In today’s Bible reading*, Matthew applies several Hebrew (Old Testament) Scriptures regarding where the Messiah would be born and raised to show how Jesus fulfilled them. These were three very different places. Bethlehem was a small town outside of Jerusalem. Herod would live in Jerusalem, so it’s logical that the Magi would come Herod’s palace…
Today’s Bible reading* looks back to Isaiah 7:14 and finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Did Matthew go too far in applying this prophecy to Jesus? Isaiah 7:14’s context is that God extends to King Ahaz an unusual offer to ask for a sign. When he refuses, saying he doesn’t want to test God, Isaiah steps…
In today’s Bible reading*, Paul directly addresses the claims of the Jewish legalists. They claim that they are the heirs of the covenant promise God made with Abraham. But Paul rightly points out that the covenant that God made with Abraham was based on faith rather than obedience to the Law. In fact, Paul reminds…
In today’s Bible reading*, we see that a majority of those voting said it would be best to sail, hoping to make it to Phoenix, a harbor on the island of Crete before Winter. (Acts 27:12) It seems obvious that the Roman commander and the ship’s owner were more interested in efficiency than safety. And…
In today’s Bible reading*, a prophet named Agabus walks up to Paul and binds his own hands and feet in Paul’s belt. He says, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” (Acts 21:11)…
As I read today’s Bible reading*, I was reminded of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. One conversation leads to an entire village coming out to hear more. Paul is in Antioch of Pisidia on the Sabbath. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets (The Old Testament),…
