| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| December 18, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
1 Chronicles 14
Observation & Interpretation
1 Chron. 14:1 – Hiram, king of Tyre, sent people and provisions to David to build a house for him.
- After David was established as king over all Israel, Hiram, king of Tyre, sent men and materials to build David a house. This was the beginning of a long and close friendship that extended into the reign of Solomon. (BBC)
1 Chron. 14:14-15 – When David inquired of God regarding the Philistines, God told him not to go up after them, but go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. David was to go to battle when he heard the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees.
- God provide specific instruction and tactics for David against the Philistines.
- The Philistines must have though that attacking through the same valley was the last thing anyone would expect, but if they were caught again they would be ready. This time the Lord commanded David to use a different strategy—to come from behind. God would give David a signal when it was time to attack. By following God’s orders exactly, he eliminated the threat of the Philistines for a long time to come. (CSB Notes)
Acts 3
Observation & Interpretation
Acts 3:5-6 – The lame man fixed his attention on Peter and John, expecting to receive something from them, but Peter told the man that he had no silver or gold. Instead, Peter gave the man what he had, telling the man to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
- Still expecting nothing more than financial help, the cripple gave them his attention. Then he heard an announcement that was both disappointing and thrilling to him. As far as a handout was concerned, Peter had nothing to give. But he had something better to give. By the authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he commanded the lame man to rise up and walk. (BBC)
Acts 3:7 – Luke records how Peter took the lame man by the right hand and raise him up.
- The “right hand” is often used in Scripture as the hand of preference or favor.
Acts 3:8 – The lame man leapt up, stood, began to walk, entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
- The man did not just get up, he leapt up.
- When we remember the slow, painful process an infant goes through in learning to walk, we realize how wonderful it was for this man to walk and leap right away, for the first time in his life. (BBC)
Acts 3:15 – Peter told the people that in their killing of Jesus, they killed the Author of life.
- A clear statement of Jesus’ deity.
- The Greek term [for Author] used here, archēgos, can mean “leader”, “prince”, or “source” (compare Acts 5:31). Jesus is not only the servant of God, but the master of all life from whom everyone receives their meaning and to whom all owe allegiance. (FSB)
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
