In the New Testament, the breaking of physical chains from Paul serves as a powerful demonstration of God’s deliverance. While this was a historical and miraculous event, it also symbolizes the spiritual reality of being set free from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. The Event: Paul and Silas in Prison In Acts 16:16-34, we see the account of Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi. They were beaten, shackled, and locked in the inner prison. Despite their dire circumstances, they responded with prayer and praise to God: Acts 16:25: “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and...
Apollos: A Servant of God
Apollos is a fascinating figure in the New Testament, known for his eloquence, fervent spirit, and role in the early church. Although not a central figure like Paul or Peter, his contributions to the spread of the gospel and his interactions with others reveal significant lessons about humility, teachability, and the importance of sound doctrine. Below, we will explore every mention of Apollos in Scripture and examine why he is significant. Who Was Apollos? Apollos is first introduced in Acts 18, and his background and characteristics immediately set him apart. He was a Jew from...
Christmas: A Biblical Foundation of Celebrating Christ’s Birth
The celebration of Christmas is rooted in the prophetic promises of the Messiah. From the very beginning, God declared His plan to redeem humanity. In Genesis 3:15, the first Messianic prophecy, God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. Later, the prophets foretold the birth of Jesus: Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me...
The Apostle Paul: An Unwavering Life Devoted to Christ
The Apostle Paul is one of the most significant figures in Christian history, second only to Jesus Christ. Once a fierce persecutor of the church, Paul became its greatest missionary, theologian, and writer. His life is a vivid demonstration of the transformative power of God’s grace. From his early days as Saul of Tarsus to his martyrdom in Rome, Paul’s journey reflects God’s redemptive plan for humanity and His ability to use the least likely candidate to accomplish His purposes. Saul of Tarsus: Early Life and Education Saul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, known for its...
A Study on Ananias and Sapphira: A Biblical Mystery
In the early days of the Church, the believers shared everything in common, selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to those in need (Acts 4:32-37). It was a time of great unity, generosity, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But amid this powerful movement, we encounter the puzzling account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11—a narrative that has sparked much debate and speculation. Did God strike them dead? Was there foul play? Let’s dive into the text and examine the details like a mystery we’re trying to solve. The Context: Generosity and Unity in the Early...
A Study on the Book of Acts: The Birth of the Church and the Power of the Holy Spirit
The Book of Acts, written by Luke as a continuation of his Gospel, offers a powerful narrative of the birth and growth of the early Church. Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus and follows the ministry of the apostles as they spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It is a story of bold faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Let’s walk through the chapters of Acts, highlighting the major events and themes that show the unstoppable work of God through His people. Acts 1: The Ascension and the Promise of the...
The Life of Peter: From Fisherman to the Rock of the Early Church
Peter, originally named Simon, stands out as one of the most passionate and complex figures among Jesus’ disciples. His journey from being an unremarkable fisherman to becoming the “rock” on which the early Church was built is a testimony to God’s transformative power. Through moments of boldness, failure, correction, and restoration, Peter’s life reveals the heart of a man deeply committed to Christ and the work of the gospel. The Calling of Peter Peter was first introduced to Jesus by his brother, Andrew, who declared, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). Jesus met Peter by the Sea...