Browse all RAF articles, newest first.
Prima Facie vs. Contextual Reading — and Why “The Bible Plainly Says” Usually Doesn’t
Compare a first-glance reading with contextual interpretation, and learn why an initial impression of a Bible verse needs testing against its setting.
Treasure, Trust, and the Divided Heart
Explore Matthew 6:19–34 on treasure, divided loyalty, and anxiety, following Jesus’ argument about trust and seeking God’s kingdom.
Righteousness in the Hidden Place
Read Matthew 6:1–18 on giving, prayer, and fasting, examining why Jesus directs attention from public recognition to faithfulness before the Father.
The Law Relocated to the Heart
Explore Matthew 5:21–48 and Jesus’ teaching on anger, desire, truthfulness, and love, with attention to the relationship between conduct and the heart.
The Kingdom on the Mountain
Read Matthew 5:1–20 as the opening of the Sermon on the Mount, exploring the Beatitudes, kingdom identity, and Jesus’ language of fulfillment.
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus—Fulfillment Before Proclamation
Follow Matthew 3:13–4:17 from Jesus’ baptism through wilderness testing to kingdom proclamation, and explore the narrative’s connections with Israel.
John the Baptist Is Not a Proto-Christian Evangelist
Read John the Baptist within Israel’s prophetic and Second Temple setting, attending to repentance, judgment, and preparation for the coming one.
Why John the Baptist Appears Abruptly—and Why Everyone Took Him Seriously
Why did John the Baptist attract attention? Explore his prophetic setting, wilderness ministry, and the Gospel accounts of his public appearance.
1 Corinthians 15:3–5—Putting Paul Back in His Own Letter
Read 1 Corinthians 15:3–5 within Paul’s full argument about the gospel and resurrection, rather than treating the passage as an isolated formula.
YES, Mary Knew!
A poetic response to Mary Did You Know, reflecting on the angel’s announcement, Mary’s understanding, and the promise surrounding Jesus’ birth.
