A DIFFERENT KIND OF APPLICATION COMMENTARY: NIVAC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNot all commentaries neglect this important aspect. Recently, I was reading through Mark and thought it would be nice to have some extra input in my Bible study. I remembered that this week we have the NIV Application Commentary<\/em><\/a> on sale, and I’ve never opened it before. So, I tried it out!<\/p>\n\n\n\nNIVAC explains every section of Scripture in three ways: Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance. I’ll give you an example from my own study:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"NIV](\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/NIVACShot1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nORIGINAL CONTEXT: MARK 9:30-50<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFour sections outline the passage: The Second Prediction of Jesus Suffering and Resurrection<\/em> (9:30-37<\/a>), The Unfamiliar Exorcist<\/em> (9:38-40<\/a>), Warning About Causing Others to Stumble<\/em> (9:42-48<\/a>), and Salt<\/em> (9:49-50<\/a>). For the sake of trying to keep this blog short, we’ll look at The Unfamiliar Exorcist.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAN EXCERPT FROM NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJohn proudly announces to Jesus that they saw someone casting out demons in his name and they obstructed him. Their reason for intervening? \u201cBecause he was not one of us.\u201d The complaint drips with irony. The disciples only recently bungled an exorcism, yet they do not hesitate to obstruct someone who is successful but who is not a member of their team. Jesus catches them by surprise when he does not commend them for their vigilance but instead reproves them: \u201cDo not stop him\u201d (9:39).<\/p>
This response recalls Moses\u2019 reply to Joshua. Joshua implored Israel\u2019s leader to do something about unauthorized prophets, \u201cMoses, my lord, stop them!\u201d Moses answered, \u201cAre you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord\u2019s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!\u201d (Num. 11:26-29<\/a>). Are the disciples jealous for Jesus or for themselves? Do they want to corner the exorcism market, which would make them indispensable and revered, whereas Jesus wishes that all were exorcists casting out Satan in his name?<\/p>In the ancient world, exorcists used whatever name of deities they thought would work. Jesus\u2019 explanation for condoning the exorcist\u2019s success in Mark\u2019s account is practical, not theological. He argues that they cannot use his name to do mighty works and speak ill of him later. Anyone who recognizes the power of Jesus\u2019 name will not accuse him of working by Beelzebub, as the teachers of the law from Jerusalem had done (3:22<\/a>).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nINFORMATION YOU NEED<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere’s more information on this passage, but we’ll stop here for now. When reading this, I was thankful for the cross-reference to Moses. I don’t think I would have put that together on my own! And this also helped me understand why the disciples said what they did about the exorcist. But how does this relate to who God is?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"NIVAC](\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/NIVACShot2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBUILDING CONTEXT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFirst, let’s talk about the section headings<\/strong>. The paragraphs above come from the “Original Meaning”<\/em> section of the commentary. This section helps you understand the meaning of the biblical text in its original context. After reading these paragraphs, you should be able to understand the problems, concerns, and questions of the original audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe next heading is “Building Context.”<\/em> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe commentary editors include this section to build a bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today\u2014helping you to understand the parts of Scripture that are timely and timeless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s how the NIV Application Commentary<\/em><\/a> builds context to this passage (again, this is trimmed!):<\/p>\n\n\n\nANOTHER NIVAC EXCERPT<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA deep sense of lowliness understands that God can use anyone and applauds others who are successful for God, even though they may not be on our team. Jesus\u2019 reaction implies that disciples who go along with him must get along with others.<\/p>
He not only opens admission to the reign of God to all and accepts any who come in his name, he sanctions anyone using the power of his name. The barrier between insider and outsider in this episode becomes nebulous. Augustine said: \u201cMany whom God has, the Church does not have; and many whom the Church has, God does not have.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
![\"NIVAC](\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/NIVACShot3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNow, here comes the punch to the heart. How are we, today, making the same mistakes as the disciples? In what ways are we, too, separating and putting ourselves over our brothers and sisters in Christ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus has consistently avoided self-acclamation, but his disciples are all too ready to exalt themselves over others. If Jesus directed the same question to contemporary followers that he asked his first disciples, \u201cWhat were you arguing about on the road?\u201d the answer will be no less embarrassing. Christians still jockey for prominence. The unbridled will to power still surfaces in local churches and in denominational politics, destroying fellowship and eviscerating Christian love.<\/p>
Little has changed. Seminary students who begin their studies with high ideals frequently grow disillusioned by the political gamesmanship that infests churches and denominations. Some ministers become so disillusioned by such machinations that they leave the ministry; others quickly learn to play the game; still others correctly recognize that Jesus does not reject ambition, but they sublimate it by aspiring to become the greatest servant in the church rather than the greatest overlord.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
This section, “Contemporary Significance<\/em>” was created by the editors to “allow the biblical message to speak with as much power today as it did when it was first written.” It is this section that makes the NIV Application Commentary<\/em> <\/a>applicable to your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE with the NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NIVApplicationCommentaryBookSetSocial-1024x580.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe information I pulled from the NIV Application Commentary<\/a><\/em> is only covering two verses<\/strong> of Scripture and<\/em> I had to trim it down! This is truly an in-depth resource that will also help you apply the Bible to your personal life. If you’re wanting to improve your Bible study, or struggling to make Scripture applicable in your teaching, this is definitely a commentary set worth looking into.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet the NIV Application Commentary<\/a> and start using it in the Olive Tree Bible App.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NIVAC explains every section of Scripture in three ways: Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance. I’ll give you an example from my own study:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nORIGINAL CONTEXT: MARK 9:30-50<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFour sections outline the passage: The Second Prediction of Jesus Suffering and Resurrection<\/em> (9:30-37<\/a>), The Unfamiliar Exorcist<\/em> (9:38-40<\/a>), Warning About Causing Others to Stumble<\/em> (9:42-48<\/a>), and Salt<\/em> (9:49-50<\/a>). For the sake of trying to keep this blog short, we’ll look at The Unfamiliar Exorcist.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAN EXCERPT FROM NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJohn proudly announces to Jesus that they saw someone casting out demons in his name and they obstructed him. Their reason for intervening? \u201cBecause he was not one of us.\u201d The complaint drips with irony. The disciples only recently bungled an exorcism, yet they do not hesitate to obstruct someone who is successful but who is not a member of their team. Jesus catches them by surprise when he does not commend them for their vigilance but instead reproves them: \u201cDo not stop him\u201d (9:39).<\/p>
This response recalls Moses\u2019 reply to Joshua. Joshua implored Israel\u2019s leader to do something about unauthorized prophets, \u201cMoses, my lord, stop them!\u201d Moses answered, \u201cAre you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord\u2019s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!\u201d (Num. 11:26-29<\/a>). Are the disciples jealous for Jesus or for themselves? Do they want to corner the exorcism market, which would make them indispensable and revered, whereas Jesus wishes that all were exorcists casting out Satan in his name?<\/p>In the ancient world, exorcists used whatever name of deities they thought would work. Jesus\u2019 explanation for condoning the exorcist\u2019s success in Mark\u2019s account is practical, not theological. He argues that they cannot use his name to do mighty works and speak ill of him later. Anyone who recognizes the power of Jesus\u2019 name will not accuse him of working by Beelzebub, as the teachers of the law from Jerusalem had done (3:22<\/a>).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nINFORMATION YOU NEED<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere’s more information on this passage, but we’ll stop here for now. When reading this, I was thankful for the cross-reference to Moses. I don’t think I would have put that together on my own! And this also helped me understand why the disciples said what they did about the exorcist. But how does this relate to who God is?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBUILDING CONTEXT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFirst, let’s talk about the section headings<\/strong>. The paragraphs above come from the “Original Meaning”<\/em> section of the commentary. This section helps you understand the meaning of the biblical text in its original context. After reading these paragraphs, you should be able to understand the problems, concerns, and questions of the original audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe next heading is “Building Context.”<\/em> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe commentary editors include this section to build a bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today\u2014helping you to understand the parts of Scripture that are timely and timeless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s how the NIV Application Commentary<\/em><\/a> builds context to this passage (again, this is trimmed!):<\/p>\n\n\n\nANOTHER NIVAC EXCERPT<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA deep sense of lowliness understands that God can use anyone and applauds others who are successful for God, even though they may not be on our team. Jesus\u2019 reaction implies that disciples who go along with him must get along with others.<\/p>
He not only opens admission to the reign of God to all and accepts any who come in his name, he sanctions anyone using the power of his name. The barrier between insider and outsider in this episode becomes nebulous. Augustine said: \u201cMany whom God has, the Church does not have; and many whom the Church has, God does not have.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNow, here comes the punch to the heart. How are we, today, making the same mistakes as the disciples? In what ways are we, too, separating and putting ourselves over our brothers and sisters in Christ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus has consistently avoided self-acclamation, but his disciples are all too ready to exalt themselves over others. If Jesus directed the same question to contemporary followers that he asked his first disciples, \u201cWhat were you arguing about on the road?\u201d the answer will be no less embarrassing. Christians still jockey for prominence. The unbridled will to power still surfaces in local churches and in denominational politics, destroying fellowship and eviscerating Christian love.<\/p>
Little has changed. Seminary students who begin their studies with high ideals frequently grow disillusioned by the political gamesmanship that infests churches and denominations. Some ministers become so disillusioned by such machinations that they leave the ministry; others quickly learn to play the game; still others correctly recognize that Jesus does not reject ambition, but they sublimate it by aspiring to become the greatest servant in the church rather than the greatest overlord.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
This section, “Contemporary Significance<\/em>” was created by the editors to “allow the biblical message to speak with as much power today as it did when it was first written.” It is this section that makes the NIV Application Commentary<\/em> <\/a>applicable to your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE with the NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe information I pulled from the NIV Application Commentary<\/a><\/em> is only covering two verses<\/strong> of Scripture and<\/em> I had to trim it down! This is truly an in-depth resource that will also help you apply the Bible to your personal life. If you’re wanting to improve your Bible study, or struggling to make Scripture applicable in your teaching, this is definitely a commentary set worth looking into.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet the NIV Application Commentary<\/a> and start using it in the Olive Tree Bible App.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AN EXCERPT FROM NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJohn proudly announces to Jesus that they saw someone casting out demons in his name and they obstructed him. Their reason for intervening? \u201cBecause he was not one of us.\u201d The complaint drips with irony. The disciples only recently bungled an exorcism, yet they do not hesitate to obstruct someone who is successful but who is not a member of their team. Jesus catches them by surprise when he does not commend them for their vigilance but instead reproves them: \u201cDo not stop him\u201d (9:39).<\/p>
This response recalls Moses\u2019 reply to Joshua. Joshua implored Israel\u2019s leader to do something about unauthorized prophets, \u201cMoses, my lord, stop them!\u201d Moses answered, \u201cAre you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord\u2019s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!\u201d (Num. 11:26-29<\/a>). Are the disciples jealous for Jesus or for themselves? Do they want to corner the exorcism market, which would make them indispensable and revered, whereas Jesus wishes that all were exorcists casting out Satan in his name?<\/p>In the ancient world, exorcists used whatever name of deities they thought would work. Jesus\u2019 explanation for condoning the exorcist\u2019s success in Mark\u2019s account is practical, not theological. He argues that they cannot use his name to do mighty works and speak ill of him later. Anyone who recognizes the power of Jesus\u2019 name will not accuse him of working by Beelzebub, as the teachers of the law from Jerusalem had done (3:22<\/a>).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nINFORMATION YOU NEED<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere’s more information on this passage, but we’ll stop here for now. When reading this, I was thankful for the cross-reference to Moses. I don’t think I would have put that together on my own! And this also helped me understand why the disciples said what they did about the exorcist. But how does this relate to who God is?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBUILDING CONTEXT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFirst, let’s talk about the section headings<\/strong>. The paragraphs above come from the “Original Meaning”<\/em> section of the commentary. This section helps you understand the meaning of the biblical text in its original context. After reading these paragraphs, you should be able to understand the problems, concerns, and questions of the original audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe next heading is “Building Context.”<\/em> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe commentary editors include this section to build a bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today\u2014helping you to understand the parts of Scripture that are timely and timeless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s how the NIV Application Commentary<\/em><\/a> builds context to this passage (again, this is trimmed!):<\/p>\n\n\n\nANOTHER NIVAC EXCERPT<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA deep sense of lowliness understands that God can use anyone and applauds others who are successful for God, even though they may not be on our team. Jesus\u2019 reaction implies that disciples who go along with him must get along with others.<\/p>
He not only opens admission to the reign of God to all and accepts any who come in his name, he sanctions anyone using the power of his name. The barrier between insider and outsider in this episode becomes nebulous. Augustine said: \u201cMany whom God has, the Church does not have; and many whom the Church has, God does not have.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNow, here comes the punch to the heart. How are we, today, making the same mistakes as the disciples? In what ways are we, too, separating and putting ourselves over our brothers and sisters in Christ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus has consistently avoided self-acclamation, but his disciples are all too ready to exalt themselves over others. If Jesus directed the same question to contemporary followers that he asked his first disciples, \u201cWhat were you arguing about on the road?\u201d the answer will be no less embarrassing. Christians still jockey for prominence. The unbridled will to power still surfaces in local churches and in denominational politics, destroying fellowship and eviscerating Christian love.<\/p>
Little has changed. Seminary students who begin their studies with high ideals frequently grow disillusioned by the political gamesmanship that infests churches and denominations. Some ministers become so disillusioned by such machinations that they leave the ministry; others quickly learn to play the game; still others correctly recognize that Jesus does not reject ambition, but they sublimate it by aspiring to become the greatest servant in the church rather than the greatest overlord.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
This section, “Contemporary Significance<\/em>” was created by the editors to “allow the biblical message to speak with as much power today as it did when it was first written.” It is this section that makes the NIV Application Commentary<\/em> <\/a>applicable to your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE with the NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe information I pulled from the NIV Application Commentary<\/a><\/em> is only covering two verses<\/strong> of Scripture and<\/em> I had to trim it down! This is truly an in-depth resource that will also help you apply the Bible to your personal life. If you’re wanting to improve your Bible study, or struggling to make Scripture applicable in your teaching, this is definitely a commentary set worth looking into.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet the NIV Application Commentary<\/a> and start using it in the Olive Tree Bible App.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John proudly announces to Jesus that they saw someone casting out demons in his name and they obstructed him. Their reason for intervening? \u201cBecause he was not one of us.\u201d The complaint drips with irony. The disciples only recently bungled an exorcism, yet they do not hesitate to obstruct someone who is successful but who is not a member of their team. Jesus catches them by surprise when he does not commend them for their vigilance but instead reproves them: \u201cDo not stop him\u201d (9:39).<\/p>
This response recalls Moses\u2019 reply to Joshua. Joshua implored Israel\u2019s leader to do something about unauthorized prophets, \u201cMoses, my lord, stop them!\u201d Moses answered, \u201cAre you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord\u2019s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!\u201d (Num. 11:26-29<\/a>). Are the disciples jealous for Jesus or for themselves? Do they want to corner the exorcism market, which would make them indispensable and revered, whereas Jesus wishes that all were exorcists casting out Satan in his name?<\/p> In the ancient world, exorcists used whatever name of deities they thought would work. Jesus\u2019 explanation for condoning the exorcist\u2019s success in Mark\u2019s account is practical, not theological. He argues that they cannot use his name to do mighty works and speak ill of him later. Anyone who recognizes the power of Jesus\u2019 name will not accuse him of working by Beelzebub, as the teachers of the law from Jerusalem had done (3:22<\/a>).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n There’s more information on this passage, but we’ll stop here for now. When reading this, I was thankful for the cross-reference to Moses. I don’t think I would have put that together on my own! And this also helped me understand why the disciples said what they did about the exorcist. But how does this relate to who God is?<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let’s talk about the section headings<\/strong>. The paragraphs above come from the “Original Meaning”<\/em> section of the commentary. This section helps you understand the meaning of the biblical text in its original context. After reading these paragraphs, you should be able to understand the problems, concerns, and questions of the original audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commentary editors include this section to build a bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today\u2014helping you to understand the parts of Scripture that are timely and timeless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s how the NIV Application Commentary<\/em><\/a> builds context to this passage (again, this is trimmed!):<\/p>\n\n\n\n A deep sense of lowliness understands that God can use anyone and applauds others who are successful for God, even though they may not be on our team. Jesus\u2019 reaction implies that disciples who go along with him must get along with others.<\/p> He not only opens admission to the reign of God to all and accepts any who come in his name, he sanctions anyone using the power of his name. The barrier between insider and outsider in this episode becomes nebulous. Augustine said: \u201cMany whom God has, the Church does not have; and many whom the Church has, God does not have.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Now, here comes the punch to the heart. How are we, today, making the same mistakes as the disciples? In what ways are we, too, separating and putting ourselves over our brothers and sisters in Christ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus has consistently avoided self-acclamation, but his disciples are all too ready to exalt themselves over others. If Jesus directed the same question to contemporary followers that he asked his first disciples, \u201cWhat were you arguing about on the road?\u201d the answer will be no less embarrassing. Christians still jockey for prominence. The unbridled will to power still surfaces in local churches and in denominational politics, destroying fellowship and eviscerating Christian love.<\/p> Little has changed. Seminary students who begin their studies with high ideals frequently grow disillusioned by the political gamesmanship that infests churches and denominations. Some ministers become so disillusioned by such machinations that they leave the ministry; others quickly learn to play the game; still others correctly recognize that Jesus does not reject ambition, but they sublimate it by aspiring to become the greatest servant in the church rather than the greatest overlord.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This section, “Contemporary Significance<\/em>” was created by the editors to “allow the biblical message to speak with as much power today as it did when it was first written.” It is this section that makes the NIV Application Commentary<\/em> <\/a>applicable to your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The information I pulled from the NIV Application Commentary<\/a><\/em> is only covering two verses<\/strong> of Scripture and<\/em> I had to trim it down! This is truly an in-depth resource that will also help you apply the Bible to your personal life. If you’re wanting to improve your Bible study, or struggling to make Scripture applicable in your teaching, this is definitely a commentary set worth looking into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get the NIV Application Commentary<\/a> and start using it in the Olive Tree Bible App.<\/p>\n\n\n\nINFORMATION YOU NEED<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBUILDING CONTEXT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The next heading is “Building Context.”<\/em> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ANOTHER NIVAC EXCERPT<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
LEARN MORE with the NIV APPLICATION COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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