This section of the Manual is devoted to the careful reading, understanding, and faithful handling of Scripture. It equips ministers to approach the Bible with clarity, reverence, and responsibility by attending to its historical setting, literary form, and theological message. The goal is not speculation, but sound interpretation that honors the intent of the biblical authors and serves the Church faithfully.
Whether preparing sermons, teaching Bible studies, or responding to difficult questions, this section provides a stable foundation for interpreting God’s Word accurately and wisely.
This section focuses on how Scripture is read and understood. Formal doctrinal conclusions and systematic theology are addressed within the Doctrine and Theology section of the Manual.
Use this section as a reference as you study Scripture, prepare messages, and guide others toward a deeper and more faithful understanding of God’s Word.
Heaven is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing the abode of God, the ultimate goal for believers, and the domain of divine authority. This article compiles significant mentions of heaven from the Old and New Testaments, using the English Standard Version (ESV). Old Testament …
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” In what ways can we be a light to those around us? How does this verse challenge our daily actions and decisions? What does it …
The Apostle Paul, also known as Saint Paul or Saul of Tarsus, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. His life and ministry are extensively documented in the New Testament of the Bible. Born in Tarsus, a city in modern-day Turkey, around 5 AD, …
The Gospel of Matthew mentions over 70 individuals, including Jesus Christ, His genealogical ancestors like Abraham and David, His earthly parents Mary and Joseph, prophets such as Isaiah, apostles like Peter and James, and key political figures including Herod and Pontius Pilate. This complete list helps readers trace Jesus’ lineage, understand His early life, and identify all those involved in His ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.
The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, serve as the cornerstone of the Mosaic Law, symbolizing God’s covenantal principles for His people. They are not merely rules but embody a theological framework for understanding divine-human and human-human relationships. Examining their implications and their sequential order reveals a …
The Zealots were a Jewish sect or political movement that emerged during the first century AD. They were known for their fervent nationalism and their opposition to Roman rule. The Zealots sought to resist and overthrow the Roman occupation of Judea, viewing it as a violation …
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Psalm 5:12 “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you …
Pontius Pilate is a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the accounts of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He was the Roman governor or prefect of the province of Judea from approximately 26 AD to 36 AD. Below is …
Brief The Nicolaitans are mentioned twice in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation. The references are found in Revelation 2:6 and Revelation 2:15. However, the exact nature of the Nicolaitans’ teachings is not explicitly described in the text, and there is some ambiguity …
Luke, often referred to as Saint Luke or Luke the Evangelist, is one of the prominent figures in the New Testament. He is renowned for being the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Not much is known about his early …