus spoke about a future resurrection for everyone. God will raise up all people to eternal life or to judgment (Mark 12:26–27; John 5:28–29; 6:39–40, 44, 54; 11:25–26; see also Luke 20:34–36). When Jesus returns, all…
The Return of God’s Presence with His PeopleThe descriptions of the Israelite exile include the terrible reality that, as part of his judgment, God removed his presence from his people and from the holy city of Jerusalem. This idea is most obviously present in a…
The Righteous SufferThe book of Job invites readers to examine why we have faith in God. Job lost his possessions, family, and friends. This deeply tested his faith. Yet, he kept trusting God and proved that when Satan accused him, Satan…
The Secret of the MessiahIn the Gospel of Mark, Jesus often tells people not to reveal his true identity as the Messiah (God's chosen one). This includes: those Jesus healed or raised from the dead, the disciples who knew Jesus was the Christ…
The Servant-LeaderA servant-leader is a person who has a strong desire to achieve a goal by helping and serving others. This type of leader desires to take on the role of a servant rather than focusing on their own authority or status.…
The Seventy Sets of SevenThe "seventy weeks" (or sevens) in Daniel 9:24–27 have always been difficult to understand. Although it is difficult to connect them to a specific historical period, these "seventy sets of seven" are important. They…
The ShepherdIn ancient Jewish society, shepherds who cared for sheep or goats were important. Shepherding was essential in the ancient Near East. Each morning, the shepherd led the flock out (John 10:2–4). He found grass and water…
The Son of GodJesus' healings, exorcisms (casting out demons), raising the dead, and teachings resulted in wonder, awe, amazement, and fear (for example, Mark 1:22, 27; 4:41; 5:15, 20, 33; 7:37; 9:15; 10:24, 26, 32; 12:17; 15:5).…
The Son of Man"Son of Man" was Jesus' favorite way to refer to himself. The phrase is unusual in both Greek and English. It translates the Hebrew phrase ben ’adam, which means "human being" or "person" (see, for example, Ezekiel…
The Sovereignty of GodPeople often think they can control everything that happens in their lives through their own choices and actions. But the Bible teaches us something different. It shows us that God has the highest power and authority…
The Spirit of the LawWhen King Hezekiah wanted to celebrate Passover, he had a problem. Passover is a feast marking Israel's freedom from slavery in Egypt and is the first feast of Israel's religious year (Exodus 12:1–2). Hezekiah intended…
The Spirit’s PresenceIn the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord came to people or groups when God gave them a task or chose them for a role. The Spirit empowered judges like Othniel, Gideon, and Jephthah for their duties (Judges 3:10…
The Stone the Builders RejectedJesus continually offended the Jewish leaders and their followers. Although he was from the family line of King David, they questioned his mother's reputation (Matthew 1:18–25). Jesus came from Nazareth (Matthew 2:23).…
The Suffering ProphetIn the Gospels, Jesus has many titles, such as Messiah (or Christ), Son of David, Son of Man, Son of God, and Lord. In Luke, an important title is "Prophet." Jesus is the prophet Moses predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15. As…
The Superiority of the SonThe book of Hebrews shows why Jesus, the Son of God, is greater than all others in who he is (his nature) and what he does (his ministry). Superior in Nature The Son's superior nature is mainly discussed in Hebrews…
The TabernacleThe tabernacle was a portable sanctuary where God lived among the Israelite people. From the beginning of creation, God's plan was to share his life with humans and allow people to have a close relationship with him.…
The Theater and RevelationIn the ancient world, theater was a form of storytelling through live performances with actors, scenes, and dramatic presentations. Understanding the way ancient performances worked can help us understand Revelation…
The Thousand Years (The Millennium)A millennium is 1,000 years. Revelation 20 describes the 1,000-year rule of Jesus Christ on earth. Christian groups who highly respect Scripture as God's inspired and authoritative word have held three views on how this…
The Unknown GodThe apostle Paul spoke to the Areopagus, the high council of the city of Athens (Acts 17:19). He spoke to people who did not share his belief in the God of Abraham and Moses. This God had revealed himself, "On many past…
The WordThe apostle John begins his Gospel with an extraordinary description of Jesus Christ as "the Word" (Greek logos, John 1:1). In the first century, both Greek and Jewish listeners would understand the deep meaning of this…
The WorldThe book of John often uses the word "world" (Greek kosmos). In Greek-speaking Jewish thought, kosmos means the heavens and the earth created by God (Genesis 1; see also John 1:3, 10; 17:5, 24). The apostle John expands…
The Worship of AngelsScripture often describes angels as beings that inspire awe or fear (for example, Joshua 5:13–15; Luke 2:8–10). Yet, angels serve God and he does not allow people to worship them (Hebrews 1:5–14; Revelation 19:10).…
The Written WordDuring the prophet Jeremiah’s crisis at his public trial on the temple grounds, friends saved his life (Jeremiah 26). Yet, King Jehoiakim killed the prophet Uriah and tried to arrest Jeremiah. Would this end Jeremiah’s…
ToleranceThe apostle Paul urges tolerance (patient understanding) between those weak in faith and those strong in faith. He teaches Christians to accept each other (Romans 14:1; 15:7). He instructs them to stop condemning one…
True JusticeThe community of God's people in Old Testament Israel had to care for widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 27:19). God wanted the Israelites to represent his justice (see 10:17–19). He wanted them to always…
True SuccessGod wants his people to fully commit to him (Deuteronomy 6:4–6; compare Matthew 22:37). True success comes from seeking God and acknowledging him as the ruler, avoiding all false gods (Matthew 6:33; 1 John 5:21). For…
Trusting God in IsaiahThe prophet Isaiah knew that humans can be unreliable (Isaiah 2:22). When in trouble, the people of Judah often asked other nations like Egypt or Assyria for help. Yet, Isaiah explained that Judah's success and safety…
Trusting God in the PsalmsThe Lord's love inspires people to trust him (Psalms 13:5; 17:7; 21:7; 32:10; 36:7; 52:8; 143:8). His name and reputation also build trust (9:10; 20:7; 33:21). Godly people avoid worshiping false gods and anything that…
Trusting in Human StrengthGod often showed his power to his people throughout their history. He made an elderly couple, who could not have children, the ancestors of a great nation. He saved this nation from the powerful ruler of Egypt. He…
Understanding JobThe story of Job presents a tension between good and bad aspects of his character. The beginning of the book clearly approves of Job (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). But later, God questions Job directly: “Who is this who obscures My…
Violation of the SacredViolation of the sacred is the act of disrespecting, damaging, or misusing something that is considered holy or set apart for God. Ever since the early days in the garden of Eden, humans have tried to claim God's holy…
VisionsVisions are similar to other experiences of God's revelation, like dreams (Genesis 37:5–10; 40:5–19). Classic examples include the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones and the prophet Isaiah’s vision of…
Vows to GodA vow to God means something like saying, "If God does 'this', then I will give 'this' to God or his holy place." Examples include: Jacob gave a tenth of his earnings (Genesis 28:20–22). The Israelites promised to give…
Wealth and Poverty in the Wisdom LiteratureThe sayings in Scripture about wealth and poverty, especially in the wisdom literature, show a broad truth. God blesses wise people with wealth, which makes life's challenges easier to handle (Proverbs 3:9–10, 15–16…
What Is GoodMicah 6:8, a famous and often memorized verse, answers questions from people who became confused and had lost their moral and spiritual direction. The people of Israel wanted to know how to please the Lord. In a society…
WisdomWisdom helps us know how to speak and act in various situations. It allows us to avoid problems and manage them when they happen. Wisdom is more than just intelligence. Proverbs mentions that even animals like ants…
Wisdom PsalmsSome people call certain psalms "wisdom psalms" because they emphasize the importance of wisdom. They guide readers on handling life's questions, issues, and doubts (see Psalms 1; 14; 25; 34; 37; 39; 49; 73; 78; 90; 91…
Women’s Roles in the New Testament ChurchThe apostle Paul's words in 1 Timothy about women's roles in the church were intended to correct what was happening in Ephesus. But Bible scholars debate how this passage applies to other situations. There are three…
Work and PatronageWhen Paul visited the city of Thessalonica for the first time, he taught the new believers to earn their own money through work instead of relying on other people to support them. Some Thessalonians refused to work.…
Worship in JerusalemThe Old Testament prophets understood that true worship requires knowing God and his expectations. God decided that the temple in Jerusalem would be the main place for his people's worship. The Lord's voice came from…
ZionZion is the Hebrew name for the mountain in Jerusalem where the temple was located (2 Samuel 5:7; see also 2 Chronicles 3:1). Over time, people began using the name Zion to refer to all of Jerusalem. Zion can refer to…
“Belief” in the Gospel of JohnThe theme of "belief" is central in John’s Gospel. John does not use the noun faith found often in the New Testament (for example, see Matthew 8:8–10; Mark 11:22; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:17; 3:27–31; 4:3–5; Hebrews…
“He Will Come”Jesus promised his followers that he would return to bring them to be with him forever (John 14:1–3). Right after Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles received a message that he would come back one day (Acts 1:9–11).…
“I Am” Sayings of JesusIn the Gospel of John, Jesus often uses the phrase "I am" (in Greek, the phrase is egō eimi). Sometimes, Jesus uses this phrase to describe himself. For example, Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." The Gospel of John…