Zechariah: “The Spoil Taken From You Will Be Divided In Your Midst”

Some such as Bob Winton in his commentary on the Minor Prophets view this as a prophecy about Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Others such as Homer Hailey cite as a “more probable explanation” that God through Zechariah is “pointing to the spiritual Jerusalem as the capital of His spiritual kingdom (cf. Heb. 12:22; Gal. 4:26)” – i.e., the church – “and of the assault upon it by the world.” … Read More Zechariah: “The Spoil Taken From You Will Be Divided In Your Midst”

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Bible Q&A: A Question About Fellowship in the Digital Age

I have some thought questions about fellowship in the digital age. We usually see fellowship being withdrawn from only those within a local congregation.  But today Christians across the globe can have a close, personal, instant relationship via text, email, phone, social media, etc. In that sense, can fellowship be had between faithful members of… Read More Bible Q&A: A Question About Fellowship in the Digital Age

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Zechariah: “Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Be Scattered”

Zechariah continues his prophecies about the Messiah and His church as chapter 13 ends.  We know the shepherd points to Jesus himself because Christ cited it as being fulfilled when his disciples – “the sheep” – would desert him upon his arrest (Matt. 26:31; Mk. 14:27; cf. John 10:11ff).  The sword being awakened against the shepherd and striking him is a clear reference to the crucifixion.… Read More Zechariah: “Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Be Scattered”

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1 Peter: Foreknowledge, Sanctification, Obedience, and the Blood of Christ

The Spirit revealed God’s Word to the apostles (John 16:12-15; cf. 14:16-17, 25-26; 15:26-27; 1 Cor. 2:9-13; cf. Acts 1:8; 2:1-4), and inspired them and the prophets when they wrote the Scriptures (Eph. 3:3-5; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; cf. 2 Tim. 3:16).  It is through God’s Word that we are sanctified (John 17:17), and God’s Word comes to us by the Holy Spirit-inspired writers of Scripture.  Thus, the Spirit sanctifies Christians through God’s Word.… Read More 1 Peter: Foreknowledge, Sanctification, Obedience, and the Blood of Christ

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Bible Q&A: Is Fellowship More Than Eating Together?

Is there ever an occasion in Scripture where the word “fellowship” would point to social gatherings, banquets, get-togethers, and the like? Or does the word fellowship address spiritual relationship and growing in Him? In the context of giving the command to withdraw fellowship, Paul told the Corinthians to have no association with the one withdrawn… Read More Bible Q&A: Is Fellowship More Than Eating Together?

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Zechariah: A Prophecy About Idolatry and Unclean Spirits

At the very beginning of the church, miraculous prophecies were listed among the spiritual gifts which the apostles gave to some within the early church through the laying on of their hands (1 Cor. 12:1-11ff; 14:1ff; Acts 6:6, 8; 8:5-24; 19:6; Rom. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:6; cf. Eph. 2:20; 2 Pet. 1:19-21).  So were the working of miracles such as casting out unclean spirits or demons (1 Cor. 12:8-11; Acts 5:16; 8:7; 19:11-12; cf. Mk. 16:17).  These miracles were done to confirm the Word of God which the apostles were preaching and writing (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4).  This was possibly the reason Jehovah allowed demonic possession during this time.… Read More Zechariah: A Prophecy About Idolatry and Unclean Spirits

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1 Peter: Elect Exiles of the Dispersion

Some of the first readers of 1 Peter were likely in Jerusalem years earlier on Pentecost.  Jews from Pontus and Asia had heard the apostles speaking miraculously in their own native language on that day (Acts 2:8-11).  Some of them were likely among the 3,000 who had obeyed the gospel that day (Acts 2:36-41).  Thus, some of the original recipients of 1 Peter might have been there with Peter on the day the church began.… Read More 1 Peter: Elect Exiles of the Dispersion

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