Archive / December, 2023

THESSALONIANS ESCHATOLOGY Part III

THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY THESSALONIANS  ESCHATOLOGY Week 7: A Parting Plea (1 Thess. 5:12–28) The Place of the Passage Having discussed our hope in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11, Paul now gives a flurry of parting instructions—17 consecutive commands—before concluding the letter with final comments and a benediction. The Big Picture The final verses of this […]

THESSALONIANS ESCHATOLOGY Part II

THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY THESSALONIANS  ESCHATOLOGY Week 4: Absence from the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 2:17–3:13) The Place of the Passage Having defended his ministry among the Thessalonians in 2:1–16, Paul now defends his absence from them. The Big Picture Paul explains his absence, expresses concern for the Thessalonians’ suffering, reaffirms his affection, and […]

THESSALONIANS ESCHATOLOGY Part I

THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY THESSALONIANS  ESCHATOLOGY Knowing the Bible: 1–2 Thessalonians A 12-week Practical Study Series on 1–2 Thessalonians Written byMatt Smethurst In partnership with Crossway Week 1: Overview of 1 Thessalonians Getting Acquainted First Thessalonians covers a wide range of themes in only five short chapters: election, friendship, Satan, sex, love, work, […]

TEMPLE Part III

THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY TEMPLE Temples (in the Bible) There was no specific word for temple in the Old Testament. God’s abode was called simply His house (bayit ) or palace (hêkāl ), the same words that were used for a king’s house or palace. A temple’s plan even copied that of a royal palace. Ancient […]

TEMPLE Part II

THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY TEMPLE TEMPLES (Lat. templum; Heb. בַּ֫יִת֒, H1074, “house” and הֵיכָל, H2121, “palace,” “temple”; Gr. οἶκος, G3875, “house,” ἱερόν, G2639, “sacred edifice,” “temple,” and ναός, G3724, “inner sanctuary”). An edifice or place regarded as the residence of a deity and dedicated to its worship and service. I. The Meaning and Function of Temples in the Ancient World The concept of the temple […]

TEMPLE Part I

THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY TEMPLE Topical Encyclopedia The term “Temple” in the Bible primarily refers to the sacred structure in Jerusalem that served as the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was the focal point of Jewish religious life, where sacrifices were offered, and festivals were celebrated. The Temple is a […]