How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:3 begins the Beatitudes—the introduction to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Read this verse in three movements: (1) the condition (poor in spirit), (2) the promise (theirs is the kingdom), and (3) the reversal (God’s definition of blessing vs. the world’s). Key: The Christian life does not begin with... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:1–2 introduces the greatest sermon ever preached. Read this passage in three movements: (1) the setting of the sermon (v.1a), (2) the audience of the sermon (v.1b), and (3) the authority of the sermon (v.2). Key: Before Jesus tells us how Kingdom people live, Matthew shows us who Jesus... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 6:25–30 builds directly on Jesus’ teaching about treasure and master. After addressing what we value, Jesus now addresses what we worry about. Read it in three movements: (1) the command not to worry, (2) the example of God’s provision, and (3) the exposure of little faith. Key: Worry reveals... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Nehemiah 5 reveals a dangerous shift—the threat is no longer outside the wall, but inside the people. What opposition could not stop from the outside, injustice now threatens from within. Read in three movements: (1) the crisis exposed (5:1–5), (2) leadership confronts and restores (5:6–13), and (3) integrity modeled over... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →