1 Corinthians 1–7 “Be Perfectly Joined Together” Summary: True Saints are perfectly united in the same mind and in the same judgment—Preach the gospel and save souls—The gospel is preached by the weak and the simple. The gospel is preached by the power of the Spirit—The Spirit reveals all things to the Saints—The unrepentant natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God. Milk comes before meat in…

Romans 7–16 “Overcome Evil with Good” Summary: The law of Moses is fulfilled in Christ—Paul delights in the law of God after the inward man. The law of Christ brings life and peace—Those adopted as children of God become joint heirs with Christ—God’s elect are foreordained to eternal life—Christ makes intercession for man. Paul explains how the law of election (foreordination) operates—The people of Israel are chosen (foreordained) to receive…

Romans 1–6 “The Power of God unto Salvation” Summary: The gospel is the power of God unto salvation through Jesus Christ—The wrath of God rests on those guilty of murder, homosexual practices, fornication, and other sins if the guilty do not repent. God will render to every person according to his or her deeds—Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged by gospel laws. Man is not justified by the law…

Acts 22–28 “A Minister and a Witness” Summary: Paul recounts the story of his conversion and also tells of seeing Jesus in a vision—He is accorded some privileges as a Roman citizen. Paul is smitten at Ananias’s order—The Lord again appears to Paul—Forty Jews plot his death—He is delivered over to Felix. Paul is accused of sedition—He answers in defense of his life and doctrine—He teaches Felix of righteousness, temperance,…

Acts 16–21 “The Lord Had Called Us for to Preach the Gospel” Summary: Paul is directed in a vision to preach in Macedonia—He casts an evil spirit out of a woman—He and Silas are imprisoned, and they convert the jailor—They admonish all to believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved. Paul and Silas preach and are persecuted in Thessalonica and in Berea—Paul, in Athens, preaches from Mars’ Hill about…

Acts 10–15 “The Word of God Grew and Multiplied” How are Sight, Sound and Motion used in the scriptures? The imagery of sight, sound, and motion used in the New Testament is a powerful part of doctrine and history being studied. “Sight” refers to the visual aspects; “sound” is in the doctrinal message that is spoken; and “motion” refers to the feelings as well as the movement of hours of…

Acts 6–9 “What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?” What is the similarity in religious offices throughout time? The organization and growth of the Church in the Meridian of Times parallels the organization of the Church in ancient and modern times. These were and are offices and the men who were called to fill them, in their respective times, who had authority from God to bring light and truth to…

Acts 1-5 “Ye Shall Be Witnesses Unto Me” How analogous are Old and New Testament Pentecost days? The profound gift of the Holy Ghost was given to provide a witness of the completion of the Savior’s atonement. Being “set at liberty from our bruises” and happy to share our new-found freedom, we need the gift of the Holy Ghost to be witnesses. Fifty days after the Passover when Jesus was…

Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21 “He Is Risen” How do death and burial practices contrast the resurrection? The resurrection is so exceptional and such a “antithesis of death,” that an added insight to Jewish burial practices may be of value. “There is no explicit biblical evidence as to how soon after death burial took place, but it is likely that it was within a day after death.…

Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 “It is Finished” How did the Atonement suffering continue from Gethsemane? Late that night, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and taken to Caiaphas the High Priest. The incarceration and interrogation were not part of an official trial. Both were illegal under the circumstances. That evening was the beginning of the Preparation Day. “And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve…

Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 18 “Not as I Will, but as Thou Wilt” What key words help us understand the atonement? The key words in this lesson are mercy, forgiveness, and the color red. There is also a significant illustration using the color red. Unfortunately, the rich Jewish tradition of mercy, forgiveness and atonement has lost the identity of the Atoner, yet in the last days, the…

John 13–17; “Continue Ye in My Love” How does Passover echo the ordinance of the sacrament? The central issue in this lesson was foreshadowed by the Children of Israel through the Passover meal, the Seder, for almost three and a half thousand years. In fact, the substantive elements of that Seder, “fruit of the vine” (wine) and “unleavened bread” preceded the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It is important to…

Joseph Smith–Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21 “The Son of Man Shall Come” How is anointing used in life and death? Anointing is done as one of the respectful ways of preparing a body for burial. Perhaps Jesus, knowing that Mary of Bethany would not have the chance to prepare His body in death as she and other women surely would have desired to do, appreciated her anointing…

Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 18–20; John 12 “Behold, Thy King Cometh” How is anointing used in life and death? Anointing is done as one of the respectful ways of preparing a body for burial. Perhaps Jesus, knowing that Mary of Bethany would not have the chance to prepare His body in death as she and other women surely would have desired to do, appreciated her anointing Him while He…

Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18 “What Lack I Yet” How is marriage viewed in the Bible by Jews of today? “Marriage is not merely an agreement between two individuals which can be dissolved at will, it is a union of souls. The same God who prescribed a formula for the fusion of souls — the formula followed beneath the wedding canopy — also gave detailed instructions how these two…

Luke 12–17; John 11 “Rejoice with Me; for I Have Found My Sheep Which Was Lost” How can word-insights help me find that which is lost? The study chapters include key words that represent our blessings and responsibilities. Some Jewish thoughts on forgiveness, leprosy, gratitude, work and burial may add insights to the parables and scriptures to be studied this week. How can I better understand forgiveness? “Repentance consists of…

John 7–10 "I Am the Good Shepherd" Who is the Light of Your Life? The great “I Am” is the “Light.” Every bit of light is a reflection of Him. That light is all around us. The teachings and traditions of light may be ways of better recognizing Him. “Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the…

Matthew 18; Luke 10 "What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?” What is the difference between stewardship and ownership? I participated in an archaeological survey close to Jericho discussing the odd nature of a beautiful first century synagogue floor. What was odd was that almost every ancient mosaic floor found in Israel has the signature of the donor with his family name and title. This one simply had an…

Easter "O Grave, Where Is Thy Victory?” What misunderstanding is there of “three-days and three-nights?” Many Christians struggle with the symbolism due to a mainstream Christian tradition of Good Friday as the crucifixion day and Easter Sunday as the resurrection day. That, according to the scriptural way of calculating twenty-four hour days, still is only two nights and two days. What did the Savior say about his death and resurrection?…

Matthew 16—17; Mark 9; Luke 9 How does the literary rendering teach us a greater meaning for the transfiguration? The following verse excerpts show the chiastic teaching pattern in the chapter of Matthew 16. “. . . I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be…

Matthew 14–15; Mark 6–7; John 6: 5–6 What meanings do you see in the metaphors of water and rock? Moses struck the rock and out came water. It became the Rock of Salvation. Simon, son of Jonah (Bar Jonah in Aramaic) was affectionately nicknamed Petrus (“rock” in Greek) by Jesus. In that sense, Simon became “Rocky-1” in the scriptures! Jesus, knowing that He was the “Rock of Salvation,” was establishing…

Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13 What are three tools of learning?They are seeing (visual), hearing (audio) and feeling (kinesthetic). These meta-programs (human perception modes) are reflected in the words we use to describe our reactions: “I see,” “Sounds right to me,” “I feel all right about this.” “. . . then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5) “And Moses…

Matthew 10—12; Mark 2; Luke 7; 11 How is leading sheep done is Israel today? Near Jerusalem is an Arab house with more than a hundred sheep. A boy shepherd leads them out every morning and returns in the late afternoon. Leading sheep is typical in this country. Usually there are about a dozen lead sheep, older ones from last year's flock. The shepherd often has them marked with bells…

Matthew 8—9; Mark 2—5 Do you believe in Miracles? Miracles are usually viewed with public amazement. Judaism sometimes views miracles as a part of God’s work with His people. The further a people stray from knowing God, the more their explanations of miracles become nebulous. In modern times, the late Israeli General and statesman, Moshe Dyan, was asked if he believed in miracles. He said, "No, we just count on…

Matthew 6—7 What is the significance of studying Jewish Values? Judaism reflects a great history of instructions and traditions in giving charity and making offerings to assist the less fortunate. Philanthropy is a basic part of Biblical life, and hence, a religious life. To devout Jews, Biblical life means a Jewish life. "The obligation to help the poor and the needy and to give them gifts is stated many times…

Matthew 5; Luke 6 Focusing Attention on Him: Most discussions of the Sermon on the Mount concentrate on our "attitudes." There may be an underlying and supporting doctrine teaching a higher law. Could it be that the Savior is saying, "No matter who you are, rich or poor, mournful or happy, popular or persecuted, come unto me and I will give you the Holy Ghost?" Mount of Beatitudes - A…

John 2-4 The Land of Israel: There are many people who mistakenly think of Israel as a flat, dry and dangerous land. In contrast to popular opinion, Israel is mountainous, the rainfall equals that of London (average of 26-inches per year), and peaceful feelings envelope visitors the moment they arrive! Abundant Rainfall – "40-Days and 40-Nights!:"Water has always been a concern because most of the 26-inches of rainfall occurs within…

Matthew 4; Luke 4-5 Summary:Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted—He begins His ministry, calls disciples, and heals the sick.Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted by the devil—Jesus announces His divine sonship in Nazareth and is rejected—He casts out a devil in Capernaum, heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and preaches and heals throughout Galilee.Peter, the fisherman, is called to catch men—Jesus heals a leper—He forgives sins and heals a paralytic—Matthew is…

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 Summary: John the Baptist preaches in Judæa—Jesus is baptized, and the Father acclaims Him as His Beloved Son. Jesus is baptized by John—He preaches the gospel, calls disciples, casts out devils, heals the sick, and cleanses a leper. John the Baptist preaches and baptizes—Jesus is baptized, and God acclaims Him as His Son—Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam is given. Christ is the Word of…

What and Who is the Word? Gospel writers had different approaches in describing Jesus’ life. John’s purpose is to explain WHAT He is and begins by describing Him as the WORD. To the Jews, the scriptures, the words of God, are so special they must never touch the ground. Many use a pointer to read the words rather than touch the scrolls with their fingers. The scroll cabinet, the “Ark,”…

Bethlehem: Today many people travel to the Holy Land to look for Jesus in traditional spots. They expect a stable behind an inn. They come looking for scenes learned from Christmas cards. Let’s draw our attention to the East where it really happened. The traditional site for Jesus’ birthplace was established only 175 years after His birth. Three Christian churches, the Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Catholic, hold separate services here…

Levitical Cities Zacharias, a worthy priest in the temple, his wife Elisabeth, and John the Baptist initially lived in a city of “Judah.” Being priests, they likely lived in a town that was disciplined by priestly rules of cleanliness. “. . . there were 48 Levitical cities which were traditionally set apart, usually four from every tribe, for the exclusive residence of the Levites. Included in these were the six…

How to Recognize the Truth in the Holy Lands: The 2019 New Testament study material has numerous Christian traditions to consider. Most traditional Holy Land sites significant to Jesus’ life were established hundreds of years after his mortal mission. Let me reiterate that there are four considerations which have helped me ascertain the truth as I guide thousands through Israel. They are (1) archaeology, (2) written accounts (especially scriptures), (3)…

Title Seems Foreboding, Yet Only for the Unprepared: Preparations are being made that include beautiful and sacred "Houses of the Lord" throughout the world. (There will be at least two temple cities, Jerusalem and Zion). ". . . his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem . . ." (D. & C. 124:35, 133:21) The "dress rehearsal" of today’s preparation and building – was before his "first"…

Some 1917 Parallels with Cyrus: The respect and honor Cyrus has in Jewish History is reflected by the Foreign Minister of England, Sir Arthur James, Earl of Balfour. His "Balfour Declaration" called for the return of the Jews to their homeland in 1917. Why Not Uganda? "In 1903 the Zionist movement was shaken by the introduction of the Uganda Scheme . . . rather than the disputed territory of Palestine.…

Historical Takeovers of the Little Land of Israel: Archaeology reveals close to thirty major different levels of conquering and habitation. The conqueror's quest was to secure the "Crossroads of the East." It reached from the north, sometimes governed by Assyrians, Babylonians and others and extended south to Egypt and the gateway to Africa. Babylon (today’s Iraq), was one of the major conquerors. Daniel Interprets: Prayer, alone as well as by…

Biblical Word of Wisdom: The Lord gave the Children of Israel a law of health. It could be called a "Word of Wisdom." The Jews call it the correct, proper or fit way of living, the Kashrut, or being kosher. The word kosher is also used as meaning correct. In this modern age, there are some Jews who will not eat meat because there are no sacrifices and the meat…

Doom to Consolation: "Although the Book of Ezekiel starts on a note of doom, it continues with consolation, and the news of Jerusalem's fall is followed by consolatory prophecies of its restoration. Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the future Jerusalem and describes the future Temple in detail." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) Salt and Water: Ezekiel gives us the imagery of water and salt as he envisions living water coming…

Flock with Bells: One day on the Mount of Beatitiudes, we were surrounded by a flock of sheep. There were about a dozen older sheep, the "lead sheep" and they were fastened with bells. After about ten minutes of the flock spreading out and milling around us, I noticed that almost everyone had tears in their eyes. We were in the midst of experiencing a Biblical metaphor. The shepherd began…

Higher or Lesser Law? Could it be that Israelites preferred to follow Moses the man rather than Jehovah the Lord when they said, "Moses, let God talk to you, and you'll talk to us?" Unable to recognize that with higher responsibilities (statutes) they would receive higher rewards (judgments), they chose a lesser way, resulting in many written commandments, rules and regulations. Instead of relying on the "Rock of Salvation," the…

Metaphor of Containing Things: Iron and clay are the most notable materials that were made into vessels. "Isaiah describes the smith's technique of working iron with the help of charcoal to produce a metal suitable for making vessels." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The Lord "formed" Jeremiah as a vessel to represent the Lord. "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the…

Living in the "City of Our Lord" with Our Lord: Dwelling places such as tents with their poles (stakes) and curtains may represent the organized facilities and order of heaven. ". . . The city of the LORD (Ether 13:5) The "camp" of Israel was organized in a "City of the Lord," likened to the "House of the Lord." The families were on the outside; the priests (Levites) were next.…

"Everlasting" Hills Testify of the Lord: In ancient times, the word of the Lord came from the "tops of the mountains," Jerusalem, where the tribe of Judah and the prophets of Israel lived. These mountains create a backbone of the country of Israel. In fact, the land of Israel has mountains from its northern to its southern borders. It is a mountain range that is "everlasting." "Utah" – Tops: In…

Isaiah Said What He Meant: The other day at the Western (Wailing) Wall, a young Orthodox Jew was observing and listening to us, said "Isaiah could not be understood in English, you are interpreting it incorrectly." Even though we were not reading about a "virgin birth," he said that there are different meanings for "virgin." I thought, what made him refer to the virgin when we were reading something completely…

Isaiah Uses Simple Symbolisms and Metaphors: As he reports history in the making that becomes prophecy of the future, the knowledge of his surroundings and history removes the complications many people usually associate with his wonderful literature. Some of his meanings can still be seen in Jewish thought as subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) names of the Lord. Mercy, Justice: "The Hebrew word for justice is zedek . . . another…

Two Keys to Understanding the Scriptures: We need the “learning of the Jews” along with the "knowledge of the mysteries of God." (1 Nephi 1-2) "Mysteries" are simply the subtle, God given instructions known by the gift of the Holy Ghost. The imagery of Isaiah can best be understood by knowing his political, cultural and geographic environment. He testifies of the Messiah through everything around him. After all, he is…

More to a Word: An oft repeated verse of Amos is the Lord's instruction that he needs his prophets to reveal his word and will. "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) Since the Biblical Hebrew has such a small vocabulary, it is fascinating to know that words with related meanings are placed in precise order for a…

Same Message "Repent:" As with all prophets of God, the message is improving, changing and turning toward God ("to turn" "return" or "go back" is also the word repentance in Hebrew). Various metaphors were used by various prophets and Hosea chooses the tender subject of marriage and moral fidelity to emphasize the nurturing and forgiving nature of our Father in Heaven. Israel Compared to Unfaithful Wife: "In the aggadah, great…

Sinking to New Heights: The story of Jonah is his own poetic way of bearing a humble testimony that he was nothing, that he sank to the depths, and that he was to do the Lord’s work instead of his own. His humility and confession may be mistaken as a “less than willing” prophet. Yet he is one of the greatest, and in fact, the most important prophet of his…

Book of Job Focuses on the Lord Rather than on Job: The agency that mankind was given allows a choice of following the Lord with progress that develops Godlike characteristics or following our own inherent aptitudes accepting the less-than-maximum rather than the full possibilities that God gave us. A Look at Job's Home: : "Job, like Abraham, had open doors on all four sides of his house so that strangers…

The Wonder of the Word: In Judaism, it is completely irreverent to place any kind of writing on the floor or the ground. Scriptures are kept in special cabinets (reminiscent of the Ark in Temple times) If a book falls to the floor, it is the habit to pick it up, render a kiss and return it to its place. Since Biblical Hebrew (the Old Testament) was written with fewer…

Hezekiah, Highly Favored among the Jews: We also know that several things in his life were powerful metaphors of the Savior. Bringing "Living Water" to Jerusalem and another was bringing the people to the Lord and the Temple by awakening the scriptures to them. "Hezekiah is remembered as a great king by Jews, both for his religious virtue and his political and military skill." ". . . a king who…

The Name Elisha Means "My God Saves:" It includes the inference that it is God, not the prophet, who is the maker of miracles. Jewish thought has alternated between recognizing the power of man or the power of God. "Elisha's prophetic powers were indeed increased after the master's death --- he performed 16 miracles compared to Elijah's eight, and brought back to life two people to Elijah's one." (Encyclopedia Judaica…

"Rain" and "Life" Expressed in Jewish Prayers: These prayers include a subtle, recurring inference to the Messiah. ". . . Among the manifestations of God's power are His providing sustenance for all living creatures, His healing the sick, and His causing rain to fall. Stress is laid on the revival of the dead, and the benediction which concludes with Barukh mehayyeh ha-metim ("Blessed be... He Who revives the dead") is…

Israel's Divisive Politics: It seems that the Lord wants the Children of Israel to learn and accept their true leader. Yet, surrounded by other peoples with governments of "men," Israel lost the vision of a Lord's government. "Following Solomon's death, dissension and rebellion broke out in Israel. Rehoboam, Solomon's son and heir to the throne, was unable to maintain the unity of the kingdom and the northern section seceded as…

Black Ethiopian Jews: "In Ethiopia, members of this group refer to themselves as Beta Israel . . . They practice an early form of Judaism . . . According to their tradition, their ancestors were Jerusalem notables who came with Menelik, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, when he returned home." "They said that he brought Judaic customs and civil law to Ethiopia." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)…

Scriptures–Important Part of Jewish Life: Every congregation, whether Orthodox, Conservative or Reform reads the same Torah section on Mondays, Thursdays and Sabbaths (Saturdays). There are additional readings on High Days such as Yom Kippur, Passover, Sukkoth, Rosh Hannah, Shavuot, etc. In addition, readings from the "Neviim," the Prophets, and the "Ketuvim," their writings, are added. Over the years, these additional readings have been added to assist in explaining the Torah…

Good Similarities Extend to Latter-day David: Jews expect a "latter-day" David who would be similar to the former David in that he would be militarily, politically and spiritually capable. However, Jews choose to reflect on David's good characteristics rather than on his grievous mistakes. His repentance is recognized. Yet, we feel that the results of his immorality and murderous conspiracy extends into times unknown to us. Comparing Paul with David:…

Sources of Davidic History: Most of what we know about David, Saul, and his son Jonathan, comes from the Holy Scriptures. Some creative works have been produced, fired by imagination and legends. The only non biblical text ever discovered that includes the name of David with a time reference that connects it to his time was a stone used in a walkway leading to the entrance of "Tel Dan" in…

Imbalance of Faith and Works: In Judaism, "belief" is super ceded by "doing." Hence the 613 commandments (365 do not's and 248 do's) have preeminence over faith. "The biblical word emunah (and its other forms) which is often translated as "belief" really means "trust" or "confidence," which is something quite different." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) Choosing of a New King: After Saul, choosing a new King was to become a spiritual…

[caption align="aligncenter"]Israel Conquests[/caption] CONQUESTS The land of Israel is really quite small. The biblical borders of the "Jordan River to the Mediterranean" and "Dan to Beersheba" are about 65-miles wide and about 200-miles long, with virtually no natural resources, (there is no gold or silver or metal deposits). Even Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel, humorously chided Moses when she said, "He travelled the wilderness for forty years and…

Samuel Means Dedicated to the Lord: Hannah, the wife of Elkanah and the mother of the prophet Samuel, is a devout woman who made an annual pilgrimage to the Temple in Shiloh. Anguished at her barrenness and vowing to dedicate any son born to her to the service of God, the high priest Eli heard her and added his blessing to her pleas. (1 Samuel 1:11) First fruits and first…

Few Women Revered in Jewish Thought: Ruth is one of them. A woman convert to Judaism is given or "takes upon herself" a "New Name," usually that of Ruth or another of the righteous women of the Bible. "The sages regarded Ruth as the prototype of the righteous convert. They taught that Elimelech and his sons were punished for going to Moab during the famine in Judah. They should have…

[caption align="aligncenter"]The Nativity Church In Bethlehem[/caption] THE NATIVITY CHURCH The traditionally accepted birthplace of Jesus is in a grotto located under the Church of Nativity. This is not inconceivable, in the sense that stables were usually on the ground floor or underneath the inn rooms. The tradition, however, only begins 175 years after the birth of Jesus. Three Christian churches, Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic, hold separate services here and…

[caption align="aligncenter"]Wild Oregano[/caption] LIFE GOES ON No matter the economic hardships one may encounter, this I know, life goes on. This family of Elimelech, with two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, settled in Moab for several years. Mahlon and Chilion took Moabite women to wife. Eventually, Elimelech died along with his two sons Mahlon and Chilion (whose names in Hebrew actually mean sickness and death). All that was left of Elimelech’s…

Defense Minister, Mr. Lightning: Barak ("lightning" in Hebrew), the military leader of Israel, was hesitant to follow Deborah's prophetic instruction to engage the enemy. He acquiesced after she agreed to accompany him. (There may have been fewer wars if presidents and prime ministers had accompanied their young soldiers to battle.) Kenites: Modern archaeology has discovered Kenite temples identical to Israelite temples. Jael, Heber's wife, of the Kenite people, apparently may…

"Prophet in Waiting:" The selection of Joshua to replace Moses was anticipated by the Israelites. There was (and still is) a system that God established that there would always be a worthy "Prophet in waiting." Known examples include Joseph for Jacob, Joshua for Moses, Nephi for Lehi and presently the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. These prophets were and are still led by the Lord. History some times…

How Are You Using Your Anchors? The Children of Israel did so poorly in keeping a "spiritual" standard that Moses endeavored to give them a more "physical" standard. The advantage of having physical items as "anchors" to keep reminding us of spiritual goals is evident and useful. However, to many people like the Children of Israel, the physical aspects became more important than what they should be reminders of. The…

What Do Jews Think of Balaam? The collection of Jewish traditions about Balaam are mostly negative and confusing. First of all, he is considered a "gentile prophet." What makes this of interest is the acknowledgment, or at least the inference, that there were prophets outside of ethnic Israel. Unfortunately, the same Jewish tradition distrusts "gentile" prophets. In the same breath, it diminishes the importance of the positive Biblical accounts of…