Some time ago I wrote a series of articles in which I discussed various resources to aid in studying our Bible’s.  I figured it was time to revisit, just briefly, some suggestions of useful Bible study tools which I utilize in my study of the Bible. I will say at the outset these are not “must haves” but they certainly can be useful aids in our study.

RELIABLE TRANSLATION. This should be apparent. Since the Bible was originally written in Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT) our reading the Bible typically require the use of a translation. While there are no flawless translations, a reliable, sound translation is a must when studying the Bible. The accuracy of the translation and the method of translation used are especially important. There are many translations on the market today that reflect the bias of the translator(s) and this makes them as a whole not suitable for regular study use. Research Bible translations very carefully before choosing.

CONCORDANCES. Many have heard me mention these in Bible classes I have taught. One of the most useful tools the Bible student can have at their disposal is a concordance. A concordance lists words in the Bible alphabetically and gives passages where each word is used. Some concordances are brief; others are more inclusive. Take note that the concordance one uses needs to be based upon the translation of the Bible you have chosen (see above). Some uses of a concordance include: (1) finding many passages about a subject; (2) finding a particular verse if you know one or two words in it; (3) determining the meaning of a word by studying verses where it is used. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (In Strong’s each original-language word is given an entry number in the dictionary of those original language words listed in the back of the concordance. These have become known as the “Strong’s numbers,” Cruden’s Complete Concordance, and Young’s Analytical Concordance are a few.

DICTIONARIES AND LEXICONS. I think most of us at one time or another have been engaged in reading a book or document and come across a word we have no idea what it means. So, we run and grab our trusty Webster’s dictionary or its equivalent and look up the word to find the definition. When studying the Bible this is often not the best way to find the definition of a word. Modern dictionaries give the current meaning of the English word but do not necessarily reflect the meaning of the original Hebrew or Greek word. When seeking to define Bible words, helps would include “expository dictionaries” and lexicons. Vine’s Expository Dictionary, Vincent’s Word Studies, Wuest Word Studies, & Robertson Word Pictures are particularly good. For looking up words in the New Testament – Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, and looking up Old Testament words – Brown, Driver, Briggs Hebrew Lexicon have editions that are coded to Strong’s numbering. No knowledge of the Greek or Hebrew alphabet is needed to use these.

COMMENTARIES. The use of commentaries is a wonderful way to learn more about the Bible. There are sets of commentaries that I would recommend such as: Gospel Advocate (NT only), Coffman (Burton) Commentaries, Dehoff (George) Commentaries, Living Word Commentaries, Truth Commentaries, just to name a few. There are many individual commentaries and studies written by brethren such as: The FourFold Gospel (J.W. McGarvey), Acts (J.W. McGarvey), Romans (R.L. Whiteside), Isaiah, Daniel, & Revelation (Homer Hailey). Remember, to judge what the writer of a commentary says in the same way you would judge what a preacher says from the pulpit, weigh everything said in light of Bible teaching. Beware of commentaries written by members of denominations because at times their denominational bias will come through.

Whether one chooses to utilize Bible study resources I have listed or the many others available is a matter of personal judgment. The important point is that we study our Bible and grow in knowledge of the Word.

-Jerry D. Sturgill

Respect is important. God emphasizes having proper respect for others throughout the Scriptures. The Lord wants His church to have a respectful attitude toward Him and one another. While Timothy was at Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3), Paul—instructing him on the proper esteem he should have toward various people in the church—wrote, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity” (1 Tim. 5:1-2).

The Greek word for “older man” is presbuteros rendered “elder” in the KJV and ASV. Paul did use this term on occasion in a technical sense of one in the office/work of an overseer (in Titus 1, compare verse 5 with verse 7). However, the context in 1 Timothy 5:1 shows Paul is using the word in a general sense of an older man as is reflected in the NKJV, NASB, and ESV. As Jackson notes, “It is clear in this case that ‘elder’ means an older man and not a bishop, as evidenced by the descriptive, ‘elder women,’ in the following verse.”[1]

A younger person is to show an older person respect. An older person may look down upon someone simply because of their youth (1 Tim. 4:12). While this is not fair, the inspired instruction to overcoming this contempt for youth is not sharply criticizing older people, but rather setting the right example. Timothy was a younger man. If he was in his teens when he joined Paul on the second missionary journey in AD 49 (Acts 16:1-3), then he would have been around thirty years of age when Paul wrote 1 Timothy in AD 64/65.  Perhaps he was a little older than this, but nonetheless he had to impart spiritual instruction to those who were older than him. Some were old enough to be his father or mother. How was he to approach this?

As Roper notes, “Just growing old does not guarantee that a person has grown spiritually. Sometimes even older people need correction. There is, however, a right way and a wrong way to correct another Christian.”[2] In correcting an older man, Timothy was not to sharply rebuke him in the sense of assaulting him or giving him a verbal pounding. The word epiplesso rendered “rebuke” here carries the sense of to “strike at” someone.^[3] It connotes a certain harshness that should not be part of Timothy’s approach. It is a different word than elegcho rendered “rebuke” in 1 Timothy 5:20, Titus 1:13, and 2:15 and “reprove” in 2 Timothy 4:2.[4] It is different from the word epitimao rendered “rebuke” in 2 Timothy 4:2 to describe preaching.[5] In correcting him, Timothy was to exhort an older man as he would a father. This appeal would include kindness and respect. This command to exhort (rather than striking at) is the operative verb in the entire sentence of 1 Timothy 5:1-2; thus, it includes not only older men, but extends to all groups mentioned—younger men, older women, and younger women.

The other members of the church were to be respected like family as well. As Jesus promised, those who follow Him receive mothers, brothers, and sisters in fellow followers (Mk. 10:29-30). We should show the care and respect we would to a beloved family member in dealing with one another for indeed we are the family of God.                                      -Mark Day

[1] Wayne Jackson. Before I Die: Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus. (Stockton, CA: Christian Courier, 2007), 133.

[2] David L. Roper. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. Truth for Today Commentary. Ed. Eddie Cloer. (Searcy, AR: Resource, 2017), 213-14.

^[3] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 377.

[4] Ibid., 315.

[5] Ibid., 384.

I know what you are thinking, the title does sound a bit odd. Yet, this is how Paul described Christians when he wrote, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 2:14-15). Paul began by referring to a Roman triumph, which were celebratory processions held for conquering generals returning from successful campaigns. The emperor was first, the victorious general second, and then the troops last. As Paul clearly demonstrated; God leads, Christ is the victorious general, and we follow the lead of our commander. Paul called to mind one of these triumphs to illustrate the magnificence of the Gospel’s triumph. I do not doubt that incense was burned at these celebrations, but in my opinion, the mention of a fragrance that is sweet smelling to God is particularly referring to the incense burned in Old Testament worship (Ex.30:34-38). During VBS two years ago, Amber and I decided to replicate the temple as best we could. Attempting to be a perfectionist, I wanted to include some form of incense because that was how it would have been inside the Lord’s Temple (Lk. 1:9-11). Within thirty minutes, the smell was overpowering and it was difficult to see in such a small space. Consider with me these two things, are you following the lead of Christ in His triumph and how overpowering is the aroma you produce in Christ?

One of my favorite ways to explain the book of Revelation to those who are confused with its meaning is simple; God and Jesus are victorious in the end (Rev.17:14-18). A triumph was a spectacular event in Rome where the victory was gloriously celebrated by all parts of society. No one in Rome during the day of a triumph could claim they were unaware there was a triumph occurring. The same is true for God and Christ. Ultimate victory is assured, our aims should be to follow Christ into the victory of eternal life (1 Cor.15:23-28). You have two options, you can either be a part of the triumph by following Christ or you can be a part of the crowd of onlookers wishing they were among the procession. You do not want to be a part of the onlookers when Christ returns. Instead of a reward, you will be told to depart (Matt. 7:21-23). Will you follow the Lord while you still have a chance? There is no doubt that you will wish you had when this life is over (2 Thes. 1:8-10).

Wherever Paul went during his missionary journeys, people noticed him. As the Gospel continued to spread, the apostle began to having a group of zealous Jews follow him desiring to put an end to his preaching (Acts 13:48-52, 14:1-4, 14:19-20, 17:1-15). This forced Paul to travel to Athens, a gentile nation given over to idolatry (Acts 17:16). Even while Paul is tired, frustrated, on the lam, and provoked concerning the idolatry of this city; he is producing an aroma all of Athens could not help but to smell. Paul went to the synagogue, the marketplace, and the Areopagus preaching the message of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:17-21). If Paul’s aroma of Christ could be noticed by half the city of Athens, why can’t it be the noticed in Flatwoods? Can people smell the aroma of Christ on you from across the room like Paul or do you attempt to mask the Lord’s scent because you are ashamed of Him (Matt. 10:32-33)?

The smell of Christ on us pleases God, only if it is spreading. It is not a special perfume or cologne only meant to be worn on Sunday, but every day its odor must be present to those around us. In closing I would like you to ask yourself this question, “How many of my co-workers or classmates know that I am a Christian?” If the answer is only a few, your aroma needs to be refreshened.

– Brandon Foresha

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” (Jn. 1:47). The Greek word translated “deceit” or “guile” here is δόλος, meaning, “in whom there is nothing false.”^[1] Jesus highlighted the exceptional character of Nathanael in this regard; the pure honesty of this man’s heart was remarkable. Nathanael was an Israelite indeed.  He did not hide his prejudices, but was quick to accept the truth when it was proven to him. “Most men lack this complete sincerity. Professing love to Christ, they still secretly love the world and the flesh; promising faithfulness, the promise does not fully bind their hearts. This δόλος kept the Jewish nation from Christ, proved the curse of Judas, almost wrecked Peter.”^[2]

Nathanael the Israelite stood in contrast to a period in the life of the patriarch Israel, whose name was Jacob, a name which means supplanter or usurper. Though Jacob was the second-born of the twins, he usurped his brother Esau’s place. Vincent wrote, “It is an interesting fact that in Genesis 25:27, Jacob is called a plain man, i.e., as some explain the Hebrew, a perfect or upright man, and others, a man of quiet and simple habits, and that the Septuagint renders this adjective by ἄπλαστος, unfeigned, without disguise, simple, guileless. The Greek here reads literally, in whom guile is not.”^[3] Yet, if that is the meaning in Genesis 25:27, Jacob did not stay that way. The Genesis narrative goes on to describe how Jacob deceived his father Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau. Afterwards, Isaac said to Esau, “Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing” (Gen. 27:35). It is easy to allow deceit to creep into our lives when we think it will benefit us. Jacob may have been a deceiver, but his descendant, Nathanael, was “an Israelite without duplicitous motives who was willing to examine for himself the claims being made about Jesus.”^[4]

Psalm 32:2 says the blessed man is one “in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Nathanael was blessed because of his sincerity. When Philip found Nathanael in John 1:46, Nathanael had some prejudice against Nazareth, but he still came to see if Jesus was the Messiah. Likewise, we must not allow our prejudices to cause us to write people off.  Too often we can deceive ourselves or be tempted to be somewhat false to others instead of dealing with hard truths. Some people do not accept the truth immediately, but must be convinced. Many must overcome long-held, but mistaken notions. Removing deceit from our hearts is not easy but is absolutely necessary if we will be what Jesus wants us to be.

Jesus knew what was in man, as John 2:24 notes, “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.” Thus, He knew Nathanael (Jn. 1:48). Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him (v. 49).  How did Jesus know who he really was on the inside? Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree. He perceived and understood his heart. To Nathanael this supernatural knowledge was enough to convince him that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus promised Nathanael that he would see greater things that this (v. 50).

Jesus showed great miraculous signs that proved He was the Son of God (Jn. 20:30-31). However, the religious leaders, who deceitfully acted holy, rejected this plain truth and covertly plotted His death. Jesus remained true even to the cross. He serves as our example in suffering for righteousness sake as He, “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22; cf. Isa. 53:9). The Lord Jesus can see into our hearts as well; if guile is present, He knows it.

                                                                                                                                                -Mark Day

^[1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 256.

^[2] R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Gospel (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), 168.

^[3] Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 2 (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887), 75.

^[4] D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 160.

God created man with a mind to think. Sometimes questions are used to stimulate the mind to do so. Questions often make people think about important things. At times we find great lessons being taught and grasped by asking questions. Every time a question is asked in the Bible, whether by God or by an inspired man, a great lesson is taught.

In this article, we want to examine some of the great questions of the Bible so as to assist us in better understanding what God would have us to know.

“WHERE ART THOU?” – GENESIS 3:9 – God’s first question to man was a serious one. Adam and Eve were now in sin, trying to hide from God. He saw them, and the condition they were in. The question here is not just a question of where they were physically, but where were they spiritually. Men have been trying to hide from God since that time. Hagar said, “Thou God seest me” (Genesis 16:13). We would be well off to remember this at all times. There is no place where we can hide from the “all seeing eye of God” (Hebrews 4:13). We need to be aware that our sin will find us out (Numbers 32:23).

“AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?” – GENESIS 4:9 – This is the first question asked of God. The background for the question reveals the sin of Cain (Genesis 4:1-8). It is important to realize that we are our “brother’s keeper” (Romans 14:7-21). We should always think what effect our words and actions will have on others (Philippians 2:4).

“IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?” – JOB 14:14 – Job was interested in this question. He was in misery, and it seemed that death was at his door. Over time, this question has lost none of its interest. Thanks to God, the question is plainly answered (John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14). Our life here will determine our life beyond the grave (2 Corinthians 5:10).

“WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED . . .?” – MATTHEW 16:26 – Christ asked this question. By looking at it, we see that it is a two-in-one question. Actually, I know of no answer to it that could be seen as a positive one. It is unanswered, and is unanswerable, as there is nothing but loss when one puts aside the spiritual for the physical!

“WHO THEN, CAN BE SAVED?” – MATTHEW 19:25 – After Jesus’ lesson about a rich man’s difficulty in going to heaven, the question was asked by the disciples (Matthew 19:23, 24). Over the years, many answers have been given by men that have been in error. However, the Bible answers the question in no uncertain terms. Hell will be filled with people who did not intend to go there (Matthew 7:21-23). Many rational people intend to obey the gospel but neglect to do so. They forget that today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). They forget the brevity of life (James 4:14). Life’s brevity and uncertainty makes this question one of great importance.

“WHAT SHALL THE END BE?” – 1 PETER 4:17 – For those outside of Christ, certainly not salvation (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). For those who refuse to remain faithful, a condition that is worse than their previous one outside of Christ is all that remains (2 Peter 2:20-22). For those who were “once enlightened,” but who have “fallen away” and are remaining in that condition there is no hope (Hebrews 6:4-6).

“WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND?” – REVELATION 6:17 – All will be examined in view of God’s Word (John 12:48). Who will be able to stand as righteous in the sight of God? (Mark 13:13; Revelation 2:10; 22:14).

“AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU?” – ACTS 22:16 – This question was asked by an inspired preacher of a praying, believing, penitent Saul. Because of his desire to please the Lord, when he was told what to do, he did it (Acts 9:18).

These, and other questions similar to them, cause us to carefully consider what God would have us to do. We conclude with one more question, “What will you do with Jesus?” (Mark 15:12).From: Brown Trail School of Preaching Website, http://browntrailschoolofpreaching.com/

-Submitted by Jerry D Sturgill