◄ Ezra 1 ►
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The Proclamation of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Isaiah 45:1–25) 1In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: 2“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4And let every survivor, wherever he lives, be assisted by the men of that region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.’” 5So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. 6And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuables, in addition to all their freewill offerings. Cyrus Restores the Holy Vessels 7King Cyrus also brought out the articles belonging to the house of the LORD that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the temple of his gods. 8Cyrus king of Persia had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.a 9This was the inventory: 30 gold dishes,b 1,000 silver dishes, 29 silver utensils, 1030 gold bowls, 410 matching silver bowls, and 1,000 other articles. 11In all, there were 5,400 gold and silver articles. Sheshbazzar brought all these along when the exiles went up from Babylon to Jerusalem. Footnotes: 8 a That is, the leader of the exiles returning to Judah 9 b Or basins; twice in this verse Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ezra 1 Summary The Proclamation of Cyrus Verses 1–2 – Cyrus’ Decree Issued In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, “the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus” and the king issued a formal proclamation: the God of heaven has appointed him to build a temple for Him in Jerusalem. Cyrus openly credits the LORD and invites the Jewish exiles to return. Verses 3–4 – Call to Return and Rebuild Cyrus’ decree authorizes every Jewish exile to go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the LORD’s house, with neighbors supplying silver, gold, livestock, and freewill offerings. The king’s edict turns former captives into commissioned builders. Verses 5–6 – Hearts Stirred, Gifts Poured Out Leaders of Judah and Benjamin, along with priests and Levites, rise up because “God had stirred their spirits.” Fellow exiles and Persian neighbors give abundant resources—articles of silver and gold, goods, livestock, and costly gifts—strengthening the returning group. Verses 7–11 – Sacred Vessels Restored Cyrus hands over the temple treasures Nebuchadnezzar had carried off. Sheshbazzar receives 5,400 articles—gold basins, silver basins, knives, bowls, and various vessels—to escort them back to Jerusalem, ensuring worship can resume with consecrated items. Ezra 1 marks the beginning of the historical account of the restoration of the Israelites after the Babylonian exile. King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the Lord. Historical Setting • 605–586 BC: Babylon’s three waves of deportations empty Judah (2 Kings 24–25). • 539 BC: Persia conquers Babylon (Daniel 5:30–31). Cyrus’ first regnal year over Babylon Isaiah 538 BC, the launch point of Ezra 1. • The policy of Persia encouraged exiled peoples to return and rebuild local temples, creating loyal provinces and invoking goodwill from local gods. Prophetic Fulfillment Jeremiah foretold a 70-year exile (Jeremiah 25:11–12; 29:10). From the first deportation (605 BC) to Cyrus’ decree (538 BC) spans those seventy years. Isaiah, writing 150 years earlier, named Cyrus: “Thus says the LORD to Cyrus His anointed… ‘I will raise you up in righteousness’” (Isaiah 45:1, 13). Ezra 1 shows that God’s word did not fail. Cyrus the Great and the Persian Edict Cyrus’ inscription on the Cyrus Cylinder records his policy of repatriating captives and returning stolen gods’ images. While the Cylinder lists Babylonian deities, Ezra highlights the LORD alone. The biblical text gives Cyrus’ decree a covenant dimension: he recognizes “the God of heaven,” a phrase used often in Ezra-Nehemiah. God Stirs Human Hearts The verb “stir” (Hebrew: ‘ûr) appears twice—first for Cyrus (v. 1) and again for the returning Jews (v. 5). Divine initiative brackets royal power and personal willingness. Proverbs 21:1 echoes the same theme: “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases”. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel Sheshbazzar is called “the prince of Judah” (v. 8). He may be: • The Babylonian name for Zerubbabel (both are titled governor in Ezra 5:14, 16) or • An earlier leader who later yielded to Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2; Haggai 1:1). Either way, the text underscores legitimate Davidic leadership guiding the return. Inventory of Temple Vessels (Ezra 1:9-11) • 30 gold basins • 1,000 silver basins • 29 silver knives • 30 gold bowls • 410 matching silver bowls • 1,000 other articles Total: 5,400 pieces. Restoring these holy items reverses Babylon’s desecration (2 Chronicles 36:18) and prepares for renewed worship (Ezra 3). Archaeological Corroboration • Cyrus Cylinder (British Museum) – parallels Ezra’s theme of repatriation. • Persepolis Fortification tablets – confirm Persian practice of funding local temples. • Seal impressions bearing “Yehud” – attest to a Persian province of Judah. • Elephantine Papyri (5th c. BC) – show that Jews elsewhere wrote Persian officials for temple matters. All these artifacts harmonize with Ezra 1’s portrait of an empire favoring provincial cult centers. Timeline of the First Return 538 BC – Decree issued; preparations begin. 537 BC – Journey of roughly 900 miles to Judah (Ezra 2:64–67). 536 BC – Altar rebuilt and foundation of the temple laid (Ezra 3:1–10). Key Themes 1. God’s Sovereignty: He directs empires to fulfill His promises. 2. Faithfulness to Covenant: Exile was temporary discipline, not abandonment. 3. Worship Centrality: All efforts focus on restoring God’s house. 4. Generous Partnership: Both Jews and Gentiles contribute (cf. Exodus 12:35-36). 5. Stirred Hearts: Revival begins with God-given desire, not mere human strategy. Scripture Connections • 2 Chronicles 36:22–23 repeats Ezra 1:1-3 almost verbatim, bridging the histories. • Daniel 9:2 – Daniel studies Jeremiah’s 70 years while still in Babylon, perhaps praying for the very fulfillment Ezra 1 records. • Haggai 2:7-9 – later prophets encourage the returned remnant with promises of a greater glory in the temple. • Acts 7:47-48 – Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands,” keeping worship focused on God, not buildings. • Revelation 18 – Babylon’s fall echoes the earlier collapse of the empire that once held Judah. Practical Takeaways • God can move the most powerful leaders toward His purpose. • Prophecies, no matter how old, will come to pass at the appointed time. • Material resources placed in our hands can further God’s kingdom when hearts are willing. • Worship is worth costly obedience—travel, giving, and risk. • Every new beginning with God starts by returning to Him and to the place of His presence. Closing Perspective Ezra 1 opens a new chapter after judgment. A foreign king speaks like a servant of the LORD, thousands leave comfortable exile for a ruined city, and stolen vessels head home. The scene is a living testimony that captivity is never God’s final word; restoration is. Connections to Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 29:10 This prophecy foretells the return from exile, showing the connection between God's promises and their fulfillment in Ezra 1. Isaiah 44:28-45:1 These verses prophesy Cyrus's role in the return of the exiles, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and leaders. Philippians 4:19 This verse assures us of God's provision, echoing the theme of divine provision found in Ezra 1. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Ezra 1:1 states, In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia. This highlights God's control over history and His ability to fulfill His promises through unexpected means. Fulfillment of Prophecy The return from exile was prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). Ezra 1 shows the fulfillment of this prophecy, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His word. Role of Leadership Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:2-4) demonstrates how God can use secular leaders to accomplish His purposes. It reminds us that God can work through anyone, regardless of their beliefs or background. Community Response The response of the Jewish leaders and people (Ezra 1:5-6) illustrates the importance of unity and collective action in pursuing God's plans. They were stirred to action by God's prompting. Provision for the Task The chapter details how God provided resources for the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:6-11), showing that when God calls us to a task, He also provides the means to accomplish it. Practical Applications Trust in God's Timing Just as God fulfilled His promise to bring the exiles back, we can trust His timing in our own lives, knowing that He is faithful to His promises. Be Open to God's Leading Like Cyrus, we should be open to God's leading, even if it comes in unexpected ways or through unexpected people. Participate in God's Work We are called to be active participants in God's plans, just as the Jewish people responded to the call to return and rebuild. Rely on God's Provision When God calls us to a task, we can trust that He will provide the necessary resources and support. People 1. Cyrus, King of Persia Cyrus is the central figure in Ezra 1. He is the king who issues the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. The text highlights his role as an instrument of God’s will, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah. The Hebrew name for Cyrus is כּוֹרֶשׁ (Koresh). 2. The LORD, the God of Heaven While not a human person, the LORD is a central figure in the narrative. He is the one who "stirred the spirit of Cyrus" to make the proclamation (Ezra 1:1). The Hebrew name used here is יְהוָה (YHWH), often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. 3. Sheshbazzar, the Prince of Judah Sheshbazzar is mentioned in Ezra 1:8 as the leader to whom Cyrus entrusted the articles of the house of the LORD. He is referred to as the "prince of Judah," indicating his leadership role among the returning exiles. The Hebrew name is שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּר (Sheshbazzar). Places 1. Babylon Babylon is the place from which the Jewish exiles are returning. It was the center of the Babylonian Empire, where the Jews had been taken captive. The Hebrew root for Babylon is "בָּבֶל" (Bavel), which is often associated with confusion due to the account of the Tower of Babel. 2. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the destination for the returning exiles. It is the holy city where the temple of the Lord is to be rebuilt. In Hebrew, Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), a city of great significance in Jewish history and religion. Events 1. Cyrus's Proclamation In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD stirred his spirit to make a proclamation throughout his kingdom. This fulfilled the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "stirred" (עוּר, 'ur) indicates an awakening or incitement, showing divine influence on Cyrus. ^Ezra 1:1 :^ "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing:" 2. Content of the Proclamation Cyrus declares that the LORD, the God of heaven, has given him all the kingdoms of the earth and appointed him to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. The phrase "God of heaven" (אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, Elohei Hashamayim) emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation. ^Ezra 1:2 :^ "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah." 3. Call to the People Cyrus invites any of God's people to go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, with the assurance that God will be with them. The Hebrew word for "go up" (עָלָה, 'alah) often implies a pilgrimage or ascent, reflecting the spiritual significance of the journey. ^Ezra 1:3 :^ "Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem." 4. Support from Neighbors Cyrus commands that the neighbors of those returning should provide them with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with freewill offerings for the temple. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "freewill offering" (נְדָבָה, nedavah), which is a voluntary gift given out of devotion. ^Ezra 1:4 :^ "And let every survivor, wherever he resides, be assisted by the men of his region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with freewill offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem." 5. Preparation for the Journey The family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites, prepare to return, encouraged by God. The phrase "everyone whose spirit God had stirred" (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים עוּרָה, ruach Elohim 'urah) indicates divine motivation and calling. ^Ezra 1:5 :^ "So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem." 6. Provision of Resources The people around them provide articles of silver and gold, goods, livestock, and valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings. This generosity fulfills the command of Cyrus and supports the rebuilding effort. ^Ezra 1:6 :^ "And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all their freewill offerings." 7. Return of Temple Articles King Cyrus brings out the articles belonging to the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem and placed in the temple of his gods. This act of restoration is significant for the reestablishment of worship in Jerusalem. ^Ezra 1:7 :^ "King Cyrus also brought out the articles belonging to the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the temple of his gods." 8. Inventory of Temple Articles Mithredath the treasurer counts out the articles to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. The detailed inventory underscores the importance of these sacred items for the restoration of the temple. ^Ezra 1:8-11 :^ "Cyrus king of Persia had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. This was the inventory: 30 gold dishes, 1,000 silver dishes, 29 silver utensils, 30 gold bowls, 410 matching silver bowls, and 1,000 other articles. In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along when the exiles went up from Babylon to Jerusalem." Lessons from Ezra 1 1. God Fulfills His Promises The book of Ezra begins with a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His word. As prophesied by Jeremiah, the Lord stirred the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This demonstrates that God’s promises are not just words; they are guarantees. As it is written, "The LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" (Ezra 1:1). Trust in His promises, for they are sure and steadfast. 2. God Uses Unlikely People Cyrus, a pagan king, was used by God to fulfill His divine plan. This shows that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, to accomplish His purposes. It’s a reminder that God’s sovereignty extends over all people and nations. If He can use a king who did not know Him, imagine what He can do through those who seek Him earnestly. 3. The Power of Divine Inspiration When God moves, He inspires action. The Israelites were moved to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, a daunting task that required courage and faith. "Then the heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem" (Ezra 1:5). When God stirs your heart, be ready to act, for He equips those He calls. 4. Generosity Fuels God’s Work The people of Persia, including the Israelites, generously provided resources for the temple’s reconstruction. This act of giving highlights the importance of generosity in supporting God’s work. "And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all their freewill offerings" (Ezra 1:6). Generosity is a reflection of a heart aligned with God’s purposes. 5. God’s Timing is Perfect The return to Jerusalem happened at the appointed time, showing that God’s timing is impeccable. While we may not always understand His timing, we can trust that it is perfect. Patience and faith are essential as we wait for God’s plans to unfold in our lives. 6. Restoration is Possible The return to Jerusalem was not just a physical journey but a spiritual restoration. God is in the business of restoring what is broken, whether it’s a temple, a nation, or a heart. No matter how far you’ve strayed, God’s grace offers a path to restoration. 7. The Importance of Community The collective effort of the Israelites in rebuilding the temple underscores the power of community. Working together towards a common goal strengthens bonds and achieves what might be impossible alone. In your own life, seek out a community that encourages and supports your spiritual journey. 8. Obedience Leads to Blessing The Israelites’ obedience to God’s call resulted in the blessing of returning to their homeland and rebuilding the temple. Obedience to God’s commands brings blessings, even when the path is challenging. Trust in His guidance, and you will find His favor. 9. God’s Provision is Abundant God provided everything the Israelites needed for their journey and the temple’s reconstruction. "King Cyrus also brought out the articles belonging to the house of the LORD" (Ezra 1:7). When God calls you to a task, He will provide the resources necessary to accomplish it. Trust in His provision. 10. Faith is the Foundation The entire narrative of Ezra 1 is built on faith—faith in God’s promises, His timing, and His provision. Faith is the foundation upon which we build our lives. As you navigate your own journey, let faith be your guide, knowing that God is with you every step of the way. Topics 1. The Proclamation of Cyrus In Ezra 1:1-2, the chapter begins with the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah, as the LORD stirs the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia. Cyrus issues a proclamation throughout his kingdom, declaring that the LORD, the God of heaven, has given him all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed him to build a house for Him at Jerusalem. The Hebrew term for "stirred" (עוֹר, 'ur) indicates a divine prompting or awakening. 2. The Call to Return and Rebuild Ezra 1:3-4 records Cyrus's invitation to the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. He encourages those who remain to support the returnees with silver, gold, goods, and livestock. The emphasis is on the communal effort to restore the house of God, highlighting the Hebrew concept of "aliyah" (עֲלִיָּה), meaning "ascent" or "going up," which is often used to describe the return to Jerusalem. 3. The Response of the People In Ezra 1:5-6, the heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites, respond to the call. Their spirits are stirred by God to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "heads" (רָאשִׁים, roshim) signifies leaders or chiefs, indicating the organized and intentional nature of the return. 4. The Provision of Resources Ezra 1:6-7 describes how the neighbors of the returning exiles assist them by providing silver, gold, goods, livestock, and valuable gifts. Additionally, King Cyrus brings out the articles belonging to the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem. The Hebrew term for "articles" (כֵּלִים, kelim) refers to the sacred vessels used in temple worship. 5. The Inventory of Temple Articles The chapter concludes in Ezra 1:8-11 with an inventory of the temple articles returned by Cyrus. Mithredath, the treasurer, counts them out to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. The detailed listing underscores the importance of restoring the temple's sacred objects, reflecting the Hebrew practice of meticulous record-keeping and reverence for holy items. Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy Ezra 1:1 states, "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia." This highlights God's control over historical events and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as prophesied by Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "stirred" (עוּר, 'ur) indicates an awakening or incitement, showing God's active role in moving the hearts of leaders. 2. Restoration and Return The chapter emphasizes the theme of restoration as the Israelites are allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Ezra 1:3 says, "Anyone of His people among you, may his God be with him, and may he go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel." This reflects the theme of returning to one's roots and the restoration of worship. 3. Providence and Provision Ezra 1:4 mentions, "And let every survivor, wherever he resides, be assisted by the men of his region with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem." This theme underscores God's provision for His people through the generosity of others, ensuring that they have the resources needed for the temple's reconstruction. 4. Unity and Community Support The chapter highlights the unity and support among the Israelites and their neighbors. Ezra 1:6 states, "And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all their freewill offerings." This theme reflects the communal effort and solidarity in the mission to rebuild the temple. 5. Faithfulness and Stewardship Ezra 1:7-11 details the return of the temple articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken. "King Cyrus also brought out the articles belonging to the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the temple of his gods." This theme emphasizes the faithfulness in preserving sacred items and the stewardship of resources dedicated to God. Prayer Points Praise for God's Sovereignty Thank God for His control over history and His faithfulness to His promises. Guidance and Openness Pray for openness to God's leading in our lives and for the courage to follow His direction. Unity and Action Ask for unity among believers and a willingness to participate in God's work. Provision and Trust Seek God's provision for the tasks He calls us to and trust in His ability to supply all our needs. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Ezra 1:1, how can God “stir up” a pagan king like Cyrus to fulfill a divine plan, when he worshiped other gods? 2. Why does Ezra 1:2 portray Cyrus as acknowledging the LORD’s sovereignty, despite historical records showing Cyrus remained loyal to his own deities? 3. If the original temple vessels in Ezra 1:7 had been melted down by the Babylonians, how could these exact items be returned intact? 4. Why does Ezra 1 conflict with accounts in 2 Kings 24–25 that suggest more extensive destruction of Jerusalem’s treasures than implied here? 5. Where is independent archaeological confirmation that King Cyrus issued such a specific decree as described in Ezra 1? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How did the decree of Cyrus demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence? 2. What significance did the return of the Temple vessels hold for the Israelites? 3. How did the stirring of hearts exemplify the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers? 4. In what ways did the support from neighboring regions reflect God's provision and favor? 5. What role did Sheshbazzar play in the restoration process, and what can we learn from his leadership? 6. How does the return of the Temple treasures symbolize the restoration of Israel's worship and relationship with God? 7. Why do you think God chose Cyrus, a pagan king, to issue the decree for the Israelites' return? 8. How does the account of Ezra 1 emphasize the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people? 9. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' response to the opportunity for restoration and return? 10. How can we apply the concept of God's providence and faithfulness in our own lives today? 11. If you were one of the exiles, how would you have reacted to the decree and the opportunity to return to your homeland? 12. In what ways can we identify and respond to the stirrings of God's Spirit in our hearts and lives? 13. How can we encourage and support fellow believers who are embarking on a journey of restoration and rebuilding? 14. What are some modern-day examples of God using unexpected individuals or circumstances to accomplish His purposes? 15. How does the concept of returning stolen or borrowed goods apply to our lives as followers of Christ? 16. How can we demonstrate gratitude and generosity toward those who support us in our spiritual journeys? 17. What lessons can we learn from the detailed inventory taken of the returned Temple treasures? 18. How does the restoration described in Ezra 1 foreshadow the ultimate restoration brought by Jesus Christ? 19. What are some practical ways we can actively participate in the restoration of broken relationships and communities? 20. How can we apply the principles of restoration and return in our present-day living, both individually and as a church community? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions