“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2
The goal of this website is to present Bible teaching that is both sound and clear. This website has evolved over the past several years, starting out as a repository for lectures given on prophetic events in early 2016. Later, articles and diagrams I have authored on various subjects were included. Finally, Bible notes, commentary, and Bible outlines were added. This gradual change precipitated the selection of the new domain name www.RealClearBible.com. The content of this website will be continually updated as more notes on the books of the Bible, and various articles are completed. I expect this to be a lifetime effort!
I must apologize in advance for the spelling, grammar, and formatting. I have transferred many of these notes from a different note-taking system which was very raw. Over time, those sections will be gradually formatted and improved.
The commentary and articles are written with a bottom-up approach. I try to assume the reader is unfamiliar with advanced themes in Bible study, and therefore I spend considerable time developing a point. Emphasis is laid on the interpretation of a passage, although applications are also included. I do not strive for brevity, and I know this is a drawback for some. Therefore, if you are looking for a concise commentary, you may want to look elsewhere. The goal of this website is accuracy and clarity.
A great hindrance to clear Bible teaching is preconceived opinions. When we come to the Word of God with an idea, looking for a way to support it from scripture, it often results in latching onto isolated verses to support our position… which is a serious error in Bible exegesis. 2 Peter 1:20-21 clearly warns against this, that “no prophecy of scripture is had from its own particular interpretation.” Each individual scripture must be read in context with other scriptures to learn its full meaning. “For prophecy was not ever uttered by the will of man, but holy men of God spake under the power of the Holy Spirit.” Scripture wasn’t inspired by man’s will, and it cannot be interpreted by man’s will. It was inspired by the Spirit of God, who is the sole Interpreter, for “the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” On this website, I try to approach biblical subjects without preconceived opinions, although this is difficult to do, and impossible to do absolutely. If you feel I am going off on something, please bring it to my attention.
I study a variety of sources, but those I credit most highly are those who have lived out practically the truth of Scripture. Paul told Timothy that he should “continue … in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14). Paul’s practical life commended the doctrine he taught. For example, since I believe scripture teaches the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church, I would not give the greatest weight to commentators who deny that truth. In the mid-1800’s, God raised up a number of faithful men to recover many truths that had been lost sight of in previous centuries. These godly men, such as J.N. Darby, W. Kelly, etc. were greatly used by God, and many of the them were prolific writers. Their writings have survived to the present day, and are among my most trusted sources.
Joshua Stewart