An Introduction to the Septuagint

The Septuagint is the Koine Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible that was widely used during the New Testament era. It is believed to have been completed in Alexandria, North Africa, in several stages between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The Septuagint is generally recognized by both Jewish and Christian believers. In addition to […]

Who is the Son of Man?

In Matthew 16:13, 15-16, Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” He then asked, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This event marks a […]

The Kingdom of God

The “Kingdom of God” is mentioned frequently in the Gospels (Mark 1:15, 10:15, 15:43; Luke 17:20) and in other parts of the New Testament (Acts 28:31; Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 15:50). “The Kingdom of God” and “the Kingdom of Heaven” are synonyms, though “the Kingdom of Heaven” is only found in the Gospel of Matthew. […]

Capernaum

Capernaum, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, served as the center of Jesus’ ministry in that region (Matthew 9:1-2; Mark 2:1-5). It was an important and bustling fishing and commercial hub, home to both Jews and Gentiles, with a population likely never exceeding 1,000 people in the first century. Capernaum was […]

Several Types of Baptisms Recorded in the Bible

In the New Testament, baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection. When a Christian is baptized, it signifies that through this act, we are united with Christ in His death, buried with Him, and resurrected with Him through His resurrection. “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly […]

The Sabbatical and Jubilee Years

The Sabbatical Year (Hebrew: Shemitah, meaning “release”) and the Jubilee Year were established by God. The Sabbatical Year was the seventh year in every seven-year cycle, and the Jubilee Year was the year after the seventh Sabbatical Year (the 50th year). The Sabbatical Year dates back to Exodus 23:10-11, which says, “For six years you […]

The Sabbath Day’s Journey

The Sabbath day’s journey refers to the distance Jews were permitted to travel on the Sabbath without violating God’s law given to Moses. As recorded in the book of Joshua, this was the distance between the Israelites’ camp and the Ark of the Covenant in the wilderness. The term appears only once in the book […]

The Sabbath

The Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat, meaning “to rest” or “to cease all work”) is one of the main Jewish holy days.  The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between the Israelites and Jehovah God, and it is explicitly commanded in the Ten Commandments. The Israelites were required to observe the Sabbath on this holy day, […]

The Covenant of Salt

The Covenant of Salt refers to an “unbreakable covenant.” In the ancient Middle East’s hot climate, salt was used to preserve food for long periods because its antiseptic properties eliminated microbes that caused spoilage. It also served to flavor, clean, and prevent fermentation. Therefore, in Israelite tradition, salt symbolized “endurance” and was a sign of […]

The Nazirite

A Nazirite (Hebrew: Nazir, meaning “consecrated” or “separated”) was an ancient Hebrew who took a special vow of dedication to God. Both men and women could make this vow to “separate themselves to the LORD.” A Nazirite was forbidden to cut their hair, drink wine or any grape products, or touch a dead body. Initially, […]