Print
Search for page by title (auto-completes)
Advanced search
  
Translate into

The Bible

OT Overview

NT Overview

OT Books

NT Books

OT History

NT History

OT Studies

Pentateuch Studies

History Books Studies

Studies in the Prophets

NT Studies

Studies in the Gospels

Acts and Letters Studies

Revelation Studies

Inductive Study

Types of Literature

Geography

Early Church

British Museum

Museums

Historical Documents

Life Questions

How to Preach

Teaching

SBS Staff

Advanced Search
Search for word or phrase within each page
Search by OT book and chapter
Search by NT book and chapter


Romans VI - Living the Gospel (12:1 - 15:13)

Julian Spriggs M.A.

Related articles

Introduction
I: Paul and his Gospel (1:1 - 17) II: The Bad News (1:18 - 3:20)
III: The Good News (3:21 - 5:21) IV: Sanctification (6:1 - 8:39)
V: Election and Mercy (9:1 - 11:36) VI: Living the Gospel (12:1 - 15:13)
VII: Travel plans, Greeting (15:14 - 16:27)

Prev - Romans V Next - Romans VII

Section Introduction

VI: Living sacrifices (ch 12 – 14)
V: Election & mercy (ch 9 – 11)
IV: Sanctification & glorification (ch 6 – 8)
III. The good news: Justification by faith (3:21 – ch 5)
II. The bad news: All deserve God’s wrath (1:18 – 3:20)

Romans chapter twelve marks the transition from theology to practice. We should notice the large number of commands. Romans, like many of Paul's letters, can be divided into two distinct sections: first doctrine, then how this doctrine should be applied into the everyday life of the believer, especially in their relationships.

The Bible is not a book of abstract theology, and is not intended to be used for theoretical speculation, but the “word of God is living and active ...” (Heb 4:12). It is theology with a purpose, or applied theology. In the NT letters, Paul and the other writers always apply the great Christian truths into real situations in churches of the first century.

It seems to be a fundamental truth of the way that we are created that what we believe sooner or later affects our behaviour. Morality soon becomes distorted and corrupted when society stops believing in God and rejects the idea of human accountability before him at the final judgement (see Rom 1:18ff). The Bible consistently shows the close connection between what we believe and how we behave. Truth and action always need to go together, and the Scriptures show the importance of both. Correct doctrine is extremely important, but correct doctrine should always result in a godly lifestyle, which is also a witness to unbelievers of the truth of the gospel.

Life in the body as living sacrifices (12:1-21)

The correct response to the great truths of the Gospel, is for the believers to present themselves as living sacrifices to God, totally dedicated and committed to him. This new life is lived out in the context of the church, the body of Christ, in which each person has their special part to play.

Present your bodies as living sacrifices (12:1-2)

Paul begins his practical section with an appeal to his readers to consecrate themselves to God by presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice, an allusion to the burnt dead sacrifices in the OT, showing total dedication to God. This is the personal response to the mercies of God, which were described in the previous eleven chapters. It is through the physical body that the Christian life is lived out practically, in relationships with other people. This living sacrifice of service to God is described as reasonable or spiritual worship, which is acceptable to God. so true worship is expressed in a godly lifestyle.

He calls for the renewing of the mind. We have been transferred from kingdom of darkness to kingdom of light, therefore we should think accordingly. We need to change from thinking in worldly ways, to think in godly ways. We need to check the way we think about different issues - are we thinking in a godly way, with Biblical values?

One body, gifts that differ (12:3-8)

As in 1 Cor 12, Paul uses the analogy of the human body to describe the body of believers in the church (v4). In the same way that the different parts of the human body each have their special part to play, every believer has their special part to play in the church. However, each of these different parts are still part of a single body. Every person has very different and varied gifts to enable them to contribute to the life of the body of Christ, but together they are all part of a single body. So Paul calls for diversity within the unity of the church, rather than uniformity.

He begins with a call to humility, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought (v3). Within the church, there is no place for pride or competitiveness. The motivation of the believer should always be to serve out of love for Christ and for the benefit of the church as a whole, rather then to build our own empires. The unity of the church is of the greatest importance to Christ (Jn 17:22), and it should be for us also.

He calls us to think of ourselves with sober judgement (v3), to look at ourselves objectively, as God sees us. Not to be proud, but not false humility either. Every one of us have been given gifts, and all have an essential part to play in the life of the church. Each of us has the measure of faith that God has assigned. Each one of us needs to recognise the way that God has gifted us, and begin to exercise those gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ as a whole. The church is one body with many members, and not all members have the same function (v4-5). This is a call to unity, but not uniformity. We are one, but all different.

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us (v6). Spiritual gifts are gifts, given to us out of the grace of God. They are not merely practical skills, but have a supernatural element, to enable us to fulfil our spiritual calling as members of the body of Christ. We need to discover what gifts God has given us, and then to develop them, receiving training if necessary, as we serve God, and are a blessing to others in the context of the church.

He gives a list of seven particular spiritual gifts (v6-8). Some appear more practical rather than spiritual. However, all gifts and all life is spiritual. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts, as other gifts are listed elsewhere (1 Cor 12-14, Eph 4:11). The exercise of the gifts should always have the motivation of giving to others. Our aim should always be to bless others in the church.

Exhortation to zealous service (12:9-12)

Next comes a long string of practical commands and exhortations. The first group concern relationship with God, the fitting response to God’s grace and mercy described in chapters one to eleven. He calls for an almost competitive desire to serve God, and to express his love to others (v10).

Live in harmony with each other (12:13-17)

The second group mostly concern relationships within the body of Christ. He notes the importance of hospitality, both to other believers, but also to strangers (v13). Hospitality is a high priority in the list of ministry qualifications (1 Tim 3:2, Titus 1:8, Heb 13:2). In the OT, Rahab and her family were saved because of their hospitality to the Hebrew spies (Josh 2). During the ministry of Elisha, a woman made a room on top of her house available for the prophet to stay in (2 Kg 4). As a result, the childless woman was given a son, who was later raised from the dead.

He calls us to bless our persecutors, following the example of Jesus (Lk 23:34), as taught in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:38-41). There is a call to humility and words against the pride which can break the harmony he calls for.

Leave vengeance to God (12:18-21)

This is followed by some instructions concerning the most difficult relationships, with enemies. Again, these develop the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Paul acknowledges that it is not a sin to have enemies, even Jesus had enemies. It is not always possible to live in harmony, but we need to do what we can (v18). It takes two people to make a quarrel. We cannot control what the other person does, but we can make sure that our attitudes and actions are righteous before God.

The reaction of the flesh is to retaliate, but instead of seeking vengeance, we should do all we can to seek reconciliation, then we can trust God to avenge (v19). Ultimately, each person has to stand before God where they will give account for their actions and will receive the wrath they deserve. In the meantime, we can do good deeds to enemies, “Heap burning coals on their heads” (v2, Prov 25:21-22). If we bless our enemy, by repaying evil with good, then they may feel guilty about the way they treat us, and thereby we can bring reconciliation.

Relationship with the civil authorities and neighbours (13:1-14)

After looking at relationships within the church, Paul now looks outside, giving teaching on how to relate to the civil government and to neighbours. Government is established by God, so we should submit to them. The only debt we should owe to others is to love them, as Jesus would.

Be subject to governing authorities (13:1-7)

Paul first looks at the Christian’s relationship with the civil government. This would mostly be an issue with Jews. Jews were exempted from Roman taxes and military service, but severely resented the authority of Rome. Jews were often seen as being unsubmissive to Roman rule. Only a few years previously, the Jews had been expelled from Rome following riots (Acts 18:2). Paul said that Christians should respect the government and pay their taxes. The Gentiles did not have such a problem with the Roman government until later in Nero's reign.

Paul states here that the civil governing authorities are instituted by God. Repeatedly in this paragraph, he says the government is God’s servant (v4, 6). Ultimately, God is in control of nations (Dan 2:21, Deut 32:8). We have to remember that the emperor at this time was Nero, who ultimately persecuted the church and caused Paul to be executed. Up until this time, the Roman government had not persecuted the church, but had frequently been a source of protection for Paul against Jewish opposition (eg: Acts 18:12-17), especially when he used his Roman citizenship to protect himself (Acts 16:37, 25:11).

In writing this passage, Paul is assuming that the governing authorities are exercising their rule with wisdom, justice and righteousness, according to the will of God. He does not mention the possibility that they would not, and what Christians should do in that eventuality. We should obey governing authorities, as long as they do not command us to do something which is disobedient to God. Paul is saying here that we only need to fear the government if we are doing wrong.

However there are times, when governments overstep their authority and make laws and demands which are contrary to God's will. One example is when the apostles were commanded by the Jewish rulers to stop preaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18), a command contrary to the great commission. In response, the apostles had to obey the higher authority of Jesus, and to continue to preach the gospel, in disobedience to the Jewish authorities (Acts 4:19-20), and be willing to face the consequences. Examples of civil disobedience in the OT include Daniel’s three friends refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, and being thrown into the fiery furnace (Dan 3). Later Daniel refused to pray to king Darius and was thrown into the lion’s den (Dan 5). God is to be our highest authority. Our first allegiance should always be to him. We are citizens of the kingdom of God, as well as being citizens of our own country, and there may sometimes be a conflict between the two.

Paul says that the power of sword is given to the state (v4). It is the God-given duty of the civil authorities to bring justice, and to punish the offender. We can debate here about the merit or otherwise of capital punishment.

Paying taxes (v6-7) is an example of practical submission. Jesus paid tax (Mt 17:24-27), when the money was found in the mouth of a fish. We all benefit from civil government, therefore we should pay what is demanded from us.

We need to respect the government and other authorities. There is always a tendency to disrespect authority, which will ultimately lead to anarchy and lawlessness, which is worse than a bad government. We should also watch how we speak about the government. We may disagree with them, but we should respect them.

One practical question that arises from passages like this is whether a Christian should serve in the army? It is a matter of conscience, with different Christians having opposing viewpoints. Some say that all fighting is contrary to God's will, so become conscientious objectors, refusing to bear arms, and often suffer penalties for their refusal. Others will fight with a clear conscience, saying the war is a just war to prevent the spread of evil, and so will support their country and government. Other questions would include: Should a Christian ever be involved in overthrowing a tyrannical government? Is it right for Christians to smuggle Bibles into nations where the Bible is forbidden?

Owe nothing but love (13:8-10)

Paul now focusses on relationships with neighbours. We are not to be in debt to the civil authorities through not paying tax, the only debt permitted is love - the fulfilment of the law. Affirming the statement of Jesus that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbour, loving one another is the fulfilment of the law. He lists four of the last six of the ten commandments (Ex 20:13-15,17), which are summarised by, “love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 19:18). In the context of the Book of Romans, this need to be understood in relation to the tensions between the Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.

We should also consider carefully what it means not to owe anyone anything (v8). Although the context is love, there are some financial lessons here as well. The Bible is consistently gives very strong warnings against getting into debt.

Salvation nearer, so put on Lord Jesus Christ (13:11-14)

He summarises this section with a call to a right lifestyle in light of the second coming. The coming of Jesus is sooner than when we first began, so lay aside the sins of the Gentiles (as ch 1), and put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and not gratify the desires of the flesh (as ch 6). This is a common message in the NT: Jesus is coming back soon, so make sure you are living a holy life. The quarrelling and jealousy should be seen in the context of the disunity between Jewish and Gentile believers. This too needs to be corrected in the light of eschatology.

Toleration of the weaker brother (14:1 - 15:13)

In this passage Paul refers to two groups of people, the weak and the strong. The weak observe special days and eat special foods, while the strong do not observe these special days or eat special foods. As noted in the introduction, the weak would refer to the Jewish believers who are still trying to obey the law. However, it is possible that some Gentile believers could also be trying to keep the Jewish law, and should be grouped with them. The strong would mostly be Gentile believers, who do not think they need to keep the Jewish law. There would also be some Jewish believers who now realise they are free from the law, and would come under the category of the strong. Paul includes himself in this group (15:1). So the weak would mostly be Jewish believers, with some Gentiles; and the strong would mostly be Gentile believers, with some Jews.

There is a problem of disunity between the two, so Paul says they are to welcome those who are weak in faith (14:1). The weak (mostly Jews) are passing judgement on the strong (mostly Gentiles), while the strong (mostly Gentiles) are despising the weak (mostly Jews) (14:3,10). After having shown that both Jews and Gentiles stand equal before God in judgement, and that both are now made righteous by their faith, he now seeks to see the outworking of these truths in their relationships, bringing harmony where there is currently disunity.

Eating meat - not despise or pass judgement (14:1-4)

The first example Paul gives is food, especially eating meat. Paul particularly addresses the strong, who were eating anything, while the weak were only eating vegetables. Even though the law of Moses does not forbid the eating of meat, it appears that Jewish believers were abstaining from meat altogether. There are two possible reasons for this. One is that the meat purchased in the marketplace would have the blood in it, the other is that it may well come from an animal that had been offered as a sacrifice in a pagan temple. Paul addresses this problem in 1 Corinthians (ch 8-10). Because of these problems, many Jewish believers may have avoided eating meat altogether.

It appears that the Gentile believers were despising the Jewish believers for refusing to eat meat. Perhaps they mocked the Jewish believers for not realising the freedom we now have in Christ (Mk 7:19). On the other side, the Jewish believers were judging the Gentile believers, criticising them for eating unclean meat, perhaps claiming that they could not follow a holy God if they ate unclean food. Paul calls the strong to welcome the weak, and not to quarrel over opinions (v1). God has welcomed the weak (v3), so the strong should do also (v1).

Observe Sabbath - in honour of Lord (14:5-6)

The second example is the keeping of the Sabbath. Jewish believers would still think the Sabbath Day was special, and abstain from working, while Gentile believers would not see anything special about that day. Paul points out that both groups either observe or abstain in honour of the Lord, and both have died so they can live to serve God.

Each accountable to God (14:10-12)

Addressing Jews, he asks why they pass judgement on their brother; then asks Gentiles why they despise their brother. He reminds them that both will stand before the judgement seat of God, where they will be held accountable to him (quoting Is 49:18, 45:23).

Do not destroy work of God for sake of food (14:13-23)

After describing the problem, Paul now begins to give his solution, seeking to show what the higher priorities are. The work of God and the love between believers is more important than what we eat: "The kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (v17). He identifies himself with the strong, not believing any food to be unclean (v14), but urges the strong not to put a hindrance or stumbling block before the weak through what they eat. If they injure the weak, they are not showing love, and are damaging the work of Christ. It is not worth destroying the work of God for the sake of food.

Even though everything is clean, it is wrong to cause the weak to stumble. It is better to refrain for the sake of others. The strong have their conviction before God and are blessed for having no reason to condemn themselves, while the weak condemn themselves if they eat because they are not acting according to their faith (v22-23).

Strong put up with failings of weak (15:1-6)

Addressing the strong, he calls them not to live to please themselves, but to put up with the failings of the weak, for the sake of unity, and for the building up of their neighbour. They should follow the example of Christ, who did not please himself, but put up with insults (quoting Ps 69:9). This leads into a prayer for unity, that God will enable the two groups to live in harmony, and together in one voice may glorify God (v5-6).

Welcome each other as Christ welcomed you (15:7-13)

He urges his readers to welcome each other, just as they had been welcomed by Christ (5:10). Christ came to the Jews in order that the Gentiles may glorify God too. He strings together four quotations from the OT, in which the Gentiles are called to come to God and praise him (v9 - Ps 18:49, v10 - Deut 32:43, v11 - Ps 117:1, v12 - Is 11:10). Christ has welcomed both Jew and Gentile, so they can worship God together in unity. He prays that God will fill both with joy and peace, so both can abound in hope.

Some thoughts about the strong and weak

Today, different Christians have very different standards of behaviour. Sometimes there are differences in culture, and between various denominations. There are many ways of behaving which some Christians feel are taboo, while others find no problem with them. The people Paul describes as weaker Christians refuse to do certain things because their conscience will not let them, while the strong do not find anything to worry about. The person who refuses to do certain things can give the impression of being the stronger Christian, but Paul describes this person as weak. However, the strong Christian must adjust to the weaker brother.

There are dangers with each side: The stronger Christian can become a stumbling block to others. As Paul says elsewhere, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful” (1 Cor 10:23). The stronger Christian needs to be motivated by love for others, and needs to be willing to forsake their liberty in Christ for the sake of others. It is a form of giving up of rights, refraining from doing what a brother believes to be wrong, for the sake of unity. According to Paul, the strong brother has to do the moving. The weak Christian needs to seek God to help him in his weakness, and to ask God to adjust his conscience. The challenge is for us to work together in our differences, and not to allow these peripheral issues to split the church.

It is easy to think of some modern issues which we can apply these chapters to. These could include shopping or working on Sunday, what clothes we wear, what sort of programmes we watch on television, which films we watch, or what music we listen to. An important one is the issue of drinking alcohol. In many non-western cultures and in some denominations it is completely unacceptable for Christians to drink alcohol. Any Christian seen drinking alcohol would be thought of as having fallen away from the faith. By contrast, in many western nations, it is not seen as a problem for a Christian to drink in moderation. They would claim that the Bible is against drunkenness, but not against drinking altogether. Paul would say that each person needs to make up their own mind, but for the sake of unity, to avoid being a stumbling block to people’s consciences, there will be times when it is best to refrain.

Prev - Romans V Next - Romans VII

Related articles

Introduction
I: Paul and his Gospel (1:1 - 17) II: The Bad News (1:18 - 3:20)
III: The Good News (3:21 - 5:21) IV: Sanctification (6:1 - 8:39)
V: Election and Mercy (9:1 - 11:36) VI: Living the Gospel (12:1 - 15:13)
VII: Travel plans, Greeting (15:14 - 16:27)

The Bible

Pages which look at issues relevant to the whole Bible, such as the Canon of Scripture, as well as doctrinal and theological issues. There are also pages about the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha and 'lost books' of the Old Testament.

Also included are lists of the quotations of the OT in the NT, and passages of the OT quoted in the NT.

Why These 66 Books?
Books in the Hebrew Scriptures
Quotations in NT From OT
OT Passages Quoted in NT
History of the English Bible
Twelve Books of the Apocrypha
The Pseudepigrapha - False Writings
Lost Books Referenced in OT

Old Testament Overview

This is a series of six pages which give a historical overview through the Old Testament and the inter-testamental period, showing where each OT book fits into the history of Israel.

OT 1: Creation and Patriarchs
OT 2: Exodus and Wilderness
OT 3: Conquest and Monarchy
OT 4: Divided kingdom and Exile
OT 5: Return from Exile
OT 6: 400 Silent Years

New Testament Overview

This is a series of five pages which give a historical overview through the New Testament, focusing on the Ministry of Jesus, Paul's missionary journeys, and the later first century. Again, it shows where each book of the NT fits into the history of the first century.

NT 1: Life and Ministry of Jesus
NT 2: Birth of the Church
NT 3: Paul's Missionary Journeys
NT 4: Paul's Imprisonment
NT 5: John and Later NT

Introductions to Old Testament Books

This is an almost complete collection of introductions to each of the books in the Old Testament. Each contains information about the authorship, date, historical setting and main themes of the book.

Genesis Exodus Leviticus
Numbers Deuteronomy

Joshua Judges Ruth
1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings Chronicles
Ezra & Nehemiah Esther

Job Psalms Proverbs

Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations
Ezekiel Daniel

Hosea Joel Amos
Obadiah Jonah Micah
Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah
Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Introductions to New Testament Books

This is a collection of introductions to each of the 27 books in the New Testament. Each contains information about the authorship, date, historical setting and main themes of the book.

Matthew's Gospel Mark's Gospel Luke's Gospel
John's Gospel

Book of Acts

Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians
Galatians Ephesians Philippians
Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy
2 Timothy Titus Philemon

Hebrews James 1 Peter
2 Peter 1 John 2 & 3 John
Jude

Revelation

Old Testament History

Information about the different nations surrounding Israel, and other articles concerning Old Testament history and the inter-testamental period.

Canaanite Religion
Israel's Enemies During the Conquest
Syria / Aram
The Assyrian Empire
Babylon and its History
The Persian Empire
The Greek Empire
The 400 Silent Years
The Ptolemies and Seleucids
Antiochus IV - Epiphanes

Old Testament Studies

A series of articles covering more general topics for OT studies. These include a list of the people named in the OT and confirmed by archaeology. There are also pages to convert the different units of measure in the OT, such as the talent, cubit and ephah into modern units.

More theological topics include warfare in the ancient world, the Holy Spirit in the OT, and types of Jesus in the OT.

OT People Confirmed by Archaeology
The Jewish Calendar
The Importance of Paradox
Talent Converter (weights)
Cubit Converter (lengths)
OT People Search
Ephah Converter (volumes)
Holy War in the Ancient World
The Holy Spirit in the OT
Types of Jesus in the OT

Studies in the Pentateuch (Gen - Deut)

A series of articles covering studies in the five books of Moses. Studies in the Book of Genesis look at the historical nature of the early chapters of Genesis, the Tower of Babel and the Table of the Nations.

There are also pages about covenants, the sacrifices and offerings, the Jewish festivals and the tabernacle, as well as the issue of tithing.

Are chapters 1-11 of Genesis historical?
Chronology of the Flood
Genealogies of the Patriarchs
Table of the Nations (Gen 10)
Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9)

Authorship of the Pentateuch
Chronology of the Wilderness Years
Names of God in the OT
Covenants in the OT
The Ten Commandments
The Tabernacle and its Theology
Sacrifices and Offerings
The Jewish Festivals
Balaam and Balak
Tithing
Highlights from Deuteronomy
Overview of Deuteronomy

Studies in the Old Testament History Books (Josh - Esther)

Articles containing studies and helpful information for the history books. These include a list of the dates of the kings of Israel and Judah, a summary of the kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and studies of Solomon, Jeroboam and Josiah.

There are also pages describing some of the historical events of the period, including the Syro-Ephraimite War, and the Assyrian invasion of Judah in 701 BC.

Dates of the Kings of Judah and Israel
King Solomon
The Kings of Israel
King Jeroboam I of Israel
The Syro-Ephraimite War (735 BC)
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah (701 BC)
King Josiah of Judah
Differences Between Kings and Chronicles
Chronology of the post-exilic period

Studies in the Old Testament Prophets (Is - Mal)

Articles containing studies and helpful information for the OT prophets. These include a page looking at the way the prophets look ahead into their future, a page looking at the question of whether Satan is a fallen angel, and a page studying the seventy weeks of Daniel.

There are also a series of pages giving a commentary through the text of two of the books:
Isaiah (13 pages) and Daniel (10 pages).

Prophets and the Future
The Call of Jeremiah (Jer 1)
The Fall of Satan? (Is 14, Ezek 28)
Daniel Commentary (10 pages)
Isaiah Commentary (13 pages)
Formation of the Book of Jeremiah


Daniel's Seventy Weeks (Dan 9:24-27)

New Testament Studies

A series of articles covering more general topics for NT studies. These include a list of the people in the NT confirmed by archaeology.

More theological topics include the Kingdom of God and the Coming of Christ.

NT People Confirmed by Archaeology
The Kingdom of God / Heaven
Parousia (Coming of Christ)
The Importance of Paradox

Studies in the Four Gospels (Matt - John)

A series of articles covering various studies in the four gospels. These include a list of the unique passages in each of the Synoptic Gospels and helpful information about the parables and how to interpret them.

Some articles look at the life and ministry of Jesus, including his genealogy, birth narratives, transfiguration, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the seating arrangements at the Last Supper.

More theological topics include the teaching about the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete and whether John the Baptist fulfilled the predictions of the coming of Elijah.

Unique Passages in the Synoptic Gospels
The SynopticProblem
Genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1)
Birth Narratives of Jesus
Understanding the Parables
Peter's Confession and the Transfiguration
Was John the Baptist Elijah?
The Triumphal Entry
The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13)
Important themes in John's Gospel
John's Gospel Prologue (John 1)
Jesus Fulfilling Jewish Festivals
Reclining at Table at the Last Supper
The Holy Spirit as the Paraclete

Studies in the Book of Acts and the New Testament Letters

A series of articles covering various studies in the Book of Acts and the Letters, including Paul's letters. These include a page studying the messages given by the apostles in the Book of Acts, and the information about the financial collection that Paul made during his third missionary journey. More theological topics include Paul's teaching on Jesus as the last Adam, and descriptions of the church such as the body of Christ and the temple, as well as a look at redemption and the issue of fallen angels.

There are a series of pages giving a commentary through the text of five of the books:
Romans (7 pages), 1 Corinthians (7 pages), Galatians (3 pages), Philemon (1 page) and Hebrews (7 pages)

Apostolic Messages in the Book of Acts
Paul and His Apostleship
Collection for the Saints
The Church Described as a Temple
Church as the Body of Christ
Jesus as the Last Adam
Food Offered to Idols
Paul's Teaching on Headcoverings
Who are the Fallen Angels
The Meaning of Redemption
What is the Church?
Paul and the Greek Games

Romans Commentary (7 pages)

1 Corinthians Commentary (7 pages)

Galatians Commentary (3 pages)

Philemon Commentary (1 page)

Hebrews Commentary (7 pages)

Studies in the Book of Revelation

Articles containing studies and helpful information for the study of the Book of Revelation and topics concerning Eschatology (the study of end-times).

These include a description of the structure of the book, a comparison and contrast between the good and evil characters in the book and a list of the many allusions to the OT. For the seven churches, there is a page which gives links to their location on Google maps.

There is a page studying the important theme of Jesus as the Lamb, which forms the central theological truth of the book. There are pages looking at the major views of the Millennium, as well as the rapture and tribulation, as well as a list of dates of the second coming that have been mistakenly predicted through history.

There is also a series of ten pages giving a detailed commentry through the text of the Book of Revelation.

Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Characters Introduced in the Book
Structure of Revelation
List of Allusions to OT
The Description of Jesus as the Lamb
Virtual Seven Churches of Revelation
The Nero Redivius Myth
The Millennium (1000 years)
The Rapture and the Tribulation
Different Approaches to Revelation
Predicted Dates of the Second Coming

Revelation Commentary (10 pages)

How to do Inductive Bible Study

These are a series of pages giving practical help showing how to study the Bible inductively, by asking a series of simple questions. There are lists of observation and interpretation questions, as well as information about the structure and historical background of biblical books, as well as a list of the different types of figures of speech used in the Bible. There is also a page giving helpful tips on how to apply the Scriptures personally.

How to Study the Bible Inductively
I. The Inductive Study Method
II. Observation Questions
III. Interpretation Questions
IV. Structure of Books
V. Determining the Historical background
VI. Identifying Figures of Speech
VII. Personal Application
VIII. Text Layout

Types of Literature in the Bible

These are a series of pages giving practical help showing how to study each of the different types of book in the Bible by appreciating the type of literature being used. These include historical narrative, law, wisdom, prophets, Gospels, Acts, letters and Revelation.

It is most important that when reading the Bible we are taking note of the type of literature we are reading. Each type needs to be considered and interpreted differently as they have different purposes.

How to Understand OT Narratives
How to Understand OT Law
Hebrew Poetry
OT Wisdom Literature
Understanding the OT Prophets
The Four Gospels
The Parables of Jesus
The Book of Acts
How to Understand the NT Letters
Studying End Times (Eschatology)
The Book of Revelation

Geography and Archaeology

These are a series of pages giving geographical and archaeological information relevant to the study of the Bible. There is a page where you can search for a particular geographical location and locate it on Google maps, as well as viewing photographs on other sites.

There are also pages with photographs from Ephesus and Corinth.

Search for Geographical Locations
Major Archaeological Sites in Israel
Archaeological Sites in Assyria, Babylon and Persia
Virtual Paul's Missionary Journeys
Virtual Seven Churches of Revelation
Photos of the City of Corinth
Photos of the City of Ephesus

Biblical Archaeology in Museums around the world

A page with a facility to search for artifacts held in museums around the world which have a connection with the Bible. These give information about each artifact, as well as links to the museum's collection website where available showing high resolution photographs of the artifact.

There is also page of photographs from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem of important artifacts.

Search Museums for Biblical Archaeology
Israel Museum Photos

Difficult Theological and Ethical Questions

These are a series of pages looking at some of the more difficult questions of Christian theology, including war, suffering, disappointment and what happens to those who have never heard the Gospel.

Christian Ethics
Never Heard the Gospel
Is there Ever a Just War?
Why Does God Allow Suffering
Handling Disappointment

How to Preach

These are a series of pages giving a practical step-by-step explanation of the process of preparing a message for preaching, and how to lead a small group Bible study.

What is Preaching?
I. Two Approaches to Preaching
II. Study a Passage for Preaching
III. Creating a Message Outline
IV. Making Preaching Relevant
V. Presentation and Public Speaking
VI. Preaching Feedback and Critique
Leading a Small Group Bible Study

Information for SBS staff members

Two pages particularly relevant for people serving as staff on the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) in YWAM. One gives helpful instruction about how to prepare to teach on a book in the SBS. The other gives a list of recommended topics which can be taught about for each book of the Bible.

Teaching on SBS Book Topics for SBS