Tagged: Bible Study

“Titus, my own true child…” –Titus 1:4 St. Titus the apostle is seen in the New Testament as one who brings peace and unity. Titus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (Gal 2:1) when Paul had a council with the Jewish apostles for the purpose of submitting his preaching content “for their scrutiny” (Gal 2:2). Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, and Titus, one of Paul’s Gentile converts to Christianity, was living proof of the fruit of Paul’s ministry (Gal 2:3). Titus’ living faith was a witness to the Jerusalem apostles, who stood united with Paul, approved him, and re-commissioned him...

“Saul for his part grew steadily more powerful.” –Acts 9:22 St. Paul is one of the greatest people in history. He was an apostle, the first missionary, a martyr, and a saint. He founded several churches and wrote much of the New Testament. His work and word continues to be a major influence in the world. The Lord’s work through Paul is so prodigious that most Christians may find it difficult to relate to him. However, Paul was as human as anyone. He considered himself to be the worst sinner (1 Tm 1:15). He was “an extreme case” (1 Tm...

“He came to Nazareth where He had been reared, and entering the synagogue on the sabbath as He was in the habit of doing, He stood up to do the reading.” –Luke 4:16 Jesus began His public ministry reading and proclaiming God’s Word. Ezra began a renewal of the Israelite nation by reading and teaching God’s Word from daybreak to midday (Neh 8:3, 8). We too can begin this year with an extensive time in God’s Word. Consider committing yourself to read and pray the Bible for an hour a day till the beginning of Lent. If this seems too...

“When His family heard of this they came to take charge of Him, saying, ‘He is out of His mind.’ ” –Mark 3:21 Jesus’ relatives said He was crazy (Mk 3:21) after He had become so popular that the crowds surrounding Him made it impossible to get food to Him. Were Jesus’ relatives concerned about Him getting proper nutrition? Or were they jealous of His popularity? The religious leaders of Jesus’ day said Jesus was worse than crazy. They accused Him of being demon-possessed. They “asserted, ‘He is possessed by Beelzebul,’ and ‘He expels demons with the help of the...

David said: “I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ ” –1 Samuel 24:11 David spared Saul’s life when he had a perfect chance to kill his tormentor. Now David was a seasoned warrior who had killed many opponents (e.g. see 1 Sm 23:5; 30:17ff). The only reason David held back his hand was because Saul carried the anointing of leadership from God. Saul had been chosen by God (1 Sm 10:1). Jesus “summoned the men He Himself had decided on” (Mk 3:13). It wasn’t that the twelve apostles were especially...