The Bible Dept.

Peter’s denial of Jesus wasn’t just a failure—it was a defining moment. In Matthew 25-28, we see two disciples—Peter and Judas—who both fall short, yet their stories end very differently. What made the difference? Could it be that Judas’ biggest mistake wasn’t betrayal but something else entirely? Let’s dig in.✈️ Overview:• Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, but was it a misunderstanding rather than a betrayal?• Peter denies Jesus three times, an action considered completely unforgivable in rabbinic discipleship.• Despite his failure, Peter finds redemption—but Judas doesn’t. The difference? How they responded to their mistakes.• Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecy and mark the ultimate victory over sin and death.🔎 Context Clues:• Judas may have been aligned with the Zealots, a militant group seeking to overthrow Rome. Many scholars believe he wasn’t trying to betray Jesus, but to force His hand to lead a rebellion.• In rabbinic Judaism, denying your rabbi publicly was a complete rejection of discipleship—far worse than what Judas did.• The 30 pieces of silver Judas received ties back to Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-13), highlighting the depth of his actions.• The resurrection proves that Jesus was the true Messiah—not the political revolutionary some expected.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The number 30 represents the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). Judas essentially treated Jesus like a commodity.• Peter’s denial should have meant permanent separation from Jesus, yet Jesus restored him (John 21:15-17).• Jesus’ statement “Go tell my disciples and Peter” (Mark 16:7) shows intentional restoration, proving no failure is beyond redemption.• The disciples’ confusion about Jesus’ mission shows how deeply ingrained Messianic expectations were in the first century.✅ Timeless Truths:• Jesus is not a means to an end. Many (including Judas) wanted Him to fit their agenda, but Jesus refuses to be controlled.• Failure isn’t final. Peter’s worst moment wasn’t the end of his story—because he came back to Jesus.• The real betrayal? Giving up on grace. Judas’ biggest mistake wasn’t his betrayal—it was believing his failure was too big for Jesus to redeem.• No one is too far gone. If Jesus restored Peter, He can restore you.Peter’s story proves that your worst failure doesn’t have to be your ending. Don’t let shame keep you from coming back to Jesus!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jesus didn’t hold back when confronting religious leaders. In Matthew 21-24, we see Jesus flipping tables, calling out hypocrisy, and exposing corruption. But who exactly was He talking to? And what did He really mean by “hypocrite”? Today, we unpack the final week of Jesus’ life—the confrontations, parables, and prophecy that shook the religious establishment.✈️ Overview:• Jesus clashes with the chief priests and Sadducees, not just the Pharisees. These leaders held real political power and ultimately orchestrated His crucifixion.• The Temple Cleansing wasn’t about selling animals—it was about corrupt leaders exploiting worshippers for profit.• The Parable of the Vineyard (Matt. 21:33-46) reworks Isaiah 5, showing that Israel’s leaders—not the Romans—are the problem.• Jesus delivers seven woes (Matt. 23) against hypocrisy, mirroring Isaiah’s warnings and declaring judgment.• Matthew 24 sparks end-times speculation, but is it about the rapture? We break it down.🔎 Context Clues:• The chief priests and Sadducees were aristocrats who controlled the temple and profited from it. Their fear of the crowd (Matt. 21:46) shows that the people weren’t the ones turning on Jesus—it was the corrupt leadership.• Rapture theology (Matt. 24:40-41) is often misunderstood. In Noah’s day, those “taken” were judged, not saved. Similarly, Matthew’s parables (Matt. 13:30, 49-50) show that the wicked are removed, while the righteous remain.• Jesus’ woes in Matthew 23 echo Isaiah 5, but He adds a seventh woe—completing the judgment against religious corruption.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The word “hypocrite” doesn’t just mean saying one thing and doing another. In Greek, it refers to actors performing for an audience. Jesus calls out religious leaders not for failing to practice what they preach, but for turning their faith into a show (Matt. 23:5-7).• The “fig tree curse” (Matt. 21:18-22) symbolizes the temple’s impending destruction—just as the tree bore no fruit, neither did the corrupt religious system.• Meeting Jesus “in the air” (1 Thess. 4:17) follows Roman triumph traditions—where citizens met a returning king outside the city only to escort him back. The idea of escaping the earth contradicts biblical renewal.✅ Timeless Truths:• Jesus isn’t against religion—He’s against fake religion that’s about power, money, and image.• Following Christ isn’t a performance—it’s about authenticity. True faith isn’t about looking holy; it’s about living holy.• Don’t mistake political and religious power for righteousness. The ones in charge of the temple were the most corrupt.• We must examine our own faith—are we practicing what we believe, or just performing?Jesus’ strongest words weren’t for the sinners in the streets but for the religious elite who played a game with faith. Let’s not be actors—we’re called to be genuine disciples. See you tomorrow for the final chapters of Matthew!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jesus’ teaching on divorce isn’t just about legalism—it’s about responsibility, sacrifice, and protecting the vulnerable. In Matthew 19, He directly confronts the cultural norms of His day, challenging men to take radical responsibility in marriage. His words remain just as relevant today, exposing our modern struggles with relationships, leadership, and self-sacrifice.✈️ Overview:• The Pharisees test Jesus, asking if a man can divorce his wife “for any reason” (Matt. 19:3). Jesus responds by pointing back to God’s original design for marriage.• He affirms that divorce was never God’s ideal but was permitted because of human hardness of heart (Matt. 19:8).• Jesus sides with the stricter interpretation of Torah, prioritizing the protection of women who were the most vulnerable in divorce.• He raises the bar for male leadership—true authority in marriage requires sacrificial love, not self-serving control.🔎 Context Clues:• Cultural Context: In the first century, only men could initiate divorce. Women had little legal or financial power, making them extremely vulnerable if abandoned.• Rabbinic Debate: Jesus enters an ongoing debate between two major rabbis—Hillel (who permitted easy divorce) and Shammai (who only allowed divorce in cases of sexual immorality). Jesus aligns with Shammai’s stricter stance, emphasizing responsibility.• Eunuchs Reference (Matt. 19:11-12): Jesus suddenly shifts to talking about eunuchs—a male-only role—because He’s addressing men about their role in marriage and leadership.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The phrase “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matt. 19:6) echoes Genesis 2:24, reinforcing that marriage is a covenant, not a contract.• The disciples’ shocked response—“If this is the case, it’s better not to marry” (Matt. 19:10)—shows how radical Jesus’ teaching was in their patriarchal society.• The next passage is about children (Matt. 19:13-15), reinforcing that marriage isn’t just about the couple—it affects the next generation.✅ Timeless Truths:• Biblical leadership means sacrifice. Men are called to lay down their lives for their wives, just as Christ did for the church (Eph. 5:25).• Marriage isn’t about personal fulfillment—it’s about holiness. A husband’s job is to love, protect, and serve his wife, leading their family toward Christ.• Jesus isn’t concerned with cultural convenience—He’s concerned with righteousness. In a world where commitment is optional, He calls us to something higher.Divorce is complex, and Jesus acknowledges human brokenness—but His ultimate message is clear: marriage is sacred, and leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Let’s wrestle with these truths together. See you tomorrow for Day 60 as we continue through Matthew!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Most people read the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 as just another miracle—but Jesus was making a powerful statement through numbers. In Matthew 13-16, we unpack how these miracles reveal God’s plan for both Jews and Gentiles, and why Jesus expects us to pay attention to the details.✈️ Overview:• Jesus feeds 5,000 Jews in Matthew 14 and 4,000 Gentiles in Matthew 15—each with different numbers and symbolism.• The numbers used (5, 12, 7, 4) all connect to major biblical themes and Jewish expectations.• Jesus challenges the disciples to interpret the miracles, not just witness them (Matt. 16:9-10).• The feeding of the 4,000 foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s kingdom.🔎 Context Clues:• Numbers mattered deeply in Jewish thought—5 symbolized the Torah, 12 the tribes of Israel, 7 the pagan nations, and 4 the whole world.• The location shifts from a Jewish audience (5,000) to a Gentile audience (4,000), showing Jesus’ mission expanding beyond Israel.• Matthew structures his Gospel into five teaching blocks, mirroring the Torah and reinforcing Jesus as the new Moses.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Jesus’ miracles are not random—they are filled with deep symbolism that aligns with Israel’s history.• Matthew’s audience was Jewish, which is why his Gospel highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament patterns.• Jesus critiques the disciples for not picking up on the significance of the loaves and baskets (Matt. 16:9-10), proving these numbers weren’t accidental.✅ Timeless Truths:• Jesus doesn’t conform to human expectations—His mission was bigger than a nationalistic Jewish Messiah.• God’s provision is intentional—every detail of His plan is layered with meaning.• Many people today love the idea of Jesus but struggle with His actual teachings. We must seek the real Jesus, not just the version we create.The feeding of the thousands wasn’t just about food—it was a powerful message about who Jesus came for and how His kingdom works. Tomorrow, we dive into Matthew 17-20, so get ready for more insights!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jesus isn’t just claiming to be the Messiah—He’s proving it through His actions, teaching, and fulfillment of prophecy. In Matthew 9-12, we see how Jesus’ miracles, His response to John the Baptist, and the reactions of the Pharisees all point to His true identity. But what happens when Jesus doesn’t meet our personal expectations? Let’s dive in.✈️ Overview:• Matthew structures his Gospel to show Jesus as the new Moses, organizing His teachings into five major blocks (mirroring the Torah).• In Matthew 8-10, Jesus demonstrates the kingdom: healing the sick, calming storms, casting out demons, and restoring the broken.• In Matthew 11-12, responses to Jesus range from faith to doubt to outright rejection—even John the Baptist questions if Jesus is the one.• Jesus doesn’t just talk—His miracles validate His claim as Messiah, but they also challenge expectations.🔎 Context Clues:• “When Jesus finished…” - Matthew marks each major teaching section with this phrase, showing five structured discourses in the book.• Jesus’ miracles weren’t just random acts of kindness—they were signs of the kingdom, proving His authority over sickness, nature, demons, and even death.• John the Baptist asks, “Are you the one?” (Matt. 11:3). Jesus responds by referencing Isaiah’s prophecies—except He leaves out the promise of freeing captives, signaling that John’s personal rescue isn’t part of the plan.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Matthew’s Gospel aligns with Jewish symbolism—five teaching blocks (like the Torah) and portraying Jesus as the new Moses.• The four Gospels reflect Ezekiel & Revelation’s four creatures: • Matthew = Lion (Jesus as King) • Mark = Ox (Jesus as Servant) • Luke = Man (Jesus as fully human) • John = Eagle (Jesus as divine)• Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 subtly challenge John’s expectations—He is the Messiah, but not the kind of political liberator many expected.✅ Timeless Truths:• Faith isn’t based on personal experience alone. Jesus is Messiah whether or not He meets our personal expectations (Matt. 11:6).• The Kingdom of God is upside-down. Jesus’ rule isn’t about military conquest—it’s about healing, justice, and transformation.• Jesus’ identity isn’t based on what He does for us—it’s rooted in who He is. He is the fulfillment of prophecy, whether or not we see Him move in the way we expect.John the Baptist’s question still lingers today—Is Jesus really the one? His words, His miracles, and the fulfillment of Scripture leave no doubt. But the real challenge is this: Will we trust Him, even when He doesn’t do what we want?🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount isn’t just a nice speech—it’s a radical, upside-down manifesto for kingdom living. In Matthew 5-8, Jesus flips the script on everything the world values, challenging us to embrace a righteousness that goes deeper than outward behavior. From the Beatitudes to the Lord’s Prayer, this sermon still challenges us today.✈️ Overview:• Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, redefining the Torah’s teachings with phrases like “You’ve heard it said… but I say to you.”• The Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-12) bless the poor, meek, and persecuted—those the world overlooks.• Jesus emphasizes heart transformation, teaching that anger equals murder and lust equals adultery.• The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) becomes the model for kingdom-centered, humble prayer.🔎 Context Clues:• Mountain or Plain? Matthew places Jesus on a mountain (Matt. 5:1) to portray Him as the new Moses, delivering God’s law like at Mount Sinai. Luke, writing to Gentiles, places the sermon on a plain (Luke 6:17).• Jesus fulfills Old Testament law, not by erasing it but by transforming hearts to obey it (Matt. 5:17; Jer. 31:33).• The sermon is less about rules and more about inward righteousness that exceeds the Pharisees’ outward piety (Matt. 5:20).🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The Greek word for “fulfill” (plēroō) ties Jesus’ ministry to Old Testament prophecy (Matt. 1:22, 2:15, 2:23, 8:17).• Jesus’ reinterpretation of Torah includes six “You’ve heard it said” statements (Matt. 5:21-43), showing His authority as the lawgiver.• The Sermon echoes Moses’ covenant moment but introduces a new covenant, fulfilling Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36.✅ Timeless Truths:• The Lord’s Prayer reminds us to prioritize God’s kingdom, seek daily provision, practice forgiveness, and resist temptation (Matt. 6:9-13).• True righteousness starts in the heart—not just avoiding sin but desiring holiness.• God calls us to humility in prayer, fasting, and giving, avoiding performance-driven religion (Matt. 6:1-18).Jesus didn’t lower the bar—He raised it, but He also provided the Spirit to help us live it out. The Sermon on the Mount still calls us to radical, countercultural living. See you tomorrow for Matthew 9-12 as we continue the journey!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Discover the captivating genealogy of Jesus, filled with scandal and redemption through unexpected women. Explore the deeper meaning of Emmanuel and how God doesn’t just remove our struggles but joins us in them. Learn about the fascinating parallels between Matthew and Exodus, showcasing themes of journey and oppression. Delve into the chaos cycle in the Bible, revealing how divine intervention transforms disorder into order. This journey through Matthew 1-4 sheds light on Jesus as both the true King and a relatable figure.

False teachers were everywhere in the early church—and Peter and Jude weren’t having it. Today’s reading, 2 Peter 1-3 and Jude, breaks down how to spot false teachers and why their behavior exposes their bad theology. If their lives don’t reflect the gospel, their words won’t either. Let’s dive in and see how Peter and Jude call them out.✈️ Overview:• 2 Peter and Jude are nearly identical in content, both written to warn against false teachers creeping into the church.• Peter focuses less on doctrinal debate and more on the behavior of these teachers—because wrong belief leads to wrong behavior.• Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, echoes Peter’s concerns, calling out leaders who abuse grace to justify sin.🔎 Context Clues:• The Guild Feasts were common in the Greco-Roman world—monthly gatherings for trade guilds that involved idol worship, raw meat sacrifices, heavy drinking, and sexual immorality.• False teachers encouraged Christians to participate in these feasts, claiming it was “freedom.”• Both Peter and Jude condemn this behavior, tying it to idolatry, greed, and power.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Both books rely heavily on the Apocrypha, especially 1 Enoch and the Assumption of Moses. Jude 9 mentions Michael disputing the devil for Moses’ body—an apocryphal reference not found in the Old Testament.• Both books also reference Old Testament examples like Balaam, Lot, and Sodom and Gomorrah, showing how God consistently judges sin.✅ Timeless Truths:• Behavior reveals belief. False teaching always leads to ungodly living—sensuality, greed, and idolatry. (2 Peter 2:1-3)• Freedom isn’t what you think. “Whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (2 Peter 2:19) True freedom means being free from sin, not indulging in it.• Twisting Scripture is dangerous. Peter warns against distorting Paul’s writings to justify sin. (2 Peter 3:16)False teachers promise freedom, but Peter and Jude remind us: If sin controls you, you’re not free. Stay rooted in truth and don’t be fooled. See you tomorrow as we kick off the Gospel of Matthew!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Should Christians obey corrupt leaders? In 1 Peter 4-5, Peter writes to persecuted believers under Nero’s reign, urging them to suffer well, stay united, and trust God’s justice. This episode breaks down Peter’s advice for navigating unjust authority while staying faithful.✈️ Overview:• 1 Peter 4-5 is Peter’s final word to persecuted Christians, encouraging them to embrace suffering like Christ and remain faithful under corrupt leadership.• Peter reminds believers that suffering tests faith and purifies character, like gold refined by fire.• The heart of the message? Live as living stones, built together as God’s house, representing Christ as a unified community.🔎 Context Clues:• Written around AD 64, after Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, sparking intense persecution.• Peter himself, once quick to fight (John 18:10), now advocates peace, unity, and resilience.• Rome viewed Christians as threats for promoting equality and proclaiming Jesus—not Caesar—as Lord.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Fiery Trials: Peter uses “fire” intentionally (1 Peter 1:7, 4:12), alluding to both literal and metaphorical refining.• Living Stones: Believers are compared to stones building God’s temple—emphasizing collective strength, not isolated faith (1 Peter 2:5).• Peter subtly contrasts Nero’s destructive fire with God’s refining fire, showing how suffering purifies rather than destroys.✅ Timeless Truths:• Suffering Tests Faith: Trials reveal the genuineness of faith and refine character (1 Peter 1:7).• Suffer Like Christ: Believers follow Jesus’ example—not retaliating, but entrusting themselves to God (1 Peter 2:21).• Unity Over Individualism: Christians are living stones, called to respond to suffering as a united front, not lone individuals (1 Peter 2:5).• Glory Follows Suffering: Earthly suffering prepares us for eternal glory (1 Peter 5:1).Christians are called to live differently, even under corrupt leadership. The way we suffer speaks volumes. See you tomorrow for 2 Peter!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Rome is burning, and Christians are getting blamed. After the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64, Nero pinned the disaster on Christians, launching widespread persecution. That’s the backdrop for 1 Peter 1-3, where Peter writes to scattered believers, encouraging them to suffer well and stay faithful. Today, we’ll break down the context behind this letter and the powerful truths Peter shares about enduring trials.✈️ Overview:• 1 Peter is written around AD 64-65, shortly after the Great Fire of Rome.• Nero blamed Christians for the fire, making Christianity illegal and sparking intense persecution.• Peter writes to scattered believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), urging them to remain faithful despite suffering.• This letter highlights how Christians can respond to injustice without compromising their witness.🔎 Context Clues:• Before AD 64, Christianity was a permitted religion under Judaism. Nero’s blame shifted Christians into an illegal, persecuted minority.• False accusations spread: Romans claimed Christians were cannibals (due to Communion) and practiced incest (calling each other “brother” and “sister”).• Peter refers to Rome as “Babylon” (1 Peter 5:13), a symbolic name for oppressive empires.• Unlike previous Jewish-led persecution, this marked the first widespread Roman oppression of Christians.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Peter writes primarily to Gentile believers, though he uses Jewish terms like “chosen race” and “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).• His readers were former pagans (1 Peter 4:3), now facing rejection for their new faith.• Peter redefines identity: Christians are grafted into God’s people, regardless of ethnicity.• The phrase “exiles of the dispersion” (1 Peter 1:1) reflects how persecution scattered believers throughout the Roman world.✅ Timeless Truths:• Suffering tests the genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Trials refine us, like gold in fire.• Christians suffer not just for faith but as a witness, following Jesus’ example (1 Peter 2:21).• Our response to hardship speaks volumes. Live honorably among non-believers (1 Peter 2:12).• If suffering is inevitable, suffer for doing good—not for wrongdoing (1 Peter 3:17).Peter’s message is clear: suffering is part of the Christian life, but it’s not wasted. It refines our faith, strengthens our witness, and connects us with Christ’s own path. Stay strong, stay faithful, and we’ll see you tomorrow for Day 53 as we finish 1 Peter!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands