People Work in a Fallen Creation (Genesis 4-8)

Bible Commentary

Because of the fall, our work is even more important to God's plan for the world.

Commercial Restitution and Lex Talionis (Exodus 21:18-22:15)

Bible Commentary

The casuistic laws spelled out penalties for offenses, including many relating directly to commerce, especially in the...

Confrontation Over the Disruption of Trade in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41)

Bible Commentary

The following discussion falls a little out of order (skipping over Acts 19:17-20 for the moment) so that we can cover...

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue (Proverbs)

Bible Commentary

The Valiant Woman exercises care in what she says and how she speaks. The proverbs remind us that “to watch over mouth...

Set Your Mind On Things Above: Heavenly Living for Earthly Good (Colossians 3:1–16)

Bible Commentary

This call to reorientation means that we reshape our lives to think and do according to Jesus’ ethics in situations he...

Resolving Conflict (Philippians 4:2–9)

Bible Commentary

Although our instinctive reflex is to suppress and deny conflict, in this passage, Paul lovingly brings conflict into...

The Need for a Common Vision (1 Corinthians 1:10–17)

Bible Commentary

Paul states in thesis-like fashion what he is trying to accomplish by writing 1 Corinthians.[8] “I appeal to you,...

Leadership and Decision Making in the Christian Community (Acts 15)

Bible Commentary

An example of the radical reorienting of social interactions in the Christian community arises during a deep dispute...