Category: Bible Insights

Reflections and meditations about the Bible by Peter DeHaan, PhD.

Can We Be Baptized For Dead People?

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date November 14, 2023

Understand How to Respond to This Perplexing Practice

A perplexing verse in Paul’s letter to his friends in Corinth mentions being baptized for dead people. What in the world does this mean? It sounds heretical.

Can we be baptized for dead people? Well, I suppose so, but we shouldn’t expect it to accomplish anything. Should we be baptized for dead people? No.

Though the meaning of this verse is unclear—and I won’t attempt to clarify it—we should keep two things in mind:

First, it is likely a reference to an issue confronting only the church in Corinth since it is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible.

Though we don’t know the background for this particular issue, we do know the Corinthian church had many issues, with this being one of them.

Let’s not make this our issue by adopting their misguided practice. After all, they had many unwise practices.

Second, and most importantly, is that Paul shares this procedure in a descriptive manner. He is simply describing something other people are doing. Paul does not command we do this, he does not recommend we do this, and he does not model this.

If we did everything the Bible described, we’d be a sorry lot.

Instead let’s look at what the Bible commands. That will keep us busy for a long time.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 14-16, and today’s post is on 1 Corinthians 15:29.]

Read more in Peter’s book, Love is Patient (book 7 in the Dear Theophilus series).

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags baptism, obey God, Paul

Bible Insights

Living in the Physical and Spiritual Realms

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date November 7, 2023

A Physical World and a Spiritual Reality

We live in a physical world. We can interact with it though our senses. It is tangible. It is real. Contrast this to the spiritual realm. We exist in both physical and spiritual realms.

While this is true, there is more—much more. There is a spiritual reality that is even more real then the physical realm that we call home. Consider that God exists in the spiritual realm. It existed first and always has.

It is from this spiritual reality that he created our physical world in which we live. (Don’t get distracted on how this creation occurred.)

In his letter to the people who lived in Thessalonica, Paul talks about our spirit, soul, and body. How do these three aspects of who we are interact and co-exist?

It’s been said that we are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Furthermore, our soul is comprised of our mind, will, and emotions. That puts things in the proper order, giving us a good perspective on our existence and what is most important.

Although our body is temporal and will die, our spirit will live on, existing in the spiritual realm.

Though it is good and right to take care of our body, it is wiser and better to care for our spirit, because we are a spirit, we just live in a body.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 1 Thessalonians 4-5, and today’s post is on 1 Thessalonians 5:23.]

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Tags creation, eternal life, spirit, spiritual realm

Bible Insights

Does God Receive Our Actions as a Memorial Offering?

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 31, 2023

Cornelius is a commander in the Roman army; he’s also a man of faith, who prays often and gives to the poor. One day, during his afternoon prayers, he has a vision. An angel appears to him and says that God has received his prayers and gifts as a memorial offering.

Imagine that. God sees Cornelius’s prayers and help of those in need as a gift directly given to him. It is an offering, something done in his name.

I don’t know if God accepts all our prayers as memorial offerings or holds all our efforts to help others in such high esteem, but it is something to contemplate.

I think to be counted as a memorial, it must be done in Jesus’ name. And to be received as an offering, it must be presented with right motives. So when we do things for Jesus with pure intentions, it may be that God will likewise receive our actions as a memorial offering to him.

As a kid, I was confused by how we could directly give to God. Maybe this is how. May all we do be a memorial offering to him.

Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Acts 8-12, and today’s post is on Acts 10:4]

Read more about the book of Acts in Tongues of Fire: 40 Devotional Insights for Today’s Church from the Book of Acts, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags faith, gift, offering

Bible Insights

God Answers Prayer

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 24, 2023

Take a Look at Prayer from the Almighty’s Perspective

In the post, The Implications of Omnipotence, I noted that there is nothing that an all-powerful God can’t do, yet, not every prayer is answered—at least not the way we think it should be. Let’s consider how God answers prayer.

Before we criticize God, however, consider:

Maybe our request is contrary to God’s nature, such as, asking him to harm another person.
Perhaps what we ask would require someone’s freewill to be superseded, such as, to make someone do something they don’t what to do.
What if God said “yes” to everything? (Consider the movie Bruce Almighty for a demonstration of how bad that would be.)
If God answered every prayer every time, immediately solving all our problems, getting us out of jams, and shielding us from the consequences of our actions, God would become our grant-a-wish-genie, literally spoiling us rotten.

When Jesus was teaching about prayer, he noted that even flawed parents know how to give good things to their children, so even more so, our heavenly father will give good things to his children.

Just as parents may wisely withhold some things for the long-term good of a child, God will do so too.
Children need chance to learn, grow, and mature, sometimes through failure or disappointment, so too do we.
Doting and indulgent parents keep a child from maturing and becoming stable adult. God loves us too much to let that happen.

Sometimes, “No” is the best and most loving response. It’s another way God answers prayer.

When it’s in our best interest, however, there’s nothing God can’t and won’t do for us when we ask.

That is the Almighty’s nature. He is omnipotent.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Luke 10-12, and today’s post is on Luke 11:13.]

Read more about the book of Luke in That You May Know: A 40-Day Devotional Exploring the Life of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke, now available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags omnipotent, prayer

Bible Insights

How Many Times Should We Forgive Someone?

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 17, 2023

Jesus shared a story (parable) about forgiving others.

Jesus’ illustration was prompted by Peter, who asked if forgiving someone seven times was enough; Peter thought seven times was generous. Jesus upped the figure considerably, saying seventy-seven times.

We don’t take this amount literally, instead understanding that Jesus really meant we need to forgive others “more times than we can count” or “without limit.”

Jesus’ story, however, takes the idea of forgiveness to another level. A man, who owed a huge debt he could never repay, begged for mercy, for more time to make payment. But instead of receiving additional time, the debt was forgiven.

But then the man threatened someone who owed him a tiny bit of money. No mercy was given; no forgiveness was offered. He withheld from others what had been given to him.

Because of the man’s selfishness and not treating others as he was treated, his debt was reinstated and he was thrown into prison and tortured. Our fate will be no different if we don’t forgive others.

We, who have been forgiven much by God, need to likewise forgive others. The risk of withholding forgiveness is too great.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Matthew 17-19, and today’s post is on Matthew 18:21-35.]

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Tags debt, forgiveness, mercy

Bible Insights

David Praises God

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 11, 2023

Psalm 164 from Beyond Psalm 150

After a fatal first attempt to move the ark of God (1 Chronicles 13:3–14), David successfully brings the ark of God into Jerusalem and places it inside the tent he has prepared for it. David then gives offerings to God and appoints Levites—including Asaph— to lead worship.

The Bible credits Asaph with twelve chapters in the book of Psalms. This may be his thirteenth one, though David could also have penned it.

Regardless of the authorship, here is this psalm of when David praises God to celebrate the arrival of the ark of the covenant.

Oh give thanks to Yahweh.
    Call on his name.
    Make what he has done known among the peoples.
Sing to him.
    Sing praises to him.
    Tell of all his marvelous works.
Glory in his holy name.
    Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
Seek Yahweh and his strength.
    Seek his face forever more.
Remember his marvelous works that he has done,
    his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
you offspring of Israel his servant,
    you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
He is Yahweh our God.
    His judgments are in all the earth.
Remember his covenant forever,
    the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,
    the covenant which he made with Abraham,
    his oath to Isaac.
He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
    and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,
saying, “I will give you the land of Canaan,
    The lot of your inheritance,”
    when you were but a few men in number,
    yes, very few, and foreigners in it.
They went about from nation to nation,
    from one kingdom to another people.
He allowed no man to do them wrong.
    Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,
Don’t touch my anointed ones!
    Do my prophets no harm!”
Sing to Yahweh, all the earth!
    Display his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    and his marvelous works among all the peoples.
For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised.
    He also is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
    but Yahweh made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before him.
    Strength and gladness are in his place.
Ascribe to Yahweh, you relatives of the peoples,
    ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength!
Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
    Bring an offering, and come before him.
    Worship Yahweh in holy array.
Tremble before him, all the earth.
    The world also is established that it can’t be moved.
Let the heavens be glad,
    and let the earth rejoice!
    Let them say among the nations, “Yahweh reigns!”
Let the sea roar, and its fullness!
    Let the field exult, and all that is in it!
Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before Yahweh,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
    for his loving kindness endures forever.
Say, “Save us, God of our salvation!
    Gather us together and deliver us from the nations,
    to give thanks to your holy name,
    to triumph in your praise.”
Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting even to everlasting.
1 Chronicles 16:8–36 (WEB)

Reflections on David Praises God

It’s human nature to want to receive credit for what we have done. Though we’re not sure who wrote this psalm—David or Asaph—the author is not the issue. The point is worshiping Yahweh, and this psalm does a superb job at it.

When have we strived to receive recognition for our work and in the process distracted others from worshiping God? Are we willing to set aside our pride so that others can best connect with the Almighty?

As John the Baptist said about Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

May we adopt the same humble perspective.

Explore the other psalms—sacred songs of praise, petition, and lament—scattered throughout the Bible in Peter’s book Beyond Psalm 150.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags Beyond Psalm 150, King David, Levites, praise

Bible Insights

Would You Steal for Jesus?

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 10, 2023

Consider This Popular Bible Story in Today’s Context

In the book of Mark, there is the story of Jesus sending out his disciples to borrow a donkey for him to ride into Jerusalem.

When this request is considered in a modern context, what he asked them to do is even more astounding. It would be much like Jesus telling us to go boost a car or at least take a bike.

The disciples were not told to ask permission first (which seems prudent), but they were merely instructed what to say if questioned—implying that they would, in fact, be stopped and questioned.

Certainly this was a risky thing to do, as they could likely have been arrested and punished for stealing. Yet they did as Jesus instructed—and without question.

Would we be willing to do the same?

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Mark 11-13 and today’s post is on Mark 11:2-7.]

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Tags Jesus

Bible Insights

David Mourns Abner’s Death

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 4, 2023

Psalm 163 from Beyond Psalm 150

Abner is captain of Saul’s army and initially opposes David.

Later, he switches his allegiance. Nevertheless, Joab, the leader of David’s army, kills Abner to avenge his brother’s death.

David weeps for Abner and sings this lament.

Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.
2 Samuel 3:33–34 (WEB)

Reflections on David Mourns Abner’s Death

David viewed Abner’s life as valuable. Joab didn’t. David forgave. Joab held a grudge. David mourns Abner’s death, whereas Joab caused it.

Do we value the lives of others? What can we do to elevate the lives of all people, regardless of their situation?

May we see others as God sees them.

Explore the other psalms—sacred songs of praise, petition, and lament—scattered throughout the Bible in Peter’s book Beyond Psalm 150.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags Beyond Psalm 150, forgiveness, Joab, King David, lament

Bible Insights

Mordecai Receives Honor for Saving the King

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 3, 2023

Our Reason for Doing Good Shouldn’t Be for Recognition but Because It’s the Right Thing to Do

Mordecai, a noble man, raises his orphaned cousin, Esther. Mordecai’s nemesis is Haman. Though Haman has everything going for him, he doesn’t enjoy it. This is because Mordecai refuses to give Haman the respect he thinks he deserves.

Haman so hates Mordecai that he wants to kill him, along with all the other Jews throughout the kingdom. This is the setting for today’s story.

One night the king can’t sleep. He asks one of his aides to read from the book chronicling his reign. The aide reads about the account of Mordecai when he thwarted an assassination attempt of the king.

Reminded of the situation, the king asks what honor Mordecai received for his heroic deed.

“Nothing,” the aide responds.

At that moment, Haman waits in the court for a chance to ask the king’s permission to hang Mordecai. When the king learns Haman is nearby, he calls for him—unaware of Haman’s intent. The king asks Haman what should be done for someone who the king wants to honor.

Haman egotistically assumes the king wants to honor him and gives the answer of what he would most want for himself. But the king surprises Haman when he tells him to go honor Mordecai in that exact way.

Mortified, Haman does as instructed. Mordecai receives honor in the way Haman had wanted for himself. Then Haman goes home in shame.

When the king’s life was threatened, Mordecai did what was right. And the king didn’t even thank him for it. It wasn’t until later—likely much later—that the king honors Mordecai for his noble deed.

When we do what is right or help others, we may see immediate recognition. Or we may receive a delayed appreciation—just like how Mordecai receives honor in today’s story. Or we might never receive any praise at all for our noble actions.

Yet God knows all that we do and appreciates it, even if others don’t.

Though the acclaim of others is nice, doing what’s right—regardless of the recognition we receive—is what matters. Our motivation shouldn’t be to gain attention or receive the applause of others.

Instead, we should be quiet and humble, doing what is right and good in secret. Then God will reward us for it (Matthew 6:1-4). And that’s what counts.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Esther 5-7 and today’s post is on Esther 6:3.]

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Tags Esther, Mordecai, reward

Bible Insights

David’s Lament for Saul and Jonathan

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 27, 2023

Psalm 162 from Beyond Psalm 150

Though Samuel has already anointed David as king, Saul continues to rule. David could move to seize the throne, but instead he patiently waits for God’s timing.

As he does, he respects Saul’s authority as the reigning king. David also forms a tight bond with Saul’s son Jonathan.

When Saul and Jonathan die in battle, the path is clear for David to ascend to the throne that God intended for him.

David has every right to rejoice in Saul’s death, since Saul tried to kill him multiple times. But David instead mourns Saul and Jonathan’s passing.

Your glory, Israel, was slain on your high places!
    How the mighty have fallen!
Don’t tell it in Gath.
    Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
    lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
You mountains of Gilboa,
    let there be no dew or rain on you, and no fields of offerings;
    For there the shield of the mighty was defiled and cast away,
    The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil.
From the blood of the slain,
    from the fat of the mighty,
    Jonathan’s bow didn’t turn back.
    Saul’s sword didn’t return empty.
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives.
    In their death, they were not divided.
They were swifter than eagles.
    They were stronger than lions.
You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
    who clothed you delicately in scarlet,
    who put ornaments of gold on your clothing.
How the mighty have fallen in the middle of the battle!
    Jonathan was slain on your high places.
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan.
    You have been very pleasant to me.
    Your love to me was wonderful,
    passing the love of women.
How the mighty have fallen,
    and the weapons of war have perished!
2 Samuel 1:19–27 (WEB)

Reflections on David’s Lament for Saul and Jonathan

Like David when hearing of King Saul’s death, we often have two ways to respond to the misfortunes of those who oppose us. We can be happy or sad. We can celebrate or grieve.

How do we respond when something good happens to us at the expense of another, such as the suffering of an enemy? How content are we to wait for God’s perfect timing?

May we react to all situations in a God-honoring way.

Explore the other psalms—sacred songs of praise, petition, and lament—scattered throughout the Bible in Peter’s book Beyond Psalm 150.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags King David, lament