. Shamgar served as the third judge over Israel, after Othniel and Ehud. Under Ehud, Israel had rest for 80 years (Judges 3:30).

The lessons are numerous. A thorough study of the sons of Jacob reveals life lessons for all who take heed.

In the ancient world, Capernaum was the place to live if you wanted a life as a merchant. Capernaum existed as a trading village of about 1500 people on the northwestern Galilean seashore to the south of Chorazin, and north of Gennesaret.

Systematic theology is comprised of the compilation and comprehension of all the pertinent passages in the Bible and then the encapsulation of them in a clear, teachable form so we have a firm foundation for our beliefs. Systematic theology interacts directly with Scripture and not with extant sources.

Simon of Cyrene is mentioned by name in only three passages of Scripture: Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26).

Joseph of Arimathea was a good and righteous man who plays a small but important role in the Easter story.

But faith comes by hearing. It can only come by hearing (Romans 10:17). The Apostle Peter, in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, spoke Scriptural truth as he quoted Joel and David.

There is a spiritual warfare element to Peter’s denial. The devil went straight to Jesus and demanded to shake Peter’s faith in the Lord. But the Lord denied Satan and, instead, prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail.