Those Who Bring Good News Must Also Rebuke in Love “But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias , his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.” ( Luke 3:18–20 ) As I meditate on these verses, I wish to receive the lesson contained in them. (1) John the Baptist, who proclaimed “good news” to the people (Luke 3:18), rebuked “ Herod the tetrarch ” (v.19)—the same Herod Antipas mentioned in verse 1 (Hokmah)—because of “ his marriage to Herodias , his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done” (v.19). (a) The phrase “ his brother’s wife Herodias ” (v.19) refers to the fact that Herod took his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias (Matt. 14:4; Mark 6:17). Around A.D. 26, Herod divorced his first wife—the daughter of King Aretas of Arabia —and...
Day 27: Romans 1:1-17 “I am obligated” We are debtors to the gospel (Rom. 1:14). We owe the gospel to all people. Therefore, we must proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes (v. 16). What is the gospel? The gospel is Jesus Christ. It is His birth, His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the tomb. It is the virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Mt. 1:18). It is Jesus, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, crucified on the cross to redeem our sins (Rom. 1:4). And it is Jesus, who rose from the dead after three days (v. 4). The nature and holiness of Jesus Christ are the gospel (vv. 3-4). We, as chosen ones, are appointed for this gospel (v. 1). We must proclaim this gospel to both believers and non-believers alike, because we are debtor...