Designed for laypeople, these commentaries deal seriously with the biblical text without being overly technical. Introductory information, doctrinal themes, problem passages, and practical applications are examined.
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.
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.
To its own generation the book of Chronicles was a vivid reminder of hope in the faithfulness of God, a reminder of the promise--made both to the world and to the house of David--of peace and prosperity, to be fulfilled through the covenant people of God. Structurally, the book may be considered an exegetical summary of Old Testament history. Not only does it recount the important events of God's dealing with Israel, but it also explains the significance of those events to Israel's history.
The Thessalonian epistles are probably best known for what they reveal about the last days. But there is much more to these letters than just end times prophecy. In this devotional commentary, John F. Walvoord, one of evangelicalism's most prominent leaders, and Mark Hitchcock, a leading Bible prophecy expert, guide you through the prophecy and exhort believers on practical matters such as moral purity, disciplined living, church relationships, prayer and church discipline. Walvoord's stalwart writing has been greatly expanded upon by Hitchcock, with additional introductory and background material, charts, and in-depth explanations at key points. Now also updated with the Bible content in the English Standard Version (ESV), this volume in the renewed Walvoord Commentary Series stands ready to reach a whole new generation with the spiritual insights the apostle Paul had for the Thessalonians.
The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
Understanding the New Testament is a daunting but exciting task. Our world is so different from that of the first century. Yet it is important to understand the context and content of the New Testament if we are to be faithful followers. Now in paper, this survey addresses the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions that readers of the Bible may have, such as: How can we tell if what is written in the New Testament is true history or just mythology? When were these books written and why? and What can today's believers get out of letters addressed to people who lived two millennia ago? Written in an easy, informal style, this survey is accessible and enjoyable to anyone who wants to better understand the New Testament.
The Thessalonian church was young yet vibrant in faith. In this volume, Chuck Swindoll explores Paul’s encouragement, exhortation, and correction to the church he had started but had to leave soon after. Paul’s encouragement to remain faithful, full of hope and love in spite of trials—and his correction of distorted teachings about the end times—retains its crucial importance for today. The 15-volume Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary series draws on Gold Medallion Award–winner Chuck Swindoll’s 50 years of experience studying and preaching God’s Word. His deep insight, signature easygoing style, and humor bring a warmth and practical accessibility not often found in commentaries. Each volume combines verse-by-verse commentary, charts, maps, photos, key terms, and background articles with practical application. The newly updated volumes now include parallel presentations of the NLT and NASB before each section. This series is a must-have for pastors, teachers, and anyone else who is seeking a deeply practical resource for exploring God’s Word.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ... This verse-by-verse commentary takes us from the early church in Acts through Paul’s letters, helping us understand more deeply our salvation, God’s call to relationship, and why grace is the cornerstone of our life in Christ. In the book of Acts, Luke portrays the tensions, persecutions, and hopes of the early church. This detailed commentary digs deep into the zeal and joy of Christ’s earliest followers and what these men and women teach us about community in Christ. Once an enemy of Christianity, Paul became a follower of Christ who helped the early church grow in obedience and love. His letters include some of the most beloved words of Scripture, as well as profound challenges to be more like Christ in our words and actions. Be inspired as you learn more about how the early church spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
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