As its name implies, Genesis is a book of origins. In it we are told of the origin of the universe, the beginnings of the human race and the birth of the Israelite nation. But it is more than an early record of origins. It is part of God’s Word to us, what the apostle Paul calls ‘God-breathed’ Scripture. Philip Eveson deals with all the vital themes of Genesis in an interesting and readable way.

Here we are given infallible instruction concerning where we all came from and why things are the way they are.

The book of Genesis is also crucially important for our understanding of the rest of Scripture. It introduces us to the true and living God, to the beginnings of sin, its consequences and how it has affected the whole created order. The author is unashamedly conservative where the 'science' and historicity of Genesis has come under attack.

The days in which Habakkuk preached were a dark time for the church in the Old Testament. God's people were suffering at the hands of others in the community, and the law of God was being sidelined in society. It was about to get worse! Why would God allow this? The author shows how Habakkuk teaches the sovereignty of God in a way not found in any other book of the Bible.

The days in which Habakkuk preached were a dark time for the church in the Old Testament. God's people were suffering at the hands of others in the community, and the law of God was being sidelined in society. The prophet questions why God would allow such things to happen and to continue. Why is God not doing something about the suffering and injustice?

Habakkuk learns that the just shall live by faith, even though the covenant nation itself is about to be destroyed, and the prophecy ends with a psalm of joyful praise to God. And so we learn, right along with the prophet, that no matter what is swirling around us, good or ill, we are to place our full trust in the sovereign Lord of the universe.

We learn of the different genres of literature in the book: prophecy, wisdom, lamentation, complaint, psalmody. It is, what the author calls, 'a menagerie of genres'. Ultimately, this is about God's full control over, and care for, his people.

In Isaiah, Jesus' birth, sufferings and death are clearly portrayed, many centuries before they took place. This clear exposition of Isaiah is marked by apt illustrations and challenging applications.

It is Isaiah's conviction that the church needs to remember the consequences of God's holy character and live accordingly if she is to experience blessing and revival ... It is not God's faithfulness, but ours, that is in question.

James' epistle is a manual for practical godliness, instructing us to put our faith into action in the real world. Guides us to apply James' message to our hearts and lives. Everything is here: facing trials, blaming God for misfortunes, snobbery, sharp tongues, faith and works, squabbling churches, worldliness, use of money and so on: there is a word for us all to lay up in our hearts and put into practice in our lives. Christians constantly need a recurrent emphasis upon the practical instructions of God's Word - the words that say, 'Do this' and 'Don't do that', and address the nuts and bolts of daily attitudes and actions. Herein lies the great usefulness of the epistle of James... It is a manual for practical godliness, which, when truly written on our hearts with power, will transform us as individual believers and as Christian fellowships.

The book of James is one of the most practical books in the New Testament. It is filled with advice about facing the trials of life, coping with poverty, the desire to be rich, controlling the tongue, making plans for the future and much more. Raise the bar on your Christian life! The author shows that reading James ought to drive us to contemplate afresh the wonder of God, and then lead us to worship him.

Three things stand out when reading James: it is very down-to-earth; it is very diverse; Christ's name is rarely mentioned. With this in mind, Tony Bird says that James is one of the most daunting of all New Testament books to write about. His hope is that this volume might stimulate prayerful study of the text. Christians are better equipped to obey Scripture and, thus, make a useful contribution to the church of Jesus Christ.

The book of Job is the harrowing story of a man whose life changed so dramatically in the course of a few short days. It is about the problem of suffering; and the answer to the problem is not seen in the comments of Job’s counsellors but more importantly in his response to suffering. The book of Job teaches us how to respond to difficulties in our lives.

Job’s acceptance of his loss is a wonderful example of piety. When he responds with questions and even a measure of bitterness and anger, his frustration is always taken directly to God. Job never lost faith, he is a model of cross-bearing and he teaches us to persevere even in the incomprehensible ways of God in our lives.

For such a short book the prophecy of Joel deals with weighty matters that continue to have significance even today. The certainty and severity of God’s judgements that are to fall first on God’s own people and then on all the nations of the world, and the prominence of the Day of the Lord in the purposes and plans of God, all display the lordship of God in human history. Joel reminds the people of the divine summons to heartfelt repentance and the glorious truth of the consummate blessing of the Lord in the renewal of the earth by the outpouring of his Spirit on men and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile.

The central theme of the book of Joshua is that God keeps his promises. Joshua records how God was true to his word in helping Israel take possession of the promised land. What now for them? God does not leave them to carry on in their own strength. Christians, like Joshua, are to be strong and courageous, no matter what we may face - we can be because God is faithful to his promises.

The fulfillment of God’s promises of a land are central to the book. He begins the book with it and brings to closure Joshua’s final charge to Israel’s leaders with it. And the promises of God as fulfilled are found throughout the book.

The truth that God fulfills his promise of a land for Israel also has great implications for the believer today, and that is one of the great applications of the book of Joshua. Those who are truly God’s people shall inherit a land. However, that land is not the dry and dusty land in the Middle East today. Rather, the Apostle Peter tells us that God ‘has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you’. We as believers have God’s promise of an eternal inheritance and the possession of an eternal land that is real, earthy, and substantial. And, like Israel, we will indeed receive our inheritance because God is a promise-keeper!

In a society where the claim that we can know absolute truth is dismissed as ridiculous, and moral standards are disregarded if they interfere with personal enjoyment, the church is under threat in two ways. Tired of swimming against the tide, it can be tempted to throw away its commitment to biblical standards of behavior and to the uniqueness of Christ as the only Lord and Savior in the quest for social acceptability. At the same time, in a longing to see God at work in revival and the desire to be seen to be successful, Christians may be open to accept anything that causes a sensation and attracts a crowd, even if it departs from the biblical gospel. The epistle of Jude was written to combat false teaching which in many ways encapsulates all the worst dangers to the church and the biblical gospel today. John Benton urges his readers to regain Jude's vision of contending for the faith, not just at the intellectual level, but at the level of responsible Christian living and practical, loving Christianity for those led astray.

The period of the Judges was an evil one, requiring hard words for hard times. The people of Israel had rejected their God for the desire of an earthly ruler, and had rebelled against his laws. Yet even in this time of unbelief and hypocrisy, God raised up men and women to call his people back to a personal faith in the living God.

The author, in taking us through the book of Judges and Ruth, challenges Christians to live consistently with their profession of faith, and shows that ‘Even in Darkness’ God offers a message of hope and victory to those who will faithfully follow him.

Lamentations is not familiar territory for many Christians, yet it deals searchingly with abiding themes such as the spiritual glory of the church and the tragedy when this is lost. It is a book that speaks directly to the confused Christianity and evangelicalism of our present day. The author applies the lessons of backsliding Judah to contemporary Christianity, reminding us of God 's love.

Richard Brooks' warm and pastoral exposition reminds members of the church of Christ to examine themselves and take encouragement. 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.'

Leviticus tells us what is true and of eternal benefit for our lives. Here is a book to make us wise about salvation. The things that happened to Israel in the Old Testament are symbolic pointers to the wonderful salvation we have begun to enjoy in Christ. Like Israel of old, we need to be constantly reminded of who God is, how he is to be approached and worshipped and how we should live our lives as God’s people in a hostile environment.

Leviticus indicates the kind of people God’s covenant community ought to be in the light of God’s grace.At the same time and in its own special way, Leviticus points us forward to the one who came to save his people from their sins and bring them to God. Without this book we cannot begin to understand the death of Christ and his priestly work on our behalf. Neither can we appreciate the many references to cleansing, purity, wholeness, separation and holiness that we find in the New Testament.

It is also from this book that Jesus quoted the second great commandment: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself."

More than any of the other Gospel writers, Luke shows us the Lord dealing with individual people and how their lives were changed as a result of their personal encounter with him. These people came from all ranks of society: the rugged fisherman, the poor widow, the wealthy tax collector, the ruler of the synagogue, the Roman centurion. As the only New Testament writer who was not a Jew, Luke consciously writes his account for Gentiles as well as Jews, showing that the message of the Gospel is for all kinds of people in this fallen world

According to Christ himself, the Christian’s priority must be to seek the kingdom of God. The aim of Matthew’s Gospel, and therefore of this commentary is to be both Christ-centred and practical. Its focus is the King and his kingdom.

The structure of this commentary is based on the five lengthy discourses each of which deals with an aspect of Christ’s kingdom: its nature, its work, its coming, its community and its culmination in grace and judgement. After the prologue, which deals with the King’s birth, the Gospel follows the outline of Jesus’ life, interspersing this with various themes, especially the revelation of the person of Christ, the training and development of the disciples, the place of the Gentiles in the expanding kingdom, and the spiritual character of Christ’s reign.

The last three chapters, describing the the final days of Christ’s earthly life and ministry, do not exactly follow this pattern, but, far from being an anti-climax, look forward to the kingdom’s final consummation.

The Psalms continue to have an enormous influence on people’s lives all round the world and down the centuries they have brought comfort and encouragement to countless millions of people.

Dag Hammarskjold, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, died in a plane crash in 1961. His briefcase was recovered from the crash site and among the items it contained were a copy of the New Testament and the Book of Psalms. In the New Testament the most quoted book of the Old Testament is the Psalms. Jesus clearly committed them to memory and found them speaking to him and for him concerning his ministry in life and death. The Apostles turned to the Psalms in their preaching as well as when praying for boldness in the face of strong persecution. Following the example set by our Lord, the writers of the New Testament saw them as pointers to the person and work of Christ.

In this commentary, Philip Eveson brings his skills as an Old Testament scholar, blended with a warm pastor’s heart to produce a work that will serve the student, the preacher/teacher and the devotional reader equally well.

In Psalms Volume 2, Philip Eveson brings his skills as an Old Testament scholar, blended with a warm pastor’s heart to produce a work that will serve the student, the preacher/teacher and the devotional reader equally well.

'As in his commentary on Genesis, Philip Eveson has done a superb work in his two-volume Commentary on the Psalms. He has provided a treasury of food for the soul as well as fodder for the preacher. Eveson indicates awareness of critical questions along the way regarding the Psalms, but never at the expense of rich insight arising from solid exegesis. He does his own work well, never simply re-hashing what others have already said. Among the many commentaries old and new available on the Psalms, Eveson’s work ranks right at the top. Highly recommended.'

The book of Revelation is the glorious culmination of Scripture. Everything focuses on the one who is the Lord of glory — Jesus Christ. As Joel Beeke observes, 'Richard Brooks comes afresh to the message of Revelation with a warm, pastoral exposition that feeds the hearts as well as the mind of the reader. This volume is practical, clearly written, and easy to understand. Above all, it points us to the glorious victory that awaits all those who faithfully follow the Lamb of God'.

The interpretation of the book of Revelation has led to a vast array of prophetical and historical schemes that have deterred many Christians from serious study. This volume will help prevent us from being deterred. The visions are clearly explained, and there is, throughout, good application.

Perhaps no other part of Scripture has had as profound an influence on the story of the Christian church as Paul’s epistle to the Romans. Luther said of Romans, ‘It can never be read or considered too much or too well, and the more it is handled, the more delightful it becomes and the better it tastes.’

This epistle is not a document intended only for the eyes of the seminary students or academics. It is not a treatise for theological experts. It is not a piece of specialized instruction for church officers, or a written lecture for preachers and pastors. It is a letter. And it is to ordinary people. Romans sets before us the gospel which the ordinary believer in the New Testament churches loved, and lived by. It is the gospel which was believed by the men and women, boys and girls who were saved by God’s grace there in Rome.

In this book the author aims to present a simple introduction to Romans for the ordinary reader today. His exposition goes straight to the heart of the passage, avoiding technicalities or obscure textural criticism.

The book of Ruth has been called an ancient 'biblical Cinderella story' in which Ruth finds her prince: a rags-to-riches fairy tale. It is a wonderful short story. Many people throughout the ages have been touched by the sweetness and kindness so evident in the episode. Yet, as Peter Barnes observes, though the author does not push too much Boaz as a type of Christ, there is much of Christ in the commentary.

John Currid looks at key themes within the book: the cost of obedience, the sovereignty of God, faithful living and redemption. The background is laid out - in the time of the Judges - as a time of degeneracy in the history of Israel. The focus then moves to one family within Israel, their move to Moab, the sadnesses there, the return home and God's wonderful working to turn bitterness into joy. The author uses his great knowledge of Hebrew to enhance the reader's understanding of the book.

'This is an ideal companion for anyone wishing to work through the book of Ruth. The leading motifs are well captured, and there are a host of very suitable illustrations from history. It is a simple and lucid presentation which will satisfy a wide readership. Dr Currid is loath to push too hard the issue of Boaz as a type of Christ, but there is much of Christ in this commentary. Ruth is the Cinderella story that happened, and Dr Currid is a master story teller who is also an historian and a theologian. This will charm, instruct, and inspire all who use it to help them better grasp the Word of God.' Peter Barnes

Gary Brady takes the view that the Biblical author had in mind both a natural and spiritual understanding, and that those who originally received the book as Scripture understood it both in terms of human love and intimacy and as a portrait of the loving relationship between God and his people. How desperately people today need to learn in both these areas.

‘In all the world there is nothing to equal the day on which the Song of Songs was given to Israel, for all the Scriptures are holy, but the Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies.’ Even allowing for hyperbole, this statement by a second-century rabbi contrasts sharply with the attitude of some Christians today, who apparently have little place for this book in their thinking or practice. They hardly ever quote it, read it or reflect on it. Such extremes remind us that the book has sometimes been controversial. More than one scholar has called the Song of Songs the most difficult book to interpret in the Old Testament.

In this modern world of mass media, through advertising, cinema, television and the World Wide Web, we are inundated with false images of love, sex and marriage. We are bombarded with misleading ideas and, even if we are able to keep our minds pure, it is still very easy for inaccurate concepts to worm their way in and have their debilitating effect on us. All of us — single, married, divorced or widowed, young or old, male or female — need to be crystal clear on this vital subject.

Then there is the vital issue of intimacy with Jesus Christ. One of the purposes of this commentary is to help us to see how lovely the Lord Jesus is, how attractive, how appealing. The aim is for us to see again something of Christ’s beauty and glory, his comeliness and splendour, and so to be drawn to him. The Song of Songs can be of tremendous help to us in this direction.

One of the greatest needs of the modern church is to know God and to know him better. We need a knowledge of God that not only stimulates the mind, but moves the heart to worship and the will to obey. The most clear and certain source of such knowledge is, of course, to be found in the Bible. The books of both its Old and New Testaments furnish us with the kind of knowledge that is crucial to the life changing discovery we wish to enjoy. However, if there is one part of that revelation that is more likely than others to be neglected it is that group of books collectively known as the Minor Prophets. And this is a pit, because these books contain a rich vein of insight into the character of God. They also contain a necessary counter to the slight and superficial views of God which seem so prevalent at the present time. In contrast, the prophecy of Zephaniah in particular presents us with an awesome picture of the God who really is, and whom we are all one day destined to meet. It also beckons us - indeed, it pleads with us - to face up to what it will mean to meet the living God. This book is a study of Zephaniah simply explained.

The study of the book of Zechariah is bound to be enriching, for it is imbued from beginning to end with the same heart-cry that Jesus turned into a prayer for all of us: "Your kingdom come."

Here Barry G. Webb explores the kingdom of God as the prophet Zechariah apprehended it. In oracles and visions Zechariah challenged his hearers

The promises of God in the book of Zechariah are meant to fuel the faithfulness of God’s people and prepare the way for the promised Messiah.

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.