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Luke 2:1-5 Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. Continue reading

Luke 1:1-4 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and proved to be servants of the word have handed them down to us, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Continue reading

Before embarking on the formal introduction of the Gospel of Luke, it will be beneficial to consider some of the important historical developments that occurred in the centuries from the conquest of Judah by the Babylonians, ~586 BC, to the time of Christ. After the completion of the OT canon with Malachi in ~435 BC until the beginning of the NT period in the 1st century AD there is no biblical record. This period is referred to as the Intertestamental Period. We must not conclude that the absence or paucity of a biblical record indicates that this period was unimportant or uneventful. The period spanned an excess of 400 years and was a time of great tumult and flux throughout the Near East and Mediterranean region. Moreover many of the important developments that transpired during this time frame played a significant part in shaping the social, economic, government, political, and religious ideologies that prevailed in Judea during the time of Christ. Continue reading

In chapter 4 Paul begins with an exhortation to stand stand firm and live in harmony. Evidently two believers in the Philippi were at serious odds so Paul appeals for a group effort in resolving their disagreement. After this appeal, he issues some concluding exhortations in living the Christian life such as “Rejoice in the Lord always,” “Be anxious for nothing,” apply the sound doctrine learned, etc. The apostle concludes the letter by acknowledging their financial gift and gives his closing greetings. Continue reading

Chapter 3 begins with a warning against opponents who insist on circumcision as compulsory in the Church Age. Paul re-affirms the “spiritual” circumcision which occurs at the point of salvation. He further asserts that righteousness comes on the basis of faith in Christ and not on observance of the Law. All of his supposed advantages as a Jew, ancestry and accomplishments, he considered worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ. Continue reading

Paul begins the chapter with an appeal for corporate unity among the Philippian believers. He instructs them to refrain from being selfish and instead, have a mindset of humility toward one another. The apostle holds up Christ, the glorified God-Man, as the ultimate example of humility. Following the remarkable Christological passage, Paul gives various directives and then provides news regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus. Continue reading

The apostle Paul greets the believers in Philippi and expresses his thanksgiving and affection for them. He prays for their continued spiritual progress in order that they might be vindicated in the “day of Christ.” In this chapter, Paul mentions his current imprisonment in Rome and that contrary to what one might expect, he was able to able to continue his ministry and spread the Gospel. In Paul we see a believer who is totally committed to the plan of God regardless of circumstances. Continue reading

Philippians was a letter written to the believers in the city of Philippi by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome. Prominent themes include humility, unity, and obedience in the Christian life. These themes are as applicable to believers today as they were in Paul’s day. Continue reading

Ruth 4:1-6 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the redeemer of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, “Turn aside, So-and-so, sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who… Continue reading

Ruth 3:1-5 Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? 2 “And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were? Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight. 3 “Wash yourself therefore, and put on perfumed oil  and put on your cloak, and go down to the threshing floor; but do… Continue reading