How could God send an “evil spirit” to torment Saul? 1 Samuel 16:14: “Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and an evil spirit sent from the Lord began to torment him.” This text is confusing because we understand that God never tempts anyone (James 1:13), he only gives good gifts (1:17), and … [Read More…]
Why did Jesus respond harshly to his mother?
In response to Mary’s urgent message to her son (John 2:3) regarding a backstage wedding emergency, Jesus made what many have considered a shocking and puzzling reply (2:4). Rather than throw up our hands in dismay at his words, we should remember the advice of nineteenth-century scholar Bishop Westcott that “the difficulties of the Bible … [Read More…]
Who Were the Nephilim?
Some passages are just plain tough to understand (and even tougher to teach). This is the second in a two-part Tough Texts series. Who were the Nephilim in Genesis 6:1-4 This text is confusing in part because the Nephilim (which means “fallen ones”) are mentioned but not really described here. In Numbers 13, however, they’re … [Read More…]
