As Paul concludes his third missionary journey, he pauses at Miletus to meet with the elders of the church in Ephesus. His words are filled with admonition and exhortation, and they contain many wonderful truths needed by today’s church. This month’s Feature deals with the apostle’s address.

Genesis chapter 6 states that on the pre-Flood earth there existed “mighty men” called the “Nephilim.” Who were these people? Wayne Jackson explores this intriguing subject.

A new generation has steadily accepted a deadly plague that has descended on this age.

Several years ago, discussing the meaning of “adultery” was often straightforward. Today, many interpret adultery as simply breaking marriage vows, reflecting modern religious shifts that have redefined adultery to accommodate easier divorce and remarriage.

The Greek expression for “lord” is kurios. One must look at the context to observe the sense conveyed in a particular setting. “Lord” may be used as a mere title of respect, or it can suggest one w...

John’s first epistle is a defense against the “gnostic” doctrine that alleged that Jesus Christ was not a real, flesh-and-blood human being. This sect claimed a special “knowledge” received directl...

Jesus once declared that he came to this earth to give up his life as a “ransom” for others (cf. Mt. 20:28; Mk. 10:45). The term for “ransom” is lutron. Lutron derives from luo, “to loose,” and whe...

Will we recognize friends and loved ones in Heaven?

In the first century, it was the Jewish custom to recline at the table during meals. Thus, the saying, “recline in the bosom,” signified a place of honor near the host. The apostle John enjoyed suc...

The expression “Great Commission” is commonly used to refer to a special directive Christ gave in a post-resurrection appearance before he ascended back into heaven. 

The “commission” is found in ...

Expediency is sometimes defined as the method by which a determined goal is achieved, regardless of the moral consequences. This is not the biblical concept of expediency.

In Bible parlance, a me...

This word is related to a Greek verb, apostello, meaning “to send away, to send forth.” It is used in several senses in the New Testament. 
• Christ was God’s “apostle,” sent from heaven to reveal ...

On the night before his death, during the Passover celebration, Jesus instituted the communion supper for his disciples (Mt. 26:26ff; Mk. 14:22ff; Lk. 22:19ff; cf. 1 Cor. 11:23ff). The Lord’s Suppe...

Adultery is sexual intimacy between a married person and someone other than their lawful mate. The act begins in the mind (Mt. 5:28; Mk. 7:21) and ultimately manifests in physical union (cf. Jn. 8:...

In dealing with a contentious element in the Corinthian church, and in anticipation of a visit to this congregation, Paul admonished: “Examine yourselves.” Those who are conscientious regarding their own souls will appropriate this principle to their personal beliefs and practices.

The study of the concept of priesthood contains many valuable facets. It also is fraught with religious error. This article discusses both of these aspects.

The word “perfect” is used in different ways in the Bible. (a) Only deity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is perfect in the absolute, moral sense (Mt. 5:48), though Christians are to strive for this...

In what sense will the “creation” be delivered from corruption? Does the creation itself, including the stars, planets, rocks and trees, really long for the return of Christ?

From the Greek word eschatos (“last”) comes “eschatology,” a study of “last things” (e.g., the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the judgment day, the end of the world, heaven,...

Does God grant pardon to the “alien sinner” by means of prayer? Some suggest that the case of Cornelius (Acts 10) supplies an affirmative answer. This week’s question explores this issue.