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Home›Browse by Type›Commentary

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Commentary

853 illustrations — In-depth biblical commentary with sermon-ready sections

Browse Commentary by Book

Psalm (16)Romans (15)Genesis (15)Exodus (15)Matthew (15)John (15)Luke (10)1 Corinthians (8)Acts (5)Colossians (4)Philippians (4)Revelation (4)Ephesians (4)1 John (4)Ruth (4)Isaiah (3)1 Peter (3)2 Corinthians (3)Galatians (3)Hebrews (3)

Commentary

Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:8-11

We read Psalm 46:8-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing both God's sovereignty over creation (Law) and His promise of peace through Christ (Gospel). In this passage, the call to 'be still and know that I am God' is an invitation to rest in the Gospel promise, knowing that our salvation

Psalm 46:8-11LutheranLaw and Gospeltheology of the cross

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Commentary

Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing Can Separate Us)

We read Romans 8:28-39 as an emphatic declaration of the security of the elect in the covenant of grace. This passage assures us that God's sovereign decree governs all things, orchestrating them for the good of those whom He has effectually called according to His purpose. It is a profound reminder

Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing Can Separate Us)ReformedPerseverance of the saintsSovereignty of God

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 1

In Genesis 1, we read this passage as the foundational narrative of God's creative work, emphasizing both the Law and the Gospel. The Law reveals human dependence on God's creative and sustaining power, highlighting our inability to generate life and order apart from Him. The Gospel is present as we

Genesis 1Lutherantheology of the crossjustification by faith alone

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

We read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing the Law expose our inability to perceive Christ rightly 'according to the flesh' and the Gospel proclaiming the new creation in Christ. The passage declares that in Christ, God is reconciling the world to Himself, not counting

2 Corinthians 5:16-21Lutheranjustification by faith alonethe theology of the cross

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Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20

We read this passage as a profound declaration of Christ's preeminence in all things, emphasizing His role as the image of the invisible God and the agent of creation. Verses 15-20 serve as a hymn of Christ's sovereignty and His central place in God's redemptive plan. Within our covenantal framework

Colossians 1:15-20Reformedsovereignty of GodChrist's mediatorial kingship

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21

We read John 3:16-21 as a profound proclamation of the Gospel, where God's unconditional love is manifested in the giving of His Son for the world. This passage is a clear articulation of the Gospel promise — that whoever believes in Christ is not condemned but has eternal life. The Law is evident i

John 3:16-21Lutheranjustification by faith alonethe theology of the cross

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Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Genesis 49:1-27

We read Genesis 49:1-27 as a prophetic unveiling of God's justice intertwined with familial and communal destiny. In Jacob's blessing over his sons, we see reflections of the lived experiences of our ancestors, who persevered through adversity. The text speaks to the reality of God's enduring promis

Genesis 49:1-27Black Churchdeliveranceprophetic witness

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Traditional Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:1-7

We read Psalm 46:1-7 as a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty and presence amidst turmoil. This passage assures us that God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. We see this as a testament to God's unchanging nature and His role as a protector for His people. The imagery of th

Psalm 46:1-7TraditionalGod's sovereigntyProvidence

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Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 17:1-5

In John 17:1-5, we read Jesus' prayer to the Father as a profound expression of the unity between the divine persons of the Trinity and the salvific mission of Christ. This passage highlights the glorification of the Son through His obedience and sacrificial love, culminating in His passion, death,

John 17:1-5Roman CatholicThe Incarnation and the Hypostatic UnionThe Sacrament of the Eucharist

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: Jeremiah 29:10-14

We read Jeremiah 29:10-14 through the Lutheran Lens as a powerful proclamation of Gospel. God’s promise to bring the exiles back to their land after seventy years points directly to His faithfulness and mercy, which culminate in Christ. We see this passage as a foreshadowing of our ultimate return t

Jeremiah 29:10-14LutheranLaw and GospelJustification by faith alone

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Traditional Lens Commentary: Genesis 6-8

We read Genesis 6-8 as a historical account of God's judgment upon a sinful world through the Flood, while also highlighting His grace and covenant faithfulness in preserving Noah and his family. This passage clearly demonstrates the seriousness of sin and God's righteousness in dealing with it, as

Genesis 6-8TraditionalOriginal SinCovenant Theology

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)

We read this passage as both Law and Gospel. The command to 'make disciples of all nations' (Law) exposes our failure to evangelize as we ought, revealing our dependence on God's grace. Yet, it is primarily Gospel because it delivers Christ's promise of His abiding presence 'to the end of the age,'

Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)Lutheranmeans of gracejustification by faith alone

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 1:1-5

We read John 1:1-5 as a profound Christological declaration that the Word, who is Christ, was both with God and is God from the beginning. This passage is Gospel in its purest form, revealing the incarnation of Christ as God's ultimate promise and grace to us. It shows that the light of Christ shine

John 1:1-5LutheranChristologyLaw and Gospel

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12

We read John 9:1-12 as a profound illustration of the distinction between Law and Gospel. The disciples' question about the man's blindness reflects the Law, exposing human assumptions about sin and suffering. Jesus' response shifts the focus to the Gospel, revealing God's purpose to display His wor

John 9:1-12LutheranLaw and GospelSimul justus et peccator

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Traditional Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:28-3:3

We read this passage as an exhortation to abide in Christ in anticipation of His return. The apostle John emphasizes our identity as children of God, which gives us confidence as we await the consummation of our salvation. This passage underscores the assurance of our salvation, grounded in Christ's

1 John 2:28-3:3Traditionaljustification by faithsanctification

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Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 17:1-27

We read Genesis 17:1-27 as a pivotal moment in the unfolding of the covenant of grace. Here, God sovereignly reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, a covenant that is not contingent on human action but solely on His divine promise. The sign of circumcision is introduced as a means of grace, signifying

Genesis 17:1-27ReformedCovenant of GraceSovereign Election

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Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Romans 5:12-21

We read this passage in Romans 5:12-21 as a declaration of the liberating power of grace through Jesus Christ. Adam's sin brought death and oppression into the world, but Jesus' act of righteousness brings deliverance and freedom for all who believe. This is a story of two humanities: one under the

Romans 5:12-21Black Churchdeliveranceliberation

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Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Revelation 11:15-19

We read Revelation 11:15-19 as a consummate vision of the sovereign reign of Christ, the culmination of God's redemptive plan. This passage affirms the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, emphasizing the covenantal promise

Revelation 11:15-19ReformedSovereignty of GodCovenant of Grace

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Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Exodus 14:1-14

We read Exodus 14:1-14 as a pivotal moment in redemptive history, showcasing God's sovereign grace and his covenant faithfulness to Israel. This passage reveals God's control over history, as he hardens Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate his power and deliver his people. The crossing of the Red Sea is a

Exodus 14:1-14Reformedsovereign graceeffectual calling

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Traditional Lens Commentary: Luke 15:11-32

We read this passage as a clear illustration of the gospel's power to transform lives, highlighting God's grace and mercy. The parable of the Prodigal Son demonstrates the depth of human depravity and the necessity of repentance. The father's response exemplifies God's readiness to forgive and resto

Luke 15:11-32Traditionaljustification by faithsubstitutionary atonement

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Traditional Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (The Love Chapter)

We read this passage as the ultimate definition of love grounded in the character of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, communicates that love is the most excellent way, transcending all spiritual gifts. This passage is a call to embody the self-sacrificial

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (The Love Chapter)Traditionalsubstitutionary atonementsanctification

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: James 1:19-27

We read James 1:19-27 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the passage primarily as Law. It exposes our failure to be 'doers of the word,' revealing our inability to meet God's demands under our own power. Yet, this is not the end of the message; it drives us to the Gospel, where we find

James 1:19-27LutheranLaw and Gospel - The passage illustrates the need to distinguish between God's demands and His promises.Simul Justus et Peccator - Our identity as simultaneously righteous in Christ and sinful in nature.

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Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 14:1-14

We read Exodus 14:1-14 as a profound demonstration of the dialectic of Law and Gospel. The Law is evident in the Israelites' dire situation, trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, which exposes their helplessness and inability to save themselves. The Gospel shines through God's promise of de

Exodus 14:1-14Lutheranjustification by faith alonethe theology of the cross

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Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Hebrews 12:1-2 (Run the Race)

We read Hebrews 12:1-2 as a profound exhortation within the context of redemptive history, urging us to persevere in the race of faith by looking to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. This passage is rooted in the covenant of grace, through which God sovereignly calls his elect to persev

Hebrews 12:1-2 (Run the Race)ReformedPerseverance of the SaintsSovereign Grace

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