- Obadiah's oracle against Edom.
- Jonah's mission to the city of Nineveh.
- Micah's message to Samaria and Jerusalem.
These books are short yet surprisingly rich in theological and practical terms. In his commentary on these minor but important prophets, Daniel Timmer considers each book's historical setting, genre, structure and unity. He explores their key themes with an eye to their fulfilment in the New Testament, and their significance for today.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Daniel Timmer is Professor of Biblical Studies for the PhD programme, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; and Professeur d’Ancien Testament, Faculté de théologie évangélique, Montréal, Québec, Canada. His books include The Non-Israelite Nations in the Book of the Twelve, A Gracious and Compassionate God from the New Studies in Biblical Theology series and Nahum from the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament.
Obadiah's oracle against Edom.
Jonah's mission to the city of Nineveh.
Micah's message to Samaria and Jerusalem.
The texts of these minor but important prophets receive a fresh and penetrating analysis in this introduction and commentary. The authors consider each book's historical setting, composition, structure and authorship, as well as important themes and issues. Each book is then expounded in the concise and informative style that has become the hallmark of the Tyndale series.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Reviews
"The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." — Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary"Tyndale commentaries are always useful, not least because they focus so clearly on the text of Scripture, and do not fall into the trap of paying too much attention to other commentaries and not enough to the scriptural text they are intended to expound and explain. So they retain their usefulness for preachers, Bible study leaders and for all readers of the Bible." — Peter Adam, principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"Within its constraints, this series includes some outstanding volumes." — D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"The evenness and quality of this series are remarkable." — Christianity Today
"There simply is no series of medium-length commentaries that approaches the excellence of the Tyndale commentaries." — Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary
T. Desmond Alexander is senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland. From 1980 to 1999, he was lecturer in Semitic studies at the Queen's University of Belfast. His main field of research is the Pentateuch, about which he has written extensively in academic journals and books. Alexander also has a special interest in the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. He is the author of From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Main Themes of the Pentateuch and Abraham in the Negev, and he is a coeditor (with Brian S. Rosner) of the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (IVP, 2000).
David W. Baker (AB, MCS, MPhil, PhD) is professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. He serves as editor for the Evangelical Theological Society Dissertation and Evangelical Theological Society Studies series as well as for Sources for Biblical and Theological Studies (Eisenbrauns, Winona Lake). He is coauthor (with Bill T. Arnold) of The Face of Old Testament Studies: A Survey of Contemporary Approaches. In addition, he has written many articles, essays and commentaries.
Dr. Bruce Waltke, one of the preeminent Old Testament scholars, holds a doctorate in Greek and New Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary and a doctorate in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature from Harvard. His teaching career, spanning Dallas Theological Seminary, Regent College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary won him a reputation of being a master teacher with a pastoral heart. Dr. Waltke also pastored several churches, lectured at many Evangelical Seminaries in North America and has spoken at numerous Bible conferences.
Proverbs--a book full of wisdom--and yet a book demanding all one's wisdom to understand.
Derek Kidner not only has provided a running commentary on the whole of Proverbs but has also included two helpful study aids. The first is a set of subject guides that pull together teaching scattered throughout the book. The second is a short concordance that helps locate lost sayings (in territory notoriously hard to search) and encourages further subject studies.
In short, this volume is a wise person's guide to wisdom.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Reviews
"The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." — Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary"Tyndale commentaries are always useful, not least because they focus so clearly on the text of Scripture, and do not fall into the trap of paying too much attention to other commentaries and not enough to the scriptural text they are intended to expound and explain. So they retain their usefulness for preachers, Bible study leaders and for all readers of the Bible." — Peter Adam, principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"Within its constraints, this series includes some outstanding volumes." — D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"The evenness and quality of this series are remarkable." — Christianity Today
"There simply is no series of medium-length commentaries that approaches the excellence of the Tyndale commentaries." — Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary
Derek Kidner (1913–2008) was warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He wrote several volumes in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series, including those on Genesis, Ezra and Nehemiah, Psalms, and Proverbs. Kidner's works are full of the marks of both professor and pastor with his evenhanded scholarship as well as his devotional insight. These qualities have made his commentaries in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series and The Bible Speaks Today series some of the most beloved and popular of recent decades. Kidner had a long career in both the church and the academy in England. He studied at Cambridge University and then served in the ministry for several years before becoming a senior tutor at Oak Hill Theological College. Kidner began his writing career while serving as warden of Tyndale House in Cambridge from 1964 to 1978, publishing his ninth and final book, The Message of Jeremiah, in 1987.
In many ways, Proverbs is similar to the wisdom literature of the wider ancient Near East. However, while the book initially appears to consist primarily of practical advice, wisdom is grounded in a relationship with God.
In Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Proverbs, Lindsay Wilson shows how the first nine chapters provide a reading guide for the many proverbs in subsequent chapters; and how the fear of the Lord, choosing wisdom not folly, and having our characters formed by wisdom are crucial for understanding Proverbs as Christian Scripture and living out our faith in daily life.
The Tyndale Commentaries are designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. Following a structural analysis, the commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties.
In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: Context, Comment, and Meaning. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.
Reviews
"The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." — Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary"Tyndale commentaries are always useful, not least because they focus so clearly on the text of Scripture, and do not fall into the trap of paying too much attention to other commentaries and not enough to the scriptural text they are intended to expound and explain. So they retain their usefulness for preachers, Bible study leaders and for all readers of the Bible." — Peter Adam, principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"Within its constraints, this series includes some outstanding volumes." — D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"The evenness and quality of this series are remarkable." — Christianity Today
"There simply is no series of medium-length commentaries that approaches the excellence of the Tyndale commentaries." — Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary
Lindsay Wilson is academic dean and senior lecturer in Old Testament at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of Job (THOTC) and coeditor of Interpreting Old Testament Wisdom Literature.
The book of Psalms is the heart of the Old Testament, the libretto of the most vibrant worship imaginable. It informs our intellect, stimulates our imagination, arouses our emotions and stirs us to holy thoughts and actions. It is also a pivotal witness to, and anticipation of, Jesus Christ.
Tremper Longman's Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms is the mature fruit of scholarship and sensibilities developed over a career of exploring Old Testament poetry and wisdom. The commentary interprets each psalm in its Old Testament setting, summarizes its message and reflects on its significance from a New Testament perspective, providing a christological reading.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty-eight volumes offer clear, reliable and relevant explanations of every book in the Old Testament, aiming to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Reviews
"This is a significant work of scholarship, accessible to the general audience, which provides both a compelling framework and an applicatory trajectory that is Christ-focused, all of which will gratify the judicious reader." — Josh Moody, Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament, 5.1 (2016)"Longman's contribution is a solid, sober, and up-to-date revision of an influential commentary on the book of Psalms in a series designed for pastors, students, and laypeople and will serve the readership well for the next generation." — John C. Crutchfield, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 58, no. 3
Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is Distinguished Scholar of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is also visiting professor of Old Testament at Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and adjunct of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He lectures regularly at Regent College in Vancouver and the Canadian Theological Seminary in Calgary.
Longman is the author or coauthor of over twenty books, including How to Read Genesis, How to Read the Psalms, How to Read Proverbs, Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation, Old Testament Essentials, and coeditor of A Complete Literary Guide to the Bible. He and Dan Allender have coauthored Bold Love, Cry of the Soul, Intimate Allies, The Intimate Mystery, and the Intimate Marriage Bible studies.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." "Thy word is a lamp to my feet." "Search me, O God, and know my heart!" Such phrases leap to mind each time a Christian lifts his heart to God. For many, in fact, Psalms is the richest part of the Old Testament.
Derek Kidner provides a fresh and penetrating guide to Psalms 1-72. He analyzes each psalm in depth, comments on interpretive questions and lays bare the universal relevance of the texts. In addition he gives special help on the psalmists' cries for vengeance. Together with its companion volume (Psalms 73-150) this introduction and commentary will inspire and deepen personal worship.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty-eight volumes offer clear, reliable and relevant explanations of every book in the Old Testament, aiming to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Reviews
"The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." — Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary"Tyndale commentaries are always useful, not least because they focus so clearly on the text of Scripture, and do not fall into the trap of paying too much attention to other commentaries and not enough to the scriptural text they are intended to expound and explain. So they retain their usefulness for preachers, Bible study leaders and for all readers of the Bible." — Peter Adam, principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"Within its constraints, this series includes some outstanding volumes." — D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"The evenness and quality of this series are remarkable." — Christianity Today
"There simply is no series of medium-length commentaries that approaches the excellence of the Tyndale commentaries." — Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary
Derek Kidner (1913–2008) was warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He wrote several volumes in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series, including those on Genesis, Ezra and Nehemiah, Psalms, and Proverbs. Kidner's works are full of the marks of both professor and pastor with his evenhanded scholarship as well as his devotional insight. These qualities have made his commentaries in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series and The Bible Speaks Today series some of the most beloved and popular of recent decades. Kidner had a long career in both the church and the academy in England. He studied at Cambridge University and then served in the ministry for several years before becoming a senior tutor at Oak Hill Theological College. Kidner began his writing career while serving as warden of Tyndale House in Cambridge from 1964 to 1978, publishing his ninth and final book, The Message of Jeremiah, in 1987.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" . . . "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet" . . . "Search me, O God, and know my heart" . . . Such phrases leap to mind each time a Christian lifts his or her heart to God. For many, in fact, the book of Psalms is the richest part of the Old Testament.
Renowned scholar Derek Kidner provides a fresh and penetrating guide to Psalms 73-150. As in the companion volume (Psalms 1-72), he analyzes each psalm in depth, comments on interpretive questions and lays bare the universal relevance of the texts.
This helpful companion to the book of Psalms, while not specifically devotional, will inspire and deepen personal worship.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty-eight volumes offer clear, reliable and relevant explanations of every book in the Old Testament, aiming to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Reviews
"The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." — Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary"Tyndale commentaries are always useful, not least because they focus so clearly on the text of Scripture, and do not fall into the trap of paying too much attention to other commentaries and not enough to the scriptural text they are intended to expound and explain. So they retain their usefulness for preachers, Bible study leaders and for all readers of the Bible." — Peter Adam, principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"Within its constraints, this series includes some outstanding volumes." — D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"The evenness and quality of this series are remarkable." — Christianity Today
"There simply is no series of medium-length commentaries that approaches the excellence of the Tyndale commentaries." — Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary
Derek Kidner (1913–2008) was warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He wrote several volumes in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series, including those on Genesis, Ezra and Nehemiah, Psalms, and Proverbs. Kidner's works are full of the marks of both professor and pastor with his evenhanded scholarship as well as his devotional insight. These qualities have made his commentaries in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series and The Bible Speaks Today series some of the most beloved and popular of recent decades. Kidner had a long career in both the church and the academy in England. He studied at Cambridge University and then served in the ministry for several years before becoming a senior tutor at Oak Hill Theological College. Kidner began his writing career while serving as warden of Tyndale House in Cambridge from 1964 to 1978, publishing his ninth and final book, The Message of Jeremiah, in 1987.
The Song of Solomon, as its Hebrew title indicates, is "the best of songs." In it we hear the passionate melody of romantic love. But whose love is described? Is it a couple's love for each other, God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the church? This Old Testament book has fascinated and perplexed interpreters for centuries. They have felt uncomfortable--even embarrassed--when confronted with its strange and erotic imagery.
"The Song is a celebration of the nature of humanity---male and female created in God's image for mutual support and enjoyment. There is nothing here of the aggressive male and the reluctant or victimized female. They are one in their desires because their desires are God-given." So writes Lloyd Carr in this introduction and commentary to the Song of Solomon. With his own unique style, Carr skillfully explains the meaning of this ancient love story in a way that can be clearly grasped and applied for Christians living in today's world.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these volumes retain their original text now retypeset in a larger format. As always, they continue to aim at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Reviews
"The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." — Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary"Tyndale commentaries are always useful, not least because they focus so clearly on the text of Scripture, and do not fall into the trap of paying too much attention to other commentaries and not enough to the scriptural text they are intended to expound and explain. So they retain their usefulness for preachers, Bible study leaders and for all readers of the Bible." — Peter Adam, principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"Within its constraints, this series includes some outstanding volumes." — D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"The evenness and quality of this series are remarkable." — Christianity Today
"There simply is no series of medium-length commentaries that approaches the excellence of the Tyndale commentaries." — Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary
G. Lloyd Carr (Ph. D., Boston University) is professor of biblical and theological studies and chairman of the division of humanities at Gordon College in Massachusetts.
This Old Testament book, 'the best of songs', has fascinated and perplexed interpreters for centuries. We hear the passionate melody of romantic love, and are confronted by erotic imagery but whose love is described? Is it a couple's love for each other, God's love for his people, or a poem that speaks to love in all its dimensions?
Iain Duguid's Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: The Song of Songs explains how the Song is designed to show us an idealized picture of married love, in the context of a fallen and broken world. It also convicts us of how far short of this perfection we fall, both as humans and as lovers, and drives us repeatedly into the arms of our true heavenly husband, Jesus Christ.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty-eight volumes offer clear, reliable and relevant explanations of every book in the Old Testament, aiming to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Reviews
"As one who found the original Tyndale OT Commentaries extremely helpful, this reviewer can only express the desire that all volumes from the original series will be rewritten with the same clarity as the volume that has been reviewed here." — Ellis R. Brotzman, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 58, no. 3"Throughout The Song of Songs the reader is pushed to know, meditate upon, and apply biblical wisdom in regards to marriage. Duguid has written an excellent commentary that calls one to draw closer to God. This work is a welcome addition for students seeking to get an introductory view of the Song of Songs, and it will be an excellent addition to any pastor's library." — Brian Koning, Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies, Vol. 2, Issue 1
Iain M. Duguid (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of Old Testament at Grove City College and pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Grove City, Pennsylvania. He has also served as a missionary in Liberia, taught at Reformed Seminary and Westminster Seminary California, and planted churches in Fallbrook, California, and Oxford, England. Some of Duguid’s other work includes books such as Living in the Gap Between Promise and Reality and Hero of Heroes, as well as commentaries on Ezekiel, Daniel, Ruth, Esther and more. He was a translator for the Holman Christian Standard Version of the Bible and is a contributor to the New Living Translation Study Bible, the HCSV Study Bible and the ESV Study Bible. He and his wife Barb have five children.
The people to whom Peter wrote his first epistle were already undergoing trials of all kinds and were soon to face fierce persecution for their faith at the hands of the cruel Emperor Nero. The apostle writes to encourage and strengthen them in the face of these trials and to remind them of the wonderful blessings and privileges they have in Christ. He has a great deal to say about relationships, both to fellow Christians and to unbelievers, in the workplace and in the home, in the local church and in society at large. In his second epistle Peter warns his readers against another danger that has threatened believers through the ages, that of false teaching. He points them to Gods Word as their one sure light amid the darkness and confusion of error and urges them to live holy lives in the light of the Lords return.
The book of Chronicles is an important part of the Old Testament. Originally written as one book, 1 and 2 Chronicles summarize, not only the history of God's people from the creation of the world until the edict of Cyrus in 538 B.C., but also the theology of the Old Testament - the revelation that God gave of himself at creation, to the patriarchs, through Moses, during the monarchy, exile and restoration. 1 Chronicles takes this narrative up to the establishment of the monarchy under David, culminating in the building of the temple. The underlying message is that of a covenant God who provides salvation for his people, through a Redeemer foreshadowed by the deliverer-kings whom God gave to his people.
The book of Chronicles is an important part of the Old Testament. Originally written as one book, 1 and 2 Chronicles summarize, not only the history of God's people from the creation of the world until the edict of Cyrus in 538 B.C., but also the theology of the Old Testament - the revelation that God gave of himself at creation, to the patriarchs, through Moses, during the monarchy, exile and restoration. 1 Chronicles takes this narrative up to the establishment of the monarchy under David, culminating in the building of the temple. The underlying message is that of a covenant God who provides salvation for his people, through a Redeemer foreshadowed by the deliverer-kings whom God gave to his people.
The future of the Christian cause depends to a large degree on the quality of the next generation of spiritual leaders. Where will these men find role models? To whom will they turn for inspiration? There is the ever-present danger that they will do as Paul's rivals did in Corinth and turn to the world outside the Church and try to emulate the qualities that make for success in secular life. Indeed, it is not exaggerating to observe that the churches of the modern West, like the Church at Corinth, face a crisis of authority and leadership. In 2 Corinthians we have both a stern warning that we should avoid styles of leadership that are worldly, perhaps even cultic while cultivating the kind of leadership that Paul himself showed, leadership that was self-sacrificing and self-giving, a model of loving service based on the character of Christ himself.
1 Kings traces the history of God's people from the heights of glory and prosperity during the reign of Solomon to the dark days of Elijah's lone stand on Mount Carmel. But it is not only a story about human failure. It is also a book about God's sovereign purpose, which cannot be thwarted and defeated by human disobedience.
The true consequences of rebellion against the Lord are shown. There is no glamour in the Bible's representation of sin. Saul clings to his sins and perishes. But the gospel shines through too. Samuel and David cleave to the Lord and are clothed with robes of redemption. The reader is pointed to the victory of Christ, the true King of whom David is only a picture, who is saving his people from their sins this very day.
Assurance is not essential to salvation, but it is essential to the joy of salvation’ as Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said. John, who was by this time probably the last surviving apostle, wrote his first epistle to those who believed in the name of the Son of God in order that they might know that they possessed eternal life.
In these days of spiritual and moral decline we stand in particular need of the message of John’s epistles. We need to test ourselves first to see where we stand before God and then, with charity of heart and clarity of mind, we need to test the claims of others too. That is why John’s epistles are so important for us. With good reason Martin Luther wrote of 1 John: ‘I have never read a book written in simpler words than this one, and yet the words are inexpressible.’
In this commentary Peter Barnes shows how John gave his readers three main tests so that they could come to assurance of salvation and could tell, among the conflicting claims of different groups within the church, who was right and who was wrong on spiritual matters. These three themes of right belief, love and obedience also figure prominently in John’s shorter, and more personal, second and third epistles.
A readable commentary, with good illustrations and applications, linking well with the New Testament, especially in its pointing towards Christ. Originally written as one book, 1 and 2 Chronicles summarize, not only the history of God's people from the creation of the world until the edict of Cyrus in 538 B.C., but also the theology of the Old Testament - the revelation that God gave of himself at creation, to the patriarchs, through Moses, during the monarchy, exile and restoration.
2 Chronicles takes up the narrative with the reign of Solomon, the most glorious period in the whole history of Israel, and focuses especially on the construction and dedication of temple as the place where God was to be worshipped in the way he had appointed. Following the division of the kingdom, the Chronicler concentrates almost exclusively on the history of Judah and the godly remnant who remained loyal to the line of David and to the worship of the temple. The book ends on a note of promise as the first exiles prepare to return to the land and rebuild the temple after the seventy years of captivity in Babylon.
Throughout we see that, even though God's people may repudiate his covenant with them, God himself remains faithful to his covenant promises. Above all, we are pointed forward to Christ, in whom the promises both of the Messianic King and the temple find their ultimate fulfilment.
2 Corinthians provides a compelling portrait of the Apostle Paul - his soul is bared and his readers are given a glimpse of his inner life. We are enabled to see what made him tick and what were the motives and attitudes that moulded his life of service for Christ. Amongst other things, the author suggests that this letter is for Christians who want to stand out - a much-needed plea for excellence.
The future of the Christian cause depends to a large degree on the quality of the next generation of spiritual leaders. Where will these men find role models? To whom will they turn for inspiration? There is the ever-present danger that they will do as Paul’s rivals did in Corinth and turn to the world outside the Church and try to emulate the qualities that make for success in secular life.
Indeed, it is not exaggerating to observe that the churches of the modern West, like the Church at Corinth, face a crisis of authority and leadership. In 2 Corinthians we have both a stern warning that we should avoid styles of leadership that are worldly, perhaps even cultic while cultivating the kind of leadership that Paul himself showed, leadership that was self-sacrificing and self-giving, a model of loving service based on the character of Christ himself.
‘This sensitively-applied exposition ... the author keeps us glued to the page through a lively style. It is encouraging to find him drawing on personal experience to illustrate and confirm the points he makes.’
Gordon Keddie draws out the lessons of 2 Samuel in this Welwyn Commentary, and encourages us to look expectantly for the blessing of God in our day since the story of David is a picture of David’s royal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. As the author says in the introduction, 'May your study of 2 Samuel bring you closer to the only Redeemer of God's elect, the Lord Jesus Christ'.
The history of David - the unfolding drama of 2 Samuel - gives us a slice of life in the real world. We see people in their true colours: the petty, selfish, murderous, yet fiercely loyal, Joab; the war-lord Abner, honourable, perhaps, but only when it suited him; the sad, incompetent Ish-Bosheth, ‘alone and palely loitering’ through his hundrum colourless life; and the miserable and vicious sons of Rimmon, who murdered Ish-Bosheth in his sleep. And there is David, the man after God’s own heart, borne along by his regal calling on the tide of God’s mighty providential acts.
The message of Amos is pre-eminently a message of new life. The message, however, comes in the context of a nation under judgement. Israel hid the emptiness and godlessness of a corrupt society behind an apathetic and nominal outward religion, like so many today.God’s view of our society is revealed in Amos in no uncertain terms. While no refuge is offered for those who reject or disregard God’s will, shining through the gloom most brightly is the precious gift of new life through faith in God’s Saviour, his Son Jesus Christ.
Phil Arthur reminds us that there was a problem with the church in Colosse, prompting Paul to write. It seemed there was a real danger that an impressionable young church might be dragged away from their devotion to Christ. Worryingly, as today, there were those who were influenced by false teaching. The letter to Philemon was personal - he was a member of the Colossian church. The theme here is simple: forgiveness. It is also vital as its lack between Christians brings God's cause into disrepute.
Paul, under house arrest in Rome, wrote these two letters which were both sent to Colosse at the same time and by the same messenger, a man named Tychicus.
Colossians is packed with good things. Not a word is wasted. The most important consequence of the new teachings the Colossians were hearing was that they would wean people away from Christ in subtle ways by making them preoccupied with other things in addition to him. In order to counter this emphasis, Paul wrote a letter that is full of Christ. Read it, and it will work wonders for your confidence. In a variety of ways it makes the point that Christ is magnificent, that nothing can compare with him, and if we have Jesus, we have enough.
The second letter, the epistle to Philemon, was addressed to one of the members of the church in Colosse and related to another person from the same town. It is a highly personal letter, written from one Christian to another, and it has a fascination all its own. Dealong with forgiveness, Christians are, by definition, a forgiven people, and forgiveness is an ongoing necessity in all our relationships.
Phil Arthur longs for the readers to understand Paul's mind better, grasping the fact that the fullness that we have in Christ is more sufficient for the church in any age.
The book of Daniel is full of practical help – especially for believers who find themselves standing alone in the classroom or at work, or among their family and friends. Daniel tells us how to remain true to God in a hostile environment, and shows us how to live for him when everything is against us. Daniel dared to stand alone. So can we.
Dare to stand alone is a masterpiece of clear, helpful applied writing and causes the book of Daniel to be living and relevant not only in its exciting narrative section but in its highly symbolic section also.
In this edition of the popular Welwyn Commentary series, God’s treasured possession records the sermons preached in the fortieth year after the people of Israel had left Egypt and which Moses preached on the plains of Moab, east of the River Jordan, just before the people of Israel were about to enter the land of Canaan. This was a new generation of Israelites about to enter a new land with many dangers and temptations. The book of Deuteronomy has many lessons to teach us as it is a training manual in godly living and in it we see how Moses trained the Israelites to live as God’s people in God’s land.
‘Andrew Stewart has already shown his competence as a commentator with his previous volume on 2 Chronicles. Now he turns to Deuteronomy and explains the text with clarity. It is always good to have a pastor treating Scripture and this book shows rich pastoral application. He understands both the text of Scripture and the need of Christian readers. Many will learn a great deal from this commentary as well as finding spiritual enrichment from it.’
Has life really any meaning? Our time in this world is comparatively short. The earthly stage remains, but different actors are constantly passing across it. Generations come and go, but nothing is ultimately different.
This is how many people see life, and Solomon identifies with them. But is life really pointless? If not, what is its true meaning? The message of Ecclesiastes is that life is not worth living unless we live it for God. The Song of Solomon teaches us that living fo the Lord means loving him.
Stuart Olyott's easy to read commentary on Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. Both books of the Bible that are overlooked and misunderstood, Olyott helps the reader see the true meaning of each book while keeping the commentary simple and short. Each chapter leaves you yearning to know Christ better.
This series combined with the power of The Bible Study App allows you to quickly go deep in your study of God's word!
The latest addition to the Welwyn Commentary series has leading Old Testament scholar and series editor John D Currid bring a fresh approach to a book that seems to draw a lot of comment of the the wrong kind. In his Introduction he says:
There is no book in the Old Testament that is as maligned and criticized as the book of Ecclesiastes. People point to the teachings of vanity, scepticism, and fatalism that they see so dominant in the writing. Why live, one asks, if the writer of Ecclesiastes is right that life is without meaning and purpose? . . . I would argue that the real reason that no book in the Old Testament is as disparaged as Ecclesiastes is simply because no book is so misunderstood. It is ironic, in my opinion, that no book in the Old Testament is, in reality, as joyful as Ecclesiastes. When the reader properly understands the argument in the book, he will be led to joy and he will be filled with adoration for God. Consequently, that which is criticized for having no joy is really the book that brings joy.
Dr John D Currid is Carl McMurray Professor of Old Testament at the Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to being Series Editor of the EP Study Commentaries and Welwyn Commentaries, he is author of the EP Study Commentaries on the Pentateuch, and the Welwyn Commentaries on Joshua, Ruth and Habakkuk.
Ephesians is powerful spiritual fuel for every believer! Beginning with the great, heart-warming teaching of the opening chapters, Paul presents the riches the Christian has in the Lord Jesus Christ.Here are inexhaustible ‘heights of love and depths of peace.’ But in addition to rich doctrine this letter has an immensely practical dimension. If you want to know how to live in the twenty-first century world with all its confusing views of truth and reality, Ephesians is the place to go.
Stuart Olyott writes with his usual clarity, enabling both the new believer and the more mature Christian to find spiritual refreshment from this sparkling jewel of the New Testament.
When it seems that God is not active in human affairs, he may be most at work. He may be most present when he seems most hidden. Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated than in the book of Esther. Although God’s name is not mentioned in the book, the discerning reader may see the hand of God at work throughout the narrative, as he brings his purposes to pass for the good of his people.
Derek Prime shows how the message of Esther is one of encouragement for God’s people in times of crisis. God is in command of human actions and human delays. Nothing escapes his notice, or happens without his permission. Even the worst things will work out for our good. We see only links in the chain, but he sees the end from the beginning, as the source, guide and goal of all that is. Sovereignty and providence are attributes of our heavenly King. Providence, not chance, rules.
The book of Esther challenges all believers to maintain a faithful witness in an unbelieving and hostile world, secure in the knowledge that their lives are in the hands of the God who has already accomplished on their behalf the greatest deliverance of all, through the death on the cross of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Exodus is the account of God’s miraculous rescue of his people from Egypt, the institution of Israel’s greatest festival, the Passover, the provision of God’s law and the building of the tabernacle, which was the forerunner of the temple - all looking forward to future fulfilment in Christ.
Michael Bentley takes us on this journey with clarity in a way that will help both preacher and congregation alike.
'The New Testament contains many references made to the book of Exodus. An understanding of this exciting book will give us a better grasp of the attributes of God and of his wonderful plan of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ......‘Michael Bentley ... provides a clear, organized exposition of Scripture. His down-to-earth style helps students of Scripture, both preachers and their congregations, to grasp the meaning of the text without unnecessary difficulty.’
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah continue the story of God's people after the exile in Babylon. The historical events recorded in them are important for us because they were all part of God's plan to prepare the way for the coming of the Saviour and preserve a pure people for the setting up of Christ's kingdom.
In an age of experienced-centred worship and entertainment-orientated evangelism these two books direct our thoughts to a holy God who demands reverent worship and uncompromising loyalty form his people. Furthermore, Ezra and Nehemiah call us back to a renewed obedience to God's Word, a fresh realization of the power of prayer and wholehearted commitment to the work of God in fellowship with the people of God.
Paul's epistle to the Galatians can be summarized by one simple question: what is the gospel? What is the real gospel, as opposed to false gospels or (to use Paul's own terminology) perverted gospels? This commentary presents a clear, concise and practical exposition of the apostle Paul's great letter. Dr. Andrews addresses the massive issues of the book of Galatians with a clarity and relevance that will be appreciated by all those who have an interest in promoting the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
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