Perspectives on Revelation are everywhere. One affirms that its events reflect happenings contemporary to John’s life. An alternate view sees Revelation as a prophetic summary of church history. Yet another presents the account as a perfect forecast of the end times. However, as J. Ramsey Michaels argues, these positions nullify Revelation’s meaning to Christians through the ages.

What John saw must be taken seriously if Revelation is to have significance for Christians in any time. Michaels reminds readers of Revelation’s genre: prophetic testimony—one as important for today’s church as it was for John’s original audience.

Not many books of the Bible have so impacted the movement of church history like Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

Think of Augustine’s heart-rending conversion in the fourth century, or Martin Luther’s monumental rediscovery of justification by faith in the 16th. Think of John Wesley’s conversion and how it influenced the church to realize the need for personal salvation in the 18th century. Think of Barth’s challenging theological exegesis in the twentieth century: to all of these, Romans was a driving factor, whether for spiritual birth or rediscovery of what is essentially the Gospel.

Seeking to unite the Jews and Gentiles of Rome, Paul explains to both groups what brings them together: their salvation by grace, through faith in God. He lays out this striking message and its implications for the church in his letter to the Romans, which is as imperative today as it was in the ancient world.

This work by Grant R. Osborne leads the reader through what Romans meant to its first audiences and how that applies to our lives today.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude volume:

Because the Catholic Epistles focus on orthodox faith and morals, the Fathers drew on them as a means of defense against the rising challenge of heretics. This factor gave these letters a freshness and relevance to conditions in the fourth and fifth centuries that might otherwise seem surprising. Many of the Fathers unabashedly saw in them anticipatory attacks on Marcion and strong defenses against the Arians. They did so quite naturally because in their view truth was eternal and deviations from it had existed from the beginning.

Above all, the Fathers found in the Catholic Epistles a manual for spiritual warfare, counsel for the faithful in the cosmic struggle between good and evil. In them was sound instruction in the ways of self-sacrifice, generosity and humility, through which the cosmic forces of evil could be defeated.

Allusions to these letters go back as far as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus and Tertullian, but the first commentary derives from Clement of Alexandria. Didymus the Blind was the next significant Greek-speaking commentator, though his commentary is fully extant only in Latin translation. Many of the comments from the early centuries have been passed on to us through Latin catenae, or chain commentaries, in which a later commentator collected comments from a variety of sources and chained them together in a fashion much like that of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Among Latin commentators on these letters, pride of place must be given to Bede the Venerable.

This volume opens up a treasure house of ancient wisdom that allows these faithful witnesses, some appearing here in English translation for the first time, to speak with eloquence and intellectual acumen to the church today.

As a good communicator, James addressed his readers directly and pointedly, with vivid images from ordinary life and attention-gripping statements.

The Message of James brings James' letter to life for today's reader. Alec Motyer is himself gripped by James' energy and concern for practical Christianity. The letter shows how a genuine faith is a tested faith; how encounter with difficulties is an essential part of the growth to Christian maturity. This book powerfully brings out James' memorable themes - the link between enduring trials and maturity; the question of perfection; the good gifts of God; faith, works and Christian concern in a world of human need; the implications of careless and evil words; the meaning of war; the church and healing; confession of sin; and the need for active purity of life.

For James, genuine Christianity is practical. It is a tested faith. In this admirable exposition, Alec Motyer captures James' forthright and powerful message for today. As a good communicator, James addressed his readers directly and pointedly, with vivid images from ordinary life and attention-gripping statements.

This rich exposition bring James' letter to life for today's reader. Alec Motyer is himself gripped by James' energy and concern for practical Christianity. The letter shows how a genuine faith is a tested faith; how encounter with difficulties is an essential part of the growth to Christian maturity. This book powerfully brings out James' memorable themes - the link between enduring trials and maturity; the question of perfection; the good gifts of God; faith, works and Christian concern in a world of human need; the implications of careless and evil words; the meaning of war; the church and healing; confession of sin; and the need for active purity of life.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

Peter H. Davids brings to the New International Greek Testament Commentary series a bold, extensive approach to scholarly work on the letter of James. This highly acclaimed commentary breaks new grounds in synthesizing the Hellenistic/Judaic backdrops of early Christian literature with the importance of the distinctiveness of Christian theology. His work carefully approaches the controversial discourses around authorship, date of composition, and the themes of Christian character found in this important and unique epistle.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the Jeremiah, Lamentations volume:

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, prophesied for four decades under the last five kings of Judah--from 627 to 587 B.C. His mission: a call to repentance. Among the Apostolic Fathers, Jeremiah was rarely cited, but several later authors give prominent attention to him, including Origen, Theodoret of Cyr and Jerome who wrote individual commentaries on Jeremiah and Cyril of Alexandria and Ephrem the Syrian who compiled catenae.

Justin and Irenaeus made use of Jeremiah to define Christians over against Jews. Athanasius made use of him in trinitarian debates. Cyril of Jerusalem, Irenaeus, Basil the Great and Clement of Alexandria all drew on Jeremiah for ethical exhortation.

Lamentations, as might be expected, quickly became associated with losses and death, notably in Gregory of Nyssa's Funeral Orations on Meletius. By extension the Fathers saw Lamentations as a description of the challenges that face Christians in a fallen world.

Readers will find some ancient authors translated into English here for the first time. Throughout they will gain insight and encouragement in the life of faith as seen through ancient pastoral eyes.

The prophet Jeremiah addressed the people of Judah and Jerusalem over a forty-year period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. The book of Jeremiah addresses the exiles, especially those in Babylon, in the years after the catastrophe.

Here we encounter Jeremiah the prophet who, from his youth to old age, delivered the word of God to the people of Israel at the most terrifying time in all their troubled history. Understanding Jeremiah's context is essential to understanding his life and message.

More than that we must encounter the God of Jeremiah--an encounter that should be both profoundly disturbing and ultimately reassuring, as it was for him. If Jeremiah spoke in his day, and if the book still speaks today, in both cases it is because of the God who called the man to speak and commanded the book to be written.

In the end, Jeremiah is a book of the victory of God's love and grace. His redemptive, reconstructive work comprises the book's portrait of the future--a future that we see fulfilled in the New Testament through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Ultimately we see it in God's dwelling with his redeemed people forever in the new creation.

A replacement volume in the Bible Speaks Today Old Testament commentary series, this book offers a new exposition on the book of Jeremiah.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the Job volume:

The book of Job presents its readers with a profound drama concerning innocent suffering. Such honest, forthright wrestling with evil and the silence of God has intrigued a wide range of readers, both religious and nonreligious.

Surprisingly, the earliest fathers showed little interest in the book of Job. Not until Origen in the early third century is there much evidence of any systematic treatment of the book, and most of Origen's treatment is known to us only from the catenae. More intense interest came at the end of the fourth century and the beginning of the fifth.

The excerpts in this collection focus on systematic treatment. Among Greek texts are those from Origen, Didymus the Blind, Julian the Arian, John Chrysostom, Hesychius of Jerusalem and Olympiodorus. Among Latin sources we find Julian of Eclanum, Philip the Priest and Gregory the Great. Among Syriac sources we find Ephrem the Syrian and Isho‘dad of Merv, some of whose work is made available here for the first time in English.

In store for readers of this volume is once again a great feast of wisdom from the ancient resources of the church.

• Why do people suffer?
• What is God's role in suffering?
• How can we help those who suffer?

The fact of suffering in the world challenges us with its questions. The book of Job is all about human suffering. Its portrayal of one man's sufferings, the ineffective responses of his friends, and his struggle for faith and understanding mirrors our own experiences in the world.

David Atkinson offers a pastoral exploration of Job's story. His compelling exposition shows the power of the book of Job to reach into our human situation and to engage with our human needs. It offers, he believes, the strong comfort which comes from knowing that someone else has been there before. The message of Job is both a comfort to us in our own suffering and a model for our ministry to others in pain.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

Where is God in times of disaster? How can God allow suffering? What are God's people to do about moral decay in society? While people throughout the ages have long pondered these questions, three of the minor prophets--Joel, Micah and Habakkuk--provide insights to these perennial problems.

The people of Joel's day were devastated by a locust plague, which Joel said warned of the coming Day of the Lord. Micah rebuked a culture of corruption and moral evil. Habakkuk cried out to the Lord on account of a society bent on violence. All three point to a transcendent God who gives hope in times of uncertainty.

David Prior's passage-by-passage exposition of these three books provides careful study and measured insight and application for today's church.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the John 1-10 volume:

The Gospel of John was beloved by the early church, much as it is today, for its spiritual insight and clear declaration of Jesus' divinity. Clement of Alexandria indeed declared it the "spiritual Gospel." Early disputers with heretics such as Cerinthus and the Ebionites drew upon the Gospel of John to refute their heretical notions and uphold the full deity of Christ, and this Gospel more than any other was central to the trinitarian and christological debates of the fourth and fifth centuries.

At the same time, the Gospel of John was also thought to be the most chronological, and even to this day is the source of our sense of Jesus' having a three-year ministry. And John Chrysostom's Homilies on John, perhaps more than any other commentary, emphasize Christ's humanity and condescension toward the human race.

In addition to the serial homilies of John Chrysostom, readers of this volume will find selections from those of Origen, Theodore of Mopsuestia, Cyril of Alexandria and Augustine. These commentaries are supplemented with homiletic material from Gregory the Great, Peter Chrysologus, Caesarius, Amphilochius, Basil the Great and Basil of Seleucia among others. Liturgical selections derive from Ephrem the Syrian, Ambrose and Romanos the Melodist, which are further supplemented with doctrinal material from Athanasius, the Cappodocians, Hilary and Ambrose.

This rich tradition, some of which is here translated for the first time, offers a vast treasure out of which today's scribes trained for the kingdom may bring forth that which is new and what is old.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the John 11-21 volume:

The Gospel of John was beloved by the early church, much as it is today, for its spiritual insight and clear declaration of Jesus' divinity. Clement of Alexandria indeed declared it the "spiritual Gospel." Early disputers with heretics such as Cerinthus and the Ebionites drew upon the Gospel of John to refute their heretical notions and uphold the full deity of Christ, and this Gospel more than any other was central to the trinitarian and christological debates of the fourth and fifth centuries.

At the same time, the Gospel of John was also thought to be the most chronological, and even to this day is the source of our sense of Jesus' having a three-year ministry. And John Chrysostom's Homilies on John, perhaps more than any other commentary, emphasize Christ's humanity and condescension toward the human race.

In addition to the serial homilies of John Chrysostom, readers of this volume will find selections from those of Origen, Theodore of Mopsuestia, Cyril of Alexandria and Augustine. These commentaries are supplemented with homiletic material from Gregory the Great, Peter Chrysologus, Caesarius, Amphilochius, Basil the Great and Basil of Seleucia among others. Liturgical selections derive from Ephrem the Syrian, Ambrose and Romanos the Melodist, which are further supplemented with doctrinal material from Athanasius, the Cappodocians, Hilary and Ambrose.

This rich tradition, some of which is here translated for the first time, offers a vast treasure out of which today's scribes trained for the kingdom may bring forth that which is new and what is old.

In a climate of disunity and doctrinal deviation, the apostle John called his first readers to live in the love and truth of God.

David Jackman has no doubt that John's letters are a vital, powerful word from the Lord to the church today around the world. So often we take extreme positions, leading to a fragmentation of both churches and individuals. The Message of John's Letters will help us to respond afresh to the apostle's call to love one another and live in the light.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

John's Gospel has had an incalculable impact on human history. Its pages contain a moral and spiritual potency which, over the centuries, has transformed communities, brought about political change and remade human character on a scale without precedent.

The power remains in the Gospel today. At its centre, as at the centre of his exposition, is Jesus Christ in his glory and grace, majesty and tenderness. Bruce Milne believes that we can experience his presence even today, for the Gospel was 'written that ... you may have life in his name'.

The Gospel of John is a witness to the King, as much a tract for our times as for John's. Bruce Milne's exposition focuses on the ministry of Jesus before his incarnation, during his life on earth and after his resurrection. The centrepiece of this Gospel is the cross, and its background the solemnity of God's judgment of the world.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The book of Jonah is mostly remembered for its oddity--a runaway prophet swallowed by a whale!

But there must be more to the book than that. And indeed there is. For one thing, it is a book artfully constructed, with one chapter devoted to a psalm. It is a book that will reward careful reading and meditation.

But more than that, in the drama of Jonah we find charted the course not just of this angular prophet but of Isreal's attitude toward its most despised neighbor in the Mediterranean world. Jonah refuses to answer God's call to go and proclaim judgement because he knows God is just the kind of God who respond in mercy and grace should the Assyrians repent. Jonah will have no part of it--until he is compelled. And even then he pitties himself.

The irony of this prophet's story is amusing--but it reaches out and touches us where we are today. Rosemary Nixon's exposition explores the book in its own right and helps us make the connections with our veiw of God and his world today.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel volume:

The history of the entry into the Promised Land followed by that of the period of the judges and early monarchy may not appear to readers today as a source for expounding the Christian faith. But the church fathers readily found parallels, or types, in the narrative that illumined the New Testament. An obvious link was the similarity in name between Joshua, Moses' successor, and Jesus--indeed, in Greek both names are identical. Thus Joshua was consistently interpreted as a type of Christ. So too was Samuel. David was recognized as an ancestor of Jesus, and parallels between their two lives were readily explored. And Ruth, in ready fashion, was seen as a type of the church.

Among the most important sources for commentary on these books are the homilies of Origen, most of which are known to us through the Latin translations of Rufinus and Jerome. Only two running commentaries exist--one from Gregory of Nazianzus, one of the famous Cappadocian theologians, the other from Bede the Venerable.

Another key source for the selections found here derives from question-and-answer format, such as Questions on the Heptateuch from Augustine, Questions on the Octateuch from Theodoret of Cyr and Thirty Questions on 1 Samuel from Bede. The remainder of materials come from a wide variety of occasional and doctrinal writings, which make mention of the biblical texts to support the arguments.

Readers will find a rich treasure trove of ancient wisdom, some appearing here for the first time in English translation, that speaks with eloquence and challenging spiritual insight to the church today.

The book of Joshua recounts the momentous events of Israel’s entry into Canaan, the promised land: Joshua’s commission and reassurance, crossing the Jordan river, the capture of Jericho and Ai, the grand covenant renewal ceremony at Mount Ebal, the curious treaty with the Gibeonites, and a rapid overview of the campaigns in the south and the north. The second half of the book gives extensive details of the allotment of the land to each tribe, before resuming the conquest story and concluding with farewell speeches and burial notices.

It is an action-packed story—but perhaps more than any other, Joshua is the Old Testament book that most troubles contemporary readers, whether Christians or critics: Isn’t there too much violence, and isn’t this inconsistent with the rest of Scripture, and the gospel?

David Firth begins his excellent exposition with a careful and helpful response to this issue. However, while addressing the problems is undoubtedly important, we must also consider how the book continues to speak to us today as God’s word. Firth’s basic contention is that we have to read Joshua as part of God’s mission, which for much of the Old Testament centered on Israel, but finds its ultimate focus in Jesus Christ. The book challenges those who have read it down through the ages to recognize that God not only includes those who join him in his mission, he also excludes those who choose to set themselves against it.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The book of Judges bustles with colorful characters.

• Ehud, a left-handed political assassin who cleverly dispatches a corpulent king.
• Deborah, a bold prophet and matriarch of Israel who musters tribes to war.
• Samson, a Rambo-like warrior who dallies with women and annihilates Philistines in a temple of doom.

To Christian readers Judges is interesting, sometimes inspiring, but also puzzling. What message should we take from it? How are we to understand the ambiguous spirituality of the judges themselves? What was God doing during this wayward period between Joshua and Samuel?

With wit, insight and sensitivity to the narrator's art, Michael Wilcock answers these and other questions. God himself is the Judge, he argues, who transcends the uncertain record of human judges. He is the principal actor in this drama. Always ready to respond to those who call on him, he takes the initiative and uses raw human resources to preserve Israel from her enemies and shape the nation for his purpose.

In exposing the twists and turns and nuances of this story, Wilcock sends us back to Judges with a renewed quest, not only to rediscover the story of God and Israel, but to find fresh perspective on the ways of God and his church in a post-Christian world.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

At the beginning of 1 and 2 Kings, Solomon's reign brought peace, prosperity, dynamic international trade and a magnificent center of worship. At the end, by contrast, the people faced a complete reversal: they and their king were in exile; Jerusalem and the temple lay in ruins.

How can this story of reversal, told by the very people who suffered the defeat, be of value today and equip us "for every good work"?

John Olley shows how the two books of Kings retell the past as preached history, addressing the exilic situation of the original readers. This in turn helps as we ask how they speak to us today. Within the account of paths leading to short-term success but ultimate failure, there are pointers of hope, of God's continuing purposes and promises, and of the people's response in the present.

In rich and often surprising ways, the narrative in Kings is part of the history that has shaped, and will continue to shape, the faith and life of Christian believers. Everyday life, along with the turmoil of national and global events, is the arena in which God's people are called to worship, trust and obey him, and it is on aspects of this life that 1 and 2 Kings can throw light.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BC is the likely setting for the book of Lamentations. This was the most traumatic event in the whole of Old Testament history, with its extreme human suffering, devastation of the ancient city, national humiliation, and the undermining of all that was thought to be theologically guaranteed like the Davidic monarchy, the city of Zion, and the temple of the God of Israel.

It is out of that unspeakable pain that Lamentations speaks, in poetry of astonishing beauty and intricacy, though soaked in tears.

If we neglect this book, says Chris Wright, we miss the challenge and reward of wrestling with the massive theological issues that permeate it. How can suffering be endured alongside faith in an all-loving, good God? Even if these events are recognized and accepted as God's judgment, has not the flood of brutality and evil gone beyond all bounds? If anarchy, death and destruction stalk the land, can the center of Israel’s faith in the covenant God of faithfulness and mercy hold?

In this Bible Speaks Today volume, Wright shows that as Christian readers we must not, and cannot, isolate Lamentations from the rest of the Bible; and equally, that we should not read the rest of the Bible without Lamentations. We must still let it speak for itself, as a book for today.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.