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The Greek word for “Nazarene” is Nazōraios. Some theologians believe that word has its root in the Hebrew term, Nezer, which is used in the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 11:1 and is typically translated “branch” (as in a tree branch that bears fruit). Others say it points to the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 49:6 where…

Reader Appeal: Adults, Teens, Young Adults Genre: Bibles FBSN Rating: A- If you, or anyone in your family, ever wanted to read the Bible from beginning to end, this is the way to do it. The Chronological Study Bible’s unique conceit is simply to arrange the text of Scripture in “historical order.” Is that enough…

Matthew reports that Joseph was afraid to live in Judea under the rule of Herod’s son, Archelaus—and apparently with good reason. After Herod the Great died, there was a power struggle among his sons over who would inherent his kingdom. Archelaus had first assumed kingship, over the objections of his brothers. Meanwhile, revolutionaries stirred up…

During the time of Jesus’ childhood, Nazareth was a tiny, backwater village situated in foothill on the southern edge of what was known as “Lower Galilee.” It was dwarfed by larger towns nearby. With a population estimated by some to be as low as 100 people, Nazareth was an insignificant place—thus also a great place…

Reader Appeal: Students, Bible Study Groups, Families Genre: Bible Reference FBSN Rating: B+ “God made Eve from Adam’s rib. Are you ribbing me?” “The Bible says ‘sons of God’ had sex with human women, who gave birth to giants. Doesn’t that sound a little like Greek mythology?” “Why did Jesus seem to paint God as…

Matthew reports that “Herod” was the bloodthirsty king who ordered the mass murder of all boys aged two and under in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. (2:16). History knows this king as “Herod the Great,” though “great” seems a stretch for this man. He reigned as a Roman appointee over the conquered Jewish people from…

At the time when the angel instructed Joseph to flee King Herod, Egypt had become a kind of safe haven for Jews forced to leave their home country. Egypt (like Herod’s Judea) was under Roman control—but was outside of King Herod’s authority. Jewish philosopher, Philo (15 B.C—50 A.D.) lived during that time and reported that…

Reader Appeal: Students, Parents, Pastors, Bible Study Leaders Genre: Study Bible FBSN Rating: B It’s easy to appreciate the scholarship invested in the verse-by-verse commentaries that make up the bulk of The MacArthur Study Bible. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, John MacArthur delivers solid insights into the meaning, history, and background of Scripture—as we…

Matthew references Jeremiah 31:15 as the prophecy fulfilled by Herod’s slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem. That Old Testament passage originally prophesied about mourning that would accompany the conquering of the Jewish kingdom of Judah by the ancient Babylonian armies. After that conquest, Babylon would eliminate from history any remnants of an independent Jewish nation,…

The Magi gave to baby Jesus gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Those gifts fulfilled a prophecy found in Isaiah 60:6, and also communicated symbolic meaning. Gold in the ancient Middle East was associated with “noble purposes,” as well as “immense worth and indestructibility.” Incense was an element of worship, and “from the revelations of…
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