James 1:1b-2 …to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…The nation of Israel began with Abraham and his grandson Jacob, whose name God later changed to Israel, who birthed 12 sons. These became the 12 tribes of Israel. Though one nation under David and Solomon (circa 1000 BC), they split in 930 BC into 10 tribes ...  Read More

James 1:1a James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…            The author of the epistle calls himself “James.” Among Christ’s 12 disciples, the name James appears three times. There is James, the son of Zebedee—brother of John (Matt 10:2; Luke 6:14), James the son of Alphaeus (Matt 10:3; Luke 6:15), and James the father of the other disciple named Judas (Luke 6:16; John 14:22; A...  Read More

Hebrews 13:22-25 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25 Grace be with you all.            Concluding his epistle, the author was clearly not writing for the s...  Read More

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.            Although this benedictory passage needs little commentary,...  Read More

Hebrews 13:18-19 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.            The anonymous author of Hebrews, though clearly known to his audience, asks for prayer in vv. 18-19. From v. 18 it appears that a false accusation had been leveled agai...  Read More

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 But we ask of you, brothers, that you know those who labor among you, and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another (Legacy Standard Bible).       Paul traveled extensively preaching the cross of Christ, planting churches (cf. Acts 13-28), and installing leaders—the elders and...  Read More

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.Church leaders have the God-given task of caring for Christ’s Church on earth—serving His people, preaching His word. They are to preach Scripture, reprove, rebuke, and exhort—in season and ou...  Read More

Romans 12:10-13 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.Christians offering themselves to God as living sacrifices (12:1) both love and hate—havi...  Read More

Hebrews 13:15-16 Through [Christ] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God… 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.            The sacrifice of praise in Hebrews 13:15-16, through Christ unto God the Father, is also encouraged by the Apostle Paul: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a li...  Read More

Hebrews 13:15-16 Through [Christ] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.            Having moved out of Judaism into its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Jewish audience was no longer required to make sacrifices with anima...  Read More

Hebrews 13:10-14 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 So, let us go out to Him outside the cam...  Read More

Hebrews 13:7-9 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.       ...  Read More