Individual Christians and churches must be circumspect regarding those with whom they associate. The right hand of fellowship must not be extended to those who are not worthy (cf. 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 John 9-11; etc.). As such, warnings about those who are false brethren were included in epistles to other Christians and churches. …
Continue reading Romans 16:1-2 Paul had appealed to Caesar, and Festus intended to send him that direction (cf. 25:9-12), but before doing so, he needed to formulate a letter so as to inform Caesar of Paul’s situation. However, because he was “uncertain of such questions” (25:20) concerning the Jewish religion, Festus turned to Agrippa for assistance in writing such …
Continue reading Acts 26:1-8 Jesus had made a man see who was blind from birth (v. 1-12). Having heard of this phenomenon, the Pharisees inquired as to how it was so, and what the man thought about the one who opened his eyes (v. 13-34). After the man indicated his conviction that the miracle worker was from God, the …
Continue reading John 9:35-41 Following the prophesied events of His triumphal entry (v. 28-40), as Jesus was nearing the city of Jerusalem, the sight struck Him with great emotion. Only in this place, and at the occasion of Lazarus’ death (cf. John 11:35), is Jesus described as having wept. The view of the city dedicated to God, and its …
Continue reading Luke 19:41-44 After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (cf. 11:1-11), and His display of righteous indignation in purging the temple of buyers and sellers (cf. 11:15-19), “the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him” (v. 18). As per usual, they sought to trap and discredit Him with a question asked in …
Continue reading Mark 11:27-33 Jesus journeyed from Israelite territory into Gentile territory. Mark’s account notes this decision was one made for the purpose of concealment, possibly from His enemies (cf. Mark 7:24). Despite the efforts to remain hidden, “a woman of Canaan,” who was in utter distress, found Him. This, along with the following scene, speaks of the woman’s …
Continue reading Matthew 15:21-28 The reality of chapter 13 that would be the persecution and hardship of the saints was a sinister picture. The revelation left at this juncture would prove most devastating and depressing. Yet, John looked and beheld a most wonderful sight. John looked and saw “a Lamb,” which is the Christ, standing upon “Mount Zion,” the …
Continue reading Revelation 14:1-5 Jude wrote his epistle to exhort the brethren to “contend earnestly for the faith” (v. 3). False teachers had crept in, and they were wreaking havoc on the church. False doctrine is extremely destructive, and must not be tolerated. While it seems there is an air of confidence for the brethren in Jude’s epistle, there …
Continue reading Jude 5-7
As in 2 John 1, John referred to himself as “the Elder.” This could refer to his age, his position of authority as an apostle of the Lord, or even his relation to the addressed Gaius, who John considered his spiritual child. John showed great affection for Gaius in his use of “beloved,” but more …
Continue reading 3 John 1-4 John noted his joy in that he found his readers walking in the truth (v. 4). This joy comes from the fact that walking in the truth, or abiding in the “doctrine of Christ,” puts us in fellowship with God, and Jesus (v. 9). On the other hand, he rejoices in what they are not …
Continue reading 2 John 9-13