Category: Biblical Studies

Where is Sodom and Gomorrah?

The contention for the location of Sodom and Gomorrah continue to this day, and while some biblical archeologists claim they have been found, many others believe they never will be. Often times these conclusions are influenced by the polarized paradigms concerning biblical history. However, the biblical data is clear as to the whereabouts of both cities are,…
What is the “Desire” in Genesis 3:16?

What exactly is God telling Eve here? Is it a curse? Is it grace under pressure? Is it both, or does it have a deeper meaning that can be found elsewhere in Scripture?
The Elder Shall Serve the Younger

The Biblical data suggests that God’s formal decree to Rebekah regarding ‘The elder shall serve the younger’ is worth considering. (Exodus 22:29; Numbers 8:14-17; Deuteronomy 21:17; cf. Genesis 25:23). “This was contrary to ancient Near Eastern custom, but the elective purposes of God transcend custom,”[1] and eventually, Esau would become “a servant forever in bondage…
The Division in the Church of Romans

Although it doesn’t include the founders of this particular church,[1] the book of Acts highlights that “Jews from Rome were among those who saw the pouring out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.”[2] It can be assumed that these Jews made their way back to Rome and established a church there.[3] However, it…
What was the Nakedness of Noah?

There are three interpretations surrounding the nakedness of Noah, and the sin of Ham. Generally, the first being that Ham sinned by looking upon his father’s naked body. Essentially this is an act of voyeurism. The second view is purely Rabbinical in nature, and a “number of midrashim say the offense involved the castration of…
Who is All Israel?

Introduction Ever since the dawn of the church, tensions regarding law and grace have been the center of attention, and the 21st-century church is just as susceptible as the church was in 1st-century Rome. Once a Pharisee (Acts 23:6), the Apostle Paul knew all too well the struggle between obedience and freedom from the law,…
Why Was the New Testament Created?

The Christian life is grounded on the Biblical text. Furthermore, that life is fundamental to the teachings of Jesus Christ and those who declared His message throughout the known world. Bruce M. Metzger says that the term canon “used with reference to the Bible means the collection of books which are received as divinely inspired…
The Unknown God

Scripture is relatively vague about whether people who have not heard the gospel will be saved in the afterlife from eternal torment, et. al. “The Bible does not teach that God will judge a person for rejecting Christ if he has not heard of Christ.”[1] In contrast, “the Bible teaches clearly that God’s judgment is…
The Narrative and Apocalyptic Styles of Daniel 3:25 and 7:13

The Book of Daniel is replete with both narrative and apocalyptic passages, and how they relate to the overall message of Daniel will inevitably connect to the soteriological framework of the Biblical message. Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon who was elevated to positions under governments like Nebuchadnezzar’s and Darius the Mede, chronicled his ascension…
The Egyptian Book of the Dead and Psalm 8

Because of cultural proximity, thematic or etymological overlap is bound to occur in ancient literature. Yet, at the same time, overlap is textual evidence in ancient polemics too. Nevertheless, Israelite monotheism stands in stark contrast to neighboring religious cultures, whether it had borrowed, was drawn from, or had argued against the ultimate source of morality,…