Old Testament – Confident.Faith

2 Kings 19:8—23:20

Siege of Jerusalem through Josiah Cleanses Judah

Today we commemorate the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Convoked in AD 325 by Roman Emperor Constantine, the Council of Nicaea ruled against the Arians, who taught that Jesus was not the eternal Son of God, but was a created being. The chief opponents of the Arians were Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, and Athanasius, deacon to Alexander. It was at this council that an early version of the Nicene Creed was adopted — the full version being adopted in its entirety at the Council of Constantinople in AD 381.

2 Kings 16:1—19:7

Israel’s Exile through Sennacherib Sieges Jerusalem

Today we celebrate the Festival of St. Barnabas, Apostle. A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas sold some land that he owned and donated the proceeds to the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Sent to oversee the Church in Antioch, Barnabas retrieved Paul from Tarsus and accompanied him back to Antioch, and from there to Paul’s first missionary journey. Tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus, by being stoned.

2 Kings 10:28—15:22

Jehu’s Reign through More Faithless Kings

2 Kings 6:32—10:27

Elisha’s Miracles through Jehu’s Destruction of Baal Worshippers