Field Notes are quick sketches from the Biblical world – the people, places, rulers, etc. that show up in Scripture and shape the story around them.
Sometimes that still means looking at the armor Paul describes in Ephesians. If that’s what you’re after, you can find each piece of the armor in the sidebar links at right.

  • Field Notes: Nile River

    The Nile River was the lifeline of ancient Egypt, providing water, food, and transportation.

    It is where Moses was placed in a basket and found by Pharoah’s daughter (Exodus 2).

    It is where the first plague occurred, when the water was turned to blood (Exodus 7).

    The Nile played a central role in Egypt’s power and daily life during the time of the Exodus.

    The pyramids were already ancient by the time of Moses, so he likely saw them. Jesus was brought here as a baby, so it is not likely He saw them…though, to be fair, He probably knew they were there.

    Nile River and delta from orbit, via NASA (public domain)

  • Field Notes: St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Field Notes: Stephen

    What do you do when everyone around you is nodding along with something you know good and well is not true? Speaking up will make the whole room turn on you. Do you have the courage to speak up? Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem accused of blasphemy, surrounded by leaders who had already…

  • Field Notes: Paul

    Saul of Tarsus thought he was doing God’s work. He hunted Christians, dragged them out of their homes, and approved gleefully when the were put to death. Then on the road to Damascus, everything changed. A blinding light stunned him and the voice of Jesus confronted him directly. The man who once tried to destroy…

  • Field Notes: Widow in Zarephath

    A widow in Zarephath had almost nothing left. All she had for her and her son was enough for one last meal before the food ran out. A handful of flour and a little oil was all that was left. Then Elijah appeared at her door and asked her to feed him first. It was…

  • Field Notes: Abigail

    Sometimes peace is the harder choice. Abigail heard that David was coming with four hundred men. Her husband, Nabal, had insulted him, and now violence was imminent. She could have turned her back to the threat, but instead, she acted quickly. Abigail gathered food, rode out to meet David, and spoke with wisdom and humility…

  • Field Notes: Daniel

    Sometimes doing the right thing costs you something. Daniel knew the law had changed. Praying to God was now illegal. The penalty was the lion’s den. He prayed anyway. Righteousness does not mean life will be easy. It means choosing what is right even when the consequences are real. This is the Breastplate of Righteousness.…