Is there any useless religion around today? Do we see evidence of people merely going through the motions of religion, professing faith in Christ without any evidence of it showing up in their lives? If so, these are indications that we need the epistle of James today. Written by the half-brother of Jesus, this letter helps us attack stale, humdrum, useless religion. Among the many practical issues that James deals with are: suffering, 'the gap' between hearing and doing, controlling the tongue, and resisting the world. Roger Ellsworth's studies in this letter draw out the challenges for us as believers in the 21st century - here are lessons we badly need to hear today.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Having served for many years as a pastor, Roger Ellsworth is currently engaged in itinerant ministry. He is also the author of fifty books, many of which have been published by Day One. He and his wife, Sylvia, have two sons and five grand-children.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why me? Can suffering serve any good purpose? These are real questions that many wrestle with today—and that Job wrestled with thousands of years ago. The Book of Job is a historical biography of Job, 'a blameless and upright man', one justified by faith in the sight of God. As it traces his spiritual journey through tragic bereavement and illness, it helps us find solutions to these and other ‘hot potato’ questions and shows us that sickness and suffering are not always inevitably linked to personal sin.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Ian McNaughton was converted when 19 years old after attending his local church for several years, following which he studied theology at the Free Church of Scotland College, Edinburgh, gaining their post-graduate Diploma in Theology and subsequently gaining a Master of Theology degree in Historical Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, Pennsylvania, USA. He has served as a pastor in FIEC Churches for over thirty years and is now pastor of West Worthing Evangelical Church, West Sussex. He and his wife, Violet, have one adult son, Mark.

Is God responsible for natural disasters? Some would say that he punishes us by sending storms and floods. In Joel's time, Judah was suffering the after-effects of a severe plague of locusts. Joel was in no doubt that God had sent the locusts to chastise the people of Judah for their sinful lifestyles, an indication of the coming 'great and dreadful day of the LORD'. Speaking of the judgement that would fall first on God's own people and then on all the nations of world, Joel called everyone to repent. This book seeks to relate these long-ago events.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Michael Bentley worked as a bookshop manager and served in the British army before his call to the ministry. He has a diverse background, which includes freelance religious reporting for national and religious radio and television, being a Religious Education teacher, and holding pastorates in Surrey, South East London, and Berkshire. He is also closely involved with his local community as a member of various committees and councils. His hobbies include singing second bass in the Bracknell Choral Society. Now retired, he still preaches regularly and has a ministry of writing, with some thirteen books in print including Opening Up Amos and Face2face: David. He lives in Bracknell with his wife, Jenny, and has five children and seven grandchildren.

Right at the end of his Gospel, John tells us why he wrote it: that we may 'believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing [we] may have life in his name'. John therefore filled his Gospel with carefully selected evidence to encourage our belief in Jesus. In this detailed yet easy-to-read commentary, Andrew Paterson examines the eyewitness evidence John provided concerning Christ's power and authority, showing us that John wanted this evidence to result not merely in intellectual assent to these truths, but rather in 'life' in Christ's name.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

For over 20 years Andrew Paterson has headed up the leadership team at Kensington Baptist Church in inner-city Bristol England. A former President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (2001-2004), Andrew has spoken at conferences around the world. He has worked extensively in Christian radio and on the BBC. He is married to Kath and they have 2 children.

Think Jonah, think whale. Or should we? Actually no. The whale, or great fish, merely appears among the list of supporting cast, along with the worm which appears later in the account. Instead, the book is about the character of God. It shows us something of his burning holiness, something of his powerful and detailed ordering of events, and something of his tender mercy.

In this easy-to-read guide, you will learn many things about how God controls nature, governs history, and shows remarkable grace to a city of people who hardly seem likely candidates for his mercy.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Paul Mackrell grew up in Hampshire but now lives in West Sussex with his wife, Sue, who comes from Liverpool. They have three daughters, two sons and nine grandchildren.

Who was Joshua? He was the man who succeeded Moses and led the ancient nation of Israel during its conquest of the land of Canaan. The book of Joshua tells us the story of this conquest. But how is such a book relevant for us today in the twenty-first century? In this warm and engaging study, Roger Ellsworth demonstrates the importance of the book of Joshua for today. He shows how the story of Israel in the land of Canaan pictures the life of the Christian in this world, a life of struggle, hardship and conflict. He highlights the truths found in the book of Joshua, which will encourage and comfort Christians in those struggles. Finally, by looking at Joshua, he points us to Christ, our leader and captain.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Having served for almost fifty years as a pastor, Roger Ellsworth is now engaged in an itinerant ministry. He has also authored over fifty books. He and his wife, Sylvia, have two sons, Tim and Marty, and five grandchildren

A man slain by a tent peg; a superman dispatching his enemies with the jawbone of a donkey; yet another man carving up a woman. It is all in the book of Judges, and it is all covered by Simon J Robinson who leads us through the book, opening it up and applying it powerfully and relevantly to readers today.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Simon Robinson is the former minister of Walton Evangelical Church, Chesterfield, England. He has also written several other books, all published by Day One, including Jesus, the life-changer, Improving your quiet time, Face2face Elijah and Opening up 1 Timothy. He also preaches and teaches in Asia and the United States. He and his wife, Hazel, have two sons.

The Gospel of Luke makes remarkable reading. It introduces us to many people the other Gospels don't mention; it shows the compassion of Jesus in a special way; it is the only Gospel written by a Gentile. Let Gavin Childress guide you through its message in easy stages, and there is plenty to think (and talk) about in the discussion points at the end of each chapter.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Gavin Childress has been a pastor at Grace Baptist Church, Tottenham, North London, since 1987. He has always enjoyed introducing people to the Bible and the gospel of God’s saving grace. He and his wife Cathy have five children. Gavin is co-author with Audrey Dooley of Reading your Bible—A starter’s guide, also published by Day One.

It was a depressing time. Priests and people, both of whom who had been enormously blessed by God, were shuffling through their religion, muttering all the while about how burdensome it was. Questioning God's love, dishonouring his name, sighing over his service, breaking his laws and doubting his promises - these were the orders of the day. A wake-up call was needed, and God provided it through Malachi. This man was no cuddly teddy bear. Through a series of candid dialogues, he called his people to see themselves as God saw them and to return to him. His message of sin and return rises from the pages of this short prophecy to challenge and assure us as well.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Having served for many years as a pastor, Roger Ellsworth is currently engaged in itinerant ministry. He is also the author of fifty books, many of which have been published by Day One. He and his wife, Sylvia, have two sons and five grand-children.

In Nahum's prophecy, we see the Lord's involvement in history as the ultimate Judge and King of all men. It deals with the difficult subject of God's righteous wrath against sin, which is practically demonstrated in the book of Nahum as his vengeance revealed in Nineveh's overthrow. Yet even in this, the grace and mercy of God in salvation shines through to bring hope to his people. Here is a guide to help the reader gain an understanding of this difficult subject and to see its relevance to the twenty-first century.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Clive Anderson is a Christian minister and author of nine books on historical and biblical subjects, including the prophet Nahum and Sennacherib of Assyria. He co authored with Brian Edwards the popular Though the British Museum with the Bible. Clive regularly leads tours of the British Museum and Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Italy and Greece. He is married to Amanda and they live in Hampshire, UK.

Most people don’t know the book of Obadiah even exists, let alone what it contains. In fact, you would be hard pushed to find a Christian who could tell you anything about it. You could make a good case for Obadiah being the least among Bible books—it’s certainly the shortest. It isn’t quoted in the New Testament and, to be honest, it isn’t very quotable.

But, as Andrew Thomson demonstrates throughout this practically applied commentary, we can’t dismiss Obadiah as irrelevant. It warns about the approaching ‘day of the LORD’, a day that is relevant to us all. Obadiah wants us to live our lives now in light of that day: to be sobered by it, but also to be spurred on by it.

To Edom that was bad news, but to us it can be good news—the gospel!

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Andrew Thomson has been pastor of Kesgrave Baptist Church, Suffolk, since 2010. He became a Christian through a university mission while studying at Oxford and ran a Christian bookshop for some years before being called to the ministry. He is the author of the commentaries on 1 and 2 Chronicles and Isaiah in the Opening Up series. He and his wife, Helen, are blessed with three children.

The letter to the Philippians is full of Christ and full of joy. To discover how best to live joyfully with Christ, Philippians gives sound counsel. Roger Ellsworth retains a sense of the majesty of Scripture as he opens up this wonderful letter, yet without in any way dumbing down on its message.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Having served for almost fifty years as a pastor, Roger Ellsworth is now engaged in an itinerant ministry. He has also authored over fifty books. He and his wife, Sylvia, have two sons, Tim and Marty, and five grandchildren.

The Book of Proverbs has one central message (how to gain wisdom) and deals with an extensive array of practical topics including vocation, financial stewardship, moral purity, and how to have successful relationships. Here, Jim Newheiser guides the reader through all the main aspects of the teaching of Proverbs while also emphasizing how these great, life-transforming truths are rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

For many years Jim Newheiser has found great joy and fulfilment in combining pastoral ministry in his local church with participation in training men for ministry both locally and abroad. A graduate of Westminster Seminary in California, (Doctor of Ministry and Master of Arts) and Baylor University (Bachelor of Business Administration), he is a certified biblical counsellor and a NANC Fellow. He has pastored churches in Texas, Saudi Arabia and California. He has an extensive international ministry, having visited places such as Korea, India, Spain, Qatar and the Philippines. He and his wife, Caroline, have three grown children, David, Mark and Daniel. He resides in Escondido, California. He is author of several other titles also published by Day One.

The Psalms, the longest book in the Bible, has been described as the national hymn-book of the people of Israel in the Old Testament. Full of emotion, expressing the believer's response to various experiences, and full of theology, these psalms give wonderful counsel to us today, both in our day-to-day life and in our worship. Roger Ellsworth competently leads us through the different kinds of psalms, first giving the 'big picture', then 'zooming in' to look at the detail of some of the psalms in closer perspective.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Having served for almost fifty years as a pastor, Roger Ellsworth is now engaged in an itinerant ministry. He has also authored over fifty books. He and his wife, Sylvia, have two sons, Tim and Marty, and five grandchildren.

The Book of Ruth tells a true, simple, engaging and well-crafted story. It teaches us about God's sovereign control of history and his transforming kindness to individuals. In this heart-warming study, Jonathan Prime opens up the message of Ruth, applying it practically to our lives in the 21st century.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Jonathan Prime was previously a Scottish solicitor. From 1993 to 1996, he was the assistant pastor at Enfield Evangelical Free Church, Enfield, North London, and has been the pastor there since 1996. He shares the leadership of the fellowship with the other elders and has primary responsibility for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word and the pastoral care of the congregation. He and his wife, Sandra, have three children, Amy, Katie and Jenny.

Think of today's church, and the issues that so often have to be faced: establishing a well-functioning eldership, combatting false teaching, upholding the importance of sound doctrine, how we are to live as Christian men and as Christian women, appreciating the grace of God in salvation, and looking forward to the coming again of our Lord Jesus. All these, and many other themes, are carefully and practically worked through in this helpful guide which opens up the message of Titus for us today.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

David Campbell was born and raised in Scotland and was converted to Christ as a child. During his bachelor’s degree at Glasgow University he felt a call to the gospel ministry and subsequently spent four years studying at the Free Church of Scotland College in Edinburgh. After being the pastor of the Geneva Road Evangelical Baptist Church in Darlington, England, he began his ministry in Grace Baptist Church, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Mairi, have two daughters, Megan and Caitriona. David is also author of Day One’s Travel with John Knox.

The Jewish people had been called by God to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after their years of captivity in Babylon. After starting well, they laid the work aside. But then they heard a voice that emphasized the sufficiency of God for his people. That voice, belonging to Zechariah, was never more encouraging and stimulating than when it proclaimed the coming Christ and the glories awaiting those who trust him. Zechariah's prophecy still speaks today with power to those who are deeply discouraged and sorely distressed. Its message of Christ medicates every ill and lifts every heart.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Having served for many years as a pastor, Roger Ellsworth is currently engaged in itinerant ministry. He is also the author of fifty books, many of which have been published by Day One. He and his wife, Sylvia, have two sons and five grand-children.

When did you last hear a sermon based on a passage from the prophecy of Zephaniah? This is one of the most neglected books in the whole Bible. It was delivered and written after many years of silence from God. The northern kingdom of Israel, or Ephraim, had already been deported by Assyria, never to return. The prophecy of Zephaniah was to be the last given before Judah, the southern kingdom, was taken away into Babylon for around seventy years of exile. Here is an easy-to-read treatment of the prophecy which draws clear lines of practical application from the situation then to our fast-paced modern life, especially showing how the prophecy points to the only hope of salvation from God's judgement: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Michael Bentley worked as a bookshop manager and served in the British army before his call to the ministry. He has a diverse background, which includes freelance religious reporting for national and religious radio and television, being a Religious Education teacher, and holding pastorates in Surrey, South East London, and Berkshire. He is also closely involved with his local community as a member of various committees and councils. His hobbies include singing second bass in the Bracknell Choral Society. Now retired, he still preaches regularly and has a ministry of writing, with some thirteen books in print including Opening Up Amos and Face2face: David. He lives in Bracknell with his wife, Jenny, and has five children and seven grandchildren.

This verse-by-verse commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) thoroughly engages the Greek text with care for the linguistic nuances and theological interpretation. George W. Knight III presents his research and critical analysis in a complete, satisfying manner. His excellent exegesis raises the standard by which future volumes of the New International Greek Testament Commentary are written.

The Apostle Paul was bound by prison chains when he wrote to the church at Philippi. Despite his loss of liberty, and opposition from fellow-workers, the letter radiates joy - joy that Christ was proclaimed, joy in fellowship with the Philippian Christians, and above all joy in Jesus himself. In Message of Philippians, Alec Motyer explores Paul's great themes, so relevant today: Christian unity; the Person of Jesus and what he has achieved for us; the call to live a life worthy of the gospel.

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.

What does the Letter to the Hebrews have to say to Christians today?

A compelling exhortation to hold true to the faith in the face of adversity. A sermon rife with iconic imagery and Old Testament allusions. A signal work of theology in the New Testament.

Above all, the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the high priesthood of Jesus Christ. But the book’s textual complexity and long history of interpretation can be overwhelming. In this new Pillar commentary, Sigurd Grindheim illuminates the Letter to the Hebrews, paying careful attention to linguistic features and historical context—all while centering its relevance to modern readers.

Grindheim clearly and comprehensively addresses major issues about the text, including authorship, date, canonicity, formal qualities, and major themes. Following his thorough introduction, he explains each line of the text and its significance for believers today. Grindheim’s commentary offers pastors, students, and scholars the clarity and fresh insights they want in their scriptural study.

Sigurd Grindheim is a professor in the Department of Pedagogy, Religion, and Social Studies at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Leon Morris tackles the complexities of faith and interpretation associated with the Epistle to the Romans in this substantial yet easy-to-read commentary, written to be intelligible to the layperson while also taking account of modern scholarship.

Few New Testament books have been as con­troversial and misunderstood as the letter of James. Its place in the canon was contested by some early Christians, and the reformer Martin Luther called it an “epistle of straw.” The sometimes negative view of the letter among modern theologians, however, is not shared by ordinary believers. Well known and often quoted, James is concise, intensely practical, and filled with memorable metaphors and illustrations. As such, it has become one of the most popular New Testament books in the church.

This highly original commentary on James by respected New Testament scholar Douglas Moo combines penetrat­ing scholarship with the simplicity of style and pastoral tone characteristic of James itself. After discussing such background issues as authorship, genre, purpose, structure, and theology, Moo provides a verse-by-verse exposition of the text that leads readers to the heart of James’s message—wholehearted commitment to Christ. In addition to expounding the meaning of James, Moo also takes care to provide practical insights for applying that meaning in the church today.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary, designed for serious readers of the Bible, seeks above all to make clear the meaning of the text of Scripture as we have it. Writers of the PNTC volumes interact with the most important, informed contemporary debate yet avoid undue technical detail. Their ideal is a blend of rigorous exegesis and exposition, scholarship and pastoral sensitivity, with an eye alert both to biblical theology and to the contemporary relevance of the Bible.

Reviews

“There is much to be gained from this commentary, both exegetical and practical, by pastors and serious students.” — Southwestern Journal of Theology

“Moo has many insights into the challenges James presents to the Church of his time and of today. James’s contention, that Christians must not only reflect theologically about life but also live a holy and obedient lifestyle, is a timely word which ought to be heard and heeded, especially in the western Church of this new millennium. . . . This re-evaluation of James is much to be commended.” — Methodist Recorder

“The commentary is most valuable for its excellent exegesis, which is not so technical that the non-scholar would find it tedious. Homiletical and devotional insights, which pervade the work, also make the volume a worthwhile addition to the Bible student's library.” — Interpretation

“Douglas Moo is well known to New Testament commentary readers, both from his magisterial volume on Romans in The New International Commentary on the New Testament and from his excellent little work on James in the Tyndale series. Fully abreast of the latest scholarship on James, Moo here walks readers with remarkable clarity through even complex exegetical issues. He consistently comes to convincing conclusions. As a bonus, he occasionally inserts comments by way of application that reflect his warm pastoral heart. Highly recommended.” — Craig L. Blomberg Denver Seminary

“This commentary offers something for everyone: it is simple enough for every Christian believer to benefit from yet profound enough to challenge scholars in their presuppositions and interpretations.” — Dean B. Deppe, author of All Roads Lead to the Text: Eight Methods of Inquiry into the Bible

“Sure to stimulate readers’ interest in the ‘quest of the historical James,’ Moo’s volume provides illuminating commentary on this important New Testament book. Rich word studies and up-to-date background material—especially drawn from the Jewish Wisdom tradition—make this a notable addition to the current literature. Particularly valuable are sections on ‘faith and works’ and the vexed topic of ‘prayer, faith, and healing.’ Moo writes clearly and succinctly, and his understanding the theme of James to be ‘spiritual wholeness’ adds an extra dimen¬sion to his academic approach. Whether in the classroom or in the pastor’s study, this commentary will be much welcomed and valued.” — Ralph P. Martin, author of the Interpretation commentary on Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

Douglas J. Moo is the Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament at Wheaton Graduate School. His other commentaries include the NICNT volume on Romans and the PNTC volume on Colossians and Philemon.