Paul, A Jew to The Jews, A Greek to The Greeks?

Icon of Saint Paul

Paul, A Jew to The Jews, A Greek to The Greeks? Perhaps you have heard it said that Paul stated he became a Jew to the Jews and a Greek to the Greeks. And we can all usually point to the passage where Paul makes this assertion. 1 Corinthians 9:19-20 19 Though I am free and … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 7:11-50] Stephen’s Speech To The Sanhedrin (Delivered by Moses)

Adoration of the Golden Calf, by Andrea di Lione

Stephen’s Speech To The Sanhedrin (Delivered by Moses) Acts 7:11-50 11 “Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. 12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. 13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 7:1-9] Stephen’s Speech To The Sanhedrin (The Patriarchs)

Fabrizio Santafede - St. Stephen the Martyr

Stephen’s Speech To The Sanhedrin (The Patriarchs) Acts 7:1-9 7 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” 2 To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. 3 ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 6:8-15] Stephen Seized

St Stephen before the Council

Stephen Seized Acts 6:8-15 8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue … Read more

Exegetical Study of Amos 9:1-15 [The Destruction and Restoration of Israel]

Prophet Amos, old Russian Orthodox icon

Amos 9:1-15 (NRSV) Note: All quoted passages in paper will be from the NASB 1a I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said: 1b Strike the capitals until the thresholds shake, and shatter them on the heads of all the people; 1c and those who are left I will kill with the … Read more

Acts Devotional Commentary [Acts 6:1-7] Seven Chosen to Serve

Fresco of the Women, Catacombs of Priscilla

Seven Chosen to Serve Acts 6:1-7 6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the … Read more