Olive Tree Blog
Author

Olive Tree Staff

Browsing
New Testament

Let Us Not Be Conceited

Paul has a lot to say about not being conceited. It can be really easy to elevate ourselves above others—especially when we are called to bear one another’s burdens. Before you go patting yourself on the back, read this excerpt from the Mentor Commentary Series. TRANSLATION The Mentor Commentary Series:…

Keep Reading
Matthew 5:8 Augustine Gregory Matthew
Historical

Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa on Matthew 5:8

D.H. Williams is professor of religion in patristics and historical theology at Baylor University and the author of Retrieving the Tradition and Renewing Evangelicalism. The following is an excerpt from Matthew: Interpreted by Early Christian Commentators, part of The Church’s Bible commentary series. It features the reflections of Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine on…

Keep Reading
Is the flesh inherently sinful?
Topical

Is “The Flesh” Inherently Sinful?

According to Western liturgical tradition, February 21st is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Carnival, or (if you’re Polish or simply fond of giant jelly donuts) Paczki Day. It marks one last day for liturgical Christians to revel in the “pleasures of the flesh” before they descend…

Keep Reading
gospel of matthew popular
Historical

The Popularity of the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew was widely popular in the second and third centuries. In fact, it was much more popular than the other Gospels, earning its place at the front of the canon. The Bible Speaks Today series addresses this topic well. We took an excerpt from the introduction on…

Keep Reading
7 Methods of Studying the Bible app
Bible Study Tips

7 Step-by-Step Bible Study Methods

Need to add some pep to your Bible study? Here are 7 different step-by-step Bible study methods you can easily do on your own. We took these methods straight out of the Open Bible Study Notes (KJV and NJKV version!). They are a sure-fire way to get your study of…

Keep Reading
Ruth Defiance Exegetical
Old Testament

Ruth’s Defiance: An Exegetical Study

When Naomi tells Ruth to leave, Ruth’s defiance is blatant. She will not leave. But what are we supposed to take away from this first chapter of Ruth? Read this exegetical study from the Kregel Exegetical Library Series. And, at the end, you’ll find a resourceful “Message and Application” section.…

Keep Reading
Romans 12 Love Douglas Moo
New Testament

Romans 12: Love and Its Manifestations

In Romans 12, Paul gives us a lengthy list of haphazard commands. If read too quickly, you might be convinced you read a passage out of Proverbs. What is the connection between all these bits of wisdom? Is there a main motif or pattern? Douglas Moo, author of the New…

Keep Reading
Commentaries

Look Inside The New International Commentary

The New International Commentary of the Old and New Testament is a rich, academic resource for studying the Bible. Published by Eerdmans, this set contains scholarship from well-known theologians. Olive Tree is proud to make this commentary available inside the app, making it incredibly easy to use. If you’re wondering…

Keep Reading
Virgin Birth of Jesus
Seasonal

How Jesus Came

But how exactly did Jesus come to earth? This season of anticipation of Christ’s coming, or Advent, is celebrated in the weeks leading up to Christmas. You’ve most likely heard about the virgin birth, but let’s take it a step further. Read these excerpts from the CSB Baker Illustrated Study…

Keep Reading
Load More