Kirjahaku

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament book of Hebrews. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for lay church members.Hebrews is one of the great sources for instruction in Christian faith, and for exhortations to faithfulness to Christ and His message. From start to finish, the author of Hebrews demonstrates the superiority of Jesus Christ, His message, and His covenant. For those of us living under this New Covenant, our desire to be faithful to Jesus Christ is based on the Son of God's superiority as a messenger, on the superior priestly line from which He comes, and on the once-for-all efficacy of the sacrifices and work which the Son of God has offered on our behalf. From start to finish, the exhortations and warnings in Hebrews point us to Jesus Christ Himself; He is the superior source and object of our desire to live "by faith."This commentary is conservative and evangelical Christian in its outlook, yet skillfully examines the Scriptures from multiple theological viewpoints. Introductory Studies cover canonicity, authorship and attestation, original audience to whom the letter was addressed, the place and date of writing, and the original author's purpose for writing. The Introductory Studies also discuss special questions raised about Hebrews by form critics - i.e., literary and rhetorical analysts of Biblical literature - regarding the structure of the book, in order to answer the question, Is Hebrews a treatise, a sermon, or an epistle? The topic of covenants and covenant theology is addressed in a special Appendix. Finally, this commentary provides a unique and compelling outline for the book, based on the exposition of key Old Testament passages central to each section of Hebrews and the summary explanations provided by the Hebrews writer himself at 8:1 and 13:22.Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author seeks to harmonize the teachings of Hebrews with other relevant Scriptures, and also helpfully examines the original language in which the book was written. A fully annotated bibliography of other commentaries on Hebrews is included to encourage readers to extend their own studies.This volume continues the author's commentary series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us within the pages of the sacred Scriptures. By deliberately employing the grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.In past generations, Restoration Movement preachers preached regularly from Hebrews; their audiences committed great portions of this book to memory and sought to live daily in light of what they had heard and learned. They did this because Hebrews provides a striking source of hope, boldness, grace, assurance, mercy, and motivation for staying true to Jesus Christ. The letter is an encouragement to remain faithful, for He alone provides the only real, working, efficacious, propitiatory sacrifice for sins that will ever be offered. It is for us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (10:23), so that God will not be ashamed to be called our God (11:16) and we who have believed may enter the rest He offers (4:3).The author is Professor Emeritus of the New Testament at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO).

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for the lay church member."Letters to Young Preachers" is a good way to designate the New Testament writings of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. The churches where these preachers ministered were of different ages (the Ephesian church was 12 years old, while those on Crete were more recently planted), but both faced similar needs if they were to continue growing. These letters contain timeless instructions to preachers about what to emphasize in their ministries so the churches they serve and to whom they preach will be what Christ wants them to be. Leaders and churches who want solid and lasting growth would do well to hear these directives.This commentary is conservative and evangelical Christian in its outlook, yet skillfully examines the Scriptures from multiple theological viewpoints. Introductory Studies cover authorship and attestation, the place and date of writing, the original target audience addressed, and the original purpose for writing. Introductory Studies also discuss questions raised about the Pastoral Epistles by higher criticism - the historical, theological, ecclesiastical, and literary/linguistic arguments adduced against the genuineness of these epistles, and especially against Paul's authorship. Several Special Studies address important topics germane to the Pastoral Epistles. What did Paul teach about the role of wives and women within the church? What is the role of elders and deacons in the church? What is an evangelist's work, and is that role still relevant in the 21st century?Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author seeks to harmonize the teachings of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus with other relevant Scriptures, and also helpfully examines the original language in which the epistles were written. An annotated bibliography of other commentaries on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus is included to encourage readers to extend their own studies.This volume continues the author's commentary series on the books of the New Testament. It is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us within the pages of the sacred Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.The Restoration Movement, which delights to restore things the way they were done in the church we read about in the New Testament, surely needs to hear what the Pastorals say about public worship, the "must" of qualified elders and deacons, sound doctrine, Christian lifestyles, opposition to false teachers, and the qualifications and work of an evangelist. These epistles offer guidelines concerning the lifestyle the preacher is to live, and the epistle to Titus even offers a series of topics the preacher should address as he tries to nourish and help individual Christians and the congregation to grow. If preachers, elders, deacons, and church members will do things like the Pastoral Epistles suggest, perhaps the church in our century will have fewer spots and blemishes, and will be closer to the holy and blameless bride whom Jesus would present in all her glory to Himself (Ephesians 5:27).The author is Professor Emeritus of the New Testament at Central Christian College of Bible (Moberly, MO).

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament book of Acts. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for lay church members.Acts is a history book, written by Luke to complement and continue the record begun in his Gospel. In Acts, Luke demonstrates how Jesus' apostles faithfully and obediently put the Great Commission into practice, beginning "in Jerusalem, and then into all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Acts is also indispensable for the introductions it provides to many people encountered elsewhere in the New Testament: Peter, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, etc.The Restoration Movement consistently treats Acts as history, but also as a type of unbiased How-To manual for the church.75% of the New Testament books find their historical backdrop in Acts. Knowing when the churches in the Galatian region or in the cities of Ephesus or Thessalonica were planted is important to interpreting the epistles bearing their names. Knowing the circumstances of Paul's life during the time when he penned Romans or 1 Corinthians or Philippians colors our interpretation of those books. Knowing who Peter, Luke, and Timothy were influences our interpretations of numerous Scriptures. Such historical information is found in Acts.If the early church is the pattern and model for us to follow, Acts becomes a How-To manual of sorts. Who can be a Christian, and how does it happen? Who receives spiritual gifts, and how does it happen? What ordinances ought the church observe, and when? What makes a church grow, and how does it happen? What is the relationship between church and state? What is the right response to persecution and tribulation? How ought Christianity interact with other religions? How ought we to battle evil in the spiritual world around us? What is missionary work like, and whom should be sent? What is the right leadership structure in the church, and how are leaders selected? Such questions can be dealt with using the guidance the Holy Spirit provided in Acts.Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author harmonizes Acts' teachings with other relevant Scriptures, and frequently examines the original language in which it was written. And because of their importance, multiple Special Studies are provided on many of the How-To topics noted above.This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us in the Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for the lay church member.1 Corinthians was written by Paul during the same time period in his life as Romans, Galatians, and 2 Corinthians. It was written to a church with problems, that was struggling to find its maturity in Christ. Evidently, some Corinthian church members had come to Paul, seeking his help with a series of thorny problems (1:11). It appears these same church members also brought a letter from the church itself, asking Paul for help with a different set of issues (7:1). This combination led Paul to compose 1 Corinthians. The members of Chloe's household apparently brought four issues to Paul's attention: the growing factions inside the church body, a case of gross immorality being allowed to go unchecked, litigation betwixt Christians, and the abuse of Christian liberty encouraged by the proximity to the pagan temples which flourished in Corinth. The church's letter to Paul apparently sought guidance on six topics: concerning marriage, concerning things sacrificed to idols, concerning disorder in the public assembly, concerning the resurrection of the dead, concerning the Jerusalem collection, and concerning Apollos. As he addressed their questions, Paul time and again sought to establish "the word of the cross" (1:18). That very message carries the timeless Christian principles needed to help the church solve these and whatever other problems might arise in the future, so that the church might indeed become the temple of God (3:16-17) and the body of Christ (10:17, 11:29, 12:12-16).Attention to 1 Corinthians ebbs and flows. As issues arise to which this letter speaks, interest revives. Certainly, 1 Corinthians addresses contemporary issues: worship styles, charismatic gifts, the role of women in ministry, the value of the Lord's supper, sexual immorality and homosexuality, litigiousness, and even how much of one's old culture - whether in the U.S. or when doing cross-cultural missionary work - ought Christianity to accommodate.It is also worth noting the blood, sweat, and tears Paul expended in his efforts to solve these problems in Corinth: his own personal 18-month ministry to the church, multiple personal trips as he sought correctives, the letters of 1 & 2 Corinthians, and the in-person intervention of two of Paul's most trusted co-workers, Timothy and Titus. All of these actions were needed to bring resolution. Apparently, sin and its roots are at times hard to eradicate.Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author seeks to harmonize the teachings of 1 Corinthians with other relevant Scriptures, and also helpfully examines the original language in which the epistles were written. A fully annotated bibliography of other commentaries on 1 Corinthians is included to encourage readers to extend their own studies.This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us within the pages of Scripture. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammitico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.The author is Professor Emeritus of the New Testatment at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO).

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament books of James and 1,2,3 John. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for the lay church member.James and 1 John are written as epistles to Christians in general (i.e., not as letters to a particular church in Rome or Ephesus). Both were written by apostles we encounter often in the pages of the New Testament; both are men who played large roles in the life of the early Church. Each of these four epistles is unique within the New Testament canon, and each raises issues of interest and importance for our Christian faith and practice: The faultless roadmap for practical Christian living provided by the great spiritual principles taught by our Lord and Savior. The imperative need to receive the witness of God as given in Scripture through Jesus and His apostles. The fact that we have not followed myths when we embrace the doctrine of the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son, into the world to save sinners. The nature of true Christian fellowship - its exclusivity Godward and the kind of lifestyle it demands. How believers can know - by experience - the fact of their salvation. The loving way to counteract religious error. How Christians are to respond to those leaving the church. The parallels between 1st/2nd century Gnosticism and the pluralism and New Age theology of our 21st century. This commentary is conservative and evangelical Christian in its outlook, yet skillfully examines the Scriptures from multiple theological viewpoints. Introductory Studies cover authorship and attestation, the place and date of writing, original target audience to whom the letters were addressed, and the original purpose for writing. The Introductory Studies also discuss questions raised about these epistles by recent higher criticism - e.g., the relationship of James' theology to Paul's, the nature of the Gnosticism addressed in John's epistles, the theory of a Johannine community and its role (if any) in compiling epistles, and our ability to accurately reconstruct the life-setting of the 1st century Christianity which gave rise to each of these writings. Additionally, several Special Studies address important topics germane to these epistles. Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author seeks to harmonize the teachings of James and 1,2,3 John with other relevant Scriptures, and also helpfully examines the original language in which the epistles were written. A fully annotated bibliography of other commentaries on James and 1,2,3 John is included to encourage readers to extend their own studies. This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us within the pages of the sacred Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind. The author is Professor Emeritus of the New Testament at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO).

This phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament books of 2 Corinthians and Galatians is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for lay church members.2 Corinthians and Galatians were written by Paul during the same time period of his life, to two different churches wrestling with similar, thorny issues. The threat to New Testament Christianity posed by the Judaizers is rightly framed by information learned from 2 Corinthians and Galatians. Time and again in 2 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes his apostolic message and apostolic authority, and insists that the new covenant gospel message which reflects the truths Jesus taught during His earthly ministry is what is now to be preached. The new covenant Scriptures are to be treated as our rule of faith and practice. In Galatians, Paul examines what is involved in the faith that God looks for as He would justify men who have sinned. Is it faith alone (i.e., knowledge, assent, and trust), or is it a faith that includes obedience to what God has said? In his words to Peter - "a man is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 2:16) - Paul persuasively proves that the faith that saves is habitually doing what God says, not walking by man-made religious rules. The Judaizers who championed rules like the Pharisees taught were distorting the gospel message as preached by Jesus' apostles (Galatians 1:7).This commentary is conservative evangelical Christian in outlook, yet skillfully examines the Scriptures from multiple theological viewpoints. Introductory Studies cover authorship and attestation, place and date of writing, original target audience to whom the letters were addressed, and the original purpose for writing. Two extended Special Studies address issues crucial to our understanding of how God deals with people He would save: Readers are introduced to the Dead Sea Scroll referred to as 4QMMT and the subject "works of the Law." The study demonstrates how 4QMMT helps us rightly understand Paul's contrast of faith v. works of the Law. Justification by Faith is given extended treatment, and key theological questions are addressed. Biblically, what is "justification" and what is "faith"? Is sola fides (faith alone) the condition upon which God justifies sinful men? How and how often is justification applied to men by God? And how has our understanding of the New Testament been impacted by the New Perspective on Paul that has dominated theological discussions for the past 30+ years? Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author seeks to harmonize the teachings of 2 Corinthians and Galatians with other relevant Scriptures, and also helpfully examines the original language in which the epistles were written. An annotated bibliography of other commentaries on 2 Corinthians and Galatians encourages readers to extend their own studies. This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us within the pages of sacred Scripture. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of intepretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind. The author is Professor Emeritus at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO).

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for the lay church member.1 & 2 Thessalonians were written by Paul, Silas & Timothy to a new church whose members were still learning what it means to live out their newfound faith. While working in Thessalonica, the missionaries had spent much time encouraging and instructing the recent converts in the basics of the faith (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12). Since both epistles appear to have been penned within the 2-year span immediately after leaving Thessalonica, it is not surprising to find the three writers continuing their efforts to strengthen the beliefs and practices of the new Christians. In the face of criticism from enemies of the gospel, the letters staunchly defend the gospel message and messengers, and encourage the believers to remain faithful in the face of the warned-about opposition. For those Christians who had developed mistaken ideas about what happens to those who die prior to Christ's second coming, the letters paint a vivid picture of the events preceding Jesus' return, and of the events that will happen as He returns. And because there were certain areas of Christian living where many of the Thessalonians were missing the mark, the epistles offer direct and clear instruction as to how Christians are to live in the present. Being the first of the letters signed by Paul which have been preserved, 1 & 2 Thessalonians give us an important window of insight on the gospel Paul preached from the beginning of his apostolic work - including his understanding about the deity and Lordship of Jesus, the expected timing of Christ's return, and about how faith about the future works itself out in present-day living.This commentary is conservative evangelical Christian in its outlook, yet skillfully examines the Scriptures from multiple theological viewpoints. Introductory Studies cover authorship and attestation, the place and date of writing, the original purpose for writing, an overview of several topics discussed by contemporary commentators and Biblical critics, and an extended review of Paul's eschatology, including his views regarding the timing of the Lord's second coming. Of note, four Special Studies address topics unique to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 and which inextricably color the interpretation of that thorny chapter: The Day of the LordThe ApostasiaThe Man of LawlessnessThe RestrainerSince this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author seeks to harmonize the teachings of 1 & 2 Thessalonians with other relevant Scriptures, and also helpfully examines the original language in which the epistles were written. A fully annotated bibliography of other commentaries on 1 & 2 Thessalonians is included to encourage readers to extend their own studies.This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us within the pages of the sacred Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.The author is Professor Emeritus of the New Testament at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO).