How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:10–12 brings the Beatitudes to their climax. Read this passage in three movements: (1) the reality (persecution), (2) the reason (righteousness and allegiance to Christ), and (3) the response (rejoicing because of eternal reward). Key: Following Jesus doesn’t remove opposition—it reveals it. Jesus ends the Beatitudes with a shock.... Continue Reading →
You are viewing Foundations Commentary for Nehemiah 9:1-38 MTSM commentaries are designed in layers to help you grow from understanding Scripture to teaching it and thinking deeply about it. Choose Your Nehemiah 9 Study Path Nehemiah 9 is a rich chapter about confession, covenant renewal, revival, and the mercy of God. Choose the commentary layer... Continue Reading →
You are viewing Deep Roots Commentary for Nehemiah 9:1-38 MTSM commentaries are designed in layers to help you grow from understanding Scripture to teaching it and thinking deeply about it. Choose Your Nehemiah 9 Study Path Nehemiah 9 is a rich chapter about confession, covenant renewal, revival, and the mercy of God. Choose the commentary... Continue Reading →
You are viewing Leader Commentary for Nehemiah 9:1-38 MTSM commentaries are designed in layers to help you grow from understanding Scripture to teaching it and thinking deeply about it. Choose Your Nehemiah 9 Study Path Nehemiah 9 is a rich chapter about confession, covenant renewal, revival, and the mercy of God. Choose the commentary layer... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Nehemiah 6 shows the enemy’s final attempts to stop God’s work. When opposition cannot defeat the mission, it shifts to distraction, deception, intimidation, and internal compromise. Read in four movements: (1) distraction through compromise (6:1–9), (2) deception through false prophecy (6:10–14), (3) completion of the work (6:15–16), and (4) ongoing... Continue Reading →
If the world was created good, why does it no longer feel that way? In the previous post, we saw that God made a world that was whole, ordered, and good. But that raises the obvious question: What happened? The answer the Bible gives is not vague or abstract. It points to a real moment... Continue Reading →
Look around for even a moment, and you will see a tension that is hard to ignore. We see beauty. We see oceans, sunsets, mountains, animals, laughter, friendship, marriage, children, and the joy that comes from love and meaningful relationships. There are still moments in this world that make us stop and say, “That is... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:9 continues the outward expression of the Beatitudes. Read this verse in three movements: (1) the calling (peacemakers), (2) the method (peace through righteousness and truth), and (3) the promise (they shall be called sons of God). Key: Peacemaking is not avoiding conflict—it is resolving it God’s way. Everyone... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:7 marks a shift in the Beatitudes—from inward transformation to outward expression. Read this verse in three movements: (1) the action (the merciful), (2) the motivation (a heart changed by God’s mercy), and (3) the promise (they shall receive mercy). Key: You don’t give mercy to earn it—you give... 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 →