1 Samuel 16:14 refers to an evil spirit of the Lord. What is this spirit? The Bible mentions several occasions in which “a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented” Saul (1 Sam. 16:14; 18:10; 19:9, ESV).  Some understandably view this as an Old Testament example of demon possession, but this view is mistaken when one… Read More Bible Q&A: Please Define 1 Samuel 16:14’s “Evil Spirit of the Lord.”

Jesus said to turn the other cheek. Does this mean that Christians are not ever to defend themselves? Contextually, Jesus was correcting the misinterpretation of Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21 that had been commonly taught to the Jews by the scribes and Pharisees of that time (Matt. 5:38-41).  They were teaching that “an… Read More Bible Q&A: Does Jesus Condemn Self-Defense?

In Luke 6, how is it not a sin that Jesus picks grain on the Sabbath? The episode in question is recorded in Luke 6:1-5, with parallel accounts recorded in Matthew 12:1-8 and Mark 2:23-28.  Jesus and his disciples are walking through a grain field, and his hungry disciples begin picking the heads of grain,… Read More Bible Q&A: Did Jesus Sin in Luke 6?

He miraculously withered it for two reasons.… Read More Bible Q&A: Why did Christ Wither the Fig Tree? What was the Symbolism Behind It?

This statement was made in the context of Jesus giving the parable of the wicked tenants (Matt. 21:33-41), and before that the parable of the two sons (vs. 28-32).… Read More Bible Q&A: Please Explain Matthew 21:43.