Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: Levi, disciple, evangelist, tax collector, the 12, the twelve, apostle, sermon on the mount, jewish audience, beatitudes, lord's prayer, great commission, parables, olivet discourse, mount of olives, olivet, synoptic

Showing 251 to 275 of 326 results

251. Edom’s Judgment Pronounced and Reaffirmed

Obadiah 1:1-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... : “because”; NEB, RSV: “for”) marks the beginning of the second stanza in this first division of Obadiah’s oracle. This section of the prophecy explains why Yahweh has decreed divine judgment against the Edomites. The list of charges (labeled “violence,” v. 10) levied against Edom is made more weighty by the fact that the wrongdoing has been perpetrated by a brother against a brother (see Gen. 25:24–34; Deut. 23:7). The charges include failure to ally with Judah in resisting a common foe (v ...

252. Baptism and Temptation

Mark 1:9-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... , the Spirit of God had stopped speaking directly to God’s people after the cessation of the great Old Testament prophets. At the advent of the Messiah, however, the long-awaited Spirit would return and reveal God in an unprecedented manner (Isa. 64:1; Testament of Levi 18:6–8; Testament of Judah 24:1–3). The Greek word for “tear” appears again in Mark only at the tearing of the temple curtain at the crucifixion, where Jesus is again recognized as the Son of God. 2. The descent of the Spirit: The ...

253. The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Luke 1:5-25

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... vision. The Herod who is mentioned is Herod the Great (cf. Matt. 2:1–19), who ruled over Palestine from 37 BC to 4 BC. Zechariah and Elizabeth were both from priestly stock, and Zechariah was from the “division of Abijah.” The priestly tribe of Levi was divided into twenty-four divisions, and the division of Abijah was the eighth of the twenty-four (1 Chron. 24:7–18). Each division served in the temple at Jerusalem two weeks every year. To be childless was considered a great reproach among the Jews ...

254. Choosing the Twelve

Luke 6:12-16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of the selection is indicated by verse 12: Jesus spends an entire night in prayer before choosing the Twelve. Simon Peter (6:14) heads up every list of the apostles in the New Testament. Bartholomew is sometimes equated with Nathanael (John 1:44–51). Matthew and Levi (Luke 5:27) are the same person (6:15). The Zealots (6:15) were members of a nationalistic religious party in Israel that led the revolt against Rome. Judas son of James (6:16) should be identified with Thaddaeus in Mark’s list (Mark 3:18 ...

255. Jesus the Lamb of God

John 1:29-34

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... in one respect: two times John remarks that the Spirit descends and remains on Jesus. This permanent anointing stands in stark contrast to the temporary anointing of the Old Testament prophets. This permanence was central to the Jewish depiction of the Messiah (Isa. 11:2; 42:1; cf. Testament of Levi 18:6–7).

256. The Jews and the Law

Romans 2:17-29

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of the prophets (Isa. 3:14–15; Jer. 7:8–11; Ezek. 22:6–12) and of Jesus (Matt. 23:1–39; Luke 11:39–52) and with Jewish literature of the time (Psalms of Solomon 8:8–14; Philo, On the Confusion of Tongues 163; Testament of Levi 14:4–8; Damascus Document 6:16–17). Paul does not target all Jews as individuals; rather, he addresses the Jewish claim that Israel has a privileged position over the Gentiles on account of her possession of the law. He argues in the proposition of verse 23 (which ...

257. Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... section (2:17–3:13) recalls the story of the apostles’ absence from the church and their continued care and concern for the Thessalonians. 2:1–12 · The apostolic entrance:At first glance, this section appears to be a defense against criticisms levied against the character of the apostles. The critique of their character may have originated with the unconverted Thessalonians (2:14) or perhaps members of the church itself who questioned why the apostles came, left, but then did not return. What kind of ...

258. Jesus Like Melchizedek

Hebrews 7:11-28

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of another priest in the order of Melchizedek (7:12–17). The law was served by the priesthood that upheld it, and the priesthood was, in turn, regulated by the law. But the law made no provision for a priesthood outside the tribe of Levi, and Jesus was of Judah. Christ’s appointment as priest and all the more as an eternal priest of a wholly different order thus constitutes a superseding of the Levitical institutions and a further demonstration that they were by no means God’s definitive provision ...

259. Let Us Love One Another!

1 John 4:7-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... motivating righteous living, right belief, and right relationship with other believers. Therefore, amid the centrifugal forces of worldly temptations, community defections, and false teachings, the appeal to follow the loving commandment of the Lord becomes the centripetal force levied to create relational harmony and corporate solidarity. This love-producing agenda is conveyed by means of three strategic appeals. 4:7–10 · We love because God has first loved us: The first appeal to love one another roots ...

260. The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus

Luke 3:21-38

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... Gospel of Thomas, The History of Joseph the Carpenter, etc. Heli: According to Matt. 1:16 Joseph’s father was Jacob. 3:24–26 Matthat … Joda: Nothing is known about these persons. They are not to be confused with biblical characters of the same name (such as Levi, Amos, or Nahum). It is not likely that Matthat is to be identified with Matthan of Matt. 1:15. 3:27 Joanan, the son of Rhesa: Leaney (p. 112) and others have suggested that Rhesa is meant to be the Aramaic word for “prince” and that the ...

261. Samaritan Opposition

Luke 9:51-56

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... According to 2 Kings 17:24–34, the people of Samaria were Gentiles, not Israelites, brought into the land from Cutha (hence they are frequently called “Kutim” or “Cutheans”). Jews regarded the Samaritans with contempt, considering them as fools (Sir. 50:25–26; Testament of Levi 7.2) and idolaters (Genesis Rabbah 81.3), who were killed with divine approval (Jubilees 30:5–6, 23). Brodie (pp. 207–15) works out numerous points of contact between Luke 9:51–56 and 2 Kings 1:1–2:1. 9:54 to call ...

262. Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-two

Luke 10:1-24

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... , 14–15; 20:2. The snake whose head is crushed in Gen. 3:15 was sometimes understood as Satan (as may be the case in Rom. 16:20). To trample on these powers is to exercise dominion over them. Marshall (p. 429) cites a good parallel from the Testament of Levi 18:12: “And Beliar [Satan] shall be bound by him [the coming priest], and he shall give power to his children to tread upon the evil spirits.” On demons see HBD, pp. 217–18. 10:21 through the Holy Spirit: Some mss. read “in his [i.e., Jesus ...

263. God's Wrath Against Mankind

Romans 1:18-32

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... arrogance and malice listed in 1:29–31. For biblical and extrabiblical references to homosexuality, see Gen. 19:1–28; Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Deut. 23:17f.; 1 Kings 14:24; 2 Kings 23:7; Isa. 1:9; 3:9; Lam. 4:6; Wisd. of Sol. 14:26; T. Levi 17.1; Sib. Or. 2.73; 3.596ff.; Philo, Spec. Leg. 3.39; NT: Matt. 10:14f.; 11:23f.; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Pet. 2:6ff.; Jude 7. For studies of homosexuality in the Gentile world, see Encyclopaedia Britannica (1964), vol. 11, p. 648. For ...

264. Life Through the Spirit

Romans 8:1-17

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... in several late manuscripts (“who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit”) is almost certainly an interpolation from v. 4. See Metzger, TCGNT, p. 515. 8:2 For references to the outpouring of the Spirit in Jewish literature, see T. Jud. 24; T. Levi 18; Jub. 1:23; and the material gathered in Str-B, vol. 3, p. 240. The Greek text presents a difficult choice at 8:2. The NIV reads, “through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death ...

265. Personal Greetings

Romans 16:1-27

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (v. 20). Obvious here is the allusion to Genesis 3:15 as well as to the thought which arose during the intertestamental period that the Messiah would endue his followers with power over evil forces (e.g., T. Levi 18.12). 16:21–24 The brief benediction in verse 20b (which can also be found in some manuscripts as verse 24) would be a fitting conclusion to Romans. But Paul gives the impression of not wanting to draw the epistle to a close. In verse 21 he ...

266. The Woman and the Dragon

Revelation 12:1--13:1a

Understanding Series

Robert W. Wall

... ’s sojourn in the wilderness (12:6), also concludes (contra Caird, Revelation, pp. 152–56) the ancient war in heaven between Michael, “champion and sponsor of the people of God” (Boring, Revelation, p. 154; cf. Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; T. Dan 6:2; T. Levi 5:7), and the dragon and his angels. The dragon was not strong enough, losing both the battle and his place in heaven, and so is hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. This summary of the war in heaven occupies a strategic place in John ...

267. The Rider on the White Horse

Revelation 19:11-21

Understanding Series

Robert W. Wall

... , it is at the parousia of the Word expressed as slain Lamb that the age will come to its conclusion. 19:14–16 The armies of heaven may consist of angels as most scholars contend. This association agrees with the Jewish apocalyptic tradition (cf. T. Levi 3:3) and would have been understood by John and his audience; however, their eschatological dress of fine linen, white and clean, together with their white horses calls to mind the eschatological community (cf. Rev. 7:9–17; 14:4; 19:8; 22:14). Further ...

268. Jesus Is Coming

Revelation 22:7-21

Understanding Series

Robert W. Wall

... 1QPs J 9–18; 1QM 9.6; 4QPBless 5.27), the midrashim on Numbers 24:17 interpret “Jacob’s star” as predicting a Davidic messiah. Typically, these commentaries depict a period of release from suffering following the advent of this eschatological “star” (T. Levi 18:3–14; T. Jud. 24:1–6). Against this background, John’s reference to a Morning Star reflects the Jewish tradition of a Davidic Messiah, who is Jesus. D. Aune has recently argued that the pronoun you refers to “the prophetic circle ...

269. The Census

Numbers 1:1-54

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

... summarize the census procedures and reiterate the total of 603,550.) 1:47–54 Having recounted the numbering of the lay tribes, the text turns to the Levites. They are not to be part of the census. The Levites are described as the tribe of Levi, but here the emphasis is on their tasks related to the tabernacle. The Levites are both tribe and professional guild. They are not part of the military presence of the people but have another responsibility—namely, care for the tabernacle. The tabernacle of the ...

270. Sheba Rebels Against David

2 Samuel 20:1-26

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

... Deuteronomic thinking regarding the importance of the covenant community and the need to maintain and strengthen national links. The idea is that the whole nation would be diminished by the destruction of one of its member towns in this way. 20:22 The irregular levied troops were dismissed immediately after they completed the action to which they were called. They had no need to return to a base in Jerusalem before going home. This perhaps explains why it took time to recall the Judean troops (v. 4), even ...

271. Jesus and Beelzebub

Matthew 12:22-37

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... been overpowered by Jesus and is therefore unable to prevent him from plundering his goods (exorcizing those possessed by demons and thereby belonging to Satan). According to popular Jewish thought, Satan would be bound in the end times (Ass. Mos. 10.1; Test. Levi 18.1; cf. Rev. 20:2). Jesus’ miraculous deeds prove that Satan is powerless to resist, and therefore the eschatological kingdom has begun. Gundry holds that Matthew turns the saying to another end. Jesus is the “strong man,” and his “goods ...

272. The Incomparable God of Condescension and Exaltation

Psalm 113:1-9

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... the servants of the Lord (v. 1) are the general congregation or Levitical singers in particular. The opening verse of Psalm 135 calls on the same group, and its closing verses call on Yahweh-fearers and the houses of Israel, of Aaron, and of Levi, thus implying all Israel are considered his servants. Perhaps we should envisage a Levitical choir singing the prescribed words of the psalm on behalf of a congregation. In Jewish tradition, Psalms 113–118 form “the Hallel” to be sung at Passover (cf. Mark ...

273. Nocturnal Praise

Psalm 134:1-3

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... “servants,” Psalm 135, the following psalm probably supports the latter suggestion. The opening call to praise in Psalms 134:1 and 135:1–2 have virtually identical terminology and the closing call to praise in Psalm 135:19–21 addresses Israel, Aaron, Levi, and “you who fear him.” Because the NIV consistently (mis-)translates the imperative “Bless (Hb. bārûk) the LORD” as praise the LORD, it misses a decisive wordplay. As worshipers are commanded to “bless the LORD” (vv. 1–2), so he ...

274. Paying Taxes to Caesar

Matthew 22:15-22

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... him with attempting to incite rebellion. If he approved paying the tax, he would lose his popularity with the people. It would appear that there was no way he could answer the question and not come out the loser. The tax referred to was a poll tax levied on every person from the time of puberty until the age of sixty-five. It was paid to the Imperial Exchequer in Roman currency. The tax was resented by the Jewish populace, because it reminded them that they were subject to a foreign power that had seized ...

275. The Birth of Jesus Foretold

Luke 1:26-38

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... promised in Gen. 49:10; 2 Sam. 7:9–16; Isa. 9:1–7; 11:1–3. Although there was no uniform concept of the Messiah, or Christ (see commentary on 2:11), with some believing that he would be a priest and therefore would be from the tribe of Levi, the most popular view was that the Messiah would be a “son of David” who would liberate Israel (e.g., Pss. Sol. 17:23–51). Unlike the question of Zechariah (v. 18) Mary’s question, How can this be? (v. 34) carries no connotation of unbelief. Since Mary is ...

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