Notes from Linda:
12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
"Verse of the Day"
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April 2025
APRIL 17
John 3:14-15
While telling Nicodemus (a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews) why people must be born again, or saved (see Note 1 below), Jesus said:
John 3:14-15: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent [in this case, the image of a snake, made of brass] [on a pole] in the wilderness [desert] [see Note 2 for explanation], even so [or 'in like manner'] must the Son of man [i.e., Jesus, the Son of God, and Messiah] be lifted up [on the cross] [see Note 3 below]: [so] That whosoever [whoever] believeth [believes] in him [Jesus, meaning those who believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for their sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and who trust him as their personal Savior] should not perish [be destroyed in hell and the lake of fire], but [will] have eternal life [in heaven]."
In order to go to heaven when you die, you must believe the gospel and be born again, or saved, the Bible way. You'll find instructions on how to do this in most of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
NOTE 2:
According to Chapter 21 of Numbers:
-- Numbers 21:5,6: "And the people [of Israel] spake [spoke] against God, and against Moses, Wherefore [or 'for what reason,' or 'why'] have ye [you] brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread [food] neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth [or 'we loathe' (hate)] this light bread [manna]. And the LORD sent fiery serpents [poisonous snakes] among the people, and they bit the people; and much [many] people of Israel died."
-- Numbers 21:7,8: "Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee [you]; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee [you, or just 'make'] [the image of] a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he [or she] looketh [looks] upon it [the snake], shall live."
-- Numbers 21:9: "And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man [or woman or child], when he [or she] beheld [looked at] the serpent of brass, he [or she] lived."
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GotQuestions.org has an article about the bronze serpent. It's called "Why is a bronze serpent used to save the Israelites in Numbers 21:8-9?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/bronze-serpent.html.
In his commentary on today's verses, Albert Barnes said:
Verse 14 -- Jesus Must Be 'Lifted Up':
"… The points of resemblance between his [Jesus'] being lifted up and that of the brass serpent seem to be these:
"I. In each case those who are to be benefited can he aided [helped] in no other way. The bite of the serpent was deadly, and could be healed only by looking on the brass serpent; and sin is deadly in its nature, and can be removed only by looking on the cross.
"II. The mode [manner] of their being lifted up. The brass serpent was in the sight of the people. So Jesus was exalted [or 'lifted up'] from the earth raised on a tree or cross.
"III. The design was similar. The one [i.e., the brass serpent] was to save the life, the other [i.e., Jesus] [was to save] the soul; the one [i.e., the brass serpent] [was] to save from temporal [physical] [death], the other [i.e., Jesus] [was to save] from eternal death.
"IV. The manner [method] of the cure was similar. The people of Israel were to look on the serpent and be healed, and so sinners are to look on the Lord Jesus that they may be saved. …"
Verse 15 -- Whoever Believes 'Should Not Perish':
"That whosoever - This shows the fulness and freeness of the gospel. All [people] may come [to Jesus] and be saved. Believeth in him - Whosoever [whoever] puts confidence in him [Jesus] as [being] able and willing to save. All who feel that they are sinners, that they have no righteousness of their own, and are willing to look to him [Jesus] as their only Saviour [Savior].
"Should not perish - … All who believe on [or trust in] Jesus shall be saved from this condemnation [punishment in hell] and be raised up to eternal life. And from this we learn:
"1.That there is salvation in no other [person] [besides Jesus].
"2.That salvation is here full [complete] and free for all who will come.
"3.That it [salvation] is easy. What was more easy for a poor, wounded, dying Israelite, bitten by a poisonous serpent, than to look up to a brass serpent? So with the poor, lost, dying sinner. And what more foolish than for such a wounded, dying man to refuse to look on a remedy so easy and effectual [effective]? So nothing is more foolish man [or 'than'?] for a lost and dying sinner to 'refuse' to look on God's only Son [Jesus Christ], exalted on a cross to die for the sins of men [or 'human beings'], and able to save to the uttermost [utmost (greatest) degree] 'all' who come to God by him [Jesus] [for salvation]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/john-3.html, "Verses 14 and 15")
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GotQuestions.org has an article that answers this question: "Why did Jesus say that the Son of Man must be lifted up (John 3:14)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Son-of-Man-lifted-up.html.
"… People are foolish. Unless they can understand all the processes by which God is working, they won't accept it. I can't explain to you how that believing in Jesus Christ can cleanse you of your sin and cause you to be born again and become a child of God. All I can tell you is it will. It works. That's what God has ordained [established]. Jesus, hanging on the cross, was bearing the judgment of God for your sins. 'All we like sheep have gone astray, we turn, everyone of us, to our own ways. And God has laid on Him [Jesus] the iniquities [sins] of us all' ( Isaiah 53:6 ). 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man [Jesus] be lifted up. ' And Jesus, hanging there on the cross, was there taking the judgment of God for sin, dying for our sins, dying in our place. And even as those [dying people] in the days of Israel looked at the [brass] serpent and lived, so we, by looking at the cross in faith and in trusting in Jesus, live. We have eternal life. And so, it was quite an interesting parallel, symbolism that God had established …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/3-14.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
APRIL 16
Matthew 12:38,39,40,41
Where Was Jesus Between His Death and Resurrection?
The following event took place one day while Jesus was healing people, casting out devils, and preaching to the crowd:
Matthew 12:38: "Then certain [some] of the scribes [teachers of the Jewish people and interpreters of the law] and of the Pharisees [members of a certain Jewish sect (religious group)] answered [Jesus], saying, Master [teacher], we would [like to] see a sign from thee [you] [i.e., a sign from heaven, in the form of a miracle] [to prove that you are the Christ (Messiah, Savior of the world) and have been sent here by God]."
Matthew 12:39,40: "But he [Jesus] answered and said unto them [the crowd], An evil and adulterous generation [referring to the Jews, many of whom--at that time--were unfaithful to their spouses and/or God] seeketh after [seeks after, looks for] a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it [i.e., the 'evil and adulterous generation'], but [except] the sign of the prophet Jonas [Jonah--see Note 1 below]: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man [Jesus] be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth [which meant that Jesus would be in the grave, or tomb, for three days and three nights between his crucifixion and resurrection (see Note 2 below), which was the same amount of time that Jonah spent inside the whale]."
Matthew 12:41: "The men [inhabitants] of Nineveh [the capital city of the Assyrian empire] shall rise [up, or stand up, as witnesses] in judgment [on 'judgment day'] with this generation [of Jews], and [their example (i.e., the example of the Ninevites)] shall condemn it ['this generation']: because they [the people of Nineveh] repented at the preaching of Jonas [who was only a prophet, or messenger, of God]; and, behold, a greater [one] than Jonas [Jonah] is here [referring to himself (Jesus), who was and is the Son of God--second person of the Trinity (which means one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost)--see Note 3 below] [and the Jews wouldn't even repent at his (Jesus') preaching]."
How Jonah ended up in the belly of a whale, and what the amount of time that he spent there (i.e., three days and three nights) has to do with Jesus' crucifixion, are explained in the article entitled "Summary of the Book of Jonah," which can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Jonah.html.
NOTE 2:
"Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?" is answered in the article by the same name. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-go-to-hell.html.
NOTE 3:
For a detailed explanation of the Trinity, read "What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?" Here's that link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html.
APRIL 15
Galatians 3:13: "Christ [Jesus] hath [has] redeemed us [meaning he has set us (human beings) free] from the curse of the law [i.e., God's law, which the apostle Paul refers to as a curse because our punishment for disobeying God's law is never-ending torment (torture) in the lake of fire], [by] being made a curse for us [which thing (i.e., Christ being made a curse and redeeming us) happened when Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins--the sinless Son of God paying the sin debt for all mankind, per Hebrews 10:10,11-12]: for [because] it is written [in the Bible, in Deuteronomy 21:23], Cursed is every one that hangeth [hangs] on a tree [in this case, referring to Jesus' crucifixion]:"
"… The sense of the passage before us is, therefore, that Jesus was subjected to what was regarded as an accursed [or 'a cursed'] death. He [Jesus] was treated in his death As If he had been a criminal. He was put to death in the same manner as he would have been if he had himself been guilty of the violation of the Law. If he had been a thief or a murderer; if he had committed the grossest and the blackest [or 'the most offensive and evil'] crimes, this would have been the punishment to which he would have been subjected. This was the mode [form] of punishment adapted to those crimes, and he was treated as if all these [crimes] had been committed by him. Or, in other words, if he had been guilty of all these [crimes], or any of these [crimes], he could not have been treated in a more shameful and ignominious [humiliating] manner than he was [treated]; nor could he have been subjected to a more cruel death. Since it has already been intimated [implied], it does not mean that Jesus was guilty, nor that he was not the object of the approbation [approval or praise] and love of God, but that Jesus' death was the same that it would have been if he had been the vilest of malefactors [or 'the worst kind of criminal'], and that that death was regarded by the Law [of Moses] as accursed.
"It was by such substituted sorrows that we are saved [from hell, and given eternal life in heaven]; and he [Jesus] consented [agreed] to die the most shameful and painful death, as if he were the vilest [most wicked kind of] criminal, in order that the most guilty and vile of the human race [or 'the most guilty and vile human being (or person)'] might be saved … It may be observed, also, that the punishment of the cross was unknown to the Hebrews [Israelites] in the time of Moses, and that the passage in Deuteronomy 21:23 did not refer originally to that. Nor is it known that hanging criminals alive was practiced among the Hebrews. Those who were guilty of great crimes were first stoned or otherwise put to death, and then their bodies were suspended for a few hours on a gibbet [or gallows, where hangings normally took place]. In many cases, however, merely [only] the [dead person's] head was suspended [hung] after it had been severed [cut off or removed] from the body … Crucifixion was not known in the time of the giving of the Law [to Moses], but the Jews gave such an extent to the Law in Deuteronomy 21:23 as to include this mode of punishment …
"The force of the argument here, as used by the apostle Paul, is, that if to be suspended on a gibbet [or 'hung on a gallows'] after having been put to death was regarded as a curse, it should not be regarded as a curse in a less degree to be suspended Alive on a cross, and to be put to death in this manner. If this interpretation of the [Bible] passage is correct, then it follows that this should never be used as implying, in any sense, that [Jesus] Christ was guilty, or that he was ill-deserving [or undeserving], or that he was an object of the divine [godly] displeasure, or that he [God] poured out on him [Jesus] all [of] his wrath [anger]. He [Jesus] was, throughout [the event, or crucifixion], an object of the divine love and approbation [approval or praise]. God never loved Jesus more, or approved what he did more, than when he gave himself to death on the cross. God had no hatred toward him [Jesus]; He had no displeasure to express toward him. And it is this which makes the atonement so wonderful and so glorious. If God had been displeased with Jesus; if the Redeemer [Jesus] had been properly an object of God's wrath; if Jesus, in any sense, deserved those sorrows, there would have been no merit [value] in Jesus' sufferings; there would have been no atonement. What merit can there be when one suffers only what he deserves? But what made the atonement so wonderful, so glorious, so benevolent [well-meaning and kindly]; what made it an atonement at all, was that innocence was treated as if it were guilt; that the most pure, and holy, and benevolent [kind], and lovely being on earth [i.e., Jesus] should consent to be treated, and should be treated by God and man, as If Jesus were the most vile and ill-deserving. This is the mystery of the atonement; this shows the wonders of the divine benevolence; this is the nature of substituted sorrow; and this lays the foundation for the offer of pardon, and for the hope of eternal salvation."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/galatians-3.html, "Verse 13")
APRIL 13-14
John 2:18-22
Jesus Speaks of His Death and Resurrection
This is what happened after Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple for the first time, at the start of his public ministry (see Note 1 below):
John 2:18: "Then answered the Jews and said unto him [Jesus], What sign [such as a miracle] shewest thou unto us [or 'will you show us'], seeing that thou doest [or 'you do'] these things?" [In other words, they wanted proof that he was authorized by God to cleanse the temple.]
John 2:19: "Jesus answered and said unto them [perhaps while pointing to himself], Destroy this temple [which meant 'kill my body'], and in three days I will raise it up [from the dead, thus proving that he was--and still is--the Son of God, and Messiah]."
John 2:20-21: "Then said the Jews, Forty and six [46] years was this temple [referring to Herod's temple in Jerusalem--see Note 2 below] in building [or 'being built'], and wilt thou [will you] rear it up [rebuild it] in three days [if someone knocks it down]? But he [Jesus] spake [spoke] of the temple of his body."
John 2:22: "When therefore he [Jesus] was risen from the dead[,] [three days after being crucified], his disciples remembered that he had said this [thing; i.e., 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up'] unto them; and they believed the scripture [i.e., verses in the Old Testament that predicted Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection--see Note 3 below], and the word[s] which Jesus had said [about his death and resurrection--see Note 3 below]."
"What does it mean that Jesus overturns tables (John 2:15)?" explains why Jesus drove the money changers out of the market. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-overturns-tables.html.
NOTE 2:
"What was Herod's temple?" describes the layout of the temple that was built under the direction of King Herod the Great. It also tells where some of the things that happened in the Bible occurred. If you want to read the article, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Herod-third-temple.html.
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"The Majesty of Herod's Temple" gives some background information about King Herod and the temple and describes what might have happened when a young Jewish boy and his father made a pilgrimage to the temple during Passover. To read the article, click here: https://israelmyglory.org/article/the-majesty-of-herods-temple/.
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Rabbi Dr. David Moster, Director of the Institute of Biblical Culture and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at the Jewish Theological Seminary, posted a video on You Tube entitled "3D Walkthrough of the Temple in Jerusalem." Here's that link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfjLSaGbrNs.
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These two articles have pictures of a model of Herod's temple that was built by a man named Alex Garrard:
-- "Herod's Temple"
(https://www.bedfordroad.org/herods-temple/)
-- "English Farmer Builds Giant Model of Ancient Temple"
(https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/alec-garrard/)
Here are additional photos of Mr. Garrard's model. These show the miniature people he created for the temple: https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/alec-garrard/alec-garrard-photos/.
NOTE 3:
Bible verses pertaining to Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection include the following:
-- Psalm 2:7: "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath [has] said unto me [Jesus], Thou art [you are] my Son; this day have I begotten thee."
-- Psalm 16:10: "For thou [God] wilt [will] not leave my [Jesus'] soul in hell; neither wilt thou [you] suffer [allow] thine [your] Holy One to see corruption."
-- Matthew 20:19: "And shall deliver him [Jesus] to the Gentiles to mock [make fun of], and to scourge [beat with a whip], and to crucify [kill] him: and the third day he shall rise [come back to life] again."
-- Luke 18:32-33: "For he [Jesus] shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated [treated with cruelty or disrespect], and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again."
APRIL 11-12
Exodus 12:1-14
The First Passover
Exodus 12:1-2: "And the LORD [God] spake unto [spoke to] Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month [Abib, or Nisan--March/April] shall be unto you the beginning of months [on the Jewish calendar]: it shall be the first month of the year to you [with respect to religious rites or ceremonies]."
Exodus 12:3: "Speak ye [you, or just 'speak'] unto all the congregation [or 'to all the people'] of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month [Abib] they [the people] shall take to them every man [referring to every head of the household] a lamb [i.e., a young sheep (although goats were allowed, too)], according to the house of their fathers [or ancestors, or according to the group they belonged to--see note below*], a lamb for an house [or family, meaning one lamb per household]:"
Exodus 12:4: "And if the household be too little [in number] for the lamb [i.e., if there aren't enough people (at least 10 but no more than 20) in the family, including servants (but not uncircumcised males--see note below**), to eat an entire lamb], let him [the head of the household] and his neighbour next unto his house [referring to the family or families living next door] take it [the lamb] according to the [total] number of the souls [people] [involved]; every man [and woman and child] according to his [or her] eating [requirements, or 'appetite'] shall make [or be included or considered in] your count for [sharing] the lamb." [Note: According to some Bible commentators, because this was done for a solemn (serious, formal) religious occasion, a portion, or serving, could have been as small in size as an olive.]
Exodus 12:5-6,7: "Your lamb shall be without blemish [meaning it would have no defects or imperfections], [and it shall be] a male of the first year: ye [you] shall take it out from the [flock of] sheep [preferably], or from the [herd of] goats: And ye shall keep it [with you, in your house, like a pet] up until the fourteenth day of the same month [in which you took it away from the other animals]: and the whole assembly [gathering] of the congregation of Israel [meaning everyone, not just the priests] shall kill it [the lamb] in the evening [before sunset]. And they shall take of the blood [of the lamb], and [using a bunch of hyssop (a plant in the mint family) like a brush] strike it [with a slapping motion] on the two side posts [of the front door] and on the upper door post [also called 'lintel'] of the houses, wherein [in which] they shall eat it [the lamb] [after sunset]."
Exodus 12:8-9,10: "And they [the Israelites] shall eat the flesh [meat] [of the lamb that was killed] in that night, roast [or 'roasted'] with fire, and [with] unleavened bread [i.e., bread made without leaven, or yeast]; and with bitter herbs [to represent their bondage (as slaves) in Egypt] they shall eat it. Eat not of it [or 'don't eat it'] raw [rare, half-cooked, not thoroughly roasted], nor sodden [soaked] at all with water [i.e., not boiled], but roast [or 'roasted'] with fire; his [the lamb's] head [should be roasted] with his legs [in other words, the lamb was to be roasted whole], and with the purtenance [entrails] thereof [referring to its internal organs, especially the heart, liver, and lungs]. And ye shall let nothing [or 'none'] of it [the edible (suitable or safe to be eaten) parts (i.e., the meat and internal organs)] remain until the morning; and that which remaineth [remains] of it [the lamb, meaning the inedible (not fit to be eaten) parts, such as bones] until the morning ye shall burn with fire."
Exodus 12:11,12: "And thus shall ye eat it [the meal, consisting of the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs]; with your loins girded [or 'with your long, loose clothes tied up around your waist'], [with] your shoes [or sandals] on your feet, and [with] your staff [walking stick] in your hand; and ye shall eat it [the meal] in haste [or quickly]: it is the LORD'S passover. For [because] I [Almighty God] will pass through the land of Egypt [on] this night, and will smite [strike, kill] all [of] the firstborn [males, meaning the oldest son in each family] in the land of Egypt, both man [mankind, human beings] and beast [animals]; and against all [of] the gods [false gods, or idols] of Egypt [i.e., everything and everyone that the Egyptians worship] I [Almighty God] will execute [carry out] judgment: I am the LORD."
Exodus 12:13: "And the [lamb's] blood shall be to you for a token [sign] upon the houses where ye are: and when I [God] see the blood [of the lamb], I will pass over you [the Israelites], and the plague [calamity, disaster] shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite [strike, kill the firstborn males throughout] the land of Egypt."
Exodus 12:14: "And this day [Passover] shall be unto you [Israelites, Jewish people] for a memorial [reminder, remembrance]; and ye shall keep it [every year] [as] a feast to the LORD throughout your generations [or from one generation to the next]; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance [i.e., a decree or command] for ever."
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Note: My gospel tracts explain how to be saved according to the Bible. In case you're curious or interested, you can find them here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
"… The whole host of Israel [referring to the entire nation of Israel] was divided into twelve tribes, these tribes [were divided] into families, the families [were divided] into houses, and the houses [were divided] into particular persons …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/12-3.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
APRIL 10
2 Corinthians 5:10
The Judgment Seat of Christ
This was written by the apostle Paul (along with Timothy) to the church at Corinth to inform born-again Christians about what will happen at the judgment seat of Christ:
2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we [Christians] must all appear [in heaven] before the judgment seat of [Jesus] Christ; [so] that every one [of us] may receive [rewards, or what is due, for] the things [that were] done in his [or her] body, according to that [which] he [or she] hath [has] done [on earth, during his (or her) lifetime], whether it be good [meaningful] or bad [worthless] [to God]."
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What will happen at the white throne judgment is recorded in Revelation 20:11,12,13,14-15.
Note: Additional details are provided in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is the great white throne judgment?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/great-white-throne-judgment.html.
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At the judgment seat of Christ, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10, rather than being punished, all born-again Christians will receive rewards (in the form of crowns), or will lose heavenly rewards, based on our obedience to God's word [as recorded in the Bible] and how faithfully and selflessly (unselfishly) we served God after we got saved.
Note: There is an excellent explanation of 2 Corinthians 5:10 in an article entitled "What is the judgment seat of Christ?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/judgment-seat-Christ.html.
"… 'The judgment seat of Christ might be compared to a commencement ceremony. At graduation there is some measure of disappointment and remorse [regret] that one [or 'a person'] did not do better and work harder. However, at such an event the overwhelming emotion is joy, not remorse. The graduates do not leave the auditorium weeping [crying] because they did not earn better grades. Rather, they are thankful that they have been graduated, and they are grateful for what they did achieve …'"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-corinthians/5-10.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
APRIL 9
John 5:39
Jesus said this to the Jewish people (and everyone else):
John 5:39: "Search the scriptures [i.e., carefully study the books of the Bible (in this case, Jesus was referring to the Old Testament, since the New Testament had not yet been written when he spoke these words)]; for [because] in them [the scriptures] ye [you] think [that] ye have eternal life [see note below*]: and they [the scriptures] are they which testify [bear witness] of me [Jesus] [in other words, they prove that Jesus was, and is, the Son of God and Messiah]."
"… It was a common but corrupt [dishonest, unreliable] saying among them [the Jews], He that has the words of the law has eternal life; they thought they were sure of heaven if they could say by heart [or recite from memory], or rather by rote [repetition, or by repeating over and over], such and such passages of scripture as they were directed to by the tradition of the elders [referring to detailed, unwritten, human laws regarded by the scribes and Pharisees to have the same binding force as the Mosaic law (or Law of Moses)] …"
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/john/5.html, "Verses 31-47," "v. 39")
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The Bible says that salvation is free and can't be earned, no matter how many, or what kind of, good things we may happen to do. This fact is confirmed in the New Testament by Romans 6:23, which states that eternal life is a gift from God, and by Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation is received by faith, not works (good deeds).
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For more information on the subject of salvation, read "What is the Christian doctrine of salvation?" You'll find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html.
APRIL 8
Luke 16:15: "And he [Jesus] said unto them [the Pharisees--see note below*], Ye [you] are they which justify yourselves [attempt to appear just, or righteous (morally right)] before men [or 'people']; but God knoweth [knows] [what is in] your hearts: for [because] that which is highly esteemed [respected and admired] among men [or 'human beings'] is abomination [disgusting and hated] in the sight of God [see note below**]."
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GotQuestions.org has an article that goes into detail describing the Pharisees. It's called "Who were the Pharisees?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html.
"… There are many things esteemed among [or admired by] people which are 'not' abomination in the sight of God; [such] as, for example, truth, parental and filial affection [i.e., love of parents and children for one another], industry [hard work], etc. But many things, [that are] much sought and admired, 'are' hateful in his [God's] sight. The love of wealth and show [i.e., having an abundance of money and other valuable possessions and desiring to show them off], ambition and pride, frivolous [foolish, not serious] and splendid vices [a term used to describe situations where a seemingly positive trait or action is actually a flaw or a vice in disguise, often because it is not rooted in a moral or spiritual foundation], and all the wickedness that people contrive to 'gild' [or attempt to coat with gold] and to make appear like virtue - external acts that 'appear' well while the heart is evil - are abominable [detestable, hateful] in the sight of God, and 'should be' [abominable] in the sight of people …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/luke-16.html, "Verse 14-15")
APRIL 6-7
James 2:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
The Proper Way to Treat Others (Both Rich and Poor)
This is from a letter that the apostle James wrote to Jewish Christians, but it also applies to us:
James 2:1: "My brethren [brothers--perhaps, in this case, meaning fellow Jews and/or fellow Christians], have [you] not [or 'you do not have'] the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ [see Note 1 below], the Lord of glory [or 'our glorious (wonderful, magnificent) Lord'], with respect of persons."
James 2:2,3,4: "For if there come unto your assembly [or to your church, as a visitor] a man [in this case, a rich person] with a gold ring, in goodly apparel [or 'wearing expensive clothing'], and there come in also a poor man [a poor person] in vile raiment [or filthy and ragged clothing]; And ye [you] have respect to him [or her--the person] that weareth [or 'who is wearing'] the gay [fine, brightly colored] clothing [see Note 2 below], and [you] say unto him [or her], Sit thou [you sit] here in a good place; and [you] say to the poor [person], Stand thou there [or 'you stand there'], or sit here under my footstool [in other words, sit on the floor]: Are ye not then partial in [or among] yourselves [or 'are you not showing partiality, or favoritism'], and are [you not, or 'have you not'] become judges of evil thoughts [by assuming that the rich person is good and the poor person is bad, as when we 'judge a book by its cover,' or determine the worth or value of someone or something based only on the outward appearance]?"
James 2:5: "Hearken [listen, pay attention], my beloved brethren, Hath [has] not God chosen the poor [people] of this world [to be] rich in faith [or 'to believe the gospel'], and [through salvation, to be] heirs of the kingdom [of heaven,] which he [God] hath promised to them that love him?"
James 2:6-7: "But ye have despised [dishonored, insulted, shown contempt for] the poor. Do not rich men [or rich people] oppress [overpower, overburden] you, and draw you [or 'summon you to appear'] before the judgment seats [or 'make you stand before judges' (as in court)]? Do not they [the rich people] blaspheme [speak irreverently or disrespectfully of] that worthy name [i.e., Jesus Christ, the Son of God] by the which ye are called [Christians]?"
James 2:8-9: "If ye fulfil [obey] the royal law [or commandment of God] according to the scripture [referring to Leviticus 19:18 in the Bible, part of which says], Thou shalt [or 'you shall'] love thy [your] neighbour as thyself [yourself], ye do well [meaning that which is right] [see Note 3 below]: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of [or 'convicted by'] the law as transgressors [i.e., you are judged to be guilty of breaking God's law]."
NOTE 1:
"Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ - Faith is the distinguishing [distinctive, unique, special] thing in the Christian religion, for it is this by which man is justified [made acceptable to God], and hence [consequently], it comes to be put for religion itself … The meaning here is, 'do not hold such views of the religion of Christ, as to lead you to manifest [demonstrate, show] partiality to others on account of their difference of rank [position or status] or outward circumstances.'"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-2.html, "Verse 1")
NOTE 2:
"And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing - If you show him superior attention on account of his rich and gay apparel, giving him a seat by himself, and treating others with neglect or contempt. Religion does not forbid proper respect to rank, to office, to age, or to distinguished talents [outstanding achievements] and services, though even in such cases it does not require that we should feel that such persons have any peculiar [unusual] claims to salvation, or that they are not on a level with all others [or 'other people'], as sinners before God; it does not forbid that a man who has the means of procuring [obtaining] for himself an eligible pew [or a suitable place to sit] in a church should be permitted to do so; but it requires that men [or 'all people'] shall be regarded and treated according to their moral worth [value], and not according to their external adorning [i.e., what they are wearing]; that all [things together] shall be considered as in fact on a level before God, and entitled to the privileges which grow out of the worship of the Creator [i.e., God]. A stranger coming into any place of worship, no matter what his rank, dress, or complexion, should be treated with respect, and everything should be done that can be [done] to win his heart to the service of God."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-2.html, "Verse 3")
NOTE 3:
"Ye do well - That is, 'if you fairly comply with [or submit to] the spirit of this law, you do all that is required of you in regulating [controlling] your intercourse [interactions] with others. You are to regard all persons as your 'neighbors,' and are to treat them according to their real worth; you are not to be influenced in judging of them, or in your treatment of them, by their apparel, or their complexion, or the circumstances of their birth, but by the fact that they are fellow-[human] beings.' This is another reason why they should not show partiality in their treatment of others, for if, in the true sense, they regarded all others as 'neighbors,' they would treat no one with neglect or contempt."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-2.html, "Verse 8")
APRIL 5
Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ [Jesus] also loved the church [i.e., the 'church of God' (or the Christian church), which consists of everyone who has been born again according to the Bible--see note below*], and gave himself [or 'gave his life'] for it [the church];"
Following the example of what Jesus did for his 'bride" (the church) in Ephesians 5:25, Christian husbands should do their best to love, support, and protect their wives and help them get saved.
Another article ("What is eros love?") describes the different kinds of love (eros, philia, storge, and agapé) found in the Bible. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/eros-love.html.
-- "What is the church?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-church.html)
-- "What does it mean that the church is the bride of Christ?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/bride-of-Christ.html)
APRIL 4
Habakkuk 2:15: "Woe [great sorrow or distress] [will be] unto him [or her (or 'you')--the person] that giveth [or 'who gives'] his [or her] neighbour [neighbor, friend, acquaintance, etc.] [alcoholic beverages to] drink, [and] that puttest [or 'who puts or gives'] thy [your] [liquor] bottle to him [or her], and makest [makes] him [or her] drunken [drunk or intoxicated] also, [so] that thou [you] mayest [may] look [with devilish pleasure] on their nakedness!"
"God would judge Babylon because the Babylonians had deceived [fooled] their neighbor nations with the result that they were able to take advantage of them. The Babylonians had behaved like a man who gets a woman drunk so she will lose her self-control and he can then undress her. That the Babylonians took advantage of their victims sexually is implied in the illustration, as is their love for wine."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/habakkuk/2-15.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
APRIL 3
Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance [foundation] of things hoped for [i.e., faith is our basis for believing that things which have been promised will eventually come true], [and it is also] the evidence of things not seen [i.e., faith is also our belief that what we have been told is true, even though we don't have visible (easily observable) proof it]."
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Biblical examples of faith include the following:
The substance of things hoped for:
-- Believing the promise that born-again Christians will have a home in heaven someday.
The evidence of things not seen:
-- Believing, without proof, the gospel message (i.e., that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day) and that we must be "born again" in order to be saved from hell.
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If you want to be born again (or saved) but don't know what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's the direct link to that page: http://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
-- "What does it mean that faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/faith-substance-things-hoped-for.html)
-- "What does it mean that faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/faith-evidence-of-things-not-seen.html)
APRIL 1-2
2 Timothy 2:24,25,26
Preach the Gospel With Kindness
Paul wrote this in a letter of advice to Timothy, who was a minister of the gospel:
2 Timothy 2:24: "And the servant of the Lord [or 'the Lord Jesus Christ,' referring mainly to ministers (preachers) but also to all born-again Christians] must not strive [argue, quarrel, fight] [with others]; but [instead] [must] be gentle unto all men [people], [and be] apt [qualified] to teach, [and be] patient,"
2 Timothy 2:25: "In meekness [mildness, humility] instructing [teaching] those that oppose themselves [to the truth of the gospel; i.e., unbelievers, or those who resist and deny biblical truth or who embrace (accept, believe) errors or false teaching]; if God peradventure [perhaps] will give them [i.e., 'those that oppose themselves'] repentance [a change of mind] to the acknowledging [acceptance, belief] of the truth [of the gospel];"
2 Timothy 2:26: "And [hoping] that they [the unbelievers and followers of false teachers] may recover themselves out of [or 'may come to their senses and escape or be rescued from'] the snare [trap, net] of the devil, [as these people are unsaved sinners] who are taken captive [or captured] by him [Satan, the devil] at his will [see note below*]."
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Here are some articles you might like to read:
-- "What is the gospel?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-gospel.html)
-- "What is the plan of salvation?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/plan-of-salvation.html)
"Kind words never blister the tongue or lips [meaning they never cause harm to the speaker or listener], and we never hear of any mental trouble arising from this quarter. Though they [the kind words] do not cost much, yet they accomplish much. They help one's own good nature and good will. Soft words soften our own soul; angry words are fuel to the flame of wrath [anger, rage], and [they] make it [the fire] burn more fiercely. Kind words make other people good-natured. Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch [burn] them; and bitter [harsh] words make them [the people] bitter [angry, hurt, resentful], and wrathful [angry] words make them wrathful. There are such a number of [or so many] other kinds [types] of words, that we ought occasionally to make use of kind words. [For example,] There are vain [useless] words, and idle [careless, thoughtless] words, and silly [nonsensical] words, and hasty words [i.e., impulsive, quickly made statements], and empty [meaningless] words, and profane [irreverent, disrespectful] words, and boisterous [rowdy, unruly] words, and war-like [belligerent, combative] words. But kind words soothe [calm] and comfort the hearer; they shame him out of his sour [disagreeable], morose [gloomy], unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance [or as much] as they ought to be used …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/2-timothy-2.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 24," "Kind words")
Version 1:
"… At his will; ezwgrhmenoi, which we translate at his will, may as well be translated to his will; and so the will of God may be meant, and the whole [phrase may be] referred to the first sentence thus [or 'like this:'], may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil to [do] the will of God; and that is the sense some [people] make of it: but it seems more proper to refer it [the phrase at his will] to the participle, taken captive, for that is next [to] it; and so it signifieth [signifies, indicates] the miserable state of sinners, who are captives at the devil's command and will, [so] that if he [the devil] saith [says] to them, Go, they go; if he saith, Come, they come; if he saith, Do this, they do it."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mpc/2-timothy-2.html, "Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible," "Verse 26")
Version 2:
"… Who are taken captive by him at his will.--These words have been variously interpreted [or explained in different ways] by commentators. The meaning that, on the whole, seems most satisfactory, represents the [person who is] captive to sin waking up from his deathly slumber [sleep] and escaping the toils [trap] of the evil one [i.e., the devil], for the purpose of carrying out for the future the will of God. The rendering [or translation] of the whole verse would be as follows: 'And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil--being held captive by him--to do His (God's) will.'
"It must be remembered that the first pronoun [i.e., 'him'] in this sentence, 'being held captive by him,' referred here to the devil, and the second pronoun [i.e., "His'] in the sentence, 'to do His will,' referred here to God, are represented in the Greek [language] by two distinct [separate and different] words …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ebc/2-timothy-2.html, "Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers," "Verse 26")
John 3:14-15
While telling Nicodemus (a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews) why people must be born again, or saved (see Note 1 below), Jesus said:
John 3:14-15: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent [in this case, the image of a snake, made of brass] [on a pole] in the wilderness [desert] [see Note 2 for explanation], even so [or 'in like manner'] must the Son of man [i.e., Jesus, the Son of God, and Messiah] be lifted up [on the cross] [see Note 3 below]: [so] That whosoever [whoever] believeth [believes] in him [Jesus, meaning those who believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for their sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and who trust him as their personal Savior] should not perish [be destroyed in hell and the lake of fire], but [will] have eternal life [in heaven]."
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NOTE 1:In order to go to heaven when you die, you must believe the gospel and be born again, or saved, the Bible way. You'll find instructions on how to do this in most of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
NOTE 2:
According to Chapter 21 of Numbers:
-- Numbers 21:5,6: "And the people [of Israel] spake [spoke] against God, and against Moses, Wherefore [or 'for what reason,' or 'why'] have ye [you] brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread [food] neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth [or 'we loathe' (hate)] this light bread [manna]. And the LORD sent fiery serpents [poisonous snakes] among the people, and they bit the people; and much [many] people of Israel died."
-- Numbers 21:7,8: "Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee [you]; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee [you, or just 'make'] [the image of] a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he [or she] looketh [looks] upon it [the snake], shall live."
-- Numbers 21:9: "And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man [or woman or child], when he [or she] beheld [looked at] the serpent of brass, he [or she] lived."
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GotQuestions.org has an article about the bronze serpent. It's called "Why is a bronze serpent used to save the Israelites in Numbers 21:8-9?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/bronze-serpent.html.
* * * * *
NOTE 3:In his commentary on today's verses, Albert Barnes said:
Verse 14 -- Jesus Must Be 'Lifted Up':
"… The points of resemblance between his [Jesus'] being lifted up and that of the brass serpent seem to be these:
"I. In each case those who are to be benefited can he aided [helped] in no other way. The bite of the serpent was deadly, and could be healed only by looking on the brass serpent; and sin is deadly in its nature, and can be removed only by looking on the cross.
"II. The mode [manner] of their being lifted up. The brass serpent was in the sight of the people. So Jesus was exalted [or 'lifted up'] from the earth raised on a tree or cross.
"III. The design was similar. The one [i.e., the brass serpent] was to save the life, the other [i.e., Jesus] [was to save] the soul; the one [i.e., the brass serpent] [was] to save from temporal [physical] [death], the other [i.e., Jesus] [was to save] from eternal death.
"IV. The manner [method] of the cure was similar. The people of Israel were to look on the serpent and be healed, and so sinners are to look on the Lord Jesus that they may be saved. …"
Verse 15 -- Whoever Believes 'Should Not Perish':
"That whosoever - This shows the fulness and freeness of the gospel. All [people] may come [to Jesus] and be saved. Believeth in him - Whosoever [whoever] puts confidence in him [Jesus] as [being] able and willing to save. All who feel that they are sinners, that they have no righteousness of their own, and are willing to look to him [Jesus] as their only Saviour [Savior].
"Should not perish - … All who believe on [or trust in] Jesus shall be saved from this condemnation [punishment in hell] and be raised up to eternal life. And from this we learn:
"1.That there is salvation in no other [person] [besides Jesus].
"2.That salvation is here full [complete] and free for all who will come.
"3.That it [salvation] is easy. What was more easy for a poor, wounded, dying Israelite, bitten by a poisonous serpent, than to look up to a brass serpent? So with the poor, lost, dying sinner. And what more foolish than for such a wounded, dying man to refuse to look on a remedy so easy and effectual [effective]? So nothing is more foolish man [or 'than'?] for a lost and dying sinner to 'refuse' to look on God's only Son [Jesus Christ], exalted on a cross to die for the sins of men [or 'human beings'], and able to save to the uttermost [utmost (greatest) degree] 'all' who come to God by him [Jesus] [for salvation]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/john-3.html, "Verses 14 and 15")
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GotQuestions.org has an article that answers this question: "Why did Jesus say that the Son of Man must be lifted up (John 3:14)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Son-of-Man-lifted-up.html.
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In his commentary on John 3:14, Pastor Chuck Smith said:"… People are foolish. Unless they can understand all the processes by which God is working, they won't accept it. I can't explain to you how that believing in Jesus Christ can cleanse you of your sin and cause you to be born again and become a child of God. All I can tell you is it will. It works. That's what God has ordained [established]. Jesus, hanging on the cross, was bearing the judgment of God for your sins. 'All we like sheep have gone astray, we turn, everyone of us, to our own ways. And God has laid on Him [Jesus] the iniquities [sins] of us all' ( Isaiah 53:6 ). 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man [Jesus] be lifted up. ' And Jesus, hanging there on the cross, was there taking the judgment of God for sin, dying for our sins, dying in our place. And even as those [dying people] in the days of Israel looked at the [brass] serpent and lived, so we, by looking at the cross in faith and in trusting in Jesus, live. We have eternal life. And so, it was quite an interesting parallel, symbolism that God had established …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/3-14.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
APRIL 16
Matthew 12:38,39,40,41
Where Was Jesus Between His Death and Resurrection?
The following event took place one day while Jesus was healing people, casting out devils, and preaching to the crowd:
Matthew 12:38: "Then certain [some] of the scribes [teachers of the Jewish people and interpreters of the law] and of the Pharisees [members of a certain Jewish sect (religious group)] answered [Jesus], saying, Master [teacher], we would [like to] see a sign from thee [you] [i.e., a sign from heaven, in the form of a miracle] [to prove that you are the Christ (Messiah, Savior of the world) and have been sent here by God]."
Matthew 12:39,40: "But he [Jesus] answered and said unto them [the crowd], An evil and adulterous generation [referring to the Jews, many of whom--at that time--were unfaithful to their spouses and/or God] seeketh after [seeks after, looks for] a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it [i.e., the 'evil and adulterous generation'], but [except] the sign of the prophet Jonas [Jonah--see Note 1 below]: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man [Jesus] be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth [which meant that Jesus would be in the grave, or tomb, for three days and three nights between his crucifixion and resurrection (see Note 2 below), which was the same amount of time that Jonah spent inside the whale]."
Matthew 12:41: "The men [inhabitants] of Nineveh [the capital city of the Assyrian empire] shall rise [up, or stand up, as witnesses] in judgment [on 'judgment day'] with this generation [of Jews], and [their example (i.e., the example of the Ninevites)] shall condemn it ['this generation']: because they [the people of Nineveh] repented at the preaching of Jonas [who was only a prophet, or messenger, of God]; and, behold, a greater [one] than Jonas [Jonah] is here [referring to himself (Jesus), who was and is the Son of God--second person of the Trinity (which means one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost)--see Note 3 below] [and the Jews wouldn't even repent at his (Jesus') preaching]."
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NOTE 1:How Jonah ended up in the belly of a whale, and what the amount of time that he spent there (i.e., three days and three nights) has to do with Jesus' crucifixion, are explained in the article entitled "Summary of the Book of Jonah," which can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Jonah.html.
NOTE 2:
"Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?" is answered in the article by the same name. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-go-to-hell.html.
NOTE 3:
For a detailed explanation of the Trinity, read "What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?" Here's that link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html.
APRIL 15
Galatians 3:13: "Christ [Jesus] hath [has] redeemed us [meaning he has set us (human beings) free] from the curse of the law [i.e., God's law, which the apostle Paul refers to as a curse because our punishment for disobeying God's law is never-ending torment (torture) in the lake of fire], [by] being made a curse for us [which thing (i.e., Christ being made a curse and redeeming us) happened when Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins--the sinless Son of God paying the sin debt for all mankind, per Hebrews 10:10,11-12]: for [because] it is written [in the Bible, in Deuteronomy 21:23], Cursed is every one that hangeth [hangs] on a tree [in this case, referring to Jesus' crucifixion]:"
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Commenting on the above verse, Albert Barnes wrote:"… The sense of the passage before us is, therefore, that Jesus was subjected to what was regarded as an accursed [or 'a cursed'] death. He [Jesus] was treated in his death As If he had been a criminal. He was put to death in the same manner as he would have been if he had himself been guilty of the violation of the Law. If he had been a thief or a murderer; if he had committed the grossest and the blackest [or 'the most offensive and evil'] crimes, this would have been the punishment to which he would have been subjected. This was the mode [form] of punishment adapted to those crimes, and he was treated as if all these [crimes] had been committed by him. Or, in other words, if he had been guilty of all these [crimes], or any of these [crimes], he could not have been treated in a more shameful and ignominious [humiliating] manner than he was [treated]; nor could he have been subjected to a more cruel death. Since it has already been intimated [implied], it does not mean that Jesus was guilty, nor that he was not the object of the approbation [approval or praise] and love of God, but that Jesus' death was the same that it would have been if he had been the vilest of malefactors [or 'the worst kind of criminal'], and that that death was regarded by the Law [of Moses] as accursed.
"It was by such substituted sorrows that we are saved [from hell, and given eternal life in heaven]; and he [Jesus] consented [agreed] to die the most shameful and painful death, as if he were the vilest [most wicked kind of] criminal, in order that the most guilty and vile of the human race [or 'the most guilty and vile human being (or person)'] might be saved … It may be observed, also, that the punishment of the cross was unknown to the Hebrews [Israelites] in the time of Moses, and that the passage in Deuteronomy 21:23 did not refer originally to that. Nor is it known that hanging criminals alive was practiced among the Hebrews. Those who were guilty of great crimes were first stoned or otherwise put to death, and then their bodies were suspended for a few hours on a gibbet [or gallows, where hangings normally took place]. In many cases, however, merely [only] the [dead person's] head was suspended [hung] after it had been severed [cut off or removed] from the body … Crucifixion was not known in the time of the giving of the Law [to Moses], but the Jews gave such an extent to the Law in Deuteronomy 21:23 as to include this mode of punishment …
"The force of the argument here, as used by the apostle Paul, is, that if to be suspended on a gibbet [or 'hung on a gallows'] after having been put to death was regarded as a curse, it should not be regarded as a curse in a less degree to be suspended Alive on a cross, and to be put to death in this manner. If this interpretation of the [Bible] passage is correct, then it follows that this should never be used as implying, in any sense, that [Jesus] Christ was guilty, or that he was ill-deserving [or undeserving], or that he was an object of the divine [godly] displeasure, or that he [God] poured out on him [Jesus] all [of] his wrath [anger]. He [Jesus] was, throughout [the event, or crucifixion], an object of the divine love and approbation [approval or praise]. God never loved Jesus more, or approved what he did more, than when he gave himself to death on the cross. God had no hatred toward him [Jesus]; He had no displeasure to express toward him. And it is this which makes the atonement so wonderful and so glorious. If God had been displeased with Jesus; if the Redeemer [Jesus] had been properly an object of God's wrath; if Jesus, in any sense, deserved those sorrows, there would have been no merit [value] in Jesus' sufferings; there would have been no atonement. What merit can there be when one suffers only what he deserves? But what made the atonement so wonderful, so glorious, so benevolent [well-meaning and kindly]; what made it an atonement at all, was that innocence was treated as if it were guilt; that the most pure, and holy, and benevolent [kind], and lovely being on earth [i.e., Jesus] should consent to be treated, and should be treated by God and man, as If Jesus were the most vile and ill-deserving. This is the mystery of the atonement; this shows the wonders of the divine benevolence; this is the nature of substituted sorrow; and this lays the foundation for the offer of pardon, and for the hope of eternal salvation."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/galatians-3.html, "Verse 13")
* * * * *
"What does it mean that we are redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13)?" is the GotQuestions.org article for today's verse. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-of-the-law.html.APRIL 13-14
John 2:18-22
Jesus Speaks of His Death and Resurrection
This is what happened after Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple for the first time, at the start of his public ministry (see Note 1 below):
John 2:18: "Then answered the Jews and said unto him [Jesus], What sign [such as a miracle] shewest thou unto us [or 'will you show us'], seeing that thou doest [or 'you do'] these things?" [In other words, they wanted proof that he was authorized by God to cleanse the temple.]
John 2:19: "Jesus answered and said unto them [perhaps while pointing to himself], Destroy this temple [which meant 'kill my body'], and in three days I will raise it up [from the dead, thus proving that he was--and still is--the Son of God, and Messiah]."
John 2:20-21: "Then said the Jews, Forty and six [46] years was this temple [referring to Herod's temple in Jerusalem--see Note 2 below] in building [or 'being built'], and wilt thou [will you] rear it up [rebuild it] in three days [if someone knocks it down]? But he [Jesus] spake [spoke] of the temple of his body."
John 2:22: "When therefore he [Jesus] was risen from the dead[,] [three days after being crucified], his disciples remembered that he had said this [thing; i.e., 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up'] unto them; and they believed the scripture [i.e., verses in the Old Testament that predicted Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection--see Note 3 below], and the word[s] which Jesus had said [about his death and resurrection--see Note 3 below]."
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GotQuestions.org has an article about today's verses. It's entitled "What did Jesus mean by, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up' (John 2:19)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/destroy-this-temple.html.* * * * *
The Bible gives hints but doesn't say exactly when Jesus died. Some people think that the crucifixion took place on Wednesday; some think it was Thursday; others say Friday. The article entitled "On what day was Jesus crucified?" addresses each of those views. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/three-days.html.* * * * *
NOTE 1:"What does it mean that Jesus overturns tables (John 2:15)?" explains why Jesus drove the money changers out of the market. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-overturns-tables.html.
NOTE 2:
"What was Herod's temple?" describes the layout of the temple that was built under the direction of King Herod the Great. It also tells where some of the things that happened in the Bible occurred. If you want to read the article, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Herod-third-temple.html.
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"The Majesty of Herod's Temple" gives some background information about King Herod and the temple and describes what might have happened when a young Jewish boy and his father made a pilgrimage to the temple during Passover. To read the article, click here: https://israelmyglory.org/article/the-majesty-of-herods-temple/.
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Rabbi Dr. David Moster, Director of the Institute of Biblical Culture and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at the Jewish Theological Seminary, posted a video on You Tube entitled "3D Walkthrough of the Temple in Jerusalem." Here's that link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfjLSaGbrNs.
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These two articles have pictures of a model of Herod's temple that was built by a man named Alex Garrard:
-- "Herod's Temple"
(https://www.bedfordroad.org/herods-temple/)
-- "English Farmer Builds Giant Model of Ancient Temple"
(https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/alec-garrard/)
Here are additional photos of Mr. Garrard's model. These show the miniature people he created for the temple: https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/alec-garrard/alec-garrard-photos/.
NOTE 3:
Bible verses pertaining to Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection include the following:
-- Psalm 2:7: "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath [has] said unto me [Jesus], Thou art [you are] my Son; this day have I begotten thee."
-- Psalm 16:10: "For thou [God] wilt [will] not leave my [Jesus'] soul in hell; neither wilt thou [you] suffer [allow] thine [your] Holy One to see corruption."
-- Matthew 20:19: "And shall deliver him [Jesus] to the Gentiles to mock [make fun of], and to scourge [beat with a whip], and to crucify [kill] him: and the third day he shall rise [come back to life] again."
-- Luke 18:32-33: "For he [Jesus] shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated [treated with cruelty or disrespect], and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again."
APRIL 11-12
Exodus 12:1-14
The First Passover
Exodus 12:1-2: "And the LORD [God] spake unto [spoke to] Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month [Abib, or Nisan--March/April] shall be unto you the beginning of months [on the Jewish calendar]: it shall be the first month of the year to you [with respect to religious rites or ceremonies]."
Exodus 12:3: "Speak ye [you, or just 'speak'] unto all the congregation [or 'to all the people'] of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month [Abib] they [the people] shall take to them every man [referring to every head of the household] a lamb [i.e., a young sheep (although goats were allowed, too)], according to the house of their fathers [or ancestors, or according to the group they belonged to--see note below*], a lamb for an house [or family, meaning one lamb per household]:"
Exodus 12:4: "And if the household be too little [in number] for the lamb [i.e., if there aren't enough people (at least 10 but no more than 20) in the family, including servants (but not uncircumcised males--see note below**), to eat an entire lamb], let him [the head of the household] and his neighbour next unto his house [referring to the family or families living next door] take it [the lamb] according to the [total] number of the souls [people] [involved]; every man [and woman and child] according to his [or her] eating [requirements, or 'appetite'] shall make [or be included or considered in] your count for [sharing] the lamb." [Note: According to some Bible commentators, because this was done for a solemn (serious, formal) religious occasion, a portion, or serving, could have been as small in size as an olive.]
Exodus 12:5-6,7: "Your lamb shall be without blemish [meaning it would have no defects or imperfections], [and it shall be] a male of the first year: ye [you] shall take it out from the [flock of] sheep [preferably], or from the [herd of] goats: And ye shall keep it [with you, in your house, like a pet] up until the fourteenth day of the same month [in which you took it away from the other animals]: and the whole assembly [gathering] of the congregation of Israel [meaning everyone, not just the priests] shall kill it [the lamb] in the evening [before sunset]. And they shall take of the blood [of the lamb], and [using a bunch of hyssop (a plant in the mint family) like a brush] strike it [with a slapping motion] on the two side posts [of the front door] and on the upper door post [also called 'lintel'] of the houses, wherein [in which] they shall eat it [the lamb] [after sunset]."
Exodus 12:8-9,10: "And they [the Israelites] shall eat the flesh [meat] [of the lamb that was killed] in that night, roast [or 'roasted'] with fire, and [with] unleavened bread [i.e., bread made without leaven, or yeast]; and with bitter herbs [to represent their bondage (as slaves) in Egypt] they shall eat it. Eat not of it [or 'don't eat it'] raw [rare, half-cooked, not thoroughly roasted], nor sodden [soaked] at all with water [i.e., not boiled], but roast [or 'roasted'] with fire; his [the lamb's] head [should be roasted] with his legs [in other words, the lamb was to be roasted whole], and with the purtenance [entrails] thereof [referring to its internal organs, especially the heart, liver, and lungs]. And ye shall let nothing [or 'none'] of it [the edible (suitable or safe to be eaten) parts (i.e., the meat and internal organs)] remain until the morning; and that which remaineth [remains] of it [the lamb, meaning the inedible (not fit to be eaten) parts, such as bones] until the morning ye shall burn with fire."
Exodus 12:11,12: "And thus shall ye eat it [the meal, consisting of the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs]; with your loins girded [or 'with your long, loose clothes tied up around your waist'], [with] your shoes [or sandals] on your feet, and [with] your staff [walking stick] in your hand; and ye shall eat it [the meal] in haste [or quickly]: it is the LORD'S passover. For [because] I [Almighty God] will pass through the land of Egypt [on] this night, and will smite [strike, kill] all [of] the firstborn [males, meaning the oldest son in each family] in the land of Egypt, both man [mankind, human beings] and beast [animals]; and against all [of] the gods [false gods, or idols] of Egypt [i.e., everything and everyone that the Egyptians worship] I [Almighty God] will execute [carry out] judgment: I am the LORD."
Exodus 12:13: "And the [lamb's] blood shall be to you for a token [sign] upon the houses where ye are: and when I [God] see the blood [of the lamb], I will pass over you [the Israelites], and the plague [calamity, disaster] shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite [strike, kill the firstborn males throughout] the land of Egypt."
Exodus 12:14: "And this day [Passover] shall be unto you [Israelites, Jewish people] for a memorial [reminder, remembrance]; and ye shall keep it [every year] [as] a feast to the LORD throughout your generations [or from one generation to the next]; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance [i.e., a decree or command] for ever."
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When Moses was alive, it was the blood of the sacrificial lambs applied to the doorposts that protected the children of Israel from God's judgment (i.e., the death of the firstborns in Egypt). Today, only the blood of the "Lamb of God" (i.e., God's Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to pay for our sins) can save us from God's wrath (extreme anger) and coming judgment (i.e., punishment in hell and the lake of fire) when it (Jesus' blood) is applied to our hearts by faith. This takes place the moment we are saved, or born again.____________________
Note: My gospel tracts explain how to be saved according to the Bible. In case you're curious or interested, you can find them here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
* * * * *
The GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is Passover?" has lots of additional information about this Jewish holiday. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Passover.html.* * * * *
*According to Adam Clarke:"… The whole host of Israel [referring to the entire nation of Israel] was divided into twelve tribes, these tribes [were divided] into families, the families [were divided] into houses, and the houses [were divided] into particular persons …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/12-3.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
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**"What does the Bible say about circumcision?" explains what circumcision is and why it is done. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/circumcision.html.APRIL 10
2 Corinthians 5:10
The Judgment Seat of Christ
This was written by the apostle Paul (along with Timothy) to the church at Corinth to inform born-again Christians about what will happen at the judgment seat of Christ:
2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we [Christians] must all appear [in heaven] before the judgment seat of [Jesus] Christ; [so] that every one [of us] may receive [rewards, or what is due, for] the things [that were] done in his [or her] body, according to that [which] he [or she] hath [has] done [on earth, during his (or her) lifetime], whether it be good [meaningful] or bad [worthless] [to God]."
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According to the Bible (Hebrews 9:27), all people will stand before God on judgment day. Unbelievers [i.e., people who have not been born again, or saved] will appear at the great white throne judgment, and born-again Christians will appear at the judgment seat of Christ.____________________
What will happen at the white throne judgment is recorded in Revelation 20:11,12,13,14-15.
Note: Additional details are provided in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What is the great white throne judgment?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/great-white-throne-judgment.html.
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At the judgment seat of Christ, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10, rather than being punished, all born-again Christians will receive rewards (in the form of crowns), or will lose heavenly rewards, based on our obedience to God's word [as recorded in the Bible] and how faithfully and selflessly (unselfishly) we served God after we got saved.
Note: There is an excellent explanation of 2 Corinthians 5:10 in an article entitled "What is the judgment seat of Christ?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/judgment-seat-Christ.html.
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Regarding the judgment seat of Christ, one Bible commentator wrote:"… 'The judgment seat of Christ might be compared to a commencement ceremony. At graduation there is some measure of disappointment and remorse [regret] that one [or 'a person'] did not do better and work harder. However, at such an event the overwhelming emotion is joy, not remorse. The graduates do not leave the auditorium weeping [crying] because they did not earn better grades. Rather, they are thankful that they have been graduated, and they are grateful for what they did achieve …'"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-corinthians/5-10.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
APRIL 9
John 5:39
Jesus said this to the Jewish people (and everyone else):
John 5:39: "Search the scriptures [i.e., carefully study the books of the Bible (in this case, Jesus was referring to the Old Testament, since the New Testament had not yet been written when he spoke these words)]; for [because] in them [the scriptures] ye [you] think [that] ye have eternal life [see note below*]: and they [the scriptures] are they which testify [bear witness] of me [Jesus] [in other words, they prove that Jesus was, and is, the Son of God and Messiah]."
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*According to Matthew Henry, at the time that Jesus told them to "Search the scriptures," many Jews thought they could gain (obtain) eternal life by simply reading, studying, and memorizing scripture. This is what his commentary says:"… It was a common but corrupt [dishonest, unreliable] saying among them [the Jews], He that has the words of the law has eternal life; they thought they were sure of heaven if they could say by heart [or recite from memory], or rather by rote [repetition, or by repeating over and over], such and such passages of scripture as they were directed to by the tradition of the elders [referring to detailed, unwritten, human laws regarded by the scribes and Pharisees to have the same binding force as the Mosaic law (or Law of Moses)] …"
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/john/5.html, "Verses 31-47," "v. 39")
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The Jews may have been sincere in their belief that they could get to heaven by memorizing scripture, but they were mistaken. According to the Bible, the only way that we can be saved is through faith in Christ (i.e., by believing that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins, and was buried and rose again, and by trusting him as our personal Savior).____________________
The Bible says that salvation is free and can't be earned, no matter how many, or what kind of, good things we may happen to do. This fact is confirmed in the New Testament by Romans 6:23, which states that eternal life is a gift from God, and by Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation is received by faith, not works (good deeds).
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For more information on the subject of salvation, read "What is the Christian doctrine of salvation?" You'll find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html.
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Note: If you want to trust Jesus as your personal Savior but don't know how, you'll find instructions in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.APRIL 8
Luke 16:15: "And he [Jesus] said unto them [the Pharisees--see note below*], Ye [you] are they which justify yourselves [attempt to appear just, or righteous (morally right)] before men [or 'people']; but God knoweth [knows] [what is in] your hearts: for [because] that which is highly esteemed [respected and admired] among men [or 'human beings'] is abomination [disgusting and hated] in the sight of God [see note below**]."
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*Pharisees were members of a religious sect (group) who considered themselves to be more righteous (morally right) than other Jews. They believed in strict observance of religious ceremonies and practices and in adherence to oral laws (i.e., laws passed down by word of mouth) and traditions. They also believed in an afterlife (life after death) and the coming of a Messiah (Savior). Jesus made the above statement because the Pharisees had mocked him (made fun of something he said) while he was preaching to his disciples (followers).____________________
GotQuestions.org has an article that goes into detail describing the Pharisees. It's called "Who were the Pharisees?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html.
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**According to Albert Barnes:"… There are many things esteemed among [or admired by] people which are 'not' abomination in the sight of God; [such] as, for example, truth, parental and filial affection [i.e., love of parents and children for one another], industry [hard work], etc. But many things, [that are] much sought and admired, 'are' hateful in his [God's] sight. The love of wealth and show [i.e., having an abundance of money and other valuable possessions and desiring to show them off], ambition and pride, frivolous [foolish, not serious] and splendid vices [a term used to describe situations where a seemingly positive trait or action is actually a flaw or a vice in disguise, often because it is not rooted in a moral or spiritual foundation], and all the wickedness that people contrive to 'gild' [or attempt to coat with gold] and to make appear like virtue - external acts that 'appear' well while the heart is evil - are abominable [detestable, hateful] in the sight of God, and 'should be' [abominable] in the sight of people …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/luke-16.html, "Verse 14-15")
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Another good article by GotQuestions.org, which applies to today's verse, is "What does it mean that God knows your heart (Luke 16:15)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-knows-your-heart.html.APRIL 6-7
James 2:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
The Proper Way to Treat Others (Both Rich and Poor)
This is from a letter that the apostle James wrote to Jewish Christians, but it also applies to us:
James 2:1: "My brethren [brothers--perhaps, in this case, meaning fellow Jews and/or fellow Christians], have [you] not [or 'you do not have'] the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ [see Note 1 below], the Lord of glory [or 'our glorious (wonderful, magnificent) Lord'], with respect of persons."
James 2:2,3,4: "For if there come unto your assembly [or to your church, as a visitor] a man [in this case, a rich person] with a gold ring, in goodly apparel [or 'wearing expensive clothing'], and there come in also a poor man [a poor person] in vile raiment [or filthy and ragged clothing]; And ye [you] have respect to him [or her--the person] that weareth [or 'who is wearing'] the gay [fine, brightly colored] clothing [see Note 2 below], and [you] say unto him [or her], Sit thou [you sit] here in a good place; and [you] say to the poor [person], Stand thou there [or 'you stand there'], or sit here under my footstool [in other words, sit on the floor]: Are ye not then partial in [or among] yourselves [or 'are you not showing partiality, or favoritism'], and are [you not, or 'have you not'] become judges of evil thoughts [by assuming that the rich person is good and the poor person is bad, as when we 'judge a book by its cover,' or determine the worth or value of someone or something based only on the outward appearance]?"
James 2:5: "Hearken [listen, pay attention], my beloved brethren, Hath [has] not God chosen the poor [people] of this world [to be] rich in faith [or 'to believe the gospel'], and [through salvation, to be] heirs of the kingdom [of heaven,] which he [God] hath promised to them that love him?"
James 2:6-7: "But ye have despised [dishonored, insulted, shown contempt for] the poor. Do not rich men [or rich people] oppress [overpower, overburden] you, and draw you [or 'summon you to appear'] before the judgment seats [or 'make you stand before judges' (as in court)]? Do not they [the rich people] blaspheme [speak irreverently or disrespectfully of] that worthy name [i.e., Jesus Christ, the Son of God] by the which ye are called [Christians]?"
James 2:8-9: "If ye fulfil [obey] the royal law [or commandment of God] according to the scripture [referring to Leviticus 19:18 in the Bible, part of which says], Thou shalt [or 'you shall'] love thy [your] neighbour as thyself [yourself], ye do well [meaning that which is right] [see Note 3 below]: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of [or 'convicted by'] the law as transgressors [i.e., you are judged to be guilty of breaking God's law]."
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In God's sight, rich people are no better than poor people. Consequently, we should treat everyone the same.* * * * *
Regarding several phrases in the above verses, Albert Barnes said:NOTE 1:
"Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ - Faith is the distinguishing [distinctive, unique, special] thing in the Christian religion, for it is this by which man is justified [made acceptable to God], and hence [consequently], it comes to be put for religion itself … The meaning here is, 'do not hold such views of the religion of Christ, as to lead you to manifest [demonstrate, show] partiality to others on account of their difference of rank [position or status] or outward circumstances.'"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-2.html, "Verse 1")
NOTE 2:
"And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing - If you show him superior attention on account of his rich and gay apparel, giving him a seat by himself, and treating others with neglect or contempt. Religion does not forbid proper respect to rank, to office, to age, or to distinguished talents [outstanding achievements] and services, though even in such cases it does not require that we should feel that such persons have any peculiar [unusual] claims to salvation, or that they are not on a level with all others [or 'other people'], as sinners before God; it does not forbid that a man who has the means of procuring [obtaining] for himself an eligible pew [or a suitable place to sit] in a church should be permitted to do so; but it requires that men [or 'all people'] shall be regarded and treated according to their moral worth [value], and not according to their external adorning [i.e., what they are wearing]; that all [things together] shall be considered as in fact on a level before God, and entitled to the privileges which grow out of the worship of the Creator [i.e., God]. A stranger coming into any place of worship, no matter what his rank, dress, or complexion, should be treated with respect, and everything should be done that can be [done] to win his heart to the service of God."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-2.html, "Verse 3")
NOTE 3:
"Ye do well - That is, 'if you fairly comply with [or submit to] the spirit of this law, you do all that is required of you in regulating [controlling] your intercourse [interactions] with others. You are to regard all persons as your 'neighbors,' and are to treat them according to their real worth; you are not to be influenced in judging of them, or in your treatment of them, by their apparel, or their complexion, or the circumstances of their birth, but by the fact that they are fellow-[human] beings.' This is another reason why they should not show partiality in their treatment of others, for if, in the true sense, they regarded all others as 'neighbors,' they would treat no one with neglect or contempt."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/james-2.html, "Verse 8")
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A good article about today's verses is entitled "Does the Bible talk about hierarchy in society?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/hierarchy-in-society.html.APRIL 5
Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ [Jesus] also loved the church [i.e., the 'church of God' (or the Christian church), which consists of everyone who has been born again according to the Bible--see note below*], and gave himself [or 'gave his life'] for it [the church];"
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Jesus loved us (the members of his church--commonly referred to as "believers," "born-again Christians," and the "bride of Christ") so much, he willingly and selflessly (unselfishly) died on the cross to redeem (save) us from hell and give us everlasting life in heaven. That's the kind of love that husbands should have for their wives.Following the example of what Jesus did for his 'bride" (the church) in Ephesians 5:25, Christian husbands should do their best to love, support, and protect their wives and help them get saved.
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"What does it mean that husbands are to love their wives?" is an article about today's verse. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/husbands-love-wives.html.Another article ("What is eros love?") describes the different kinds of love (eros, philia, storge, and agapé) found in the Bible. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/eros-love.html.
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*You may be wondering what the "church" is and why it's sometimes called the "bride of Christ." The following articles should answer those questions:-- "What is the church?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-church.html)
-- "What does it mean that the church is the bride of Christ?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/bride-of-Christ.html)
APRIL 4
Habakkuk 2:15: "Woe [great sorrow or distress] [will be] unto him [or her (or 'you')--the person] that giveth [or 'who gives'] his [or her] neighbour [neighbor, friend, acquaintance, etc.] [alcoholic beverages to] drink, [and] that puttest [or 'who puts or gives'] thy [your] [liquor] bottle to him [or her], and makest [makes] him [or her] drunken [drunk or intoxicated] also, [so] that thou [you] mayest [may] look [with devilish pleasure] on their nakedness!"
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This verse may be taken both literally (actually) and figuratively (symbolically, metaphorically). According to Dr. Thomas Constable and many other Bible commentators, it illustrates the fact that …"God would judge Babylon because the Babylonians had deceived [fooled] their neighbor nations with the result that they were able to take advantage of them. The Babylonians had behaved like a man who gets a woman drunk so she will lose her self-control and he can then undress her. That the Babylonians took advantage of their victims sexually is implied in the illustration, as is their love for wine."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/habakkuk/2-15.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
APRIL 3
Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance [foundation] of things hoped for [i.e., faith is our basis for believing that things which have been promised will eventually come true], [and it is also] the evidence of things not seen [i.e., faith is also our belief that what we have been told is true, even though we don't have visible (easily observable) proof it]."
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Faith is important because, according to Ephesians 2:8-9, we can't be saved without it. This means that before anyone can become a Christian, he or she must believe that the facts and promises contained in the Bible are true.____________________
Biblical examples of faith include the following:
The substance of things hoped for:
-- Believing the promise that born-again Christians will have a home in heaven someday.
The evidence of things not seen:
-- Believing, without proof, the gospel message (i.e., that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day) and that we must be "born again" in order to be saved from hell.
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If you want to be born again (or saved) but don't know what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's the direct link to that page: http://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
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Here are two GotQuestions.org articles that relate to today's verse:-- "What does it mean that faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/faith-substance-things-hoped-for.html)
-- "What does it mean that faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/faith-evidence-of-things-not-seen.html)
APRIL 1-2
2 Timothy 2:24,25,26
Preach the Gospel With Kindness
Paul wrote this in a letter of advice to Timothy, who was a minister of the gospel:
2 Timothy 2:24: "And the servant of the Lord [or 'the Lord Jesus Christ,' referring mainly to ministers (preachers) but also to all born-again Christians] must not strive [argue, quarrel, fight] [with others]; but [instead] [must] be gentle unto all men [people], [and be] apt [qualified] to teach, [and be] patient,"
2 Timothy 2:25: "In meekness [mildness, humility] instructing [teaching] those that oppose themselves [to the truth of the gospel; i.e., unbelievers, or those who resist and deny biblical truth or who embrace (accept, believe) errors or false teaching]; if God peradventure [perhaps] will give them [i.e., 'those that oppose themselves'] repentance [a change of mind] to the acknowledging [acceptance, belief] of the truth [of the gospel];"
2 Timothy 2:26: "And [hoping] that they [the unbelievers and followers of false teachers] may recover themselves out of [or 'may come to their senses and escape or be rescued from'] the snare [trap, net] of the devil, [as these people are unsaved sinners] who are taken captive [or captured] by him [Satan, the devil] at his will [see note below*]."
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Unsaved sinners are more likely to repent and be born again, or saved, when the Bible is taught, and the gospel is communicated or delivered, in the proper way (i.e., with kindness and humility). This is because people's reactions vary depending on how things are said.____________________
Here are some articles you might like to read:
-- "What is the gospel?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-gospel.html)
-- "What is the plan of salvation?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/plan-of-salvation.html)
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Here, from "The Biblical Illustrator," are some reasons why we should use kind words when speaking to others:"Kind words never blister the tongue or lips [meaning they never cause harm to the speaker or listener], and we never hear of any mental trouble arising from this quarter. Though they [the kind words] do not cost much, yet they accomplish much. They help one's own good nature and good will. Soft words soften our own soul; angry words are fuel to the flame of wrath [anger, rage], and [they] make it [the fire] burn more fiercely. Kind words make other people good-natured. Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch [burn] them; and bitter [harsh] words make them [the people] bitter [angry, hurt, resentful], and wrathful [angry] words make them wrathful. There are such a number of [or so many] other kinds [types] of words, that we ought occasionally to make use of kind words. [For example,] There are vain [useless] words, and idle [careless, thoughtless] words, and silly [nonsensical] words, and hasty words [i.e., impulsive, quickly made statements], and empty [meaningless] words, and profane [irreverent, disrespectful] words, and boisterous [rowdy, unruly] words, and war-like [belligerent, combative] words. But kind words soothe [calm] and comfort the hearer; they shame him out of his sour [disagreeable], morose [gloomy], unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance [or as much] as they ought to be used …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tbi/2-timothy-2.html, "The Biblical Illustrator," "Verse 24," "Kind words")
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*Bible commentators disagree on the meaning of the phrase at his will in 2 Timothy 2:26. Here are excerpts from two of those commentaries:Version 1:
"… At his will; ezwgrhmenoi, which we translate at his will, may as well be translated to his will; and so the will of God may be meant, and the whole [phrase may be] referred to the first sentence thus [or 'like this:'], may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil to [do] the will of God; and that is the sense some [people] make of it: but it seems more proper to refer it [the phrase at his will] to the participle, taken captive, for that is next [to] it; and so it signifieth [signifies, indicates] the miserable state of sinners, who are captives at the devil's command and will, [so] that if he [the devil] saith [says] to them, Go, they go; if he saith, Come, they come; if he saith, Do this, they do it."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mpc/2-timothy-2.html, "Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible," "Verse 26")
Version 2:
"… Who are taken captive by him at his will.--These words have been variously interpreted [or explained in different ways] by commentators. The meaning that, on the whole, seems most satisfactory, represents the [person who is] captive to sin waking up from his deathly slumber [sleep] and escaping the toils [trap] of the evil one [i.e., the devil], for the purpose of carrying out for the future the will of God. The rendering [or translation] of the whole verse would be as follows: 'And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil--being held captive by him--to do His (God's) will.'
"It must be remembered that the first pronoun [i.e., 'him'] in this sentence, 'being held captive by him,' referred here to the devil, and the second pronoun [i.e., "His'] in the sentence, 'to do His will,' referred here to God, are represented in the Greek [language] by two distinct [separate and different] words …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ebc/2-timothy-2.html, "Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers," "Verse 26")
