Punctuation might seem like a small detail, but it can dramatically alter how we read, and perhaps, interpret a passage. It’s like the musical notes of a sentence, guiding our tone and emphasis. Let’s take a closer look at how various punctuation choices in 2 Samuel 9:6 influence how we interpret the scene “And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said…”

ESV, NIV, CSB: “Mephibosheth!”

The exclamation mark paints a vivid picture of David’s enthusiasm. Imagine him exclaiming with joy, almost leaping to his feet as he recognizes the son of his dear friend Jonathan. There’s a sense of warmth and eager welcome.

NKJV, NET, WEB: “Mephibosheth?”

The question mark paints a different picture altogether. Here, we sense David’s uncertainty. Perhaps Mephibosheth is hesitant, his face downcast, making David unsure if this is indeed the man he seeks. It adds a layer of tension and anticipation to the encounter.

NASB (in all its iterations) “Mephibosheth.”

The period in the NASB feels a bit flat in contrast to the first two, it gives us a more neutral reading.

This comparison highlights how punctuation acts as a subtle interpreter. While the words remain the same, the punctuation shapes our understanding of the scene, influencing how we imagine each person’s emotions and interactions. It reminds us that even seemingly minor details can play a significant role in how we engage with Scripture.

Just as a simple punctuation mark can change the tone of a sentence, our attitudes and interpretations can color how we read the Bible and, more importantly, how we live it out. Are we approaching the text with an open mind, or are we imposing our inflections that might miss the nuances of the meaning and application?

This week, I challenge you to take a familiar passage – maybe even this very story of David and Mephibosheth – and read it in several different translations. Pay attention to the punctuation, the word choices, and the subtle shifts in meaning. As you do, ask yourself: How might my preconceptions influence how I understand this passage?  How can I be more open to the surprising ways God speaks through His Word?

May we all be attentive readers of God’s Word, approaching it with humility and a willingness to be surprised.

Question: I would love to hear thoughts on “private” or “unspoken” prayer requests. I want an open mind, but I don't see how to pray for something someone won’t share. This seems to be a trend of late and I'm starting to feel very negative about those requests. 

Answer: Thank you for the question. It’s true that vague prayer requests like “unspoken prayer requests” can be frustrating. We naturally want to know what’s going on, understand the situation, and specifically address the needs of those we pray for. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone has their own reasons for keeping things private. Perhaps they are facing something deeply personal or fear judgment or vulnerability.

Instead of focusing on the lack of details, let’s shift our perspective. The very fact that someone is requesting prayer, in any form, shows a desire for connection and a reliance on God.  What if they simply said, “Please pray for me.” Wouldn't we readily offer our prayers without hesitation? I think so because the core request remains the same regardless of the wording.

When encountering these “unspoken” requests, consider responding with empathy and grace.  Offer your prayers and let the person know you're there to listen if they ever wish to talk.

Most importantly, let’s pray. Even without knowing the specifics, we can still powerfully intercede for others. Here’s a prayer you might find helpful for these situations: 

“Oh God Who knows all, Who sees all, hear my prayer on behalf of [person’s name]. Though I don’t know [person’s name] specific prayer request You do. For You have said that You search the hearts of men. You know all our thoughts from afar. You know us from our beginning to our end. You are acquainted with all our ways. Even before a word is on our tongue You know it. Nothing is hidden from your eyes. Father, graciously attend to [person’s name] needs.

Though I don’t know the words to pray for [person’s name], Your Spirit knows. Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Spirit that intercedes for me and [person’s name] with groanings too deep for words or knowledge of the situation.

Though I don’t know what’s going on in [person’s name] life, I will not think negatively of her request but will consider [person’s name] need for prayer more significant than my own. For this is the mind of Christ, who though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as a thing to be held on to but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant to save [person’s name] and me by dying on the cross for our sins. Father, give me a heart like Jesus to serve [person’s name] in prayer. Amen.”

The simple, rhetorical question “Who knows?” when coupled with action, transforms into a powerful word of faith. At its core, “Who knows?” encapsulates the concept of divine providence, acknowledging that the future isn't entirely predetermined and leaving room for God's mercy and intervention. Though the specific details of God's plan remain unseen, “Who knows?” expresses a firm belief in God's sovereignty, and the faithful trust in His unseen hand guiding the affairs of life.

Jonah and the Ninevites:

Upon hearing Jonah’s message of judgment, the Ninevite king declared, “Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from their evil way and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish” (Jonah 3:7b-9).

The king's use of the question “Who knows?” captures the Ninevites’ acknowledgment of their precarious situation and their unwavering hope in God's grace. They recognized the uncertainty of their fate, but instead of succumbing to despair, they chose to turn to God. This phrase isn’t a mere expression of doubt, but a declaration of faith (note a similar use in Joel 2:12-14). “Who knows?” reflected the Ninevites’ willingness to surrender to God’s will and trust in His capacity for compassion. In the end, God relented from the coming judgment.

Mordecai to Esther:

With the annihilation of the Jews at hand, Mordecai implored the Jewish Queen Esther, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). His question isn't merely a theological musing; it is a direct challenge to Esther.

By asking “Who knows?”, Mordecai awakened Esther to her unique position and responsibility. He implicitly exhorted her to rise to the occasion, to recognize the potential divine significance of her role at this critical juncture, and to embrace the risk and uncertainty inherent in defying the king’s decree. In the end, Esther rose to the occasion and saved her people.

David and His Infant Son:

In 2 Samuel 12:22, King David utters his poignant plea, “Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?” This statement comes amidst a deeply distressing situation: David’s infant son, born from his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, is gravely ill. Nathan, the prophet, has delivered God’s judgment, foretelling the child’s death because of David’s sin.

Yet, despite the dire circumstances, David clung to God’s mercy. His use of “Who knows?” coupled with his seven days of fasting and praying reflected his understanding of God’s character. He knew God was just in His pronounced judgment, but he also knew God was compassionate and merciful. Nevertheless, the child died, but David wasn’t broken in spirit. “Who knows?” allowed David to praise God whether He allowed the child to live or not.

“Who knows?” isn’t a statement of desperation, but a declaration of hope rooted in faith. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there’s room for God’s mercy and the possibility of a surprising turn of events. God’s goodness transcends our limited understanding. Whether He intervenes in a way we anticipate or allows circumstances to unfold differently, we can trust that His purposes are for our ultimate good. Even when His answers to our prayers differ from our expectations, His ultimate plan is rooted in love, wisdom, faithfulness, and loving-kindness. “Who knows?” invites us to hold onto hope and to continue trusting in His infinite wisdom and unwavering love – no matter what.

Monday – Acts 27:39-44 The Shipwreck on Malta
1. Imagine you are on board the ship. The storm is raging, the waves are crashing, and the ship is breaking apart. What emotions are swirling within you as you hear the call to abandon ship?
2. Knowing they would face certain death if their prisoners escape, the soldiers plan to kill all the prisoners. Why do you think Julius wants to save the lives of Paul and his friends?
3. An angel of God appears to Paul and tells him no one on the ship will lose their life (v. 23), yet as the ship breaks up everyone still has to swim or float to shore for safety. In what ways do you see this as a picture of salvation of grace through faith?

Tuesday – Acts 28:1-10 Paul’s Ministry on Malta
1. Shipwrecked and vulnerable, 276 souls find themselves at the mercy of strangers on an unknown island. What factors contribute to the islanders’ remarkable hospitality towards the shipwrecked strangers, particularly considering their initial suspicion of Paul?
2. How does Paul’s snake bite and miracles on Malta, fit within the context of Mrk 16:17-18?
3. Luke spent more time painstakingly chronicling the difficult voyage to Rome than Paul’s time in Corinth or Ephesus. What lessons do you think Luke is wanting us to learn from their time at sea?

Wednesday – Acts 28:11-16 Paul Arrives at Rome
1. The journey to Rome continues on a ship bearing the figurehead of Castor and Pollux, pagan deities associated with safe passage. How does Luke use this detail to create a sense of irony within his narrative?
2. Finally, after a perilous journey full of storms and setbacks, Paul reaches the shores of Italy. As he approaches Rome, he is met by believers who have come from miles around to welcome him. Use three adjectives to describe the atmosphere of this encounter in verse 15 and explain your choices.
3. Throughout his trials, from imprisonment to shipwreck, Paul consistently experiences God’s presence and provision. In what ways might God be doing the same for you through your misfortunes?

Thursday – Acts 28:17-28 Paul Preaches to the Jews in Rome
1. As soon as Paul arrives in Rome, he’s reaching out to the Jewish leaders in the city. What motivates him to immediately arrange this meeting?
2. On an appointed day, a great number of Jews come to Paul as he “expounds... testifies... and tries to convince” his audience about Jesus. What do these verbs reveal about his teaching style and message?
3. Although he speaks with them all day, Luke only records Paul’s last words, a quote from Isaiah 6:9-10 (cf. Luk 8:9-15; Jhn 12:36a-43). Why is this the appropriately sad verse to cite at the end of Acts?

Friday – Acts 28:30-31 Paul in Rome
1. Luke ends Acts with a note of triumph, though Paul is a prisoner, he’s free. How does he use his circumstances to advance the Gospel (cf. Php 1:12-14; 4:22)? How does his example challenge you to view your own hardships as potential opportunities for the ministry?
2. Paul proclaims the kingdom of God and teaches about Jesus with “all boldness and without hindrance.” How does this statement summarize the overarching theme of the book of Acts?
3. Take a moment to reflect on your reading of Luke-Acts. How has your understanding of Jesus, His church, its/your mission grown and your faith increased?

Monday – Acts 26:12-18 Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa (Conversion)
1. Paul briefly describes his conversion from persecutor to apostle. How does this dramatic transformation connect to his defense of the gospel?
2. This is the third time in Acts that Luke recounts Paul’s conversion (cf. 9:1-9; 22:6-16). What similarities and differences stand out in each account? Why do you think Luke emphasizes this story multiple times, and how does Paul himself reflect on it in 1 Tim 1:12-17?
3. Imagine someone asking you to share your faith journey. How would you describe your experience of coming to believe in Jesus? Take some time to write out your personal testimony, highlighting how Jesus has worked in your life and shown you mercy, much like the man in Mrk 5:19-20.

Tuesday – Acts 26:19-23 Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa (Post Conversion)
1. Finally, Paul concludes his defense by emphasizing his obedience to the heavenly vision. How does he describe his faithfulness to the mission Jesus gives him? What specific actions did he take?
2. Paul outlines the core message he preaches to both Jews and Gentiles. Unpack the key elements of this message. What did he emphasize, and why might it have been significant to both groups?
3. Imagine you have the opportunity to share your faith with a prominent leader or influential figure. Who would you choose, and why? What key aspects of the gospel and its impact on your life would you emphasize? How would you
invite them to respond?

Wednesday – Acts 26:24-32 Agrippa Parries Paul’s Challenge
1. Festus interrupts Paul mid-sentence, declaring him mad. How does Paul respond to this accusation? What does his response teach us about engaging with those who dismiss our beliefs?
2. Agrippa states that he is “almost persuaded” to become a Christian. What might be behind Agrippa’s hesitation? What prevents people today from fully embracing faith in Christ?
3. Paul’s concern is more about his audiences’ salvation than the removal of his chains. How can you cultivate a heart that puts other people’s spiritual wellbeing before your own circumstances?

Thursday – Acts 27:1-12 Paul Sails for Rome
1. Unable to be set free, Paul is sent to Rome chained to a Centurion named Julius. How does the text describe Julius’s treatment of Paul? What can you infer about Paul’s treatment of Julius?
2. Luke (“we”) and Aristarchus join Paul on this voyage to Rome. Based on what we learn about Aristarchus in Act 19:29; 20:4; Col 4:10, how would you describe him?
3. With Paul’s initial warnings ignored, all seems lost. What emotions do you hear in his voice when he says, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss [even] our lives” (v. 10)?

Friday – Acts 27:13-38 The Storm at Sea
1. Trace the dramatic events that happen during the storm.
2. The last of six visions Paul receives (cf. 9:3-6, 16:9-10, 18:9-10, 22:17, 23:11) occur during this voyage. What role does this last vision shape Paul’s state of mind during the storm (cf. v. 10)?
3. Paul’s faith in God during the storm encourages all the people on the ship (v. 36). How can you, like Paul, be a source of encouragement and hope for others who are struggling, offering them both spiritual support and practical help?