As Paul comes towards the end of his letter, he gives instructions to the believers about both their inner and outward lives. He begins by dealing with that most important aspect of the inner life of the child of God, that of prayer. Just as the reading of the Word of God is God speaking to his people, prayer is […]

Slavery was very common in the ancient world and although the practice was allowed under Old Testament law Gen. 15:16, Lev. 25:44-46, Ex. 22:1-3, it was always strictly controlled and its harshness mitigated Ex.21:7-11; Ex. 21:26-27. In the Roman world it is estimated that at one time about one third of the inhabitants belonged to the slave class through debt, […]

One of the wonderful things about divine revelation is the absolute fairness that it exhibits. Paul did not simply exhort wives how they should act towards their husbands, he also directs husbands regarding their role in the marriage relationship. So it is with regard to parents and children. Having urged children to be obedient, he then turns the spotlight onto […]