Ephesians transcends the paradigm of works-based righteousness. Indeed, there is no ladder high enough that we can climb to heaven—only Christ can restore our relationship with God. And he does: we have so much more than forgiveness in Christ. Our lives are constantly being transformed to look more and more like the example set for us by Jesus. The NIV App… Read more…
Origen of Alexandria (185-254), one of the most prolific authors of antiquity and arguably the most important and influential pre-Nicene Christian theologian, was a man of deep learning and holiness of life. Regrettably, many of his works are no longer extant, in part due to the condemnation of his ideas by the Fifth Ecumenical Council in 553. The condemnati… Read more…
Interest in the book of Revelation in the Western tradition is stronger and earlier than that in the East. The earliest full commentary on the Apocalypse is that of Victorinus of Petovium written in the mid to late third century by the earliest exegete to write in Latin. Victorinus interpreted Revelation in millennialist terms, a mode of interpretation alrea… Read more…
The author of Hebrews writes about a variety of issues including repentance, faith, transformed living, and Jesus as Messiah and high priest. George H. Guthrie (Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) writes on the original, theological importance of Hebrews in this book of the NIV Application Commentary, as well as how we can apply that to our mo… Read more…
Eusebius of Caesarea (ca. 260--ca. 340), one of the early church’s great polymaths, produced significant works as a historian (Ecclesiastical History), geographer (Onomasticon), philologist, exegete (commentaries on the Psalms and Isaiah), apologist (Preparation for and Demonstration of the Gospel) and theologian. His Commentary on Isaiah is one of his maj… Read more…
We all come across moments in our lives where we are forced to let go of any semblance of control and place our trust in God. The book of Daniel traces the lives of four dedicated followers of God who continually choose to follow Him despite the culture they’re surrounded by. Their perseverance eventually results in great blessing, both for them and everyo… Read more…
Jerome (c. 347-419), one of the West's four doctors of the church, was recognized early on as one of the church's foremost translators, commentators and advocates of Christian asceticism. Skilled in Hebrew and Greek in addition to his native Latin, he was thoroughly familiar with Jewish traditions and brought them to bear on his understanding of the … Read more…
The book of Jude includes numerous references to Jewish history (Balaam, Cain, and Korah's rebellion), references Jude believed made all the more powerful his warnings against internal enemies of the church. "The Value of Learning History," an article from pastor John Piper, illuminates, using Jude as a context, the importance for each… Read more…
The Kregel Guide to Church History by John Hannah provides an excellent overview to church history, beginning with the early church in AD 33 and ending with the postmodern church in the present day.
It covers the main periods of church history in the following chapters:
1. The Early Church (AD 33-500)
2.&… Read more…
This useful, concise introduction to the worlds around the New Testament focuses on seven key moments in the centuries before and after Jesus. It enlightens readers about the beginnings of the Christian movement, showing how religious, political, and economic factors were interwoven in the fabric of the New Testament world.Leading New Testament scholar Warre… Read more…
Enter a world of warfare and treachery, of duty and honor, of love and loyalty, interwoven with the inner workings of a Roman centurion's household. And then trace it as the road curves toward little Capernaum.
Follow the story of Appius, a proud centurion, and Tullus, his scribe and slave. From a battle with the Parthians, through a tragic per… Read more…
This engrossing book will quickly capture your attention as you realize the excitement leading up to this festive occasion and the richness it will bring to your understanding of both the Old and New Testament references. The authors treat us to the sense of anticipation that "cannot be overstated" as their insightful account of tradition… Read more…
