Here we look at the cultural and archaeological background of Jesus' first miracle when He turned water into wine at a wedding. We next address four key questions to help us get the most out of our study of the Gospels (and the rest of the Bible) and go through examples of how to apply these key questions. Next, we look at what likely happened to Joseph and how that impacted Christ's life and examine how the word translated "carpenter" helps us better understand the occupation of Joseph and Jesus—with insights for what that means for us. Then we look at Jesus' cleansing of the temple and how the historical background helps explain his forceful reaction to what He witnessed at the temple.

Scott Ashley

United Church of God Pastor, Beyond Today Managing Editor

Scott Ashley is managing editor of Beyond Today magazine, United Church of God booklets and its printed Bible Study Course. He and his wife, Connie, live near Denver, Colorado. 
Mr. Ashley attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, graduating in 1976 with a theology major and minors in journalism and speech. It was there that he first became interested in publishing, an industry in which he has worked for 50 years.