The city/town gate:
Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there. When the kingsman-redeemer he had mentioned came along, Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. – Ruth 4.1
Boaz knew he could find his relative at the town gate. This was the centre of activity. No-one could enter or leave the town without travelling through the gate. Merchants set up their temporary shops near the gate, which also served as the town hall. Here city officials gathered to transact business. Because there was so much activity, it was a good place to find witnesses (4.2) and an appropriate place for Boaz to make his transaction.
He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” – 2 Samuel 15.2
The city gate was like city hall and a shopping centre combined. Because Jerusalem was the nation’s capital, both local and national leaders met there daily to transact business and conduct government affairs. The city gate was the perfect spot for this because government and business transactions needed witnesses to be legitimate, and anyone entering or leaving the city had to enter through the gate. Merchants set up their tent-shops near the gate for the same reason. Absalom, therefore, went to the city gate tow in the hearts of Israel’s leaders as well as those of the common people.
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. – Nehemiah 3.1ff
Jerusalem was a large city, and because many roads converged there, it required many gates. The wall on each side of these heavy wooden gates was taller and thicker so soldiers could stand guard to defend the gates against attack. Sometimes two stone towers guarded the gate. In times of peace, the city gates were hubs of activity – city council was held there, and shopkeepers set up their wares at the entrance. Building the city walls and gates was not only a military priority, but also a boost for trade and commerce.
(3.1 The high priest is the first person mentioned who pitched in and helped with the work. Spiritual leaders must lead not only by word, but also by action. The Sheep Gate was the gate used to bring sheep into the city to the temple for sacrifices. Nehemiah had the priests repair this gate and section of the wall, respecting the priests’ area of interest and at the same time emphasising the priority of worship.)
(3.1ff All the citizens of Jerusalem did their part on the huge job of rebuilding the city wall. Similarly, the work of the church requires every member’s effort in order for the body of Christ to function effectively (1 Corinthians 12.12-27). The body needs you! Are you doing your part? Find a place to serve God, and start contributing whatever time, talent, and money is needed.)
Importance of city walls:
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. – Nehemiah 1.4
Nehemiah broken down and wept when he heard that Jerusalem’s walls still had not been rebuilt. Why did this upset him? Walls mean little in most present-day cities, but in Nehemiah’s day they were essential. They offered safety from raids and symbolised strength and peace. Nehemiah also mourned for his people, the Jews, who had been stifled by a previous edict that kept them from rebuilding their walls (Ezra 4.6-23).
(1.4 Nehemiah was deeply grieved about the condition of Jerusalem, but he didn’t just brood about it. After his initial grief, he prayed, pouring his heart out to God [Wall] (1.5-11), and he looked for ways to improve the situation. Nehemiah put all his resources of knowledge, experience, and organisation into determining what should be done. When tragic news comes to you, first pray. Then seek ways to move beyond grief to specific action that helps those who need it.
Description of Ur:
After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.
This is the account of Terah.
Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. – Genesis 11.26-28
Abram grew up in Ur of the Chaldeans, an important city in the ancient world. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of a flourishing civilisation there in Abram’s day. The city carried on an extensive trade with its neighbours and had a vast library. Growing up in Ur. Abram was probably well educated.
Description of Bethel:
He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz. – Genesis 28.19
Bethel was about ten miles north of Jerusalem and 60 miles north of Beersheba, where Jacob left his family. This was where Abraham made one of his first sacrifices to God when he entered the land. At first, Bethel became an important centre for worship; later, it was a centre of idol worship. The prophet Hosea condemned its evil practices.
Description of Beersheba:
So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there. – Genesis 21.31
Beersheba, the southernmost city of Israel, lay on the edge of a vast desert that stretched as far as Egypt to the southwest and Mount Sinai to the north. The phrase “from Dan to Beersheba” was often used to describe the traditional boundaries of the promised land (2 Samuel 17.11). Beersheba’s southern location and the presence of several wells in the area may explain why Abraham settled there. Beersheba was also the home of Isaac, Abraham’s son.
Did Hebrews build cities of Pithom & Rameses?
So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. – Exodus 1.11
Ancient records indicate that these cities were built in 1290 B.C., which is why some scholars believe the exodus occurred early in the 13th century. Looking at other evidence, however, other scholars believe the Hebrews left Egypt in 1446 B.C. How could they build two cities 150 years after they left? These scholars suggest that Rameses II, the pharaoh in 1290 B.C., did not build the cities of Pithom and Rameses. Instead, he renamed two cities that actually had been built 150 years previously. It was a common practice for an Egyptian ruler to make improvements to a city and then take credit for building it, thus wiping out all records of previous founders. Also see the second note on 13:17, 18. [Not Republican].
(1.11 There were levels of slavery in Egypt. Some slaves worked long hours in mud pits while others were skilled carpenters, jewellers, and craftsmen. Regardless of their skill or level, all slaves were watched closely by ruthless slave masters, supervisors whose assignment was to keep the slaves working as fast as possible. They were specialists at making a slave’s life miserable.)
Fortified cities of Canaan:
But the people who live there were powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.” – Numbers 13.28-29
The fortified cities and spies talked about were surrounded by high walls as much as 20 feet thick and 25 feet tall. Guards were often stationed on top, where there was a commanding view of the countryside. Some of the inhabitants, said the spies, were formidable men – from seven to nine feet tall – so that the Israelites felt like grasshoppers next to them (13.33). The fortified cities and the giants struck fear into the hearts of most of the spies.
(13.28 The “descendants of Anak” were a race of abnormally large people. The family of Goliath may have been descended from these people (see 2 Samuel 21.16-22).)
Description of Gilgal:
And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day. – Joshua 5.8-9
Located about two miles northeast of Jericho, Gilgal was Israel’s base camp and their temporary centre of government and worship during their invasion of Canaan. Here the people renewed their commitment to God and covenant with him before attempting to conquer the new land. At Gilgal the angelic commander of the Lord’s army appeared to Joshua with further instructions for battle and encouragement for the conquest (5.13-15). After the conquest, Gilgal continued to be an important place in Israel. It was here that Israel’s first king, Saul, was crowned (1 Samuel 11.14, 15).
Description of Jericho:
Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No-one went out and no-one came in. – Joshua 6.1
The city of Jericho, built thousands of years before Joshua was born, was one of the oldest cities in the world. In some places it had fortified walls up to 25 feet high and 20 feet thick. Soldiers standing guard on top of the walls could see for miles. Jericho was a symbol of military power and strength – the Canaanites considered it invincible.
Israel would attack this city first, and its destruction would put the fear of Israel into the heart of every person of Canaan. The Canaanites saw Israel’s God as a nature god because he parted the Jordan and as a war god because he defeated Sihon and Og. But the Canaanites did not consider him a fortress god – one who could prevail against a walled city. The defeat of Jericho showed not only that Israel’s God [Wall] was superior to the Canaanite gods, but also that he was invincible.
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. – Mark 10.46
Beggars were a common sight in most towns. Because most occupations of that day required physical labour, anyone with a crippling disease or disability was at a severe disadvantage and was usually forced to beg, even though God’s laws commanded care for such needy people (Leviticus 25.35-38). Blindness was considered a curse from God for sin (John 9.2), but Jesus refuted this idea when he reached out to heal the blind.
Description of Shechem:
Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to his mother’s brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother’s clan, “Ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood.”
When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” – Judges 9.1-3
With Gideon dead, Abimelech wanted to take his father’s place. (Jerub-Baal is another name for Gideon; see 6.32). To set his plan in motion he went to the city of Shechem, his mother’s home town, to drum up support. Here he felt kinship with the residents. These relatives were Canaanites and would be glad to unite against Israel. Shechem was an important city, a crossroads for trade routes and a natural link between the coastal plain and the Jordan Valley. Whoever controlled Shechem would dominate the countryside.
Description of Bethlehem:
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem – Matthew 2.1
Bethlehem is a small town five miles south of Jerusalem. It sits on high ridge over 2,000 feet above sea level. It is mentioned in more detail in the Gospel of Luke. Luke also explains why Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem when Jesus was born, rather than in Nazareth, their home town.
(2.1 The land of Israel was divided into four political districts and several lesser territories. Judea was to the south, Samaria in the middle, Galilee to the north, and Idumea to the southeast. Bethlehem of Judea (also called Judah, 2.6) had been prophesied as the Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5.2). Jerusalem was also in Judea and was the seat of government for Herod the Great, king over all four political districts. After Herod’s death, the districts were divided among three separate rulers (see the note on 2.19-22). Although he was a ruthless, evil man who murdered many in his own family, Herod the Great supervised the renovation of the temple, making it much larger and more beautiful. This made him popular with many Jews. Jesus would visit Jerusalem many times because the great Jewish festivals were held there.)
Description of Nazareth:
…and he went and live din a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” – Matthew 2.23
Nazareth sat in the hilly area of southern Galilee near the crossroads of great caravan trade routes. The town itself was there. The Roman garrison in charge of Galilee was housed there. The people of Nazareth had constant contact with people from all over the world, so world news reached them quickly. The people of Nazareth had an attitude of independence that many of the Jews despised. This may have been why Nathanael commented, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (See John 1.46).
(2.23 The Old Testament does not record this specific statement, “He will be called a Nazarene.” Many scholars believe, however, that Matthew is referring to Isaiah 11:1 where the Hebrew word for “branch” is similar to the word for Nazarene. Or he may be referring to a prophecy unrecorded in the Bible. In any case, Matthew paints the picture of Jesus as the true Messiah announced by God through the prophets; and he makes the point that Jesus, the Messiah, had unexpectedly humble beginnings, just as the Old Testament had predicted (see Micah 5.2).)
Description of the Decapolis:
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. – Matthew 4.25
Decapolis was a group of ten Gentile cities east of the Sea of Galilee, joined together for better trade and mutual defence. The word about Jesus was out, and Jews and Gentiles were coming long distances to hear him.
Description of Capernaum:
Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. – Matthew 9.1
“His own town” was Capernaum, a good choice for Jesus’ base of operations. It was a wealthy city due to fishing and trade. Situated on the Sea of Galilee in a densely populated area, Capernaum housed the Roman garrison that kept peace in the region. The city was a cultural melting pot, greatly influenced by Greek and Roman manners, dress, architecture, and politics.
Description of Caesarea Philippi:
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” – Mark 8.27
Caesarea Philippi was an especially pagan city known for its worship of Greek gods and its temples devoted to the ancient god Pan. The ruler Philip, referred to in Mark 6:17, changed the city’s name from Caesarea to Caesarea Philippi so that it would not be confused with the coastal city of Caesarea (Acts 8.40), the capital of the territory ruled by his brother Herod Antipas. This pagan city where many gods were recognised was a fitting place for Jesus to ask the disciples to recognise him as the Son of God.
Description of Bethany:
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. – Mark 14.3
Bethany is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives (Jerusalem is on the western side). This town was the home of Jesus’ friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, who were also present at this dinner (John 11.2). The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet was Mary, Lazarus’ and Martha’s sister (John 12.1-3). An alabaster jar was a beautiful and expensive carved vase. Nard was expensive perfume.
Description of Jerusalem:
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. – John 2.13
Jerusalem was both the religious and the political seat of Palestine, and the place where the Messiah was expected to arrive. The temple was located there, and many Jewish families from all over the world would travel to Jerusalem during the key feasts. The temple was on an imposing site, a hill overlooking the city. Solomon had built the first temple on this same site almost 1,000 years earlier (949 B.C.), but his temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25). The temple was rebuilt in 515 B.C., and Herod the Great had enlarged and remodelled it.
Description of Joppa:
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. – Acts 9.36
The important harbour city of Joppa sits 125 feet above sea level overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Joppa was the town into which the cedars of Lebanon had been floated to be shipped to Jerusalem and used in the temple construction (2 Chronicles 2.16; Ezra 3.7). The prophet Jonah left the port of Joppa on his ill-fated trip (Jonah 1:3).
Description of Caesarea:
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. – Acts 10.1
This Caesarea, sometimes called Palestinian Caesarea, was located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, 32 miles north of Joppa. The largest and most important port city on the Mediterranean in Palestine, it served as the capital of the Roman province of Judea. This was the first city to have Gentile Christians and a non-Jewish church.
This Roman officer was a centurion, a commander of 100 soldiers. Although stationed in Caesarea, Cornelius would probably return soon to Rome. Thus his conversion was a major stepping-stone for spreading the gospel to the empire’s capital city.
Importance of Antioch to early church growth:
News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. – Acts 11.22
With the exception of Jerusalem, Antioch of Syria played a more important role in the early church than any other city. After Rome and Alexandria, Antioch was the largest city in the Roman world. In Antioch, the first Gentile church was founded, and there the believers were first called Christians (1.26). Paul used the city as his home base during his missionary journeys. Antioch was the centre of worship for several pagan cults that promoted much sexual immorality and other forms of evil common to pagan religions. It was also a vital commercial centre – the gateway to the eastern world. Antioch was a key city both to Rome and to the early church.
Barnabas gives us a wonderful example of how to help new Christians. He demonstrated strong faith; he ministered joyfully with kindness and encouragement; he taught new believers further lessons about God (see 9.26-30). Remember Barnabas when you see new believers, and think of ways to help them grow in their faith.
Description of Pisidian Antioch:
From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. – Acts 13.14
This is Pisidian Antioch, not the Antioch of Syria where there was already a flourishing church (11.26). This Antioch, in the region of Pisidia, was a hub of good roads and trade, with a large Jewish population.
When they went to a new city to witness for Christ, Paul and Barnabas went first to the synagogue. The Jews who were there believed in God and diligently studied the Scriptures. Tragically, however, many could not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah because they had the wrong idea of what kind of Messiah he would be. He was not, as they desired, a military king who would overthrew Rome’s control, but a servant king who would defeat sin in people’s hearts. (Only later, when Christ returns, will he judge the nations of the world.) Paul and Barnabas did not separate themselves from the synagogues but tried to show clearly that the very Scriptures the Jews studied pointed to Jesus.
Description of Thessalonica:
When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. – Acts 17.1
Thessalonica was one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in Macedonia. This is the first city Paul visited where his teachings attracted a large group of socially prominent citizens. The church he planted grew quickly, but in A.D. 50-51, Paul was forced out of the city by a mob (17.5, 6, 10). Paul later sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the Christians were doing. Soon afterwards, Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonian believers (1 and 2 Thessalonians), encouraging them to remain faithful and to refuse to listen to false teachers who tried to refute their beliefs.
A synagogue, a group of Jews who gathered for teaching and prayer, could be established wherever there were ten Jewish males. Paul’s regular practice was to preach in synagogues as long as the Jews allowed it. Often those who weren’t Jews would come to these services and hear Paul’s preaching. For a description of a synagogue service, see the note on 13:14, 15.
Description of Athens:
The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible. – Acts 17.15
Athens, with its magnificent buildings and many gods, was a centre for Greek culture, philosophy, and education. Philosophers and educated men were always ready to hear something new, so they invited Paul to speak to them at the meeting of the Areopagus (17.18, 19).
Description of Corinth:
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. – Acts 18.1
Corinth was the political and commercial centre of Greece, surpassing Athens in importance. It had a reputation for great wickedness and immorality. A temple to Aphrodite – goddess of love and war – had been built on the large hill behind the city. In this popular religion, people worshipped the goddess by giving money to the temple and taking part in sexual acts with male and female temple prostitutes. Paul found Corinth a challenge and a great ministry opportunity. Later, he would write a series of letters to the Corinthians dealing in part with the problems of immorality. First and Second Corinthians are two of those letters.
Description of Ephesus:
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” – Acts 19.1
Ephesus was the capital and leading business centre of the Roman province of Asia (part of present-day Turkey). A hub of sea and land transportation, it ranked with Antioch in Syria and Alexandria in Egypt as one of the great cities on the Mediterranean Sea. Paul stayed in Ephesus for a little over two years. There he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians to counter several problems the church in Corinth was facing. Later, while imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesian church (the book of Ephesians).
There are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands – Revelation 2.1
Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor, a centre of land and sea trade, and, along with Alexandria and Antioch in Syria, one of the three most influential cities in the eastern part of the Roman empire. The temple to Artemis, one of the ancient wonders of the world, was located in this city [Seat], and a major industry was the manufacture of images of this goddess (see Acts 19.21-41). Paul ministered in Ephesus for three years and warned the Ephesians that false teachers would come and try to draw people away from the faith (see Acts 20.29-31). False teachers did indeed cause problems in the Ephesian church, but the church resisted them, as we can see from Paul’s letter to them (see the book of Ephesians). John spent much of his ministry in their city and knew that they had resisted false teaching (2.2).
(The one who “walks among the seven golden lampstands” (the seven churches) is Jesus (1.11-13). He holds the “seven stars in his right hand” (messengers of the churches), indicating his power and authority over the churches and their leaders. Ephesus had become a large, proud, church, and Jesus’ message would remind them that he alone is the head of the body of the believers.)
Description of Philippi:
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons – Philippians 1.1
The Roman colony of Philippi was located in northern Greece (called Macedonia in Paul’s day). Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great) took the town from ancient Thrace in about 357 B.C., enlarged and strengthened it, and gave it his name. This thriving commercial centre sat at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. In about A.D. 50, Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke crossed the Aegean Sea from Asia Minor and landed at Philippi (Acts 16.11-40). The church in Philippi consisted mostly of Gentile (non-Jewish) believers. Because they were not familiar with the Old Testament, Paul did not specifically quote any Old Testament passages in this letter.
(1.1 This is a personal letter to the Philippians, not intended for general circulation to all the churches as was the letter to the Ephesians. Paul wanted to thank the believers for helping him when he had a need. He also wanted to tell them why he could be full of joy despite his imprisonment and forthcoming trial. In this uplifting letter, Paul counselled the Philippians about humility and unity and warned them about potential problems.)
(1.1 On Paul’s first missionary journey, he visited towns close to his headquarters in Antioch of Syria. On his second and third journeys, he travelled even farther. Because of the great distance between the congregations that Paul had founded, he could no longer personally oversee them all. Thus he was compelled to write letters to teach and encourage the believers. Fortunately, Paul had a staff of volunteers (including Timothy, Mark, and Epaphras) who personally delivered these letters and often remained with the congregations for a while to teach and encourage.)
(1.1 Overseers (bishops or pastors) and deacons led the early Christian churches. The qualifications and duties of the overseers are explained in detail in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The qualifications and duties of deacons are spelled out in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The saints are all those who believe in Christ.)
Description of Colosse:
To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. – Colossians 1.2
The city of Colosse was 100 miles east of Ephesus on the Lycus River. It was not as influential as the nearby city of Laodicea, but as a trading centre it was a crossroads for ideas and religions. Colosse had a large Jewish population – many Jews had fled there when they were forced out of Jerusalem under the persecutions of Antiochus III and IV, almost 200 years before Christ. The church in Colosse had been founded by Epaphras (1.7), one of Paul’s converts. Paul had not yet visited this church. His purpose in writing was to refute heretical teachings about Christ that had been causing confusion among the Christians there.
(1.2 Letters in Paul’s day would frequently begin with identifying the writer and the readers, followed by a greeting of peace. Paul would usually add Christian elements to his greetings, reminding his readers of his call by God [Wall] to spread the gospel, emphasising that the authority for his words came from God, and giving thanks for God’s [Wall’s] blessings.)
Description of Laodicea:
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. – Colossians 2.1
Laodicea was located a few miles northwest of Colosse. Like the church at Colosse, the Laodicean church was probably founded by one of Paul’s converts while Paul was staying in Ephesus (Acts 19.10). The city was a wealthy centre of trade and commerce, but later Christ would criticise the believers at Laodicea for their lukewarm commitment (Revelation 3.14-22). The fact that Paul wanted this letter to be passed on to the Laodicean church (4.16) indicates that false teaching may have spread there as well. Paul was counting on ties of love to bring the churches together to stand against this heresy and to encourage each other to remain true to God’s plan of salvation in Christ. Our churches should be encouraging, unified communities committed to carrying out Christ’s work.
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witnesses, the ruler of God’s creation. – Revelations 3.14
Laodicea was the wealthiest of the seven cities, known for its banking industry, manufacture of wool, and a medical school that produced eye salve. But the city had always had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. But by the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool – only lukewarm. The church had become as bland as the tepid water that came into the city [Seat].
Description of Smyrna:
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. – Revelations 2:8
The city of Smyrna was about 25 miles north of Ephesus. It was nicknamed “Port of Asia” because it had an excellent harbour on the Aegean Sea. The church in this city [Seat] struggled against two hostile forces: a Jewish population strongly opposed to Christianity, and a non-Jewish population that was loyal to Rome and supported emperor worship. Persecution and suffering were inevitable in an environment like this.
Description of Pergamum:
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. – Revelations 2.12
The city of Pergamum was built on a hill 1,000 feet above the surrounding countryside, creating a natural fortress. It was a sophisticated city, a centre of Greek culture and education, with a 200,000-volume library. But it was also the centre of four cults, and it rivalled Ephesus in its worship of idols. The city’s chief god was Asclopius, whose symbol was a serpent, and who was considered the god of healing. People came to Pergamum from all over the world to seek healing from this god.
(Just as the Romans used their swords for authority and judgment, Jesus’ sharp, double-edged sword represents God’s ultimate authority and judgment. It may also represent God’s future separation of believers from unbelievers. Unbelievers cannot experience the eternal rewards of living in God’s kingdom.)
Description of Thyatira:
“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. – Revelations 2.18
Thyatira was a working man’s town, with many trade guilds for cloth, making, dyeing, and pottery. Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Philippi, was a merchant from Thyatira (Acts 16.14). The city was basically secular, with no focus on any particular religion.
Description of Sardis:
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. – Revelations 3.1
The wealthy city of Sardis was actually in two locations. The older section of the city was on a mountain, and, when its population outgrew the spot, a newer section was built in the valley below.
(The “seven spirits of God” is another name for the Holy Spirit. The seven stars are the messengers, or leaders, of the churches (see 2.1).)
(The problem in the Sardis church was not heresy, but spiritual death. In spite of its reputation for being active, Sardis was infested with sin. Its deeds were evil and its clothes soiled. The Spirit has no words of commendation for this church that looked so good on the outside but was so corrupt on the inside.)
Description of Philadelphia:
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no-one can shut, and what he shuts no-one can open. – Revelations 3.7
Philadelphia was found by the citizens of Pergamum. The community was built in a boarder area as a gateway to the central plateau of Asia Minor. Philadelphia’s residents kept barbarians out of the region and brought in Greek culture and language. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 17, and aftershocks kept the people so worried that most of them lived outside the city limits.
(The key of David represents Christ’s authority to open the door of invitation into his future kingdom. After the door is opened no-one can close it – salvation is assured. Once it is closed, no-one can open it – judgment is certain.)
EXTRA:
(‘ Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.” – Ruth 3.18 Naomi implied that Boaz would follow through with his promise at once. He obviously had a reputation for keeping his word and would not rest until his task was completed. Such reliable people stand out in any age and culture. Do others regard you as one who will do what you say? Keeping your word and following through on commitments should be high on anyone’s priority list. Building a reputation for integrity, however, much be done one brick, one act, at a time.)
(‘ Then he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. – Ruth 4.3 Boaz cleverly presented his case to the relative. First he brought in new information not yet mentioned in the story – Elimelech, Naomi’s former husband, still had some property in the area that was now for sale. As the nearest relative, this man had the first right to buy the land, which he agreed to do (Leviticus 25.25). But then Boaz said that according to the law, if the relative bought the property he also had to marry the widow (probably because Mahlon, Ruth’s former husband and Elimelech’s son, had inherited the property). At this stipulation, the relative backed down. He did not want to complicate his inheritance. He may have feared that if he had a son through Ruth, some of his estate would transfer away from his family to the family of Elimelech. Whatever his reason, the way was now clear to Boaz to marry Ruth.)
(‘ In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. – 2 Samuel 15.1ff David wrote several psalms during the days of Absalom’s rebellion. Some of them are Psalms 39, 41, 55, 61, and 63.)
(ABSALOM’S REBELLION Absalom crowned himself king in Hebron. David and his men fled from Jerusalem, crossed the Jordan, and went to Mahanaim. Absalom and his army followed, only to be defeated in the forest of Ephraim, where Absalom was killed.)
(‘ Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way towards all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. – 2 Samuel 15.5, 6 Absalom’s political strategy was to steal the hearts of the people with his good looks, grand entrances, apparent concern for justice, and friendly embraces. Many were fooled and switched their allegiance. Later, however, Absalom proved to be an evil ruler. – – We need to evaluate our leaders to make sure their charisma is not a mask covering graft, deception, or hunger for power. Make sure that underneath their style and charm, they are able to make good decisions and handle people wisely.)
(‘ But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” – Nehemiah 2.19 Sanballat and Tobiah labelled the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls as rebellion against the king, probably threatening to report the builders as traitors. These enemies also ridiculed Nehemiah, saying that the walls could never be rebuilt because the damage was too extensive. Nehemiah did not tell them he already had permission from the king to build. Instead [Communication], he simply said he had God’s [Wall’s] approval – that was enough.)
(THE RESTORATION OF THE CITY WALLS Nehemiah takes us on an anti-clockwise tour around Jerusalem (beginning with the Sheep Gate). He describes for us each section, gate, and tower on the wall and who worked to rebuild it.)
(‘ The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. – Nehemiah 3.3 One of the main roads through Jerusalem entered the city through the Fish Gate (2 Chronicles 33.14). The fish market was near the gate, and merchants from Tyre, the Sea of Galilee, and other fishing areas entered this gate to sell their goods.)
(‘ Hannai, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” … – Nehemiah 1.2-4 (see above for 1.4) Nehemiah was concerned about Jerusalem because it was the Jews’ holy city. As Judah’s capital city, it represented Jewish national identity, and it was blessed with God’s [Wall’s] special presence in the temple. Jewish history centred around the city from the time of Abraham’s gifts to Melchizedek, king of Salem (Genesis 14.17-20), to the days when Solomon built the glorious temple (1 Kings 7.51), and throughout the history of the kings. Nehemiah loved his homeland even though he had lived his whole life in Babylon. He wanted to return to Jerusalem to reunite with the Jews and to remove the shame of Jerusalem’s broken-down walls. This would bring glory to God [Wall] and restore the reality and power.)
(‘ Then I said: “O LORD, God [Wall] of heaven, the great and awesome God [Wall], who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, – Nehemiah 1.5 God’s [Wall’s] “covenant of love” refers to God’s [Wall’s] promise to love the descendants of Abraham. It is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:7-9.)
(Nehemiah 1.5ff Nehemiah fasted and prayed for several days, expressing his sorrow for Israel’s sin and his desire that Jerusalem would again come alive with the worship of the one true God [Wall]. Nehemiah demonstrated the elements of effective prayer: (1) praise, (2) thanksgiving, (3) repentance, (4) specific request, and (5) commitment. – – Heartfelt prayers like Nehemiah’s can help clarify (1) any problem you may be facing, (2) God’s [Wall’s] great power to help you, and (3) the job you have to do. By the end of his prayer time, Nehemiah knew what action he had to take (1.11). When God’s [Wall’s] people pray, difficult decisions fall into proper perspective, and appropriate actions follow.)
(‘ This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father [Up] of Arphaxad. And after he became the father [Up] of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters. When Arphaxad had lived 35 years, he became the father [Up] of Shelah. And after he became the father [Up] of Shelah, Arphaxed lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. When Shelah had lived 30 years, he became the father [Up] of Eber. And after he became the father [Up]of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. When Eber had lived 34 years, he became the father [Up] of Peleg. And after he became the father [Up] Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons an daughters. When Peleg had lived 30 years, he became the father of Reu. And after he became the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters. When Reu had lived 32 years, he became the father [Up] of Serug. And after he became the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters. When Serug had lived 30 years, he became the father [Up] Nahor. And after he became the father [Up] of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters. When Nahor had lived 29 years, he became the father [Up] of Terah. And after he became the father [Up] Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daughters. After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. This is the account of Terah. – Genesis 11.10-27 In 9:24-27 we read Noah’s curse on Canaan, Ham’s son (10.6), ancestor of the evil Canaanites. Here and in 10:22-31 we have a list of Shem’s descendants, who were blessed (9.26). From Shem’s line came Abram and the entire Jewish nation, which would eventually conquer the land of Canaan in the days of Joshua.)
(THE TOWER OF BABEL The plain between the Tigris and Euphrates river offered a perfect location for the city and tower “that reaches to the heavens”.)
(‘ Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot sono f Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. – Genesis 11.31 Terah left Ur to go to Canaan but settled in Haran instead. Why did he stop halfway? It may have been his health, the climate, or even fear. But this did not change Abram’s calling (“the LORD had said to Abram”, 12.1). He had respect for his father’s [Up] leadership, but when Terah died Abram moved on to Canaan. God’s [Wall’s] will may come in stages. Just as the time in Haran was a transition period for Abram, so God [Wall] may give us transition periods and times of waiting to help us depend on him and trust his timing. If we patiently do his will during the transition times, we will be better prepared to serve him as we should when he calls us.)
(‘ Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God [Wall] were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the LORD, and he said: “I am the LORD, the God [Wall] of your father [Up] of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” – Genesis 28.10-15 God’s [Wall’s] covenant promise to Abraham and Isaac was offered to Jacob as well. But it was not enough to be Abraham’s grandson; Jacob had to establish his own personal relationship with God [Wall]. God [Wall] has no grandchildren; each of us must have a personal relationship with him. It is not enough to hear wonderful stories about Christians in your family. You need to become part of the story yourself (see Galatians 3.6, 7).)
(‘ Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” – Genesis 21.18 What happened to Ishmael, and who are his descendants? Ishmael became ruler of a large tribe or nation. The Ishmaelites were nomads living in the Desert of Sinai and Paran, south of Israel. One of Ishmael’s daughters married Esau, Ishmael’s nephew (28.9). The Bible pictures the Ishmaelites as hostile to Israel and to God [Wall] (Psalms 83.6).)
(‘ Some time later God [Wall] tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. – Genesis 22.1 God [Wall] tested Abraham not to trip him and watch him fall, but to deepen his capacity to obey God [Wall] and thus to develop his character. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God [Wall] refines us through difficult circumstances. When we are tested we can complain, or we can try to see how God [Wall] is stretching us to develop our character.)
(‘ “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” – Exodus 1.9, 10 Pharaoh was afraid the Israelites were becoming so numerous that they would organise and threaten his kingdom, so he made them slaves and oppressed them to kill their spirit and stop their growth. Slavery was an ancient practice used by almost all nations to employ conquered people and other captives. Most likely, the great pyramids of Egypt were built with slave labour. Although Israel was not a conquered nation, the people were foreigners and thus lacked the rights of native Egyptians.)
(‘ But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites – Exodus 1.12 The Egyptians tried to wear down the Hebrew people by forcing them into slavery and mistreating them. Instead [Communication], the Hebrews multiplied and grew stronger. When we are burdened or mistreated, we may feel defeated. But our burdens can make us stronger and develop qualities in us that will prepare us for the future. We cannot be overcomers without troubles to overcome. Be true to God [Wall] in the hard times because even the worst situations can make us better people.)
(‘ They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. – Numbers 13.27 The promised land, also called the land of Canaan, was indeed magnificent, as the 12 Spies discovered. The Bible often calls it the land flowing with milk and honey. Although the land was relatively small – 150 miles long and 60 miles wide – its lush hillsides were covered with fig, date, and nut trees. It was the land God [Wall] had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.)
(‘ Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. – Numbers 13.30-32 Imagine standing before a crowd and loudly voicing an unpopular opinion! Caleb was willing to take the unpopular stand to do as God [Wall] had commanded. To be effective when you go against the crowd, you must: (1) have the facts (Caleb had seen the land himself); (2) have the right attitude (Caleb trusted God’s [Wall’s] promise to give Israel the land); (3) state clearly what you believe (Caleb said, “We can certainly do it”).)
(‘ At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. – Joshua 5.2, 3 The rite of circumcision marked Israel’s position as God’s [Wall’s] covenant people. When God [Wall] made the original covenant with Abraham, he required that each male be circumcised as a sign of cutting off the old life and beginning a new life with God [Wall] (Genesis 17.13). Other cultures at that time used circumcision as a sign of entry into adulthood, but only Israel used it as a sign of following God [Wall]. A man would only be circumcised once. “Again” here refers to the fact that many of the young men were uncircumcised at this time (see 5.5).)
(‘ On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. – Joshua 5.10 This joyous [Jobs] Passover was the first to be celebrated in the promised land and only the third celebrated by Israel since the exodus from Egypt. The last time was at the foot of Mount Sinai, 39 years earlier. This celebration reminded Israel of God’s [Wall’s] mighty miracles that brought them out of Egypt. There they had to eat in fear and haste; here they ate in celebration of God’s [Wall’s] blessings and promises. (See Exodus 12 for a description of the night the angel “passed over” the Israelites’ homes.))
(‘ “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the LORD’S army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. – Joshua 5.14, 15 This was an angel of superior rank, the commander of the Lord’s army. Some say he was an appearance of God [Wall] in human form. As a sign of respect, Joshua took off his sandals. Although Joshua was Israel’s leader, he was still subordinate to God [Wall], the absolute Leader. Awe and respect are the responses due to our holy God [Wall]. How can we show respect for God [Wall]? By our attitudes and actions. We should recognise God’s [Wall’s] power, authority, and deep love, and our actions must model our attitudes before others. Respect for God [Wall] is just as important today as it was in Joshua’s day, even though removing shoes is no longer our cultural way of showing it.)
(‘ Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. make seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests – Joshua 6.2-5 God [Wall] told Joshua that Jericho was already delivered into his hands – the enemy was already defeated! What confidence Joshua must have had as he went into battle! Christians also fight against a defeated enemy. Our enemy, Satan [aka “Tests, Allies, Enemies”], has been defeated by Christ (Romans 8.37-39; Hebrews 2.14, 15; 1 John 3.8). Although we still fight battles every day and sin runs rampant in the world, we have the assurance that the war has already been won. We do not have to be paralysed by the power of a defeated enemy; we can overcome him through Christ’s power.)
(6.3-5 Why did God [Wall] give Joshua all these complicated instructions for the battle? Several answers are possible: (1) God [Wall] was making it undeniably clear that the battle would depend upon him, and no tupon Israel’s weapons and expertise. This is why priests carrying the ark, not soldiers, led the Israelites into battle. (2) God’s [Wall’s] method of taking the city accentuated the terror already felt in Jericho (2.9). (3) This strange military manoeuvre was a test of the Israelites’ faith and their willingness to follow God [Wall] completely. The blowing of the trumpets had a special significance. They had been instructed to blow the same trumpets used in the religious festivals in their battles to remind them that their victory would come from the Lord, not their own military might (Numbers 10.9).)
(‘ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10.45 This verse reveals not only the motive for Jesus’ ministry, but also the basis for our salvation. A ransom was the price paid to release a slave. Jesus paid a ransom for us because we could not pay it ourselves. His death released all of us from our slavery to sin. The disciples thought Jesus’ life and power would save them from Rome [Quality]; Jesus said his death would save them from sin, an even greater slavery than Rome’s. More about the ransom Jesus paid for us is found in 1 Peter 1.18, 19.)
(JESUS NEARS JERUSALEM Leaving Jericho, Jesus headed towards acclaim, then crucifixion, in Jerusalem. During his last week, he stayed outside the city in Bethany, a village on the Mount of Olives, entering Jerusalem to teach, eat the Passover, and finally be crucified. – – Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Galilee, Canaan, Jordan River, Jericho, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Bethphage, Dead Sea, Bethany, Judea.)
(‘ When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” – Mark 10.47 “Son of David” was a popular way of addressing Jesus as the Messiah, because it was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David (Isaiah 9.7). The fact that Bartimaeus called Jesus the Son of David shows that he recognised Jesus as the Messiah. His faith in Jesus as the Messiah brought about his healing.)
(‘ No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and – Judges 8.33 Baal-Berith means “Baal (lord) of the covenant”. Worship of the idol may have combined elements of both the Israelites’ and Canaanite religions.)
(‘ “Ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood.” When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, and Abimelech used it to hire reckless adventurers, who became his followers. He went to his father’s [Up’s] home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerub-Baal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerub-Baal, escaped by hiding. – Judges 9.2-5 Israel’s king was to be the Lord and not a man. But Abimelech wanted to usurp the position reserved for God alone. In his selfish quest, he killed all but one of his 70 half brothers. People with selfish desires often seek to fulfil them in ruthless ways. Examine your ambitions to see if they are self-centred or God-centred. Be sure you always fulfil your desires in ways that God would approve.)
(‘ After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem … (see above) – Matthew 2.1, 2 Not much is known about these Magi (traditionally called wise men). We don’t know where they came from or how many there were. Tradition says they were men of high position from Parthia, near the site of ancient Babylon. How did they know that the star represented the Messiah? (1) They could have been Jews who remained in Babylon after the exile and knew the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah’s coming. (2) They may have been eastern astrologers who studied ancient manuscripts from around the world. Because of the Jewish exile centuries earlier, they would have had copies of the Old Testament in their land. (3) They may have had a special message from God directing them to the Messiah. Some scholars say these Magi were each from a different land, representing the entire world bowing before Jesus. These men from faraway lands recognised Jesus as the Messiah when most of God’s chosen people in Israel did not. Matthew pictures Jesus as King over the whole world, not just Judea.)
(2.1, 2 The Magi travelled thousands of miles to see the king of the Jews. When they finally found him, they responded with joy, worship, and gifts. This is so different from the approach people often take today. We expect God to come looking for us, to explain himself, prove who he is, and give us gifts. But those who are wise still seek and worship Jesus today, not for what they can get, but for who he is.)
(2.2 The Magi said they saw Jesus’ star. Balaam referred to a coming “star … out of Jacob” (Numbers 24.17). Some say this star may have been a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars in 6 B.C., and others offer other explanations. But couldn’t God [Wall], who created the heavens, have created a special star to signal the arrival of his Son? Whatever the nature of the star, these Magi travelled thousands of miles searching for a king, and they found him.)
(THE FLIGHT TO EGYPT Herod planned to kill the baby Jesus, whom he perceived to be a future threat to his position. Warned of this treachery in a dream, Joseph took his family to Egypt until Herod’s death, which occurred a year or two later. They then planned to return to Judea, but God [Wall] led them instead to Nazareth in Galilee.)
(‘ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. – Matthew 1.24 Joseph changed his plans quickly after learning that Mary had not been unfaithful to him (1.19). He obeyed God [Wall] and proceeded with the marriage plans. Although others may have disapproved of his decision, Joseph went ahead with what he knew was right. Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think. Like Joseph, we must choose to obey God [Wall] rather than seek the approval of others.)
(Mark 10.46 Jericho was a popular resort city rebuilt by Herod the Great in the Judean desert, not far from the Jordan River crossing. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem (10.32), and, after crossing over from Perea, he would naturally enter Jericho.)
(Jesus went through Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, and the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralysed, and he healed them. – Matthew 4:23, 24. Jesus was teaching, preaching, and healing. These were the three main aspects of his ministry. Teaching shows Jesus’ concern for understanding; preaching shows his concern for commitment; and healing shows his concern for wholeness. His miracles of healing authenticated his teaching and preaching, proving that he truly was from God [Wall].)
(He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. – Revelation 3.5. To be “dressed in white” means to be set apart for God and made pure. Christ promises future honour and eternal life to those who stand firm in their faith. The names of all believers are registered in the book of life. This book symbolises God’s knowledge of who belongs to him. All such people are guaranteed a place in the book of life and are introduced to the hosts of heaven as belonging to Christ (see Luke 12.8, 9).)
Duomo Sant'Andrea - "I Knew You'd Be A Girl! 