By Zane C Hodges with Robert N. Wilkin {This is Chapter 9 from the new book Tough Texts: Did Jesus Teach Salvation by Works?} Bob Wilkin (BW): To understand what Jesus is talking about in this passage, it is crucial to recall the context of the Olivet Discourse and to review its parabolic structure. In

By Zane C. Hodges {This is Chapter 3 from the new book First Peter: The Salvation of the Soul} The transforming work of God by which our “souls” are transformed and prepared for glory will touch every area of our earthly experience. The first such area, and the core area of all Christian experience, is

By Zane Hodges {This is Chapter 10 from the new book Spiritual Lessons from the Life of David} How starkly does the attitude of Jonathan towards David contrast with the attitude now seen in King Saul. Whenever God is at work, as He clearly was with David, Satan is also at work to oppose Him.

By Zane C. Hodges A Time of Persecution This passage is pertinent at a time when Christians may anticipate approaching stress or persecution from an ultimate “super-church,” for it is misguided religion which most usually is hostile to the faith (cf. John 16:2). Such is represented here by Saul. 8:1. Saul is seen as sympathizing

The Indictment Continues Stephen, accused by the Council, continues his indictment to Israel. 7:30-35. “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush.” The miracle of the bush which burned and was not consumed (cf. Exod 3:2-3), prefigures the history of Israel, especially since her rejection of Christ.

Typology in Stephen’s Speech Stephen the table waiter of chapter 6 now becomes an angel of God (cf. 6:15), that is, a messenger of the Lord. The theme of Stephen’s sermon is Israel’s resistance to the Holy Spirit throughout its history (see Acts 7:51-53, especially v 51). But behind this theme is the typological lesson