The “already and not yet” is still a valid and wise statement about God’s kingdom, which unfolds in three stages.
5 The Kingdom of God: Already Here, But Not Yet Fully
3
Two Blind Men Are Healed Near Jericho
Passages: Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-42. One of them was Bartimaeus.
What Is Postmillennialism?
This theory says that the reign of Christ is not a literal thousand years, but is expressed in the expanding kingdom of God, using the church to span the globe in the hearts of believers. I updated this post.
6 The Mystery of the Kingdom
When we understand it, we can know how God is working across the planet today. And we can understand Christ’s parables that proclaim its mystery.
What Is Amillennialism?
The reign of Christ is not literally for a thousand years. The number is a figure of speech for a long, unknown duration when God’s purposes are accomplished. He is reigning right now.
7 Life of the Kingdom
Eternal life and the kingdom of God belong together, and you can experience them right now.
The Lord’s Supper in Synoptic Gospels + Church Traditions
We cannot answer all the questions in this overview, but we can exegete the Lord’s Supper in its original context in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This post also looks very briefly at 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 and 11:23-34 and John 6:35-59. Then, what do various churches teach about the Lord’s Supper (or Communion or Eucharist)? I am here to learn. I updated this post with information that startled me. I also learned something new from Exodus 12:14. Once more I updated this post!
Man with Abnormal Swelling Is Healed
Passage: Luke 14:1-6. This is another Sabbath confrontation. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.
8 Righteousness of the Kingdom
Let’s never overlook the Scriptural truth that righteousness (kingdom living) is important to the heart of God. Four passages in the Sermon on the Mount are discussed here.
9 The Demand of the Kingdom
It is a life-changing demand. Or perhaps I should say demands (plural) bundled together into one.
Two Blind Men Are Healed during Jesus’ Northern Ministry
Passage: Matthew 9:27-31. This is not the same story of healing a blind man or men in Matt. 20:29-34 (two blind men) and Mark 10:46-52 (Bartimaeus) and Luke 18:35-43 (one blind man).
10 Blessings of the Kingdom
This Scriptural list will edify you.
Man with Shriveled Hand Is Healed on Sabbath
Passages: Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11. Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath. Everyone saw the healing with their own eyes. The Pharisees were angry at him, however.
The ‘Seven Spirits of God’ and American Prophets and Pastors
There is a teaching circulating through the American church, particularly in the prophetic community, that prophets (and others) can “exercise” the “seven spirits of God.” What about this?
Paralyzed Man Is Healed after His Friends Dig Hole in Roof
Scriptures: Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26. When the crowds prevented the paralyzed man and his friends to reach Jesus, they dug a hole in the roof, to lower him down to him. Jesus saw that the men had great faith.
Jesus Expels Demon from Canaanite Woman’s Daughter from Distance
Scriptures: Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:21-30. It is possible to detect faith in someone. A wise teacher will bring it out of her.
Healing of Woman Bent Double
Passage Luke 13:10-17. Jesus heals this “daughter of Abraham,” proclaiming she is loosed.
Did 12 or 120 Speak in ‘Spirit-Inspired Languages’ (‘Tongues’) at Pentecost?
A teaching on Acts 2 has been circulating among certain (restrictive) Bible interpreters, which says that only the twelve apostles received the fullness or the baptism with the Spirit at Pentecost with the gift of speaking in Spirit-inspired languages (commonly called ‘tongues’). True?
Woman with Issue of Blood Is Healed
Passages: Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:24b-34; Luke 8:42b-48. The power of God flowed from Jesus to the woman. Can we expect the same power to flow through us, as the Spirit distributes the gifts of healings (1 Cor. 12:4-11)?
What Jesus Really Taught about End Times
This summary post covers sample verses from Jesus’s teaching on the end times, throughout the four Gospels (excluding Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 17 and 21, which are covered in separate posts). He simplified. End-time Bible prophecy teachers complicate.
1. Church Fathers and Matthew’s Gospel
The Church fathers quoted here lived in the second to third centuries. They are unanimous that Matthew wrote the first Gospel, and it was authoritative for them–so it should be for us too.
Man with Leprosy Is Healed
Passages: Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-15. What can we learn from this episode and apply it to our lives today, particularly those who pray regularly for healing?
Atonement: Bible Basics
This post looks at the major Scriptures about the atonement. It also asks whether the atonement is for everyone or for just the elect.
2. Church Fathers and Mark’s Gospel
The Fathers quoted here lived in the second to third centuries. They are unanimous that Mark wrote the second Gospel, and it was authoritative for them–so it should be for us too.
Women Really Did Work as–and Were–Overseers, Elders, Pastors: A Close Look at 1 Timothy 5:9-10
This post has been thoroughly revised and updated. The verses we will look at describe male elders and overseers and pastors and elderly widows. Both men and women took care of the churches. Just like the men, the elderly women functioned as pastors, elders, and overseers throughout their redeemed lives, because they were those things. Scriptures: 1 Timothy 5:2, 9-10, 3:1-7, 11-13, 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; 2:3-5; 1 Peter 2:25, 5:1-5.
Matthew 5:28 and Adultery in the Heart
Matthew 5:28 has been misused over and over again. What does it mean in its textual and OT contexts? Update: radio host Dennis Prager says that in Judaism a man can watch a little porn because the Torah does not forbid it. Judaism is about behavior, not inner thoughts.
3. Church Fathers and Luke’s Gospel
The Fathers quoted here lived in the second to third centuries. They are unanimous that Luke wrote the third Gospel, and it was authoritative for them–so it should be for us too.
Were Jesus, James and John First Cousins? Was Clopas Jesus’ Uncle?
It’s frustrating to look at old family photos, say, a hundred years old, and not know who the people were. They were important enough to be included in the old shoe box filled with known photos, but their names and relationships have been lost to us. Updated.
Jesus Rebukes Fever Attacking Peter’s Mother-in-Law
Passages: Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:30-31; Luke 4:38-39. We also look at Matthew 8:16-17, which says that the Messiah fulfills Isaiah 53:4, by taking their diseases and carrying their sicknesses.
When Did Jesus “Become” the Son of God?
I have added a Greek text + my slightly revised translation, and I answer the odd interpretation of Luke 1:35. Now, in my mind there is no doubt about the answer. Updated once again (December 11, 2024 and now October 31, 2025): more Scriptures!
4. Church Fathers and John’s Gospel
The Fathers quoted here lived in the second to third centuries. They are unanimous that John wrote the fourth Gospel, and it was authoritative for them–so it should be for us too.
Sanctification: Past, Present, Future
The moment you are saved, Christ becomes your sanctification. Now he works it out in you in slow, steady progress until the day you die and live again in heaven and then the new earth with your new body, when your sanctification will be completed.
Jesus Expels Demons from Man in Synagogue
Here begins a multipart series on every instance of healing and deliverance in the four Gospel and Acts, posted each Wednesday, for the rest of 2023.
In this post, Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28 and Luke 4:31-37. Let’s see how Jesus expelled the demons.
Word Study on Disciple
What does it mean to be a disciple? You better count the cost before becoming one!
Kenneth Copeland Gets a Pacemaker
Included in this post are the link to his video testimony, the transcript of the video, and my embedded comments.
Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 and 17 in Parallel Columns Are Finally Clear
These chapters are on Jesus’s discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (AD 70) and then the Second Coming, which has not happened yet 2000 years later (and counting). Looking at the chapters side by side clarifies what he really taught. I updated this post.
Basics about Water Baptism
Update: June 7, 2024. What does baptize literally mean? Can infants be baptized, biblically speaking? What about adults being baptized twice? Questions like these are answered point by point.
What Is Prayer?
In its simplicity, it is “communication with God.” But what do the Scriptures say about it more fully? This post offers a thorough biblical teaching, with many references, on prayer generally.
Does Hebrews 7:1-10 Teach Church Policy of Tithing?
An old-fashioned Bible study is offered here, countering a desperate misinterpretation from certain Bible interpreters who seek for more money.
Why Tithing Does Not Apply to New Covenant Believers
God’s New Covenant plan is much better than an obsolete, national, theocratic tax designed to support an obsolete, national, religious system.
The Names, Titles, and Activities of God
These names and titles and activities and metaphors reveal his character and outreach towards needy humans. Many tables and Scripture references are included.
Sanctification of the Whole Person: Spirit, Soul, and Body
Some Renewalists of the Word of Faith variety say your redeemed spirit is perfect, but not your redeemed soul. True?
What Is Sanctification?
This topic is really unpopular in the “wilder grace” and “freer grace” Renewal circles. But becoming like Christ is scriptural. Unavoidable. Necessary. And a blessing.
The Biblical Way to Care for the Poor
We all need to participate. But how exactly?
What Are Signs and Wonders and Miracles?
What are the Scriptures that reveal them? How are they relevant to my life today? Or have they ceased?
Questions and Answers about Spirit-Inspired Languages
These are more commonly known as ‘tongues.’ Here some of the biblical basics.
Law versus Gospel
It is important to distinguish law from the gospel. If we don’t, we’ll get confused about how to walk the walk.
Is Humankind Two or Three Parts?
Are we body and soul? Or are we body, soul, and spirit? It’s not as clear-cut as we may believe.
Questions and Answers about Kingdom of God
Let’s use the Q&A format for ease of understanding this major theme of New Testament, particularly the synoptic Gospels.
Bible Basics about the Kingdom of God
Some key points backed up by lots of Scripture.
What 1 Corinthians 14 Really Teaches
An old-fashioned Bible study here. There is a lot of confusion in certain quarters of the global Renewal Movement about what revivals involve. How can we clear up the confusion? What did Paul really teach in 1 Corinthians 14? Are we willing to obey his teaching or just run roughshod over it?
Basic Definition of Kingdom of God
This short post should help define the term. A simple five-step explanation of the Kingdom is included, as well.
The Meaning of the Names of the Twelve Apostles
What do their names mean? Why do the lists of the twelve in the New Testament have a slight variation? Can it be resolved?
Does God Cause Natural Disasters to Punish People Today?
Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and tsunamis—natural disasters slam humankind every year. Did God do that? What does the Bible say? Two different covenants make all the difference—a progressive revelation.
What Happens at Judgment to People Who Never Heard Gospel?
God is loving and merciful, but how far do those attributes go at final judgment? Let’s explore this complex issue.
Grace Is a Verb
Grace means God’s unmerited, unearned favor. But once you have experienced it, you must show it.
God Is Your Redeemer
You did something you regret. You said something that you want to take back. Good news! You’re a prime candidate for God the Redeemer to deliver you out of your troubles and buy you out of your self-inflicted prison.
How Jesus Christ Fulfills the Law: Matthew 5:17-19
Christ fulfilled or paid off your debt to the Law. It’s paid in full. He accomplishes this by fulfilling the holiness demand in the law and the fullest revelation of God’s character.
How Christians Should Interpret the Old Testament
When the Old and New Testaments are interpreted carefully and rightly, using Scripture to interpret Scripture, this truth will emerge: Jesus Christ fulfills the old law, in many, many areas.
What Does ‘Turn the Other Cheek’ Mean?
Does the verse allow violence to be done to Christians, without self-defense?
The Biblical Norm for Marriage
In the current confusion in society, we need clarity. The Bible still has wisdom to teach us, if we listen.
When Jesus Used Harsh Language
Don’t try this at home or elsewhere, unless called of God to take down an entire religious system!
Why Did Ananias and Sapphira Drop Dead?
In the book of Acts, they dropped dead. Why? To understand what happened, it is important to keep the Old Sinai Covenant and the New Covenant separate.
Two Kinds of Righteousness
This is important for our walk with God. Don’t get them confused!
‘Revenge’ in the Old and New Testaments: Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth
Does the Old Testament demand literal retaliation for a wrong? Should an eye or a tooth be gouged or knocked out—physically? What about the teaching of Jesus? Does he raise our vision to a higher calling? How do we forgive a tort or a physical injury? How do we get compensated for damages?
1. Two Natures in One Person: Key Terms and Concepts
Let’s learn about these key Christological points together, in the Q & A format.
2. Two Natures in One Person: He Was Human and God
Let’s place his two natures side-by-side with verses from Scripture to see who he really is.
3. Two Natures in One Person: Basic Questions and Answers
This topic is about Jesus Christ in his full personhood. Let’s use the Question and Answer format for clarity and conciseness.
4. Two Natures in One Person: Tough Questions
This post answers a series of tough questions about this vital and indispensable doctrine.
5. Two Natures in One Person: If Jesus Got Hungry, Did God?
Good question, and the answer is clear, based on one biblical truth. Other questions are included here, as well.
6. Two Natures in One Person: Definition or Creed of Chalcedon + Commentary
From the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451). English, Greek, and Latin are included; the post discusses how the definition opposes three deficient teachings about Christ and answers the objection that the fifth-century church just made it all up.
7. Two Natures in One Person: Review and Conclusion
Two natures (deity and humanity) are united in one person—the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s use the Q & A format, for clarity and conciseness.
Theories about the Atonement
What are the theories? Are some better than others? Update: I added a long summary table of the theories.
Luke’s Birth Narrative: Pagan Myth or Sacred Story?
Many claim that the birth narratives in the Gospels–here the third Gospel–were merely reshaped copies of Greco-Roman myths. True?
Reconciling Matthew’s and Luke’s Genealogies: Mission: Impossible?
Some scholars say they are irreconcilable, while others say reconciling them is not so difficult. I favor plausible harmonization. It’s all in the family. Bonus: see the American family “the Roosevelts” in a chart for parallels.
Women in Ministry: Replies to Objections
Updated: Here are twenty-nine objections in a list that complementarians (restrictionists) raise. Replies are given to each one. Many important verses are discussed here, like Genesis 1-3, Galatians 2:28, Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Timothy 2:11-15, 1 Peter 3:1-7, 1 Corinthians 7, 11:2-16, and Acts 6:5.
Foundation of Biblical Healing in Exodus
These verses on healing and deliverance are foundational for the entire Old Testament and for the entire Bible.
Healing Infertility in Genesis
In Genesis healing is about fertility. It is God’s promise to those who live by his commands. It is his blessing. And this first book of the Bible teaches us that God can answer prayers for fertility, to remove the sadness of infertility.
Does the Land of Israel Belong to Jews Today by Covenant?
How do biblical covenants bear on that extremely important question today? Do the Sinai Covenant or the New Covenant cancel the Abrahamic covenants? What does the remnant mean in the Bible?
What Is a Miracle?
What is it? Do they happen today? Can you experience one?
Bible Basics about the Church
This post is an old-fashioned Bible study, offering a clear understanding of the church.
Balanced Worship in the Psalms
Yes, the first-person pronoun “I” is in that old biblical songbook (Psalms), but so is “God” without “me.” But when do we take “me” too far?
What Is Biblical Thanksgiving?
It is the key to the Christian life. What does the Bible say?
What Is the Biblical Character of Worship at Church?
What should worship look like, biblically, in a church service? What are its component parts? Is the church today imbalanced by omitting some things? Included here is a teaching about prayer and intercession, based on the Lord’s Prayer.
Deconstruction: The Language Games People Play
Everybody seems to use the term. I’ve seen it in movie reviews. “The scene was ‘deconstructed’ nicely.” But what does it really mean?
Word Study on Holiness and Sanctification
This is so important to God. It should be to us too.
The Biblical Case for Limited Government and Low Taxes
Liberalism, generally, favors a bigger government and higher taxes to pay for it, while conservatives advocate moving in the opposite direction: limited government and low taxes. What does the Bible say about this?
Word Study on Hope
In a world filled with despair, we need this gift of God more than ever.
What Is the Image of God?
We live in a society that degrades humankind with cursing people, promiscuously sharing our bodies with various partners, doing drugs, and other dehumanizing things. God calls us to something higher.
Bible Basics about Satan and Demons and Victory Over Them
Renewalists believe that Satan is real and attacks people, but in Christ they can have victory over the evil spirit being.
The Spirit in the Church and Believers
Renewalists have a robust and biblical pneumatology (doctrine of the Spirit). The church is a living organism, and the Spirit is guiding it. But the church is made up of individual believers. The Spirit works in them too.
Will Breaking Moral Law Break America?
Is America experiencing inevitable decline? A nervous breakdown?
How to Get Past Your Past: Forget the Devil’s Playground
Do you remember when you messed up? When you got drunk and went too far? What about the flirtation that went too far? What about saying stupid stuff at the job or Thanksgiving? When you lost your temper? What about your bad behavior generally? What about that abortion? Shoplifting?
God Is Love
This study looks at this attribute of God from a personal point of view. It is relevant to your life.
What Does ‘Salvation’ Mean?
Start with this post, if you want the Bible basics. It will boil things down and clarify them. Key Hebrew and Greek words, too.
Postmodern Roots of Leftist Policies
Prepare to get your hands dirty. This post attempts to dig up the roots of wild and crazy public policies.
God’s Love and Grace in Hebrews, General Letters, and Revelation
All the verses are here. This post is good for your personal edification or for pastors and teachers who wish to build a Bible study or sermon series.
God’s Love and Grace in Paul’s Epistles
All the verses are here. They are great for your personal edification or for pastors and teachers who wish to build a Bible study or sermon series.
God’s Love and Grace in the Gospels and Acts
It’s about God’s love and favor, not yours for him. Great for a series of sermons or Bible studies or your personal edification.
God’s Love and Grace in the Prophets
Here are the verses where the words love and grace in their various forms appear in the biblical prophets. Great for a series of sermons and Bible studies or your personal edification.
God’s Love and Grace in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs
This is for your Bible study and sermon series and personal edification. All the words for love and grace in these three books of the biblical Wisdom literature are found here. Great for your personal edification or a series in a Bible study or sermons.
God’s Love and Grace in Old Testament History Books
Even though these verses have an ancient historical context, they are spoken to you today. Such verses are timeless and universal in that way, if we interpret them properly. Great for a sermon or Bible study series or your personal edification.
Romans 16
This chapter is full of information about church leaders. I look more carefully at the women leaders than the men, though everyone gets a comment.
God’s Love and Grace in the Torah
The Torah is the first five books of the Bible. Yes, God’s love and grace can be found in this section of Scripture. It is not always and only wrath and judgment. Great for your personal edification or a series in a Bible study or sermons.
Women, Men, and Five Ministry Gifts in Ephesians 4:11
Yes, women really did function in Christ’s five gifts to his church, his temple, to build it up: apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors-teachers. Check out the evidence. (I updated this post.)
What Is the Gospel?
How can we proclaim it if we don’t know what it is? After a basic definition offered just below, the gospel also has multiple parts to it. Let’s see what they are. (I recently updated this post.)
Should Women Not Speak One Word in Church? A Close Look at 1 Corinthians 14:34-36
One older commentator says the prohibition in those verses seems “absolute.” Yet how do we properly read them?
From Charlemagne to Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III
May she be welcomed into heaven because she put her faith in Christ! 1926-2022. Historians of the monarchs of Europe always include several genealogical tables. Here are some of them for your convenience. Further, each monarch massively influenced influenced the Western European church, and the church influenced them. Continue reading
Acts 28
This is the final chapter of the book of Acts, but not of the acts of God, which go on to this day. Paul gets bitten by a poisonous snake, shakes it off, is unharmed, and then God works healing through his hands. They finally reach Rome, where Paul is at liberty to live in his own rented quarters and preach the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8. Postmodernism and the Bible: Conclusion
This article is the conclusion to the series on postmodernism and the Bible. A good summary of the entire series.
7. Interpreting the Bible and Finding the Truth
The words “the truth” will shock postmodernists and deconstructionists. Good. But it asks: How do we study and interpret the Bible? How do we find truth which really is out there, around us? This post is a simple reply to claims of unsolvable ambiguities in the Bible.
Acts 27
Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus go through a storm and shipwreck. An angel stands before Paul and promised everyone safety. When they followed his directions, they safely reach an island.
6. The Reconstructed Jesus: What the Bible Actually Says
It is now time to counter the extreme views spelled out in Part Five. Who was Jesus, really?
Acts 26
Paul delivers a speech before Agrippa and Festus, in Caesarea. Paul recounts his testimony on the road to Damascus. Festus reacts and calls him crazy. Does Paul want to convert him? Agrippa and Festus conclude that Paul is innocent, but he had appealed to Caesar, so the trials go on.
Acts 25
Paul defends himself before Festus, King Agrippa II, and his sister Bernice against the accusations of the Jerusalem establishment, who stood around Paul. He was calm and forceful in his defense. He appealed to “lord” Caesar.
5. The Deconstructed Jesus
Deconstruction overturns privileged hierarchy and meaning. Defenders promise us that they do not practice Anything Goes in their deconstruction of texts. Do they keep their promise? How do we verify it? Click on this link only if you have courage.
Acts 24
Paul defends himself before Felix at Caesarea. He is kept in custody, discussing with Felix, righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come. Felix is succeeded by Porcius Festus.
Acts 23
Paul appears before the Jewish High Council, a Roman commander rescues him, Jesus personally appears before Paul, a plot by assassins is foiled, and he is taken to Caesarea, where he had landed earlier.
4. Deconstruction: A Primer
Do you want to know what deconstruction really is? Read about it from its practitioners.
Acts 22
Paul delivers his defense (apologia) to the crowds who were demonstrating against him. It is a masterpiece.
Acts 21
This chapter has all sorts of prophetic words about Paul going up to Jerusalem. He arrives there. The chapter also sees James, the (half-)brother of Jesus, tell Paul to go along with a vow to be a good witness to the law-keeping converts to the Jesus Movement, which he did. A riot promptly beaks out when he is spotted in the temple. In v. 16, Paul’s third missionary journey comes to an end, and his journey to Rome via Jerusalem begins in v. 17.
3. Postmodern ‘Truth Soup’
Postmodernism has produced all sorts of confusing interpretations of Scripture. For the postmodernist, Scripture has turned into a pot of stew.
Acts 20
Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. But first he forms a team, sees a boy named Eutychus survive a fall, and delivers his very moving farewell to the Ephesian elders. This chapter also begins Paul’s journey to Jerusalem (20:16 to 21:17). Please see the timeline table that harmonize Acts 18-25 and Paul’s epistles
Acts 19
Paul is in Ephesus and prays for twelve disciples who need the fullness of the Spirit, seven Jewish exorcists get pummeled, a demonstration erupts because of the goddess Artemis and Paul’s monotheism and the gospel. The fifth “panel” is in this chapter. Also see the ministry timeline set in a convenient table.
2. The Origins of Postmodernism
Does postmodernism spring out of the head of Zeus unconceived or misconceived? Or does it carry a heavy debt on its back to earlier movements and trends?
Acts 18
Paul finishes up his second missionary journey in v. 22 and begins his third in v. 23. In this chapter, his ministry in Corinth and Ephesus takes center stage. Priscilla and Aquila make their appearance, so does the powerfully effective speaker Apollos, who received more theology about God and the fulness of the Spirit.
Acts 17
Paul is still on his second missionary journey, along with his team, minus Luke, who will rejoin them in Troas (20:5). The Bereans were nobler than the Thessalonians because the Berans searched the Scriptures. Paul preaches his famous discourse to the Areopagus council.
1. Postmodernism and the Bible: Introduction
So begins an eight-past series. In the late 1980s or early 1990s, a pastor reported this conversation (as I recall it) between him and a woman from his large congregation. She apparently wanted him to approve of something.
Acts 16
Paul begins his second missionary trip, with Silas. The Spirit leads Paul and Silas not to go into two big regions but to go to Macedonia; the salvation of Lydia and her household; the deliverance of an oppressed girl; a beating, Paul and Silas singing and praying in prison; an earthquake; and a jailer’s and his household’s salvation. Timothy and Luke join Paul’s team.
Acts 15
The council in Jerusalem decided on how Gentiles could be saved. They held to four requirements, which were designed for peaceful fellowship between Messianic Jews and converted Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas split up. After this, Paul and Silas begin Paul’s second missionary trip, all the way to Acts 18:22. And Barnabas and Mark make a second team. Included: Timeline table of Paul’s journey coordinated with his epistles.
Acts 14
This chapter ends Paul’s and Barnabas’s first missionary journey, but not before Paul gets stoned and taken for dead. This chapter includes preaching, a healing miracle, and other signs and wonders. He tailors his message for towards pagans for the first time; then he is challenged by opponents.
Acts 13
This chapter is clearly transitional. In their first missionary journey, Barnabas and Saul go beyond Israel and Antioch and head westward. It includes worshipping and praying and personal prophetic words and spiritual warfare. It has Paul’s first recorded sermon, a masterpiece. This is Paul’s and Barnabas’s first missionary journey (to 14:28). Table: Paul’s travels which is coordinated with a timeline.
Acts 12
James, son of Zebedee, is executed; Peter escapes miraculously from jail; Rhoda’s exuberance, and Herod Agrippa’s sudden death.
Acts 11
Peter explains his eating with Gentiles, Agabus and his team of prophets appear and predict a worldwide famine, and the disciples are first called Christians in Antioch, and Barnabas and Saul are commissioned to bring relief to Jerusalem Christians.
What the Bible Really Says about Abortion and Prenatal Life
Despite the confusion circulating over the web for years, the Bible unambiguously upholds the sanctity of prenatal life.
Acts 10
This chapter is the most important one in all the Bible for the description of including the Gentiles into the New Covenant community of God. This transition could happen only through Peter.
Acts 9
In this chapter: Saul’s conversion and Peter healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha from the dead. Thus, Saul and Peter are paired together in different storylines, and clearly Peter is in the lead, for now.
Acts 8
In this chapter, because of the persecution of the Messianic Jews, they have to flee Jerusalem. Philip reaches out to Samaritans, and then to the Ethiopian Treasurer. Philip then gets snatched away by God and ends up at Azotus and preaches the gospel in that region.
Acts 7
Stephen’s speech begins the slow transition from dependence on the temple and towards a more global outreach. God does not dwell in temple buildings made with hands. Stephen is martyred.
Acts 6
The Hebrew and Greek widows complain about distribution of resources. The apostles appoint seven servants to handle the issue. Certain members of a synagogue oppose Stephen and drag him before Caiaphas the high priest.
Acts 5
Ananias and Sapphira are instantly judged. God through the apostles worked many signs and wonders, and the people greatly honored the Messianic community. Some feared to join, but others did. Peter’s shadow was cast on them and miracles happened. The council arrested the apostles and put them in prison, but an angel released them. They went into the temple and preached but were rearrested. Gamaliel gave his speech urging caution about executing them. The apostles were flogged and released but never stopped preaching.
Acts 4
The council (Sanhedrin) arrest Peter and John and the healed man and threaten them. The two apostles say they must obey God instead of man. They return to the Christian community and report what happened. The whole community pray for boldness and share everything in common. The place where they met was shaken, and they are again filled with the Spirit.
Acts 3
The disabled beggar is healed at the gate called Beautiful. Peter, along with John, preaches the second recorded sermon, which is a great overview of OT Scriptures and themes proving Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 2
The Holy Spirit arrives with great power at the festival of Pentecost. Peter preaches the first sermon after the birth of the church. He tells the Jewish pilgrims that they must repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Three thousand souls were added to the church. Then the earliest community shared everything in common, and more people were being saved.
Acts 1
Luke addresses Theophilus, to whom he dedicated his second volume. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit. He commissions disciples to go beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. He ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas.
1. Torah and Slavery: Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar
Scripture to be studied: Gen. 16:1-4. Hagar was a handmaid to Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Critics claim that Abraham could have sex with Hagar whenever he wanted because she was a slave. (This post also looks into polygamy.
Women Teachers: New Translation and Reinterpretation of 1 Timothy 2:11-15
What if 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is not about women teaching and dominating men at church? What if it is about a husband and wife at home? Or does the house church merge the domestic and public spheres? What would that mean for church policy and women teachers out in public?
15. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels: Conclusion
We come at last to the end of the series. This part, summarizing the previous fourteen articles, can serve as a guide for which article the reader may need in the future. The series has always been about having confidence in the four Gospels so the gospel of the kingdom can go forth.
14. Similarities among John’s Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels
The number of similarities, even between the Gospel of John on the one side and Matthew, Mark, and Luke on the other, is remarkable.
13. Are There Contradictions in the Gospels?
When you read the first three Gospels, you are likely to observe countless similarities. And that is the dominant picture: the places, the names, the crowds, the rural setting, busy Jerusalem. However, some skeptics see insurmountable problems.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 