Africans in the Bible

Read profiles of several Africans featured in the Old and New Testaments. If one were to ask most people if Africans are found in the Bible, the common answer one would get would be that they are not. There are several reasons for such an answer such as… Read More

Samaria

In the time of Jesus, the Samaritans were despised by most Jews for two reasons: (1) many of them were following the lifestyle of the Roman world and ignoring the Law of Moses; (2) the Samaritan religious traditions denied that God was present among his people in Jerusalem and scorned… Read More

Storytelling in Antiquity

When the Jewish community gathered in annual rituals to confess their faith in God, they did not formulate abstract creeds and doctrines. They told stories–stories about what God has done. Storytelling does not play a very significant role in modern life in the United States. Mostly we tell stories… Read More

A Brief Description of Popular Bible Translations

When was the CEV translated? Who is the target audience of the NLT? Learn about some of the most popular Bible translations. There are too many Bible translations available in English today (more than 100!) to describe them all here, but below are descriptions to help orient you to some… Read More

Bible Study Guide: Matthew

In his account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, Matthew shows his audience that Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfillment Old Testament Scriptures. What makes Matthew special? The Gospel According to Matthew is probably best known for what is known as the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7),… Read More

Bible Study Guide: Mark

The gospel is a message of good news. Mark writes his Gospel to inform the world of the good news that Jesus brings salvation and forgiveness of sins. What makes Mark unique? There are several characteristics that make the Gospel of Mark unique. Too often, these special characteristics are… Read More

Study the Gospel of Luke

Experience the third Gospel with this Bible study guide, complete with questions, thought starters and Scripture references. View the online guide today. What makes Luke unique? Luke is the first part of a two-volume work that includes The Acts of the Apostles. This is clear from the introductions… Read More

Bible Study Guide: Acts

Written as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke, the book of Acts contains the account of Jesus’ resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit and the history of the early church. What makes Acts special? Acts, the longest book of the New Testament, is the second volume of… Read More

Bible Study Guide: Romans

Paul wrote this book as a letter to the young church in Rome. In the letter, he explains the relationship of the Old Testament Law with the grace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. What makes Romans unique? New Testament scholar James Edwards describes Romans as “the… Read More

Bible Study Guide: 2 Corinthians

In this book, Paul defends himself against false accusations spread about him in Corinth. He also writes about the importance of forgiveness, new life in Christ and generous giving. What makes 2 Corinthians unique? This letter gives insights into Paul’s personal relationship with the Corinthian Christians, especially how he… Read More