There are even more indications that point to Paul’s influence in the creation of our Bible. For example, in his letter to the Galatians (chapter 2), he refers to three of his fellow apostles: James, Cephas (Peter), John 1:42), and… Lees verder
In previous blogs, we saw how Peter and Paul dedicated themselves to gathering the Scriptures. Peter’s successor was Mark, and Paul’s substitute was Timothy. Paul calls Timothy to come to him, to bring Mark and the books and parchments. The… Lees verder
In the previous blog post, we saw that Peter knew he would soon die. Paul also knew he would not live much longer. He writes this in his second letter to his coworker and successor Timothy, whom he calls “a… Lees verder
In 2 Peter 3, Peter predicts that mockers will come and say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (Greek: parousia, literally: presence). In other words, where is the Lord?In Hosea 6:2, we read that God will “revive Israel after… Lees verder
In previous blogs, we saw that the apostles knew that Christianity would enter a downward spiral because people would abandon the truth. They were therefore very aware of the importance of gathering the Scriptures and could not leave that to… Lees verder
In the first letter to Timothy, Paul warns that in later times some will depart from the faith. Some time later, when Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, his tone about Christianity is even more pessimistic, saying that the… Lees verder
In the previous blog post, we saw how Peter and Jude warned of the degeneration that would occur in the young Christianity. These apostles of the Twelve addressed the Jewish people. Initially, there were many believers there (Acts 21:20), but… Lees verder
If we want to get a sense of the apostles’ urgency regarding gathering the Scriptures, we need only read their letters, especially their last ones, written at the end of their lives. Where It BeganIn Acts 21:20, we read that… Lees verder
The apostles, whom we know as the Twelve, walked with Jesus for years and saw how He healed the sick and performed other miracles. Blind eyes were opened, deaf hearing, lame walking, etc. They were also taught at His feet.… Lees verder
The canon of the Bible is the collection of recognized books that make up our Bible. There are 66 of them according to current count, but because the book of Psalms officially contains five books and not just one, we… Lees verder
The Bible was written over a period of several thousand years. Consider this: Adam was created about 6,000 years ago, and the books of the New Testament were written about 2,000 years ago. Adam was the first to commit a… Lees verder
Every now and then, books are found attributed to apostles or other biblical figures. Examples include the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary (Magdalene), and the Gospel of Philip. There are also alternative writings on the Acts of the… Lees verder
The letters of the apostle Paul are for us, believers from the nations, and addressed directly to us. We can read the letters of the other apostles, but they are not about us; they are intended for Israel. If we… Lees verder
The commission of Jesus in His earthly walk and of the Twelve was that they were sent to the people of Israel. But which words in Scripture are addressed directly to us? These are the words of the apostle Paul.… Lees verder
All Scripture is profitable for us, and we can learn from all Scripture. But all Scripture is not addressed directly to us. In other words, all Scripture is for us, but all Scripture is not about us. 2 Timothy 316… Lees verder
Many believers divide what was written directly to them in the Bible and what was not, between the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament is for Israel, and the New Testament is for us: believers from the Gentiles. But… Lees verder
Anyone who appeals to the Bible as God’s Word is, consciously or unconsciously, dividing what is and isn’t meant for them. This will often happen relatively unnoticed. If you grew up in a particular church, you will follow the divisions… Lees verder
In the final verses of Ruth, we find a list of ten names. Earlier (4:2), we found ten men who witnessed the confirmation of Boaz as a redeemer. The ten names found here are ten witnesses to the promises made… Lees verder
We are nearing the end of the Book of Ruth, and it is also the climax. Boaz acts as a kinsman, ensures that the land returns to the family, and marries Ruth. From the marriage of Boaz and Ruth, a… Lees verder
The witnesses present at the transaction between Boaz and “ploni almoni” deliver a two-part testimony, which is highly prophetic. It foretells what would happen to the house of Ruth. In the previous blog post, we saw that the first part… Lees verder
Boaz inherits Naomi’s land and also takes Ruth as his wife. Later in this chapter, we will see that they actually marry. Through her marriage to Boaz, and the son they produce, Ruth becomes a matriarch of Jesus Christ (Matt.… Lees verder
The other redeemer has been exposed, and according to Israelite custom, Boaz has received his shoe as a sign of the position he is taking. Boaz is the one who meets all the conditions and can truly act as Ruth… Lees verder
The unnamed redemptioner, “ploni almoni,” refuses to redeem the family property. Boaz, however, takes on this responsibility, and in the following verses, this is legally confirmed according to the customs of the time. Ruth 47 This was the custom in… Lees verder
Naomi is forced by poverty to sell a piece of land belonging to her family. In Israelite law, family members had the first right to buy, so that the property remained in the family. Ruth 43 He said to the… Lees verder
In the last chapter, the other kinsman comes into the picture, whom Boaz had already mentioned to Ruth during their encounter on the threshing floor (3:12). Boaz seeks out this other kinsman, and a conversation about kinsmanship ensues. Ruth 41… Lees verder