Genevieve ScheeleIntroduction The history of biblical exegesis and hermeneutics is not without controversy, and the apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is no exception. It has more allusions and quotes from the Hebrew Bible than any other New Testament work, but is...
Michael S. HeiserThroughout the New Testament, “family language” is used to describe the relationship of believers to God and Jesus. The Lord’s prayer instructs us to address God as “our Father” (Matt 6:9). Hebrews 2:11–12 reveals that Jesus considers believers his...
Douglas EstesDescribing Ben Witherington III as prolific is like saying water is wet. Over the past thirty years, he has written commentaries on all twenty-seven New Testament books—plus dozens of other volumes. He is currently working on a biblical theology...
Matthew BoffeyIt’s that time of year when churches kick things up a notch. We’re celebrating God’s greatest act of mercy: sending his Son to redeem the world. And since a multitude of angels sang at his appearing, it’s right that churches celebrate with at least...
Ryan NelsonThe church in Corinth had a problem. One of their own was actively engaging in sexual sin that went beyond the immorality of non-Christian Corinthians (1 Corinthians 5:1). This person was choosing to live in sin, despite being part of the body of...
Ray Deck IIIThere are 3 kinds of preachers in the world. Those who have been interrupted in the middle of a message. Those who will be interrupted someday soon. Those who are being interrupted right now. Murphy’s law tells us that service interruptions...
Chuck McKnightThe night before he was crucified, Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers. And I do not ask on behalf of these only, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they all may be one, just as you, Father, are in me and...
Naomi DevinyIn the new issue of Bible Study Magazine, we sat down with Mark Dever to learn how to put our churches on the road to spiritual health. But where to start? Read on to discover the first steps every church must take. You can read the whole interview...
John Wesley said, “Christianity is essentially a social religion . . . to turn it into a solitary religion, is indeed to destroy it.” But living as part of a faith community can be difficult. Differences in personality, upbringing...
Since its founding on the day of Pentecost, the church has been characterized by both diversity and unity. Unfortunately, modern ministry practices like age segregation and demographic targeting have homogenized many churches. Here are four ways to...