The phrase “elect lady” in 2 John 1:1 has been interpreted in different ways by Bible scholars. Here is an overview of the main views on who this elect lady might be: 1. A Particular Woman Many commentators believe that John was writing this short letter to a specific woman who was a leader in one of the churches in Asia Minor. John refers to her children in verse 1 and 13, so she likely had a natural family. This woman was “elect” or chosen by God, as all believers are (1 Peter 1:1-2). John esteems her as a notable…
Author: Aaron Chin
Zadok was an important priestly figure in the Old Testament. He first appears in the biblical narrative as a priest serving King David. Zadok went on to play a pivotal role during the reign of David’s son Solomon, helping facilitate the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem. He became the first High Priest of this temple, establishing the priestly line that would bear his name. The Bible highlights Zadok’s faithfulness during key moments of transition, positioning him as a righteous priest and a stalwart supporter of God’s chosen kings. Let’s explore Zadok’s biblical story and significance. Zadok’s Support of…
The twenty-four elders are mysterious figures mentioned several times in the book of Revelation. They first appear in Revelation 4:4, where John sees them sitting on thrones around God’s throne in heaven. The elders are described as being dressed in white robes and wearing golden crowns on their heads. Their identity has been debated by Bible scholars for centuries, with several main theories proposed: 1. They represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles One common view is that the 24 elders symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel from the Old Testament and the 12 apostles from the…
When and How Was Nineveh Destroyed? The ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh played a major role in biblical history. Located on the outskirts of modern-day Mosul in Iraq, Nineveh served as the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire from around 700 BC until its destruction in 612 BC. The Bible provides intriguing details about Nineveh’s rise to prominence, its wickedness that invoked divine judgement, the missions of the prophets Jonah and Nahum to warn of its impending doom, and its eventual downfall. Examining these biblical accounts helps shed light on when and how this important ancient city met its end. The…
The concept of “idle words” comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12:36 (ESV): “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” In this verse, Jesus warns that we will have to give an account for every “careless” or idle word we speak. An “idle word” can be defined as any worthless, useless, careless, or inappropriate word. The Greek word translated “idle” here means “inactive, unemployed, useless, barren.” Idle words include: Gossip Slander Filthy language Deceptive words Angry words spoken in bitterness Complaining/grumbling words Foolish babbling Flattery used with wrong motives…
The term “Agnus Dei” is Latin for “Lamb of God.” It refers to Jesus Christ and comes from the Gospel of John where John the Baptist declares Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The phrase highlights several theological truths about Jesus and His work of salvation: Jesus as the sacrificial lamb In the Old Testament, lambs were used as sacrifices for the atonement of sins. When John calls Jesus the “Lamb of God” he is pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice that takes away not only one person’s sins…
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions. It is named after the Greek philosopher Socrates and is introduced by him in Plato’s Theaetetus as midwifery of the mind. Socratic questioning is aimed at getting to the truth of things and examining moral concepts such as justice, virtue, and wisdom. In the Socratic method, the questioner typically begins by asking open-ended questions that build on the respondent’s answers. The questioner aims to draw out the logical implications of…
Grief is a natural human response to loss or tragedy. When we lose a loved one, face a devastating diagnosis, or experience any type of significant loss, it is normal to grieve. However, while grief is expected, overcoming grief can often feel impossible. The pain runs deep, and healing seems far away. So what does the Bible say about navigating grief and eventually overcoming it? The Bible acknowledges that grief is real and painful. When Lazarus died, Jesus was “deeply moved in spirit and troubled” and He wept openly, despite knowing He was about to resurrect Lazarus (John 11:33-35). Paul…
The doctrine of the Trinity states that God exists as three persons – the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit – yet there is only one God. This central doctrine of Christianity developed over the centuries, but its roots can be seen in the Old Testament scriptures. While the Old Testament does not contain an explicit and formulated doctrine of the Trinity, it contains many hints and allusions to the tri-personal nature of God. Here are some of the ways the Old Testament points towards the Trinity: 1. Plural language used for God There are several places…
The phrase “all things are lawful unto me” appears twice in the New Testament, both times spoken by the apostle Paul. The first occurrence is in 1 Corinthians 6:12, which says, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” The second occurrence is in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” In both cases, Paul seems to be quoting a…