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Blog
Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
17 Examine Yourself: Paul’s Warning to Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:13-13:14)
Paul’s closing charge is often misunderstood. In this passage, “examine yourself” is not a call to anxious introspection but a corrective to a church testing Paul while overlooking the evidence of Christ at work among them. Paul redirects attention from his credentials to their shared life in Christ, using his authority to build them up and aiming for restoration, unity, and peace.
Understanding Apocalyptic Literature
Apocalyptic literature is a sub-category of prophecy. The name comes from the Greek word apocalypsis which means uncovering or unveiling.
October 2025 Reflections
Start Strong releases January 9. 5 New podcast episodes. 4 New Bible Study Resources. September 25 news from Wednesday in the Word.
How to Use Bible Background
Background is your flashlight, not your steering wheel. Use it to illuminate the author’s path. Then keep walking where the paragraph leads
16 Thorn in the Flesh: How to Embrace Weakness (2 Corinthians 11)
What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh and why didn’t God remove it? Discover how weakness can reveal God’s power and reframe your own struggles.
How to Transform your Bible Study with an Outline
An analytical outline is a way of displaying a text of Scripture so that the flow of thought and the relationship between the grammatical parts become clear. It is my favorite study tool and one of the first things I do. Learn how to make one.
How to Use Commentaries
How to Use Commentaries wisely: when to open them, which ones to read, and how to compare, without replacing your own study.
15 False Apostles: Why Were They So Convincing? (2 Corinthians 11)
Paul confronts the false apostles and reveals what true gospel leadership looks like. Learn how to spot deception and follow the real thing.
Word Study Shortcuts
While I recommend you learn how to do your own word studies, here are some shortcuts you can take to save time, to get past “study block” or compare your ideas with someone else’s.
How to Study Psalms & Proverbs
How to Study Psalms & Proverbs made simple. Spot parallelism, read in stanzas, and apply God’s wisdom with simple, clear steps.
14 How To Confront With the Meekness of Christ (2 Corinthians 10)
Imagine your church split between two voices. One is polished and persuasive, the other quiet and unimpressive. Which do you trust?
In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul shows how to fight lies without theatrics and how to exercise authority that builds people up. Learn how to spot the difference between charisma that flatters and truth that sets you free.
How to do a word study
Word studies are one of the basic tools of Bible study. With today’s tools, you don’t have to know Greek and Hebrew to do a good word study. Here’s how.
How to Cross Reference
Learn how to cross reference Scripture with a simple method: start near, test relevance, and let clear verses explain hard ones. Tools, examples, FAQs.
13 Cheerful Giver: How to Sow for a Lasting Harvest (2 Corinthians 8-9)
What does it really mean to give generously, and why does it matter? When Paul asks for money for the Jerusalem collection, he is doing more than asking the Corinthians to donate. He is inviting them to express their faith, restore broken trust, and unite with their spiritual family. If you have ever wrestled with when, why, or how much to give, this message will help you see giving in a whole new light.
These two chapters in 2 Corinthians give us a glimpse into how early Christians understood generosity and what it means to live as a cheerful giver.
Understanding the Gospels
The gospels are unique in content, although they are similar in form to ancient biographies.
How to Study Epistles
Learn a simple six-step method to study New Testament epistles: trace arguments, define key terms, and apply Scripture with confidence. Free checklist.
12 Why Gentiles Gave to Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9 Background)
Paul devoted more than a decade of his ministry to the Jerusalem Collection. Understanding the story behind it helps us understand 2 Corinthians 8-9. Today we’ll explore the origin, purpose, and implications of the Jerusalem Collection, using events in Acts and Galatians to trace the evolving relationship between Paul, the Jerusalem apostles, and the Gentile churches.
Understanding Prophecy
Studying biblical prophecy is an often overwhelming task. Much of it is written in Hebrew poetry. The names and places are foreign, and the metaphors don’t always resonate with our modern ears. Yet we can usually understand the main point. If studying an Old Testament prophet overwhelms you, here are some tips to get you started.
September 2025 Reflections
Here’s what's new on Wednesday in the Word in September, 2025. Two new resources this month: a free Bible Study Starter Kit and a brand-new page with all my free downloads in one place. NEW Free Resources Bible Study Starter Kit a simple, text-first method anyone...
11 Godly Grief and Worldly Sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:2-16)
When should you say the hard thing that might upset your friend but also bring repentance and reconciliation, and when should you stay silent? How do you tell godly grief from the kind that only wounds?
In today’s passage, we follow Paul’s emotional journey after sending a sorrowful letter to the Corinthians. As he recounts his story, he teaches us why some truth-telling heals and restores while other apologies only reopen the wound.
Understanding Narratives
Narratives are true stories. Over 40% of the Old Testament Scriptures are narratives. Generally, the purpose of a biblical narrative is to show the Lord at work in His creation. Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Narratives are no exception. With narratives we think in scenes, plot and character, rather than paragraphs and outlines.
10 Unequally Yoked: Understanding Paul’s Warning (2 Corinthians 6:13-7:2)
“Do not be unequally yoked” is not a blanket ban on contact with unbelievers. It is a warning about binding yourself in partnerships that tug your heart away from Christ and deceiving nonbelievers into thinking they are on the right path.
Understanding Epistles
Every genre found in the Bible presents unique challenges for understanding. Here are guidelines for studying epistles.
09 Receiving Grace in Vain (2 Corinthians 6:1-12)
In 2 Corinthians 6:1–12, Paul urges his readers not to receive the grace of God in vain. Though many in Corinth claimed to believe the gospel, their rejection of Paul revealed a lack of faith. In this episode, Krisan Marotta explains why responding to grace involves more than religious affiliation or claims of belief.
4 Keys to Success in College
Headed to college? Wondering how to survive the experience? Here is advice from an expert: Professor Ken Elzinga.
08 New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:12-21)
In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta examines how the Apostle Paul defends his ministry against critics who judge him by outward appearance rather than by the message he proclaims. Paul insists that true transformation comes from God’s work in the heart, not from impressive credentials or presentation. Through this passage, Paul calls the Corinthians—and us—to see others through the lens of the gospel, not worldly standards.
Basic Retreat Planning
Church women’s retreats offer one of the best opportunities of the church for women to step away from their daily responsibilities, rest and connect with other women in the church and spend some concentrated time learning more about the Lord. While retreats require a lot of planning, they are worth it in the long run.
August 2025 Reflections
Exciting news! My first book, Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity, is releasing in January, 2026. I’d love your help getting it into the hands of the people who need it most.
Start Strong: Will You Help Me Launch it?
My first book, Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity, is releasing in January, 2026. I’d love your help getting it into the hands of the people who need it most.
07 Why We Should Not Fear Death (2 Corinthians 5:1-11)
In 2 Corinthians 5:1–11, Paul continues his defense of his ministry by explaining how his confidence in the resurrection shapes his message, motivates his courage, and defines his integrity.
Making the most of registration forms
Registration is a chance to collect valuable information about your participants that can help you build small groups, evaluate the success of your program and plan for the future. Here are some questions you might want to include on your registration forms.
06 Why Paul Did Not Lose Heart and What We Can Learn From Him (2 Corinthians 4)
Paul offers a powerful defense of his ministry, explaining how the gospel he proclaims is not about him, but about the transforming power of God. Though Paul faces rejection, suffering, and accusations, he remains unwavering because he knows the source of the message and the One who is truly at work through it.
Example Forms: First Day Sign up
The first day of Bible study typically requires a lot of teamwork and cooperation. You probably need leaders to sign up for both refreshments and tasks. Here’s two example sign up forms.
05 Why Paul’s Ministry Outshines Moses (2 Corinthians 3:7-18)
In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta explores Paul’s bold claim that his ministry as an apostle is more glorious than the ministry of Moses. By comparing the Old and New Covenants, Paul shows that spiritual transformation doesn’t come from the Law but from the work of the Holy Spirit.
Resources for Women’s Ministry Leaders
Here are a few of my favorite ideas, tips, tricks and books from 20 years as a Director of Women’s Ministry.