Paul reported to the Philippians that his being in prison in Rome had actually produced the positive benefit of encouraging more preaching of the gospel. There were, no doubt, some who preached from bad motives, but Paul rejoiced anyway. In fact, he had a reason to rejoice, not only in prison but also in all circumstances, whether positive or negative, in life and even in death.
In his teachings on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus announced the great reversals that the kingdom of God produces among the first and the...
God's presence in the early church produced awesome acts of community giving and healing but also an awesome judgment against hypocrisy and deception.
In John 20:19-31, Jesus appeared to his disciples twice, once to commission and equip them and a second time to show himself to Thomas....