I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments (Colossians 2:4)

A question that is often posed, yet fundamentally misguided, is "How can the Bible be reliable when it was written by fallible humans?"  Such a question overlooks a critical truth: just because a person is fallible, it does not mean they cannot produce or convey something that is infallible.  With this understanding, let us delve into this question. The Question of Reliability When we speak of reliability, we refer to the consistency of the outcome. This is irrespective of the perfection or infallibility of the source.  To illustrate, King Solomon, known as the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12), made mistakes. Yet, does that make the wisdom imparted in the Book of Proverbs any less reliable? Certainly not!  The wisdom contained there has proven timeless and applicable across cultures and epochs. The Reliability of the Ten Commandments Consider the Ten Commandments, delivered to Moses, a man who indeed had his fair share of flaws. Yet, which of these commandmen...

Traditional arguments supporting the Bible as the Word of God often lean on five cornerstones: the consistency of Biblical Scriptures, fulfilled prophecies, the transformative power of the Bible and its historical and archaeological accuracy.  These aspects are undoubtedly crucial but in this article, I will navigate the topic from a slightly different, yet equally compelling, angle. Read the Bible and Find Out if It is the Word of God If you are wondering whether the Bible is truly the word of God, the first step is simple: read it.  And I do not just mean flipping to a random page or choosing a handful of verses that you like.  I mean really read it, cover to cover, from the first line of Genesis ‘In the beginning’ to the last line of Revelation ‘Amen’.  Dive in with an open mind and soak up everything it has to say. Absorb its messages, examine its teachings, and let yourself be immersed in the experience.  If you are not willing to do that, if you cannot be ...

Some people claim that the doctrine of the Holy Trinity was a later invention of the church and that it is not supported by the scriptures.  They argue that the term "Trinity" was not used until the fourth century, when it was officially adopted by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. However, this is a misunderstanding and a misrepresentation of the historical and biblical facts.  The Holy Trinity has always been a central doctrine of the Christian faith and it is clearly revealed in the New Testament.  The term "Trinity" may have been coined later to describe the mystery of God's nature, but the concept of one God in three persons has always been an integral part of the Christian revelation.  In this post, I will provide three specific examples from the New Testament that demonstrate the truth and the importance of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity at the Annunciation The first evidence comes from the Annunciation, which is beautifully depicted in Luke 1:35. Here...

The Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, offers a vibrant tapestry of prophetic visions and symbolic imagery.  Concluding the New Testament, it holds the promise of ultimate triumph of God over evil and the future hope of a new heaven and a new earth. The Number of Chapters in the book of Revelation Revelation encompasses 22 chapters of powerful apocalyptic literature. Chapters 1-3 reveal Jesus Christ's messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor.  Chapters 4-5 present a grand vision of God's throne in heaven. The opening of the seven seals unfolds in chapters 6-7, introducing the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.  The trumpet and bowl judgments, along with vivid symbolisms, span chapters 8-16. Chapters 17-18 prophesy the fall of Babylon, symbolizing all evil world systems.  Chapter 19 celebrates the triumphant return of Jesus Christ, leading into the 1000-year reign in chapter 20.  The final two chapters, 21 and 22, envisage the creation of a new he...

The Epistle of Jude, a brief yet significant book in the New Testament, delivers a powerful warning against false teachings and a compelling call to maintain the faith.  While this single-chapter epistle is compact, it is steeped in profound insights that are especially relevant to today's Christian believers. The Number of Chapters in Jude Jude, similar to Obadiah, Philemon, and 2 and 3 John, comprises only one chapter but brims with valuable content. It opens with a greeting and a call to defend the faith (Jude 1-3).  This is followed by a warning against false teachers who have infiltrated the church (Jude 4-16), accompanied by historical examples of divine punishment.  The epistle then urges believers to stay strong in their faith, praying, keeping in God's love, and anticipating the mercy of Jesus Christ (Jude 17-23).  The book concludes with a magnificent doxology, praising God who is able to keep believers from stumbling and present them blameless before His g...

The Third Epistle of John, or 3 John, offers an intimate glance into the dynamics of the early Christian community.  Although brief, its personal, pragmatic, and pastoral tone carries a unique resonance that extends to the contemporary Christian experience. The Number of Chapters in 3 John As with Obadiah, Philemon, 2 John and Jude, 3 John comprises only a single chapter.  It begins with a friendly greeting to Gaius (verses 1-2), praises his faithfulness and hospitality (verses 3-8), reprimands Diotrephes for his misconduct and power-hungry attitude (verses 9-10), and commends Demetrius for his good reputation (verses 11-12).  The epistle then concludes with a hope for a future visit (verses 13-14). Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 3 John Traditionally, the Apostle John is believed to have authored 3 John, similar to the first two Johannine letters, though the epistle does not directly identify its author.  Stylistic and thematic parallels with other Johanni...

2 John, or the Second Epistle of John, presents a meaningful blend of caution, encouragement, and an impassioned call to abide in the truth and love of the Christian faith.  Though brief, its contents provide a glimpse into the core of early Christian teachings and exhortations. The Number of Chapters in 2 John Like Obadiah, Philemon, 3 John, and Jude, 2 John comprises only one chapter. It starts with greetings to the "elect lady and her children" (verses 1-3), followed by rejoicing over the adherence to the truth (verse 4).  It then reiterates the commandment of love (verses 5-6), cautions against deceivers (verses 7-9), and ends with advice on hospitality towards false teachers (verses 10-11), and a closing remark promising to visit and discuss in person (verses 12-13). Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 2 John Similar to 1 John, the Apostle John is traditionally credited as the author of 2 John, though the letter itself doesn't directly state this.  The commonal...

1 John, or the First Epistle of John, embodies a heartening message about God's love and the call for Christians to live in the light of this divine love.  It focuses on clarifying the fundamentals of Christian faith and urging believers to walk in truth and love. The Number of Chapters in 1 John 1 John is organized into five chapters, each packed with rich theological insights. Chapter 1 emphasizes fellowship with God and confessing sins.  Chapter 2 discusses obedience, love, and remaining steadfast in the face of deception. Chapter 3 outlines the principles of righteous living and the demonstration of love in action.  Chapter 4 expands on recognizing the Spirit of God and the supremacy of love, and Chapter 5 concludes with faith in Christ, the victory of faith, and warnings against idolatry. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 1 John Traditionally, 1 John is attributed to the Apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John and Revelation.  The text does not d...

2 Peter, or the Second Epistle of Peter, stands as a powerful testament to the themes of vigilance and steadfastness in the face of false teachings.  Serving as a spiritual guidebook, it assists believers in discerning truth and cultivating a robust faith life. The Number of Chapters in 2 Peter 2 Peter consists of three chapters, each holding unique insights.  Chapter 1 imparts the importance of moral excellence and knowledge of God, underlining the reliability of the apostolic witness to Christ.  Chapter 2 confronts false teachers and their destructive heresies, warning about their judgment.  The third chapter speaks of the Day of the Lord, reminding believers of the promise of Christ's return and encouraging them to live godly lives. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 2 Peter The authorship of 2 Peter is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, a first-hand witness of Jesus' ministry.  While there has been debate due to its distinct Greek style, t...

1 Peter, or the first Epistle of Peter, serves as a pastoral encouragement to early Christian communities facing hardships and trials.  Laden with spiritual truths and practical advice, it remains a source of hope and inspiration for believers navigating the trials of life. The Number of Chapters in 1 Peter In 1 Peter, the apostle provides practical instruction and encouragement. Chapter 1 introduces the theme of suffering and salvation, encouraging the believers to stand firm.  Chapter 2 emphasizes the believers' identity as a chosen people, while also providing guidance on submission to authorities.  In chapter 3, Peter talks about the relationships between husbands and wives, and exhorts believers to live harmoniously.  Chapter 4 encourages believers to live for God amidst suffering, while the final chapter, 5, offers counsel to the elders and young people, ending with a prayer for grace and peace. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 1 Peter The authorship o...

James, or the Epistle of James, offers Christians profound practical guidance on living out a faith-centered life.  Balancing faith and action, it presents a compelling call to manifest faith through deeds, making it a vital read for believers seeking to align their lives with their convictions. The Number of Chapters in James James is designed to address several key points about practical Christian living. James 1 discusses trials and temptations, asking believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials and to resist temptation.  In James 2, the author delves into the subject of favoritism, stressing that faith without works is dead. James 3 discusses the dangers of the tongue and the importance of wisdom from above.  In James 4, the author talks about submitting to God and not judging others, while James 5 concludes the epistle with the themes of patience, prayer, and the restoration of a wandering believer. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of James Traditio...

Hebrews, or the Epistle to the Hebrews, is a unique and compelling book in the New Testament, focusing on Christ's role as the ultimate revelation of God's love and mercy.  Its exploration of Christ's priesthood and the superior covenant He established provides deep insights into the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The Number of Chapters in Hebrews Hebrews is organized into various sections, each delving into distinct aspects of Christ's supremacy. In the initial chapters (Hebrews 1-4), the author speaks of Christ's superiority over angels and Moses, providing a fresh perspective on Jesus as our High Priest.  The middle chapters (Hebrews 5-10) expound upon the nature and role of Christ's priesthood and His perfect sacrifice, contrasting it with the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices.  The subsequent chapters (Hebrews 11-12) offer an overview of faith, presenting examples from the Old Testament and exhorting believers to persevere.  The final chap...

Philemon, or the Epistle to Philemon, is a brief yet profound book in the New Testament.  This personal letter penned by the Apostle Paul addresses Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, and touches on themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the transformative power of the gospel. The Number of Chapters in Philemon The Epistle to Philemon is one of the shortest books in the Bible and consists of a single chapter. The letter begins with greetings from Paul and Timothy to Philemon, his family, and his house church (Philemon 1:1-3).  Paul then expresses his gratitude for Philemon and prays for him (Philemon 1:4-7). The main body of the letter is Paul's appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave (Philemon 1:8-22).  The letter concludes with greetings from Paul's companions and a closing benediction (Philemon 1:23-25). Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of Philemon Pauline authorship of Philemon is widely accepted, with Paul writing this epistle while...

Titus, or the Epistle to Titus, is a crucial book in the New Testament.  This short yet substantive epistle contains crucial pastoral advice from the Apostle Paul to his trusted coworker Titus, instructing him on how to guide the church on the island of Crete. The Number of Chapters in Titus Titus is divided into three chapters, each with distinct teachings and guidance. In Chapter 1, Paul discusses the requirements for elders in the church (Titus 1:5-9), warning against false teachers and explaining the nature of Cretans.  In Chapter 2, Paul advises on the roles and responsibilities of different groups in the church, emphasizing sound doctrine and right living.  Chapter 3 focuses on social responsibilities and the importance of maintaining good deeds, while reminding readers of the transformation brought by Christ's grace. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of Titus The authorship of Titus is traditionally credited to the Apostle Paul. It is one of his pastoral epist...

2 Timothy, or the second Epistle to Timothy, is a profound part of the New Testament of the Bible, often regarded as Paul's personal and heartfelt letter to his protégé, Timothy.  It communicates deep spiritual truths while offering practical advice for a young Christian leader. The Number of Chapters in 2 Timothy The four chapters of 2 Timothy provide a comprehensive narrative filled with important teachings and insights.  Chapter 1 is a personal call to loyalty to Paul and the gospel, coupled with an encouragement to endure hardships.  Chapter 2 highlights the responsibilities of a faithful teacher and discusses the importance of handling God’s word correctly.  Chapter 3 warns about the godlessness in the 'last days' and emphasizes the importance of Scripture. In the final chapter, Chapter 4, Paul gives his final charge to Timothy and presents his own impending death in a manner of victory. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 2 Timothy As with 1 Timothy, the ...

1 Timothy, or the first Epistle to Timothy, is a fundamental document in the New Testament that provides guidance for church administration, outlines qualifications for church leaders, and presents the responsibilities of the congregation.  The letter addresses diverse issues relating to Christian life and doctrine. The Number of Chapters in 1 Timothy 1 Timothy is divided into six chapters, each contributing to the development of its primary themes. Chapter 1 recalls Paul's personal calling and warns against false teachings.  Chapter 2 provides instructions for public worship, including a discussion on the roles of men and women. Chapter 3 presents qualifications for overseers (bishops) and deacons.  Chapter 4 predicts apostasy and emphasizes the importance of godly living. Chapter 5 delineates guidelines for caring for widows and how to relate to elders.  The final chapter, Chapter 6, covers the dangers of the love of money and encourages Timothy to fight the good f...

2 Thessalonians, or the second Epistle to the Thessalonians, like its predecessor, encapsulates the Apostle Paul's fatherly care for the church in Thessalonica.  The epistle addresses the church's growing concerns about the day of the Lord, urging them to stand firm in their faith and to beware of idleness. The Number of Chapters in 2 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians, composed of three chapters, systematically addresses key issues and provides relevant instructions.  In Chapter 1, Paul comforts the Thessalonians amidst persecution, assuring them of God's righteous judgment.  Chapter 2 dispels false teachings about the day of the Lord, explaining that it will not come until the "man of lawlessness" is revealed.  In the final chapter, Chapter 3, Paul warns against idleness, urging believers to follow his example of diligent work. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 2 Thessalonians Believed to have been written by Paul shortly after the first letter, 2 Thessalonia...

1 Thessalonians, or the first Epistle to the Thessalonians is one of the most intimate looks into the Apostle Paul's pastoral heart, emphasizing faithfulness in the midst of persecution, the importance of living a godly life, and the comfort and hope in the Lord's second coming. The Number of Chapters in 1 Thessalonians Spanning five chapters, 1 Thessalonians provides a rich narrative of exhortations, encouragements, and teachings.  In Chapter 1, Paul commends the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and hope. In Chapter 2, he defends his conduct while in Thessalonica, and expresses his deep affection for the Thessalonians.  Chapter 3 sees Paul expressing his concern for the Thessalonians amidst persecution. Chapter 4 encourages the Thessalonians to live in a manner pleasing to God, and provides comfort concerning believers who have died.  Chapter 5, the final chapter, encourages watchfulness and provides practical exhortations for living the Christian life. Authorship, P...

Colossians, or the Epistle to the Colossians, serves as an insightful exploration of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency in all things.  In this letter, Paul addresses the challenges faced by the Colossian church and offers wisdom to inspire faithfulness, order, and steadfastness. The Number of Chapters in Colossians Comprised of four chapters, Colossians is rich with theological reflection and practical guidance. Chapter 1 includes greetings, thanksgiving, a prayer for the readers, and an extensive Christological hymn celebrating Christ as the image of God and the head of the church.  Chapter 2 warns against the false teachings spreading within the Colossian church and stresses the all-sufficiency of Christ.  The last two chapters, 3 and 4, pivot to practical Christian living, urging the Colossians to seek the things above (3:1-4), to live in harmony (3:12-17), and to be devoted to prayer and wise in their interactions with outsiders (4:2-6). Authorship, Place, and Date o...

Philippians, or the Epistle to the Philippians, a jewel in the collection of New Testament letters, shines with Paul's joyful spirit and his warm affection for the Christian community in Philippi.  Reverberating with themes of joy, fellowship, and humility, this letter resonates profoundly with readers seeking encouragement in their faith journey. The Number of Chapters in Philippians Philippians, composed of four chapters, captures a variety of teachings and insights. Paul begins by expressing gratitude for the believers in Philippi (1), then proceeds to urge them to live worthy of the gospel in unity and humility, citing Christ's example (2).  Chapter 3 underscores the surpassing value of knowing Christ, whereas the final chapter focuses on encouragement, thanksgiving, and the promise of God's peace (4). Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of Philippians Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, a fact well supported by its salutation and autobiographical de...

Ephesians, or the Epistle to the Ephesians, stands out as a comprehensive exploration of the Christian life and the role of the church in the world.  With its soaring language and profound insights, Ephesians presents a captivating vision of what it means to be "in Christ." The Number of Chapters in Ephesians Comprised of six chapters, Ephesians touches on key aspects of Christian faith and practice.  The first three chapters present the readers with a panoramic view of God's grand salvation plan (1), the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through Christ's sacrifice (2), and the revelation of the mystery of the Gospel (3).  The last three chapters provide practical instructions for Christian living, including a call for unity in the body of Christ (4), guidance for holy living (5), and advice for spiritual warfare (6). Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of Ephesians Ephesians is generally accepted as a letter written by the Apostle Paul, most likely during his fi...

Galatians, or the Epistle to the Galatians stands as a cornerstone of the New Testament, offering some of the Bible's most powerful statements about grace, freedom, and the life-transforming power of the Gospel.  As one of Paul's most fiery letters, Galatians presents a compelling defense of the essential Christian doctrine of justification by faith alone. The Number of Chapters in Galatians Galatians comprises six chapters, offering a robust theological discourse. Paul begins by defending his apostolic authority and asserting the true Gospel against the one distorted by false teachers (1-2).  He then demonstrates the doctrine of justification by faith through both experiential arguments and scriptural proofs (3-4).  In chapters 5 and 6, Paul contrasts the freedom of the Spirit with the bondage of the law, emphasizing the importance of love and a life led by the Spirit. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of Galatians Galatians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul...

2 Corinthians, or the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, stands as a deeply personal letter in the New Testament.  It offers a glimpse into the heart of Apostle Paul, his passion for Christ, and his commitment to the Corinthian church.  The letter is rich with teachings on reconciliation, the ministry of the Gospel, and the power of weakness. The Number of Chapters in 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians is composed of 13 chapters. Paul begins by discussing his sufferings and the comfort he has received from God (1-2).  He continues with a defense of his apostolic authority and ministry (3-7), followed by an appeal for generous giving towards the Jerusalem church (8-9).  He then addresses his opponents and affirms his authority (10-13). Authorship, Place, and Date of writing of 2 Corinthians The Second Epistle to the Corinthians is attributed to Paul the Apostle, and it was likely penned around 55-56 AD.  It was written during his third missionary journey, most probably ...

1 Corinthians, or the first epistle to the Corinthians, is a crucial piece of the New Testament, offering a compelling insight into the life and teachings of the early Christian Church.  Apostle Paul addresses the multitude of issues affecting the Corinthians, making this book a comprehensive guide on Christian doctrine and moral conduct. The Number of Chapters in 1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians encompasses 16 chapters. Paul begins by addressing divisions in the Corinthian church (1-4), moving on to address immorality (5-6) and litigation among believers (6).  He discusses the subject of marriage and singleness (7) and the question of eating food sacrificed to idols (8-10).  He speaks about the conduct during worship services, covering head coverings, the Lord's Supper, and spiritual gifts (11-14).  In chapters 15 and 16, Paul expounds on the resurrection of Christ and believers and concludes with final instructions and greetings. Authorship, Place, and Date of writing o...

Romans, or the Epistle to the Romans, is regarded as one of the Apostle Paul's most significant epistles.  Renowned for its profound theological insights, Romans presents a comprehensive exposition of the Christian faith, covering themes such as justification by faith, God's sovereignty, and Christian conduct. The Number of Chapters in Romans Romans contains 16 chapters, with each one covering specific aspects of Christian doctrine and practice.  The first eight chapters provide a profound explanation of the Gospel, humanity's sinful condition, justification through faith in Jesus Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of God's love.  Chapters 9 to 11 delve into the challenging issue of Israel's rejection and God's sovereign plan for salvation. Chapters 12 to 15 instruct on practical Christian living, with specific guidelines on ethical conduct, love, humility, and respect for governing authorities.  The final chapter, 16, concludes with personal...

The Book of Acts, or the Acts of the Apostles, chronicles the inception and early expansion of the Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ.  Filled with dramatic narratives of missionary journeys, miraculous events, and inspiring sermons, Acts provides a riveting account of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the early Christian community. The Number of Chapters in the Book of Acts The Book of Acts encompasses 28 chapters, with each one contributing to the narrative of the early Church's growth.  Chapters 1 to 5 record the ascension of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the apostles' early ministry in Jerusalem.  Chapters 6 through 8 narrate the appointment of the seven deacons, the martyrdom of Stephen, and the subsequent persecution leading to the Gospel's spread.  Chapters 9 to 12 depict the conversion of Saul (later known as Paul), Peter's vision and meeting with Cornelius, and the beginning of Paul's missionary journeys....