The epistle of Paul to the Colossian church was primarily intended to answer the heresies of that day, but, as Dr. Harrison points out, "in the process of meeting error, the apostle was led to give us deep insights into the person and work of our Savior. "Dr. Harrison considers historical setting and authorship, then, following the progression of the epistle, moves on to examine Christ in creation and redemption, and the ministry of Paul and the Colossian church, contrasting the poison of false teaching with positive fruits of living in Christ.
In this commentary, the author captures the emotion of a concerned apostle as he invites enslaved Christians to renounce a legalistic pattern of living and return to the liberty found in the life of faith. Matters of introduction and each of the epistle's subjects receive thorough attention. --from back cover.
The New Testament is worthy of a lifetime of study, as it answers the most significant questions people have asked,' says Paul Benware. What is the purpose of life? Is there any real hope? What is God like? Can I be freed from guilt and sin?Jesus Christ is the only answer to those questions. He is the key to God's New Covenant, the central theme of the New Testament.In order to fully appreciate the New Covenant, you must explore the lives and times of Christ and the New Testament writers. Survey of the New Testament organizes this essential information around the anticipation, institution, and fulfillment of the New Covenant. Dr. Benware, along with his book-by-book study of the 27 New Testament books, includes a chronological study of the life of Christ, a look at political forces and ideologies of the first-century Roman world, and a glimpse into the inter-testamental period. To clarify the order and pattern of the New Testament, Dr. Benware links each epistle to its historical base, the book of Acts. Thirty helpful charts have been included as well.
A comprehensive verse-by-verse commentary for lay Bible students, fully highlighted by articles, maps, charts, and illustrations-all in one volume. Clear and Comprehensive: Annotations by leading evangelical scholars don't dodge tough issues; alternative views are presented fairly, but commentators make their positions clear. Attractively Designed: Graphics appeal to the sound-bite generation and others who aren't traditional commentary readers. Interesting and Revealing: Hundreds of feature articles that provide additional information or new perspectives on a topic related to Bible background. Visually Appealing: Maps, drawings, and photos illuminate the commentary and visualize important information.
You love God. You long to know Him more intimately, to see Him face to face. Now is the time to dig deeper into the Scriptures, to see the Bible come alive for you: chapter by chapter, sentence by sentence, word by word. Written by forty-eight leading Bible scholars, this powerful handbook walks you through the entire text of the Old and New Testaments (primarily in the KJV). From the majestic Genesis account of all the Creator brought into being to Christ's words at the end of Revelation ('Yea, I come quickly...'), you'll find insights to help you wrap your heart and mind around God's Word in the pages of The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. INCLUDES BONUS MATERIAL: Commentary on Romans from The Moody Bible Commentary. Michael Vanlaningham, professor of New Testament at Moody Bible Institute, introduces Romans and then takes you through it verse-by-verse. Known as Paul's most thorough treatment on Christian doctrine, Romans explores sin, faith, and God's redemptive purposes for the world in Jesus. Familiarity with this famous letter is indispensable for growth and maturity in your Christian faith.
By the waters of Babylon, in the sixth century B.C., the Jewish people felt like permanent refugees in a foreign land. Israel had undergone captivity once before, in Egypt. This time the people were in exile because of disobedience. The books of 1 and 2 Kings were meant as an antidote for the sorrow of heart that afflicted their souls. Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. guides you through the maze of kings and empires, prophets and priests, that are the subjects of those two Old Testament historical books. In those books, Hubbard says, are "peaks of unbelievable glory and valleys of unforgettable despair." His study of 1 and 2 Kings and of the chaotic time chronicled in those books is written in a comfortable style but with scholarly care. Hubbard applies to our lives today the lessons learned through years of pain. Scholar and layman alike will appreciate the combination of readability and scholarly investigation that marks this book.
With the ecumenical movement gaining impetus in today's world, ecclesiological discussions are common. What does church actually mean? Is it a visible organization or a spiritual organism? Who makes up its membership? Nearly two centuries ago, the apostle Paul spoke on these and similar issues in his letter to the Ephesian believers... This encouraging commentary focuses on a Pauline epistle that nearly bursts at the seams with life-changing doctrine. The scriptural concept of election, inspiring teachings on the doctrine and duties of the church, and other highlights from the New Testament letter receive careful attention.
This passage-by-passage commentary incorporates charts and a simple outline in its exposition of an important Old Testament book. The events of Numbers form the story of the Israelites traveling from Mount Sinai to the border of the Promised Land. Sometimes called 'the book of journeyings' or 'the book of murmurings,' Numbers contains many significant lessons for God's people today. Dr. Jensen points out many pertinent applications of these lessons in this study, as well as explaining the history of the Israelites. "Its arrangement is commendable—it could serve as a marvelous guide for home study of the Bible or for group study. The outline before each section is well chosen and interwoven in the body of the material." — Derward W. Deere, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
The early church dealt with the same threats from false teachers that today's Christians face. Pastor John MacArthur will take you through Colossians and the short letter to Philemon, passage by passage, so that you can better understand Paul's arguments and how they apply to us today. When Paul learned about the dangers the church was facing, he wrote them a message of warning. Colossians is full of dramatic and powerful passages coupled with rich instructions that defend Christ's deity and His sufficiency to reconcile men to God. Paul's message is a reminder that believers—then and now—are complete in Christ. Paul also wrote a personal letter to Philemon, a prominent member of the Colossian church. This letter urges Philemon to forgive a former slave and thief and welcome him back as a brother in Christ. Through this real-life situation, Paul teaches Philemon, as well as believers today, the importance of forgiveness. —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
It seems unlikely that a chained prisoner would write a paper on triumph, but in his letter to the Philippian believers, the apostle Paul did exactly that. John F. Walvoord's refreshing analysis of this popular New Testament epistle combines an unusually fascinating style with a careful exegesis of the original Greek text. After discussing the epistle's authorship, date, character, and relevance to modern Christianity, Walvoord moves to a consideration of prominent phrases in the Pauline writings. Additionally, cross-references and historical background help to explain the text to the layman or student. Learn how the principles expressed by the apostle Paul can help Christians today to consistently experience peace in Christ.