Knowing where and how to draw the line between helping someone and allowing yourself to be taken advantage of can be a difficult balancing act for Christians. On one hand, the Bible clearly calls believers to generosity, compassion, and selfless service to others. Yet Scripture also warns against enabling sin or allowing others to take unfair advantage. Finding the right approach requires wisdom, discernment, and seeking God’s guidance in each unique situation. Biblical Principles on Helping Others The Bible contains many exhortations to help those in need. Jesus taught that loving our neighbor includes providing food, shelter, and care to…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
In the Bible, gatekeepers held an important position in the temple and palaces of kings. They were entrusted with guarding the entrances and exits of these important places. Here is an overview of the significance of gatekeepers in the Bible: Gatekeepers in the Temple When Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, he appointed gatekeepers as part of the temple staff. Their role was to guard the thresholds of the temple and prevent unauthorized people from entering (1 Chronicles 9:17-27). The gatekeepers served in courses, with some on duty during the day and others at night (1 Chronicles 9:22-27). They…
The phrase “third heaven” is found in 2 Corinthians 12:2, where the apostle Paul says, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.” This has led many to wonder what exactly the “third heaven” refers to and what significance it has. The Meaning of “Third Heaven” In ancient Jewish thought, there were considered to be three “heavens.” The first heaven referred to the sky and space where birds fly and clouds pass. The second…
The word “pestilence” appears over 50 times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It refers to deadly plagues and widespread diseases that can decimate populations. In the Bible, pestilence is most often represented as a punishment from God in response to sin and disobedience. However, pestilence is also used symbolically to represent destruction and judgment. The Hebrew word often translated as “pestilence” is dever. It literally means “plague” or “disease.” The Greek word used in the New Testament is loimos, which also means “pestilence” and “disease.” Biblical pestilence could refer to outbreaks of contagious diseases like the plague,…
Who were the Hellenistic Jews in the Bible? The Hellenistic Jews were Jews living in the Greek-influenced parts of the Mediterranean world during the last few centuries BC and the first century AD. The term “Hellenistic” comes from the Greek word “Hellas” which referred to Greece. After Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, Greek language and culture spread throughout the Near East. Many Jews adopted aspects of Greek culture while remaining devoted to their Jewish faith and traditions. Here are some key things to know about the Hellenistic Jews: Where Did They Live? The main centers of Hellenistic Jewish…
The concept of watchmen is an important one in the Bible. Watchmen were lookouts whose job was to guard a city or camp and sound the alarm if danger approached. Though the term is not used extensively, there are several key passages that give insight into the role and responsibility of biblical watchmen. Old Testament Watchmen In the Old Testament, watchmen were stationed on the walls or towers of a city to keep watch for any threats (2 Kings 9:17-18). This gave advance warning so the city could close the gates and prepare for battle. Watchmen guarded the city day…
Satan is a prominent figure throughout the Bible, first appearing in Genesis and being referenced all the way through Revelation. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that mention Satan and what they teach us about him: Genesis 3 – The Fall of Man Genesis 3 records Satan’s temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden and how this led to the fall of mankind into sin. Satan is described as “the serpent” who was the craftiest of all creatures God had made (Genesis 3:1). The serpent tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by contradicting…
The Book of Jude is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, containing only 25 verses. Yet it contains a powerful message warning believers about false teachers and exhorting them to contend for the faith. Jude identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. This likely refers to Jesus’ half-brother Jude, who became a leader in the early church. The audience of this epistle seems to be all believers, as Jude refers to them as “dear friends” (v.3). Jude gets right to the point in verse 3, stating that he felt compelled to…
The phrase “gnashing of teeth” appears several times in the Bible, usually in reference to the final judgment and those who are excluded from God’s kingdom. Understanding the imagery behind this phrase can help us better comprehend the biblical warnings about hell and the urgency of putting our faith in Christ. Old Testament Background In the Old Testament, “gnashing of teeth” is associated with anger, rage and despair. Job 16:9 says, “His anger tears me and gnashes its teeth at me.” Psalm 112:10 warns, “The wicked man will see and be grieved, he will gnash his teeth and waste away.”…
The anchor is mentioned several times in the Bible as a symbol of hope, stability, and security in the faith. Here is an overview of the significance and meaning of the anchor in the Bible: The Anchor as a Symbol of Hope In the New Testament, the anchor is used metaphorically to represent the hope believers have in Christ. Hebrews 6:19 states, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” The image of an anchor securing a ship amidst storms is a fitting illustration of how Christian hope stabilizes believers amidst the storms and trials…