Question:Did David truly hate the lame and the blind, as it appears in 2 Samuel 5:6–9? What is the proper theological understanding of this passage?
6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.”7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward.
This event occurred during David’s conquest of Jerusalem. The city, occupied by the Jebusites, had never been captured by the Israelites, and the Jebusites were confident in their defenses. They taunted David by saying even the “blind and lame” could defend the city against him (v.6). This was mockery, not a literal military strategy. The Jebusites were mocking David’s strength and possibly recalling his humble past as a shepherd.
When David conquered the fortress of Zion (later called the City of David), he responded to their insult by calling the Jebusites “the blind and the lame”—a sarcastic reference to their earlier taunt. The phrase “whom David’s soul hates” (v.8) is not a general statement of hatred toward disabled people, but rather a figurative expression tied to the mocking context.
To conclude that David hated the disabled would contradict his later actions and the spirit of God’s law. Scripture reveals David as a man of compassion and justice, especially toward the weak and marginalized:
In 2 Samuel 9:1–13, David shows great kindness to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan. He restores Saul’s land to him and has him eat at the king’s table “like one of the king’s sons” (v.11, NIV).
The Torah commands care for the disabled:
“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:14, NIV)
Therefore, 2 Samuel 5:8 must be interpreted in context—David is not issuing a divine law or expressing true hatred, but repeating the enemy’s sarcasm and turning their mockery back on them after victory.
The phrase
in verse 8, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house,”
became a proverb, but it wasn’t a legal or religious command. It arose from the sarcastic context of David’s conquest. Some ancient interpreters or later generations may have misapplied it, just as the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ words about John in:
“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:22, ESV).“Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die…” (John 21:23, NIV)
People sometimes take symbolic or figurative statements literally just as many misunderstood David’s statement.
Theologically, this account highlights a few key truths:
God uses the underestimated – David, newly crowned and mocked as weak, prevails because God is with him (1 Samuel 17:45–47).
Spiritual opposition often begins with mockery and discouragement – just like the enemies who ridiculed Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:1–3) before the wall was rebuilt.
Victory often follows ridicule – the enemy uses discouragement as a last line of defense before defeat.
As believers, we must not let mockery, rejection, or misjudgment cause us to doubt our calling or mission. Instead, like David, we must remember that our strength comes from God.
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” (Psalm 60:12, NIV)
David’s statement in 2 Samuel 5:6–9 is not a condemnation of the physically disabled, but a response to a mocking insult from the Jebusites. His later kindness to Mephibosheth confirms this. As Christians, we are called to interpret Scripture carefully, recognizing context, metaphor, and the consistent character of God’s mercy and justice.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to understand His Word more deeply.Feel free to share this truth with others to bring clarity and encouragement.
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QUESTION: What does 2 Timothy 3:7 mean when it says:“Always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”?
ANSWER:In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul outlines the characteristics of people who will emerge in the last days—traits that will be prominent in the times leading up to Christ’s return. These traits are not just isolated behaviors but reflect a deeper spiritual condition. Paul warns that people will become increasingly selfish, cruel, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. These characteristics demonstrate a departure from genuine godliness.
The specific phrase in
2 Timothy 3:7—”always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”—
refers to those who continually pursue knowledge, but it is shallow, self-serving, and ultimately leads them away from the true understanding of God’s will.
Let’s examine the verses carefully:
2 Timothy 3:5-9 (NIV):[5] “They have a form of godliness but deny its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”[6] “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,”[7] “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.”[8] “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.”[9] “But they will not get very far, because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.”
The concept of “knowledge” in the Bible goes far beyond mere intellectual understanding or information. Knowledge (Greek: epignosis) in a biblical sense is a deep, intimate, and transformative understanding of God’s will and truth. This knowledge leads to a life that reflects God’s holiness, aligning one’s actions with His purposes.
In the Old Testament, the word “knowledge” often describes an experiential understanding that comes from living in covenant relationship with God. For example, in
Hosea 4:6 (NIV), it is written:“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”
This shows that true knowledge of God is not just intellectual but is tied to obedience and relationship.
In the New Testament, epignosis refers to the knowledge that leads to godliness and transformation. This is why Paul can say in
Titus 1:1 (NIV):“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
True knowledge of God’s truth is not merely for academic understanding but results in a transformed life that seeks to reflect God’s character—especially His holiness.
The people in 2 Timothy 3:7 were always learning but never able to reach that deep, transformative knowledge of God’s truth. They might have had an intellectual grasp of religious ideas, but their lives didn’t demonstrate the practical holiness that should result from knowing Christ.
In 2 Timothy 3:5, Paul warns of people who “have a form of godliness but deny its power.” This describes individuals who outwardly appear to be religious—they may speak Christian language, adopt Christian practices, and even hold positions in the church. However, their lives do not demonstrate the power of true godliness, which is the transformative effect of the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
This is echoed in
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV), where Jesus warns that outward religious activity alone is not sufficient:“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
This highlights a critical point: the power of godliness is not in outward rituals or intellectual knowledge but in the deep, personal relationship with Christ that leads to holiness and obedience.
So, what is this “true knowledge” that Paul refers to? True knowledge is godliness or holiness—it is the knowledge that transforms a person’s life, leading them to become more like Christ in their actions, attitudes, and values. The Bible makes it clear that genuine knowledge of God will always lead to godliness, as seen in
Titus 1:1:“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
This transformation is a hallmark of a true believer’s life—one that is being conformed to the image of Christ. Paul emphasizes this again in
Romans 12:2 (ESV):“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This scenario is evident today. In many places, there is an overwhelming amount of biblical knowledge available. We have seminaries, online resources, Bible translations, and teachings that far exceed anything people in the past had access to. Yet, despite all this knowledge, many still fail to live lives that reflect the holiness of Christ. Knowledge is abundant, but the true transformation it should bring is often lacking.
As
2 Timothy 3:7 describes, people can be “always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This is a warning for us to reflect on our own spiritual journey. Are we truly allowing God’s truth to transform us into His image, or are we simply accumulating knowledge without real change?
This should be a question we ask ourselves: Has our knowledge of God truly led us to holiness? In the last days, there is a danger of accumulating knowledge without allowing it to transform our lives. Are our teachings and our lives reflecting the character of Christ? Are we pursuing holiness, as we are called to do in
1 Peter 1:16 (ESV):“Since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
As we continue in these last days, let us not fall into the trap of merely learning about God without truly knowing Him in a way that changes our hearts and actions. Let us pursue the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, as we follow Christ in holiness.
May the Lord bless you
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) says: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
The Swahili word “munyu” translates to “salt” in English. Although this specific word “munyu” appears only once in the Swahili Bible, its biblical significance spans much deeper. The concept of salt in Scripture is rich with symbolic meaning—ranging from purity, preservation, covenant, and value, to judgment and speech.
Salt was more than a flavor enhancer in the ancient world. It was a preservative, especially critical in the days before refrigeration. It was also a symbol of covenant loyalty, purity, and durability. That’s why in biblical times, salt was even used in offerings.
Leviticus 2:13 (NKJV): “And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.”
This reference speaks of the “salt of the covenant”, symbolizing permanence and loyalty in God’s relationship with His people. Salt, then, is not just a cooking ingredient—it is a theological metaphor for enduring truth and divine covenant.
When Paul writes that our words should be “seasoned with salt”, he is encouraging believers to speak with grace but also with truth, wisdom, and lasting spiritual value. Salted words are:
Jesus Himself used this imagery when He taught His disciples.
Matthew 5:13 (NKJV): “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
Here, salt represents the disciple’s role in preserving the truth and influencing the world. Our words, then, must reflect our spiritual identity and mission.
Unlike fleeting, worldly speech, salted speech carries eternal weight.
Matthew 24:35 (NKJV): “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Jesus’ words are the ultimate model of salted speech—they are full of truth, unchanging, and life-giving. As believers, when we speak about salvation, hope, righteousness, and the Kingdom of God, we are echoing this eternal message.
In contrast, speech that lacks salt is focused on temporal, earthly matters, often driven by pride, greed, or anxiety about the future. James issues a strong reminder against this kind of thinking:
James 4:13–14 (NKJV): “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city… and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor…”
Such words may seem logical in the moment but have no lasting value. They are like unsalted food—bland, perishable, and ultimately forgettable.
Let us strive, by God’s grace, to ensure our words are seasoned with salt—full of grace, truth, and life. This kind of speech not only honors God but also strengthens others, pointing them to eternal hope.
Prayer: Lord, help us to speak words that are gracious, truthful, and lasting—seasoned with the salt of Your Word and empowered by Your Spirit.
Shalom
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When studying the Bible, we find that three primary languages were used in its composition: Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.
This shows that while Aramaic is present in the Bible, it plays a supporting rather than dominant role.
Aramaic originated with the Arameans, an ancient Semitic people. Their language spread widely and became a lingua franca (common language) across much of the ancient Near East, including what is now Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey.
Aramaic became especially dominant during the time of the Assyrian and Persian empires (cf. 2 Kings 18:26; Ezra 4:7). It was adopted in governmental and everyday use across many regions.
By the first century A.D., Aramaic was the spoken language of most Jews in Galilee and Judea, including Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. Hebrew remained the language of Scripture and synagogue worship, but Aramaic was the heart language of the people.
Yes—Jesus spoke Aramaic as His primary language. He likely also understood Hebrew (for religious purposes, such as reading the Torah—Luke 4:16–20) and perhaps Greek (useful for interaction with Roman authorities and Gentiles).
This is affirmed by the New Testament, where several Aramaic phrases are preserved and quoted directly:
Other notable Aramaic or Hebrew-Aramaic words include:
It’s important to note that the power was not in the language, but in the Spirit-filled life of Jesus.
Jesus used Aramaic in some specific moments, not because it was more spiritual than Hebrew or Greek, but because He lived in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
John 5:19: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing…”
This means that when Jesus healed, taught, or prayed, He wasn’t following a fixed formula—He was following the Spirit. Sometimes this involved using Aramaic, other times touching people, or using mud, or speaking a word.
His methods varied, but His dependence on the Holy Spirit never changed.
Romans 8:14: “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Likewise, as believers today, we are called not to imitate the methods, but to follow the Spirit who led Jesus. Whether we pray with understanding, with songs, with tears, or in tongues—what matters is being led by God’s Spirit.
This teaches us an important principle: God does not work through formulas but through relationship.
Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
Jesus depended on the Holy Spirit, and so should we. When we allow ourselves to be filled and led by the Spirit, He will move through us in different ways—each according to His perfect will.
1 Corinthians 12:11: “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Yes, Jesus spoke Aramaic, and some of His most powerful words were spoken in that language. But the true power was not in the Aramaic itself—it was in His perfect union with the Holy Spirit.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live the same way: led, filled, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, not tied to rituals or formulas, but open to the living God.
Galatians 5:25: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
May the Lord bless you as you seek to walk by the Spirit—just as Jesus did.
At face value, this verse can sound unfair. Why would Jesus suggest that the person with nothing should have even that little taken away, while the one with much gets even more? Isn’t that unjust?
Let’s read the passage again for clarity:
Luke 19:24–26 (NKJV) “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’ But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’ ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.’”
This statement is part of The Parable of the Minas, a story Jesus tells to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is like—especially in relation to accountability, spiritual fruitfulness, and stewardship. Theologically, this touches on divine justice and responsible discipleship.
Jesus isn’t talking about money or possessions. He’s using symbolic language to describe how God deals with people in terms of spiritual growth, calling, and obedience.
In the parable, the servants are entrusted with money (minas or talents), which represents gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities in the Kingdom of God. Those who are faithful with what they receive—whether small or great—are rewarded. Those who are careless or inactive lose even the opportunity they had.
To make this clearer, Jesus gives another metaphor in John 15:1–2 (NKJV):
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
The principle here is spiritual productivity. Just as a farmer removes unfruitful branches to help fruitful ones thrive, God removes spiritual dead weight to allow those who are growing to flourish more.
This isn’t about favoritism—it’s about God maximizing growth for His Kingdom.
This principle is reinforced in Matthew 25:14–30, the Parable of the Talents. The servant who hid his one talent and failed to invest it lost it:
Matthew 25:28–29 (NKJV) “Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”
Here, “having” doesn’t just mean possession—it means having in use. If you’re using what God has given you—faith, time, gifts, opportunities—God will entrust you with more. If you bury them, you forfeit the privilege to serve.
Jesus warns that there is a limit to how long unfruitfulness will be tolerated:
Luke 13:6–9 (NKJV) “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none… ‘Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’”
God is patient, but not passive. Grace invites us to respond—not to remain unchanged year after year. The longer we neglect the chance to grow, the closer we come to losing it altogether.
This teaching reflects the theological truth that:
God’s grace gives everyone a chance. But what we do with that chance matters. That’s why Jesus said:
Matthew 3:10 (NKJV) “Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
If you’ve heard the gospel and received God’s gifts—don’t stay idle. Don’t assume grace means passivity. Use what God has given you. Serve. Grow. Respond in faith. God delights in blessing those who are faithful.
Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV) “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love…”
May the Lord bless you and help us all to be fruitful in His Kingdoms
“The Last Enemy to Be Destroyed is Death”
1 Corinthians 15:24–26 “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
This passage is part of Paul’s powerful teaching on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. His message is rooted in what theologians call “inaugurated eschatology”—the idea that Christ’s victory has already begun (in His death and resurrection), but will only be fully completed at His second coming.
Paul uses the language of kingship and conquest, drawing from Old Testament themes (especially Psalm 110:1) to show that Jesus is now reigning in heaven:
Psalm 110:1 “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”
Jesus’ first coming was to redeem humanity from sin and spiritual death (John 3:16–17). Through His death on the cross and resurrection, He defeated Satan, sin, and the grave spiritually.
Colossians 2:15 “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
All who place their faith in Christ receive eternal life, even though their bodies still face physical death. This is why we say the redemption is already, but not yet fully. We are saved now, but we still wait for the full transformation of our bodies.
Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, ruling until all enemies are defeated (Hebrews 10:12–13). But death, as the final enemy, still exists. His second coming will bring full justice, final judgment, and total restoration.
Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
At His return, Christ will:
Isaiah 65:20 “No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days… for the young man shall die a hundred years old…”
This millennial kingdom will partially restore the earth from the curse. Peace, justice, long life, and harmony will flourish.
After the 1,000 years, Satan will be released briefly, defeated again, and then thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10). Then comes the final enemy: death itself.
Revelation 20:14 “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”
This is the moment Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” From that point on, there will be no more physical death, ever again.
Following death’s defeat, God will reveal a new heaven and a new earth where He will dwell with humanity forever:
Revelation 21:1–4 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… He will wipe away every tear… and death shall be no more…”
Jesus will hand the kingdom over to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24), having fulfilled His redemptive mission. Worship will no longer be centered on saving or shepherding, but on dwelling eternally with God in perfection.
This entire process—from Christ’s first coming to His final return—shows God’s deep love and plan for humanity. Though we still face suffering and death now, we have the assurance of total victory in Christ.
Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Jesus will return soon. Are you ready? If not, today is the time to repent, believe in Him, and receive eternal life.
John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
What God has prepared for His people is beyond imagination:
1 Corinthians 2:9 “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Don’t wait. Give your life to Jesus today.
May the Lord bless you and give you peace.
Many people struggle with the enemy—Satan—and wonder how to overcome his influence. The Bible gives us clear, practical steps we can follow to live in victory. Here are six key principles every believer should understand and apply:
The first and most important step is to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Without Christ in your life, you have no authority over Satan. The sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons using the name of Jesus without having a real relationship with Him—and they were overpowered by the evil spirit (Acts 19:13-16). When Jesus lives in you, Satan sees His power and cannot harm you. Salvation gives you spiritual identity and authority.
Even after receiving salvation, prayer remains essential. Jesus warned His disciples in
Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
If Jesus, who was sinless, was tempted, how much more will we face temptation? A weak prayer life opens doors to the enemy. Prayer keeps you alert, spiritually strong, and protected. A prayerful person is surrounded by spiritual fire that Satan cannot cross.
Romans 16:19 encourages us to be “wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.”
You don’t need to keep up with every trend in music, fashion, or entertainment—especially those that promote sin or worldliness. If you’re disconnected from worldly things and focused on God’s will, Satan has little to use against you. Loving the world makes you an enemy of God (James 4:4). When you reject the things of the world, you reject Satan’s influence.
Memorizing Bible verses is good, but it’s more important to understand their true meaning. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he used Scripture—but Jesus responded with the correct understanding (Matthew 4:6-7). Seek to know the truth behind God’s Word. Learn through sound Bible teaching and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. A deep understanding of God’s Word protects you from deception and false teachings.
It’s not enough to know the Bible—you must live it out. In
Matthew 7:26-27,” Jesus compared a person who hears His words but doesn’t obey to someone building a house on sand. When storms came, the house collapsed.”
Some struggles people face are caused by disobedience or unrepentant sin. Living a holy life shuts the door to Satan’s attacks. God blesses those who obey His Word.
Witnessing is powerful spiritual warfare. When Jesus sent out His disciples to preach, they returned saying that even demons obeyed them. Jesus responded,
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:17-18).
Spreading the gospel weakens Satan’s grip on people’s lives. Every time you lead someone to Christ or speak truth in love, you’re pushing back the enemy.
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
If you focus on these six areas—salvation, prayer, holiness, the Word of God, obedience, and evangelism—you will not only resist Satan, but you’ll walk in spiritual victory. The enemy loses power wherever God’s truth reigns.
God bless you as you stand strong in Him.
Question: How does God dwell in the midst of praise? Answer: The Bible doesn’t specifically say,
” The Lord God dwells in the midst of praise.” Rather, it says, “God is enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3, NKJV). This phrase speaks to the profound theological truth that God’s presence is made manifest in the praises of His people.
Psalm 22:3 says, “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. 4 Our ancestors trusted in You; they trusted, and You rescued them” (NIV). This verse reveals that God’s holiness and presence are connected with the praises of His people, and it suggests that when God’s people praise Him, He chooses to make His throne among them.
To understand how God is enthroned on the praises of His people, let’s explore another important verse:
Matthew 6:10, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (God Dwells in the Midst of Praise).
This verse reflects the idea that the will of God is continually being carried out in heaven, and the same should be true on earth. Heaven is a place of perfect alignment with God’s will, and on earth, we are invited to participate in fulfilling that will, especially through worship and praise.
One aspect of God’s will in heaven is the continuous offering of praise to God by His heavenly host. Theologically, praise is a vital part of the eternal worship that takes place in the presence of God. Revelation 4:8, for example, shows the heavenly beings praising God: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (NIV).
This is why the Bible describes God as dwelling between the cherubim in multiple places: 1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 6:2, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 99:1, and Isaiah 37:16. The cherubim are angelic beings whose primary role is to glorify God, continually offering praise to Him. This is seen in Ezekiel’s visions, where cherubim are involved in the worship of God, and they are described as surrounding His throne.
In
Ezekiel 10:18-20, we read, “Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim. When the cherubim stood still, the wheels beside them stood still, and when the cherubim rose, the wheels rose with them. Because the Spirit of the living creatures was in them” (NIV). This passage shows that God’s presence is closely tied to the cherubim and their actions of worship and praise.
Theologically, this suggests that God’s throne is established through worship and praise. In
Ezekiel 1:26-28, the prophet has a vision of God’s throne, where God’s glory resides above the cherubim: “And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it” (KJV).
This is crucial because it teaches us that God’s throne is not just a symbol of His power; it is also a place where His glory is praised and magnified.
In the same way, just as God is glorified in heaven and dwells in the midst of the cherubim, He also dwells on the praises of His people on earth.
Psalm 22:3 (NKJV) says, “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
This means that when we engage in sincere praise, we are establishing His throne in our midst. God descends to be with His people in a special way when we offer Him true praise.
Theologically, praise is not just an act of gratitude or formality; it is a spiritual practice that invites God’s presence. Praise is the key to drawing near to God
(James 4:8, NIV: “Come near to God and he will come near to you”)
and experiencing His nearness in a tangible way. In
Psalm 100:4, we are invited to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise” (NKJV).
This is the act of coming into God’s presence through worship, acknowledging His greatness and inviting His presence to manifest among us.
We don’t praise God merely because He commands it (though He does), but because He is worthy.
Revelation 5:12 affirms this: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (NKJV).
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ultimate reason for our praise—He is worthy because He has redeemed us from sin, and He continues to provide us with life, protection, and grace every day.
God’s sacrifice of His Son is the ultimate demonstration of His worthiness to receive praise. As
Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NKJV).
If God has done so much for us, surely He deserves our praise.
May the Lord help us recognize His worth and continually find reasons to praise Him. As we do, we establish His throne in our lives and experience His powerful presence. Maranatha!
The Question:In 2 Corinthians 8:18, the Apostle Paul refers to an unnamed brother:
“And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.”Why doesn’t Paul mention his name, especially when in many other letters he explicitly names his co-workers?
To understand this, let’s examine the broader context and theological implications.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about a financial offering being collected for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem (see 2 Corinthians 8–9). This was a significant act of Christian unity between Gentile and Jewish believers and a demonstration of love and solidarity within the early Church (cf. Romans 15:25–27).
To ensure transparency and integrity in handling this gift, Paul sends a delegation. He mentions three people:
2 Corinthians 8:18–19“And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering…”
Over the centuries, scholars have speculated about the identity of this man. Suggestions include:
However, none of these suggestions can be confirmed from Scripture. Paul’s deliberate choice to leave the name out may point us to a deeper truth.
Paul emphasizes the brother’s reputation, not his identity:
“…praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.” (v.18)
This suggests that the man was already well-known to the churches for his dedication and preaching. His character and fruit in ministry were his credentials. Paul didn’t need to name him—his reputation preceded him.
This fits a recurring New Testament theme: God values a servant’s faithfulness over their fame (cf. Matthew 6:1–4, Philippians 2:29–30). In the body of Christ, names are secondary to service. The early Church often recognized leaders based on their conduct and impact, not titles or public image.
Similarly, the third unnamed brother (verse 22) is described as:
“…our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters…”Again, no name—only a commendation of his proven character.
Many ministers today focus on promoting their names, titles, or images, yet their actual ministry impact is unclear. But biblical ministry is never about self-promotion. Even Jesus often avoided public recognition (see Mark 1:43–45), letting His works testify of Him (cf. John 10:25).
The unnamed brothers in 2 Corinthians 8 teach us this:
In the Kingdom of God, it is better to be known for your faithfulness than to be famous for your name.
Our lives should reflect Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Paul’s omission of the names in 2 Corinthians 8 is not a mystery to solve, but a lesson to learn. The gospel doesn’t advance through personal branding—it advances through humble, committed service. These unnamed brothers show us what true Christian leadership looks like: recognized not by name, but by godly character and gospel-centered service.
Shalom.
Bible Text: Colossians 2:18 (NIV) “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
To understand this verse, we need to start with the broader context in Colossians 2:16–23, where Paul addresses the dangers of false teachings creeping into the church at Colossae. These teachings combined Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical practices, which threatened the simplicity and sufficiency of the gospel.
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2:16–17, NIV)
Paul warns believers not to be enslaved again by Old Testament rituals and man-made regulations that Christ fulfilled. He shifts to a deeper concern: that some would lead others away from Christ through spiritual-sounding but false religious practices.
“Do not let anyone… disqualify you… with false humility…” (Colossians 2:18a)
False humility refers to outward displays of piety that seem spiritual but are rooted in pride and human effort rather than submission to God. The Greek word translated “false humility” (ταπεινοφροσύνη tapeinophrosynē) can be positive or negative depending on context. Here, it’s negative—people were pretending to be humble by enforcing rigid practices and asceticism (severe self-discipline), which Paul later calls “self-imposed worship” (v. 23).
“These rules… have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23, NIV)
Theology Connection: This false humility is what Paul condemns in Galatians 3:3—trying to achieve spiritual growth through human effort:
“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (NIV)
True humility is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), shaped by grace, not rituals.
“…and the worship of angels…” (Colossians 2:18b)
Some believers were being taught to venerate or even pray to angels as intermediaries. This likely came from mystical Jewish beliefs (such as early Gnosticism) that claimed access to hidden knowledge through angelic visions.
However, Scripture is clear: angels are servants, not objects of worship.
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14, NIV) “At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you… Worship God!’” (Revelation 19:10, NIV)
Theology Connection: Worship belongs to God alone (Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10). Elevating any creature—angel, saint, or human—into the place of divine worship is idolatry.
“…goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” (Colossians 2:18c)
Some teachers claimed spiritual authority based on visions, dreams, or secret experiences. They boasted about these revelations to gain influence over others.
But Paul exposes their arrogance. These visions were not from God but were inflated imaginations fueled by the flesh—not the Spirit.
“Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient…” (Titus 1:16, NIV)
Theology Connection: Mysticism that pulls people away from Christ is dangerous deception. Paul emphasizes the centrality and sufficiency of Christ:
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” (Colossians 2:9–10, NIV)
Christ alone is our access to God (1 Timothy 2:5). Not visions, angels, or spiritual performance.
Paul’s warning still applies today:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him… and not… hollow and deceptive philosophy…” (Colossians 2:6–8, NIV)
Let no one take your reward—your inheritance in Christ—by distracting you with things that seem holy but are hollow.
Your reward is not in legalism, mysticism, or man-made humility. Your reward is Christ Himself—the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Stay grounded in Him. Walk in the Spirit. Trust in grace. Worship God alone. Let no one take your crown (Revelation 3:11).
May the Lord bless you and keep you rooted in Christ.