Working Within a Fallen System (Esther)

Bible Commentary

The Book of Esther begins with King Ahasuerus (known to history outside the Bible as Xerxes) throwing a lavish party to...

Resident Aliens and a Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 1:1–2:12)

Bible Commentary

In the opening line of his letter, Peter addresses his readers as “exiles . . . who have been chosen” (1 Pet. 1:1),...

Discriminating Against the Poor and Currying Favor with the Rich (James 2:1–13)

Bible Commentary

James applies both of his underlying principles as a warning against favoritism toward the rich and powerful. He begins...

Working Hard for Good and for Giving (Ephesians 4:28)

Bible Commentary

Among the practical exhortations in Ephesians 4–6, two passages deal specifically with work-related concerns. The...

Leading and Serving (2 Corinthians 4)

Bible Commentary

Second Corinthians 4 brings together themes that are closely re­lated in Paul’s work—transparency, humility,...

Maintain the Proper Perspective (1 Corinthians 7:29–31)

Bible Commentary

Paul addresses the question of whether the promised return of the Lord implies that Christians should abandon ordinary...

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath (John 5)

Bible Commentary

The healing of the man at the pool of Bethsaida brings to the surface a controversy familiar from Matthew, Mark, and...

In the Beginning was the Word (John 1:1-18)

Bible Commentary

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning....