Before the world as we know it took shape, the universe existed in a state of profound disorder and emptiness. The ancient text paints a picture of the earth as "desolate chaos," shrouded in darkness and submerged beneath the deep, primeval waters. This depiction is not merely a description of physical conditions but a literary and…

This first commentary will be a little long. Genesis 1:1 is a short verse, but it is packed with meaning. 

The opening words of the Bible stand as a majestic overture to the entire scriptural narrative, setting the stage for all scriptures that follow. Genesis 1:1 is not only the first sentence of the Bible but also a literary and theological

This marks our final commentary on the book of Acts. Luke recounting of Paul’s journey ends with his stay in Rome. Paul’s arrival in Rome marks the culmination of his long journey, fulfilling God’s promise that he would testify in the heart of the empire. Upon meeting with the local Jewish leaders, Paul explains his situation, emphasizing that he has…

Paul’s journey to Rome continues as he finally arrives in Italy after months of trials and delays. After wintering in Malta, Paul and his companions board an Alexandrian ship and sail to Syracuse, Rhegium, and eventually Puteoli. Along the way, God’s faithfulness is evident as Paul is welcomed by believers in Puteoli, who urge him to stay with…

After surviving the shipwreck, Paul and his companions find themselves on the island of Malta, where God’s power and provision are displayed in remarkable ways. The islanders show unusual kindness, welcoming the shipwrecked passengers and providing for their needs. When Paul is bitten by a viper while gathering wood for a fire, the locals…

The conclusion of Paul’s perilous journey at sea demonstrates God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in fulfilling His promises. As daylight breaks, the sailors spot a beach and attempt to run the ship aground. Despite their best efforts, the ship strikes a reef and begins to break apart. In the chaos, the soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to prevent their escape, but the…

As the storm continues to batter the ship, Paul steps forward as a calm and confident leader, encouraging the crew and passengers to eat for their survival. After fourteen days of fear and fasting, Paul reminds them of God’s promise that not a single life will be lost. He then takes bread, gives thanks to God in front of everyone, and begins to eat, inspiring…

As the storm continues to rage, the ship’s crew and passengers face a critical moment of decision. After fourteen days of being driven by the wind, the sailors sense they are nearing land and take soundings to confirm their suspicions. Fearing they might run aground on the rocks, they drop anchors to slow the ship and pray…

As the storm rages on and hope fades among the crew and passengers, Paul steps forward with a message of encouragement and assurance. He reminds them of his earlier warning about the dangers of setting sail. Still, he quickly shifts to a message of hope, revealing that an angel of God appeared to him with a promise: Paul must stand…

As Paul and his companions face the violent storm at sea, the narrative highlights both the chaos of the situation and God’s sovereign hand at work. The ship is caught in a tempestuous wind, known as Euraquilo, which drives it off course and leaves the crew and passengers helpless. Despite their best…

As Paul and his companions continue their journey to Rome, the ship’s crew faces a critical decision about whether to sail further or remain in the harbor of Fair Havens. Paul, guided by divine wisdom and his extensive experience with sea travel, warns the centurion and the ship’s officers of the dangers ahead. However, the centurion chooses…

Paul’s journey to Rome begins with a voyage that reflects God’s sovereignty and His ability to use every circumstance for His purposes. As Paul sets sail under Roman custody, the journey is marked by challenges, including contrary winds that force the ship to take a longer, more difficult route. Yet, God’s hand is evident throughout, ensuring Paul’s safety and…

Paul’s defense before Festus and King Agrippa concludes with a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty and Paul’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel. When Festus accuses Paul of being mad due to his great learning, Paul calmly and respectfully asserts his sanity, emphasizing that his message is grounded in truth and reason. He appeals…

As Paul continues his defense before King Agrippa, there are three points I want to focus on: 
1. Remember our sermon from yesterday. In verse 22, Paul himself acknowledges and emphasizes that God had orchestrated the events of the trial to accomplish His plan, not Paul’s. What was God’s plan for Paul? 

Paul’s recounting of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus reveals God’s view of true justice: ensuring that all people, both Jews and Gentiles, have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and turn to Him. Jesus confronts Paul, who had been persecuting His followers, and commissions him to be a witness to the truth. Paul is sent to open…

Paul recounts his past as a zealous persecutor of Christians, detailing how he imprisoned believers, cast his vote against them in their executions, and even sought to force them to blaspheme. His rage against followers of Jesus drove him to pursue them relentlessly, even to foreign cities. By sharing these details, Paul highlights the depth…

Paul begins his defense before King Agrippa by focusing on the central hope of the Jewish faith: the resurrection of the dead. He respectfully acknowledges Agrippa’s familiarity with Jewish customs and beliefs, using this as a foundation to explain that his message about Jesus is not a departure from Judaism but its fulfillment. Paul emphasizes…

Paul’s hearing before King Agrippa and the prominent leaders of Caesarea is a remarkable example of how God uses human circumstances to bring about His justice and advance His kingdom. Festus, unsure of how to frame the charges against Paul, seeks Agrippa’s counsel, acknowledging that the accusations are theological rather…

As King Agrippa and Bernice visit Festus in Caesarea, Festus takes the opportunity to discuss Paul’s case with them. Festus explains that Paul’s accusers have brought charges against him, but these accusations are not criminal in nature; instead, they center on theological disagreements, particularly about Jesus and His resurrection. Festus admits that…

Paul’s trial before Festus highlights both the political pressures of the time and Paul’s unwavering trust in God’s plan. Festus, newly appointed as governor, seeks to appease the Jewish leaders by offering to move Paul’s trial to Jerusalem. However, Paul, aware of the dangers and the potential for injustice, boldly appeals to Caesar, exercising…