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Paul faced great conflict. As he sought to advance the Gospel, he encountered opposition from without. At times it was ridicule (Acts17:32); at other times it was life-threatening (Acts 23:12). He also encountered opposition from within. As he sought to mature every man in Christ, he feared they would be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. This was the work of false teachers who targeted those not established in the faith. As we gather, it is not for a social occasion, but to equip ourselves for the work of God. —Mark Kolchin

As a great storm erupted and their boat filled with water, the disciples were worried they would drown. They questioned the Lord’s care for them. J. Sidlow Baxter explains the word “care” in 1 Peter, by quoting the verse this way; “Casting all your anxious care upon him; for he affectionately careth for you”. When we are faced with anxieties and worry, like the disciples, let us remember with confidence and assurance, our Lord lovingly cares for us. —Bob Cretney

God, in his infinite wisdom, did not want a newly regenerated and liberated people to witness war. How sad it is when young believers join themselves to a local church, only to find that the believers are at loggerheads with each other. Young converts then often ask themselves what their new life of fellowship is all about—and some even drift back into “Egypt”! —Brian Russell

Lazarus had died, been buried and resurrected but Mary had not used this very costly spikenard for his burial. In all probability Mary had bought the ointment for her own burial, but having seen the Lord raise her brother, she now recognized Christ as the Messiah and understood that He would die as the Saviour. Her own death and burial now are of no consequence, so she anoints the one who said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25). —David M. McCulloch

Pilate’s question has never been answered, because the Lord Jesus did no evil; rather, He always did what pleased the Father (Jn. 8:29). The Bible describes Him as “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners”, “without blemish and without spot”, “pure”, and “perfect” (Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 1:19; 1 Jn. 3:3; Heb. 5:9). Being the incarnate Son of God, He was and is incapable of sinning. His impeccability makes our salvation unassailably secure. —Keith Keyser

God’s grace does not condone sin. God’s grace introduces us to a life of discipleship and teaching at the feet of our Lord. Ungodliness, lusts, worldly desires, irreverence and disregard of God must be rejected. Grace encourages us to cultivate sensible, righteous, reverent lives. Let us not bring God’s grace into disrepute by godless living. The goal should be, “that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16). —Donald L. Norbie

Abram departed from God’s presence at Bethel to resolve his trial in Egypt. Choosing not to follow God’s path will always have consequences. Yet, God intervened to bring Abram back to the very place where he first enjoyed communion with God. He was not restored to a lower position after his failure, but into full fellowship. This encourages all those who have erred from the path of righteousness to go back to where they went wrong, and to call upon the Lord. Full restoration and fellowship will be found there. —Warren Henderson

John expected to see a Lion and instead saw a Lamb. The significance of this verse is a great help in the understanding of the whole book. The Messiah of Israel, the Lord of the Churches, is revealed as Judah’s Lion, the Root of David. All the promises made to Israel are going to be realized by the Sovereign (Lion) and based upon the Sacrificial (Lamb). What an incentive to worship! —Les Rainey

As these two downhearted people were travelling, an unknown “Visitor” joined them. He drew out their hearts until they cried out, “but we trusted, we were hoping.” So often when our way is shrouded, we too cry out, “O Lord, I was trusting, I was hoping”. But even in their loneliness, fear and discouragement, there was One who was walking with them. Eventually in His own time He revealed Himself to them (v. 31). No matter your situation, He is still walking with you and will reveal Himself in His way, and in His time. —Jim Comte

The behaviour of the Jews, God’s chosen people, should have caused the Gentiles to worship Him. Instead their behaviour caused people to blaspheme God! I have noticed two reactions of people towards Christians: the first is, “If that’s Christianity, I want nothing to do with it!” The second, “I want what that person has!” What reaction is my testimony producing among those watching me?—David Croudace