The news of the Hill Country flood is heartbreaking. Having served as a pastor in the area for nearly forty years, I know the Guadalupe River well. Retreats. Camps. Conferences. Baptism Services. Weekend getaways. I’ve experienced them all. We’ve loved the area and its fine people.
The angry Guadalupe took so much from so many. The death toll is over 100 people and many are still missing. Right now we need to come together to pray and keep praying. Would you join me in this holy assignment?
First, let us:
Lament Our Loss
Our Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our pain, we face our sorrows.
We lament, as did those in scripture who taught us to be honest about our hurts, about our sorrows. “Out of the depths, I cry to you” (Psalm 130:1 NIV). Sometimes we cry out to you from the mountaintops, sometimes we cry out from the valley. In this moment, we are in the valley. Our hearts are broken. To think of those young girls asleep in a Camp Mystic cabin, to think of those grandparents who were separated from their grandchildren, to think of the people who lost their lives in the middle of the night, caught up in such a torrent of water and such a rush of fear. Oh Lord, have mercy. It heavies our hearts to think of the parents who no longer have their children and the families forever altered by this event.
We turn to you, Jesus, because we know that while you walked on this earth, you felt the weight of earthly sadness. We look to you, knowing that we do not have a Savior who is unable to understand, but we follow a “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3 TLV).
And Lord, even as we struggle, we then turn and declare our faith. We:
Lean Into Our Faith
While we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Our questions are many and our doubts are present, but deep within our souls is a conviction that says: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV). Indeed, Heavenly Father, our eyes are on you. And we declare — loud enough for the devil himself to hear — that we still believe. We believe and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, heart-to-heart with those who are struggling now to keep their balance.
Lord, we believe you created every detail of history. We believe in your imminent return. We believe the day is soon coming in which you will split the skies and you will call your church into your presence. Heavenly Father, let even this tragedy be used to declare your goodness. Let us be reminded of the brevity and the frailty of life and let us stand strong upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.
And then lastly, Lord, having acknowledged our sorrow and having conveyed our convictions, we offer our intercessions. We:
Lift Up Our Requests
Heavenly Father, we recall the promise of Psalm 23 that, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with us and your rod and your staff, they comfort us. Heavenly Father, we cling to your presence as we pass through this seemingly endless valley.
We cry out to you for the families in Texas today. The shock, the sorrow, the questions. Why him? Why her? Why now? Why us? Tragedies such as this stir unspeakable hurt and unanswerable questions. Each passing second takes with it a grain of hope.
Ease their pain. Give them uncommon strength during this unimaginable season. Send miracles and supernatural signs that remind them that you are with them. Whisper to them. Shout to them. Put your arm around them. Be with the siblings of those who were lost. Bless the grandparents. Comfort the camp staff. Bolster the ones who cannot stop blaming themselves. And please, please, comfort the parents. We stand with them in this hour of unspeakable, soul-rending loss.
Please be with the rescuers, the first responders, the volunteers, the police officers, the fire medics, the canine research teams, the local ministers, the funeral home directors, the trauma therapists — all those who have come to serve, and to grieve with South Texas.
Hear the prayers of all those who pray. Remind us all that death is not really death. It is a passage from this difficult life into the wonderful life that you have prepared for us. Remind us of this truth: even when the floods come and the earth shakes, you are mighty in the midst of it all. Our Father, we trust in you.
“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Peter’s second letter is quite different from his first, and exhorts believers to reject false teachings and look toward the return of 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
Peter gives advice on how believers can deal with the rise of false teachers and evildoers who were appearing in the church. He also encourages believers to grow in Christ, reject false teaching, and watch for the Lord’s return.
Category: Epistle
Theme: Maturity
Timeline: Written around AD 64-68
Key Verse
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Living Victoriously
Second Peter was written for the purpose of exposing, thwarting, and defeating the invasion of false teachers into the church. Peter intended to instruct Christians in how to defend themselves against these false teachers and their deceptive lies.
Christians should not focus on Satan and his advances, but on the future coming of the Lord Jesus Christ when all wrongs will be made right and righteousness will reign upon the earth forever.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here’s a handy 7-day guide to the “catholic” epistles. (See 30-day reading guide below.)
Because 2 Peter and Jude are very similar, it is believed one borrowed from the other or that they drew from a common source.
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.
Did you know that Bible Gateway Plus isn’t just for pastors and scholars? It also has excellent options for Bible beginners who’ve never seriously read Scripture before.
But with dozens of resources from Study Bibles and commentaries to encyclopedias and dictionaries available for instant access, it can be overwhelming for a new user. Especially if you’re new to studying the Bible.
This guide will help you sort through all the resources available to Bible Gateway Plus subscribers for some of the best options for Bible beginners. Whether you’re a new convert encountering the Bible for the first time, a lifelong Christian looking to deepen your engagement with God’s Word, or just curious about how to understand some confusing passages, Bible Gateway Plus can help you orient yourself with the Bible.
First, two quick points to remember:
Once you find your favorite resources, you can pin them for easier access.
You can use any resource with any Bible translation. So if you want to use the NIV Application Bible notes with the NKJV, you are free to do so!
Now, here’s where to start.
Best Study Bibles for Beginners
In general, Study Bibles are the best place to start for most new Bible students. They tend to have a wide variety of different content, most of it tied directly to particular verses of the Bible, as well as explanatory introductions to each of the Bible’s 66 books.
Here are some great Study Bibles for beginning Bible readers to bring you into the world of the Bible.
NIV Application Bible
One of the newest additions to Bible Gateway Plus, the NIV Application Bible features study notes drawn from the extensive, bestselling NIV Application Commentary series published over the past three decades. It bridges the world of the Bible and contemporary times by helping you connect what you’ve learned directly with the modern world.
Why it’s good for beginners: The NIV Application Commentary series is wildly popular, and the NIV Application Bible streamlines it into digestible — yet nourishing — pieces for all experience levels. It utilizes trusted evangelical scholarship to bridge insights and meaning about biblical times with how this connects with modern times.
NIV Quest Study Bible
Designed to answer common questions about the Bible, the NIV Quest Study Bible features over 7,000 Q&A-style notes alongside articles, charts, and sidebars for curious readers.
Why it’s good for beginners: The Q&A format of the Quest Study Bible makes it a perfect introductory resource. If you have questions about the Bible — from who a certain character is to how to interpret an obscure passage — you can probably find the answer in here.
NIV Storyline Bible
A major stumbling block for beginning Bible readers is how to contextualize individual books with the overarching storyline of the Bible. The NIV Storyline Bible solves this problem by highlighting how each book of the Bible contributes to the grand narrative of redemption. It’s a heavily visual resource, full of visual timelines, infographics, and theme summaries to trace Scripture’s cohesive storyline.
Why it’s good for beginners: It will help you understand exactly why what you’re reading matters in the grand scheme of things, both within the narrative arc of the Bible and the larger arc of history.
NKJV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible
Max Lucado’s Encouraging Word Bible features devotions, study notes, and reflections in Lucado’s signature warm, pastoral style focused on hope, encouragement, and God’s promises.
Why it’s good for beginners: If you’re a Max Lucado fan, this is the perfect jumping-off point to get deeper into the Bible. If you’re not already familiar with him, his gentle, encouraging approach will be welcome for anyone experiencing a season of discouragement or difficulty.
Best Bible Commentaries for Beginners
Most Bible commentaries will be too extensive and academic for beginning Bible readers. But there are a few important exceptions, which are instead designed specifically to provide important context and clear guidance to help you understand what you’re looking at.
Essential Bible Companion
Just as the name implies, the Essential Bible Companion truly is an essential resource for beginners, with a single-note system for each book of the Bible that includes image-heavy notes and orienting data, including timelines, charts, maps, and brief book outline.
Why it’s good for beginners: It’s a super convenient resource that’s easy to manage for beginners, comprised of a single short, illustrated introduction to each book of the Bible.
How to Read the Bible Book by Book
This handy resource provides guided tours of Bible books and key insights on how each book fits into the grand narrative of the Bible.
Why it’s good for beginners: The next step up from the Essential Bible Companion, this commentary contains more content and goes deeper into each book — but still keeps things manageable with just a few paragraphs for each chapter of every book in the Bible.
Best Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries for Beginners
Although dense and extensive, Bible encyclopedias and dictionaries actually make perfect reference materials for those new to the Bible. They’re designed to provide succinct, clear summaries of anything from characters and places to important events to important terms and concepts you’re likely to encounter as you read through the books of the Bible.
New International Encyclopedia of Bible Characters
A comprehensive guide to more than 3,000 biblical personalities, both major and minor, this character encyclopedia provides background, historical context, and theological insight into each person’s role in Scripture.
Why it’s good for beginners: With so many different people in the pages of the Bible, often with similar-sounding (or exactly the same) names, this is an indispensable resource. If you’re having trouble separating Simon from Simeon and Uriah the Hittite from Uriah the Priest, this will set you straight.
Essential Bible Dictionary
A concise and user-friendly Bible dictionary designed for laypeople, covering over 1,000 entries on people, places, events, and theological terms with full-color illustrations and maps.
Why it’s good for beginners: With short, simple definitions of critical and commonly encountered names and concepts from the Bible, this truly is an indispensable resource for anyone learning the ropes of Bible reading.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary
An exhaustive, richly illustrated dictionary covering over 7,000 entries related to the Bible’s people, places, customs, and theology, this illustrated dictionary Includes maps, charts, and photos from archaeology and biblical geography.
Why it’s good for beginners: Although its number of entries may seem overwhelming at first, visual learners will feel right at home using this dictionary to look up unfamiliar words as they read through the words of the Word.
Devotionals
Don’t forget, Bible Gateway Plus doesn’t just give you Bible study resources — it also gives you access to premium devotionals that can provide direction and guidance in your life through a biblical lens. You can browse both free and premium options at Bible Gateway’s Devotionals page.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Bible — and to Bible Gateway Plus!
Armed with your Bible Gateway Plus membership and these recommendations of beginner-friendly resources, it’s time to put on the armor of God and go forth prayerfully into the pages of the Bible.
As you grow in your familiarity with the Bible’s storyline and concepts, Bible Gateway Plus is there to grow with you, guiding you into everything from biblical history to theology to pastoral leadership.
Not a Bible Gateway Plus subscriber yet? What are you waiting for? Sign up today for a free trial to start exploring these and dozens more Bible study tools and resources.
The Bible was originally written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek over a period of many centuries. Although sometimes referred to as “dead” languages (because they are not commonly spoken in the modern world), all three of these languages are very much alive.
Though they’ve changed a lot since biblical times, descendants of these languages are still actively used today in the same parts of the world the events of the Bible happened in. And of course, even the ancient words are alive with the Holy Spirit flowing through them.
This article will give a basic explanation of the Bible’s original languages — and why they matter for understanding the Bible today.
Of course, a single blog post won’t be enough to actually learn Greek or Hebrew — that would take years of careful study! But learning a little about them can provide invaluable background to the cultures and civilizations God chose to receive his unique revelation.
And it can help clarify some of the challenges translators face to make the words of Scripture readable in modern English, without changing — or losing — the depth and nuance of their meaning.
Note: This post has been updated and expanded to add clarity, provide additional examples, and other improvements throughout.
What Was the Language of the Old Testament?
The Old Testament was written almost entirely in Hebrew, the ancient Middle Eastern language spoken by the Jewish people. A few parts of the Old Testament — namely, Daniel 2:4b–7:28 and Ezra 4:8–6:18 and 7:12–26 — were written in Aramaic.
Hebrew: The Language of the Israelites
Hebrew was the language spoken by the ancient Israelites, and what most of the Bible (and almost all of the Old Testament) are written in. It’s part of the Semitic family of languages, which also includes Aramaic (see below) and Arabic.
These languages are read right-to-left (unlike English, which is left-to-right). They are also unique in that most of their words are based on a triliteral root: three letters (typically consonants) which stay “rooted” while the letters around them shift to change tense, add possessives or plurals, and otherwise modify the word.
While this triliteral root makes it easier to quickly recognize related words, it is closely related to another feature of Hebrew (and other Semitic languages) that is not easy: they are not traditionally written with any vowels at all. Because ancient languages also didn’t typically use spaces in writing, this makes reading the Old Testament in its most ancient, original form extremely challenging.
MGNRDNGVRTHNGLKTHS (imagine reading everything like this) — backwards — for hundreds of pages (or scrolls)!
Aramaic: The Language of Jesus
Aramaic is a descendant of Hebrew that was widely spoken in the Middle East in the centuries leading up to the birth of Jesus. In fact, Aramaic was Jesus’s native language — the one he used to deliver his teachings to his disciples. It is still spoken by a few scattered communities in the Middle East today.
Are Hebrew and Aramaic Still Spoken Today?
Biblical Hebrew stopped being used long before New Testament times as it gradually evolved into Aramaic. Later, as Jews increasingly assimilated into local communities in Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere, both languages faded from common use in favor of local dialects.
But Hebrew remained in use liturgically in Jewish communities (most of whom continued to read the Scriptures in their original languages) until it was intentionally revived by European Jews in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Today it is the national language of Israel and is spoken by over 9 million people worldwide.
Case Study: The Lord, the Name, the Tetragrammaton
Ever wonder why Bibles often write “LORD” in small capitals instead of normal uppercase/lowercase?
One place where Hebrew’s lack of written vowels plays a truly critical role is in God’s name, which in the Hebrew Bible is written יהוה or YHWH. This name (often called the Tetragrammaton, which just means “four letters”) occurs over 6,000 times in the Old Testament and in every book except Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.
But here’s the thing: no one knows how it’s pronounced.
In Rabbinic Judaism, after the first Temple was destroyed in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8-17), it became forbidden to pronounce God’s holy name. When any of those passages were read aloud, the name was replaced with the word Adonai, meaning “the Lord.”
After centuries of this practice, when vowels were finally added to Hebrew scrolls in the early Medieval era, the vowels that should be used had long since been forgotten. So in some cases the transcribers simply took the vowels from Adonai and inserted them into YHWH. The result was something like “Yehovah.”
Today some Christians use a version of this pronunciation — most commonly Yahweh or Jehovah — to refer to God by name. But it’s still considered forbidden by most Jews. And, because it’s likely that those aren’t actually the correct vowels, many Christians, too, are concerned with the possibility of blaspheming God by addressing him with a name that isn’t his.
The New Testament was written in Greek — specifically, in a dialect called Koine (or common) Greek, to distinguish it from the more complex, sophisticated Greek of ancient Athens and Sparta.
Why “common”? And why wasn’t it written in Jesus’s (and his disciples’) own language of Aramaic?
Greek: The Language of the Mediterranean
After Alexander the Great conquered Judaea around the 330s BC, the region became increasingly influenced by Greek culture and language. By the time of Jesus — when the area was under Roman rule — the entire eastern Mediterranean spoke some form of Greek (in addition to their native tongues).
Its widespread use made Greek a convenient choice for anyone trying to communicate or do business across cultures. However, since many of these people spoke it as a second language, it became mixed with many different regional dialects to create a simplified, standardized version of the Greek compared to what was spoken in Greece itself. (This is actually very similar to how American English evolved in the early colonies.)
Greek: The Language of the Disciples (Sort Of)
So, when Jesus’ disciples began traveling to spread the Good News of his resurrection, they mostly used Koine Greek to reach the widest population they could — even if it wasn’t the language they used with each other.
In some cases, like the Gospel of Mark, the unique writing style shows how the story was originally told in Aramaic, and then written down in Greek as it spread beyond the region of Galilee where Jesus lived and performed his miracles and ministries. One of the telltale signs of this in Mark is the habit of starting nearly every sentence with “and” — a common storytelling technique in Aramaic, but not in Greek.
Is Greek Still Spoken Today?
Of course! Greek remained widely spoken in the eastern Roman empire, then the Byzantine empire, for hundreds of years after the New Testament was written. After the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453, its use was considerably diminished. But it remains the national language of Greece and is spoken by over 13 million people worldwide.
The language has changed considerably since New Testament times, but most Greek speakers are still able to read Koine, much as we might still read Shakespeare or the King James Bible.
Were Any Parts of the Bible Written in Latin?
It may surprise you to learn that none of the Bible was written in Latin — despite Judaea being under Roman rule. Though parts of the Bible started being translated into Latin soon after they appeared in Greek, a complete Latin Bible didn’t exist until the early 400s AD, when Jerome completed his Vulgate.
The Vulgate caught on quickly and became the exclusive way the Bible was read and transmitted in western Europe for centuries.
When Was the Bible First Translated into English?
The first complete translation of the entire Bible into English was Wycliffe’s Bible, released in the late 1300s. (And available to read on Bible Gateway!) John Wycliffe and his followers based their translation on the Vulgate, since the original Hebrew and Greek texts were still unavailable in the West. Because it had to be hand-copied and distributed, it didn’t reach a wide audience, but it was still enough to earn Wycliffe a condemnation for heresy 30 years after his death.
After that, it was over 100 years before another comprehensive attempt was made to translate the Bible into English. William Tyndale published his English New Testament in 1526 using the brand-new printing press… and was martyred 10 years later for the effort.
The first English Bible to really catch on with the masses was the Geneva Bible of 1560, which was used by the first pilgrims to America. Why “Geneva”? Because the translators were hiding out in Switzerland so they wouldn’t meet Tyndale’s fate back in England.
Their Bible proved so popular, however, that King James felt compelled to finally make an “authorized” English version. Released in 1611, it became the King James Version we all know and love today.
Why Study the Bible in Its Original Languages?
The world has changed a lot in the thousands of years since the Bible was written. Making its ancient words comprehensible to a modern English reader is an enormous challenge, filled with countless choices about exactly the best way to render any given word or phrase.
In addition to the example of the Tetragrammaton above, here’s one more example (among thousands) that translators of the Bible have to contend with: “our daily bread.”
This phrase, part of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, is one of the best-known in the entire Bible, memorized by millions of Christians around the world by the time they can read and write. What could possibly be ambiguous about daily bread?
Case Study: Our Daily, Necessary, Supersubstantial Bread for the Future
In the original Greek of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:11, the phrase is “Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον” (ton arton hēmōn ton epiousion). Here’s how it breaks down:
Ton means “the.”
Arton means “bread.”
Hēmōn means “ours.”
Epiousion means… well, no one knows for sure.
Outside of the parallel passage in Luke 11:3, the word isn’t found anywhere else in ancient Greek — we’re talking thousands and thousands of documents.
So, what did Jesus mean by it? (Or rather, what did he say in Aramaic that became “epiousion” in Greek?)
The King James translators (and Tyndale before them) supplied “daily,” based mostly on an early Latin translation of the passage. But there isn’t really any reason to assume that’s what it means.
A much more popular theory in the early church (including Jerome and Augustine) was that it meant something like “supersubstantial” — or spiritual — and referred to the bread of the Eucharist. This is still one of the preferred interpretations in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Other scholars, both ancient and modern, have suggested “necessary,” while still others have proposed “of tomorrow” (or “for the future”).
But regardless of the translation or meaning you prefer, the point is that, in English, you have to pick one. When you read Matthew in its original Greek, however, you can sit much closer to the mystery — just as Christians have been doing for thousands of years — and wonder, what did God mean by that?
After all, the words he chose are no accident.
Conclusion: It’s All Greek — and Hebrew — to Us
Hopefully, this post has given you a better understanding of the languages the Bible was written in: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek — including some of the challenges that go into translating those languages for a modern, English-speaking audience.
Of course, taking the time to learn even one of those languages, let alone all three, is far beyond what most of our schedules would allow.
Fortunately, there are great resources available to help you understand the original meanings of the Bible, with limited or no linguistic training.
You can pick up a Study Bible by a scholar (or several) who can read the original languages fluently and provide commentary on complex passages.
And you can use a resource like the NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible to see the original words beneath the translation.
Better yet, why not try all three?
Sign up today for Bible Gateway Plus and get access to dozens of Bible study resources such as Study Bibles, commentaries, and encyclopedias — including the NIV Reverse Interlinear — all for less than a pack of highlighters.
The Bible has a lot to say on forgiveness. In fact, it’s one of the most central themes in all of Scripture. The entire arc of humanity’s relationship to God is one of being made in God’s perfect image, falling into sin, and ultimately being redeemed — forgiven — through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. And all along, there are constant cycles of God’s people trying, failing, and being forgiven in smaller ways.
But who deserves forgiveness? What will God forgive, and what won’t he forgive? And on the other hand, who deserves our forgiveness? As it turns out, these questions are very closely linked. Here are 28 Bible verses on forgiveness (and some slightly longer passages) to help you consider these questions.
The verses below are presented in a variety of different Bible translations. You can click on each verse reference to read it in your own favorite version.
Bible Verses on Forgiving Others
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” — Luke 6:37 (NIV)
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. — Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. — Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” — Matthew 6:14 (NRSVue)
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” — Mark 11:25 (NLT)
“Watch yourselves! If your brother or sister sins, warn them to stop. If they change their hearts and lives, forgive them. Even if someone sins against you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I am changing my ways,’ you must forgive that person.” — Luke 17:3–4 (CEB)
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. — Matthew 18:21–22 (KJV)
Don’t say to anyone, “I’ll get back at you for what you did to me. I’ll make you pay for what you did!” — Proverbs 24:29 (MSG)
The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends. — Proverbs 17:9 (NET)
“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:43-45a (CSB)
So instead [of further rebuke, now] you should rather [graciously] forgive and comfort and encourage him, to keep him from being overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. — 2 Corinthians 2:7 (AMP)
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. — Ephesians 4:26–27 (NKJV)
Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses. — Proverbs 10:12 (GNT)
Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. — Romans 12:17–18 (NASB)
Bible Verses on Being Forgiven
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:9 (NRSVue)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. — Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. — Psalm 103:10–12 (ESV)
Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. — Psalm 32:1 (GNT)
They will no longer teach their friends and relatives, “Know the Lord!” Everyone, from least to greatest, shall know me—oracle of the Lord—for I will forgive their iniquity and no longer remember their sin. — Jeremiah 31:34 (NABRE)
“I, I alone, am the one who wipes out your wrongdoings for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.” — Isaiah 43:25 (NASB)
“Then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14 (TLB)
As he passed in front of Moses, he called out. He said, “I am the Lord, the Lord. I am the God who is tender and kind. I am gracious. I am slow to get angry. I am faithful and full of love. I continue to show my love to thousands of people. I forgive those who do evil. I forgive those who refuse to obey me. And I forgive those who sin. But I do not let guilty people go without punishing them. I cause the sins of the parents to affect their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” — Exodus 34:6 (NIrV)
The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. — Daniel 9:9 (NIV)
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” — Luke 23:34a (GW)
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God.” — Acts 13:38-39 (CEB)
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. — Hebrews 10:16-17 (KJV)
Bible Verses on Not Being Forgiven
“Then his lord called the first slave and said to him, ‘Evil slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me! Should you not have shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you?’ And in anger his lord turned him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed. So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.” — Matthew 18:32-35 (NET)
“Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” — Matthew 12:31-32 (NRSVue)
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:15 (NIV)
Dig deeper into all these verses and more with Bible Gateway Plus. Bible Gateway Plus has dozens of resources — from Study Bibles and commentaries to encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more — all for less than $5/month. Try it free today!
“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. The first letter of Peter was written near the end of his life from Rome, to encourage faithful witness in a hostile world.
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
An exhortation for believers to stand firm in the face of suffering and persecution.
Category: Epistle
Theme: Perseverance
Timeline: Written around AD 60-64
Key Verse
“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” — 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)
Living Victoriously
Peter writes to Roman Christians to teach them how to live victoriously in the midst of hostility:
Without losing hope
Without becoming bitter
While trusting Jesus
While looking for his return
Peter wished to impress on his readers that by living an obedient, victorious life under duress, a Christian can actually evangelize his hostile world.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here’s a handy 7-day guide to the “catholic” epistles. (See 30-day reading guide below.)
Peter followed James and Paul and died as a martyr near Rome about two years after he wrote this letter, thus he had written this epistle near the end of his life, probably while staying in the imperial city.
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When I tell people that I use the Psalms as a prayerbook, their first question always has to do with the imprecatory psalms — the ones that ask God for vengeance. People doubt that we should pray them considering what Jesus says about loving our enemies. They also wonder if our prayers shouldn’t rise above the conflict that marks our age.
I believe the imprecatory psalms are exactly what we need to love this fallen world. In fact, I suggest that these angry prayers might just hold the key to living out the teachings of Jesus. If we are going to love like God, then we need all the prayers that he’s given.
To best understand this, we simply need to look at the author of some of those angry prayers. David’s life story is a masterclass in forgiveness, but his prayers often called for God’s judgment. We can hardly reconcile his angry prayers and his forgiving spirit; therefore, we must conclude that one enabled the other.
David and the Imprecatory Psalms
Many of David’s imprecatory psalms come from the time he spent on the run. His enemies chased him, tried to kill him, and stole his crown. Those were lonely times, when his closest friends either betrayed him or were used as bait. His greatest friend in those darkest moments wasn’t Jonathan or Joab; it was God. He told God everything. He could be honest with God, more honest than with any other person. That’s why the imprecatory psalms are so brazen and raw, because they are the unvarnished truth.
First Samuel 19 describes just how precarious David’s life was. After Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, Saul sent men to see where David would flee. They staked out David’s home so they could catch him when he visited his wife (1 Samuel 19:11). From our vantage point, the story sounds almost comical, because David always seems one step ahead of Saul. However, it was different for David. He was pushed to the brink, and his prayers reflect that. In that moment, he prayed,
For the cursing and lies that they utter, consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. — Psalm 59:12b-14 (ESV)
The first thing to notice is that David prayed this prayer against his fellow Israelites. When people object to praying the imprecatory psalms, they sometimes say that these are Old Testament prayers against other nations. The thinking is that Christians live in a different time, one marked by God’s love for everyone. But David prays Psalm 59 against God’s chosen people. In other words, these prayers didn’t spring from some Old Testament attitude towards evil, but the timeless experience of fear, anger, and pain.
Another thing to notice is that David’s attitude in prayer didn’t keep him from loving those very same people. Saul’s commander, Abner, was one of David’s primary enemies. Abner probably directed Saul’s men to stake out David’s house and he accompanied Saul when he went hunting for David (1 Samuel 26:7). Once David finally took the throne, Abner staged a coup and started a civil war (2 Samuel 2:8f). He simply wouldn’t acknowledge David as king. Abner was probably a target of several imprecatory prayers, not just Psalm 59.
Yet, when Abner finally came around, David welcomed him with open arms. He even threw a banquet in his honor. In fact, there is never a point where David went after all those people who tried to kill him. He prayed for judgment, but didn’t seek it. David’s men weren’t so forgiving. David’s commander killed Abner. David, in turn, cursed his own commander and wept at Abner’s grave (2 Samuel 3:32).
David prayed one way but acted another. He didn’t have to keep his anger burning, because his prayers had cleaned the slate. He had asked God to destroy people like Abner, so judgment was now God’s business. Because of the imprecatory psalms, David was free.
Vengeance is the Lord’s
David’s experience foreshadows the words of Paul, who tells us not to avenge ourselves. “But leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Romans 12:19 ESV). Vengeance isn’t our job. We know that, of course, but what do we do with all those vengeful thoughts? I’ve found no better way to identify and release them than praying the imprecatory psalms.
David did this all the time. Ahithophel was David’s trusted counselor who betrayed him when Absalom rose to power. David didn’t send someone to kill Ahithophel, he only sent a friend to defeat his counsel to Absalom (2 Samuel 15:34). David showed restraint, but he prayed like a killer. Many scholars believe Psalm 55 had to do with Ahithophel.
Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. — Psalm 55:15 (ESV)
The same goes for Shimei, who hurled curses and rocks at David. Shimei was from the same tribe as Saul and loved seeing David humiliated. David’s men could hardly bear it. One offered, “Let me go over and take off his head” (2 Samuel 16:10). Again, David showed mercy. He even pardoned Shimei when he got the chance (2 Samuel 19:23). That’s the kind of thing Jesus would do, right? But David’s angriest prayer possibly had to do with Shimei.
He loved to curse; let curses come upon him! He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him! He clothed himself with cursing as his coat; may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones! — Psalm 109:17-18 (ESV)
David hurled as many curses as Shimei, but the difference is that David did it in prayer. That’s the proper place to deal with our anger and our resentment. Meanwhile, David’s kindness bewildered his companions. At one point they complain, saying, “you love those who hate you and hate those who love you” (2 Samuel 19:6). Again, that sounds like Jesus. The imprecatory psalms are not contrary to the New Testament ethic, they simply ask for vengeance from the one who has the right to perform it.
The Most Honest Prayer
Then there’s Absalom. He ran David out of Jerusalem and slept with all his concubines (2 Samuel 16). It’s easy to imagine David’s pain at watching his son rebel. Every parent can imagine loving a lost child. But can you imagine praying against them like David did? Psalm 63 is a prayer he prayed while on the run from Absalom. It’s beautiful, but it strikes an imprecatory note at the end.
But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. — Psalm 63:9-10 (ESV)
Let’s make this extra clear: David prayed an imprecatory psalm against his very own son. He told his men to deal gently with Absalom (2 Samuel 18:5), but asked God to drag him into the depths of the earth. And here we come to the heart of the matter: David asked God to do things to Absalom that he didn’t really want to happen.
This is honest prayer. It’s the kind of prayer you can only pray if you know that God is forgiving, and that he will act with justice and mercy. It’s the kind of request that a child would make to his father, when that child feels completely safe.
We might sneer at the imprecatory psalms because they seem primitive and unrefined, but I believe they are some of the most sophisticated prayers in the Bible. They are also the most gracious. These angry prayers coax out our deepest, unspeakable feelings. God provided them to help us articulate our most private thoughts.
Using the Imprecatory Psalms
I started praying the Psalms because I was sick of my normal, shallow prayers. On a whim, I thought the Psalms could provide some depth. I had no idea how things would change — how I would change.
The imprecatory psalms recruited me to join the cosmic fight between good and evil. They reshaped how I perceived the world and engaged my heart in the struggle. Before praying the Psalms, I enjoyed my spot on the sidelines, observing the war that Christ waged. The imprecatory psalms got me off the sidelines and put me right in the middle of the action.
First, the imprecatory psalms have taught me how to pray against sin. I regularly use these prayers to pray against my sinful flesh. My flesh whispers lies, tries to control me, and seeks to destroy the work of God in me. It acts just like the evil people in the psalter. The New Testament is clear that we are at war with our flesh (Gal 5:17-18; 1Pet 2:7), and the imprecatory psalms may be our greatest ammunition. But it doesn’t stop there. We can actually use these prayers as intercession. I sometimes pray the imprecatory psalms against the sinful flesh of the people that I love. As strange as that sounds, it helps me love them more.
Imagine your friend or spouse is spiraling. Intercede for them with the imprecatory psalms and your perspective will change. You will see them as the victim of their sinful flesh. You will pray against their flesh that lies and controls, and you will help them fight with your prayer. I’ve seen these prayers be part of what heals a broken marriage.
Second, I pray these prayers against people who are doing evil things, whether it be world powers or a neighbor down the street. These prayers give words to those thoughts we are already thinking, but they lay the problem at the feet of the very one who can do something about it.
Lastly, and most obviously, I pray these psalms against the devil. If you are like me, you forget how evil true evil is. These prayers remind us that we aren’t just here to make a decent living and have a nice family. God is on the move and his church has a role in the fight (Revelation 12:11).
Grace and Anger
Praying the Psalms is an ancient practice that the modern Protestant Church has largely forgotten. Praying the Psalms means praying words that were designed by the very hand of God. He gave us these words to shape our spirituality. It’s no surprise, then, that neglecting them leaves us lacking. Too many times, we pray gentle prayers, while struggling with violent thoughts. Too many times, we use social media to let off steam, believing our prayers should be “godly.”
We live in an angry, combative time. Thankfully, God has given us prayers that are just as angry, and just as combative. Let’s use them. Let’s cry out to the Lord while the rest of the world shouts at each other.
The imprecatory psalms show us that prayer is the proper place to scream. If the imprecatory psalms teach us anything, they teach us that God can handle everything we can throw at him. They teach grace at a guttural level. There is nothing we need to hide, and nothing we need to clean. We can pray things we aren’t even sure we want to happen!
For that reason, the imprecatory psalms are liberating. Grace always is.
With the Psalms, We Always Have Words to Pray
God wants to hear from us. So he gave us the Psalms.
In When You Don’t Have the Words: Praying the Psalms, Reed S. Dunn shows how the Psalms enrich our prayer lives. Dunn gives a deeply practical guide, relating to the challenges we face with praying the Psalms, and highlighting how they can reshape and enliven our prayer.
The psalmist says that God is “full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Ps 86:15 KJV). For Paul, the supreme example of God’s mercy is not counting our sins against us (2 Cor 5:19) but acting through Christ’s death to redeem us and to create the opportunity for reconciliation with him.
God is not like the easily riled, vindictive deities that people tried to mollify with sacrifices. No sacrifice we might offer, however, could suffice to placate God’s holy wrath against sin. Thankfully, Christ is the sacrifice that humans could not offer themselves.
God’s grace is something that God has done for us through Christ.
It was God, not us, who “presented” Christ “as a sacrifice of atonement” (Rom 3:25–26; see Rom 5:6–10; 2 Cor 5:18–19, 21). What Paul writes in 2 Cor 5:14–21 is a majestic summary of this atoning sacrifice. He says three times (emphases mine) that “one [Christ] died for all” (5:14b); “he died for all,” defined as “those who [now] live” (5:15a); and he “died for them and was raised again” (5:15b).
The Threefold Significance of the Greek Preposition ‘Hyper’ in 2 Corinthians 5
The Greek preposition translated as “for” (hyper) can also mean “in place of,” “as a representative of,” or “for the benefit of” (“in the interest of”). Must one choose only one meaning for this preposition? It is possible that Paul “plays with the meaning” and “shifts back and forth between” the three meanings.[1]
1. Substitutionary Significance
First, the phrase that “one died for all” (5:14b) has a substitutionary significance. Christ died in place of all. Paul’s conclusion in 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for [hyper] us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God,” highlights this interchange in Christ (see also Gal 2:20; 3:13).[2] Christ has done something for others and had done it in their stead “to produce a salvific effect.”[3]
He died a death under the divine wrath that sinners deserve.[4]
This interchange “is achieved, on the one hand, by Christ’s solidarity with mankind, on the other, by our solidarity with Christ.”[5] Why does God not just forgive sin and leave it at that? G. B. Caird answers, “To forgive sin by fiat would be to ignore it, to treat it as though it did not exist; like cancelling traffic offences by abolishing the rules of the road.”[6]
It is important to recognize that “Divine retribution for sin is real, and humans had better not discount the reality of God’s wrath against sin.”[7] But God does not just avert wrath through Christ’s becoming a sin offering; God also offers to restore a broken relationship caused by human sin.
God did not create the problem, “as if God were a cruel tyrant from whom humans rebelled. Human sinfulness created the problem, and this sinful condition had to be dealt with before there could be any reconciliation.”[8] In this case, God, the injured party, took action to resolve the falling out. The forgiveness of sins required Jesus to stand in for sinners to spare them from facing the supreme penalty for their rebellion against God. Christ’s vicarious sacrifice wipes the slate clean and paves the way for reconciliation with God.
2. Representative Significance
Second, Christ’s death has a representative significance. For instance, in 2 Cor 5:20 the preposition hyper has a representative sense. As Christ’s ambassador, Paul implores the Corinthians on Christ’s behalf (hyper), that is, as Christ’s representative.
The statement in 5:14c, “therefore all died,” also suggests this representative sense.[9] Moyer Hubbard reasons, “A substitute dies so that others do not, whereas a representative embodies the community as its delegate and so includes others in his/her sacrificial act (see Heb 7:9–10).”[10]
Hubbard continues: “Describing Christ as a representative whose story somehow affects the whole of humanity, the submerged analogy of Adam-Christ again becomes visible. First Corinthians 15:22 confirms this connection: ‘In Adam all die; in Christ all will be made alive’” (see also Rom 5:12–20).[11]
Udo Schnelle explains how this could be: “Because Christ is in no way affected by the realm where sin is dominant, he can represent us in becoming sin, in order thereby to effect our incorporation into the realm where he is Lord.”[12]
3. Beneficial Significance
Third, Christ’s death also is “for the benefit of” believers. Paul speaks of our resurrection earlier in chapter 5 (vv. 1–5) and contends elsewhere that Christ “was raised to life for our justification” (Rom 4:25) so that “we too may live a new life” (Rom 6:4).
Christ’s resurrection breaks the calamitous interconnection between sin and death that menaces humanity. Thus, all three connotations of the preposition hyper express what Paul understands Christ’s death for us means.
Obtaining Justice, Bestowing Uprightness
Paul concludes this unit in 2 Cor 5:21 by describing a mysterious exchange. Christ, who was sinless, is bonded to our sin and condemned as if he were a sinner. Being “in Christ” (5:17) bonds believers, who have no righteousness in themselves, to his righteousness. They “become the righteousness (dikaiosyne) of God” (5:21).
The word translated as “righteousness” can refer to “justice” — giving out rewards or punishments that a person is due — and to a person’s right standing before God. Paul knits the two meanings of this noun together: God obtained justice on the cross and gave believers the gift of uprightness.
What Paul says in 5:21 encapsulates what he affirms more fully in Rom 3:25–26: “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”[13]
The language of “righteousness” recurs throughout 2 Corinthians (3:9; 6:7, 14; 9:9-10; 11:15), and Isaiah’s use of “righteousness” (the root zedek appears eighty-one times in Isaiah) helps clarify what Paul means in this context. Paul appropriated from his theological reading of Isaiah, particularly Isa 46:13 and 51:5-8, the idea that the righteousness of God refers to “not counting people’s sins against them” (5:19). Christ’s becoming sin for us resulted in God blotting out our sins in the same way that Christ’s death for us swallowed up death and gave us the promise of resurrection (1 Cor 15:54; see Isa 25:8).
It is important to clarify the meaning that Christ’s death is “for all” in 5:14–15. It is potentially beneficial for all. However, it is only operative for those who “live by faith, not by sight” (5:7), who believe that Christ died for them and that God raised him from the dead, and who “no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them” (5:15). Those who reject the gospel are perishing (2:15–16).
Reconciliation With God Through Jesus Christ’s Death
Paul’s statement that as part of the process of reconciliation God did not count “people’s sins against them” assumes that human sin shatters the relationship with God. That relationship needs mending — but given our weak, sinful, and rebellious condition we can do nothing to restore that relationship on our own. We might make attempts to do so through sanctimonious supplications (contrast 2 Macc 1:5; 8:29), repeated attempts at repentance, and recurrent sacrificial offerings, but they are all futile. Paul’s assertion that “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Cor 5:19 ASV) means that God took the initiative in restoring the relation through what God did in Christ.
This concept would have been theologically stunning in Paul’s Hellenistic context. Instead of being on the receiving end of a sacrifice, God chose to be the sacrifice.[14] This reconciliation does not placate God’s enmity; it seeks to overcome our enmity through God’s sacrificial act of love (Rom 5:8).
Furthermore, this is not a matter of the divine judge letting us off the hook and wiping the slate clean. The divine judge is the One whom we have sinned against, and he does far more than forgiving our trespasses and letting us start again. Indeed, God offers himself to us in friendship through Christ and gives us the power to start again through the Holy Spirit.
God drew near to us through Christ and was involved in Christ’s death to create the possibility for “the world” (5:19) to enter an intimate relationship with God. “The world” (kosmos) does not refer to the cosmos in this context but to humankind (Rom 3:6, 19; 11:12). In this case it denotes ungodly, sinful humanity.
Adapted from David E. Garland’s 2 Corinthians, volume 8 in the New Word Biblical Themes series.
Theologians have not often mined 2 Corinthians for its theological gemstones, but careful reading of the letter uncovers significant, profound doctrinal insights into the Trinity, atonement, reconciliation, being in Christ, cruciform ministry, and the hope of the resurrection.
Footnotes
[1] Reimund Bieringer, “Dying and Being Raised For: Shifts in the Meaning of hyper in 2 Cor 5:14–15,” in Theologizing in the Corinthian Conflict: Studies in the Exegesis and Theology of 2 Corinthians, ed. Reimund Bieringer, Ma. Marilou S. Ibita, Dominika A. Kurek-Chomycz, and Thomas A. Vollmer, BTS 16 (Leuven, Belgium: Peeters, 2013), 175.
[2] See Morna D. Hooker, “Interchange and Atonement,” BJRL 60 (1978): 462–81, and Morna D. Hooker, “On Becoming the Righteousness of God: Another Look at 2 Cor 5:21,” NovT 50 (2008): 358–75.
[3] Udo Schnelle, Theology of the New Testament, trans. M. Eugene Boring (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), 249. Emphasis original.
[4] Rudolf Bultmann (The Second Letter to the Corinthians, trans. Roy A. Harrisville [Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1985], 165) argues, “The meaning is, just as believers are ‘just’ because God regards (‘reckons’) and treats them as such, though they are sinners, so Christ is regarded and treated by God as sinner . . . though he is sinless.”
The abundance of allusions to Isaiah in the context suggests that Paul paraphrases Isa 53:10, “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.” See B. J. Oropeza, “Reconciliation in ‘Light’ of Isaiah 8:22–9:7: Confirming Isaianic Influence on Paul’s Use of καταλλαγή in 2 Corinthians 5:17–21,” in Scriptures, Texts, and Tracings in 2 Corinthians and Philippians, ed. A. Andrew Das and B. J. Oropeza (Lanham / Boulder /New York / London: Lexington Books / Fortress Academic, 2022), 85–106.
[6] G. B. Caird, Theology of the New Testament, ed. L. D. Hurst (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994), 146.
[7] David E. Garland, Romans: An Introduction and Commentary, TNTC (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2021), 149.
[8] David E. Garland, 2 Corinthians, CSC (Nashville: Holman Reference, 2021), 324.
[9] They do not literally die but are dead to sin when they are made alive in Christ and live for Christ. They no longer live for themselves, since living for oneself is the essence of sinning.
[10] Moyer V. Hubbard, “2 Corinthians,” in A Biblical Theology of the Holy Spirit, ed. Trevor J. Burke and Keith Warrington (London: SPCK, 2014), 172.
[12] Schnelle, Theology of the New Testament, 255.
[13] Charles Lee Irons, “The Isaianic Judicial Background of ‘The Righteousness of God’ in 2 Cor 5:21,” in Scriptures, Texts, and Tracings in 2 Corinthians and Philippians, ed. A. Andrew Das and B. J. Oropeza (Lanham / Boulder /New York / London: Lexington Books / Fortress Academic, 2022), 107–20.
[14] Thomas C. Oden, The Word of Life: Systematic Theology: Volume Two (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1989), 370.
Here it is, your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of June 2025 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.
Week of July 26
August 1 — The Vatican has partnered with Italy to transform a 1,000-acre site near Rome into a solar farm, aiming to become the world’s first carbon-neutral state. The project, pending Italian parliamentary approval, will cost under €100 million and generate enough electricity for the entire state, with excess power benefiting the local community. The agreement ensures minimal environmental impact and preserves agricultural use of the land. (RNS)
August 1 — Spurgeon’s College, a historic Baptist institution in the UK founded in 1856 by Charles Spurgeon, announced its immediate closure due to “significant” financial challenges and declining student enrollment. Despite securing funding earlier this year, the sudden termination of financial support on July 21, 2025, left the college unable to sustain operations. Trustees expressed both grief and gratitude for the college’s legacy, and requested prayers for students and staff. (Christian Today)
August 1 — The Arise Leadership Summit 2025 concluded in Jakarta, Indonesia, with nearly 300 participants from 22 countries uniting to strategize the future of missions around guiding principles of Mindset, Mentorship, Modeling, Missional Living, and Mobilization. Leaders emphasized intergenerational collaboration, grassroots discipleship, sustainable mission ecosystems, and collective ownership. The summit was framed as a “commissioning,” not an endpoint, and will resume in Bangkok in 2026. (Christian Daily)
July 31 — A rare bronze coin from the Second Temple era, inscribed with “For the Redemption of Zion,” was discovered near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, days before Tisha B’av, the annual Jewish commemoration of the destruction of the First and Second Temples. Minted just before Jerusalem’s fall (69-70 AD), the coin reflects the Jewish rebels’ shift from seeking “freedom” to yearning for “redemption.” Featuring a goblet, a lulav, and two etrogs, the coin symbolizes hope and connection to the Sukkot festival. (Jerusalem Post)
July 31 — Brent Leatherwood has resigned as president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). His nine-year tenure included pro-life and religious liberty advocacy, while also earning criticism for stances on immigration and guns. Recently, 43% of SBC members sought to disband the ERLC. Yet trustees praised his Scripture-rooted integrity, conviction, and kindness. ERLC VP Miles Mullin will serve as acting president during the search for Leatherwood’s replacement. (Baptist Press and Christianity Today)
July 31 — Pope Leo XIV approved the declaration of St. John Henry Newman as 38th Doctor of the Church in recognition of his theological contributions and spiritual legacy. Newman, a 19th-century English cardinal, was a key figure in ecumenism and a prolific writer, known for works like Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. Canonized in 2019, Newman’s motto, Cor ad cor loquitur (“Heart speaks to heart”), encapsulates his emphasis on personal faith and prayerful dialogue with God. (Vatican News)
July 30 — An ancient clay seal, inscribed with “Belonging to Yedayah (son of) Asayahu,” was discovered by the Temple Mount Sifting Project in Jerusalem. Dating to the late First Temple period (7th–6th century BC), the seal may link to King Josiah’s era, when a sacred scroll was found during Temple repairs. The seal, likely used by a high-ranking official, features a fingerprint and suggests its owner was involved in Temple or royal administration. (Jerusalem Post)
July 30 — A Pew Research Center report found a small decline in Christian-majority countries, dropping from 124 in 2010 to 120 in 2020. The shift is driven by rising religious disaffiliation, particularly in nations like the UK, Australia, France, and Uruguay. Globally, Christians remain the majority in 60% of countries but represent only 29% of the world’s population. Meanwhile, religiously unaffiliated majorities increased from seven to ten countries. (Pew Research Center)
July 30 — A first-century AD stone mug with cryptic inscriptions, discovered in Mount Zion, Jerusalem during a 2009 excavation, has finally been deciphered. The mug, found in a lavish home with a ritual bath, features approximately 100 letters resembling scripts from the Dead Sea Scrolls, with phrases like “Adonai, shabti” (“Lord, I have returned”). Scholars propose the mug was used for transporting water to the home’s mikveh, with the inscriptions serving as incantations or mnemonic aids for rituals. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
July 30 — A study by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life shows UK Christians experience greater mental and emotional well-being than non-believers. More Christians report having “few regrets” (41% vs. 26% of non-believers), feeling less overwhelmed (49% vs. 37%), and maintaining positivity during tough times (78% vs. 69%). Regular churchgoers showed even lower anxiety and despair levels. (Christian Today)
July 29 — Public trust in the church in the U.S. has risen to 36%, its first significant increase since 2020, according to Gallup. The rise is most notable among Republicans (from 49% to 64%) and younger Americans (18-37), from 26% to 32%. Despite the improvement, the church still ranks below institutions like small businesses and the military in public trust. Gallup notes that trust often aligns with political affiliation rather than institutional performance. (Christian Daily)
July 28 — A 5,500-year-old Canaanite blade workshop was discovered at Nahal Qomem near Kiryat Gat, Israel, the first intact site of its kind. The Early Bronze Age site contains hundreds of flint blades and cores, used primarily for agricultural tasks, as well as pits for food storage and a cache of unused blades, possibly a ritual offering. Excavations continue to explore the workshop’s regional significance. (Times of Israel)
July 28 — In 2025, Bible use among Americans rose to 41% of the population, with Millennials leading the increase (39%, up from 30% in 2024). Scripture engagement, which measures the Bible’s impact on decision-making and relationships, also saw its first rise since 2021, driven by Gen Z and Millennials. Most Americans (77%) own a Bible, and 66% access it digitally. Over half (51%) believe the Bible is inspired, but they disagree on how it should be interpreted. (Lifeway Research)
July 28 — Nearly 40 people were killed in a midnight attack on a Catholic church in eastern Congo. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-backed rebel group, targeted worshipers during a vigil, killing 38 in the church, including nine children, and another five in a nearby village. The Congolese government condemned the attack, while the UN warned it worsens the region’s dire humanitarian crisis. (AP News)
Week of July 20
July 25 — File under “swords into plowshares” (Is. 2:4): In Colombia, the National Coordinator of the Bolivarian Army (CNEB) has agreed to hand over 13.5 tons of weapons to the government for destruction by controlled detonation, facilitated by the Catholic Church and the United Nations. The agreement, signed on July 19, 2025, aims to build trust and address community concerns in conflict-affected regions following CNEB’s rejection of the 2016 Peace Agreement. (Catholic News Agency)
July 25 — The 2025 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference, held July 21–25 at Ridgecrest Conference Center, drew over 700 attendees for worship, Bible study, and 70 breakout sessions. Themed “Pursue the Prize” (Phil. 3:12-14), keynote speakers included Bartholomew Orr and Kerwin Lee, while sessions covered topics like AI in ministry and gender-specific challenges. (Baptist Press)
July 23 — Bible translation efforts are experiencing a transformative shift as global churches and translation organizations collaborate to bring Scripture to all languages. Decades of foundational work by organizations are now converging with the passion and cultural insight of local church leaders. This partnership is producing remarkable results, as seen in regions where pastors, inspired by personal faith journeys, are engaging their communities in translation efforts. (Christian Daily)
July 23 — The 129th Allianzkonferenz, Germany’s oldest Bible conference, will be held from July 30 to August 3, 2025 in Thuringia. Organized by the German Evangelical Alliance, the event focuses on the theme “Focus Jesus,” centered on the book of Colossians. Over 40 workshops will address topics like politics and pastoral care, alongside a family festival. Founded in 1886 by Anna von Weling, the conference emphasizes prayer, Bible study, unity, and evangelism. (Christian Daily)
July 23 — The Bible often uses “creative, succinct ways” such as nicknames and metaphors “to add color, character, and meaning” to the story, such as David’s descriptions of God as a “rock” and “shield” (Ps 18:2) and himself as God’s “turtledove” (Ps 74:19). Names often carry layered meanings, such as Deborah (“bee”) and Cushan-Rishathaim (likely “doubly wicked,” Jg 3:8), while metaphors like “crown of splendor” and “royal diadem” (Is 62:2–4) highlight Zion’s transformation. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
July 23 — U.S. Protestant pastors face unique challenges across traditions. Mainline pastors more often change churches, and are less likely to feel overwhelmed by ministry. Evangelical pastors report much less conflict over politics but instead face challenges when they propose changes. Black Protestant pastors feel especially high expectations, but experience less overall conflict. Among all groups, though, very few leave the pastorate altogether except to retire. (Lifeway Research)
July 22 — In Mozambique, solar-powered audio Bibles are transforming remote communities by providing access to Scripture in local languages. Distributed by Iris Global, led by missionaries Rolland and Heidi Baker, these devices are vital for areas with limited literacy, electricity, or infrastructure. The durable, portable Bibles allow even the most marginalized to hear God’s Word, fostering spiritual growth and hope in remote regions around the globe. (Religion Unplugged)
July 21 — The recent Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted biblical archaeology efforts, halting excavations across Israel during the peak dig season. Teams at sites like Tel Shikhin and Caesarea Maritima were forced to evacuate, while others, like Tel Shimron, canceled plans entirely. Some scholars are using this unexpected pause to analyze and publish findings from previous digs. Meanwhile, limited excavations continue with local teams in safer areas. (Christianity Today)
July 21 — Minno, a Christian streaming platform for children, is launching the first-ever American Sign Language (ASL) Bible series for kids, starting August 8, 2025. Partnering with Bridge Multimedia, the ASL adaptation of Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids aims to make the Gospel accessible to deaf children. Minno is also expanding its Spanish and Portuguese content, including a new bilingual preschool series, Guillermo & Will. (Christian Daily)
Week of July 13
July 18 — Often overlooked or misunderstood, the Song of Solomon offers profound spiritual insights beyond its celebration of marital love. The book was historically cherished by figures like Charles Spurgeon and Jonathan Edwards, who argued that it symbolizes the love between Christ and his church. By reading it through a Christ-centered lens, believers can deepen their understanding of divine love. (The Gospel Coalition)
July 18 — Recent research by Youth for Christ, the latest in the ongoing conversation around the “Quiet Revival” in the UK (see July 5 below), suggests growing spiritual interest among young people in the UK, with 52% identifying as Christian and 35% as followers of Jesus — a 12% increase over five years. The study highlights the openness of Gen Alpha (ages 11-18) to faith, with 53% willing to attend church if invited by a friend. (Christian Today)
July 17 — Bible-based TV continues to be having a moment. Currently streaming on Angel Studios, Testament sets the Book of Acts in a dystopian, modern Britain, blending ancient themes with contemporary visuals and emotional depth. Meanwhile, FOX’s The Faithful, which will premiere on Hulu next March, focuses on the women of Genesis, with Minnie Driver starring as Sarah in a drama exploring love, faith, and family. (Christianity Today and RELEVANT)
July 17 — On July 13, 92 individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus through a mass baptism at Bournemouth Beach, England. Organized by five local churches, the event included worship, testimonies, and celebrations, drawing hundreds of onlookers. Participants shared powerful stories of transformation, including Hope, who found peace in Christ after a life of anxiety, and Jack, a former atheist moved by the evidence of Jesus’ life and sacrifice. (Christian Daily)
July 16 — The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) has launched the Acts 2 Movement, a global initiative aimed at uniting Baptists worldwide to advance mission, evangelism, and justice in preparation for the 2,000th anniversary of Pentecost in 2033. Announced at the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Australia, the movement focuses on five paths: Bible engagement, witness, care, neighborly outreach, and religious freedom (Christianity Daily)
July 16 — After six Americans were detained in South Korea for attempting to send Bibles, rice, and USB drives to North Korea via bottles launched into the sea, Christian groups have raised concerns that the incident could backfire, hindering efforts to reach North Koreans. While some organizations, like Voice of the Martyrs Korea, continue discreet Bible distribution, others urge more strategic collaboration with underground North Korean Christians. (Christianity Today)
July 15 — Is the Bible the “most dangerous book in the world“? A common target of authoritarian regimes, the Bible remains banned or restricted in 52 nations due to its transformative power. Open Doors, celebrating its 70th anniversary, reflects on the risks Christians take to access Scripture, from Soviet-era smuggling to modern digital distribution. In countries like North Korea and China, owning a Bible can lead to severe punishment, yet believers continue to treasure it as a source of life and hope. (Christian Today)
July 15 — Amid a ceasefire with Israel, Iran has intensified its persecution of Christians, arresting at least 21 believers and targeting house churches, according to Article 18. Converts from Islam face heightened scrutiny, with authorities accusing underground churches of Western ties. Religious freedom advocates highlight the regime’s broader crackdown on minorities, including forced Islamic indoctrination for Christian children. (Baptist Press)
July 14 — Archaeologists in Jordan have uncovered the ancient Christian settlement of Tharais. Guided by the ancient Madaba Map, the researchers located the remains of the Byzantine settlement, which had been abandoned by the 7th century due to trade shifts, earthquakes, and Islamic expansion. The discovery includes a basilica-style church with mosaic floors, an olive oil press, and inscriptions linked to Christian funerary practices. (Jerusalem Post)
July 14 — John MacArthur, beloved and influential pastor of Grace Community Church and voice of the “Grace to You” radio ministry, died age 86 of pneumonia. Renowned for his expository preaching and prolific writing, including the best-selling MacArthur Study Bible, he also drew controversy for his stances on gender roles, charismatic movements, and social justice. Yet the global impact of his decades-long ministry helped shape evangelicalism, and his passing marks the end of an era both celebrated and polarizing in American Christianity. (Christianity Today and RNS)
July 14 — A 2,000-year-old shipwreck was discovered off Adrasan, Turkey, containing hundreds of well-preserved ceramics still arranged in their original rows. Found 130 feet underwater, the cargo was protected by unbaked clay coatings, providing unprecedented insight into ancient shipping logistics around the time of Jesus’ birth. The artifacts will be displayed in Turkey’s upcoming Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
July 13 — Renowned New Testament scholar N.T. Wright challenged the common belief that early Christians, including Jesus and Paul, expected the world to end within a generation. Speaking on his podcast, Wright clarified that references to events “within a generation” in the NT pertain to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, not the end of the world. Quoting 2 Peter 3:8, Wright emphasized that early Christians anticipated a future renewal of creation by God. (Christianity Daily)
Week of July 6
July 11 — The latest chapter of the American Bible Society’s 2025 “State of the Bible” report affirms that reading Scripture surpasses common self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and socializing in reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness while boosting hope. Those who volunteered in their local communities “put up the most positive numbers,” the researchers wrote. Additionally, 94% of daily readers felt reassured of God’s care during hardships. (Baptist Press and American Bible Society)
July 11 — A practice run of the ancient red heifer purification ceremony, described in Numbers 19, was held on July 1 in northern Israel. Organized by Rabbi Yitzchak Mamo and funded by Texas businessman Byron Stinson, the ritual involved burning a blemish-free red heifer, a step some believe could pave the way for rebuilding a Jewish temple in Jerusalem. The ceremony, tied to biblical prophecy (Rev. 11), aims to purify people in preparation for future sacrificial events. (RNS)
July 11 — The Catholic Church took 17 days to elect a new Pope — so why is the Church of England taking over a year to select a new Archbishop of Canterbury? Electors and candidates must confront major controversies such as whether to appoint the first female archbishop and how to handle same-sex marriage and abuse scandals. Many argue the role, which demands balancing spiritual leadership, state duties, and uniting a fractured church, has “become impossible.” (The Guardian)
July 10 — Christian leaders representing 80% of Australian church members are gathering in Brisbane for the Australian Evangelism Roundtable on July 11–12. Organized by the Baptist World Alliance, GO Movement, and Finishing the Task, the event aims to unite denominations for national evangelism. With Australia’s Christian population declining from 96.1% in 1901 to 44% in 2021, leaders see this as a “Kairos moment” for Australian revival. (Christian Daily)
June 9 — Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, was a small fishing village in his day. Now, it is a diverse, multi-faith city of 80,000 — but its streets remain dense with biblical history. Sites include the Basilica of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26–38), and St. Joseph’s Church, once a carpenter’s shop. Visitors can also explore a recreated first-century settlement and landmarks like Mt. Precipice (Lk 4:28–30) and follow Christ’s footsteps on the Jesus Trail. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
June 9 — In 1999, U.S. Navy officer John Meyer single-handedly coded the Catholic Catechism into HTML, making it accessible online — a fact that only became known last month thanks to a viral Facebook post that begins, “You can just do things.” Frustrated by the lack of digital resources, Meyer scanned and meticulously digitized the Catechism over nine months, working evenings and weekends. He eventually received Vatican approval, and his work became a global resource. (Aleteia)
July 8 — It can be easy to lose sight of the good things happening around the world amid the regular news cycle. Gen Z’s faith is growing, with Bible engagement among men up 19% last year. Over a dozen African nations have eradicated local diseases, benefiting 1.6 billion people. Global extreme poverty hit a record low of 8% in 2024. Coral reefs are showing signs of recovery. And U.S. recidivism rates improved, with 62% of 2012 prison releases staying out after five years. (RELEVANT)
July 8 — Erton Köhler was elected the first South American president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a global Protestant denomination with 23 million members across 200 countries. Köhler emphasized unity amidst political polarization and aims to engage youth, expand women’s leadership, and leverage technology for outreach. Known for promoting healthy living, Adventists advocate vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. (RNS)
July 8 — The IRS clarified that the Johnson Amendment, which restricts nonprofits from endorsing political candidates, does not apply to religious services. Critics have long argued the law is unconstitutional, while supporters warn that weakening it could turn the church into a political tool and harm its witness. American Christians largely agree, with 70% believing clergy should not endorse political candidates. The IRS has only ever enforced the law once, in 1992. (RNS)
July 8 — In a heartbreaking story from the Texas floods, Catholic sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, 13 and 11, were found holding hands and clutching rosary beads, 15 miles downstream from the cabin where they were staying with their grandparents. Moved by their final moments, the sisters’ community is rallying around the grieving family with prayers and support — and the faith “that Christ has defeated death, and that eternal life is waiting for those who love Him.” (Aleteia)
July 6 — Flash floods in Texas have devastated Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ camp, leaving at least 43 dead, including 15 children, and more still missing. Rescue efforts have saved over 850 people, but families remain anxious as search operations continue. The Southern Baptist Convention has deployed rescue teams while prayers arrive from all corners, including Christian author Beth Moore, pastor Franklin Graham, and Pope Leo XIV. (AP and Christian Today)
Week of June 29
July 5 — Some experts are calling into question the report of a “Quiet Revival” in England. Although a recent Bible Society report found a significant rise in church attendance, particularly among young men, from 2018 to 2024, attendance reports from the largest UK denominations (Anglican and Catholic) suggest about a 20% drop in attendance during that period — though attendance is gradually recovering from COVID-era lows. Only time will tell which statistics are correct. (Religion Unplugged)
July 3 — A volunteer at the American Baptist archive in Massachusetts accidentally discovered a 5-foot-long anti-slavery scroll signed by 116 New England Baptist ministers in 1847. “A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery” was found in pristine condition, untouched since the late 1800s. Adopted 2 years after the issue caused a schism between Northern and Southern Baptists, the document sheds light on pre-Civil War abolitionist debates and their impact on the history of American Christianity. (AP)
July 3 — A mass grave containing the bodies of eight Christian leaders was discovered in Calamar, Colombia. The victims, members of Evangelical Denominations of the Alliance of Colombia and the Foursquare Church, were conducting humanitarian work when they were abducted in April by FARC militants. Colombian President Gustavo Petro and international organizations condemned the murders. (Christian Daily)
July 2 — A survey of U.S. Catholics revealed they overwhelmingly define their faith through a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Devotion to Mary, helping the poor, receiving the Eucharist, and Church marriage also ranked highly. The study also found that 47% of Americans have some connection to Catholicism, though only 20% are practicing. (Aleteia and Pew Research)
July 2 — In the latest in a string of legal victories for Christian schools in America, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the United Methodist Church (UMC) can proceed with its lawsuit to retain governance over Southern Methodist University (SMU). The legal battle began in 2019 when UMC alleged breach of contract after SMU’s board of trustees amended its articles of incorporation to delete the phrase “to be forever owned, maintained and controlled” by the denomination. (The Christian Century)
June 30 — A new poll of U.S. adults reveals nuanced opinions about religion in public schools. While 58% support religious chaplains, only 44% favor teachers leading prayer. Most oppose mandatory prayer time, and opinions are split on taxpayer-funded vouchers for religious schools. In general, white evangelicals and non-white Protestants are more likely to support such activities, followed by Catholics, then mainline Protestants, while the religiously unaffiliated are (unsurprisingly) opposed. (Catholic News Agency)
June 29 — Two Brazilian nuns have become viral sensations after their breakdancing and beatboxing performance on a Catholic TV show captivated millions. Their song “Vocation,” a techno-pop track about God’s calling, has drawn global attention and inspired over 50 women to inquire about joining their congregation. The nuns aim to connect with youth and promote Christian faith, particularly in a time when Catholicism in Brazil faces declining numbers. (The New York Times)
June 29 — AI Bible characters take over social media. An all-ages Bible study video game. Commemorating the birthday of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and looking forward to more Bible TV. China forces Christians forced to sing communist anthems while Russia tortures Ukrainian evangelicals. How long was Jesus’ hair? And do atheists prefer religion to atheism? All this plus tons of Bible, church, and pastor statistics — catch up on the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of June!
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