Theology Thursday

Nehemiah: The Hebrew Scriptures, which are the original Old Testament, present Ezra and Nehemiah as only one book: Ezra. Why do the Christian editions of the Old Testament separate that book into Ezra and Nehemiah (which are otherwise identical to the Jewish text)? What did Israel rebuild first, the Temple or the wall of the city of Jerusalem? What was built first, God's house, or the houses of Jerusalem's citizens? And how does the story of Esther relate to the story of Nehemiah?

Ezra: Fascinating ancient letters dramatize Israel's struggle with the ancient kings of the Medes and the Persians and with their neighbors. Why did God forbid the Jews from marrying their Gentile neighbors? Through Ezra the priest, God even commanded Israel to divorce their pagan wives.

Acts: Welcome to our study in the Book of The Acts of the Apostles. To summarize the book of Acts in one sentence: The Kingdom of Israel Fades as the Body of Christ Grows.

* First Samuel: Eli and Saul, introduces you to three important people. Eli - the high priest of Israel, Saul of the tribe of Benjamin - Israel's first king, and Samuel himself, whose lifespan bridged two periods of Israel's history. This pivotal prophet connected the time of the Judges with that of the Kings. Learn why this seer held such a prominent place that Peter would ignore the preceding prophets saying, "Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow" (Acts 3:24).

* First Samuel: Eli and Saul, introduces you to three important people. Eli - the high priest of Israel, Saul of the tribe of Benjamin - Israel's first king, and Samuel himself, whose lifespan bridged two periods of Israel's history. This pivotal prophet connected the time of the Judges with that of the Kings. Learn why this seer held such a prominent place that Peter would ignore the preceding prophets saying, "Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow" (Acts 3:24).