“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians rejects distinctions between categories of groups like Jew and Gentile, slave and free, and even male and female, for all are one in Christ.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
False teachers were telling believers that in order to follow Christ they also had to become Jews. Paul points out the familiar trap into which some religious Jews had fallen — the temptation to teach that works, and not grace alone, was necessary to receive God’s salvation.
Category: Epistle
Theme: Freedom
Timeline: Written around AD 48
Key Verse
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” — Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
The Ruler of This Age
When Paul writes of “this evil age,” he is not referring to a literal period of time but rather the systems of the world that are ruled by the Accuser of the Saints. The churches of Galatia were giving into this system by embracing false teachings, when God had something much better for them in Christ.
Galatians is the only epistle Paul wrote that does not contain a commendation for its readers — that obvious omission reflects how urgently he felt about confronting the defection and defending the essential doctrine of justification.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Commercials advertise for it. Politicians claim voting for their party will bring you joy. Apparently even eating certain foods will conjure a bit of joy like a magic potion.
But the thing is, joy is different than happiness. Happiness is based on circumstances, like buying the latest car or whether your politician won or eating a piece of chocolate. Happiness is external. But joy is transcendent. Joy comes from God.
When we surrender to God, when we know Him, we see life differently. Joy is the fruit of knowing Him.
This is why believers can even have joy in suffering as James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2, NIV).
But perhaps, we don’t even know how to experience joy. Joy can be a scary emotion. It feels a bit like anxiety. It feels like the bottom is falling out, like we are out of control… because, we are. It is when we reframe that freefall as surrender, we turn anxiety into joy.
Maybe you’re like me. You’ve lived in survival mode for such a long time, waiting for the next crisis to happen, that you can’t allow yourself a bit of happiness. Joy feels like an indulgence. Sometimes it even feels dangerous.
We’ve heard “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). It comes from a verse in the book of Nehemiah. After seventy long years in Babylonian exile, the Israelites returned to their land, shell-shocked. They felt guilty for the lack of faith that had put them in exile to begin with. They were weeping and mourning when the prophet Nehemiah gave them a word from the Lord: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
He told them to cook a feast to celebrate the rebuilding of the wall around the temple. The message was clear: It was time to live joyously.
Maybe like the Israelites — or to a much lesser degree, like me — you have suffered. Maybe you don’t feel like you can be joyful, don’t know how to, don’t deserve to. But joy can follow suffering. We should not be frightened of it. Rather, walking through joy and suffering allows us to see the disparity between the two.
So how do we live a joy-filled life?
Gratitude
Joy begets joy. Joy is the presence of God in our life. He tries to grab our attention in quiet whispers, in a way that is very specific to each of us. Notice where He is calling to you in love. Life is filled with small moments of grace. The big ones don’t come that often. Look for those small moments of where Jesus is breaking through with His grace. For one person it may be nature. For another, chanced encounters with a stranger. For another it might be working through a tough problem at work. God reaches out to each of us specifically according to our personalities and interests. Notice these things. Acknowledge them. Thank God for these small mercies.
In his book Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis writes of moments throughout his life when he found joy. When he became a Christian, he realized that all those moments of joy happened when God was present. Joy was when God was pursuing Him through imagination, education, and relationships. Lewis equated joy with God Himself.
Joy doesn’t have to be something big. It is the small stuff that builds a joy-filled life. God is there in those moments. When I share joy with others. And when I let Him, His joy, be my strength.
Be in the Present Moment
Jesus tells us, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-26, NIV).
We need to be very present to the very moment we are in. Where is Jesus in this moment? Is He here with our family as we make dinner? As we laugh or maybe even argue? Of course, He is. When we practice being in the moment, we will notice His presence in our everyday lives.
When we practice being in the very moment with Jesus, we see small moments as holy. Peeling an orange, folding laundry or sitting in silence all pulsate with His presence and holiness. And, when we live in the present, the future is less scary.
Surrender to Jesus and His Plan for You
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is the fruit of knowing Jesus. We know Jesus when we surrender control over our lives to Him. He has a better plan for our lives than we could ever imagine. Even when things get difficult, when we surrender control to Him, situations that once seemed difficult are viewed in a new light; in light of Jesus being with you to walk through difficult situations.
Do not wait for the big things to happen but find there is abundance today. Each day holds joy in the mundane and the magnificent — we just need to learn to see.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
What small thing can you be grateful for? Now find five more. How does gratitude reshape the way you view life? Is this life one of scarcity or abundance?
Is joy a scary emotion for you to feel? Why?
What are some small activities in your daily schedule that bring you joy or make you feel closer to God?
Practice being present. Where is Jesus right now? Is He in the room with you? What is He saying to you? What is He hoping you will hear?
In Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight, Shemaiah Gonzalez presents a collection of short essaysrecommending a fresh view on life, through her own experiences and discovery of finding joy in both the mundane and magnificent. Gonzalez teaches us to see joy as a way of life, giving us permission to claim God’s goodness even in a broken world — and to share it with abandon.
Palm Sunday is here — the day in many churches when Sunday School children parade into church waving palm branches (or here in the cool Pacific Northwest, fern branches), much to the older church members’ delight.
It’s a lovely tradition, though its cute factor may not fully represent the intensity of the day it commemorates — Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem — just a few days before his brutal crucifixion. Jesus himself, of course, was only too painfully aware of the contrast, and that the jubilant crowds would turn on him in a matter of days.
To understand the nuances as Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem unfolds, let’s have a look at how different languages portray this day in the Bible. These examples come from the freely available Translation Insights & Perspectives (TIPs) tool, an interactive library of data that gives us a deeper understanding of how people from around the world talk to and about God.
The Donkey
Many sermons have explained that the donkey Jesus chose to ride symbolizes both victory and humility as laid out in Zechariah 9:9. And most of us know the stereotypical characteristics of a donkey, like their long ears and proverbial stubbornness. But reading the story in languages from cultures where donkeys are an integral part of daily life can help us understand deeper layers to the story.
For example, when Jesus sends two of his disciples to find a “colt that had never been ridden” in Luke 19:30 and Mark 11:2, this lengthy descriptive phrase in English comes from an equally lengthy phrase in Greek (“pōlon eph’ hon oudeis oupō anthrōpōn ekathisen”).
Why?
Because neither language has a single term to describe such an animal. Speakers of Kalmyk in Southern Russia, however, do have a specialized word — “arkhlata“ — for exactly that concept: “a colt that has never been ridden.” Through their precise language and cultural experience, the 80,000 speakers of Kalmyk therefore have a much easier way to immediately visualize the unpredictability and unruliness of Jesus’ never-ridden young donkey.
Arhuaco speakers — a language spoken by about 15,000 people in Colombia — also intimately understand the wildness of Jesus’ transportation, so the Arhuaco translators clarify in their translation that when the disciples sat Jesus on the colt, they “held the colt steady.” Is this an unwarranted addition to their translation? The translators made a judgment call that if they didn’t insert that explanation, the Arhuaco Bible readers would assume that Jesus had performed a miracle by getting up on that ornery unbroken donkey by himself.
The Branches
The previous examples illustrate how the choice of vocabulary is determined by the surrounding culture. Sometimes, however, the grammatical rules of a language determine what needs to be communicated and how.
Chilcotin, spoken by 4,000 people in British Columbia, Canada, forced its translators to communicate how the people cut branches as specified in Matthew and Mark. This language requires its speakers to specify the tools used in any action (like English needs to specify whom or what I love when I say “I love…”). After researching the tools that were most likely used in Biblical times, the Chilcotin Bible translation team had the Israelites cut the palms with a knife-like tool — “xadajelht’az.”
Only the Gospel of John mentions that the branches came from palm trees, even though palms don’t generally thrive in the high altitude of Jerusalem. If the crowds indeed used palms, the date palm trees in question grow between 33 and 66 feet, with the fronds all the way at the top of the tree. A number of languages try to side-step the specification of palm branches, including Alekano of Papua New Guinea, which idiomatically calls them “leafy decorative things.”
Hosanna!
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd cries out “Hosanna!” The only use of this term in the New Testament is in connection with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, but it is actually a transliteration from the Old Testament. It comes from Psalm 118:25 and declares “Please, save us” or hō·wō·šî·‘āh nā in Hebrew, which in turn became Hōsanna in Greek and eventually in English.
“Here is this one who will save us, this one who comes”
“Let him be saved”
“God will help us now”
“Let him be praised!”
Matthew 21:10 also tells us that as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city was stirred or in turmoil. Other languages use terms like “disturbed,” “excited,” “startled,” “in-an-uproar,” “(the people were) so surprised,” or “overwhelmed.” Biblical artist Sadao Watanabe translates this artistically into a serene, possibly sad, and almost other-worldly Jesus riding through what truly looks like turmoil:
Hand colored stencil print on momigami by Sadao Watanabe (1982). Image taken with permission from the SadaoHanga Catalogue.
The Order of Events
If you read the whole story of the triumphal entry in the Gospel of John, the order of events can seem a bit jumbled. In the other gospels, Jesus requests the colt, receives it, and rides it into Jerusalem as the crowd throws cloaks and branches on the road before him. But in John, the crowd converges with branches before Jesus sits on the donkey. In our language and culture, we (consciously or subconsciously) recognize this as a way to heighten the tension of the unfolding events, but translators into other languages saw it as a potential stumbling block and reordered the story.
For the 1,800 speakers of Wichí Lhamtés Nocten in Bolivia, the translators rendered the narrative with Jesus first mounting the donkey, then the disciples telling the crowd about Lazarus and the crowd excitedly responding by celebrating Jesus’ entry. This is followed by the disciples’ confusion and the Pharisees’ frustration. You can find this “logical” order of events in this entry which more closely follows the way the other gospel writers tell it.
The crowds who shouted about peace in Heaven amidst the chaos and drama of Jesus riding into Jerusalem didn’t fully understand what they were saying. They couldn’t know of the horrific things that were about to unfold — but neither did they know about the glorious events that would take place in exactly one week’s time. From our vantage point, we know that the ultimate outcome of all the events of Holy Week is that our relationship to God truly is now peaceful. Hosanna!
Explore every facet of Holy Week with Bible Gateway’s guides to the most pivotal events in the Christian calendar:
Genesis 3 explains how sin crashes into creation and then proceeds to ruin everything and everyone. And yet we’ll also see a spark of God’s promise about how he will — one day — clean this whole mess up by finally crushing the head of the serpent, Satan’s mouthpiece.
And something curious happens in the last two acts for those who have skipped ahead to read the gospels: we see the foreshadowing of Jesus even in the midst of humanity’s low point.
The Makings of a Tragedy
Once the fruit touches their tongues, Adam and Eve are welcomed into a world of shame and separation — from each other, from their God, from the creation they’re meant to care for. That’s what sin really does: the scintillation lasts a few seconds, but the shame and separation stick. They used to hear God’s voice and heed it, now they hear it and hide (Gn. 3:8, 10).
You might be wondering to yourself, “Hang on. Why are Adam and Eve still alive? Was the serpent right?” After all, it said that when they ate the forbidden fruit, they wouldn’t die (as God had warned) but their “eyes will be opened, and [they] will be like God” (Gn. 3:5). Did you notice how Moses describes what happens immediately after they sinned? “Then the eyes of both of them were opened.” Now, if the serpent was right, we’d expect the next phrase to explain how they became like God. After all, their eyes are now opened.
But Moses shows us the opposite.
Adam and Eve’s open eyes force them to stare at their shame and vulnerability; to see that they are, in fact, not like God. What they thought would bring them to some kind of heightened divine consciousness has in fact shattered their unique connection to the divine.
After Adam and Eve plead guilty (Gn. 3:12–13), all that is left is for the judge of the universe to hand down his sentence. Three perpetrators, three guilty verdicts, three sentences — Adam and Eve’s first, and then the serpent’s — and that is where we should linger: Genesis 3:15.
It’s a surprising and significant verse because it contains breaking news: Adam and Eve will bear offspring. The death God decreed didn’t mean the end of the human experiment. It’s significant because it describes the conflict at the heart of our continued existence: the seed of the woman versus the seed of the serpent.
The Crushed Head of the Serpent
Does this verse mean we’re about to get a bunch of stories about human heroes crushing some cobras? No. Is Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark based on a true story? Also — and unfortunately — no.
The heart of this conflict has nothing to do with skin versus scales and everything to do with trusting God versus rejecting God. Through God’s curse of the serpent, Moses reiterates the stakes of existence.
Those who disdain God’s Word and decide to live their own way prove to be offspring of the serpent. But those who align with God’s purposes prove to be offspring of Eve. Though Eve is the mother of all the living (Gn. 3:20), not all are her offspring in this sense.
The Gospel’s First Echo in Genesis
At the end of Genesis 3:15, the Lord makes a prediction that will reverberate throughout the rest of Scripture. It would be simplistic to say that all of Scripture is about this. And yet it would be shortsighted to ignore how vital this promise is to its main storyline.
You might be thinking, “Um, isn’t the Bible ultimately about Jesus?”
Yes, of course. And it’s right here that he first shows up. Look again at the final line of God’s verdict: “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Who’s the “he”?
Who could have imagined that God was talking about himself here? Who could have imagined God would deal death its deathblow through the death and resurrection of his Son? As we read through Scripture, we find our fair share of head crushers. But all of these temporary heroes eventually get swallowed up by death. Though they strike the serpent’s head, the curse of sin still crushes them.
Until Jesus shows up. He’s temporarily swallowed up by death before he swallows death up in victory — and then spits it out when he walks out of the grave.
The first spark of the gospel shows up in Genesis 3:15. The bad news for the serpent is good news for us. His curse is our blessing.
The Gracious Exile
Imagine the scene as Adam and Eve are sentenced for their sin. The Judge’s final words — “And to dust you will return” — linger in the air. It’s tense, somber, serious.
What do you expect to happen next? If this were a true-crime documentary on Netflix, the perpetrators would stand there, slack jawed as they wordlessly contemplate their terrible fate. The judge would tap his gavel and then disappear through the back. But here? A different scene unfolds. These perpetrators do stand silent. But this judge drops his gavel, steps down from his bench, and covers up the superficial cause of the assailants’ shame.
We could say Genesis 3:15 is the first step on the Bible’s long road to get to Jesus. Perhaps we’ve already found the second step in Genesis 3:21: “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (NIV). Did he use needle and thread? A sewing machine? No, he used a sacrifice. Moses’ audience would have read this and immediately thought of bulls and goats and priests. And they’d have been right. The Levitical sacrificial system was their life, for it was a “reminder of sins” (Heb. 10:3). And what a gracious system it was!
How else would God’s people persist in God’s presence? But we should read Genesis 3:21 and immediately think of Jesus. Because we know “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). How gracious and powerful is Jesus! Only his death can provide unfettered access to God forever.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Because though there are sparks of hope, Moses knows that this part of the story is a tragedy — at least for now.
Adam and Eve are banished from paradise. They’re kicked out of their home, and the path toward the tree of life is now guarded by cherubim with a flaming sword. Is there another way in?
It takes the rest of the Bible to answer that question.
From Nephilim and Melchizedek to Lot’s family and the binding of Isaac, careful readers of the Bible have many questions about Genesis and how it all connects to the Bible’s larger thread. In From Eden to Egypt, Alex Duke gives everyday Christians a guided tour of these wonderful stories so that they’ll see — perhaps for the first time — that it’s all there for a reason.
You can also deepen your study into the glimpses of Easter throughout the Bible with Bible Gateway Plus. Bible Gateway Plus gives you quick, convenient access to dozens of digital study Bibles, commentaries, and reference books, all of them seamlessly integrated into your online Bible reading! Try it free and see what a difference it makes in your reading and study of God’s Word.
“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians warns them — and us — to guard against false apostles by using him as a model.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Paul expresses his joy for the church, explains the troubles he had experienced for the gospel, and educates them on living the Christian life. Paul emphasizes the integrity he modeled in their midst, warns them to deal with the troublemakers, and tells them to prepare for his next visit.
Category: Epistle
Theme: Weakness
Timeline: Written around AD 56
Key Verse
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Apostle vs. Apostle
In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes of his relief and joy at their repentance, but his main concern was:
To defend his apostleship
Exhort the Corinthians to resume preparations for the collection for the poor at Jerusalem
After writing 1 Corinthians, Paul apparently made a “painful visit” to the church in Corinth and wrote a “severe letter” (now lost) to correct the abuses he found.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
I found myself on a platform two hundred feet above the ground, staring at a bungee cord that would soon be strapped to my ankles. This wasn’t something I had planned — I hate heights. But moments earlier, I had carelessly blurted out to my high school classmates, “I’d do that, but I’m not going to spend forty bucks on it,” wanting to appear tough while secretly hoping no one would call my bluff.
Then I heard a commotion behind me, and one of the girls in my class pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and asked, “Would this help?”
My careless words had led me to this precarious moment, facing my worst fear with a full-time 7-Eleven employee/part-time bungee jump operator (not exactly the aerospace engineer I’d hoped for) preparing to strap a glorified rubber band to my ankles. I stood frozen, unable to jump, silently begging for someone to push me. When I asked the attendant if he could give me a shove, he replied they weren’t legally allowed to push people off. His suggestion? “Close your eyes and fall. Anybody can do that.”
And so I did — not a graceful bungee jump, but a terrified bungee fall.
I learned an important lesson that day: Be careful with the words you speak, especially to yourself. One careless comment led me to falling 200 feet through the air. But the words we speak to ourselves can lead us to much more significant falls.
In the constant noise of our digital age, our minds are battlefields. Every day, we process thousands of thoughts, many of which shape our lives in ways we don’t fully recognize. As the writer of Proverbs wisely observed thousands of years ago, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23, GNT).
But how often do we stop to examine the patterns of thinking that dominate our inner landscape and consider how they ultimately determine the direction of our lives?
The Battle for Your Mind
Each day, the average person has between 30,000 and 60,000 thoughts. Research suggests that approximately 90% of these are repetitive — the same thoughts cycling through our minds day after day. Just as water flowing down a hillside eventually carves a path that becomes deeper and more defined with each rainfall, our repeated thoughts create mental channels that our thinking naturally follows. These thought patterns — some healthy, many destructive — become the default settings of our minds.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul writes about “taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” This powerful metaphor suggests an intentional, even militant approach to our thinking.
The biblical command to take our thoughts captive aligns with what neuroscience tells us about neuroplasticity, our brain’s remarkable capacity to form new neural connections throughout life. This God-given ability means we aren’t prisoners of our existing thought patterns. With intentional effort and divine help, we can create new mental pathways.
The Patterns That Hold Us Captive
Our culture has particular thought patterns that it constantly reinforces. Like water rushing into existing channels, these cultural patterns flow into our minds through what we watch, listen to, scroll through, and consume.
Consider five dominant patterns that shape much of our thinking today:
The Pattern of Insecurity: Thoughts that whisper “I’m not enough” or “I don’t have what it takes” plague many of us. Often disguised as perfectionism or masked by achievements, this pattern leads us to seek validation in all the wrong places rather than finding our identity in Christ.
The Pattern of Distraction: In our hyper-connected world, our attention is increasingly fragmented. The average person checks their phone 2,617 times daily and spends nearly seven hours looking at screens. This constant stimulation makes focused attention — especially spiritual attention — increasingly difficult.
The Pattern of Offense: We live in what might be called an “age of rage,” where taking offense has become almost recreational. Being offended triggers dopamine release and creates a sense of righteous positioning, making it neurologically addictive.
The Pattern of Pleasure: Our culture tells us that pursuing immediate happiness is life’s highest goal. Yet this pattern often leads to choices that provide momentary pleasure at the expense of lasting joy.
The Pattern of Despair: When difficulties arise, our thoughts can spiral into hopelessness. This pattern keeps us focused on problems rather than possibilities, on our limitations rather than God’s power.
These patterns don’t just influence our thinking — they shape our emotions, direct our decisions, regulate our relationships, and guide our goals. They ultimately determine who we become.
Breaking Free Through Passion Week
The journey of Passion Week (also known as Holy Week) — from Palm Sunday to Easter — provides a powerful framework for examining and transforming these harmful thought patterns. During this pivotal week in history, Jesus confronted and overcame every broken human pattern, replacing them with divine patterns of thinking and living.
As we walk with Jesus through each day of Holy Week, we encounter specific moments that directly address our modern thought struggles:
On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem secure in His identity and mission while crowds projected their expectations onto Him — showing us how to break the pattern of insecurity.
On Holy Monday, Jesus cleansed the temple of distractions that had overtaken sacred space — demonstrating how to overcome the pattern of distraction.
On Holy Tuesday, Jesus faced relentless opposition and attacks without becoming defensive or offensive — revealing how to break the pattern of offense.
On Holy Wednesday, Judas’s betrayal for thirty pieces of silver contrasted with the woman who poured out expensive perfume on Jesus — illustrating the difference between pursuing fleeting pleasure and lasting joy.
During Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Jesus faced overwhelming despair in Gethsemane and on the cross yet surrendered to the Father’s purposes — showing us how to transform despair into determined faith.
Holy Saturday teaches us how to wait in the silence when God seems absent, while Easter Sunday reveals the ultimate pattern of victory that overcomes all broken human patterns.
Each day of Passion Week offers not just historical remembrance but practical patterns for renewing our minds. By intentionally engaging with Jesus’ journey to the cross and empty tomb, we discover concrete ways to take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Him.
A Journey of Transformation
I have learned that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve spent most of my adult life thinking about these issues, both as a pastor and as someone who struggles with my own harmful thought patterns.
A few years back, I saw this play out when I was writing a sermon on this very topic. As I prepared to teach on fixing our thoughts on what is true, noble, pure, and lovely, my home was robbed — for the second time in five months. The first robbery occurred while we were at church on a Sunday morning, which was discouraging enough, but we managed to keep a good attitude.
This second time, however, my attitude wasn’t so great. They took my computer and iPad with work I hadn’t backed up. I was frustrated and angry, complaining to anyone who would listen.
One day that week, while still stuck in my sour attitude, my assistant came in and said, “I want to let you know about a situation that needs prayer.” She told me about a young missionary couple with a newborn baby in Somalia whom we support. They had been arrested and imprisoned for sharing their faith. I stopped what I was doing and prayed for them — and my lens shifted a little, giving me better perspective on my own frustrations.
Later that same day, I walked into my office and found a book someone had sent me: Forty Days on the Front Lines with Persecuted Christians. As I flipped through it, I thought, “OK, I get it, Lord!”
I stepped out of my office and told my assistant, “My attitude hasn’t been very good today. I’m sorry. Hearing about that missionary couple and seeing this book on my desk helped shift my perspective.” I turned to walk back to my office, and she said, “I thought it might.”
That’s what I needed. I was focused on my problems, and the reality was that in the bigger picture — what’s happening around the world, what other people are living with — my perspective was off. I needed to change what I was looking for so my perspective would change.
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Just as our harmful thought patterns developed over time, renewing our minds is a process of consistent, intentional practice. The neural pathways of destructive thinking weren’t formed in a day, and neither will the new pathways of Christ-centered thinking be.
Renewal Is Possible
Yet Scripture promises that this transformation is not only possible but expected: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, NIV). This renewal happens as we:
Recognize our existing thought patterns.
Refuse to let them continue unchallenged.
Replace them with God’s truth.
Repeat this process until new patterns form.
This Holy Week provides a perfect opportunity to begin this journey of transformation. As we walk with Jesus through His final days, we can allow His example and sacrifice to reshape how we think about ourselves, others, circumstances, pleasure, pain, and purpose.
I’ve created an 8-day devotional journey through Passion Week which offers daily readings that connect each moment of Christ’s journey with our modern thought struggles. Each day includes Scripture, reflections on how Jesus confronted these patterns, practical application steps, and guided prayer.
Whether you’re struggling with insecurity, battling constant distraction, quick to take offense, caught in pleasure-seeking, or drowning in despair, Jesus has already walked the path to victory. His journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday reveals not just what He did for us but how we can live in the power of His resurrection, with renewed minds and transformed lives.
As we prepare for Holy Week, let’s commit to more than remembering historical events. Let’s embark on a journey of transformation, taking every thought captive and allowing Jesus’ pattern to replace our broken ones. For when our thinking changes, everything changes.
Deepen your study into the full meaning of Easter with Bible Gateway Plus. Bible Gateway Plus gives you quick, convenient access to dozens of digital study Bibles, commentaries, and reference books, all of them seamlessly integrated into your online Bible reading! Try it free and see what a difference it makes in your reading and study of God’s Word.
Looking for Bible verses for Holy Week and Easter? Here are portions of Scripture to help focus your reading and help you walk with Jesus through each day of Holy Week. For each day, we’ll provide a key verse or two in a variety of translations (you can click into the verse to read it in your preferred version), and links to read the entire passage in each Gospel.
Are you a pastor? (Or someone interested in traditional Christianity?) We’ll also provide links to the associated Lectionary passages for Year C (2025). (For those who aren’t familiar, the Lectionary are daily Bible readings that follow the church liturgical year. They’re used by most traditional Protestant denominations and Catholics.) Don’t forget: Bible Gateway offers Lectionary reading plans delivered daily straight to your inbox in your favorite translation.
Palm Sunday
Key Verse:
The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” — John 12:12-13 (NIV)
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. — Mark 12:29-31 (KJV)
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he told his disciples,“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” — Matthew 26:1-2 (NET)
Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priestsand said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. — Matthew 26:14-15 (NASB)
After taking the bread and giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”In the same way, he took the cup after the meal and said, “This cup is the new covenant by my blood, which is poured out for you.” — Luke 22:19-20 (CEB)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:34-35 (ESV)
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? … They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. — Psalm 22:1, 18 (NIV)
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. — Luke 23:33-34 (ESV)
And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” … Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. — Matthew 27:46, 50 (NRSVUE)
Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. — Mark 15:46 (NLT)
And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. — Luke 23:55-56 (NKJV)
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomband saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. — 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceitwas found in his mouth; [Is. 53:9] when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed [Is. 53:5]. — 1 Peter 2:21-24 (CSB)
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. — Isaiah 43:19 (NRSVUE)
The best way to study and explore all these Easter verses and more is with Bible Gateway Plus. Bible Gateway Plus gives you quick, convenient access to dozens of digital study Bibles, commentaries, and reference books, all of them seamlessly integrated into your online Bible reading! Try it free and see what a difference it makes in your reading and study of God’s Word.
Easter is the most significant event in the Christian church calendar. Without the events of Holy Week, there wouldn’t be a Christian faith. Easter is the reason the Christian church exists!
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his execution on a Roman cross. That moment of resurrection is the core of Easter — but the days leading up to Easter are key parts of the story, too. The interplay of prophecy, friendship, betrayal, and grace during the final days before Jesus’ crucifixion is full of insight into human nature — and God’s love.
Have you read the Easter story recently? You’ve probably heard or read many of the most famous episodes in the Easter account, but it’s truly a story meant to be read as a coherent whole. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to explore the Easter story.
Where Can I Read the Easter Story?
The Easter story is told in four different places in the Bible. Each of the accounts (there’s one in each of the four Gospels) tells the same story but from a slightly different perspective. That means that you can get the Easter story from any one of these sources, but reading more than one (or all four) brings a lot of extra detail and nuance to light.
Here’s where you can find the Easter story in the Bible. Click any of the links below to read one of the Easter accounts and watch it dramatized by a LUMO Project video:
There’s no single “best” Easter account in the Bible; each of the above accounts tells the complete story. (If you’re not sure where to start, begin with Mark’s account.) All are short and easily readable — you can read any of them in a single sitting.
How Can I Listen to the Easter Story?
Do you prefer to listen to the Easter story? Bible Gateway has a large library of audio Bibles and other resources — including several narrations and dramatizations of the Easter story.
1. Easter in the Breathe Bible
The Breathe Bible Audio New Testament features a high-quality dramatization of the Easter account from the book of Mark (NLT). With an all-star cast starring Kevin Sorbo, John Rhys-Davies, Josh Lucas, and others, the Breathe Bible audio experience is a great way to listen to this most famous of stories.
2. Witness the Bible: The Easter Story Dramatized
Witness the Bible is a radio theatre-style audio dramatization, with background music and different voices used for the various characters. It’s based on the 1599 Geneva Bible, with a rich vocabulary and a nostalgic feel.
3. The Story of Jesus
The Story of Jesus condenses the key moments of Jesus’ life and ministry into one audio presentation, with background music and sound effects which add to the cinematic effect.
4. The Easter Story from The Message
This well-loved paraphrase of the Bible is one of the most listenable Bibles in our library. It’s a great choice for the Easter story.
Other Ways to Listen
These aren’t the only ways you can listen to the Easter story here at Bible Gateway. There are many audio Bibles in our library; browse through the available audio titles to see if your favorite Bible translation is available in audio. You can also access Bible audio while reading the Bible text itself — after looking up a Bible passage (for example, Mark 14-16), look for the speaker icon above the Bible text. If that button is present, then audio is available for the Bible you’re reading; simply click it to start the audio.
Lastly, you can also listen to these and other audio resources using the Bible Gateway App or Bible Audio App available free for iOS and Android.
What Are the Major Events of Easter?
While hints, predictions, and echoes of Easter permeate all of the Bible, when most people talk about Easter, they are referring to the week — usually called Holy Week or Passion Week — that culminates with Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. Here are the key events of the Easter story, and where you can read them in the Bible.
You might find it helpful to refer to our timeline of Holy Week, which organizes the people and events of Easter into one chart. (Click the image below to enlarge it.)
On Palm Sunday, Jesus arrived at Jerusalem riding on a donkey, where he was welcomed by cheering crowds. (The “Palm” in “Palm Sunday” refers to the tree branches that the crowds used to make a path for Jesus.) His arrival — often called the Triumphal Entry — fulfilled a prophecy by the Old Testament prophet Zechariah about the Messiah’s appearance in Jerusalem (Zch. 9:9). To anyone with a knowledge of Jewish scripture, this identification of Jesus as the Messiah would have been clear.
On these two days, Jesus made a number of appearances and addresses, most famously to “cleanse” the temple of money changers and merchants who had set up business in God’s house. Jesus also appeared at the temple courts to debate the priests and community leaders.
Also called Spy Wednesday, Great Wednesday, or Good Wednesday, this day is marked by the decision of Judas Iscariot — one of Jesus’ disciples — to betray Jesus to the authorities in exchange for thirty silver coins.
“Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means “commandment.” It’s the word used in John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (NIV).
This day saw the beginning of a sequence of rapidly unfolding events that would lead to Jesus’ crucifixion. On this day, Jesus gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover. During this celebration, commonly called the Last Supper because it was Jesus’ final meal before his arrest and death, Jesus established the practice of communion which churches around the world continue to celebrate today.
After this communal meal, Jesus and his disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray throughout the night. When his disciples were unable to stay awake, Jesus famously noted that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus himself prayed so intensely that he “sweat drops of blood.” The day closed with Jesus’ announcement to his disciples that his betrayal was at hand.
On the very eventful Good Friday, Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas and arrested, then hauled before several different authorities — first the Jewish religious leaders, then the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Sentenced to death, Jesus was crucified alongside two criminals. Upon his death, he was buried in a nearby tomb.
This is it — the culmination of all the drama of Holy Week. On Easter Sunday (appropriately known as Resurrection Sunday), Jesus rose from the dead and, in the days to come, appeared to his astonished followers to tell them the good news: the power of sin and death was broken, and all who believed could find forgiveness and be made right with God.
Questions About Easter
No doubt about it, the Bible’s Easter accounts make some bold assertions, and believers and skeptics alike have pored over its details for centuries. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Easter; click on the questions to read an in-depth answer to each.
If you’ve upgraded to Bible Gateway Plus, you have access to many additional ways to study and explore the story of Easter! Here are four specific resources, available to Plus members, that will help you dig deeper into this remarkable account:
Troubled by questions about the reliability of the Gospel accounts? The Case for Christ Study Bible asks and answers over a dozen tough apologetics questions about Matthew’s account of the crucifixion.
Why was Jesus offered “wine and gall” while he was on the cross? Why was “blood money” not allowed in the temple treasury? The NIV Quest Study Bible delves into all the little details of the Easter story.
Upgrading to Bible Gateway Plus unlocks these and dozens of other digital study Bibles, commentaries, and reference books, all of them seamlessly integrated into your online Bible reading! Try it free and see what a difference it makes in your reading and study of God’s Word.
Here it is, your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of April 2025 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.
Week of April 27
May 2 — The Gospel Coalition (TGC) marked its 20th anniversary with its 10th national conference, hosting over 7,000 attendees from 38 countries and all 50 U.S. states. The seven keynotes and over 45 breakout sessions are now available on TGC’s website. The 2025 theme, “Alive Together,” was inspired by Ephesians 2:4–7, and included worship led by Keith Getty, messages from John Piper and David Platt, and reflections on the legacies of Tim Keller and Don Carson. (TGC)
May 1 — The Global Flourishing Study, a 5-year study involving 200,000 adults across 22 countries, found that countries with lower GDP per capita, such as Indonesia and Tanzania, often report higher levels of flourishing compared to wealthier nations like the U.S. and Japan — with faith strongly linked to higher scores. Regular religious service attendance, in particular, correlates with greater meaning, purpose, and social connection. (Christianity Today)
May 1 — The European Congress on Evangelism, led by Franklin Graham, will gather 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from 56 countries in Berlin from May 27-30. Centered on Romans 1:16, the event aims to reignite passion for bold, biblical evangelism. Featuring over 20 speakers, music by Michael W. Smith and Charity Gayle, and a focus on equipping leaders, it marks the largest European evangelism event in 25 years. (Christian Today)
April 30 — A new study examines the growing role of technology in U.S. churches. Findings include 86% of church leaders recognizing digital tools as vital for connection, with 70% reporting increased generosity. Live streaming remains in use by 87% of churches, and AI adoption has surged by 80%, aiding tasks like email drafting. Millennials and Gen Z are engaging more with tech-savvy churches, and concerns about tech costs have decreased. (Religion Unplugged)
April 30 — In 2024, the Southern Baptist Convention saw a 2% membership decline, marking the 18th consecutive year of decreases, with total members at 12.7 million. However, baptisms rose by over 10%, reaching 250,643 — the highest since 2017. Worship attendance and small group participation also grew by over 5%. Despite overall losses, these trends demonstrate increased evangelism and engagement post-pandemic. (Lifeway Research)
April 29 — A growing number of young Christians are embracing intentional singleness in their 20s, viewing it as a purposeful choice rather than a waiting period for marriage. Inspired by Biblical teachings like 1 Corinthians 7, they see singleness as an opportunity for undistracted devotion to God and personal growth. This shift challenges church norms, which often prioritize marriage and families, and urges churches to meet and honor singles where they are. (RELEVANT)
April 29 — This Easter saw record baptisms in France, England, and Los Angeles for the Catholic Church. France reported over 10,000 adult baptisms, a 45% increase from 2023, with most aged 18-25. England’s Diocese of Westminster (which includes London) recorded 500 adult entrants, a 25% rise. In Los Angeles, over 5,000 joined, including 2,800 baptisms, a 45% increase. These numbers corroborate growing faith engagement across demographics. (Aleteia)
April 28 — Bishop T.D. Jakes announced his plan to step down as senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a 30,000-member Dallas megachurch, later this year. His daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and her husband, Touré Roberts, will succeed him as senior co-pastors in July. Jakes cited health concerns, including a recent heart attack, and emphasized the importance of fresh leadership. He will remain as chairman of the board. (Christianity Today)
April 28 — The conclave to select the 267th Pope, previously set for May 5, is now scheduled to begin May 7. Approximately 180 cardinals, including over 100 electors, will gather in the Sistine Chapel. The process begins with a solemn Mass and oath of secrecy. A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new Pope, which can take anywhere from a few days to several months or, very rarely, even years. (Vatican News)
Week of April 20
April 26 —Pope Francis’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square drew 400,000 mourners, including clergy, pilgrims, refugees, and global leaders. The late pontiff, celebrated for his compassion and advocacy for peace, was eulogized as “a pope among the people.” His tomb was inscribed only with “Franciscus,” an unusually simple burial reflecting his humility. The conclave to elect his successor is set to begin on May 5. (The Guardian and Religion Unplugged)
April 25 — In the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, Bibles and other religious books have been exempted from tariffs, providing relief to Christian publishers (and readers). China, a major hub for Bible printing, produces over 75% of new Bibles globally, with Amity Printing Company leading the industry. While the exemption ensures affordability and accessibility of Bibles, the industry remains cautious amid broader economic uncertainties. (Christianity Today)
April 25 — The Upper Room in Jerusalem, traditionally associated with Jesus’ Last Supper, has a rich history as a pilgrimage site. Recent archaeological studies using advanced imaging techniques have uncovered over 40 medieval inscriptions and graffiti on its walls. These include coats of arms, inscriptions from European pilgrims, and an Armenian inscription tied to the Mongol conquest of the Levant in 1299. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
April 24 — Up against the ropes: An article about whether Jesus was crucified using nails or ropes (see April 14, below) caused a stir for implicitly questioning the Bible’s inerrancy, since Thomas asks to see Jesus’ nail marks in John 20:25. The article’s author apologized for his oversight. Acclaimed writer Karen Swallow Prior, while affirming the literal truth of Scripture, adds that Christians have reexamined the scant details of the Bible for centuries in both poor and fruitful ways. (Christianity Today and RNS)
April 23 — Pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado got his first tattoo at age 70. Lucado had the Greek word tetelestai, meaning “it is finished,” tattooed on his right forearm to commemorate 50 years of experiencing God’s grace. Reflecting on his transformation from a troubled past, Lucado shared how the message of Christ’s sacrifice changed his life. (Christian Today)
April 22 — Nearly 200 Christians were killed in Nigeria within a single week, with attacks targeting Christian-majority villages, including a massacre in Zikke village that claimed 56 lives. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah condemned the violence, describing it as an “ocean of blood” and criticizing the government’s failure to address extremist violence by groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants. (Aleteia)
April 22 — Alabama became the latest U.S. state to have passed bills requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in common areas, following Oklahoma and Louisiana’s initiatives last year. The bill is now headed to Alabama’s state senate for approval. Even if it passes, though, legal disputes are likely: Louisiana’s mandate was ruled unconstitutional by a federal court in November. (Christianity Daily)
April 22 — China has implemented strict restrictions on foreign missionaries, banning unauthorized preaching, religious schools, and literature distribution. Foreign clergy can only preach government-approved content, and unregistered religious activities are heavily monitored using advanced surveillance technology. These measures align with the government’s goal of aligning religions with Communist Party priorities. (Christianity Daily)
April 20 — Over 8,200 UK churches are leading the way in creation care, creating green spaces, wildlife habitats, and sustainable practices. Initiatives include bee-friendly habitats, wildflower meadows, and community events. A Rocha U.K.’s eco-award system has given churches 2,800 bronze, 1,200 silver, and 70 gold awards. With 40,000 worshipping communities in the UK, churches hold “colossal potential” to spearhead environmental action. (Religion Unplugged)
April 20 — HAPPY EASTER! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!
Week of April 13
April 18 — NASA’s astronomical models suggest a lunar eclipse occurred on April 3, 33 AD, potentially aligning with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This eclipse, which turned the moon red, matches biblical descriptions such as Matthew 27:45, which mentions darkness coming “over all the land during.” Originated by Oxford researchers in the 1980s, they theory connects the event to prophetic passages like Acts 2:20 and Joel 2:28-31. (New York Post)
April 17 — Archaeology helps construct a biography of Caiaphas, the High Priest who played a key role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Appointed by Roman governor Valerius Gratus in 18 AD, Caiaphas served until 37 AD, when he was deposed by Lucius Vitellius. Two ornate ossuaries inscribed with the names of Caiaphas, his children, and grandchildren affirm his historical existence and suggest an influential presence in first-century Jerusalem. (Bible Archaeology Report)
April 16 — U.S. churches interpret Good Friday in many ways. Many mainline and progressive Christians reject John Calvin’s “penal substitution” theory, which sees Jesus’ death as a punishment for human sin, emphasizing liberation and moral inspiration instead. But Calvin’s idea is central to many Easter traditions, and many say it is more about God’s love than his vengeance. Meanwhile, Orthodox churches don’t consider the cross in such “forensic” terms at all, while Catholics embrace a combination of theories. (RNS)
April 16 — In Nicaragua, Holy Week is proving far less joyous than usual, marked by government surveillance and repression under the Ortega regime. Public processions are banned, churches are monitored, and clergy face restrictions, with many exiled or silenced. Yet despite the risks and challenges, Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes preaches forgiveness and hope, emphasizing faith’s resilience. (Aleteia)
April 15 — In Uganda, the Way of the Cross unites Catholics, Anglicans, and Orthodox Christians in a reenactment of Jesus’ Holy Week journey to Calvary. Organized by the Uganda Joint Christian Council, the processions symbolize Christ’s sacrifice and promote unity, faith, and national reflection amidst Uganda’s social and political challenges. This year’s rare alignment of the Easter date provides additional significance to the celebrations. (Religion Unplugged)
April 15 — This year, Christians of all denominations will celebrate Easter (or Pascha as it’s known in Orthodox churches) on the same day, a rare alignment of the Julian and Gregorian calendars. This coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which established key Christian doctrines and sought unsuccessfully to unify the date of Easter. Churches Together in England (CTE) issued a statement celebrating the occasion. (Christian Today)
April 14 — We know taxes were as reviled in Jesus’ time as in our own — but a new discovery shows how far some would go to avoid them. A recently analyzed papyrus discovered in the Judean desert details a Roman tax-evasion trial involving two men accused of forgery, fiscal fraud, and sham slave sales. It also sheds light on the sophisticated, extensive Roman tax system. The trial’s outcome is unknown; penalties ranged from fines to execution. (The New York Times, paywalled)
April 14 — “The mark where the ropes have been?” Though nails have long been a focus of Christian imagery, Bible scholar Jeffrey P. Arroyo García notes that the Gospels do not specify their use in the crucifixion. Whether by ropes or nails, crucifixion was a common and incredibly painful punishment in the Roman Empire, causing slow death by asphyxiation. Above all, García says, he hopes to encourage closer reading of the Gospel texts. (Christianity Today)
April 13 — Amid widespread warnings about the dangers of AI, one developer has a very different prediction. At the Missional AI 2025 summit in Texas, Google DeepMind’s Richard Zhang suggested AI could deepen understanding of God and point to Jesus even as it “blur[s] the lines between humanity, robots, and God.” The event also showcased AI’s role in Bible translation by reducing “drudgery” and aiding mission work in difficult regions. (Christianity Daily)
Week of April 6
April 11 — A workshop in Ethiopia is preserving the ancient Christian tradition of manuscript creation. Using goat skin parchment, bamboo pens, and inks made from natural materials, artisans meticulously handwrite sacred texts, often taking months or years, before sending them on for use in churches and monasteries. The process, rooted in methods dating back 2000 years, now incorporates both ancient and modern styles. (The Guardian)
April 11 — Spirituality in the UK is experiencing a “quiet revival,” with churches reporting increased attendance, conversions, and baptisms, particularly among Gen Z. A recent Bible Society report highlights a rise in churchgoing Christians from 8% to 12% of the population since 2018, especially in Catholic and Pentecostal congregations. This report partially attributes the changes to a post-COVID search for hope and meaning. (The Gospel Coalition)
April 10 — The American Bible Society began releasing its annual State of the Bible report exploring U.S. Bible trends and perceptions across a range of demographics. Among Chapter 1’s highlights: Bible use is up 29% among Millennials and 19% among men over last year, and two-thirds of Bible readers access the Bible digitally through apps and websites like Bible Gateway. New chapters release monthly, so stay tuned for more! (American Bible Society)
April 10 — The Jesus Film Project, a ministry of Cru, has reached its 2,200th translation with the release of the film in the Bouna dialect of the Kulango language, spoken in Côte d’Ivoire. Begun in 1979, the project’s mission is to make the story of Jesus accessible worldwide, especially to communities with limited literacy. Through collaborations with local voice actors, churches, and volunteers, it has become the most translated film ever. (Christian Daily)
April 10 — Thousands of Christians are expected to gather in Mexico City for the 30th annual March for Jesus on April 19. The event, featuring dances, floats, concerts, and evangelism, reflects a growing spiritual openness in Mexico. Originally led by Dr. Carlos Quiroa and now overseen by his son Pablo, the march aims to bring hope and unity amidst the country’s ongoing challenges, including violence and human rights issues. (Christian Daily)
April 10 — A study by Christian jewelry maker My Cross identified the top U.S. city for Christian engagement, with surprising results: New York City scored a perfect 100 (which does raise some methodology questions). Though only 57% of its residents identify as Christian, the city boasts nearly 9,000 Christian nonprofits, the highest in the nation, and ranks second in church density. (Religion Unplugged)
April 9 — The Korean Bible Society held a dedication service for the New Korean Bible, a modern translation aimed at the next generation of Korean Christians. Completed after 13 years of work by 36 scholars and linguists, it balances faithfulness to the original texts with contemporary Korean language. At the service, Rev. Woonsung Kim emphasized the church’s mission to proclaim and embody biblical teachings in daily life. (Christian Daily)
April 9 — The 2025 Zenger Prizes honored exceptional journalism rooted in on-the-ground reporting and a biblical ethic. Winners included Amitabh Parashar (BBC) for a story on saving baby girls in India, Miriam Jordan (NYT) for aiding Afghan women in California, and McKay Coppins (The Atlantic) for insights on Trump rally prayers. Other publications receiving awards included Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, and more. (Religion Unplugged)
April 8 — A third-century Christian hymn, discovered on ancient papyrus, has been revived as “The First Hymn” for modern worship. The hymn, notable for its early Trinitarian theology, was reimagined with contemporary music by John Dickson of Wheaton College working alongside Grammy-winning songwriters Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding. The song will receive global release on April 11 with a documentary debuting April 14. (Baptist Press)
April 8 — Chalk it up to Jesus: A group of 70 Christian students from Western Kentucky University (WKU) participated in a unique initiative to spread the Gospel by chalking the entire Gospel of John — 879 verses — across their campus sidewalks. The event, part of the growing “Gospel Chalk Movement,” was a joint effort by several campus ministries aiming to share the message of hope and faith amidst global uncertainty. (Aleteia)
April 8 — A recent study found that 99% of U.S. Protestant churches use at least one of 11 methods to welcome guests. Popular approaches include greeters at entrances, meeting the pastor after services, and visitor cards. Larger and smaller churches use different methods, while ethnicity and pastor age also factor in. Practices like information sessions and guest recognition have declined, partly due to COVID changes. (Lifeway Research)
April 7 — Recent Barna research reveals a significant rise in belief in Jesus among U.S. adults, now at 66% — up 12 percentage points since 2021. This growth is driven by Gen Z and Millennials, particularly young men. Critically, many new followers of Jesus do not identify as Christian, reflecting a trend of spiritual openness without church affiliation (likely influencing other studies of religious demographics). (Barna)
April 7 — Researchers from a group called Noah’s Ark Scans are investigating a 538-foot-long geological formation in eastern Turkey resembling the dimensions of Noah’s Ark described in Genesis. Initial findings using soil tests, radar scans, and other non-invasive methods seem promising, but require further analysis. The team may consider excavation if evidence supports their theories, while prioritizing preservation of the site. (New York Post)
Week of March 30
April 4 — A pyramidal structure was found on a hilltop in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. Originally dated to the First Temple period, it has been redated to the Hellenistic era (332–37 BC) based on coins and other well-preserved artifacts discovered at the site, such as papyrus fragments, weapons, and fabrics. Built with massive hand-hewn stones, its purpose remains uncertain — possibly a guard tower, grave, or monument. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
April 4 — The Word for Word Bible Comic, created by British illustrator Simon Amadeus Pillario, transforms the Bible into a graphic novel series aimed at adults and older teens. It includes every word of scripture (NIV), while relying on careful research to depict settings, characters, and events authentically. The comics address mature themes, making them unsuitable for children but accessible to those who find traditional Bibles intimidating. (Religion Unplugged)
April 3 — Following two devastating earthquakes in Myanmar, a coalition of evangelical alliances are hosting a global online prayer event on April 5 at 8:30am ET. The earthquakes have killed over 3,000 people, injured thousands, and left many missing. Relief efforts are hindered by damaged roads and power outages. The prayer event aims to support survivors, emergency responders, and relief organizations during the crisis. (Christian Daily)
April 3 — How biblically accurate was Season 1 of House of David? Covering 1 Samuel 15–17, it focused on Saul’s rejection, David’s anointing, and Goliath’s defeat. It adds subplots inspired by tradition and context but not addressed in the Bible, such as David’s family dynamics, Saul’s monogamy, and Goliath’s origins. While some elements align with scripture and history, others, like Saul’s son Eshbaal seizing the throne, are fictional. (Christianity Today)
April 3 — The 169-foot-tall Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer is set to begin construction this summer near Birmingham, UK. Inspired by the Möbius strip, the infinity-loop structure will feature 1 million white bricks, each digitally linked to a story of answered prayer from both ordinary individuals and historical figures. Initially delayed due to rising costs and design challenges, the project is now on track to open in autumn 2027. (Christianity Daily)
April 2 — Due to high demand, the annual Priestly Blessing in Jerusalem will be held twice this Passover, featuring released hostages, their families, and wounded soldiers, with live online broadcasts planned. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation removed tens of thousands of prayer notes for ritual burial ahead of the ceremony. Many others were submitted online, even from citizens of countries hostile to Israel, expressing hopes for peace. (Israel Nation News)
April 1 — Also not April Fools (or the plot of the next Mummy movie): A three-year-old girl discovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet at the biblical site where David is said to have battled Goliath. The scarab will be displayed in a special exhibit by the Israel Antiquities Authority in Jerusalem (hopefully without inadvertently awakening any ancient magic, armies of the undead, etc.). (Times of Israel)
April 1 — Not April Fools: A shocking study by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that only 11% of Americans believe in the Trinity, with slightly higher rates among self-identified Christians (16%) and born-again Christians (24%). Meanwhile, only 53% of Christians “believe that God exists and affects people’s lives.” The findings suggest a decline in Biblical literacy and understanding of core Christian doctrines. (Christianity Daily)
April 1 — The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is seeking a new secretary general to unite its 600 million members, following Thomas Schirrmacher’s resignation last year. The WEA has faced criticism from groups in Korea and Europe over theological concerns and its association with Catholicism. The new leader, expected to be announced in October, will need to address these divisions and foster global unity while upholding evangelical values. (Christianity Today)
April 1 — Neuroscience suggests humans are “hardwired” for faith. Prayer and worship light up multiple brain regions tied to empathy, focus, and emotional regulation. Spending 30 minutes in prayer, four days a week, has been shown to reduce stress and increase compassion. Not all prayer is equal, though: love-centered prayers have the biggest impact, while fear-based views of God trigger stress responses. (RELEVANT)
April 1 — Baptist groups are redoubling efforts to spread the Gospel globally through humanitarian aid. The Baptist World Alliance’s “Stand in the Gap” initiative is raising funds for urgent needs in areas like DR Congo and Myanmar. Meanwhile, Southern Baptists’ Send Relief responded to a deadly earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, providing food, water, and shelter to thousands. Both organizations call for donations and prayer. (Baptist Press and Christian Daily)
March 30 — The little-known Bible story of Zelophehad’s daughters (Numbers 27:1-11) might be the oldest recorded women’s rights campaign. Five sisters successfully petitioned Moses to inherit their father’s property after his death without a male heir. Their case led to a change in Mosaic law and set a precedent that has influenced theological and political debates for millennia, including royal succession in England and Scotland. (Christian Today)
March 30 — Booming Bible sales in the UK and (gradual, tepid) church growth in the U.S. New takes on science vs. faith and St. Patrick vs. snakes. Pope Francis, home from the hospital, and Butch Wilmore, home from space, both credited Jesus with sustaining them. Church renewal conferences were held in Africa, Korea, Europe — just about everywhere … and a guy whose blood saved 2.4 million unborn babies. Revisit the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of March!
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