In John chapter four, verses 43 to 45, there is a seemingly strange sequence of statements… “[43] After the two days he departed for Galilee. [44] (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) [45] So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to … [Read more...] about John 4:44 Exegesis
Exegesis
Beware Extrabiblical Whizbang
I was studying John 4:1-26. As usual, at some point in the process, I consulted a few commentaries. I was surprised to find two significant disagreements on two mundane details of the text. Disagreement One "And he had to pass through Samaria" (John 4:4, ESV). Disagreement Two "Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting … [Read more...] about Beware Extrabiblical Whizbang
How We Know Who Wrote First Peter
How do we know Peter wrote 1 Peter? That may seem like a tedious question, but since we live in an age where the Bible is so often questioned and discredited, I think it is worthwhile and instructive to briefly explain how we know this letter is really from Peter. How We Know First, Peter signs it. Verse one: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter … [Read more...] about How We Know Who Wrote First Peter
Moving the Application from Elders to Churches
In a sermon, you can never say everything that could be said about a passage of scripture. You can't even say everything you would want to say. This morning at church our lesson came from Acts 20:17-38. There was one detail whose inclusion I debated. I decided not to mention it, but I thought I might now note it here. In Acts 20:17-38, Paul shares some final … [Read more...] about Moving the Application from Elders to Churches
The Angel of the Lord
Who is "the angel of the Lord"? He appears at many key moments in the Old Testament. But who is he? Is he a normal angel, like a seraphim (Isaiah 6:2) or cherubim (Genesis 3:24)? Is he an archangel? Who is he? A survey of his appearances in the Bible may be helpful. Angel of the Lord Appearances in the Bible The exact phrase "the angel of the Lord" appears in … [Read more...] about The Angel of the Lord