The Bible is unique for most of us in that it is quite possibly the only book we read [or try to read] regularly. I am a big fan of bound, printed material — but I rarely have the time or energy to read a book repeatedly. Even my favorite books — that I may have read a few times — are no comparison to how many times I have picked up and read the Bible. We tend to forget that the Bible is still a book. The Bible is unique in that the way it came about is so vastly different than any other book. It also boasts content that no other book can. But that should not stop us from being able to look at the Bible as a collection of written words. Our understanding can be expanded when we realize patterns within its pages.

(Read on …)

Understanding the context and culture of the society in which Jesus lived greatly aids our ability to make sense of what He taught. Jesus taught often in parables; even those around Him could barely understand some of His teachings. How can we expect to understand them? We must be willing to invest some energy into the reading if we can expect to benefit from it. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is a well-known story and appears easy to comprehend. Perhaps with a little background we can gain even more from this story.

(Read on …)

It is of great benefit to understand the culture in which Jesus lived here on earth. Some of the things Jesus said and did may shock us; they may not have shocked those around Him. More often, though, are the instances when Jesus said and did things that seem completely normal to us. When we capture how shocking this was to those around Him, it adds importance to the words and works. Notice a few verses compiled together in Matthew’s Gospel — they seem tame, but they should astound you.

(Read on …)

Antiochus IV was a Syrian ruler who took over control of Israel in 175 BCE. His antecedents had allowed for a somewhat cordial relationship with Israel. Israel was allowed to worship freely and they had a limited sort of self-government. Antiochus IV changed that relationship. First, he raised taxes. Second, he began to promote himself as a god. This obviously did not sit well with the Jews, especially the Jews who were more conservative. (The most conservative began to be called the Hasidim which means “pious ones”–this group most likely spawned the group we know as Pharisees and continue today as the ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jews.) One day, Antiochus IV was on a military campaign in Egypt and a rumor came about that he had died. There was public celebration in Jerusalem. Unfortunately Antiochus had not died and he did not much appreciate this party. On his way home to Syria, he stopped into Jerusalem and robbed the temple. He stole priceless objects and took the treasury money. He allegedly massacred forty thousand Jews in one day. He did this all on the Sabbath, when the Jews would not fight back. But it did not stop there.

(Read on …)