Category Archives: Bible

GOD’S WORKMANSHIPEphesians 2 “Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ” (Eph. 2:3–5). Considering what God had to work with, He’s done an amazing job! OverviewGod selected sinful, spiritually dead human beings as materialsContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

Ephesians INTRODUCTIONPaul’s letter to the Ephesians was written during his two-year imprisonment in Rome, about A.D. 61. It shares Paul’s vision of a Christian community united by love and a common purpose under the headship of Christ. Each believer, linked to Jesus by faith, is linked to every other believer as cells in a livingContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

Esther INTRODUCTIONThe Book of Esther is set in the Persian capital of Susa. It tells the story of a vicious plot against the Jewish people that was thwarted by Esther, a young Jewish girl married to the empire’s ruler, Xerxes. This victory of the Jews over Gentile persecutors, which took place in the 470s B.C.,Continue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

NEHEMIAH’S REFORMSNehemiah 8–13 “Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God” (Neh. 8:18). Nehemiah had restored the walls of the city. He then turned to his most important task: restoring the relationship of the people of Judah with God. OverviewEzra read and explainedContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

OPPOSITION TO REBUILDINGNehemiah 4–7 “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ’Their hands will get too weak for the work and it will not be completed’ ” (Neh. 6:9). Nehemiah faced serious opposition. The way he met various challenges serves as a model for us today. OverviewNehemiah faced ridicule (4:1–5) and the threat ofContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”