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Transforming Your Thought Patterns: A Passion Week Journey [With Free 8-Day Devotional]

Kyle Idleman
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Transforming Your Thought Patterns: A Passion Week Journey [With Free 8-Day Devotional]

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. 

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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: 

  1. Recognize our existing thought patterns.
  2. Refuse to let them continue unchallenged.
  3. Replace them with God’s truth.
  4. 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. 

Download FREE Passion Week Devotional

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. 

Discover the biblical, neurological, and emotional keys to transforming destructive patterns of thinking into a renewed mind — one thought at a time — in Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back by Kyle Idleman.

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.

Bible Verses for Holy Week and Easter (2025)

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Bible Verses for Holy Week and Easter (2025)

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)

Gospel Passages: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19

Lectionary: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Luke 19:28-40

Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday

Key Verses:

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)

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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)

Gospel Passages: Matthew 21:12-26:13; Mark 11:12-14:9; Luke 19:41-21:38; John 12:20-50

Lectionary:

Spy Wednesday

Key Verse:

Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and 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)

Gospel Passages: Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6

Lectionary: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

Maundy Thursday

Key Verses:

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)

Gospel Passages: Matthew 26:17-46; Mark 14:12-42; Luke 22:7-46; John 13:1-17:26

Lectionary: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31-35

Good Friday

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Key Verses:

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)

Gospel Passages: Matthew 26:47-27:61; Mark 14:43-15:47; Luke 22:47-23:56; John 18:1-19:42

Lectionary: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

Holy Saturday

Key Verse:

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)

Gospel Passages: Matthew 27:62-66

Lectionary: Job 14:1-14 or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24; Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16; 1 Peter 4:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42

Easter Sunday

Key Verses:

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and 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.

— John 20:11-18 (NIV)

Gospel Passages: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18

Lectionary:

He Is Risen!

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 deceit was 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.

Holy Week and Easter: The People, Places, and Events

Jonathan Petersen
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Holy Week and Easter: The People, Places, and Events

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.

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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.

Learn more about Easter with the resources of Bible Gateway Plus

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.

Holy Week infographic showing key events each day of the week along with verse references from Matthew's gospel

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.)

Infographic showing the timeline of each character in the events of Holy Week in the Bible

Palm Sunday

Read it in Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19.

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.

Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday

Read it in Matthew 21:12-26:13; Mark 11:12-14:9; Luke 19:41-21:38; John 12:20-50.

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.

Holy Wednesday

Read it in Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6.

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 Thursday

Read it in Matthew 26:17-46; Mark 14:12-42; Luke 22:7-46; John 13:1-17:26.

“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.

Good Friday

Read it in Matthew 26:47-27:66; Mark 14:43-15:47; Luke 22:47-23:56; John 18:1-19:42.

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.

Easter Sunday

Read it in Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.

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.

  1. Is Easter based on a pagan holiday?
  2. Did the early Christian church make up the events of Easter?
  3. Was the story of Jesus’ resurrection stolen from mythology?
  4. Do the four gospel accounts of Easter in the Bible contradict each other?

More Holy Week and Easter Content on Bible Gateway: News & Knowledge

Go deeper into the Easter story and walk each step of the way alongside Jesus by reading the following reflections and devotionals on Bible Gateway:

Explore Easter Further with Bible Gateway Plus

Learn more about Easter with the resources of Bible Gateway Plus

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Do you know the entire cast of the Easter story? The New International Encyclopedia of Bible Characters has useful profiles of everyone involved, from Barabbas to Zebedee.
  4. Looking for the ultimate guide to the Easter account? The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks through every verse, with over 30 detailed entries on Matthew 27 alone.

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.

April 2025 Bible News Roundup

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April 2025 Bible News Roundup

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)
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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 21 — Pope Francis has died age 88, the day after making a brief Easter appearance in St. Peter’s Square. The first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, Francis was known for his humility and progressive reforms, focusing on poverty, inequality, and environmental issues during his 12-year papacy. Political and religious leaders from every corner of the globe have turned out to pay tribute. A papal conclave is expected to convene within 15-20 days to appoint his successor. (The Guardian)
  • 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 — Research from various outlets indicates Easter is recognized by 95% of U.S. adults, with 79% planning to celebrate it in 2025. Two-thirds (66%) believe in the biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection, though many fail to grasp its theological significance for their lives, presenting an opportunity for pastors to help churchgoers understand not just that the resurrection happened, but the difference it makes in the world. (Lifeway Research)
  • 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 — Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the day that kicks off Holy Week (the most important week in the Christian calendar, and indeed all of history) with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. See pictures of over 2.3 billion Christians celebrating the holiday worldwide, in places as diverse as Ukraine and Russia, Jerusalem and Gaza, India and Pakistan, Nigeria and Congo, and many more — united in worship despite hardship and division on earth. (The Guardian)
  • 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 31 — A survey by Fusion and Savanta found that just 29% of Christian students (and 12% of non-Christian ones) in the UK read the Bible weekly, though often only through social media snippets. Half of all students believe the Bible is relevant today. Despite these mixed opinions, many are curious about the Bible, and Fusion says there is a huge opportunity to foster spiritual transformation through greater Scriptural engagement. (Premier)
  • 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!

View news archives here.

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Look at the Book: 1 Corinthians [Infographic]

Chris Fann
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Look at the Book: 1 Corinthians [Infographic]

“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 First Letter to the Corinthians contains the famous “love chapter” (1 Cor. 13) often read at weddings, though Paul intends that love to be for all people (not just between couples).

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

The theme of the letter revolves around the problems of faith, hope, and love and stresses the need for believers in Christ to continually develop holy character.

  • Category: Epistle
  • Theme: Conduct
  • Timeline: Written around AD 55

Key Verse

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Sin and Righteousness

Although the major thrust of this epistle is corrective of behavior rather than of doctrine, Paul gives teaching on many doctrines that directly relate to the matters of sin and righteousness. Wrong living always stems from wrong belief. God’s plan for marriage and the family, proper worship, the church, and the Lord’s Supper are among the topics Paul addresses.

7 Day Reading Guide

(See 30-day guide below.)

Healing Division

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, a thriving city in Greece, in response to information he received about divisions and deteriorating spiritual conditions in the church.

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. 

Infographic depicting major themes and content from 1 Corinthians

Guide to All the Judges of Israel in Order [Chart]

Jacob Edson
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Guide to All the Judges of Israel in Order [Chart]

The book of Judges is the seventh book in the Bible and the second of the historical books that follow the Torah/Pentateuch. It recounts the period after the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquer and lay claim to the land God had promised them as slaves in Egypt. It opens with the death of Joshua … and things quickly go downhill from there.

Most of Judges is based on the stories of 12 (kind of 12.5) leaders, known as “judges.” Unlike courtroom judges of today, the title of “judge” (from the Hebrew shofet) had a much broader meaning then. They were something like clan chieftains: military leaders who served as the head of the tribe and the central decision-maker, but lacked the organizational power structure of a king or queen.

The Book of Judges: Structure, Summary, and Dates

The general structure of Judges is a repeated cycle of sin, punishment, and deliverance, which gradually worsens as the book goes on. In each case, the Israelites abandon their God, ignore his statutes, and lose his protection. One of Israel’s local enemies then rises up to oppress them until they repent and request deliverance, whereupon God relents and calls a leader to unite and protect them. That typically lasts until the leader’s death, when the cycle begins again. (This pattern is described directly in the book itself, Jdg. 2:11-23.)

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The first few judges are overall devout, honorable leaders obedient to the Lord, and their efforts are largely successful at establishing long-lasting peace in the land. After Deborah, though, their quality begins to decline, starting with the doubting and vengeful Gideon and ending with the mighty yet narcissistic and irascible Samson. And it gets even worse after his death: no more leaders emerge, and in the last five chapters of the book, the Israelites descend into brutal violence, chaos, and civil war.

The dating of the book of Judges is notoriously difficult. Dates in the ancient world were typically based on kings’ reigns, and as Judges so frequently reminds us, “In those days there was no king in Israel” (Jdg. 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25). It’s generally believed to have happened roughly between 1400-1000 BC, but probably wasn’t written down until much later — likely during the events of 2 Kings.

The 12 Judges of Israel

Here is a brief overview of each leader in the book of judges.

Table listing the twelve judges of Israel along with their verses, tribes, enemies, years active, and proposed dates

Othniel

  • Judges 3:7-11
  • Tribe: Judah
  • Enemy: Aram (8 years of oppression)
  • Proposed dates: 1367-1327 BC

Othniel defeats King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim, ushering in 40 years of peace for Israel.

Ehud

  • Judges 3:12-30
  • Tribe: Benjamin
  • Enemy: Moab (18 years of oppression)
  • Proposed dates: 1309-1229 BC

Ehud, who the text specifies as being left-handed, is most known for assassinating King Eglon of Moab by hiding a short sword in his pants and requesting a private audience with the king. He then buries the entire foot-and-a-half-long blade and hilt in the obese King Eglon’s stomach.

Moab’s defeat is followed by 80 years of peace for Israel — by far the longest armistice in the book.

Shamgar

  • Judges 3:31
  • Tribe: Unknown
  • Enemy: Philistines
  • Proposed dates: Unknown

Little is known about Shamgar, who exists in the Bible mostly as a footnote to Ehud, other than that he “also” rescued Israel. His claim to fame is striking down 600 Philistines with an animal prod.

Deborah

  • Judges 4-5
  • Naphtali
  • Enemy: Canaan (20 years of oppression)
  • Proposed dates: 1209-1169 BC

Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge. Upon rising to power, she instructs her general Barak to lead her army against Canaan, who had been oppressing Israel for 20 years under King Jabin and his General Sisera. Barak refuses to go without Deborah by his side, a request which she readily obliges. Together with 10,000 men they defeat Sisera’s army, which includes 900 iron chariots (we are not told how many men), leaving none alive.

Sisera himself escapes, however, and hides in the tent of Jael, a woman whose house is neutral in the conflict. While he sleeps, she drives a tent peg through his skull with a hammer.

His great general thus defeated, King Jabin is considerably weakened and soon defeated by the Israelites.

Gideon

  • Judges 6-8
  • Tribe: Manasseh
  • Enemy: Midian (7 of oppression)
  • Proposed dates: 1162-1122 BC

Gideon initially doubts God’s call and requests a sign, which the Lord provides. The Lord then asks Gideon to destroy the altars to Baal and the Asherah poles the Israelites have been using for worship. When the people discover his actions the next day, they call for Gideon’s execution — but his father Joash says Baal could argue his own case against Gideon, earning Gideon the epithet Jerubbaal, “let Baal argue with him.”

Gideon, still unconvinced, requests another sign (or two) before battle with Midian: first that there would be dew only on his fleece and not on the ground, and then only on the ground and not on his fleece. Both times God accepts and provides the requested sign.

Once Gideon is finally ready, though, God tells Gideon he has too many men, which might cause them to take credit for their own salvation. At God’s request, Gideon announces that anyone who wants may go home; 22,000 do so, which leaves 10,000 remaining. God decides that is still too many, so he narrows them down to just 300. With that number they attack at night and rout the entire Midianite army.

Here’s where it starts to get grisly. The people of Succoth and Penuel refuse to provide sustenance for Gideon’s army while they chase the Midianite generals Zebah and Zalmunna across the Jordan River. So after he catch them, Gideon returns and beats their leaders, destroys the tower of Penuel, and slaughters the local residents.

Finally, in a misguided effort to represent the Lord, Gideon has a golden idol built for his people to worship.

Abimelech

  • Judges 9
  • Tribe: Manasseh (Son of Gideon)
  • Enemy: Shechem and Thebez
  • Proposed dates: Unknown

Abimelech is often excluded from the list of judges due to his especially ignoble and short-lived reign, but he does occupy an entire chapter of the narrative and conform to the book’s overall pattern of societal degradation.

After his death, Gideon’s son Abimelech convinces the people of Shechem to follow him, and then kills all 70 of his brothers except for Jotham, the youngest, who is in hiding.

Jotham emerges to proclaim a powerful fable (Jdg. 9:7-15) about trees begging for a king. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine refuse — only the thornbush agrees to become king, as it has no better work to do. Jotham prophesies according to the fable that Abimelech and Shechem will destroy each other. He then flees to another city.

Three years later, God stirs up Shechem to betray Abimelech as punishment for his fratricide, so Abimelech captures and razes the city, putting its residents to the sword.

He then continues on to Thebez, where all the inhabitants are hiding inside a tower. Abimelech attempts to storm the tower, but a woman drops a millstone on his head, fracturing his skull. Embarrassed to be slain by a woman, he asks his squire to stab him with his sword instead.

Thus God’s vengeance is paid on Abimelech and Shechem and Jotham’s prophecy was fulfilled.

Tola and Jair

  • Judges 10:1-5
  • Tribe: Issachar (Tola) and Gilead (Jair)
  • Enemy: Unknown
  • Proposed dates: Unknown

Little is known of Tola, beyond that he led Israel for 23 years.

The Bible says barely more of Jair. He led Israel for 22 years, and had 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys and controlled 30 towns in Gilead.

Jephthah

  • Judges 10:6-12:7
  • Tribe: Gilead
  • Enemies: Philistines, Ammonites, Ephraimites (18 years of oppression)
  • Proposed dates: 1078-1072 BC

After the death of Jair, when the Israelites turn once again to idolatry and immorality, God states that he is done rescuing Israel because of their unfaithfulness. But in the end he can’t stand to see them suffer.

Jephthah was the son of a prostitute by the leader of Gilead, who was initially driven out by his half-brothers. But they beg him to return and lead them after the Ammonites attack, as he had become a mighty warrior.

Jephthah first attempts to reason with the Ammonites, asking them to preserve the borders of the lands given to Israel by the Lord and to Ammon by their god, Chemosh. But they refuse (possibly because Chemosh was Moab’s god, not theirs — oops).

So Jephthah vows that if the Lord gives him victory he will sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house when he returns. The Lord, of course, obliges — but when Jephthah returns home victorious, it is his young daughter who emerges. She asks for two months to wander the hills crying over her fate, after which he does indeed sacrifice her.

Later, the Ephraimites also attack, but Jephthah defeats them and kills 42,000 of them.

Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon

  • Judges 12:8-15
  • Tribes: Unknown (Ibzan and Abdon), Zebulun (Elon)
  • Enemy: Unknown
  • Proposed dates: Unknown

The next three judges receive only two or three verses each, giving very few details on them or their leadership.

First is Ibzan, who led Israel for seven years. All we are told is that he had 30 sons and 30 daughters, and married them all outside of his clan.

We are told nothing at all about Elon other than that he was from the tribe of Zebulun and led Israel for 10 years.

Perhaps most perplexing (or amusing) is Abdon, who led Israel for eight years: he had 40 sons and 30 grandsons mounted on 70 donkeys.

Samson

  • Judges 13-16 
  • Tribe: Dan
  • Enemy: Philistines (40 years of oppression)
  • Proposed dates: 1075-1055 BC

Samson is the most famous of the judges and receives the lengthiest treatment, even including a neatly constructed birth narrative that will serve as a “Chekhov’s gun” for his eventual death. A messenger of the Lord commands his mother that he will be a Nazirite from birth to death — which means, among other things, his hair cannot be cut. Ever.

Samson’s Philistine Wife

When Samson comes of age, he falls in love with and marries a Philistine woman, against his parents’ wishes. On the way to meet her he accomplishes his first feat of strength, killing a lion with his bare hands. Later, he eats honey from its corpse.

At his wedding feast Samson makes a bet with the locals, asking them to decipher a riddle about his encounters with the lion. If they can’t solve it in seven days, he wins. Stumped, the people convince his new wife to make him tell her the answer. When he discovers this treachery, Samson kills 30 Philistines in anger and goes home without his wife.

Later, he returns to find that his wife’s father, thinking Samson had abandoned her, married her to another man. (This was considered a legal and just practice at the time.) In a rage, Samson catches 30 foxes, ties torches to their tails, and sets them loose in the Philistines’ grain fields and vineyards, burning them to the ground. In retaliation, the Philistines burn his wife and her father.

Again Samson flees back to his home, only to be imprisoned by the people of Judah in order to turn him in to their Philistine rulers. But when he sees the Philistines, his ropes melt away instantly. Grabbing a nearby donkey’s jawbone, Samson kills 1,000 men. After this battle, the Philistines defeated, Samson leads Israel for 20 years.

Samson and Delilah

Eventually, Samson falls in love with a woman named Delilah. Echoing the story of his first wife, the Philistines convince Delilah to find the secret of Samson’s strength. Three times she asks and three times he lies to her. But on the fourth he tells her the truth: as a Nazirite, his hair has never seen a razor. If his head is shaved, his strength will leave him and he will become as weak as anyone else.

So as Samson slumbers in her lap, Delilah has a man shave his head. When he awakens with the strength of a normal man he is quickly captured, his eyes are gouged out, and he is brought in chains to work the mill in a prison in Gaza. But his hair starts growing back….

As humiliation, Samson is made to perform in front of a crowd of Philistines and their rulers in the temple of their god Dagon. Afterwards, as he stands between the temple’s two great pillars, he prays to God for his strength to return to exact one last act of revenge against the Philistines. God grants his prayer, and he tears down the temple atop himself, killing “more people in his death than he did during his life” (Jdg. 16:30 CEB).

Judges’ Epilogue: What Came Next?

No other judges arose after the death of Samson. Instead there were various episodes of petty conflict between people, towns, and tribes as the Israelites descended into greater and greater chaos, cruelty, and anarchy. In many of these stories the Lord barely features. They are punctuated by the refrain, “in those days there was no king in Israel…” (Jdg. 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25).

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It isn’t until 1 Samuel 8 that things have become bad enough for Israel that they finally demand a king from God to keep them in order. God, through Samuel, issues a warning: this king will take their children, livestock, and fields; impose taxes on all their production; and treat them like slaves. Yet the people insist, and God agrees.

This will work out well for them… for a while. (And then — very, very badly.)

How Is Ruth Connected to the Book of Judges?

In Christian Bibles Ruth appears between Judges and 1 Samuel, interrupting the flow of the narrative. Why?

Ruth takes place during the time of judges (Ruth 1:1) but it’s impossible to get any better sense of when during that roughly 400-year period its events unfolded.

On the surface, Ruth tells a sweet story about a young Moabite woman and her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi, both of whom are widowed and decide to travel back to Israel from Moab. Ruth vows to accompany Naomi, join her people, and worship her God. When they arrive, Ruth meets an Israelite man named Boaz; they fall in love, get married, and live happily ever after.

But this little book is doing some deceptively heavy lifting. It’s a critical counterpoint to some of the events in Joshua and Judges, a demonstration of how even amid the societal degradation of that era, people could achieve peace and happiness by setting aside their differences and living devout, ethical lives.

More than that, it is extremely significant that Ruth is a Moabite — a people who Joshua and Judges portray as mortal enemies of the Israelites, ordained by God for destruction. Yet Ruth is also a direct ancestor of David, and through him, of Jesus Christ.

It’s a classic example of the Bible’s commentary on itself, a reminder that what the Israelite people believe to be their divine mandate is not always what God truly intends.

Learn More About Judges With Bible Gateway Plus

The book of Judges is a fascinating look at the sad decline of a promising society into utter moral decay and self-destruction. (It’s also, as someone at seminary once told me, “the most metal book in the Bible.”)

It’s an often overlooked but important chapter in the history of Israel, as it lays the groundwork for both the Davidic monarchy and its downfall. And it’s a testament to God’s unfailing covenantal devotion to his people despite their — our — constant turning away.

This post barely scratches the surface of everything there is to glean from this amazing story. Get the full picture with a free trial of Bible Gateway Plus, where you can peruse dozens of Study Bibles, commentaries, encyclopedias, maps, and other resources to fully understand the characters, culture, and history of Judges.

April 2025 Bible Verse Calendar

Bible Gateway
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April 2025 Bible Verse Calendar

Here’s your daily Bible Gateway verse calendar for the month of April! Click each link below to read the verse in your preferred translation — or download the image (or PDF) of all verse references.

April Bible Readings

Get the most out of your Bible reading — including each of the above verses — with a free trial of Bible Gateway Plus. Access dozens of Study Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, and other resources to go deeper into every aspect of God’s Word. Try it today!

List of Bible verses for April 2025

From Wounds to Healing: How to Let God Redeem Your Pain and Transform Others

Tyler Staton
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From Wounds to Healing: How to Let God Redeem Your Pain and Transform Others

It was a wet, gray Saturday in January — the sort of winter day I’ve grown accustomed to in Portland. We were driving up to Mount Hood where, in less than an hour, the drizzle would turn into a magical snow globe, perfect for sledding. My sons Hank and Simon, five and three years old at the time, had dozed off in the back seat.

Felix sat next to me in the passenger’s seat.

I met Felix while volunteering at an organization serving dinner to the houseless and hungry. He was in the rehabilitation program, nearing the end of his first year of sobriety. One thing led to another, and through serving side by side Felix and I grew into friends.

I’d swung by the sober house to pick him up and now, stuck in traffic on our way out of the city, Felix and I were talking the way you do on a road trip — meandering conversation about anything and everything, letting the dialogue wander.

“Tell me about your kids. I’ve never heard you talk about your kids,” I said, filling a lull in the banter.

Felix is the father of two, both in their early twenties, a son and a daughter. He hadn’t seen either of them in over a decade but had occasionally told me stories of when they were Hank and Simon’s age — when he was still in their lives. That was before a string of prison sentences exceeding two decades, a bout with drug use, and a long absence that their relationship had never recovered from.

So I asked about them — their names, where they lived, what they were doing. And he just got quiet. Eventually I looked over, and he was softly weeping, this hulking giant of a man wiping tears from his weathered cheeks. He kept opening his mouth in an attempt to respond, but the emotion wouldn’t allow him to get a word out.

Felix had served three separate prison sentences. He’d used and sold drugs. He had a thousand nights he couldn’t remember. And then he met Jesus, and we’d celebrated God’s forgiveness together! But this — the dad he wished he’d been and still couldn’t forgive himself for not being — this was the untouchable place in him, the shame he kept covered, the one wound he’d convinced himself God’s grace couldn’t reach.

The Holy Spirit Is Inseparable From Our Suffering

The New Testament is unflinchingly honest about both the power of God and the suffering of this world. The book of Acts tells plenty of stories of supernatural power, God’s indwelling presence working in ordinary people in miraculous ways. But it’s equally chock-full of suffering, confusion, and pain.

If you tell the story of the Holy Spirit apart from the world of suffering, you rip the story from its context and turn a gritty, real-life hope into a fairy tale — a hollow fable that’s entertaining in peace but powerless in chaos. This creates a false division between the heart of God and the power of God, a misconception that God is more present in a dimly lit auditorium full of inspired people than in a car stuck in traffic on a road trip.

That won’t do because the truth is that every last one of us is Felix in that passenger seat, a living mixture of redemption worth celebrating and persistent patterns of chaos. We have all been rescued by a God of perfect love, and the plotlines of our redemption stories are breathtaking. But we all have unfinished storylines where pain is more apparent than renewal and suffering is more profound than rescue.

When the biblical authors use the metaphor of water to introduce us to the person of the Holy Spirit, they draw together what we are ever-tempted to separate: unflinching honesty about the suffering of this world and unwavering hope in a Redeemer who gets his work done in the darkest places.

God Heals Through Our Wounds

Felix sat there, weeping and speechless in the passenger seat. His past mistakes loomed with a shadow where he kept his deepest wound hidden from everyone. Even God. Even himself.

Felix knows about chaos. He knows — personally and intimately — the agony of addiction, the exhausting search for today’s fix, the dehumanizing robbery of true life in the name of a numb escape. All of it. But he also knows about the Spirit whose waters flow into dead places and bring life.

Felix has become like a father to my children, particularly my youngest. Amos runs to him every Sunday morning at church and won’t leave his arms. Each time I see Felix — one hand raised in worship, the other cradling my two-year-old little boy — I become tearful thinking of that Saturday stuck in traffic. I see the Spirit slowly but profoundly healing Felix’s deepest wounds, hovering over his personal chaos, exposing his shame not to condemn but to restore.

Felix also serves as the head chef of Night Strike, Portland’s largest ministry serving the houseless, hungry, and addicted. He learned to cook in prison, where he was assigned kitchen duty, and now cooks for hundreds of self-imprisoned, wounded individuals every Thursday evening. Felix came to Jesus to drink of living water, and streams of living water now flow from within him. Because from his wounds, God is healing others.

And, of course, Felix is still waiting. He’s waiting on the day he lives in the redeemed city. Waiting for the God who will swallow up all his deepest desires in God’s consuming presence. Waiting on the chaos to subside once and for all. He’s waiting. But in the meantime? Felix has planted himself in the place where his wounds bleed hope to those similarly wounded.

You, Too, Can Be a Healer

God’s not in search of a remarkable few who have it figured out. There aren’t any spells to master. By the Spirit, the powerfully healed become power healers.

By Jesus’ wounds we are healed. And by our wounds we join in the healing of the world. The Holy Spirit’s healing presence means that the addicted can become a safe harbor for others to find freedom. The depressed can be filled with incomprehensible joy and then give it away. The insecure can become courageous, inviting people into the very life they previously hid. The quick-tempered can be flooded with self-control, so that their transformation heals those they’ve wronged. The chronically anxious can become a non-anxious presence in their high-strung workplace, pouring living water into the Dead Sea.

It goes on and on in every variety imaginable. Our deepest wounds, healed and redeemed by the Holy Spirit, become the sources of living water flowing with teeming life into the broken places in our world.

Cover of "The Familiar Stranger" by Tyler Staton

Adapted from The Familiar Stranger: (Re)Introducing the Holy Spirit to Those in Search of an Experiential Spirituality by Tyler Staton.

Christians today are hungry for authentic spiritual experiences, yet all too often they don’t have the knowledge of or relationship with the Holy Spirit that is the key to a fully alive spirituality. In The Familiar Stranger, pastor and author Tyler Staton draws on Scripture, tradition, and spiritual practices to help you step into a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit.

The Familiar Stranger will challenge, inform, and encourage believers from every background to become more deeply acquainted with the Person and work of the Holy Spirit — and experience his transformative, life-giving power in their lives.

Look at the Book: Romans [Infographic]

Chris Fann
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Look at the Book: Romans [Infographic]

“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. With Romans, we move into a new Biblical genre: the epistle. It’s the first letter in the Bible, but not the first one Paul wrote.

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

A letter from Paul to a church he did not found and hadn’t visited to provide an overview of his theology. Widely regarded as his greatest letter.

  • Category: Epistle
  • Theme: Righteousness
  • Timeline: Written from Corinth, toward the end of Paul’s 3rd missionary journey, c. AD 57

Key Verse

“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “‘The righteous will live by faith.’” — Romans 1:17 (NIV)

Paul’s Doctrinal and Practical Instruction

Structure of theology in Romans:

  1. Condemnation (Rm 1:18–3:20)
  2. Justification (Rm 3:21–5:21)
  3. Sanctification (Rm 6:1–8:39)
  4. Restoration (Rm 9:1–11:36)
  5. Application (Rm 12:1–15:13)

Unlike some of Paul’s other epistles, his purpose for writing was not to correct wrong theology or rebuke ungodly living. The Roman church was doctrinally sound, but was in need of the rich doctrinal and practical instruction this letter provides.

7 Day Reading Guide

(See 30-day guide below.)

Reaching New Believers

Paul’s primary purpose in writing Romans was to teach the great truths of the gospel of grace to believers who had never received apostolic instruction.

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. 

Infographic depicting major themes and content from Romans
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