Meaning of ITALY

In the 5th century BC, this geographical term designated only a small part of the southern tip of the Italian peninsula.

In the 5th century BC, this geographical term designated only a small part of the southern tip of the Italian peninsula.

Little by little it was applied to larger areas; In the first century of our era it already had the meaning that is given to it today.

A cohort called Italica was garrisoning Syria (Acts 10:1).
Aquila and Priscilla lived for a time in Italy (Acts 18:2).
Paul's appeal to Caesar required that he proceed to Italy, by sea (Acts 27:1, 6).

The greeting with which the Epistle to the Hebrews concludes (Heb. 13:24) indicates the presence of Christians not only in Rome, but also in other places in the country (cf. Acts 28:14).

Psalm 19 tells us that, unless you repress it, you can still hear the stars singing about their maker.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

From Heavenly Greatness to Inexhaustible Love

Timothy Keller

The number of stars is still uncountable by human science, yet God knows them by name (verse 4; cf. Isaiah 40:26). Job speaks of the creation, when “the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).

This Christmas season, let’s remember to thank Him for His most precious gift to us: Himself.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Gift of Himself

David Jeremiah

Long ago, there ruled a wise and good king in Persia who loved his people and often dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar so he could visit the poor and learn about their hardships.

Father, as we honor the birth of your Son, let us think on mercy, healing, and reconciliation. Amen.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Healing Time

J. Stephen Lang

1868: On this date a political leader who grew up poor, had no formal education and was illiterate until his wife taught him to read and write, issued Proclamation 179 “granting full pardon and amnesty for the offense of treason against the United States during the late Civil War.”

Christmas means you have an eternal home waiting for you. That should make more than the angels sing!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Personal Promise

Charles Stanley

Jesus came to earth with the view of offering you salvation. He wanted you to have a restored relationship with the Father, a relationship that was so close, so intimate, that you would have your special place in the Father’s house (John 14:1–4).

The only people in Israel who did recognize Christ at His birth were humble, unremarkable people.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Unexpected Savior

John MacArthur

Scripture records that when John the Baptist began his ministry, “The people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not” (Luke 3:15).