Jonah 1:1-14:21 Background: Written several years after the first wave of exiles returned home from Babylon (520 BC to approximately 480 BC), Zechariah means “Jehovah remembers.” He is the son of Berechiah (“Jehovah blesses”) and grandson of Iddo (“the appointed…Continue Reading →
Haggai 1:1-2:23 Background: The exile to Babylon is over, the people have been back in their homeland for 18 years, but the effort to rebuild the temple had ground to a halt. The people’s lives were hard and not filled…Continue Reading →
Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 Background: Zephaniah gives a clear warning to the nation of Judah: The day of the LORD is coming and is inevitable, but it would be followed by restoration and blessing for the faithful. Judah would not be the…Continue Reading →
Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 Background: The book of Habakkuk is unique in that it is presented as a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God. It begins with a very discouraged Habakkuk complaining to God about the sinful condition of Judah. He…Continue Reading →
Nahum 1:1-3:19 Background: The book of Nahum is God’s announcement of judgment to Assyria and specifically its capital city Nineveh. It was given to Nahum in a vision. Approximately 100 years prior, God had sent Jonah to preach to the…Continue Reading →
Micah 1:1-7:20 Background: Micah’s ministry spanned several reigns of kings, including Jotham and Hezekiah. As Micah was prophesying, so were Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos. As you read this book, picture a courtroom with Micah as a lawyer, arguing his case…Continue Reading →
Jonah 1:1-4:11 Background: God called Jonah to get up and go announce His judgment to Nineveh, which was about 500 miles away. So, Jonah got up and went….to Tarshish, a city about 2,000 miles in the opposite direction. Jonah foolishly…Continue Reading →
Obadiah 1:1-21 Background: The story of Israel and Edom originates in Genesis and will culminate in Revelation. The story of Esau and Jacob exists to portray not only a dysfunctional family, but also how a family and its ties can…Continue Reading →
Amos 1:1-9:15 Background: The overwhelming emphasis in Amos is the social injustices he saw in the prosperous northern kingdom of Israel and its capital city, Samaria. While some were living luxurious lifestyles, others were being ground down into complete poverty.…Continue Reading →
Joel 1:1-3:21 Background: In Joel, Jesus is portrayed as the Restorer. The overall lesson of Joel’s prophecy is this: Repent, for “the day of the Lord” is coming. By the time most of the minor prophets were writing, God’s promise…Continue Reading →
Hosea 1:1-14:9 Background: Hosea prophesied to the nation of Israel (the northern kingdom) about 750 years before Christ. Israel was experiencing great material prosperity, but they had turned away from God to worship idols, which God considered to be spiritual…Continue Reading →
Melissa Renner introduces what Women’s Bible Study will look like this semester and how to get the most out of this study and the opportunities for meaningful connection with other women. Study Guide Available For the corresponding study guide, please…Continue Reading →
Various Scriptures Background: From about the 6th century BC until the 4th century AD, the cross was an instrument of execution that resulted in death by the most torturous and painful of ways. In crucifixion a person was either tied…Continue Reading →
Titus 3 Background: Chapter 3 concludes Paul's general statements about church structure and behavior. The Cretan church had become distracted from its witness by getting wrapped up in disputes and fights over divisive and non-essential matters. Paul speaks as a…Continue Reading →
Titus 1–2 Background: The book of Titus is a letter written by Paul, addressed specifically to Titus, whom we know Paul considers his “true son in the faith.” In this letter, Paul gives Titus carte-blanche authority to establish church leadership…Continue Reading →
2 Timothy 3:10–4:22 Background: Paul’s final words to Timothy are filled with instruction, wisdom, encouragement, and urgency. Paul knows that his days are coming to an end, and it is time to pass the torch of leadership. He urges Timothy…Continue Reading →
2 Timothy 2:14–3:9 Background: Paul will share the knowledge he gained from many years of experience so that Timothy may avoid pitfalls in his ministry. Paul will instruct Timothy on how to recognize and deal with false teaching and how…Continue Reading →
2 Timothy 1–2:13 Background: Imagine that you are sitting down to compose a letter to a dear loved one. You know time is short and your future uncertain. Your desire is to see him, but this is not guaranteed. In…Continue Reading →
1 Timothy 5–6 Background: As Paul wraps up this epistle to Timothy, we see many ways he wants to love and protect the faith and actions of not just Timothy but all believers. The Gnostic teaching was being spread prevalently…Continue Reading →
1 Timothy 3–4 Background: God’s household continues to be Paul’s immediate concern knowing how turbulent the city of Ephesus was. He understood how important leadership was in the church to advance the Good News in the world and promote the…Continue Reading →
© 2026 Stonebriar Women — Powered by WordPress
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑
