For over fifty years, J. Vernon McGee’s study Thru the Bible has been broadcast over the radio to a vast, worldwide audience. I found his broadcast soon after becoming a Christian and was immediately drawn by his distinct and iconic voice. He made the Bible understandable and left me craving…

In exhorting the church to conduct themselves faithfully during a time of intense trial, Peter weaves the themes of humility and suffering together. Humility emphasizes the need for submission to both God-appointed leaders and God Himself in prayer. Suffering emphasizes the need for standing firm. Here’s some help working through…

Quick—what is more precious than jewels and more profitable than gold? That’s right, wisdom (Prov. 3:14-15; 8:11, 18-19)! Through the centuries, many Christians have turned to the book of Proverbs for wisdom. That is, essentially, what the book is about. Written at the highpoint of Israel’s history with the gift…

After a midnight escape from hostile Jews in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas arrived in Berea and encountered a synagogue of Jews who were more receptive to their message that Jesus is the Christ. This is where we find the well-known verse, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in…

It is an extraordinary claim. As Jesus stood trial before the most powerful person in Judea, the Caesar-appointed procurator Pontius Pilate, he states his reason for coming into this world. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone…

We all know there is typically far more going on beneath the surface of the biblical text than what we pick up on with a cursory reading or two. This is where resources like the IVP Bible Background Commentary can help fill in the gaps and bring the ancient world…