Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 is a powerful historical defense of the Gospel, demonstrating Israel’s repeated rejection of God’s messengers and culminating in their betrayal of Jesus, the Righteous One. His bold proclamation led to his martyrdom, yet his testimony became a turning point for the early Church, influencing the spread of Christianity and even preparing the way for Saul’s conversion.
The Bible stands as the most well-preserved and reliable ancient document in history. Despite textual variations, no doctrine has been lost, and through careful scholarship, God’s Word has been faithfully transmitted from generation to generation, confirming His promise to preserve the Scriptures forever.
Though the canonization of Scripture was a long and complex process, God sovereignly guided it to preserve His Word as He intended. Despite human fallibility, the Bible remains the divinely inspired and preserved revelation of God.
Purgatory remains one of the most debated doctrines between Catholics and Protestants, with Catholics viewing it as a necessary purification process before entering heaven, while Protestants argue that Christ’s sacrifice is fully sufficient for salvation. This essay examines the biblical basis, theological implications, and differing perspectives on purgatory, ultimately concluding that it is an unbiblical tradition unsupported by Scripture.
The deuterocanonical books, included in the Catholic Bible but rejected by Protestants, offer historical and cultural insights but contain errors and theological contradictions. While valuable for study, they are not inspired Scripture.
The Apostles, personally commissioned by Jesus, were sent with divine authority to spread the Gospel and establish the Church. While Jesus originally chose twelve disciples, only eleven were sent as apostles, with others like Paul, Barnabas, and James later appointed by God.
The Antiochenes, inhabitants of Antioch, became one of the first major Gentile Christian communities and were the first to be called Christians (Acts 11:26). Their commitment to missions, doctrine, and evangelism made them a crucial people group in early Christianity.
Paul’s encounter with the Lycaonians in Acts 14 began with a miracle and ended with persecution. Yet from that region came Timothy, a key figure in the early Church.
The Pamphylians, mentioned in Acts 2:10, were among those who heard the Gospel at Pentecost, signifying the expansion of Christianity into coastal Asia Minor. Later, Paul and Barnabas traveled through Pamphylia, ensuring that Christian communities were established and strengthened.
The Romans were the dominant force during Jesus’ time, shaping New Testament history through their governance, military power, and persecution of Christians. Yet, despite their opposition, God used Rome to spread the Gospel, proving that even the mightiest empires serve His divine plan.
The Emites were a race of giants who once lived in the land of Moab, related to the Rephaim and other pre-Israelite giant clans. Though they were strong and numerous, they were eventually displaced, proving that military might alone does not determine a nation’s survival—only God’s will does.
The Dodanim (Rodanim) were ancient seafarers and traders from the Aegean, playing a role in Mediterranean commerce and biblical prophecy. Their history illustrates the rise and fall of powerful civilizations, showing that only God’s kingdom remains eternal.
The Assyrians, known for their military might and cruelty, were both an instrument of God’s judgment and an object of His wrath. Their history demonstrates that while God is patient, unchecked pride and violence will always lead to destruction.
The Phoenicians, renowned for their trade, shipbuilding, and influence, played a significant role in biblical history. While they contributed to Israel’s economy and architecture, their pride and idolatry ultimately led to divine judgment.