David Evans, Author at Being a Disciple

When and how did the Apostle Paul die?

Bible Studies

Where did Apostle Paul die?

The earliest mentions of Pauls death are the writings of Eusebius of Caesarea in his “Ecclesiastical History.” Eusebius suggests that Apostle Paul was martyred in Rome. Eusebius refers to Paul’s execution under Emperor Nero’s persecution, recording Rome as the site of his death.

“Thus after he had made his defense it is said that the apostle was sent again upon the ministry of preaching, and that upon coming to the same city (Rome) a second time he suffered martyrdom.” (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 2, Chapter 22).

What are the Apostle Paul’s TOP 10 Contributions to Early Christianity?

Bible Studies

The top 10 things the Apostle Paul was know for are:

1. Paul’s Pioneering Missionary Zeal:

Paul’s relentless missionary zeal is widely seen through his 3 substantial missionary journeys. Pauls three missionary journeys are widely recognized by scholars (F.F. Bruce, 1980) as instrumental in propelling the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ far beyond the confines of Jerusalem and Galilee. His audacious journeys criss-crossing the Greco-Roman world brought Christianity to diverse cultures and prepared the ground for its universal expansion. The Apostle Paul actively lived out the Great Commission by going into ALL the world preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.

23 – Taxes, Yokes, and Lessons from King Rehoboam

Minute in the Word

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Taxes, Yokes, and Lessons from Rehoboam

Hey Friends, this is David Evans your host and teacher. I hope that today finds you filled with joy and sunshine, and that this day will be the best day of your life.

As Tax Day approaches I thought that it would be appropriate for Todays Minute in the Word to be “Taxes, Yokes and Lessons from King Rehoboam”

In the year 931 BC, in the land of Israel, a young man named Rehoboam became king over all the land of Israel. He inherited the throne from his father, King Solomon, when he died.

Is the crucifixion of Jesus a historical fact?

Bible Studies

The crucifixion of Jesus is the foundation event in every Christians life and has been a topic of discussion and debate for centuries. From a historical perspective, the question of whether the crucifixion of Jesus is a historical fact is a contentious issue. In this article, we will examine the evidence for the crucifixion of Jesus from both Christian and Jewish perspectives, including scriptural references, Jewish sources, and archeological discoveries related to crucifixion in the first century.

I. Scriptural References

The New Testament contains several detailed references to the crucifixion of Jesus, including first person accounts of the events leading up to and during the crucifixion. The following three verses provide examples:

Hebrew Word of the day -אוֹר (light).

As a central theme throughout the Bible, the Hebrew word אוֹר (or) – meaning light – has both literal and metaphorical meanings. In the Torah, light is the first thing that God creates, representing the beginnings of life and knowledge. The word אוֹר, “or”, is used to describe the light of the sun, the moon, and the stars, but it is also used metaphorically to represent knowledge, enlightenment, and God’s presence in the world.

The Torah is often used interchangeably with the word “light” in religious thought and practice. Based on scriptures like Psalm 119:105, for example, the Psalmist proclaims, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” indicating the role of the scriptures as a source of guidance and illumination for the believer. Similarly, in Proverbs 6:23, the Text is described as “a lamp and a light,” indicating its importance as a source of wisdom and understanding.

“What Does it Mean to Cast Pearls Before Swine? Understanding Matthew 7:6”

Bible Studies

Matthew 7:6 (NIV) reads, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Matthew 7:6 includes an interesting warning from Jesus to his disciples about the danger of sharing spiritual truths with those who are not ready or willing to receive them.

Key Points:

The Importance of Discernment:

In Matthew 7:6, Jesus tells his disciples not to cast their pearls before swine or give what is holy to dogs. This admonition highlights the importance of discernment in our interactions with others. As Jewish scholar David Flusser notes, “The ‘pearls’ and ‘holy things’ here represent the spiritual teachings and wisdom that Jesus and his disciples were sharing with surrounding Galilee. This passage warns against wasting these valuable gifts on those who are unworthy or who will not appreciate their worth.”

Baal and Asherah – The fertility cults of Canaan

Bible Studies

What were the fertility cults of ancient canaan?

The fertility cults of ancient Canaan were a part of their religious culture, with rituals and practices centered around the worship of fertility gods and goddesses like Asherah and Baal. These cults sought to promote prosperity and abundance in the form of plentiful crops and herds, as well as children. Offerings, sacrifices and dances were part of the cults, and fertility rites and sacred prostitution were also associated with their worship. These

Other aspects of these cults included incantations, rituals, and supernatural beliefs aimed at manipulating the gods to bring desired results. A number of Canaanite gods were associated with fertility, including Baal, Anat, and Asherah.

Top 25 Uplifting Bible Scriptures on Encouragement

Bible Studies

Below is a list of the 25 most uplifting and encouraging Bible verses. (All verses are in the KJV)

1. Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

2. Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

3. Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

What is the meaning of Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding?”

Bible Studies

In Proverbs 3:5, we read “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

This Scripture explores three main points –

(1) why our trust ought to be placed solely with God,

(2) how trust can be shown through active obedience, and

(3) why guidance is only found within the Lord’s will.

According to Proverbs 3:5, it should be clear that trusting unequivocally in God is an essential requirement. The Jewish scholar, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel asserts that trust is something “not bestowed lightly” but must instead be earned over time through consistent acts of faithfulness – “Not what I ought to think of God, but what He has accomplished for me… this is even more decisive than my opinion about Him” (Heschel).

What is the meaning of Matthew 5:45, “It rains on the just and the unjust?”

Bible Studies

Have you ever heard some one flippantly say, “Oh well, it rains on the just and the unjust,” after something happens. Almost to say that, it doesn’t matter, it happens to everyone. But what is the meaning of Matthew 5:45?

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:45

The key focus of Matthew 5:45 is that it is capturing an important element of Christian faith – it speaks to the selflessness of God’s love and mercy. This passage emphasizes how God is “impartial in offering [His] blessings,” regardless of one’s level of faith or ethical standing (Alberigo et al., 2007, p.11).

Author's Posts

1. Paul’s Pioneering Missionary Zeal: