study tools

Bible Study Websites & Apps

February 7, 2020 by Krisan Marotta

Online resources to help you study: maps, charts, outlines, key words, etc. On this one page, you’ll find links to websites and Bible study software.

Bible Study Apps & Software

E-Sword and its sister site BibleSupport.com

My favorite: E-Sword and its sister site BibleSupport.com E-sword is free (though I encourage you to make a donation if you become a regular user) and does EVERYTHING. There is both a desktop version and an app for smart phones, tablets and handhelds.

The software listed below has been recommended to me, but I have not used them. Online software is constantly changing and new tools are added. You might want to search for the latest.

STEP Bible (online & app)

STEP Bible Introduction (video)

Logos (Mac, Windows, Mobile)

Bible Works (Windows, MAC)

Accordance (Mac, Windows, mobile)

Laridian PocketBible (mobile)

Power Bible (Windows)

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Websites

Bible Gateway multiple online versions, reading plans, devotionals, audio bibles & commentaries

Biblehub.com online concordance, Bible dictionary, encyclopedia and thesaurus; takes a little bit to learn to use the site, but time well spent

Blue Letter Bible an online interactive reference library with lots of free Bible study tools

Ligonier.org the home of Renewing Your Mind and RC Sproul’s ministries. Many great resources from articles to books to podcasts to classes.

Precepts-Austin a comprehensive collection of links to many sermons and commentaries plus word studies and inductive study materials

StudyLight.org many online study tools; I use this site mostly for maps and encyclopedias

Ray C Stedman Library the works & teaching of Ray Stedman, one of the twentieth century’s foremost pastors and biblical expositors.

Keith Mathison’s “Top 5” commentaries for each book of the Bible

Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL)

Barnes Bible Charts (some of the graphics are dated, but the information is useful)

Holy Land Photos

BiblePlaces.com (Photos)

BibleStudyTools.com

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Where to next?

Bible Study 101

Resource Library

Resources Book of the Bible

Photo by Amos Bar-Zeev on Unsplash

How to get a Wednesday in the Word “App”

February 6, 2020 by Krisan Marotta

How to make a WitW App | WednesdayintheWord.com

You can make an “app” (really a shortcut icon) on your mobile device so you can quickly access all the resources on Wednesday in the Word, It’s quick, easy and will give you a shortcut to all everything on the website. But you’ll still want to subscribe to the podcast for easy listening.

These instructions are for iphone/ipad. I suspect there is a similar procedure for Android phones.

How to make an icon on your phone

Open Safari and go to WednesdayintheWord.com
Click on the “Share” icon (box with an arrow pointing up). This is on the bottom of the page on the iphone; top of the page on an ipad.

When you see the options for how to share the website, select “Add to Home Screen” (You may need to scroll down or scroll left to find the Add to Home Screen option).

Edit/Rename the icon that will be created on the Home Screen and press Add.

You’re done!

Now when you want to go to WednesdayintheWord, simply click the icon on your phone.

How to make your own WitW app | WednesdayintheWord.com

Navigation Tip: Click the three hash lines to access the main menu. Or use the search box underneath the the most recent podcasts.

Bonus: These same instructions work for your other favorite websites.

Study a particular book

Bible Study 101: Learn how to study the Bible

Bible study 201: Learn to teach the Bible

Classic Commentaries Online

July 15, 2017 by Krisan Marotta

Many of the classic commentaries are free online, but how do you know which one(s) to use? And where do you find them? Here’s a quick list and explanation

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Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible

The American theologian Albert Barnes (1798-1870) graduated from Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, in 1820, and from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1823 and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. He pastored churches in New Jersey and Philadelphia. While he was an eloquent preacher, today his reputation rests chiefly on his expository works. The popularity of his works stems from his ability to simplify biblical criticism so that it was accessible and understandable to the general public.

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More Classic Commentaries on Studylight.org

For recommendations on modern commentaries, try one of these lists:

More: Modern Commentaries online

Top 5 Commentaries on every book of the Bible – Ligonier.org

Best Commentaries on…. – Tim Challies

Commentary Reviews

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More: Bible Study Tools 6: Commentaries

Where to next?

Bible Study 101

Resource Library

Resources Book of the Bible

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

Online Bible Encyclopedias

March 26, 2017 by Krisan Marotta

Multi-volume encyclopedias and dictionaries are good sources for historical background information, introductory material, word studies and biblical themes. While newer volumes are often preferable since they contain the latest in archeological evidence, older volumes can be superior in some respects. Older volumes tend to focus more on fact-gathering while newer volumes focus more on synthesis of material and answering questions like “how do we know what we know”.

Multi-volume encyclopedias used to be too expensive for home use and were confined to those with access to a large library system. However, they are becoming more widely available on computer software and online.

If you use e-sword (like I do), you can download many of these references so they are at your fingertips as you study.

Alternately, StudyLight.org has many of my favorites available for free online.

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Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Edited by Walter A. Elwell Copyright © 1996 by Walter A. Elwell. Published by Baker Books, a division of Baker Book House Company, PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516-6287.

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Holman Bible Dictionary

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Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible

A five-volume Biblical encyclopaedia published 1898–1904. James Hastings (1852-1922) was a Scottish Presbyterian minister and founding editor of the Expository Times journal. Hastings worked with over 75 authors to produce this dictionary. Though the title is “Dictionary”, it is more properly an encyclopedia. These files are public domain.

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Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

The Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature is a reference work of ten volumes and two supplements published in the 19th century, co-authored by John McClintock, academic and minister, and Dr. James Strong, professor of exegetical theology. John McClintock and 200 other writers spent 20 years compiling, editing, and writing the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. Even modern Bible encyclopedia’s lack the depth of the Cyclopedia’s nearly 50,000 entries and 17 million words! These files are public domain.

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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

This encyclopedia, written in 1915, was published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Hailed for its authoritative explanation of every significant word, person and place, it is the standard by which all other biblical encyclopedias are measured. These files are public domain and were generously provided by the folks at WordSearch Software.

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Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature

Dr. John Kitto’s encyclopedia was the first Bible Dictionary or Encyclopedia to have experts in each subject share their knowledge. Many subsequent Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias reference Kitto’s work. This encyclopedia does focus on names, places, and events, as one would expect. However, this work remains also explains manners, customs, culture, and background behind most of the words of Scripture. John Kitto lived just 50 years, from 1804 to 1854. These files are public domain.

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Bible Study Resources: Maps, charts, reference works, websites & tools

Photo by istockphoto.com

Hebrew Calendar explained

July 1, 2015 by Krisan Marotta

When studying the Old Testament, dates can be a source of confusion, especially when they switch between the Jewish name and the Babylonian name in the same story. Here are my reference tables.

Sacred#	Civic#	Jewish	# of days	Julian	Season
1	7	Nisan	30	Mar/Apr	barley harvest
2	8	Iyyar (Lyar)	29	Apr/May	general harvest
3	9	Sivan	30	May/Jun	wheat harvest
4	10	Tammuz (Tammiz)	29	Jun/Jul	almonds ripe
5	11	Ab	30	Jul/Aug	grape, fig, olive
6	12	Elul	29	Aug/Sep	grape, fig, olive
7	1	Tishri	30	Sep/Oct	early rain, plowing
8	2	Heshvan	29/30	Oct/Nov	wheat barley sowing
9	3	Kislev (Chislev)	30/29	Nov/Dec	rainy months
10	4	Tebeth	29	Dec/Jan	rainy months
11	5	Shebat	30	Jan/Feb	rainy months
12	6	Adar	29/30	Feb/Mar	almonds blooming
.	.	.	Total: 354	.	.

Hebrew months were alternately 30 and 29 days long. Their year had 354 days (shorter than ours). The year was divided into 12 lunar months, with a 13th month 7 times in every 19 years. Every three years (7 times in 19 years) an extra 29-day month called Veadar was added between the Jewish months of Adar and Nisan.

The sacred year began in the spring. The civil year began in the fall. The 7th Sacred month was the 1st civil month.

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Sacred#	Jewish Name	Babylonian Name	Macedonian Name
1	Nisan	Nisanu	Artemisios
2	Iyyar	Aiaru	Daisios
3	Sivan	Simanu	Panemos
4	Tammuz	Duzu	Loos
5	Ab	Abu	Gorpiaios
6	Elul	Ululu	Hyperbereatios
7	Tishri	Tashritu	Dios
8	Hesvan	Arahsamnu	Appellaios
9	Kislev	Kislimu	Audynaios
10	Tebeth	Tebetu	Peritios
11	Shebat	Shabatu	Dystros
12	Adar	Addaru	Xanthikos

Further Reference:

Hebrew4 Christians: Jewish Ho l idays

Bible-History.com: Jewish Calendar

Barnes Bible Charts: Hebrew Calendar

Wikipedia: Hebrew Calendar

Jewish Calendar Sacred and Civil Years

Hebrew Calendar C onverter

Time&Date: Jewish Calendar

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Jewish Feasts

For more information see: Hebrew4Christians

Passover (Pesach) – Nisan

Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamotzi) – Nisan

First Fruits (Yom habikkurim) – Nisan

Pentecost (Shavu’ot) – Sivan

Trumpets (Yom Teru’ah) – Tishri

Atonement (Yom Kippur) – Tishri

Tabernacles (Sukkot) – Tishri

Introduction to Jewish Feasts

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Where to next?

Bible Study 101

Resource Library

Resources Book of the Bible

Photo from Bible-History.com and used here under Flickr Creative Commons.

Bible Maps, Charts & Tools

June 24, 2015 by Krisan Marotta

THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED. See Bible Charts, Lists & Outlines instead

On this one page, you’ll find links to websites, maps, charts, overviews, outlines, timelines encyclopedias, concordances and tips on how to use them.

Jump to: Outlines/Timelines; Encyclopedias; Concordances; Translations; Lexicons; Maps; Commentaries; History; Next;

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Charts & Lists

Outlines & Timelines

General

Bible History at a Glance Chart

Hebrew Calendar

1st Century Jewish Day explained

Executable Outlines (Blue Letter Bible)

Chronological Map (1885)

Josiah Blake Tidewell: The Bible by period (1916)

Frank Palmer: A Bird’s Eye View of the Bible (1914)

Old Testament

When did the Exodus happen?

Outline of Joshua

Chronology of Ezra-Nehemiah

Isaiah: Servant Songs Overview

Chronology of Jeremiah’s ministry

New Testament

Chronology of Acts/Epistles (Blue Letter Bible)

Chronology of Paul

Paul’s Missionary Journeys (Map & Chart)

Chronology of Paul (Blue Letter Bible)

Romans at a Glance

Principal people in Colossians

How many letters did Paul write Corinth?

More: Introduction to…

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Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias & Dictionaries

What can I learn from a multi-volume encyclopedias?

Encyclopedias

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature Also known as “McClintock & Strong”, this reference work consists of ten volumes and two supplements published in the 19th century, co-authored by John McClintock, academic and minister, and Dr. James Strong, professor of exegetical theology.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia This 1915 encyclopedia was published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Hailed for its authoritative explanation of every significant word, person and place, it is the standard by which all other biblical encyclopedias are measured.

Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature Dr. John Kitto’s encyclopedia was the first Bible Dictionary or Encyclopedia to have experts in each subject share their knowledge. Many subsequent Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias reference Kitto’s work.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia The Nuttall Encyclopedia, named for Dr. Peter Austin Nuttall (d. 1869), consists of entries that are generally very short. The encyclopedia has a strong editorial voice. The work concerns itself mostly with people and places.

1901 Jewish Encyclopedia.com The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia, prepared by more than four hundred scholars and specalists, was a descriptive record of the history, religion, literature and customs of the Jewish people from the earliest times to the present day.

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica When published in 1911, this encyclopedia contained over 40 million words in nearly 40,000 articles written by 1,500 authors respected in their fields. It represented the sum of human knowledge at the beginning of the 20th century.

Manners and Customs of Bible Lands

Dictionaries

Bible Dictionary Search (Blue Letter Bible)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary Although written in 1859 by William Rand, this dictionary of the Bible from the American Tract Society is still relevant today.

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Collected from many noted, contemporary theologians, this resources is a useful addition to any library.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary Easton’s Bible Dictionary was written by Matthew George Easton (1823-1894). This Scottish Presbyterian’s other significant literary achievements were his English translations of two of Franz Delitzsch’s commentaries.

Fausset’s Bible Dictionary From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset’s Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author’s writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars.

Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible Complete and trustworthy, Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible is a thorough reference (5,915 entries) for all readers of the Bible. For nearly a century, lay people and scholars alike have valued the authoritative contents and the convenient format of this one-volume work.

Hastings’ Dictionary of the New Testament Originally written as two different dictionaries, this complete dictionary/encyclopedia of the New Testament, written by James Hastings, is a thorough look at Christ and the Apostolic Church.

Holman Bible Dictionary The product of over 6 years of work by hundreds of people, the Holman Bible Dictionary manages to be readable and easy to use, yet take advantage of the finest modern Bible scholarship without heavy technical language. The over 6,600 entries includes extensive cross-referencing of related articles, and quotes from 6 different Bible translations.

Hitchcock’s Bible Names This dictionary is from “Hitchcock New and Complete Analysis of the Holy Bible,” written by Roswell D. Hitchcock in 1869. It contains more than 2,500 Bible and Bible-related proper names and their meanings.

Morrish Bible Dictionary Originally published with the title A New and Concise Bible Dictionary by George Morrish (London), the Morrish Bible Dictionary is more than a dictionary of Bible words.

Smith’s Bible Dictionary More than 4,500 subjects and proper names are defined and analyzed with corresponding Scripture references. Bible students have used “Smith’s Bible Dictionary” since its introduction in the 1880s, making it a trustworthy classic.

Whyte’s Dictionary of Bible Characters Alexander Whyte’s Dictionary of Bible Characters delves into the lives and history of both prominent and little-known characters of the Old and New Testaments. Drawing directly from both the Bible and referencing works of other notable scholars, Whyte’s skillful paints an informative and illuminating picture of these men and women.

More: What is…?

More: Who is…?

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Concordances

What is a concordance and why do I need one?

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (Biblehub)

Englishman’s Greek Concordance (Biblehub)

Englishman’s Hebrew Concordance (Biblehub)

NAS Exhaustive Concordance (Biblehub)

Nave’s Topical Bible (Studylight.org)

Scofield Reference Index (Studylight.org)

Strong’s Interlinear Bible Search (Studylight.org)

Thompson Chain Reference (Studylight.org)

How to: use a concordance

How to: use e-sword as a concordance

More: Bible Study Websites & Apps

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Translations

Which translation should I use?

How do I do a word study?

Why is the New Testament written in Greek?

5 ideas you should NOT believe about your English Bible

Archaic Words Defined (Blue Letter Bible)

Greek Word Studies from Precepts Austin

Hebrew Word Studies from Precepts Austin

Compare Bible Verses in all translations (BibleStudytools.com)

Interlinear Bible Search (studylight.org)

Study Bibles

Reformation Study Bible Notes

Geneva Study Bible Notes

New American Standard Bible Online

NIV Study Bible Online

ESV Bible Online

Biblical Greek

Should I learn Greek and Hebrew?

Why is the New Testament in Greek?

Grammar for Greek Students

Greek Verbs Primer

Biblical Greek: Prepositions

Biblical Greek: Cases

Blue Letter Bible: Simplified Greek & Hebrew Grammar

Mounce: Greek Dictionary

Learn the Greek alphabet

Bingo for Greek and Hebrew

Greek songs

More: Understanding Genre

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Lexicons

Lexicons & Dictionaries

What is a Lexicon?

A Lexicon is a systematized concordance, that includes the linguistic factors and discussion of the different forms or conjugations of a word.

Biblehub.com Lexicon

Studylight.org Lexicons

BibleStudytools.com Lexicons

A Dictionary is an alphabetical listing of the Hebrew or Greek words, giving their basic meanings, usually in less detail than a lexicon.

Biblehub.com: Dictionary (multi-sourced)

Studylight.org Dictionaries

BibleStudytools.com Dictionaries

Bill Mounce Greek Dictionary

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon – full definition

Most online sources provide the abbreviated Thayer’s definition. This resource gives the full Thayer definition. To use this site, find the Strong’s number, select the appropriate range, and then the number for Thayer’s full definition.

How to: Find Strong’s Number

More: Biblical Greek Tools & Tips

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Maps

What can I learn from a map?

BibleHistory.com: Old Testament Maps

BibleHistory.com: New Testament Maps

BibleHistory.com: Maps by Book of Bible

Studylight.org Comprehensive Maps

Indubiblia.org: Full Color Maps

Biblehub: Bible Atlas Online

Holman Bible Atlas Maps

Map of New Testament Churches

Paul’s 3 Journeys on 1 map

Favorite Bible-History.com maps

Kingdom of Herod the Great

Herod’s Kingdom Divided

New Testament Cities – Once there click on specific area

Apostles’ Journeys

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Commentaries

Commentaries & Overviews

How should I use commentaries?

Classic Commentaries online

John MacArthur: Author, Date, Background

Ray Stedman: Overview of each Book

RC Sproul’s Overivew of the Bible

ESV Introductions to each book of the Bible

Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament & New Testament

Top 5 Commentaries (Ligonier Ministries)

Best Commentaries (Tim Challies)

Commentary Reviews

Sound Interpretation Project

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History

Historical Information

Alfred Edersheim: Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Alfred Edersheim: Old Testament History

Alfred Edersheim: The Temple —Its Ministry and Services

Alfred Edersheim: The Life & Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Works of Flavious Josephus

The Antiquities of the Jews – Josephus

The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem – Josephus

Jacob Abbott: Cyrus the Great (1904)

Jaocob Abbott: Darius the Great (1904)

Xerxes – Abbott

The Apostolic Fathers by J. B. Lighfoot

Who are the early church fathers?

More: Background & History

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Study a particular book

Resources Sorted by Book of the Bible

Bible Study 101: Learn how to study the Bible

Photo by Henri Guérin on Unsplash

5 Ideas NOT believe about your English Bible

February 3, 2014 by Krisan Marotta

Having written that several good translations are essential tools for Bible study, it got me thinking about popular myths about our English Bibles. By “myth”, I mean widely held, untrue beliefs we have about our English Bibles that we may not even be aware of.

Myth #1: Translation is a matter of transposing the text from Greek or Hebrew to English.

Frequently, we think the translator has added nothing to the process. We picture translators looking at the original Greek or Hebrew word and substituting in the only corresponding English word to produce a literal translation that has not been interpreted.

Truth: All translations involve interpretation. All interpreters must first understand the meaning of the text, then translate the meaning into English. The process of understanding meaning is interpretation. There is no one-to-one substitution between languages.

Myth #2: The meaning of the original language is clear and unambiguous.

The mistaken belief here is that the original language presents no problems of its own. This mistake can lead to other wrong conclusions:

one translation must be accurate and one must be wrong, because the translations differ; and
looking at the original text can settle any interpretative question.

Neither is true.

Truth: Biblical Greek and Hebrew have just has many ambiguities and nuances as English. No writer of any language can avoid all ambiguities. Looking at the original text often helps, but it doesn’t always settle a debate.

Myth #3: I can argue any point of doctrine or theology based on the use of a particular English word in the text of Scripture.

Perhaps because most Americans know only one language, we believe English can capture every nuance and say everything necessary. We sometimes form our opinions from only the English translation.

Truth: Different languages employ different types of logic, style, expressions, and nuances. Some ideas do not translate well into other languages. By studying the original language, we can grasp meanings which may be difficult or impossible to translate into English. Our English texts are several steps removed from the original. It is unwise to make arguments based only on what we see in a particular English version.

Myth #4: The best translator is the one who knows the most grammar.

While knowledge of grammar/syntax and experience with the original languages are always helpful, it’s not necessarily true that the person who knows the most rules is the best translator. For example, I may be a competent English speaker, but lack the background necessary to understand poetry.

Truth: In addition to language skills, translators need a thorough understanding of the author’s worldview, culture, history, and geography.

Myth #5: There is one and only one way to convey the original author’s intended meaning.

Describe one of your friends to a stranger. If we all pick the same friend, we could all give accurate descriptions that would allow the stranger to identify our friend in a crowded room—and the descriptions need not be the same. For example, I could say the “redhead” and you could say “the one with glasses.” Both could allow the stranger to identify our friend.

In the same way, “inspiration” means God inspired the concepts, not particular words. Don’t misunderstand; I believe every word of Scripture is inspired in that its meaning is accurate, true and complete. But I also believe the authors had more than one way to convey their message. God can speak in any number and variety of ways.

This myth becomes a problem when we take a single word and milk that word for detailed doctrinal and theological significance. Rather than a word, we want to “milk” the meaning, ideas and concepts contained in the whole verse, paragraph or chapter. Authors wrote in paragraphs, scenes and concepts, not individual words and syntax. The words, grammar and syntax are pointers to the more important ideas.

Where to next?

Bible Study 101

Resource Library

Resources Book of the Bible

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Ephesians Bible Study Resources

December 10, 2013 by Krisan Marotta

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:02 — 9.2MB) | Embed

Ephesians Bible Study Resources | WednesdayintheWord.com

Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Bible Study: Ephesians: Our New Life in Christ

Jump to: Background; Maps; Key Words; Encyclopedias; Commentaries; Articles; GotQuestions Next

Basics

Author: Paul, the Apostle
Who was Paul?
Date: 60-61 AD; Paul is in prison in Rome.
Purpose: Spell out the implications of the church as revealed in Christ
Key Themes: Roles of the church; The church is not viewed as an institution, but a collection of believers; The church is the place where God’ reconciling will for the wold is manifest.

Structure

Chapters 1-3 The new community in the purpose of God (doctrine)
Chapters 4-6 The new community in the life of believers (application)

Genre: Understanding Epistles

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Section 1: Background

Background & Outlines

Ephesians Study Text NASB

Ephesians Study Text ESV

Ephesians At a Glance

Paul’s use of the Old Testament

Map of NT Churches

Chronology of Paul

Blue Letter Bible: Chronology of Acts/Epistles

Bible Atlas: Ephesus

Blue Letter Bible: Ephesians Outline

Ray Stedman Overview: Ephesians: The Calling of the Saints

John MacArthur: Author, Date, Background

Paul in Ephesus: Acts 18-20

James Van Dine: Intro to Ephesians

Ephesians Introduction – J Vernon McGee

Ephesians Introduction – Myer Pearlman

Keys to Ephesians – William Orr

Synthetic Bible Study on Ephesians – James M Gray (1906)

Ephesians: Queen of the Epistles – The Mystical Body of Christ– Wil Pounds

Ephesians Study Guide – by Chuck Smith

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Section 2: Maps

Maps

Journeys

Paul’s Conversion and Early Ministry– Holman Bible Atlas

Paul’s 1st Journey – Bible-History.com

1st Missionary Journey of Paul– Holman Bible Atlas

Paul’s 2nd Journey – Bible-History.com

2nd Missionary Journey of Paul– Holman Bible Atlas

Paul’s 3rd Journey – Bible-History.com

3rd Missionary Journey of Paul– Holman Bible Atlas

Paul’s Journeys– Holman Bible Atlas

Paul’s Arrest and Imprisonment– Holman Bible Atlas

Paul’s Voyage to Rome– Holman Bible Atlas

Pentecost and the Jewish Diaspora– Holman Bible Atlas

Apostles’ Journeys – Bible-History.com

Geography

Israel in New Testament Times – Bible-History.com

New Testament Jerusalem – Bible-History.com

Herod the Great’s Kingdom – Bible-History.com

Herod’s Kingdom Divided – Bible-History.com

The Kingdom of Herod Agrippa I – Holman Bible Atlas

The Kingdom of Agrippa II– Holman Bible Atlas

Expansion of the Early Church in Palestine– Holman Bible Atlas

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Section 3: Key Words

Key Words in Ephesians

Occurrences are based on New American Standard Text. “4x/3v” means the word appears 4 times in 3 verses. “3x” means the word appears 3 times in 3 verses.

Christ/in Christ (46x/43v); God (33x); Lord (23x); in Him/through Him/etc. (23x/18v); Spirit (14x); Father (10x)

love (15x/14v) – Strong’s G26 in Eph 1:4; Eph 1:15; Eph 2:4; Eph 3:17; Eph 3:19; Eph 4:2; Eph 4:15; Eph 4:16; Eph 5:2; Eph 5:33; Eph 6:23. Strong’s G25 in Eph 5:25; Eph 5:28; Eph 6:24

grace (12x) – Strong’s G5485 in Eph 1:1, Eph 1:5, Eph 1:7, Eph 2:5, Eph Eph 2:7, Eph 2:8, Eph 3:2, Eph 3:7, Eph 3:8, Eph 4:7, Eph 4:29, Eph 6:24.

glory (9x) – Strong’s G1391 in Eph 1:6, Eph 1:12, Eph 1:14, Eph 1:18, Eph 3:13, Eph 3:16, Eph 3:21; Strong’s G1741 in Eph 5:27.

riches (5xs) – Strong’s G4149 in Eph 1:7; Eph 1:18; Eph 2:7; Eph 3:8; Eph 3:16; rich (1x) – Strong’s G4145 in Eph 2.4.

in the heavenly places (5x) – Eph 1:3; Eph 1:20; Eph 2:6; Eph 3:10; Eph 6:12.; heavenly – Strong’s G2032

body (9x/8v) – Strong’s G4983 in Eph 1:23; Eph 2:16; Eph 4:4; Eph 4:12; Eph 4:16; Eph 5:23; Eph 5:30; Strong’s G4954 in Eph 3:6.

church (9x) – Strong’s G1577 in Eph 1:22; Eph 3:10; Eph 3:21; Eph 5:23; Eph 5:24; Eph 5:25; Eph 5:27; Eph 5:29; Eph 5:32.

Gentiles (5x) – Strong’s G1484 in Eph 2:11; Eph 3:1; Eph 3:6; Eph 3:8; Eph 4:17.

flesh (9x/7v) – Strong’s G4561 in Eph 2:3; Eph 2:11; Eph 2:15; Eph 5:29; Eph 5:31; Eph 6:5; Eph 6:12.

formerly (5x) – Strong’s G4218 in Eph 2:2; Eph 2:3; Eph 2:11; Eph 2:13; Eph 5:8; former – Strong’s G4387 in Eph 4:22.

walk (7x/6v) – Strong’s G4043 in Eph 2:10; Eph 4:1; Eph 4:17; Eph 5:2; Eph 5:8; Eph 5:15.

power (6x) – Strong’s G1411 in Eph 1:19; Eph 1:21; Eph 3:7; Eph 3:16; Eph 3:20; Strong’s G1849 in Eph 2:2.

redemption (3x) – Strong’s G629 in Eph 1:7; Eph 1:14; Eph 4:30.

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Section 4: Encyclopedias

Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

City of Ephesus

Holman Bible Dictionary: Ephesus

Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Ephesus

McClintock and Strong: Ephesus

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Ephesus

Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Ephesus

Letter

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Ephesians, Theology of

Holman Bible Dictionary: Ephesians, Book of

McClintock and Strong: Ephesians, Epistle to

Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Ephesians, Epistle to – Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Ephesians, Epistle to

Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Ephesians, Epistle to

Paul

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Paul the Apostle

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Paul

Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Paul

Fausset Bible Dictionary: Paul

Holman Bible Dictionary: Paul

Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Paul the Apostle

Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Paul

Morrish Bible Dictionary: Paul

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Paul, the Apostle

McClintock and Strong: Paul

The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Paul

The Jewish Encyclopedia:

Tychicus

Holman Bible Dictionary: Tychicus

Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Tychicus

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Tychicus

Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Tychicus

Tychicus in NT: Acts 20:4, Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12

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Section 5: Commentaries

Commentaries & Study Bibles

Top 5 Commentaries on Ephesians – Ligonier.org

Best Commentaries on Ephesians – Tim Challies

Commentary Reviews: Ephesians

Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: Ephesians

Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: Ephesians

Alfords Exegetical Commentary: Ephesians

Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible: Ephesians

Geneva Study Bible: Ephesians

Reformation Study Bible Notes: Ephesians

Precept Austin Commentaries & Sermons: Ephesians

Chuck Smith: Ephesians Study Guide

Irving Jensen’s Chart of Ephesians 1-3 (Page 63)

Precept Austin: Ephesians Study Questions 1

My favorite commentaries

The Message of Ephesians by John Stott

Ephesians by John MacArthur

The Epistle to the Ephesians: A Verse by Verse Exposition by FF Bruce

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Section 6: Articles

Articles

Analysis of Ephesians 1:3-14 “In Him”, etc – Irving Jensen

Irving Jensen’s Chart of Ephesians 1-3 and then Ephesians 4-6 – Goto page 63

James Rosscup: Importance of Prayer in Ephesians

John Bunyan: The Saint’s Knowledge of Christ’s Love

Jack Crabtree: Divine Determinism and the Problem of Evil

What Does It Mean to Be Filled With the Spirit? A Biblical Investigation – Andreas Köstenberger

Cult Prostitution In New Testament Ephesus- A Reappraisal- S. M. Baugh

The Peculiarities of Ephesians and the Ephesian Address – David A Black

Orgizesthe in Ephesians 4:26: Command or Condition – Daniel B Wallace

Ephesians 1:3-4 and the Nature of Election – Leslie James Crawford

Ephesians 2:3 and Peccatum Originale – David L Turner

Ephesians 2:14-16 – A History of Recent Interpretation – Michael S Moore

What the OT Prophets Did Not Know- The Mystery of the Church in Eph 3:2-13 – Sigurd Grindheim

“Equipping Ministry in Ephesians 4? T David Gordon

Paul’s Use of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4;8 – Gary V Smith

Inheritance in Paul and Ephesians – D R Denton

Ephesians 5:18 Being the Fullness of God in Christ by the Spirit – Timothy Gombis

Ephesians 5:18-20 and Mealtime Propriety – Peter W Gosnell

The Structure of Authority in Marriage: An Examination of Hupotasso and Kephale in Ephesians 5:21-33 – David M Park

Ephesians 5:23 Headship in Ephesians – Stephen Clark

Ephesians 6:12 The True Nature of the Believer’s Conflict – David Searle

Ephesians 6:12 Struggling Against the Rulers, Against the Authorities – David Searle

Ephesians 6:12 The Powers of Darkness – David Searle

Does Kephale (“Head”) Mean “Source” or “Authority Over” in Greek Literature – A Survey of 2,336 Examples – Wayne Grudem

The Meaning of Kephale (“Head”): An Evaluation of New Evidence, Real and Alledged – Wayne Grudem

A Radically New Humanity: The Function of the Haustafel in Ephesians – Timothy G Gombis

The Homonoia Coins of Asia Minor and Ephesians 1:21 – John Paul Lotz

Paul’s Mystery in Ephesians 3 – W Harold Mark

The Use of Israel’s Scriptures in Ephesians – Thorsten Moritz

The Relationship Between Paul’s Gospel of “All One in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) and the “Household Codes” (Ephesians 5:22-6:9) – Stephen Motyer

The Importance of Prayer in Ephesians – James Rosscup

Slavery and the New Testament Equality and Submissiveness – Michael Parsons

Caesarea, Rome, and the Captivity Epistles – Bo Reicke

The Eschatology of Ephesians – Stephen S Smalley

From Slaves to Sons! Tim J R Trumper

Approaching ‘Personhood’ in the New Testament, with Special Reference to Ephesians – Max Turner

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Section 7: Got Questions

GotQuestions.org

Treat like any commentary. Read carefully, thoughtfully and require proof.

Book of Ephesians – Bible Survey

Questions about Ephesians

What are spiritual blessings

What is the seal of God? What is the seal of the Holy Spirit?

What are the heavenly places/realms?

What does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air?

What does it mean that salvation is by grace through faith?

What does it mean that there is only one baptism?

What does it mean to speak the truth in love?

What does the Bible say about anger?

How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?

How can I overcome ministry burnout?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

What is the power of the Holy Spirit?

Will the Holy Spirit ever leave a believer?

What is the in d welling of the Holy Spirit?

When / How do we receive the Holy Spirit?

Should we worship the Holy Spirit?

What are the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs mentioned in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16?

Does a wife have to submit to her husband?

What does it mean that husbands are to love their wives?

What does the Bible say about disobedient children?

What does the Bible say about obeying parents?

What does it mean to honor my father and mother?

What does the Bible say about disobedient children?

What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare?

What can I do when I am under spiritual attack?

Does a believer have authority over Satan?

What does it mean to be strong in the Lord

What are the wiles of the devil

What are the heavenly places/realms?

What does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air

What are principalities and powers?

What is the full armor of God?

What does it mean to have peace with God?

What is the belt of truth?

What is the breastplate of righteousness?

What is the readiness of the gospel of peace?

What is the shield of faith?

What is the sword of the Spirit?

EWhat is the helmet of salvation?

What is a prayer of supplication?

What is praying in the Spirit?

Who was Tychicus in the Bible?

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Section 8: Next

Next: Philippians

Previous: Galatians

Series: Resources by Book

Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash

Handling Disagreement

January 15, 2013 by Krisan Marotta

Have you ever faced this objection to Bible study? “There are so many conflicting interpretations of the Bible, how can we possibly know what it means? Why study it? How could we possibly know we’re getting it straight?” Or have you asked them yourself?

While Christians throughout the centuries have agreed that the Bible can be understood, we frequently disagree on what it means. Until recently. Lately, it has become popular to claim the Bible cannot be understood at all.

My favorite response to this objection is to ask the skeptic to interpret a relatively well-known and straightforward verse like John 3:16. Usually she discovers she can in fact understand the verse, and that starts the dialogue. While some verses and passages are especially challenging, God is quite clear about the key message: the path to salvation.

Interpretative Disagreement

Why do we have so much interpretative disagreement? I think there are two explanations: one we can solve and one we can’t.

First, we frequently use incorrect or sloppy study methodology. The art of biblical interpretation has been ignored by the “all-truth-is-relative” generation. Too frequently sermons have become “edutainment”. Good bible study skills are no longer modeled, let alone taught.

Fortunately, this problem is solvable. Skills can be learned, discernment improved and understanding increased.

The second problem is not so easily overcome: we all have limited understanding of the truth. The Apostle Paul’s claim in 1Corinthians 13:12 “Now I know in part” applies to us all. Our areas of ignorance easily explain our lack of agreement.

But rather than despair in our limited knowledge, we should adopt the humble attitude of lifelong learners as we approach the Scriptures. Our disagreements can just as easily stimulate us to greater, more careful study as toward hostility.

Difficult passages

When faced with an especially difficult or controversial passage, my advice is adopt these two goals:

Know what you believe and why; and
Understand the other side(s) well enough to know why they fail to persuade you.

Genuine believers will reach different conclusions one some passages. One day, God will make it all clear, but for now we give it our best shot and hold our conclusions loosely.

In the grand scheme of God’s universe, our doctrinal disagreements resemble a class of first graders squabbling over who reads best. The truth of the matter is none of us reads very well. But if we humbly submit to the master Teacher we can improve.

Where to next?

Bible Study 101

Resource Library

Resources Book of the Bible

Photo by Afif Kusuma on Unsplash

Bible Study Tools #6: Commentaries

July 18, 2012 by Krisan Marotta

How to use commentaries | WednesdayintheWord.com

Commentaries can be useful for “getting your bearings” on a particular book or passage, but should not be a substitute for your own work (in my opinion).

I usually start by searching commentaries for background, historical and archeological evidence — which they typically do really well. Then I do my own study, generate a list of questions to answer. When I get stuck on the questions or want to see what others think, I come back to commentaries. Sometimes that generates more questions, and sometimes that confirms answers. I also turn to commentaries which I hit a “dead end” and don’t know what step to take next. (I call that “study block”, like writer’s block.)

You can buy multi-volume commentaries or one-volume commentaries. Before buying books, check your bible study software. Many times you can buy great commentaries as electronic add-ons and plug-ins to your software. Don’t forget to include online sermons and podcasts in your commentary search. There’s now a wealth of those online!