Is there a sin so terrible it can’t be forgiven? If so, what is the unforgivable sin? The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) all record Jesus’s teaching that the unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12:31–32Mark...
But who do you say the Son of Man is? (Matthew 16:15) Perhaps Jesus’ most famous, pointed question, this marks a turning point in the Gospel of Matthew and is mentioned in Mark and Luke too. After Simon Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of...
The epistles of Peter and Jude are often overlooked in preaching and Bible study. Not only are they nestled among the more popular letters of Paul and the book of Revelation, but portions of these epistles sound odd to our modern sensibilities. That...
Why the Apostles Rarely Mention the Kingdom You may have noticed that “kingdom” language is frequent in the Gospels and in Jesus’ teaching particularly, but that it almost disappears in the rest of the NT. After examining every instance of βασιλεία...
What Happened to Peter? Like Steve Runge, I identify with Peter. Not only am I encouraged by Peter’s missteps, foibles, and failures, but I’m also challenged by the post-resurrection dynamo that Peter becomes. For Peter, Jesus’...