Zoar is a city that is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, especially in relation to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Here is an overview of the biblical significance of Zoar: Zoar as a place of refuge When God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their extreme wickedness, Abraham pleaded with God not to sweep away the righteous with the wicked (Genesis 18:23-33). God agreed that if even ten righteous people were found in the cities, he would spare them. However, only Lot and his family were deemed righteous, so God sent angels to warn them…
Author: Aaron Chin
The Shammaite and Hillelite schools were two major opposing schools of thought on the interpretation of Jewish Law during the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. They were founded by Shammai and Hillel, two leading rabbis who had very different approaches to interpreting the Torah. Hillel was known for his more lenient and flexible interpretation, while Shammai took a strict literalist approach. One of the most well-known disagreements between the two schools concerned divorce. According to the Shammaites, divorce could only be granted in cases of sexual immorality by the wife. The Hillelites, however, allowed divorce for trivial matters…
Mary Magdalene was a prominent female figure in the New Testament Gospels who was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She is mentioned by name 12 times in the Gospels, more than most of the apostles. Mary Magdalene seems to have been one of the leaders among the women who followed Jesus. She was likely from the town of Magdala in Galilee and was known for having been delivered by Jesus from demonic possession. She became a faithful disciple who supported Jesus’ ministry both financially and by serving. She was present during Jesus’ crucifixion and was the first person to…
John Wesley was an Anglican clergyman and Christian theologian who was a founding figure of Methodism. He was born in 1703 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England to Samuel and Susanna Wesley. His father Samuel was a clergyman in the Church of England. In 1720, John Wesley entered Christ Church College, Oxford. He was ordained as a deacon in the Church of England in 1725 and elected fellow of Lincoln College at Oxford in 1726. In 1735, Wesley travelled to Georgia as a missionary for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. On the return voyage to England in 1738, Wesley…
The Bar Kokhba revolt was a rebellion of the Jews of Judea against the Roman Empire between 132-136 AD. It was led by Simon bar Kokhba, who was considered by many Jews to be the messiah. The revolt was triggered by Emperor Hadrian’s decision to rebuild Jerusalem as a Roman city called Aelia Capitolina. This was seen as an affront to Judaism by prohibiting the reconstruction of the Jewish Temple. Prior to the revolt, tensions had been building in Judea as the Romans became more oppressive. The Jews were upset about having to pay heavy taxes to Rome and follow…
The ark of the testimony, also known as the ark of the covenant, was a sacred chest made by the Israelites according to exact specifications given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:10-22). It served as a physical manifestation of God’s presence and glory among His people. The ark was constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It measured 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. The ark had a solid gold cover called the mercy seat, which had two cherubim (angelic figures) facing each other with wings spread overhead. The mercy seat…
Witchcraft and sorcery are directly condemned in the Bible. God’s Word makes it clear that these practices are detestable to Him, and those who engage in such dark arts invite judgment upon themselves. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that address witchcraft and related occult practices. Old Testament Verses In the Old Testament law, witchcraft was punishable by death: “You shall not permit a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18). This highlights how seriously God took the practice of magic arts and divination. Some other verses that condemn witchcraft in the Old Testament include: Deuteronomy 18:10-12…
Detecting a false conversion is not always straightforward, but the Bible provides wisdom and insight to help discern true faith from empty profession. Here are some biblical principles to consider: 1. Examine the fruits of repentance (Matthew 3:8) True conversion involves sincere repentance, which will bear spiritual fruit in someone’s life. As John the Baptist said, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Look for fruits such as turning from sin, seeking forgiveness, and making restitution. A lack of repentance indicates a likely false conversion. 2. Evaluate doctrinal understanding (Matthew 13:18-23) True converts will seek sound biblical teaching and…
The idea that God speaks in a “still small voice” comes from 1 Kings 19 in the Old Testament. After fleeing from the wicked Queen Jezebel, the prophet Elijah was hiding in a cave on Mount Horeb. As Elijah stood on the mountain, a great wind passed by that tore into the mountains and shattered rocks, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake either. Next came a fire, but again God was not present there. Finally, after the fire came a gentle whisper or “still…
The Ten Commandments are a set of laws that God gave to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai. They are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Here is a summary of the Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods before me.” This commandment calls for complete loyalty to the one true God. He alone is to be worshipped and obeyed. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image.” This commandment prohibits idolatry and the worship of false gods through carved images. God cannot be depicted in any physical form. “You shall not take the name of…