The Census Under Caesar Augustus

In Luke 2:1-2, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.” Caesar Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, ruling the Roman Empire from 30 BC to 14 AD. To […]

Mary, the Virgin who Magnified the Lord

In God’s eternal plan, even after humanity was deceived by the devil and fell, God still sought a way to save them. He chose Abraham from all nations, and the Israelites became His chosen people. However, due to their idolatry and sin, they were conquered and taken into exile. After the Israelites repented, God allowed […]

The Gospel of John: Background and Characteristics

Early church fathers all pointed out that the Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John in Ephesus late in his life, as a supplement to the other three Gospels. It was likely composed in the 80s or 90s AD. At that time, many Jewish Christians living in the Gentile world were facing challenges […]

The Gospel of Luke: Background and Author

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed historical account of Jesus’ birth, ministry, passion, resurrection, and ascension. Of the four Gospels, it offers the most detailed description of Jesus’ birth and childhood. It is remarkably accurate in many of its details and includes at least six miracles and over twelve parables not mentioned in the […]

The Gospel of Mark: Background and Author

The early church fathers widely recognized the Gospel of Mark as having been written by Mark in Rome. Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), a fellow worker with both Paul and Barnabas, and a close companion of the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). The primary audience for the Gospel of Mark was Gentile […]

The Gospel of Matthew: Background and Author

The author of the Gospel of Matthew was a highly skilled writer. It was likely written between 50 and 70 AD, and early church fathers all agree that the author was the apostle Matthew. Although the Gospel of Matthew may not have been the first Gospel written, it is placed first in the New Testament. […]

The Four Gospels

The word Gospel refers to documents, letters, and books that primarily recount the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Christian tradition, it generally refers to the content of the New Testament. More specifically, it refers to the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. When Jesus came to earth, He not only accomplished […]

Jesus in Deuteronomy

In Deuteronomy 21:23, God commanded that a criminal’s “body must not remain hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.” And Galatians […]

Millstones

Jewish law held a deep respect for human dignity and life, and it was closely connected to the daily lives of the Israelites. The law also provided safeguards for the vulnerable and poor in Jewish society. For example, Deuteronomy 24:6 states: “Do not take a pair of millstones—even the upper one—as security for a loan, […]

Bashan and King Og of Bashan

Bashan is modern-day Golan Heights. It stretches from the Sea of Galilee in the west to Mount Hauran in the east, and from the Yarmuk River in the south to Mount Hermon in the north. The area includes Havvoth Jair south of the Yarmuk River, as well as Ramoth Gilead and Edrei. North of the […]