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10. Top 10 OT Books Quoted in NT

This post is down from #9 last year. Though it comes from a series that analyzes not only books but also chapters and verses, this list of most-quoted books always seems to be one of the most popular.

9. 11 Old Testament Books Never Quoted in the New Testament

This post is down from #8 last year. It comes from the same six-part series—mentioned in the previous entry—analyzing every NT citation of an OT text. It’s interesting that, in that series about the NT quoting the OT, the most popular post is about the OT books that never get a direct quotation.

8. Summary of the OIA Method

Just as the title says, this post summarizes the OIA method we aim to teach. It’s basically the reason this blog exists, so we’re glad it gets a lot of page views. This is down from #7 last year.

7. 4 Bible Studies for Lent

This companion piece to Ryan’s 4 Bible studies for Advent is down from #5 last year. Lent is a great time to study the Bible, and here are four 6.5-week studies you could consider for that season. Be forewarned, however: These are not your typical you-can-only-trust-the-experts, fill-in-the-blank sort of Bible studies you may be used to.

6. How to Recognize Sowers of Discord

This post has been up and down the list for many years, rising from #10 last year. This post outlines from Proverbs 6:12-15 a few signs to help recognize divisive people. This post comes from Peter’s 2013 series of studies through the first 9 chapters of Proverbs.

5. Identifying Behemoth and Leviathan in the Book of Job

This post first appeared in 2015 as part of a brief series on Job (which included the #2 post coming later in this list) and was republished in 2021. But 2022 marks the first time this post appears on the top 10 list. As can be seen from the title, it identifies what the behemoth and leviathan are in the book of Job. Teaser: They are not the hippopotamus and crocodile. And they are not dinosaurs, either, but something even worse. You’ll have to read the post to find out what.

4. Context Matters: Apart From Me, You Can Do Nothing

This investigation of John 15 debuted on the top 10 list year at #6, rising two positions higher this year. This “context matters” post does not suggest any drastic rethinking of the popular use of the verse in question; it largely shows how rich and deep our grasp can go when the verse is read without isolating it from its context.

3. Context Matters: You Have Heard That it was Said…But I Say to You

This 2018 post was #9 on this list in 2020, but rose to #3 last year and solidly remains in that position. This post examines the series of contrasts in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to determine, from the context, what Jesus was arguing against. Hint: It wasn’t the Old Testament Law.

2. Why Elihu is So Mysterious

The popularity of this 2015 post (republished in 2021) continues to surprise us. We really cannot explain why it has been so popular, but if you haven’t read it, you must really be missing out! Elihu is that mysterious fourth friend in the book of Job. If you even knew he existed, chances are you’ve skipped his speeches entirely. This post is Peter’s attempt to explain Elihu’s role in the drama of the play of Job. This post was #3 in 2017, but then held the #1 slot until dropping to #2 in 2021, where it remains to this day.

1. 10 Reasons to Avoid Sexual Immorality

This was the most-viewed post in 2014, but then it dropped off the list until resurfacing as #8 in 2017 and #2 in 2018 and 2019. It dropped slightly to #3 in 2020, but has simply gone off the charts since 2021. No other post comes even close in pageviews. We’re delighted to see a continued interest in such an important topic. Find whatever motivates you to avoid sexual immorality, and glum onto God’s grace in providing that motivation!

Previous years’ lists: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

10. Topical Index for Proverbs

In this post, I shared the fruit of more than four years’ study of the book of Proverbs. It’s not perfect, and if I had more time, I would spiff it up and reorganize it quite a bit. But being what it is, it may have proved useful to some folks, as this page had the tenth highest view-count of all we wrote this year. I’m still not planning to add this to the resources page, so this might be your last chance to find it before it gets buried in this site’s archives.

9. Context Matters: Righteous Deeds Are Like Filthy Rags

One of only six “Context Matters” posts to be written this year (sorry for slacking!), and the first of two to appear on this list, this post examines Isaiah’s famous statement to show that it is both more shocking and more close-to-home than is typically communicated. There are several passages that could be used to instruct unbelievers about salvation by faith alone. That is a glorious truth, and the church should teach it! But we need not resort to pulling this colorful simile out of context to make the point.

8. When a Name Goes Missing in the Bible

In Genesis 21, Moses uses names, repeatedly, for all of the characters except one. That should make us sit up and take notice. In observation we gather the fuel we need for the fire of interpretation, and observing odd insertions or omissions is no exception.

7. Context Matters: The Whole Armor of God

The second “Context Matters” post to appear on this list examines the famous passage from Ephesians 6 about the helmet of salvation and shield of faith. Far from being a cute picture for coloring pages and children’s Bibles, this passage masterfully drives home Paul’s argument for unity in the church of Jesus Christ. Your real enemy is never your fellow church member who disagrees with you. So next time you get in a fight with a brother or sister—perhaps even within your own household—please let the whole armor of God strengthen you to the ends of peace and victory over the devil’s divisive schemes.

6. We Love to Give Gold Stars

Ryan struck a chord with this post, where he challenges our proclivity to label every Bible character as a good guy or bad guy. We want to identify each particular action as either praiseworthy or condemnable. The problem with this is that the Bible will not bow to our desires for quick labeling. Applying narrative texts requires the hard, slow work of wisdom.

5. The First Commentator to Plead His Case

Farther down this list are my Ten Commandments for Commentary Usage. This post offers, ahem, commentary on the fourth commandment: You shall not read only one commentary, but shall invite a plurality of voices into the conversation. A plurality of commentaries is helpful because, otherwise, the first one we read will be presumed to be right. And we really need to demystify the presumed priesthood of experts in our day.

4. Reading Across the Chapter Breaks in 2 Timothy

Did you know that the chapter (and verse) divisions in your Bible are not original to the text? And they have perhaps the most dramatic effect on our reading of the Bible. Those large, bolded numbers (usually accompanied by section headings) scream at us: “Start reading here!” and “Stop reading now!” But when we learn to read across those chapter breaks, our grasp of the author’s argument sees much improvement. Here is an example in 2 Timothy.

3. What We Miss When We Skip the Book of Ezra

The book of Ezra is an odd duck. It bears the name of a man who doesn’t appear in its first half. Though titled like a minor prophet, this is a book of history, one far shorter than most historical books in Scripture. And it is one of the few portions of God’s word set after the Babylonian exile. It’s got long lists of names in chapters 2, 8, and 10. But Ryan shows how this little book has much to offer.

2. Ten Commandments for Commentary Usage

The OIA Bible study method ought not be incompatible with rigorous usage of commentaries. But there is an everpresent danger of relying on commentaries more than the text, or of allowing commentaries to prevent you from wrestling with the text as you ought. Therefore the main question for commentary usage is not whether but when. These commandments for commentary usage include: You shall not avoid or ignore commentaries from belief in self-sufficiency to study the Scriptures. You shall not pick up a commentary as soon as Bible study is “hard.” You shall make every effort to form interpretive conclusions or questions about interpretations before consulting a commentary.

1. Song of Songs: The Intoxication of True Love in its Time

When the Lord God made the heavens and the earth, there was only one thing that he declared was not good: the man’s being alone. So God promptly invented romantic love, and his word is very clear about how such love works. This post provides an interpretive walkthrough of Solomon’s Greatest Song, showing that we shouldn’t have to choose between interpreting it literally or allegorically.

Previous years’ top tens: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

10. How to Recognize Sowers of Discord

Despite many changes both higher and lower on this list, this post sits at exactly the same spot as last year. This post outlines from Proverbs 6:12-15 a few signs to help recognize divisive people. This post comes from Peter’s 2013 series of studies through the first 9 chapters of Proverbs.

9. Top 10 OT Books Quoted in NT

This post was in the #6 slot the last two years. Though it comes from a series that analyzes not only books but also chapters and verses, this list of most-quoted books always seems to be one of the most popular.

8. 11 Old Testament Books Never Quoted in the New Testament

This post reappears after dropping out of last year’s top 10. It comes from the same six-part series—mentioned in the previous entry—analyzing every NT citation of an OT text. It’s interesting that one of the most popular posts in that series is about the OT books that never get a direct quotation.

7. Summary of the OIA Method

Just as the title says, this post summarizes the OIA method we aim to teach. It’s basically the reason this blog exists, so we’re glad it gets a lot of page views. This is down from #5 last year.

6. Context Matters: Apart From Me, You Can Do Nothing

This investigation of John 15 makes its debut on the top 10 list. This “context matters” post does not suggest any drastic rethinking of the popular use of the verse in question; it largely shows how rich and deep our grasp can go when the verse is read without isolating it from its context.

5. 4 Bible Studies for Lent

This post didn’t make the list last year but is a companion piece to Ryan’s 4 Bible studies for Advent. Lent is a great time to study the Bible, and here are four 6.5-week studies you could consider for that season. Be forewarned, however: These are not your typical you-can-only-trust-the-experts, fill-in-the-blank sort of Bible studies you may be used to.

4. Context Matters: God Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart

This is our most-viewed “context matters” post of all time. However, in 2021 alone it was viewed just a shade fewer times than the next one on this list. In this post, Ryan takes a close look at what Psalm 34 really means by this clause, which unsurprisingly is not that a person can get whatever he or she wants.

3. Context Matters: You Have Heard That it was Said…But I Say to You

This three-and-a-half-year-old post was #9 on this list last year, but has gotten quite a bit of attention this year, just barely edging out the previous entry with nearly 21,000 views. This post examines the series of contrasts in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to determine, from the context, what Jesus was arguing against. Hint: It wasn’t the Old Testament Law.

2. Why Elihu is So Mysterious

The popularity of this 2015 post continues to surprise us. We really cannot explain why it has been so popular, but if you haven’t read it, you must really be missing out! That’s why we reposted it during a blogger’s vacation week in June. Elihu is that mysterious 4th friend in the book of Job. If you even knew he existed, chances are you’ve skipped his speeches entirely. This post is Peter’s attempt to explain Elihu’s role in the drama of the play of Job. This post was #3 in 2017, but then held the #1 slot until this year, despite being viewed almost 38,000 times.

1. 10 Reasons to Avoid Sexual Immorality

This was the most-viewed post in 2014, but then it dropped off the list until resurfacing as #8 in 2017 and #2 in 2018 and 2019. It dropped slightly to #3 in 2020, but simply went off the charts in 2021 with over 51,000 views. We’re delighted to see a continued interest in such an important topic. Find whatever motivates you to avoid sexual immorality, and glum onto God’s grace in providing that motivation!

Previous years’ lists: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

10. Arise, My Love, My Beautiful One, and Come Away

No joke: Peter was short on time one week, and he didn’t have the luxury of thinking too long or hard about what topic to blog about. So he figured he’d just share some quick insights from his personal Bible study earlier that week, to give people a window into his observation of an unusual passage. And…it became the tenth most-viewed post of the year, spawning follow-ups showing his interpretation and application of the same text. Both of us are often mystified by the seeming lack of connection between how popular we think a post will be and how popular it actually ends up being.

9. Context Matters: In the World but not Of the World

“Context matters” has become something of a rallying cry for us at this blog, because … context matters. And this phrase in particular—”in the world but not of the world”—is something you won’t even find in the Bible. It’s just not there. But happily, it remains a very biblical sentiment, as Ryan shows by taking us to two passages in John’s gospel that are the sources of the slogan’s two parts.

8. Psalm 103: Everlasting, Steadfast Love Toward Those Who Fear the Lord

Ryan walks through one of most beloved and memorable poems in the Bible, showing us why it is so beloved and memorable. And modeling the riches of OIA Bible study for us along the way.

7. What We Miss When We Skip the Book of Numbers

Of course the mathematician among us wants people to give more attention to Numbers. He’s got some pretty compelling reasons, though. You can count on it.

6. Context Matters: The Man of Lawlessness

Context matters yet again, and not for the last time on this list. 2 Thessalonians 2 is a really great passage to use to shake people up and alarm them. That is, if your goal is to work precisely against the author’s stated intention.

5. Acts: The World’s Salvation Cannot be Stopped

Acts was one of the books we covered this year in our periodic series of interpretive book overviews. Our goal with this series is not only to give historical and cultural background to the books of the Bible, but to walk through the author’s argument in line with the literary devices he uses to signal the book’s structure. This walkthrough of Acts has been the most-viewed post in the series to date, with the walkthrough of Job coming in second.

4. Advice About Hard Bible Passages from the Bible

Not only is this post the fourth most-viewed post we wrote this year, but also it has had less than 2 months of life to attain its place on this list! It is a fact that there are parts of the Bible that are difficult to understand. But the Lord has graciously given us help—in the Bible itself—for approaching these passages with humility and hope.

3. 10 Truths About the Holy Spirit from Romans 8

The Holy Spirit is a major running theme through one of Bible’s most famous chapters. But he often doesn’t get a lot of press when we study that chapter. So here are 10 truths to meditate on from this glorious text.

2. Context Matters: God’s Mercies are New Every Morning

This was a year of lament for Ryan as his small group studied the book of Lamentations. And we can all be grateful, for it provoked him to write some gems of reflection such as our second most-viewed post written this year. Yes, God’s mercies are new every morning. Many people would be surprised, though, to learn that verse comes from the book of Lamentations. Some might be even more surprised to discover how the literary context affects the way we ought to understand that verse. Context matters. (And for more than 50 further examples of why context matters, see our full list of posts.)

1. 5 Reasons to Read Your Bible Beyond Practical Application

Earlier in the year, Ryan wrote about the rut we tend to fall into when we live only for the practical application, and we cannot get beyond the big three: read your Bible, pray more, and reach out to unbelievers. Those are three great applications, but making detailed, practical application is not the only reason to read your Bible. More often than not, stuff happens when you read your Bible that you can’t immediately see or feel. But the unseen effect of shaping a person, shaping a culture, is a glorious goal worth working toward. So don’t feel guilty if you don’t come away from a Bible reading session with something amazing, concrete, and life-changing. What happened while you read was amazing, concrete, and life-changing enough.

Previous years’ top tens: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

10. How to Recognize Sowers of Discord

Moving down from the #5 slot last year, this post outlines from Proverbs 6:12-15 a few signs to help recognize divisive people. This post comes from my 2013 series of studies through the first 9 chapters of Proverbs.

9. Context Matters: You Have Heard That it was Said…But I Say to You

This year-and-a-half-old post makes its first appearance on any of our top 10 lists. It examines the series of contrasts in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to determine, from the context, what Jesus was arguing against. Hint: It wasn’t the Old Testament Law.

8. 4 Bible Studies for Advent

This post is up slightly from #9 last year, a companion piece to Ryan’s 4 Bible studies for Lent. Advent is a great time to study the Bible, and here are four 4-week studies you could consider for that season. Be forewarned, however: These are not your typical you-can-only-trust-the-experts, fill-in-blank sort of Bible studies some people are used to.

7. Details of the OIA Method

This post serves as a table of contents to my series on how to study the Bible. It pretty much explains why this blog exists, so we’re glad it gets a lot of pageviews, even though it’s down from #4 on this list last year.

6. Top 10 OT Books Quoted in NT

This post was also in the #6 slot last year. Even though my series analyzes not only books but also chapters and verses, this list of most-quoted books always seems to be the most popular.

5. Summary of the OIA Method

See post #7, unless you want less of a detailed explanation and more of a summary. Then see this post instead. This is down from #3 last year.

4. Context Matters: A Bruised Reed

This used to be the most-viewed “context matters” post on the blog, until it was surpassed by #2 below. But it’s still being viewed more than it used to be, since it is up from #7 on last year’s list. This is one of my most controversial posts, as I challenge an interpretation as common as oxygen. Yet it is incredibly difficult to find an argument for the traditional interpretation. Instead it is universally assumed and asserted. Check it out, and study the text for yourself.

3. 10 Reasons to Avoid Sexual Immorality

This was the most-viewed post in 2014, but then it dropped off the list until resurfacing as #8 in 2017 and #2 in 2018 and 2019. I’m delighted to see a continued interest in such an important topic. Find whatever motivates you to avoid sexual immorality, and glum onto God’s grace in providing that motivation!

2. Context Matters: God Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart

A year ago, this was the second-most viewed “context matters” post (and #10 on last year’s top 10 list). But this year, it had about one-third more views than the one about the “bruised reed” (#4 on this list), and more than twice as many views as the “you have heard that it was said” post (#9 on this list). In this post, Ryan takes a close look at what Psalm 34 really means by this clause, which unsurprisingly is not that a person can get whatever he or she wants.

1. Why Elihu is So Mysterious

The popularity of this 2015 post continues to surprise us. We really cannot explain why it has been so popular, but if you haven’t read it, you must really be missing out! Elihu is that mysterious 4th friend in the book of Job. If you even knew he existed, chances are you’ve skipped his speeches entirely. This post is my attempt to explain Elihu’s role in the drama of the play of Job. This post was #3 in 2017, but it has now held the #1 slot for three years running. And the competition is not even close. The #2 post was viewed about 25,000 times this year, and this one was viewed more than 32,000 times.

Previous years’ lists: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

10. The Complexity of Applying the Speeches of Job’s Friends

It is somewhat common to consider the three friends of Job to be categorically wrong, and their speeches to be discarded. But the Apostle Paul never got that memo. The truth is far more complex and nuanced.

9. The Reckoning of the Minas

Because context matters, we must be careful not to hastily harmonize parallel passages. One key example of this is the parable of the ten minas in Luke 10. It sounds very similar to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, but it is not the same, nor was it spoken in the same circumstances. This post, that had the eighth highest number of views this year, was simply a set up for the following post where I dove further into the details.

8. The Dangerous Consequences of Ignoring Context

Just as the title says, ignoring context has dangerous consequences. We miss the truth. We disrespect God. We mislead our neighbors. It’s just not worth it.

7. Quoting Scripture Contrary to Its Purpose is Devilish

This companion piece to the previous one reveals the staggering truth that those who ignore context are reading the Bible more like Satan than like Jesus. Let’s not do that.

6. Context Matters: Leave the Dead to Bury Their Own Dead

The first of many “context matters” posts to show up on both this week’s list and next week’s, this post examines Jesus’ cryptic statement in Luke 9:60. With help from the context, the instruction doesn’t need to be as cryptic as many typically presume.

5. Context Matters: Always Prepared to Make a Defense

1 Peter 3:15 this time. Though it can apply to apologetics (reasoned defenses for Christianity), that is not the only, nor even the main, thing Peter had in mind. Not all Christians can succeed at philosophical argumentation. But all must succeed at living righteous and respectful lives, thereby generating opportunities to bear witness to the suffering and kingship of the Lord Jesus.

4. Context Matters: The Weaker Vessel

Just a few verses before the previous one, 1 Peter provides one of the most uncomfortable, politically incorrect statements in the Bible. But it ought to be proclaimed in skywriting over every wedding and every marriage. You, husband, can win your wife to the glory of God by understanding her. By showing her the same honor you would show an empress. By praying together with her.

3. Why We Should be More Familiar with OT Sacrifices

We move on (momentarily) from an example of why context matters to an example of how drastically the early parts of the Bible inform the later parts of the Bible. The sacrificial system, and especially the burnt offering, is everywhere. Whenever you lay hands on someone, wash with water, speak of atonement, or offer acceptable worship, you call upon these ancient rituals. Are you aware of how they were done or what they meant at the time?

2. Why You Can Trust the Bible

The most important reason is simply that Jesus trusted it. This post shows him in action.

1. Context Matters: Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing

In our most-read post, from those written this year, Ryan dives into John 15-4-5 to show that the popular understanding of this phrase is not necessarily incorrect, but is much enriched by a grasp of Jesus’ argument in the context.

Previous years’ top tens: 2019, 2018, 2017

10. Context Matters: God Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart

This post was #1 on last week’s list (most viewed posts that were published in 2019), but comes in at #10 overall. Yet it was only the second most-viewed “context matters” post (see slot #7 below).

9. 4 Bible Studies for Advent

Last year, the big hit was Ryan’s 4 Bible studies for Lent. But this year, folks seemed more interested in his Bible studies for advent. Advent is a great time to study the Bible, and here are four 4-week studies you could consider for that season.

8. 10 OT Books Never Quoted in the NT

This post was #7 on last year’s list, and #4 the year before that. It’s only one part of a six-part series analyzing every NT citation of an OT text. It’s interesting that one of the most popular posts in that series is about the OT books that never get a direct quotation.

7. Context Matters: A Bruised Reed

This was the most-viewed “context matters” post on the blog this year. It didn’t see much traffic in 2018 (it did not make the top 10 list) but seemed to pick up more interest this year. This is one of my most controversial posts, as I challenge an interpretation as common as oxygen. Yet it is incredibly difficult to find an argument for the traditional interpretation. Instead it is universally assumed and asserted. Check it out, and study the text for yourself.

6. Top 10 OT Books Quoted in NT

This post moves up from #8 last year, but was #5 in 2017. So it’s still hovering in about the same place. Even though my series analyzes not only books but also chapters and verses, this list of most-quoted books always seems to be the most popular.

5. How to Recognize Sowers of Discord

Moving up from the #9 slot last year, this post outlines from Proverbs 6:12-15 a few signs to help recognize divisive people. This post comes from my 2013 series of studies through the first 9 chapters of Proverbs.

4. Details of the OIA Method

The top 4 slots remain unchanged from last year and are still going strong. We put this one into the top menu so people could find it easily. It pretty much explains why this blog exists, so we’re glad it gets a lot of pageviews.

3. Summary of the OIA Method

See the previous post, unless you want less of a detailed explanation and more of a summary. Then see this post instead.

2. 10 Reasons to Avoid Sexual Immorality

This was the most-viewed post in 2014, but then dropped off the list until resurfacing as #8 in 2017 and #2 last year. I’m delighted to see a continued resurgence in appeal for such an important topic. Find whatever motivates you to avoid sexual immorality, and glum onto God’s grace in providing that motivation!

1. Why Elihu is So Mysterious

The popularity of this 2015 post continues to surprise us. We really cannot explain why it has been so popular, but if you haven’t read it, you must really be missing out! Elihu is that mysterious 4th friend in the book of Job. If you even knew he existed, chances are you’ve skipped his speeches entirely. This post is my attempt to explain Elihu’s role in the drama of the play of Job. This post was #3 in 2017, but it has held the #1 slot for two years running. And the competition is not even close. The #2 post was viewed about 16,000 times, and this one was viewed more than 24,000 times.

10. Did Jesus’ Ministry Last 3 Years?

This post asks the question posed in the title. And while Jesus’ ministry could have had a duration of 3 years, it is far from certain in light of the biblical data. “The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly how many years Jesus spent with his disciples, going about doing good and healing. So we ought not to casually assert a three-year timeline as though it were self-evident.”

9. Bible Study Leaders Should Not Have All the Answers

Claiming to have (or attempting to have) all the answers is bad for both the group and the leader. Beware the guru. Resist becoming a crutch to your people. Let them learn to ride this bike of Bible study.

8. Context Matters: I Never Knew You; Depart from Me

When we learn to read the Bible properly—and not merely as a collection of isolated quotes or arbitrary threats—we’ll find that some of our most familiar sayings have more nuance or qualification than we typically assume. This year, we sought to address many Bible verses that are often used or quoted in isolation from their context. The results of careful, contextual study often astound. See here for many more examples.

7. New and Old Garments

All three synoptic gospels mention Jesus’ parable of the new and old garments. This year was the first time, however, that I noticed that Luke’s version says something quite different than Matthew’s or Mark’s. I wrote this post to give an example of the necessity and difficulty of overcoming ignorant familiarity to really observe what’s there.

6. Three Approaches to Ecclesiastes

Just as you’d expect, this post describes three quite different approaches to the book of Ecclesiastes. Your approach might depend on how you’ve heard others teach the book. But which approach (if any) seems most likely when you observe the text itself?

5. What does “Meaningless / Vanity / Futility” Mean in Ecclesiastes?

This post followed up on #4, and ended up being viewed just a shade more times. The approach you take toward the book of Ecclesiastes is closely connected to how you understand the word translated as “meaningless,” “vanity,” or “futility.”

4. Did Jesus Walk Through Walls?

He certainly could have. But the Scripture nowhere says he did. Why does it matter? “Simply the fact that traditions snowball over time, with the end result of making void the Word of God (Mark 7:13). In this case, the tradition has led many to speculate on the physical properties of either the resurrection body or the new heavens and the new earth. This can lead many to make too sharp a division between the “natural” and the “spiritual”—and then we use those adjectives more like Plato than like Paul, which promotes unbiblical asceticism (Col 2:20-23), among other things.” You can see more on the topic, including what some ancient commentators had to say, here.

3. Why was Baby Jesus Laid in a Manger?

Though published only a week ago, this post skyrocketed to the #3 slot on this list. Maybe for some reason, people are thinking about the Christmas story this time of year? Of course, an a la carte link from Tim Challies really helps as well. Just keep in mind that the way Luke would answer this question might not be the same way you and I would want to answer it.

2. A Sermon Notes Sheet for Young Children

There is a huge jump in traffic from post #3 to this post (from about 5,000 views to 10,000 views). And for good reason. This sermon notes sheet created by my co-blogger Ryan is fantastic. My own children use it every week, to great profit. Perhaps yours would benefit from it as well. And here is Ryan’s sermon notes sheet for older children. Please take them and revise them to make them work for you and your kids! It’s a noble task to train your children to listen to the sermon.

1. Context Matters: God Will Give You the Desires of Your Heart

And just eking past the children’s sermon notes sheet for the #1 slot is our most popular “context matters” post of the year. Yes, God promises to give you the desires of your heart. But only when your heart is delighting in Him. The promise is a promise of more of Himself. The best thing He could possibly offer.

10. The Best Ways to Listen to the Bible

This 2016 post made its way onto the Top 10 list for the first time this year. In the post, Ryan gives a few recommendations for audio Bibles. And though Ryan doesn’t prefer dramatized audio Bibles, Peter has been delighted with, and cheerfully recommends, NIV Live.

9. How to Recognize Sowers of Discord

Making it onto the Top 10 list for the first time, this post outlines from Proverbs 6:12-15 a few signs to help recognize divisive people. This post comes from Peter’s 2013 series of studies through the first 9 chapters of Proverbs.

8. Top 10 OT Books Quoted in the NT

This post was part of Peter’s 2013 series analyzing every Old Testament quotation in the New Testament. Other posts listed the most quoted chapters and most quoted verses. But this one on the most quoted books got a lot of pageviews in 2018.. This post was #5 on this list last year.

7. 4 Bible Studies for Lent

This is the only post written in 2018 to be among the Top 10 of all posts. These Bible studies from Ryan will help you to make the most of the season of Lent by walking through one of the gospel accounts of Christ’s passion week.

6. 10 Old Testament Books Never Quoted in the New Testament

This post was also part of Peter’s 2013 series analyzing every Old Testament quotation in the New Testament. Good to know not only what’s said, but also what’s not said. This post was #4 on this list last year.

5. How I Prepare a Bible Study

In another post I explain, in the abstract, 5 practices for preparing effective Bible studies. In this post, I describe what it looks like for me to employ those practices. This post is up from the #9 slot last year.

4. Details of the OIA Method

We put this one into the top menu so people could find it easily. It pretty much explains why this blog exists, so we’re glad it gets a lot of pageviews. This one is down from #2 last year.

3. Summary of the OIA Method

See the previous post, unless you want less of a detailed explanation and more of a summary. Then see this post instead. This post was #1 last year before being supplanted by a young, angry man.

2. 10 Reasons to Avoid Sexual Immorality

This was the most-viewed post in 2014, but then dropped off the list until resurfacing as #8 last year. I’m delighted to see a continued resurgence in appeal for such an important topic.

1. Why Elihu is So Mysterious

The popularity of this 2015 post continues to surprise. Elihu is that mysterious 4th friend in the book of Job. If you even knew he existed, chances are you’ve skipped his speeches entirely. This post is Peter’s attempt to explain his role in the drama of the play of Job. This post was #3 most viewed in 2017, but in 2018 it had almost twice as many views as #2.

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