Articles

Browse select Tabletalk articles and columns exploring themes and topics across a spectrum of relevant issues.

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  • Blessed Are the Meek by Ken Jones

    It is not uncommon for commentators and Bible teachers to interpret the “blesseds” in the Beatitudes as meaning “to be happy.” The Greek work translated as “blessed” is makarios, and while “happy” is one of the ways it can be …Read More

  • Blessed Are the Merciful by Gary Steward

    Mercy is the generosity, tenderness of heart, and kindness of soul that is moved to alleviate the sufferings of others. It is one of the characteristics that mark the children of God, for God Himself is “rich in mercy” (Eph. …Read More

  • Blessed Are the Peacemakers by Dirk Naves

    Most of us want peace. Very few of us are willing to make it. If we breeze through the Beatitudes, we might mistake peacemaking for a passive quality, one possessed by people who mind their own business. Their virtue is …Read More

  • Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit by D. Blair Smith

    Our family recently visited the beautiful and imposing Field Museum in Chicago. Its neoclassical edifice dominates the landscape. You can approach it from many different angles, but there is only one entrance. You might feel near to it, yet, depending …Read More

  • Blessed Are the Reviled by Donny Friederichsen

    The professor’s face was contorted with anger as he yelled and shook a fistful of torn paper in my face. He accused me of harassing and attacking university students. What egregious act had I committed? I had properly posted an …Read More

  • Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake by Michael Glodo

    The Beatitudes begin with Godward attitudes—spiritual poverty, mourning, meekness, and hunger—and progress to manward concerns—mercifulness, purity, and peacemaking—before concluding in Matthew 5:10 with the inevitable reality of persecution and insults (see also Matt. 10:22; John 15:20). But this unpleasant inevitability …Read More

  • Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness by Dan Doriani

    The first four beatitudes all describe the needs of a disciple. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” is the last in the series (Matt. 5:3–6). Jesus first said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is …Read More

  • Not One Jot or Tittle by Brandon Crowe

    Matthew 5:17–18 is a key text for interpreting the Sermon on the Mount and the entire gospel of Matthew: Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them …Read More

  • Salt of the Earth by Phil Johnson

    “You are the salt of the earth… . You are the light of the world… . Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father …Read More

  • Seeing God Face to Face by Kim Riddlebarger

    I suppose that if you were to ask Christians whether or not they would like to “see” God, most would say “yes.” Human curiosity often wins out over our knowledge of biblical passages such as Hebrews 12:29, which informs us …Read More

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