INTRODUCTIONS TO THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT
BOOK OF GENESIS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: CHAPTER 1-11 RECORD THE FIRST YEAR OF MAN’S HISTORY FROM CREATION TO THE TOWER OF BABEL. CHAPTER 12-50 COVERS OVER 300 YEARS, CENTERING AROUND THE LIVES OF 4 MEN: ABRAHAM, ISAAC, JACOB AND JOSEPH. GENESIS SPANS MORE TIME THAN THE OTHER 65 BOOKS COMBINED.
TITLE: THE WORD “ GENESIS” MEANS “ BEGINNING” OR “ ORIGIN.” B E R E S H I T H, THE FIRST WORD IN THE HEBREW TEXT, MEANS, “ IN THE BEGINNING.”
BACKGROUND: GENESIS IS THE FIRST BOOK OF THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES, CALLED THE PENTATEUCH. IN THE FIRST 11 CHAPTERS, GENESIS DEALS WITH THE HISTORY OF HUMAN RACE DWELLING IN THE LANDS FROM EDEN TO UR, AND IN THE REMAINING 39 CHAPTERS FROM C A A N A N TO EGYPT. THIS FIRST BOOK FORMS THE BASIS FOR ALL FURTHER REVELATION ABOUT GOD AND HIS PLAN FOR MAN.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE GENERAL BELIEF IS THAT MOSES RECEIVED THIS REVELATION WHILE ON MOUNT SINAI IN THE WILDERNESS.
TO WHOM: GENESIS IS WRITTEN FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE I S R A E L I T E S, BUT THE MESSAGE CONTAINED HEREIN ARE TIMELESS, AS THE PROMISES GOD MADE TO THE PATRIARCHS ARE MADE KNOWN AND THE FOUNDATION IS SET FOR REVELATION OF GOD’S LOVE AND THE REDEMPTION OF MANKIND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.
CONTENT: GOD USES HIS WORD TO SPEAK ALL OF CREATION INTO BEING. THIS CREATION IS PERFECT UNTIL MAN SINS BY LISTENING TO SATAN INSTEAD OF TRUSTING GOD AND OBEYING HIS PLAN. THIS OF ADAM AND EVE RESULTS IN SPIRITUAL DEATH AND EVENTUALLY LEADS TO FILLING THE WORLD WITH HATE, VIOLENCE AND DISOBEDIENCE. FINALLY, SIN PREVAILS UNTIL GOD USES A FLOOD TO DESTROY MANKIND, EXCEPT RIGHTEOUS NOAH AND HIS FAMILY. EVEN AFTER THIS, SIN SWEEPS THE LAND, AND THE PEOPLE BUILD THE HUGE TOWER OF BABEL IN DEFIANCE OF GOD. GOD NEVER STOPS LOVING MAN, HOWEVER, AND THE LAST 39 CHAPTERS OF GENESIS REVEAL HOW GOD, THROUGH THE FAMILY OF ABRAHAM, DIRECTS HISTORY TO ESTABLISH THE EARLY STAGES IN HIS PLAN TO SAVE THE PEOPLE AND MEND THEIR FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM. THE BOOK CLOSES WITH GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE IN EGYPT.
KEY WORDS: “ BEGINNING” ; “ MAN “ “ COVENANT. “ GENESIS ACCOUNTS FOR THE “ BEGINNING “ OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE, “ MAN “ AND WOMAN, SIN AND CIVILIZATION AND GOD’S WORD FOR REDEMPTION. GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN FOR SALVATION FOR MANKIND IS REVEALED THROUGH THE “ COVENANT “ HE ESTABLISHES WITH ABRAHAM.
THEMES: GOD CREATES MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE FOR FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM. MAN IS CREATED WITH A BODY, A SOUL, A SPIRIT AND A FREE WILL TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR OR AGAINST GOD. THOUGH WE SIN, GOD WILL NOT GIVE UP ON US OR ABANDON US. IN SPITE OF OUR FAILURES, GOD LOVES US AND SEES OUR VALUE AND WORTH. THE LORD HAS A PLAN FOR EVERY LIFE, AND IT INCLUDES SALVATION AND TOTAL OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD. GOD HAS THE LOVE AND THE POWER TO PROTECT AND PROVIDE FOR US AS WE PLACE OUR FAITH IN HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. STORY OF CREATION. (1 : 1-2 : 25) 2. BEGINNING OF SIN AND DEATH. (3 : 1-5 : 32) 3. STORY OF NOAH. 6 : 1-10 :3 2) 4. TOWER OF BABEL. (11:1-11 : 9) 5. LIFE OF ABRAHAM. (11 : 10-25 : 18) 6. LIFE OF ISAAC. (25 : 19-26 : 35) 7. LIFE OF JACOB (27 : 1-36 : 43) 8. LIFE OF JOSEPH (37 : 1-50 : 26)
BOOK OF EXODUS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: APPROXIMATELY 431 YEARS (THE PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE ARRIVAL OF JACOB IN EGYPT TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE IN THE WILDERNESS).
TITLE: THE WORD “ EXODUS “ MEANS “ EXIT “ OR “ DEPARTURE.”
BACKGROUND: THE SECOND BOOK OF THE PENTATEUCH, EXODUS, IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS. ONLY 70 DESCENDANTS OF JACOB JOURNEYED TO EGYPT, BUT AFTER INCREASING ABUNDANTLY IN NUMBER THEY BECAME OPPRESSED AS SLAVED TO EGYPTIAN LEADERS WHO DID NOT REMEMBER JOSEPH ( JACOB’S SON). DURING THE PRECEDING 4 CENTURIES THE PEOPLE HAVE GROWN TO A NATION OF SOME 3 MILLION BEFORE THEIR EXODUS FROM EGYPT BEGINS.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE GENERAL BELIEF IS THAT MOSES RECEIVED THIS REVELATION WHILE ON MOUNT SINAI IN THE WILDERNESS.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: EXODUS BEGINS WITH THE DESCENDANTS OF JACOB LIVING IN SLAVERY TO THE EGYPTIANS. MOSES IS CALLED AND DIRECTED BY GOD TO LEAD THE I S R A E L I T E S OUT OF THIS BONDAGE. ISRAEL IS FINALLY PERMITTED TO LEAVE EGYPT AFTER GOD DIRECTS MOSES TO PRONOUNCE A SERIES OF PLAGUES UPON EGYPT AND THE P H A R O A H. THE PASSOVER IS INSTITUTED, EMPHASIZING THAT THE BLOOD REDEMPTION IS ALWAYS NECESSARY (CHAPTER 12), AND THE RESULTING COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND THE I S R A E L I T E S IDENTIFIES THEM AS GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE. GOD THEN DELIVERS ISRAEL MIRACULOUSLY THROUGH THE RED SEA. AT MOUNT SINAI GOD GIVES THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, BUT LATER HAS TO JUDGE THE PEOPLE OF THEIR APOSTASY AND WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN CALF (CHAPTER 32). A FEW MONTHS AFTER THIS, THE TABERNACLE IS CONSTRUCTED.
KEY WORDS: “ DELIVERANCE “ ; “ REDEMPTION “ ; “ COMMANDMENTS. “ THE “ DELIVERANCE “ OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL FROM THEIR OPPRESSION AS SLAVES IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY MIRACULOUS ACTS PERFORMED BY GOD FOR THE COMPLETE “ REDEMPTION “OF HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE. THE TEN “ COMMANDMENTS “ AND OTHER LAWS GIVE THE PEOPLE THE INSTRUCTION NEEDED TO LIVE AS GOD’S DESIRES.
THEMES: GOD’S PROTECTION AND PROVISION ARE AVAILABLE TO HIS CHILDREN IN TIMES OF NEED. OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD BRINGS PROSPERITY AND BLESSINGS, DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS FAILURE AND PUNISHMENT. PART OF OUR COVENANT AGREEMENT WITH GOD IS THAT WE TRUST AND OBEY HIM IN RETURN FOR HIS DELIVERANCE AND SALVATION. GOD’S PROMISES CAN BE DEPENDED UPON TOTALLY AND UNCOMPROMISINGLY.
OUTLINE: 1. ISRAEL’S BONDAGE AND MOSES’ PREPARATION. (1 : 1-4 : 31) 2. GOD’S REDEMPTION OF ISRAEL FROM EGYPT. (5 : 1-15 : 21)
3. ISRAEL’S WILDERNESS JOURNEY TO MOUNT SINAI. (15 : 22-18 : 27) 4. GOD’S COVENANT AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. (19 : 1-24 : 18)
5. THE TABERNACLE AND RELATED REGULATIONS. (25 : 1-31 : 18) 6. ISRAEL’S APOSTASY. (32 : 1-32 : 35) 7. RENEWAL OF GOD’S COVENANT. (33 : 1-40 : 38)
BOOK OF LEVITICUS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 1 MONTH
TITLE: THE WORD “ LEVITICUS “ MEANS “ PERTAINING TO THE L E V I T E S. “ THE TITLE IS APPROPRIATE SINCE THE ISRAELITE PRIESTS WERE L E V I T E S, AND THE MINISTRY OF THESE PRIESTS IS DISCUSSED.
BACKGROUND: THE THIRD BOOK OF THE PENTATEUCH, LEVITICUS, IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY IN THE BOOK OF EXODUS. THE BOOK BEGINS WITH ISRAEL HAVING COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE. THIS HANDBOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PRIESTS IS GIVEN DURING ISRAEL’S ONE-YEAR ENCAMPMENT AT MOUNT SINAI.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE GENERAL BELIEF IS THAT MOSES RECEIVED THIS REVELATION WHILE ON MOUNT SINAI IN THE WILDERNESS.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: LEVITICUS SETS DOWN REGULATIONS TO PRESERVE THE SPIRITUAL, MORAL AND PHYSICAL PURITY OF THE PEOPLE. INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED ON HOW TO LIVE HOLY LIVES THROUGH SACRIFICES AND WORSHIP. ALSO DISCUSSED ARE TWO MAJOR OFFERINGS: 1) BURNT OFFERING, 2) MEAT (MEAL) OFFERING, 3) PEACE OFFERING, 4) SIN OFFERING 5) T R E S S P A S S OFFERING. OTHER CONCERNS OF LEVITICUS INCLUDE: A A R O N ’ S ROLE AS PRIEST; LAWS FOR THE PRIESTHOOD; CLEANLINESS; THE DAY OF ATONEMENT; LAWS TO REGULATE HOLINESS IN ALL OF LIFE; AND THE APPOINTED FEASTS OF THE LORD.
KEY WORDS: “ SANCTIFIED “ ; “ HOLINESS. “ THE L E V I T E S AND, MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE PRIESTS ARE SET ASIDE FOR SERVICE OR “ SANCTIFIED “ TO LIVE AS EXAMPLES OF “ HOLINESS “ BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE IN ALL THAT THEY DO.
THEMES: SIN IS ALWAYS DETESTABLE IN GOD’S SIGHT. GOD’S PLAN IS THAT ALL SIN MUST BE ATONED FOR BY THE OFFERING OF SACRIFICIAL BLOOD (AS FULFILLED IN CHRIST’S ATONEMENT). GOD IS TOTALLY HOLY, AND HE REQUIRES OUR HOLINESS AND DEDICATION. GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION, BUT OF ORDERLINESS IN WORSHIP. WE KEEP GOD’S LAWS NOT TO BECOME ACCEPTABLE TO HIM, BUT AS AN EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE FOR AND TRUST IN HIM. FAITHFULNESS TO GOD’S WORD ALLOWS HIS PEACE AND PRESENCE TO FILL OUR LIVES.
OUTLINE: 1. LAWS CONCERNING OFFERINGS. (1 : 1-7 : 38) 2. LAWS CONCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD. (8 : 1-10 : 20) 3. LAWS CONCERNING PERSONAL PURITY. (11:1-15 : 33) 4. THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. (16 : 1-16 : 34) 5. LAWS FOR SANCTIFICATION OF THE PEOPLE. (17 : 1-20 : 27) 6. LAWS FOR SANCTIFICATION OF THE PRIESTS. (21 : 1-22 : 33) 7. LAWS CONCERNING THE SABBATH AND OTHER APPOINTED FEASTS. (23 : 1-25 : 55) 8. BLESSINGS VERSES CURSES SET BEFORE THE PEOPLE. (26 : 1-26 : 46) 9. LAWS CONCERNING VOWS. (27 : 1-27 : 34)
BOOK OF NUMBERS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 39 YEARS (THE PERIOD OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY FROM THE SECOND YEAR AFTER THE EXODUS TO JUST PRIOR TO THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN).
TITLE: THE BOOK OF NUMBERS GETS IT’S NAME FROM THE 2 CENSUSES (NUMBERINGS) OF THE NATION ISRAEL.
BACKGROUND: THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE PENTATEUCH, NUMBERS, IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH ELAPSES FROM THE TIME THE TABERNACLE IS CONSTRUCTED AT THE END OF EXODUS TO THE TIME OF THE CENSUS AT THE BEGINNING OF NUMBERS. DURING THAT MONTH THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS ARE GIVEN.
WHERE WRITTEN: MOUNT SINAI AND THE WILDERNESS, AS MOSES LEADS THE PEOPLE TO THE PROMISED LAND.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: NUMBERS IS THE STORY OF THE NEARLY 40 YEARS THAT THE I S R A E L I T E S WANDERED IN THE WILDERNESS, BETWEEN THE TIMES OF 2 SEPARATE CENSUSES OF THE PEOPLE. THE FIRST CENSUSES IS OF THE OLD GENERATION, THE GENERATION THAT CAME OUT OF EGYPT. IT TAKES PLACE AT MOUNT SINAI IN THE SECOND YEAR OF THE EXODUS. THE SECOND CENSUS IS OF THE NEW GENERATION. IT TAKES PLACE ON THE PLANES OF M O A B, OPPOSITE JERICHO, 38 YEARS LATER JUST PRIOR TO THE NATION’S ENTERING OF CANAAN. EVEN THOUGH THE OLD GENERATION (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF JOSHUA AND CALEB) IS NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND, GOD STILL PROVIDES FOR AND SUSTAINS THE PEOPLE THROUGH THESE WANDERINGS.
KEY WORDS: “ WANDERINGS “ ; “ CENSUS. “ THE EMPHASIS OF NUMBERS IS ON THE “ WANDERINGS “ OF THE I S R A E L I T E S IN THE WILDERNESS DURING THE TIME BETWEEN THE “ CENSUS “ TAKEN OF THE OLD GENERATION OF I S R A E L I T E S AND LATER THE “ CENSUS “ OF THE NEW GENERATION.
THEMES: OUR DISCIPLINE FROM GOD IS SOMETIMES STERN, BUT HE ULTIMATELY REWARDS THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO HIS WORD. BELIEVERS WILL NEVER HAVE TO LIVE IN THE WILDERNESS, BUT WE MAY HAVE TO WALK THROUGH IT. JUST AS GOD’S PUNISHMENT OF DISOBEDIENCE IS SURE, SO IS GOD’S PARDON AND RESTORATION FOR REPENTANCE. WE CAN PROGRESS AS CHILDREN OF GOD ONLY AS WE ALLOW HIM TO NURTURE OUR GROWTH. MURMURING AND COMPLAINING ARE OFFENSIVE TO THE GOD WE SERVE (CHAPTER 11).
OUTLINE: 1. THE FIRST CENSUS OF THE I S R A E L I T E S IS TAKEN. (1 : 1-4 : 49) 2. THE OLD GENERATION PREPARES TO INHERIT THE PROMISED LAND. (5 : 1-10 : 10) 3. THE OLD GENERATION FAILS TO INHERIT THE PROMISED LAND. (10 : 11-21 : 35) 4. ISRAEL ENCOUNTERS THE M O A B I T E S AND B A L A A M. (22 : 1-25 : 18) 5. THE SECOND CENSUS OF THE I S R A E L I T E S IS TAKEN. (26 : 1-26 : 65) 6. THE NEW GENERATION PREPARES TO INHERIT THE PROMISED LAND. (27 : 1-36 : 13)
BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY
AUTHOR: MOSES (HOWEVER, JOSHUA PROBABLY RECORDED MOSES’ DEATH IN CHAPTER 34.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1410 AND 1395 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 1 TO 2 MONTHS
TITLE: IT IS DERIVED FROM THE GREEK WORD, D E U T E R O N O M I O N, WHICH MEANS, ” “ SECOND LAW GIVING.”
BACKGROUND: THE PENTATEUCH CONCLUDES WITH THIS FIFTH AND FINAL BOOK OF MOSES. DEUTERONOMY BEGINS AT THE END OF ISRAEL’S 40 YEAR PERIOD IN THE WILDERNESS WHEN THE NEW GENERATION IS PREPARING TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND (CANAAN).
WHERE WRITTEN: ON THE PLAINS NEAR THE JORDAN RIVER IN M O A B (DUE EAST OF JERICHO).
TO WHOM: TO THE NEW GENERATION OF I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: A NUMBER OF YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE LAW WAS GIVEN AT MOUNT SINAI TO THE PARENTS OF THESE I S R A E L I T E S. BUT THAT GENERATION HAS SINCE DIED IN THE WILDERNESS (EXCEPT CALEB AND JOSHUA), AND THIS NEW GENERATION NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO DEVELOP A PROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. THUS, 3 FAREWELL SERMONS TO ISRAEL ARE GIVEN BY THE 120-YEAR-OLD MOSES JUST PRIOR TO HIS DEATH, AND THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSHUA AND MOSES’ SUCCESSOR TAKES PLACES. THESE ADDRESSES CHALLENGE THE PEOPLE TO LIVE THEIR FUTURE IN FAITH AND OBEDIENCE AS THEY REVIEW THEIR PAST. MORAL AND LEGAL REGULATIONS ARE EXPANDED UPON, AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE REPEATED.
KEY WORDS: ”“ REMEMBER ”“ ; ”“ COVENANT ”“ ; ”“ OBEDIENCE.” MOSES GIVES CONSTANT ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE I S R A E L I T E S TO ”“ REMEMBER ”“ THEIR ORIGINAL ”“ COVENANT ”“ WITH THE GOD OF THE PATRIARCH’S, WHO HAS FREED THEM FROM EGYPTIAN BONDAGE AND SUSTAINED THEM THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. THE ONLY PROPER RESPONSE FROM SUCH AN UNDESERVING PEOPLE IS ”“ OBEDIENCE ”“ TO GOD WITHOUT RESERVATION.
THEMES: THERE IS BUT ONE TRUE GOD. OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS, DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS PUNISHMENT. GENUINE LOVE FOR GOD IS EVIDENCED BY HOLY LIVING AND BY LOVE FOR OTHERS. GOD’S POWER AND FAITHFULNESS CAN BE DEPENDED UPON DURING OUR TIMES OF NEED. WE MUST TEACH OUT CHILDREN TO FEAR THE LORD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS (CHAPTER 6).
OUTLINE: 1. MOSES’ FIRST SERMON: REVIEW OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY. (1 : 1-4 : 43) 2. MOSES SECOND SERMON: REVIEW OF THE LAW. (4 : 44-11 : 32) APPLICATION OF THE LAW. (12 : 1-26 : 19) BLESSINGS AND CURSES. (27 : 1-28 : 68) 3. MOSES’ THIRD SERMON: RENEWAL OF ISRAEL’S COVENANT. (29 : 1-30 : 20) 4. THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSHUA AS MOSES’ SUCCESSOR. (31 :1-32 : 43) 5. MOSES’ FINAL WORDS AND DEATH. (32 : 44-34 : 12)
BOOK OF JOSHUA
AUTHOR: JOSHUA. HOWEVER, SOME OF THE ” “ ELDERS THAT OUTLIVED JOSHUA ” “ (24 : 31) PROBABLY ADDED PORTIONS TO THE BOOK AFTER HIS DEATH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1410 AND 1350 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 15-26 YEARS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: JOSHUA.
BACKGROUND: JOSHUA IS ALMOST STONED TO DEATH BY HIS OWN PEOPLE (NUMBERS 14 : 6-10) NEARLY 40 YEARS BEFORE THE BOOK OF JOSHUA BEGINS, BECAUSE OUT OF 12 SPIES TO CANAAN ONLY HE AND CALEB DETERMINE TO OBEY GOD’S DIRECTIONS TO CONQUER THE LAND. BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF TO ACCEPT GOD’S COVENANT, THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SPEND 40 YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS. BUT NOW JOSHUA, MOSES’ SUCCESSOR, IS PREPARING TO LEAD THE I S R A E L I T E S FROM THE WILDERNESS IN THEIR CONQUEST OF THE PROMISED LAND.
WHERE WRITTEN: EAST OF THE JORDAN RIVER (THE WILDERNESS) BEFORE THE CONQUEST, AND WEST OF THE JORDAN RIVER (CANAAN) THEREAFTER.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF JOSHUA IS PRIMARILY THE HISTORY OF JOSHUA’S LEADERSHIP OF ISRAEL. UNDER DIVINE GUIDANCE, JOSHUA ENGAGES IN 3 STRATEGIC, MILITARY OPERATIONS USING BRILLIANT DIVIDE-AND-CONQUER TACTICS, INSURING VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY ARMIES IN CANAAN. GOD’S MIRACULOUS INTERVENTIONS, INCLUDING THE CROSSING OF THE JORDAN RIVER AND THE CONQUEST OF JERICHO, PROVE TO ISRAEL THAT GOD IS AIDING THEIR EFFORTS. THE DIVISION OF THE PROMISED LAND AMONG THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL AND THEIR SUBSEQUENT SETTLEMENT IN THE NEW LAND TAKE PLACE. FINALLY, JOSHUA EXHORTS THE PEOPLE BEFORE HIS DEATH TO RENEW THEIR COVENANT AND TO DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO SERVE AND LOVE GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CHOOSE ”“ ; ”“ SERVE. ”“ JOSHUA EMPHASIS THAT WE MUST DO BOTH BY HIS ADMONITION TO ”“ CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE, BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD ”“ (24 : 15).
THEMES: OUR GREATEST ASSET IS NOT OUR PHYSICAL ABILITY OR CLEVERNESS, IT IS OUR FAITH IN GOD’S ABILITY TO OVERCOME IN OUR BEHALF. VICTORY COMES THROUGH FAITH IN GOD AND OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD. SIN MUST BE DEALT WITH AT ONCE BECAUSE IT BRINGS SEVERE CONSEQUENCES. GOD IS ALWAYS TRUE TO HIS PROMISES. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, IF WE HAVE FAITH IN HIM WHO MADE ALL THINGS. IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE OBEDIENT AND FAITHFUL TO THE COVENANT OF GOD. GOD PUNISHES SINFUL NATIONS AS WELL AS SINFUL INDIVIDUALS.
OUTLINE: 1. ISRAEL’S PREPARATION FOR THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN. (1 : 1-5 : 15) 2. THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN. (6 : 1-12 :24) 3. THE ALLOTMENTS OF THE LAND OF CANAAN BY TRIBE. (13 : 1-21 : 45) 4. JOSHUA’S FAREWELL, DEATH. (22 : 1-24 :33)
BOOK OF JUDGES
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY SAMUEL).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1043 AND 1004 B. C.
TIME SPAN: APPROXIMATELY 350 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE DEATH OF JOSHUA TO THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL).
TITLE: THE BOOK DERIVES IT’S TITLE FROM IT’S CONTENT ABOUT THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL, WHO WERE LEADERS DURING TRIBAL OR NATIONAL EMERGENCIES AT A TIME WHEN THERE WAS NO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT. THE HEBREW TITLE FOR THIS BOOK, S H O P O T I M, MEANS ” “ RULING LEADERS ”“ OR ” “ JUDGES.”
BACKGROUND: THE BOOK COVERS THE PERIOD FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF JOSHUA AND THE I S R A E L I T E S’ I N T I A L CONQUEST OF CANAAN. DURING THIS TIME THE PEOPLE, WAVERING BETWEEN APOSTASY AND REPENTANCE, ARE RULED BY INDIVIDUAL LEADERS CALLED JUDGES. THE BOOK OF JUDGES RECORDS THIS ERA OF DISOBEDIENCE AND DEFEAT.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE PROMISED LAND (CANAAN).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE CONQUEST AND OCCUPATION OF THE PROMISED LAND, THE I S R A E L I T E S BEGIN TO ADOPT THE SINFUL WAYS OF THE SURROUNDING NATIONS. A TRAGIC CYCLE DEVELOPS: ISRAEL FALLS INTO SIN; GOD DISCIPLINES WITH FOREIGN OPPRESSION; THE PEOPLE CRY TO GOD FOR HIS HELP; GOD RAISES UP A DELIVERER (JUDGE); PEACE IS RESTORED. THUS CYCLE IF REBELLION IS REPEATED 7 TIMES IN THE BOOK, EMPHASIZING GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS AND THE PENALTY FOR LACK OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. THE STORIES OF 3 SIGNIFICANT JUDGES ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL: DEBORAH (CHAPTER 4); GIDEON (CHAPTER 6-8); AND SAMSON (CHAPTER 13-16).
KEY WORDS: ” “APOSTASY” ; ” “ JUDGMENT ” “ ; ” “ REPENTANCE ” “ ; ” “ MERCY. ” “ THE I S R A E L I T E S CONTINUALLY FAIL TO LEARN THEIR LESSON. THEIR ” “ APOSTASY ” “ MEANS THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE OF ” “ JUDGMENT ” “ FROM GOD. BUT WHEN THEY FINALLY SHOW ” “ REPENTANCE, ” “ GOD WILL THEN IN HIS ” “ MERCY ” “ RAISE UP A JUDGE TO LEAD THE PEOPLE TO RESTORATION AND REST.
THEMES: THERE IS ALWAYS A PRICE TO BE PAID FOR OUR SINS. THE PRICE FOR SIN IS DESTRUCTION AND DEATH. WE ALL NEED PROPER LEADERSHIP IN OUR LIVES. (THE MOST IMPORTANT LEADER AND JUDGE FOR EACH OF US TODAY IS JESUS CHRIST.) WITHOUT STRONG LEADERS WE ARE MORE INCLINED TI BE INFLUENCED BY DAMAGING CIRCUMSTANCES OR DECEPTIVE PEOPLE. GOD IN HIS MERCY WILL DELIVER US WHEN WE REPENT WHOLEHEARTEDLY OF OUR SINS AND OBEY HIM. DOING RIGHT IN OUR OWN EYES IS NOT NECESSARILY DOING RIGHT IN GOD’S EYES.
OUTLINE: 1. ISRAEL’S FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN. (1 : 1-3 : 6) 2. THE CYCLE OF APOSTASY AND DELIVERANCE (3 : 7-16 : 31) (3. ISRAEL’S FALL INTO IDOL WORSHIP, IMMORALITY AND CIVIL WAR. (17 : 1-21 : 25)
BOOK OF RUTH
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN. (TRADITION HAS SUGGESTED SAMUEL.)
DATE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN. (HOWEVER, THE PREVALENT VIEW ASCRIBES A DATE BETWEEN 1011 AND 931 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 12 YEARS (DURING THE TIME OF THE JUDGES).
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S PRINCIPAL CHARACTER: RUTH. HER BIOGRAPHY IS OUTLINED IN THIS SHORT STORY.
BACKGROUND: THE SETTING FOR THE BOOK OF RUTH BEGINS IN THE COUNTRY OF M O A B, A REGION NORTHEAST OF THE DEAD SEA, BUT THEN MOVES TO BETHLEHEM. THIS TRUE ACCOUNT TAKES PLACE DURING THE DISMAL DAYS OF FAILURE AND REBELLION OF THE I S R A E L I T E S, CALLED THE PERIOD OF JUDGES.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY IN JUDAH).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: A FAMINE FORCES E L I M E L E C H AND HIS WIFE NAOMI FROM THEIR ISRAELITE HOME TO THE COUNTRY OF M O A B. E L I M E L E C H DIES AND NAOMI IS LEFT WITH HER 2 SONS, WHO SOON MARRY 2 M O A B I T E GIRLS, O R P A H AND RUTH. LATER BOTH OF THE SONS DIE, AND NAOMI IS LEFT ALONE WITH O R P A H AND RUTH IN A STRANGE LAND. O R P A H RETURNS TO HER PARENTS, BUT RUTH DETERMINES TO STAY WITH NAOMI AS THEY JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM. THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF LOVE, COMMITMENT AND DEVOTION AS RUTH TELLS NAOMI, ”“ WHITHER THOU GOES, I WILL GO; AND WHERE THOU LODGES, I WILL LODGE ”“ (1:16). RUTH EVENTUALLY MARRIES A WEALTHY MAN NAMED B O A Z, BY WHOM SHE BARES A SON, O B E D, WHO IS THE GRANDFATHER OF DAVID. RUTH’S PROVEN DEVOTION HAD BEEN REWARDED WITH A NEW HUSBAND, A SON AND A PRIVILEGED POSITION IN THE ROYAL LINEAGE OF JESUS CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ KINSMAN-REDEEMER ”“ ; ”“ ANCESTOR. ”“ B O A Z GRAPHICALLY FULFILLS THE ROLE OF ”“ KINS-REDEEMER. ”“ AS A RELATIVE, HE WILLINGLY OBTAINS THE RIGHT TO CLAIM THE LAND OF NAOMI AND THUS THE RIGHT TO MARRY RUTH, THEREBY FATHERING A SON TO KEEP THE FAMILY LINE ALIVE. THIS IS ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ”“ ANCESTORS ”“ IN THE STORY, WHICH END WITH THE FAMILY TREE LISTING RUTH AND B O A Z AS THE GREAT-GRANDPARENTS OF KING DAVID.
THEMES: GENUINE LOVE AT TIMES MAY REQUIRE UNCOMPROMISING SACRIFICE. REGARDLESS OF OUR LOT IN LIFE, WE CAN LIVE ACCORDING TO THE PRECEPTS OF GOD. GENUINE LOVE AND KINDNESS WILL BE REWARDED. GOD ABUNDANTLY BLESSES THOSE WHO SEEK TO LIVE OBEDIENT LIVES. OBEDIENT LIVING DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ”“ ACCIDENTS ”“ IN THE ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD. GOD EXTENDS MERCY TO THE MERCIFUL.
OUTLINE: 1. RUTH DETERMINES TO STAY WITH NAOMI (1 : 1-1 : 22) 2. RUTH CARES FOR NAOMI AND MEETS B O A Z. (2 :1-2 : 23) 3. NAOMI PLANS FOR B O A Z TO REDEEM RUTH. (3 : 1-3 : 18) 4. RUTH IS REWARDED FOR HER LOVE. (4 : 1-4 : 22)
BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY SAMUEL, WITH EXCERPTS FROM THE MEMOIRS OF GAD AND NATHAN).
DATE WRITTEN: PROBABLY BETWEEN 1050 AND 931 B. C. HOWEVER, THE BOOK WAS NOT PUT INTO IT’S FINAL FORM UNTIL SOME YEARS LATER, PROBABLY BETWEEN 930 AND 722 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 94 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL TO THE DEATH OF SAUL).
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER SAMUEL, NOT ONLY BECAUSE HE IS THE PRINCIPAL FIGURE IN THE FIRST PART, BUT ALSO BECAUSE HE ANOINTS SAUL AND DAVID, THE CHIEF CHARACTERS IN THE LATTER PORTION OF THE BOOK.
BACKGROUND: 1 SAMUEL IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY IN THE BOOK OF JUDGES. IT BEGINS LATE IN THE TURBULENT TIME OF THE JUDGES, WHEN ELI IS THE JUDGE-PRIEST AND ISRAEL IS BEING OPPRESSED BY THE PHILISTINES. 1 AND 2 SAMUEL CONSIST OF ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE SINCE THEY COVER THE CONTINUOUS STORY OF THEIR 3 MAIN CHARACTERS: SAMUEL, SAUL AND DAVID.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY IN ISRAEL).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: THE I S R A E L I T E S ARE INSISTING ON A KING LIKE THE HEATHEN NATIONS HAVE; THEY NO LONGER WANT GOD’S PLACEMENT OF A JUDGE OVER THEM. 1 SAMUEL IS THE STORY OF ISRAEL’S LAST JUDGE AND FIRST PROPHET (SAMUEL), HER FIRST KING (SAUL), AND THE EARLY YEARS OF HER ANOINTED KING-ELECT (DAVID). SAUL LACKS A HEART FOR GOD, SO GOD REJECTS HIM AS KING. YOUNG DAVID THEN ENTERS THE PICTURE BY SLAYING GOLIATH WITH A SLING AND A STONE (CHAPTER 17) AND DEVELOPING A STRONG FRIENDSHIP WITH SAUL’S SON, JONATHAN (CHAPTER 18) GOD SELECTS DAVID TO REPLACE SAUL AS KING, BUT DAVID HAS TO FLEE TO THE WILDERNESS TO ESCAPE SAUL’S RAGING JEALOUSY. DAVID LIVES IN EXILE UNTIL SAUL AND HIS SONS DIE IN BATTLE AT MOUNT G I L B O A. THE STAGE IS NOW SET FOR THE GOLDEN AGE WITH DAVID REIGNING AS KING OF ISRAEL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JEALOUSY ”“ ; ”“ HEART. ”“ THE BOOK IS FULL OF ”“ JEALOUSY ”“ ; ISRAEL FOR A KING LIKE HER NEIGHBORS, AND SAUL FOR HIS SUCCESSOR DAVID. THUS, GOD LOOKS AT THE ”“ HEART ”“ AND HIS SELECTIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT ARE EXPECTED.
THEMES: GOD IS BIGGER THAN ANY PROBLEM WE WILL EVER HAVE. WITH GOD’S HELP OUR EMOTION CAN BE KEPT UNDER HIS CONTROL. EVEN GOD’S CHILDREN CAN FAIL AND FALL INTO SIN. ANY LIFE FULL OF SIN AND DEFEAT CAN HAVE VICTORY AND ACCOMPLISHMENT, IF REPENTANCE AND OBEDIENCE ARE BEGUN. SIN IN OUR LIVES MAY ENCOURAGE GOD TO TAKE AWAY OUR BLESSINGS AND GIVE THEM TO OTHERS. OUR ULTIMATE LEADERSHIP SHOULD BE OF GOD, NOT MAN. OBEDIENCE IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO GOD THAN SACRIFICE. WE, LIKE DAVID, SHOULD BE MEN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART (13 : 14).
OUTLINE: 1. THE SERVICE OF ELI AS PRIEST AND JUDGE. (1 : 1-4 : 22) 2. THE MINISTRY OF SAMUEL, THE LAST JUDGE OF ISRAEL. (5 : 1-7 : 17) 3. THE MINISTRY OF SAMUEL, THE FIRST KING OF ISRAEL. (8 : 1-15 : 35) 4. DAVID AND SAUL. (16 : 1-27 : 12) 5. THE DECLINE AND DEATH OF SAUL. (28 : 1-31 : 13)
BOOK OF 2 SAMUEL
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY GAD AND NATHAN).
DATE WRITTEN: PROBABLY BETWEEN 1010 AND 931 B. C. HOWEVER, THE BOOK WAS NOT PUT INTO IT’S FINAL FORM UNTIL SOME YEARS LATER, PROBABLY BETWEEN 930 AND 722 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 40 YEARS (DURING THE REIGN OF KING DAVID).
TITLE: ALTHOUGH SAMUEL IS NOT LIVING DURING THE TIME OF THIS BOOK TAKES PLACE, IT IS NAMED AFTER HIM BECAUSE HE IS THE ONE WHO ANOINTED DAVID, THE CHIEF CHARACTER OF 2 SAMUEL.
BACKGROUND: 2 SAMUEL IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL. THIS NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF DAVID CONTINUES WITH HIS BEING CROWNED KING OF ISRAEL AT THE DEATH OF SAUL. 2 SAMUEL COVERS THE MAJORITY OF DAVID’S 40-YEAR REIGN IN H E B R O N AND J E R U S A L M. (SAUL ALSO REIGNED 40 YEARS.) 1 AND 2 SAMUEL CONSISTS OF ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE SINCE THEY COVER THE CONTINUOUS STORY OF 3 MAIN CHARACTERS: SAMUEL, SAUL AND DAVID.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY IN ISRAEL).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: THE LIFE OF KING DAVID DOMINATES THE BOOK OF 2 SAMUEL. FIRST, DAVID RULES OVER JUDAH FOR ABOUT 7 YEARS. THEN, HIS KINGSHIP IS RECOGNIZED BY A UNIFIED ISRAEL OVER WHICH HE REIGNS FOR 33 YEARS. DURING THIS TRANSITION THE CAPITAL IS CHANGED FROM H E B R O N TO JERUSALEM, WHERE THE ARK OF THE COVENANT IS LOCATED. DAVID MILITARY VICTORIES EXPAND THE BORDERS OF THE PROMISED LAND AS HIS TRIUMPHS BRING THE NATION TO THE VERY ZENITH OF HER POWER. DAVID’S TRIUMPHS QUICKLY TURN TO TRAGEDY IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS REIGN, HOWEVER, WHEN HIS LUST TOWARDS B E T H S H E B A ULTIMATELY LEADS TO ADULTERY AND THE MURDER OF HER HUSBAND, URIAH (CHAPTER 11). THE PROPHET NATHAN REBUKES DAVID FOR HIS SINS, AND DAVID EARNESTLY REPENTS AND IS RESTORED TO GOD. BUT THE PRICE OF SIN STILL HAS TO BE PAID: HIS SON A B S A L O M’S REVOLT, CIVIL WAR AND UNREST IN THE NATION. ALTHOUGH THE FAME AND GLORY OF DAVID HAS NOW DIMINISHED, NEVER TO BE THE SAME AGAIN, GOD STILL BLESSES, FOR TO DAVID AND BATHSHEBA IS BORN SOLOMON, WHO WILL SUCCEED DAVID AS KING AND BECOME PART OF THE ROYAL ANCESTRY OF JESUS CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ ANOINTED ”“ ; ”“ DAVID. ”“ THE ENTIRE BOOK REVOLVES AROUND THE ”“ ANOINTED ”“ LIFE OF ”“ DAVID. ”“ HIS VICTORIES AND HIS FAILURES ARE GIVEN IN LIGHT OF HIS POSITION, WHICH COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN GIVEN HIM BY GOD.
THEMES: GOD CAN ACCOMPLISH EXTRAORDINARY THINGS THROUGH THE LIVES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE. OUR TOTAL TRUST SHOULD BE ONLY IN GOD, NOT IN MEN. THOUGH FORGIVEN, WE STILL MUST PAY THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS. GOD IS READY TO FORGIVE US AND USE US, IF ONLY WE WILL REPENT AND PLACE OUR FAITH IN HIM. THERE IS NO SIN SO GREAT THAT GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE US IF WE SINCERELY FORSAKE THE SIN AND TURN TO HIM. OBEDIENCE BRINGS VICTORY, DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS DEFEAT. AS A RULER THRIVES, SO THRIVES THE NATION, AS A RULER STUMBLES, SO STUMBLES THE NATION.
OUTLINE: 1. DAVID’S REIGN OVER JUDAH BEGINS. (1 : 1-4 : 12) 2. DAVID’S REIGN EXTENDS OVER ISRAEL. (5 : 1-10 : 19) 3. DAVID SINS. (11 : 1-11 : 27) 4. TROUBLES RESULT FOR DAVID’S HOUSE. (12 : 1-18 : 33) 5. DAVID IS RESTORED AS KING. (19 : 1-20 : 26) 6. COMMENTARY ON DAVID’S LATTER YEARS. (21 : 1-24 : 25)
BOOK OF 1 KINGS
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY JEREMIAH).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 640 AND 550 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 130 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE RISE OF SOLOMON TO THE DEATH OF AHAB).
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS SO NAMED BECAUSE IT IS A HISTORY OF THE KINGS WHO RULED ISRAEL AND JUDAH.
BACKGROUND: THIS SEQUEL TO 1 AND 2 SAMUEL BY TRACING S O L O M O N’ S RISE TO KINGSHIP AFTER THE DEATH OF DAVID. THE STORY BEGINS IN A UNITED KINGDOM, BUT ENDS IN A NATION DIVIDED INTO 2 KINGDOMS, KNOWN AS JUDAH AND ISRAEL. 1 AND 2 KINGS TOGETHER CONSIST OF ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY IN JUDAH AND EGYPT).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: 1 KINGS DESCRIBES S O L O M O N’ S REIGN, WEALTH AND WISDOM. THE GOLDEN AGE OF SOLOMON IS HIGHLIGHTED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE. AFTER HIS DEATH THERE IS DIVISION IN THE KINGDOM WITH HIS SON R E H O B O A M RULING OVER JUDAH (SOUTHERN KINGDOM) AND JEROBOAM RULING ISRAEL (NORTHERN KINGDOM). THE CAPITAL OF JUDAH AT THIS TIME IS JERUSALEM, AND THE CAPITAL OF ISRAEL IS S A M A R I A. THIS DIVIDED SITUATION CONTINUES FOR OVER 300 YEARS WITH EACH NATION HAVING IT’S OWN KING. THE BOOK ENDS RECOUNTING THE MIRACLES AND MINISTRY OF THE PROPHET ELIJAH, ESPECIALLY IN CONTRAST TO ISRAEL’S MOST WICKED KING, AHAB.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WISDOM ”“ ; ”“ DIVISION. ”“ S O L O M O N’ S RISE IS DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE FACT THAT HE SEEKS ”“ WISDOM ”“ FROM GOD INSTEAD OF FAME OF FORTUNE. BUT UNHEALTHY INFLUENCES FROM FOREIGN WIVES LEAD TO HIS DIVIDED HEART, WHICH, IN TURN, LEADS TO
”“ DIVISIONS ”“ IN THE NATION.
THEMES: GOD USES HISTORY TO SET BEFORE US EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL AND DEFEATED LIVES. WE MUST FOLLOW GODLY LEADERSHIP AND BE GODLY LEADERS FOR OTHERS. GOD IS MORE CONCERNED THAT WE HAVE WISDOM AND A HEART FOR HIM THAN IN OUR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THE CONSISTENT COMPANY WE KEEP IN FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN AFFECT US POSITIVELY OR NEGATIVELY.
OUTLINE: 1. REIGN OF SOLOMON. (1 : 1-11 : 43) 2. DIVISIONS OF R E H O B O A M AND JEROBOAM. (12 : 1-14 : 31) 3. REIGNS OF JUDAH KINGS. (15 : 1-15 : 24) 4. REIGNS OF ISRAEL’S KINGS. (15 : 25-16 :3 4) 5. ELIJAH AND AHAB. (17 : 1-22 : 53)
BOOK OF 2 KINGS
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN, POSSIBLY JEREMIAH. (HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN SUGGEST THAT CHAPTER 25 WAS WRITTEN BY AN EXILE AFTER THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 640 AND 550 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 293 YEARS (PERIOD FROM THE TIME OF THE PROPHET ELISHA TO THE CAPTIVITY OF JUDAH).
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS SO NAMED BECAUSE IT IS A HISTORY OF THE KINGS WHO RULED ISRAEL AND JUDAH.
BACKGROUND: 2 KINGS IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF 1 KINGS. THE 2 BOOKS FORM ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE. 2 KINGS CONTINUES THE STORY OF THE KINGS OVER THE DIVIDED KINGDOM, LEADING TO THE FINAL OVERTHROW AND DEPORTATION OF BOTH ISRAEL AND J U D A H’ S PEOPLE.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY FROM JUDAH AND EGYPT).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: 2 KINGS DEPICTS THE DOWNFALL OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM. PROPHETS CONTINUE TO WARN THE PEOPLE THAT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD IS AT HAND, BUT THEY WILL NOT REPENT. THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL IS REPEATEDLY RULED BY WICKED KINGS, AND EVEN THOUGH A FEW OF J U D A H’ S KINGS ARE GOOD, THE MAJORITY ARE BAD. THESE FEW GOOD RULERS, ALONG WITH ELISHA AND OTHER PROPHETS, CANNOT STOP THE NATION’S DECLINE. THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL IS EVENTUALLY DESTROYED BY THE ASSYRIANS (CHAPTER 17), AND ABOUT 136 YEARS LATER THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM OF JUDAH IS DESTROYED BY THE BABYLONIANS (CHAPTER 25). THOUGH THE PEOPLE OF GOD ARE IN CAPTIVITY, GOD STAYS TRUE TO HIS COVENANT, PRESERVING A REMNANT FOR HIMSELF.
KEY WORDS: ”“ APPRAISAL ”“ ; ”“ CAPTIVITY. ”“ THE GENERAL IDEA OF 2 KINGS IS TO GIVE AN ”“ APPRAISAL ”“ OF EACH KING, ESPECIALLY IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH TO GOD AND THE COVENANT. THE MAJORITY ARE APPRAISED AS EVIL IN GOD’S SIGHT, WHICH LEADS ISRAEL AND JUDAH INTO SEPARATE ”“ CAPTIVITY.”
THEMES: GOD HATES SIN AND HE WILL NOT ALLOW IT TO CONTINUE INDEFINITELY. GOD MAY AT TIMES USE HEATHEN TO BRING CORRECTION TO HIS PEOPLE. GOD LOVES US SO MUCH THAT HE SOMETIMES HAS TO DISCIPLINE US. GOD GIVES US WARNING BEFORE DELIVERING HIS JUDGMENT. WE CAN HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE THAT GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US.
OUTLINE: 1. ELIJAH’S REPLACEMENT BY ELISHA. (1 : 1-8 : 15) 2. ISRAEL’S DECLINE AD FALL. (8 : 16-17 : 6) 3. ISRAEL’S EXILE TO ASSYRIA BECAUSE OF SIN. (17 : 7-17 : 41) 4. J U D A H’ S SURVIVAL. (18 : 1-23 : 30) 5. J U D A H’ S EXILE TO BABYLONIA. (23 : 31-25 :30)
BOOK OF 1 CHRONICLES
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY EZRA).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 450 AND 400 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: CHAPTERS 1-9 COVER APPROXIMATELY 3, 500 YEARS FROM THE CREATION OF ADAM TO THE BIRTH OF DAVID. CHAPTERS 10-29 COVER OVER 33-40 YEARS DESCRIBING THE REIGN OF DAVID.
TITLE: THE BOOKS OF 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES ARE SO NAMED BECAUSE THEY ”“ CHRONICLE ”“ THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF GOD’S PEOPLE FROM GENESIS THROUGH KINGS. THE TITLE USED IN THE HEBREW BIBLE MEANS ”“ THE ACCOUNTS OF THE DAYS. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE LAST BOOK OF THE HEBREW BIBLE HAS BEEN BROKEN DOWN INTO 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES IN MODERN TRANSLATIONS. THE CHRONICLES ARE DIFFERENT IN PERSPECTIVE FROM THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL AND KINGS, EVEN THOUGH THEY COVER MUCH OF THE SAME MATERIAL. INSTEAD OF PROPHETIC, MORAL AND POLITICAL VIEWS, THEY ARE PRESENTED FROM A PRIEST’S POINT OF VIEW, EVALUATING THE NATION’S RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY JERUSALEM)
TO WHOM: TO THE REMNANT OF JUDAH RETURNING FROM BABYLON.
CONTENT: THERE ARE 2 DISTINCT SECTIONS OF THIS BOOK. FIRST, THE ROYAL LINEAGE FROM ADAM TO DAVID IS DISCUSSED. CHRONICLES EVALUATES DAVID’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIS RELIGIOUS GUIDANCE OF THE NATION AS HE SEEKS GOD’S LEADERSHIP. DAVID’S TRIALS, SINS AND FAILURES ARE D E- EMPHASIZED IN CHRONICLES SINCE THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND THE PEOPLE IS THE FOCUS HERE. 1 CHRONICLES END WITH THE DEATH OF DAVID AND THE SUCCESSION OF HIS SON SOLOMON TO THE THRONE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ ROYAL ”“ ; ”“ CHOSEN. ”“ CHRONICLES RECOUNTS THE ”“ ROYAL ”“ LINE OF DAVID (WHICH EVENTUALLY LEADS TO THE ABSOLUTE ROYALTY OF JESUS CHRIST). DAVID IS ”“ CHOSEN ”“ BY GOD TO RULE OVER ISRAEL; AND HIS SON SOLOMON IS ”“ CHOSEN ”“ TO RULE AFTER HIM AND TO BUILD A HOUSE FOR THE LORD (CHAPTER 28).
THEMES: GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE HIS PEOPLE, HIS PROMISES OR HIS COVENANT. WE MUST FULFILL OUT COVENANT WITH GOD TO BE TOTALLY OBEDIENT TO HIS WORD. IN ORDER TO DO A GREAT WORK FOR GOD, WE MUST FIRST HAVE A GREAT HEART FOR GOD. GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING IN OUR LIVES, EVEN WHEN WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND HIS WAYS OR SEE HIS HAND. EVEN THOUGH PEOPLE AND NATIONS SOMETIMES FAIL, GOD NEVER FAILS. WE SHOULD APPRECIATE OUR HERITAGE AND SIGNIFICANCE IN GOD’S EYES. GOD BLESSES OBEDIENCE, AND PUNISHES DISOBEDIENCE.
OUTLINE: 1. GENEALOGIES FROM ADAM TO DAVID. (1 : 1-9 : 44) 2. ANOINTING OF DAVID AS KING OVER ISRAEL. (10 : 1-12 : 40) 3. BRINGING THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TO JERUSALEM. (13 : 1-17 : 27) 4. BATTLE VICTORIES OF DAVID. (18 : 1-20 : 8) 5. CENSUS OF ISRAEL. (21 : 1-27 : 34) 6. PLANS FOR THE TEMPLE. (28 : 1-29 : 9) 7. FINAL WORDS AND DEEDS OF DAVID. (29 : 10-29 : 30)
BOOK OF 2 CHRONICLES
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLE EZRA)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 450 AND 400 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: 433-440 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM S O L O M O N’ S REIGN THROUGH THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY).
TITLE: THE BOOKS OF 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES ARE SO NAMED BECAUSE THEY ”“ CHRONICLE ”“ THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF GOD’S PEOPLE FROM GENESIS THROUGH KINGS. THE TITLE USED IN THE HEBREW BIBLE MEANS ”“ THE ACCOUNTS OF THE DAYS. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE LAST BOOK OF THE HEBREW BIBLE HAS BEEN BROKEN DOWN INTO 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES IN MODERN TRANSLATIONS. THE CHRONICLES ARE DIFFERENT IN PERSPECTIVE FROM THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL AND KINGS, EVEN THOUGH THEY COVER MUCH OF THE SAME MATERIAL. INSTEAD OF PROPHETIC, MORAL AND POLITICAL VIEWS, THEY ARE PRESENTED FROM A PRIEST’S POINT OF VIEW, EVALUATING THE NATION’S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 2 CHRONICLES IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF 1 CHRONICLES.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY JUDAH).
TO WHOM: TO THE REMNANT OF JUDAH RETURNING FROM BABYLON.
CONTENT: 2 CHRONICLES RECORDS THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM OF JUDAH, FROM THE REIGN OF SOLOMON TO THE CONCLUSION OF THE BABYLONIAN EXILE. THE DECLINE OF JUDAH IS DISAPPOINTING, BUT EMPHASIS IS GIVEN TO THE SPIRITUAL REFORMERS WHO ZEALOUSLY SEEK TO TURN THE PEOPLE BACK TO GOD. LITTLE IS SAID ABOUT THE BAD KINGS OR OF THE FAILURES OF GOOD KINGS; ONLY GOODNESS IS STRESSED. SINCE CHRONICLES TAKES A PRIESTLY PERSPECTIVE, THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL IS RARELY MENTIONED BECAUSE OF HER FALSE WORSHIP AND REFUSAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. 2 CHRONICLES CONCLUDES WITH THE FINAL DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TEMPLE ”“ ; ”“ REVIVAL. ”“ THE ”“ TEMPLE ”“ OF GOD IS REPEATEDLY EMPHASIZED: IT’S CONSTRUCTION; CONSECRATION (CHAPTER 7); SERVICE; WORSHIP; DESTRUCTION; AND, FINALLY, C Y R U S’ S EDICT TO REBUILD IT. GREAT ”“ REVIVALS ”“ TAKE PLACE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A S A, JEHOSHAPHAT, J O A S H, HEZEKIAH AND JOSIAH.
THEMES: OBEDIENCE IS VICTORY, DISOBEDIENCE IS DEFEAT. GOD DESIRES TO FORGIVE AND HEAL THOSE WHO WILL HUMBLY PRAY AND REPENT. A NATION’S LEADERS ARE A REFLECTION OF A NATION’S PEOPLE. NO WORTHY PROJECT CAN BE COMPLETED RIGHT WITHOUT THE HELP OF ALMIGHTY GOD. GOD HATES SIN AND WILL NOT TOLERATE IT. OUR PERSONAL EFFORTS ARE WORTHLESS IF DONE OUTSIDE OF THE WILL OF GOD.
OUTLINE: 1. THE REIGN OF SOLOMON (1 : 1-1 : 17) 2. S O L O M O N’ S BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. (2 : 1-7 : 22) 3. LATTER YEARS OF S O L O M O N’ S REIGN. (8 : 1-9 : 31) 4. THE REIGN OF THE KINGS OF JUDAH. (10 : 1-36 : 14) 5. THE FALL OF JERUSALEM. (36 : 15-36 : 23)
BOOK OF EZRA
AUTHOR: PROBABLY EZRA.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 457 AND 444 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 81 YEARS.
TITLE: FROM ONE OF THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTERS: EZRA.
BACKGROUND: EZRA CONTINUES FROM THE EXACT PLACE WHERE 2 CHRONICLES ENDS: CYRUS, KING OF PERSIA, ISSUES A DECREE WHICH PERMITS THE JEWS OF THE KINGDOM TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM AFTER 70 YEARS OF CAPTIVITY. THE EXODUS OF ISRAEL FROM EGYPT INCLUDED SOME 3 MILLION PEOPLE, BUT FEWER THAN 50, 000 PEOPLE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS ”“ SECOND EXODUS ”“ OF 900 MILES FROM BABYLONIA BACK TO JERUSALEM. AT LEAST PARTS OF THIS PERIOD COINCIDE IN TIME WITH THESE HISTORICAL FIGURES: GAUTAMA BUDDHA IN INDIA; CONFUCIUS IN CHINA; SOCRATES IN GREECE (FOLLOWED BY HIS PUPIL, PLATO); AND PERICLES IN ATHENS (ERECTING THE PARTHENON).
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: AFTER C Y R U S’ S EDICT, Z E R U B B A B E L LEADS THE FIRST RETURN TO GOD’S PEOPLE TO REBUILD THE RUINS OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE THAT HAVE BEEN DESTROYED. BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR. THE WORK IS REPEATEDLY HAMPERED BY SHORTAGES OF RESOURCES AND EXTERNAL OPPOSITION. THESE DISCOURAGEMENTS BRING ALL WORK TO A HALT UNTIL GOD SENDS THE PROPHETS HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH TO ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE, WHO THEN ENTHUSIASTICALLY REBUILD THE ALTAR AND THE TEMPLE OF GOD. SOME YEARS LATER, EZRA LEADS A RETURN OF PRIESTS FROM CAPTIVITY TO JERUSALEM. E Z R A’ S EFFECTIVE MINISTRY INCLUDES: TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD, I N T I A T I N G REFORMS, RESTORING WORSHIP AND LEADING SPIRITUAL REVIVAL IN JERUSALEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ RETURN ”“ ; ”“ REDEDICATE. ”“ FROM BONDAGE, GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NOW READY TO ”“ RETURN ”“ TO THEIR LAND, THEIR WORSHIP AND THEIR GOD. THEY HAVE TO ”“ REDEDICATE ”“ THEMSELVES TO REBUILDING ALL THEY HAVE LOST: THE ALTAR, THE TEMPLE, AND THEIR FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD.
THEMES: GOD S O V E R E I G N L Y LOOKS OVER AND PROTECTS HIS CHILDREN. GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES. WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE RECEIVE PUNISHMENT FOR SIN, IT SHOWS THAT PURE LOVE INCLUDES CORRECTION. IN RETURN FOR GOD’S ENDURING LOVE, WE OUGHT TO OBEY HIS WORD. NO PROBLEM IS TOO BIG TO STOP A PLAN MADE IN THE WILL OF GOD. OUR GOALS SHOULD BE WORTHY IN GOD’S EYES AS WELL AS OUR OWN. OUR SORROW OF YESTERDAY CAN BE OUR SUCCESSES OF TODAY.
OUTLINE: 1. THE EXILES RETURN TO JERUSALEM. (1 : 1-2 : 70) 2. THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS REBUILT. (3 : 1-6 : 22) 3. EZRA COMES TO JERUSALEM AND REFORMS THE PEOPLE. (7 : 1-10 : 44)
BOOK OF NEHEMIAH
AUTHOR: PROBABLY NEHEMIAH (HOWEVER, SOME SCHOLARS SUGGEST THAT EZRA MAY HAVE WRITTEN PARTS OF THE BOOK WHILE USING N E H E M I A H’ S MEMOIRS TO RECORD THE REST.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 445 AND 420 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 19-25 YEARS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: NEHEMIAH.
BACKGROUND: SOME 12 YEARS AFTER THE BOOK OF EZRA ENDS WITH E Z R A’ S REFORMS IN JERUSALEM, THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH BEGINS WITH NEHEMIAH RECEIVING WORD THAT JERUSALEM IS AGAIN IN SHAMBLES BOTH PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. THIS BREAKS N E H E M I A H’ S HEART, AND HE WEEPS FOR MANY DAYS. NEHEMIAH IS THE C U P B E A R E R FOR ARTAXERXES, THE KING OF PERSIA, AND IS GRANTED PERMISSION TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM ON A MISSION OF RESTORATION.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: NEHEMIAH IS GIVEN PERMISSION BY THE KING OF PERSIA TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM, WHERE HE REBUILDS THE WALLS OF THE CITY AND MADE A GOVERNOR. THE PEOPLE, INSPIRED BY NEHEMIAH, GIVE TITHES OF MUCH MONEY, SUPPLIES AND MANPOWER TO COMPLETE THE WALL IN A REMARKABLE 52 DAYS, DESPITE MUCH OPPOSITION. THIS UNITED EFFORT IS SHORT-LIVED, HOWEVER, BECAUSE JERUSALEM FALLS BACK INTO APOSTASY WHEN NEHEMIAH LEAVES FOR A WHILE. BUT HE THEN RETURNS TO RE-ESTABLISH TRUE WORSHIP THROUGH PRAYER AND BY ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE TO REVIVAL BY READING AND ADHERING TO THE WORD OF GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ GOAL ”“ ; ”“ REBUILD. ”“ WE ALL NEED GOALS, GOALS THAT REFLECT VISIONS, GOALS THAT REALLY MATTER, GOALS THAT INCLUDE GOD. N E H E M I A H’ S ”“ GOAL ”“ IS TO ”“ REBUILD ”“ THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM. NOTHING LESS THAN TOTAL COMPLETION WILL BE SATISFACTORY.
THEMES: EACH IF US OUGHT TO HAVE GENUINE COMPASSION FOR OTHERS WHO HAVE SPIRITUAL OR PHYSICAL HURTS. TO FEEL COMPASSION, YET DO NOTHING TO HELP, IS UNFOUNDED B I B L I C A L L Y. AT TIMES WE MAY HAVE TO GIVE UP OUR OWN COMFORT IN ORDER TO MINISTER PROPERLY TO OTHERS. WE MUST TOTALLY BELIEVE IN A CAUSE BEFORE WE WILL GIVE OUR TIME OR MONEY TO IT WITH A RIGHT HEART. WHEN WE ALLOW GOD TO MINISTER THROUGH US, EVEN UNBELIEVERS WILL KNOW IT IS GOD’S WORK.
OUTLINE: 1. NEHEMIAH REBUILDS JERUSALEM’S WALLS. (1 : 1-6 : 19) 2. EZRA MINISTERS THE LAW TO THE PEOPLE. (7 : 1-10 : 39) 3. LAWS AND REFORMS ARE OBEYED. (11:1-13 : 31)
BOOK OF ESTHER
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 485 AND 435 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 10 YEARS.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: ESTHER.
BACKGROUND: THE STORY OF ESTHER TAKES PLACE DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME BETWEEN THE SEPARATE RETURNS TO JERUSALEM LED BY Z E R U B B A B E L AND EZRA (BETWEEN CHAPTERS 6 AND 7 OF THE BOOK OF EZRA). AFTER 70 YEARS OF CAPTIVITY, ABOUT 50, 000 I S R A E L I T E S RETURN TO THEIR HOMELAND OF JERUSALEM, BUT THE VAST MAJORITY DETERMINE TO REMAIN IN PERSIA. ESTHER’S STORY TAKES PLACES AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND WHILE IN THE KING’S PALACE IN S H U S H A N (S U S A), THE PERSIAN CAPITAL. RUTH AND ESTHER ARE THE ONLY BOOKS OF THE BIBLE NAMED AFTER WOMEN. ESTHER IS A JEWISH WOMAN WHO MARRIES A GENTILE; RUTH, GENTILE WOMAN MARRIES A JEW.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY PERSIA).
TO WHOM: TO THE JEWS WHO REMAIN IN PERSIA INSTEAD OF RETURNING TO JERUSALEM.
CONTENT: ESTHER, WHOSE JEWISH HERITAGE HAS BEEN KEPT SECRET, IS CHOSEN QUEEN TO KING A H A S U E R U S OF PERSIA AFTER V A S H I IS DEMOTED FROM THE SAME POSITION. HAMAN, AN EVIL A D V I S O R TO THE KING, PLANS TO EXTERMINATE THE JEWISH PEOPLE (CHAPTER 3). BUT ESTHER HAS THE FAITH AND COURAGE TO CARRY OUT THE PLAN OF HER WISE COUSIN, M O R D E C A I, AND RISKS HER VERY LIFE, WHICH RESULTS IN THE DELIVERANCE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE. THE FEAST OF PURIM IS INSTITUTED TO REMIND THE PEOPLE OF GOD’S DELIVERANCE (CHAPTER 9). EVEN TO THIS DAY THERE IS A PUBLIC READING OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER DURING THIS CELEBRATION.
KEY WORDS: ”“ BEAUTY ”“ ; ”“ PROVIDENCE. ”“ GOD HAS BLESSED ESTHER WITH MUCH OUTWARD PHYSICAL ”“ BEAUTY, ”“ BUT IT IS THE ”“ BEAUTY ”“ OF HER HEART THAT SETS HER APART FOR THE ”“ PROVIDENCE ”“ OF GOD TO BE SHOWN. IT IS NOT BY CHANCE THAT THIS JEWISH GIRL RISES FROM TOTAL OBSCURITY TO BECOME THE QUEEN OF THE MOST POWERFUL EMPIRE OF THE WORLD. THE NAME OF GOD DOES NOT APPEAR ONCE IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER, BUT GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL CARE AND LEADING ARE NOT TO BE DENIED.
THEMES: GOD MAY HAVE BIGGER PLANS FOR OUR LIVES THAN WE HAVE FOR OURSELVES. GOD MAY PUT US IN POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP OR INFLUENCE SO WE CAN MORE THOROUGHLY ACCOMPLISH FOR HIS PURPOSES. GOD ANSWERS PRAYER AND FASTING BY ENABLING US TO OVERCOME OUR HUMAN OBSTACLES. GOD PROVIDENTIALLY PROVIDES FOR HIS OWN. GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH EXTRAORDINARY THINGS FOR HIM. GOD AT TIMES MAY HAVE TO DISCIPLINE US, BUT HE WILL NEVER ABANDON US.
OUTLINE: 1. ESTHER BECOMES QUEEN (1 : 1-2 : 18) 2. HAMAN PLOTS TO DESTROY THE JEWS. (2 : 19-5 : 14) 3. M O R D E C A I IS HONORED AT HAMAN’S EXPENSE. (6 : 1-8 : 2) 4. THE JEWS TRIUMPH. (8 : 3-10 : 3)
BOOK OF JOB
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN. (HOWEVER, SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE JOB, E L I H U, MOSES AND SOLOMON.)
DATE WRITTEN: SCHOLARS PLACE THE DATE OF THE AUTHORSHIP OF JOB ANYWHERE FROM THE TIME OF ABRAHAM TO THE TIME THE JEWS RETURN FROM THEIR BABYLONIAN EXILE.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: JOB.
BACKGROUND: AS THE BOOK OF JOB BEGINS, JOB IS ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST AND MOST PROSPEROUS MEN ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH. HE FEARS GOD AND LIVES AN UPRIGHT LIFE DURING THE ANCIENT PATRIARCHAL PERIOD IN THE LAND OF UZ (REGION OF NORTHERN ARABIA).
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY THE PALESTINIAN AREA).
TO WHOM: TO NO SPECIFIC PEOPLE.
CONTENT: WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? THIS IS THE QUESTION RAISED AFTER JOB LOSES HIS FAMILY, HIS WEALTH AND HIS HEALTH. JOB’S 3 FRIENDS, E L I P H A Z, B I L D A D AND Z O P H A R, COME TO COMFORT HIM AND TO DISCUSS HIS CRUSHING SERIES OF TRAGEDIES. THEY INSIST HIS SUFFERING IS PUNISHMENT FOR SIN IN HIS LIFE. JOB, THOUGH, REMAINS DEVOTED TO GOD THROUGH ALL OF THIS AND CONTENDS THAT HIS LIFE HAS NOT BEEN ONE OF SIN. A FOURTH MAN, E L I H U, TELLS JOB HE NEEDS TO HUMBLE HIMSELF AND SUBMIT TO GOD’S USE OF TRIALS TO PURIFY HIS LIFE. FINALLY, JOB QUESTIONS GOD AND LEARNS VALUABLE LESSONS ABOUT THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD AND HIS NEED TO TOTALLY TRUST IN THE LORD. JOB IS THEN RESTORED TO HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY, EVEN BEYOND HIS EARLIER STATE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TRIALS ”“ ; ”“ SUFFERING ”“ ; ”“ COMFORT. ”“ TO LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE. DESPITE TORMENT AND ”“ TRIALS, ”“ JOB WAS STEADFAST IN HIS BELIEF IN GOD, FOR AS HE TOLD HIS WIFE, ”“ SHALL WE RECEIVE GOOD AT THE HAND OF GOD AND SHALL WE NOT RECEIVE EVIL? ”“ (2 : 10). CHRISTIANS TODAY ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM BROKEN HEARTS OR ”“ SUFFERING, ”“ BUT THROUGH IT ALL WE, LIKE JOB, CAN REST IN THE FACT THAT GOD IS FAIR, OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT AND SOVEREIGN. HE WILL ”“ COMFORT ”“ US IF WE WILL TURN TO HIM.
THEMES: SATAN CANNOT BRING FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL DESTRUCTION UPON US UNLESS IT IS GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL, AND GOD WILL SET THE LIMITS. IT IS BEYOND OUR HUMAN ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE ”“ WHYS ”“ BEHIND ALL THE SUFFERING IN THE WORLD. REST ASSURED, THE WICKED WILL RECEIVE THEIR JUST DUES. WE CANNOT BLAME ALL THE SUFFERING ON THE SIN IN A SUFFERER’S LIFE. SUFFERING MAY SOMETIMES BE ALLOWED IN OUR LIVES TO PURIFY, TO TEST, TO TEACH OR TO STRENGTHEN THE SOUL BY SHOWING US THAT WHEN WE HAVE LOST ALL, AND ONLY GOD REMAINS, GOD REMAINS ENOUGH. GOD DESERVES AND REQUESTS OUR LOVE AND PRAISE REGARDLESS OF OUR LOT IN LIFE. GOD WILL DELIVER ALL SUFFERING BELIEVERS EITHER IN THIS LIFE OR IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME.
OUTLINE: 1. JOB BACKGROUNDS AND ASSAULTS FROM SATAN. (1 : 1-2 : 13) 2. JOB’S DEBATES WITH HIS 3 FRIENDS. (3 : 1-31 : 40) 3. E L I H U’ S SPEAKING OUT FOR GOD’S FAIRNESS. (32 : 1-37 : 24) 4. GOD’S INTERVENTION. (38 : 1-41 : 34) 5. JOB’S RESTORATION. (42 : 1-42 : 17)
BOOK OF PSALMS
AUTHOR: PRIMARILY DAVID, BUT ALSO AT LEAST 7 OTHER WRITERS: MOSES, SOLOMON, A S A P H, ETHAN, H E M A N AND THE SONS OF K O R A H. SOME OF THE PSALMS ARE ANONYMOUS.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 430 B. C. (DUE TO THE NUMEROUS AUTHORS, THE TIME SPAN IS GREAT. HOWEVER, THE MAJORITY WERE WRITTEN ABOUT 1000 B. C.)
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 1, 000 YEARS (THE PERIOD FROM THE TIME OF MOSES TO THE RETURN OF THE I S R A E L I T E S FROM BABYLONIAN EXILE).
TITLE: THE WORD ”“ PSALMS ”“ MEANS ”“ PRAISES ”“ A TERM THAT REFLECTS MUCH OF THE BOOK’S CONTENT. ”“ PSALM ”“ COMES FROM A GREEK WORD WHICH MEANS ”“ A SONG SUNG TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A PLUCKED INSTRUMENT. ”“ THE HEBREW TITLE OF THIS BOOK MEANS ”“ PRAISE SONGS. ”“
BACKGROUND: PSALMS IS THE LONGEST BOOK IN THE BIBLE AND INCLUDES THE LONGEST CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE (CHAPTER 119). THE BOOK OF PSALMS IS MADE UP OF 150 POEMS COMPOSED TO BE SET TO MUSIC.
WHERE WRITTEN: NUMEROUS AREAS DUE TO THE NUMEROUS AUTHORS.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF PSALMS IS USED AS THE TEMPLE HYMNBOOK DURING THE KINGDOM PERIOD FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORSHIP. THE 5 DIVISIONS OR BOOKS OF PSALMS CORRESPOND IN ORDER AND IN THOUGHT TO THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES. BY VIRTUE OF SEVERAL AUTHORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS COLLECTION OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE PSALMS COVER ALMOST EVERY AREA OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND EMOTION: FEAR VS. CONFIDENCE; ANGER VS. COMPASSION; SORROW VS. JOY; AND PRAYER AND PRAISES FOR THE PSALMIST’S MAJESTIC GOD. DAVID WRITES THE MAJORITY OF HIS PSALMS WHILE FLEEING FROM SAUL AND HIS ARMY. SEVERAL PSALMS REFER TO THE MESSIAH OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST: HIS COMING, HIS DEATH AND HIS RESURRECTION.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PRAISE ”“ : ”“ TRUST. ”“ THESE 150 PSALMS ABOUND IN ”“ PRAISE ”“ TO GOD FOR ALL THAT HE IS, ALL THAT HE HAS DONE AND ALL THAT HE WILL DO. GOD’S PEOPLE ARE CONTINUALLY COMMENDED TO ”“ TRUST ”“ GOD FOR HIS PROTECTION, LOVE AND DELIVERANCE.
THEMES: SIN IS ALWAYS REBELLION AGAINST GOD. SIN WILL ALWAYS BE PUNISHED. A LIFE OF CONSECRATED RIGHTEOUSNESS HATES SIN. GOD LOVES EACH OF US AND IS CONCERNED FOR EVERY AREA OF OUR LIVES. WE CAN APPROACH GOD JUST AS WE ARE, WITH ALL OUR CONCERNS. A LIFE OF PRAISE IS A LIFE OF VICTORY. GOD CAN BE TRUSTED DURING OUR TIMES OF SORROW AS WELL AS OUR TIMES OF JOY.
OUTLINE: 1. BOOK ONE: PSALMS. (1 : 1-41 : 1) 2. BOOK TWO: PSALMS. (42 : 1-72 : 1) 3. BOOK THREE: PSALMS. (73 :1-89 : 1) 4. BOOK FOUR: PSALMS. (90 : 1-106 : 1) 5. BOOK FIVE: PSALMS. (107 : 1-150 : 1)
BOOK OF PROVERBS
AUTHOR: PRINCIPALLY KING SOLOMON, BUT A G U R, KING LEMUEL AND OTHERS MADE CONTRIBUTIONS.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1000 AND 700 B. C. HOWEVER, THE MAJORITY OF THE PROVERBS WERE WRITTEN BY SOLOMON BY 931 B. C. (THE BOOK WAS NOT EDITED INTO IT’S PRESENT-DAY FORM UNTIL SOME YEARS LATER.)
TIME SPAN: UNKNOWN, BUT PRIMARILY DURING THE YEARS OF S O L O M O N’ S LIFE.
TITLE: THE HEBREW TITLE OF THIS BOOK MEANS ”“ PROVERBS OF SOLOMON. ”“
BACKGROUND: SOLOMON SUCCEEDS HIS FATHER DAVID TO RULE AS KING OF ISRAEL. AFTER ASKING GOD FOR WISDOM, SOLOMON IS SO BLESSED THAT PEOPLE COME FROM FAR AWAY TO LEARN FROM HIM. THIS COLLECTION OF WISE SAYINGS IS A PART OF THESE TEACHINGS. THE BOOK OF PROVERBS IS A COLLECTION OF ROUGHLY ONE-FOURTH OF THE 3, 000 PROVERBS AND 1, 005 SONGS ATTRIBUTED TO SOLOMON.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JUDAH.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
CONTENT: PROVERBS IS AN ASSORTMENT OF WISE SAYINGS RELATING SPIRITUAL TRUTHS AND COMMON SENSE. THESE PROVERBS GIVES INSTRUCTION CONCERNING EVERY CONCEIVABLE AREA OF HUMAN LIFE, OFTEN CONTRASTING THE U N G O D L Y VIEW OF THE FOOL VERSUS THE GODLY PERSPECTIVE OF THE WISE. THESE TRUTHS GIVE COUNSEL WHICH HELPS BOTH TO PREVENT AND TO CORRECT U N G O D L Y LIFESTYLES. PROVERBS ARE PRACTICAL, TIMELESS AND IDEAL FOR MEMORIZING. THE BOOK ENDS WITH A CLOSE LOOK AT THE QUALITIES OF A GODLY WOMAN IN RELATION TO HER HUSBAND, HER CHILDREN AND HER NEIGHBORS (CHAPTER 31).
KEY WORDS: ”“ WISDOM ”“ ; ”“ FOLLY. ”“ THE ABILITY TO LIVE WITH PRACTICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SCRUTINIZED. THIS ”“ WISDOM ”“ HELPS US TO DISCERN BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL, TRUTH AND ERROR, AND DIVINE AND HUMAN PERSPECTIVES. ”“ THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS BEGINNING OF WISDOM ”“ (9 : 10), ”“ BUT THE FOLLY OF FOOLS IS DECEIT ”“ (14 : 8).
THEMES: TRUE WISDOM CANNOT BE GAINED APART FROM GOD. GOD IS CONCERNED THAT WE SUBMIT EVEN SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT AREAS OF OUR LIVES TO HIS LORDSHIP. WE SHOULD NOT RELY ON OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, BUT ON THE TRUTHS THAT GOD TEACHES US. GOD WILL DIRECT OUR PATHS. GODLY SUCCESS IN LIFE COMES FROM OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD. GOD DESIRES FOR US TO BE HAPPY. GOD HAS MADE HAPPINESS AVAILABLE TO US IF WE WILL ONLY FEAR, TRUST AND OBEY HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. PURPOSE AND THEME OF PROVERBS. (1 : 1-1 : 6) 2. WISDOM AND FOLLY CONTRASTED. (1 : 7-9 : 18) 3. PROVERBS OF SOLOMON. (10 : 1-24 : 34) 4. PROVERBS OF SOLOMON COLLECTED BY KING H E Z E K I A H’ S MEN. (25 : 1-29 : 27) 5. SAYINGS OF A G U R. (30 : 1-30 : 33) 6. SAYINGS OF KING LEMUEL. (31 : 1-31 : 31)
BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES
AUTHOR: PROBABLY SOLOMON.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 940 AND 935 B. C.
TIME SPAN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY DURING THE LATTER YEARS OF S O L O M O N’ S REIGN).
TITLE: THIS TITLE FROM THE GREEK MEANS ”“ PREACHER. ”“
BACKGROUND: THOUGH THE AUTHOR HAS A LIFE FULL OF PLEASURES, WEALTH, POWER AND PRESTIGE, HE STILL SEEKS HAPPINESS. THE MAJORITY OF ECCLESIASTES IS PROBABLY WRITTEN AS SOLOMON ANALYZES PAST FAILURES AND APOSTASY IN HIS LIFE.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES BEGINS WITH THE AUTHOR SHARING HIS REASONS FOR VIEWING LIFE AS MEANINGLESS, FUTILE AND FULL OF VANITY. HIS THOUGHTS CONTEND THAT DESPITE MAN’S LABOR, ATTAINMENTS, POPULARITY OR POSSESSIONS, DEATH AWAITS ALL. HE REALIZES THAT THERE IS A TIME AND A SEASON FOR ALL THINGS (CHAPTER 3), BUT DOES NOT KNOW HOW MAN CAN FULLY UNDERSTAND WHEN THESE TIMES ARE RELEVANT. THIS CONFESSION OF PESSIMISM EVENTUALLY GIVES WAY TO THE TRUTH THAT THERE IS NO JOY FOR MAN APART FROM HIS CREATOR. THE AUTHOR REALIZES AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY PROCLAIMS THE ANSWER: SATISFACTION, MEANING AND HAPPINESS DO NOT COME FROM THE ATTAINMENTS OF LIFE, BUT FROM THE LORD OF LIFE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ VANITY ”“ ; ”“ LABOR. ”“ WITHOUT GOD, THERE IS NO SENSE TO BE MADE OUT OF OUR LIVES. ALL IS ”“ VANITY ”“ EMPTINESS AND HOPELESSNESS. OUR EARTHLY ”“ LABOR ”“ WILL CONTINUALLY FRUSTRATE AND DISAPPOINT US IF WE SEEK IT AS AN END TO ITSELF.
THEMES: EARTHLY GOALS APART FROM GOD WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. MONEY WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. FFAME WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. POWER WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. ACCOMPLISHMENTS WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS, HUMAN WISDOM WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. A LIFE THAT IS TOTALLY SUBMISSIVE AND DEVOTED TO GOD WILL BRING HAPPINESS. A YOUTHFUL LIFE OBEDIENT TO GOD WILL BRING JOY TO OUR LATTER YEARS, A YOUTHFUL LIFE DISOBEDIENT TO GOD WILL BRING SORROW TO OUR LATTER YEARS. WE OUGHT TO ENJOY LIFE EVEN THOUGH AT TIMES WE WILL HAVE TROUBLES. THE CLOSER WE WALK WITH GOD, THE MORE AWARE WE BECOME OF HIS BLESSINGS IN OUR LIVES. TODAY COULD BE OUR LAST ON THIS EARTH, WE SHOULD VIEW IT AS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD.
OUTLINE: 1. ALL IS VANITY. (1 : 1-2 : 26) 2. A TIME FOR EVERYTHING. (3 : 1-3 : 22) 3. DISAPPOINTMENTS AND INEQUALITIES OF LIFE. (4 : 1-8 : 17) 4. A COMMON DESTINY FOR ALL. (9 : 1-12 : 8) 5. CONCLUSION: FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. (12 : 9-12 : 14)
BOOK OF SONG OF SOLOMON
AUTHOR: PROBABLY SOLOMON
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 965 AND 960 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 1 YEAR
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS TITLED ”“ SONG OF SOLOMON ”“ BECAUSE IT IS A LOVE SONG ABOUT SOLOMON AND HIS BRIDE. IT IS ALSO CALLED ”“ SONG OF SONGS, ”“ WHICH MEANS ”“ THE SUPREME SONG. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE SETTING OF THE BOOK IS PROBABLY EARLY IN S O L O M O N’ S REIGN. MOST OF THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN THE PALACE AT JERUSALEM OR IN THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY LEADING TO THE BRIDE’S HOME. THE SONG OF SOLOMON MORE EXPLICITELY DEALS WITH THE TOPICS OF SEX AND MARRIAGE THAN ANY OTHER BOOK IN THE BIBLE. WHILE THERE ARE MANY INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS STORY, MANY VIEW IT AS ALLEGORICALLY PORTRAYING GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL AND/OR CHRIST’S LOVE FOR HIS CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE BRIDE.
CONTENT: THE SONG OF SOLOMON IS A CELEBRATION OF LOVE BETWEEN A MAN (SOLOMON) AND A WOMAN (THE S H U L A M I T E SHEPHERD GIRL). THIS COLLECTION OF POEMS, IN THE FORM OF SONGS, P R O T R A Y S THE DEEP AND PURE LOVE OF TWO WHO ARE NOW LOOKING BACK OVER MEMORIES OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP. THE POOR S H U L A M I T E GIRL HAD WORKED IN THE COUNTRY IN A VINEYARD OWNED BY KING SOLOMON. UPON VISITING THE VINEYARD, SOLOMON AND THE S H U L A M I T E FELL IN LOVE, AND HE TOOK HER TO HIS PALACE IN JERUSALEM TO BE HIS WIFE. THE LYRICS FOLLOWING COVER ALMOST EVERY AREA OF THEIR MUTUAL FEELINGS: ADMIRATION FOR EACH O T H E R’ S PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES, THEIR MARRIAGE, SEXUALITY, DESIRES AND JOYS. THE PROBLEMS OF SEPARATION AND JEALOUSY ARISE BUT ARE QUICKLY RESOLVED BY EMPHASIZING THEIR ORIGINAL TRUE LOVE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ LOVE ”“ ; ”“ MARRIAGE. ”“ THE SONG OF SOLOMON BEAUTIFULLY PORTRAYS THE QUALITIES OF A PURE ”“ LOVE ”“ AND INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ”“ MARRIAGE. ”“ TO DEVELOP THIS KIND OF A RELATIONSHIP REQUIRES TOTAL HONESTY, UNSELFISHNESS AND UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT.
THEMES: SEX AND MARRIAGE ARE ORDAINED BY GOD AND ARE GOOD IN HIS SIGHT WHEN COMBINED. GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL (AND CHRIST’S LOVE FOR THE CHURCH, HIS BRIDE) IS MUCH GREATER THAN ANY HUMAN LOVE. ALTHOUGH A PERSON MAY BE POVERTY-STRICKEN FINANCIALLY, HE CAN BE RICH SPIRITUALLY BY LOVING GOD AND KNOWING THAT GOD UNCONDITIONALLY LOVES HIM. AN IDEAL MARRIAGE WILL BE TENDER AND AFFECTIONATE, YET STRONG DURING TIMES OF TRIALS.
OUTLINE: 1. SOLOMON AND THE S H U L A M I T E GIRL FALL IN LOVE. (1 : 1-3 : 5) 2. THE TWO ARE UNITED IN MARRIAGE. (3 : 6-5 : 1) 3. THE BRIDE AND GROOM FACE PAINFUL STRUGGLES. (5 : 2-7 : 9) 4. THE BRIDE AND GROOM REUNITE AND GROW IN THEIR LOVE. (7 : 9-8 : 14)
BOOK OF ISAIAH
AUTHOR: ISAIAH
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 745 AND 680 B. C.
TIME SPAN: I S A I A H’ S PROPHETIC MINISTRY LASTS ABOUT 60 YEARS DURING THE REIGN OF 4 KINGS OF JUDAH: U Z Z I A H, J O T H A M, A H A Z AND HEZEKIAH,
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET ISAIAH.
BACKGROUND: THE WELL-EDUCATED, POLITICALLY ASTUTE ISAIAH LIVES IN JERUSALEM, THE CAPITAL OF JUDAH. ISAIAH HAS MESSAGES FOR ALL OF ISRAEL, BUT HIS MINISTRY IS PRIMARILY DIRECTED TO JUDAH. HOSEA AND MICAH ARE PROPHESYING GOD’S WORD AT THIS SAME TIME. TRADITION HAS IT THAT ISAIAH IS S A W N INTO PIECES DURING THE REIGN OF EVIL MANASSEH. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH BEGINS THE PROPHETICAL SECTION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO THE NATION OF JUDAH, BUT ALSO TO ALL THE SURROUNDING NATIONS.
CONTENT: WHILE JUDAH IS SPIRITUALLY DESTITUTE, ISRAEL IS EVEN MORE CORRUPT. AFTER ISAIAH PROPHESIES THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL BY ASSYRIA, WHICH INDEED TAKES PLACE SHORTLY THEREAFTER, HE TURNS HIS ATTENTION TO JUDAH. HIS MESSAGE TO JUDAH AND THE SURROUNDING NATIONS IS THAT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD WILL COME UPON THEM ALSO. IF THEY DO NOT TURN FROM THEIR EVIL WAYS, THEY WILL BE LED INTO CAPTIVITY BY THE BABYLONIANS. ALL IS NOT GLOOM, HOWEVER, AS ISAIAH ASSURES THE PEOPLE: THOSE IN CAPTIVITY WILL BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM UNDER CYRUS’S EDICT; A ”“SUFFERING SERVANT ”“ WILL BE BORN OF A VIRGIN AS THE CHILD OF GOD TO BE THE MESSIAH AND BRING SALVATION TO THE WORLD; AND THE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM WILL TAKE PLACE AND BRING ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO THE NEW ZION. ISAIAH’S PROPHECIES CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST ARE CRYSTAL CLEAR, THOROUGH AND PROBABLY MORE DETAILED THAN IN ANY OTHER OLD TESTAMENT BOOK.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JUDGMENT ”“ ; ”“ SALVATION. ”“ I S A I A H’ S 66 CHAPTERS CAN BE LIKENED TO A MINIATURE BIBLE. THE FIRST 39 CHAPTERS CORRESPOND TO THE 39 BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT BY EMPHASIZING GOD’S ”“ JUDGMENT ”“ UPON THOSE WHO REFUSE TO REPENT AND TURN TO HIM IN FAITH. THE FINAL 27 CHAPTERS PARALLEL THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT BY FOCUSING ON THE MESSIAH, WHO IS OUR ”“ SALVATION. ”“
THEMES: GOD IS OUR ETERNAL COMFORTER, REDEEMER AND SAVIOR. GOD WILL PARDON US OF OUR SINS IF WE WILL FORSAKE OUR PAST AND TURN TO HIM. THE FLEETING PLEASURE OF SIN IN OUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE WORTH THE EXTREME PRICE WE MUST PAY FOR IT (JUDGMENT FROM GOD). GOD IS HOLY AND WILL NOT TARRY WHILE UNHOLINESS PERSISTS IN HIS COVENANT PEOPLE. DELIEVERANCE IS OF GOD, NOT OF MAN. THE GREATEST SUCCESS IN THE WORLD IS BEING OBEDIENT TO THE WILL OF GOD.
OUTLINE: 1. I S A I A H’ S COMMISSION TO PROCLAIM JUDGMENT. (1 : 1-6 : 13) 2. DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL BY ASSYRIA. (7 : 1-10 : 4) 3. DESTRUCTION OF ASSYRIA BY GOD. (10 : 5-12 : 6) 4. PROPHECIES CONCERNING OTHER HEATHEN NATIONS. (13 : 1-23 : 18) 5. ISRAEL’S JUDGMENT AND DELIVERANCE. (24 : 1-27 : 13) 6. ZION’S RESTORATION. (28 : 1-35 : 10) 7. DELAY OF JUDGMENT FOR JERUSALEM THROUGH H E Z E K I A H’ S PRAYERS. (36 : 1-39 : 8) 8. PROPHECY OF ISRAEL’S DELIVERANCE AND DELIVERER. (40 : 1-57 : 21) 9. THE FINAL KINGDOM AND IT’S GLORY. (58 : 1-66 : 24)
BOOK OF JEREMIAH
AUTHOR: JEREMIAH, AS DIRECTED TO HIS SECRETARY BARUCH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 627 AND 580 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 40-47 YEARS, (JEREMIAH’S MINISTRY BEGIN UNDER J U D A H’ S LAST GOOD KING, JOSIAH, AND CONTINUES UNDER THE REMAINING 4 EVIL KINGS: J E H O A H A Z, J E H O I A K I M, J E H O I A C H I N AND ZEDEKIAH.)
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET JEREMIAH.
BACKGROUND: ALTHOUGH 70 YEARS EARLIER ASSYRIA WAS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO DESTROY THE NORTHERN KING OF ISRAEL, HER POWER HAS SINCE DECLINED, AND BABYLON EVENTUALLY DEFEATS BOTH ASSYRIA AND EGYPT TO ATTAIN WORLD SUPREMACY. JEREMIAH’S LIFE COVERS THE 40 YEARS THAT LEAD TO THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM, ALSO AT THE HANDS OF BABYLON. OTHER PROPHETS OF THE TIME INCLUDE ZEPHANIAH, HABAKKUK, DANIEL AND EZEKIEL. JEREMIAH, ”“ THE WEEPING PROPHET, ”“ BEGINS HIS MINISTRY FROM JERUSALEM WHEN HE IS ABOUT 20 YEARS OLD. APOSTASY, IDOLATRY AND PERVERTED WORSHIP ARE THE RULE OF THE DAY IN JUDAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM. (HOWEVER, SOME SCHOLARS SUGGEST EGYPT.)
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO THE NATION OF JUDAH, BUT ALSO TO ALL THE SURROUNDING NATIONS.
CONTENT: JEREMIAH BOLDLY UNDERTAKES THE UNENVIABLE TASK OF PROCLAIMING GOD’S JUDGMENT UPON AN UNREPENTANT NATION. HE EVEN REMAINS CELIBATE AS A SIGN THAT JUDGMENT WILL COME DURING HIS LIFETIME (CHAPTER 16), WHICH IT SURELY DOES. PERSECUTION BECOMES HIS LOT WHEN FALSE PROPHETS OF THE LAND, SUCH AS H A N A N I A H, TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY DESIRE TO HEAR RATHER THAN THE TRUTH OF GOD. JEREMIAH’S UNPOPULAR MESSAGE BRINGS HIM SORROWS OF OPPOSITION, IMPRISONMENT, EXCOMMUNICATION FROM THE TEMPLE AND BEATINGS (CHAPTERS 20 AND 38). NOTHING CAN STOP JEREMIAH. YET EVEN AS HE PROPHESIES DESTRUCTION, JEREMIAH PROMISES A COMING TIME OF BLESSING, RESTORATION AND A NEW COVENANT. AFTER J U D A H’ S EXILE TO BABYLON, HE REMAINS WITH THE REMNANT IN JERUSALEM. BUT WHEN G E D A L I A H, THE GOVERNOR PLACED OVER JERUSALEM, IS MURDERED, JEREMIAH IS TAKEN AS A HOSTAGE TO EGYPT, WHERE HE CONTINUES HIS PROPHETIC MINISTRY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SIN ”“ ; ”“ WEEPING. ”“ IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF JEREMIAH TO PROCLAIM J U D A H’ S COMING JUDGMENT FOR HER CONTINUANCE IN ”“ SIN, ”“ FOR THE PEOPLE’S WICKEDNESS IS TOO GREAT. JEREMIAH IS ”“ WEEPING, ”“ NOT ONLY FOR HIS OWN PERSECUTIONS, BUT ALSO FOR HIS NATION’S BITTER AFFLICTION.
THEMES: GOD IS PATIENT AND LOVING. GOD’S LOVE FOR US MAY REQUIRE DIVINE DISCIPLINE FOR OUR OWN GOOD. IT GRIEVES THE HEART OF GOD TO HAVE TO DISCIPLINE HIS CHILDREN. NATIONS WHICH REJECT GOD WILL PAY THE PRICE FOR THEIR DISOBEDIENCE. THE TIME TO REPENT AND TURN TO GOD IS NOW. GOD MAY HAVE TO REBUKE SIN IN OUR LIVES, BUT HE WILL NEVER ABANDON OR FORSAKE US.
OUTLINE: 1. THE CALL OF JEREMIAH. (1 : 1-1 : 19) 2. PROPHECIES AGAINST JUDAH. (2 : 1-29 : 32) 3. THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. (30 : 1-33 : 26) 4. THE FAIL OF JERUSALEM AND HER FIGHT TO EGYPT. (34 : 1-45 : 5) 5. PROPHECIES AGAINST THE FOREIGN NATIONS. (46 : 1-51 : 64) 6. THE CAPTURE AND DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. (52 : 1-52 : 34)
BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS
AUTHOR: PROBABLY JEREMIAH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 586 AND 585 B. C.
TIME SPAN: AN UNCERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME SOON AFTER THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EXILE.
TITLE: THE BOOK TAKES IT’S NAME FROM IT’S CONTENT: POETIC LAMENTS ABOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. IT IS ALSO CALLED THE ”“ LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH. ”“
BACKGROUND: LAMENTATION IS (A LOOK AT THE PAST) IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH (A LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE). BOTH BOOKS CENTER AROUND THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND HER SUBSEQUENT CAPTIVITY. LAMENTATIONS IS ONE OF 5 BOOKS WHICH MAKE UP OF THE M E G I L L O T H ARE READ P U B L I C A L L Y AT THE FOLLOWING JEWISH FESTIVALS: NINTH OF A B A (LAMENTATIONS); PURIM (ESTHER); PENTECOST (RUTH); TABERNACLES (ECCLESIASTES); AND PASSOVER (SONG OF SOLOMON), THE FIRST 4 POEMS OF LAMENTATIONS, A 5 POEM SONG, ARE IN ”“ ACROSTIC” OR ALPHABETICAL FASHION. THE 22 LETTERS OF THE HEBREW ALPHABET CORRESPOND SUCCESSFULLY TOT THE FIRST LETTER OF EACH VERSE IN CHAPTERS 1, 2 AND 4. HOWEVER, IN CHAPTER 3 EACH LETTER IS ALLOTTED 3 VERSES.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM OR EGYPT.
TO WHOM: TO THE FALLEN CITY OF JERUSALEM.
CONTENT: NEBUCHADNEZZAR BRINGS TO PASS THAT WHICH JEREMIAH HAS BEEN PROPHESYING FOR 40 YEARS. JEREMIAH SITS AMONG THE ASHES AND WEEPS. HIS ANGUISH IS NOT ONLY FOR HIMSELF, BUT FOR THE EXILES AND THOSE LEFT BEHIND DESTITUTE. ”“ MINE EYES DO FAIL WITH TEARS, MY BOWELS ARE TROUBLED, MY LIVER IS POURED UPON THE EARTH, FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE DAUGHTER OF MY PEOPLE. ”“ (2 : 11). THESE 5 POEMS MAKE UP A FUNERAL SONG FOR THE DEATH OF JERUSALEM. BUT EVEN DURING THE BARREN HOUR, IN JEREMIAH’S CONTRITE HEART HE HAS A GLIMMER OF HOPE. HE BEGINS AGAIN TO PRAY FOR MERCY ON HIS PEOPLE. JEREMIAH PRAISES GOD FOR HIS POWER, HIS FAIRNESS AND HIS FAITHFULNESS. HE LOOKS TO GOD FOR THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WRATH” ; ”“ LAMENT. ”“ THE ”“ WRATH ”“ OF GOD HAS CRUSHED JERUSALEM AND VINDICATED HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE. ALL JERUSALEM CAN DO NOW IS ”“ LAMENT ”“ OVER WHAT WAS ONCE HIS PROUD AND GLORIOUS CITY.
THEMES: THE SUFFERING WE EXPERIENCE MAY AT TIMES BE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE SIN IN OUR LIVES. SUFFERING MAY BE ALLOWED IN OUR LIVES AS A MEANS OF HELPING US TO REPENT. A FORGIVEN SIN MAY STILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES WITH WHICH WE MUST DEAL. DURING OUR DARKEST HOURS GOD WILL STRENGTHEN AND COMFORT US IF WE WILL ONLY LET HIM. IF WE HAVE EVER EXPERIENCE SORROW, WE ARE GREAT CANDIDATES TO CONSOLE ANOTHER WHO IS HURTING NOW. EVEN AS JEREMIAH MOURNED, OUR FATHER MOURNS (WHEN WE REFUSE TO TAKE THE MESSAGE OF HIS SON TO HEART). THE JUDGMENT OF GOD IS CERTAIN, THE TIME IT WILL ARRIVE IS NOT.
OUTLINE: 1. DESTRUCTION AND DESOLATION OF JERUSALEM. (1 : 1-1 : 22) 2. GOD’S ANGER WITH JERUSALEM. (2 : 1-2 :22) 3. PRAYER FOR GOD’S MERCY ON JERUSALEM. (3 : 1-3 : 66) 4. REPENTANCE OF JERUSALEM. (4 : 1-4:22) 5. PRAYER FOR GOD’S RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM. (5 : 1-5 : 22)
BOOK OF EZEKIEL
AUTHOR: EZEKIEL
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 593 AND 565 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 22 YEARS.
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. THE NAME EZEKIEL MEANS ”“ GOD STRENGTHENS. ”“
BACKGROUND: EZEKIEL, WHO GREW UP IN JERUSALEM AND SERVED AS A PRIEST IN THE TEMPLE, IS AMONG THE SECOND GROUP OF CAPTIVES TAKEN TO BABYLON ALONG WITH KING J E H O I C H I N. WHILE IN BABYLON HE BECOMES A PROPHET OF GOD. JEREMIAH HAS ALREADY PROPHESIED IN JERUSALEM FOR ABOUT 35 YEARS, AND DANIEL, HAVING BEEN EXILED TO BABYLON 9 YEARS EARLIER, IS ALSO A WELL-ESTABLISHED PROPHET, AS SHOWN BY HIS BEING MENTIONED 3 TIMES IN E Z E K I E L’ S MESSAGES. BOTH EZEKIEL AND DANIEL ARE SEVERAL YEARS YOUNGER THAN THE PROPHET JEREMIAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: BABYLON.
TO WHOM: PRINCIPALLY TO THE B A B Y L O N I A N EXILES.
CONTENT: E Z E K I E L’ S MINISTRY BEGINS IN BABYLON WITH CONDEMNATION AND JUDGMENT OF THE NATION JUDAH. BUT AFTER THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM TAKES PLACE, E Z E K I E L’ S PERSPECTIVE CHANGES. THE PAST IS GONE, BUT THERE IS A GLIMMER OF HOPE SHINING THROUGH FOR THE FUTURE. EZEKIEL, WHO WANTS TO HELP THE PEOPLE LEARN FROM THEIR FAILURES, ANNOUNCES IMPENDING JUDGMENT UPON THE NATIONS THAT SURROUND JUDAH AND RE-ESTABLISH HOPE FOR THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. HIS VISION OF THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES PICTURES NEW LIFE BEING BREATHED INTO THE NATION (CHAPTER 37). EZEKIEL CONCLUDES WITH HIS RETURN TO JERUSALEM IN A VISION TO RECEIVE DETAILS ON THE NEW TEMPLE, THE NEW JERUSALEM AND THE NEW LAND. ISRAEL AND JUDAH WILL ONCE AGAIN BE RESTORED TO UNITY FROM THE END OF THE EARTH, AS GOD’S GLORY ALSO RETURNS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ VISIONS ”“ ; ”“WATCHMAN. ”“ EZEKIEL RECEIVES A VARIETY OF BEAUTIFUL AND UNUSUAL ”“ VISIONS ”“ CONCERNING THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM PLANS OF GOD. THESE HELP TO ESTABLISH EZEKIEL AS GOD’S ”“WATCHMAN ”“ TO WARN AND ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE. ”“ SON OF MAN, I HAVE MADE THEE A WATCHMAN UNTO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL: THEREFORE HEAR THE WORD AT MY MOUTH, AND GIVE THEM WARNING FROM ME ”“ (3 : 17; 33 : 7).
THEMES: GOD HAS AND ALWAYS WILL HATE SIN. THE WAYS OF GOD CONTRAST WITH THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. WE ARE EACH RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN SINS. WE ARE TOGETHER ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE SINS OF OUR NATION. AS WILL ANY LOVING FATHER, GOD WILL DISCIPLINE US FOR OUR DISOBEDIENCE. GOD’S PROMISES OF RESTORATION FOR HIS PEOPLE WILL UNDENIABLY BE FULFILLED.
OUTLINE: 1. CALL AND COMMISSION OF EZEKIEL. (1 : 1-3 : 27) 2. JUDGMENT ON SINFUL JUDAH. (4 : 1-24 : 27) 3. JUDGMENT ON THE GENTILES. (25 : 1-32 : 32) 4. PROMISED RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. (33 : 1-39 : 29) 5. THE NEW TEMPLE. (40 : 1-48 : 35)
BOOK OF DANIEL
AUTHOR: DANIEL
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 605 AND 530 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 60-70 YEARS. (DURING THE EARLY PERIOD OF BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY, DANIEL PROPHESIES UNDER THE REIGNS OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR, HIS CAPTOR; BELSHAZZAR; DARIUS THE M E D E; AND CYRUS.)
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR AND CHIEF CHARACTER: DANIEL. THIS BOOKS IS SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS THE ”“ APOCALYPSE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. ”“ THE NAME DANIELS MEANS ”“ GOD IS MY JUDGE. ”“
BACKGROUND: AS A PART OF THE FIRST GROUP DEPORTED TO BABYLON, DANIEL IS EDUCATED AND GROOMED FOR SERVICE IN THE GENTILE GOVERNMENT. THIS DEVOUT JEWISH TEENAGER GROWS UP IN THE COURTS OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR, WHERE HE CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE BOTH JEW AND GENTILE TO TRUST IN GOD. IN CONTRAST TO THE LIVES OF MOST BIBLICAL CHARACTERS, DANIEL IS DISTINGUISHED BY NEVER HAVING ANYTHING NEGATIVE WRITTEN ABOUT HIM. A LARGE SEGMENT OF DANIEL IS COMPOSED IN THE ARAMAIC TONGUE, UNLIKE OTHER OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN HEBREW.
WHERE WRITTEN: BABYLON.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO THE JEWS EXILED IN BABYLON, BUT ALSO TO THE GENTILES OF BABYLON AND PERSIA.
CONTENT: DANIEL AND HIS 3 FRIENDS: S H A D R A C H, M E S H A C H AND A B E D N E G O, ARE ORDERED TO COMPROMISE THEIR FAITH BY EATING THE KING’S FOOD INSTEAD OF WHAT GOD HAS ORDAINED. THEY ARE BLESSED FOR NOT COMPROMISING. BUT LATER, AFTER DANIEL HAS RISEN IN PROMINENCE BY IDENTIFYING AND INTERPRETING N E B U C H A D N E Z Z A R’ S DREAM, MORE PERSECUTION ARISES. EVENTUALLY DANIEL’S FRIENDS ARE THROWN INTO A FIERY FURNACE FOR NOT BOWING DOWN TO FALSE GODS, BUT GOD PROTECTS THEM. DANIEL’S POWER RISES WHEN HE IS ABLE TO INTERPRET THE HANDWRITING WHICH NEBUCHADNEZZAR SEES ON THE WALL (CHAPTER 5), BUT SHORTLY THEREAFTER DANIEL IS THROWN INTO A LIONS’ DEN FOR THE OFFENSE OF PRAYING TO HIS GOD (CHAPTER 6). ONCE AGAIN GOD PROTECTS AS DANIEL WALKS AWAY UNHARMED. DANIEL’S MINISTRY CONTINUES WITH THESE VISIONS: THE 4 BEASTS, CORRELATING TO THE KINGDOMS OF BABYLON, PERSIA, GREECE AND ROME (CHAPTER 7); THE RAM AND THE GOAT (CHAPTER 8); THE 70 ”“ SEVENS ”“ (CHAPTER 9); AND, FINALLY, THE EMERGENCE OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ COURAGE ”“ ; ”“ PRESENTATION. ”“ THE BOOK OF DANIEL HAS SEVERAL MEMORABLE STORIES ILLUSTRATING THE ”“ COURAGE ”“ AND COMMITMENT OF MEN WHO PLACE THEIR FAITH IN GOD. THE ”“ PRESERVATION ”“ OF GOD’S PEOPLE IS ASSURED FOR ALL WHO RELY ON HIM.
THEMES: GOD WORKS THROUGH THE LIVES OF PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS DESIRES. EARTHLY KINGDOMS MAY RISE AND FALL, BUT GOD AND HIS WORD WILL LAST FOREVER. IF WE WILL COMMIT OURSELVES TO GOD, GOOD WILL TRIUMPH OVER EVIL IN OUR LIVES. GOD IS CONCERNED ABOUT EVERY AREA OF OUR LIVES, EVEN OUT DIETS AND EATING HABITS. ONLY GOD KNOWS ALL, SEES ALL AND HEARS ALL, AND THUS ONLY HE IS WORTHY OF LORDSHIP OF OUR LIVES.
OUTLINE: 1. DANIEL’S TRAINING IN BABYLON. (1 : 1-1 : 21) 2. DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS DURING N E B U C H A D N E Z Z A R’ S REIGN. (2 : 1-4 : 37) 3. THE WRITING ON THE WALL. (5 : 1-5 : 31) 4. DANIEL’S FAITH TESTED IN THE LIONS’ DEN. (6 : 1-6 :28) 5. DANIEL’S DREAM, VISIONS AND PRAYER. (7 : 1-9 : 27) 6. DANIEL’S REVELATION OF ISRAEL’S FUTURE. (10 : 1-12 : 13)
BOOK OF HOSEA
AUTHOR: HOSEA
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 790 AND 710 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 45 YEARS. (HOSEA’S MINISTRY OVERLAPS THOSE OF THE PROPHETS ISAIAH AND, AMOS AND MICAH.)
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR AND ONE OF THE CHIEF CHARACTERS: HOSEA HAS BEEN CALLED ”“ THE PROPHET WITH THE BROKEN HEART.”
BACKGROUND: HOSEA’S MINISTRY TO THE NORTHERN KINGDOM BEGINS WHILE JEROBOAM II IS REIGNING IN ISRAEL, AND SUCCESSFULLY COVERS THE REIGNS OF U Z Z I A H, J O T H A M, A H A Z AND HEZEKIAH IN JUDAH. THE SETTING FOR THIS FIRST BOOK OF THE MINOR PROPHETS IS JUST BEFORE ISRAEL IS EXILED TO ASSYRIA. WHILE THE NATION IS THRIVING IN PROSPERITY, IT’S SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS IS DEPLORABLE WITH PAGAN AND IMMORAL WORSHIP OF BAAL AND A S H T A R O T H, AS WELL AS THE WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN CALVES, THAT JEROBOAM I HAD SET UP AT B E T H E L AND DAN.
WHERE WRITTEN: ISRAEL (NORTHERN KINGDOM).
TO WHOM: TO THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTHERN KINGDOM.
CONTENT: HOSEA’S PERSONAL LIFE GRADUALLY ILLUSTRATES HIS PROPHETIC MESSAGE. AT THE COMMAND OF GOD, THE PROPHET HOSEA MARRIES G O M E R THE PROSTITUTE. BUT INSTEAD OF BEING FAITHFUL TO HER FORGIVING AND LOVING HUSBAND, G O M E R RETURNS TO HER PREVIOUS LOVERS. HOSEA, THOUGH, IS DILIGENT AS HE COMPASSIONATELY SEEKS HER OUT AND IS ABLE TO BRING HER BACK. HOSEA’S MESSAGE IS ALSO REVEALED THROUGH THE MEANING OF THE NAMES HE GIVES HIS 3 CHILDREN: J E Z R E E L, ”“ GOD SCATTERS ”“ ; LO – R U H A M A H, ”“ NOT PITIED ”“ ; AND LO – A M M I, ”“ NOT MY PEOPLE ”“ (CHAPTER 1). LIKE G O M E R, WANTON ISRAEL IS RUNNING AFTER OTHER ”“ LOVES ”“ INSTEAD OF BEING FAITHFUL IN HER ”“ MARRIAGE ”“ TO GOD. HOWEVER, ISRAEL’S REBELLION, APOSTASY AND FORNICATION EVENTUALLY GIVES WAY TO GOD’S LOVE. FINALLY, HOSEA OUTLINES ISRAEL'S RESTORATION AND NEW MARRIAGE COVENANT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ MARRIAGE ”“ ; ”“ FORGIVENESS. ”“ JUST AS HOSEA MARRIES G O M E R, TO GOD’S COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL REPRESENTS THEIR ”“ MARRIAGE. ”“ AND JUST AS HOSEA REACHES OUT IN ”“ FORGIVENESS ”“ TO BUY BACK HIS ADULTEROUS WIFE FROM A SLAVE MARKET (CHAPTER 3), SO GOD IN ”“ FORGIVENESS ”“ CONTINUES TO SEEK HIS OWN.
THEMES: THE LOVE OF GOD IS UNCONDITIONAL, ETERNAL AND TRANSFORMING. GOD LOVES US ENOUGH TO CHASTEN US FOR OUR SINS. GOD PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WE CAN DO WHICH WILL SEPARATE US FROM GOD’S COMPASSION AND LOVE. GOD’S CONCERN FOR OUR ENTIRE BEING INCLUDES THE SUCCESS OF OUR MARRIAGE. UNREQUITED LOVE IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES MAY HELP US TO UNDERSTAND BETTER THE HEARTACHE GOD EXPERIENCES WHEN MANKIND REJECTS HIS LOVE.
OUTLINE: 1. HOSEA IS MARRIED TO G O M E R. (1 : 1-3 : 5) 2. ISRAEL COMMITS SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. (4 : 1-6 : 3) 3. (ISRAEL IS JUDGED FOR REFUSING TO REPENT. (6 : 4-10 : 15) 4. GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL PROMISES RESTORATION. (11:1-14 : 9)
BOOK OF JOEL
AUTHOR: JOEL
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 835 AND 800 B. C.
TIME SPAN: WHILE THE EXACT LENGTH OF J O E L’ S MINISTRY IS NOT KNOWN, HIS PROPHECIES SPAN THE TIME UNTIL THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM IS COMPLETE.
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET JOEL. JOEL HAS BEEN CALLED THE ”“ PROPHET OF PENTECOST. ”“ THE NAME JOEL MEANS ”“ JEHOVAH IS GOD. ”“
BACKGROUND: JUDAH, THE SETTING FOR THE BOOK OF JOEL, IS DEVASTATED BY A VAST HORDE OF LOCUSTS. THIS INVASION OF LOCUSTS DESTROYS EVERYTHING: THE FIELDS OF GRAIN, THE VINEYARDS, THE GARDENS AND THE TREES. JOEL SYMBOLICALLY DESCRIBES THE LOCUSTS AS A MARCHING HUMAN ARMY AND VIEWS ALL OF THIS AS DIVINE JUDGMENT COMING AGAINST THE NATION FOR HER SINS.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PROBABLY TO THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF JUDAH, BUT ALSO TO ALL JEWS AND GENTILES.
CONTENT: A TERRIBLE LOCUST PLAGUE IS FOLLOWED BY A SEVERE FAMINE THROUGHOUT THE LAND. JOEL USES THESE HAPPENINGS AS A CATALYST TO SEND WORDS OF WARNING TO JUDAH THAT UNLESS THE PEOPLE REPENT QUICKLY AND COMPLETELY, ENEMY ARMIES WILL DEVOUR THE LAND AS DID THE NATURAL ELEMENTS. JOEL APPEALS TO ALL THE PEOPLE AND THE PRIESTS OF THE LAND OF FAST AND HUMBLE THEMSELVES AS THEY SEEK GOD’S FORGIVENESS. IF THEY WILL BUT RESPOND, THERE WILL BE RENEWED MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FOR THE NATION. BUT THE DAY OF THE LORD IS COMING. AT THIS TIME THE DREADED LOCUSTS WILL SEEM AS GNATS IN COMPARISON, AS ALL NATIONS RECEIVE THEIR JUDGMENT. FINALLY, JOEL GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF JERUSALEM’S ULTIMATE RESTORATION AND PROSPERITY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ LOCUSTS ”“ ; ”“ SPIRIT. ”“ THE BOOK OF JOEL IS HIGHLIGHTED BY 2 MAJOR EVENTS. ONE IS THE INVASION OF ”“ LOCUSTS ”“ WHICH DEVASTATES THE LANDS OF REBELLIOUS JUDAH. THE OTHER IS GOD POURING OUT HIS ”“ SPIRIT ”“ UPON ALL FLESH, WHICH WILL RESULT IN SONS AND DAUGHTERS PROPHESYING, OLD MEN DREAMING DREAMS AND YOUNG MEN SEEING VISIONS (2 : 28). THE INITIAL FULFILLMENT OF THIS IS QUOTED BY PETER IN ACTS AS HAVING TAKEN PLACE AT PENTECOST.
THEMES: WITHOUT REPENTANCE, JUDGMENT WILL BE HARSH, THOROUGH AND CERTAIN. OUR TRUST SHOULD NOT BE IN OUR POSSESSIONS, WHICH CAN BE TAKEN FROM US, BUT IN THE LORD OUR GOD. GOD AT TIMES MAY USE NATURE, SORROW OR OTHER COMMON OCCURRENCES TO DRAW US CLOSER TO HIM. GOD’S COVENANT WITH HIS PEOPLE WILL ENDURE FOREVER.
OUTLINE: 1. INVASION OF LOCUSTS. (1 : 1-2 : 11) 2. GOD’S MERCY ON THE REPENTANT. (2 : 12-2 : 27) 3. FINAL JUDGMENT AND TRIUMPH OF GOD. (2 : 28-3 : 21)
BOOK OF AMOS
AUTHOR: AMOS
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 760 AND 753 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 7-10 YEARS.
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: AMOS. AMOS IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ”“ HERDSMAN OF T E K O A. ”“
BACKGROUND: AMOS IS A SHEPHERD AND A FRUIT PICKER FROM THE J U D E A N VILLAGE OF T E K O A (DUE SOUTH OF BETHLEHEM) WHEN GOD CALLS HIM, EVEN THOUGH HE LACKS AN EDUCATION OR A PRIESTLY BACKGROUND. A M O S’ S MISSION IS DIRECTED TO HIS NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH, ISRAEL. HIS MESSAGES IF IMPENDING DOOM AND CAPTIVITY FOR THE NATION BECAUSE OF HER SINS ARE LARGELY UNPOPULAR AND UNHEEDED, HOWEVER, BECAUSE NOT SINCE THE DAYS OF SOLOMON HAVE TIMES BEEN SO GOOD IN ISRAEL. A M O S’ S MINISTRY TAKES PLACE WHILE JEROBOAM II REIGNS OVER ISRAEL, AND U Z Z I A H REIGNS OVER JUDAH (40 YEARS PRIOR TO ISRAEL’S EXILE TO ASSYRIA). CONTEMPORARY PROPHETS ARE ISAIAH, HOSEA AND MICAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: NEAR JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO ISRAEL, BUT ALSO TO JUDAH AND THE SURROUNDING NATIONS.
CONTENT: AMOS CAN SEE THAT BENEATH ISRAEL’S EXTERNAL PROSPERITY AND POWER, INTERNALLY THE NATION IS CORRUPT TO THE CORE. THE SINS FOR WHICH AMOS CHASTENS THE PEOPLE ARE EXTENSIVE: NEGLECT OF GOD’S WORD, IDOLATRY, PAGAN WORSHIP, GREED, CORRUPTED LEADERSHIP AND OPPRESSION OF THE POOR, AMOS BEGINS BY PRONOUNCING A JUDGMENT UPON ALL THE SURROUNDING NATIONS, THEN UPON HIS OWN NATION OF JUDAH, AND FINALLY THE HARSHEST JUDGMENT IS GIVEN TO ISRAEL. HIS VISIONS OF GOD REVEAL THE SAME EMPHATIC MESSAGE: JUDGMENT IS NEAR. THE BOOK ENDS WITH GOD’S PROMISE TO AMOS OF FUTURE RESTORATION OF THE REMNANT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PLUMB LINE ”“ ; ”“ HOPE. ”“GOD’S VISION TO AMOS REVEALS THE ”“ PLUMB LINE ”“ (STANDARD) BY WHICH THE PEOPLE WILL BE TESTED AND JUDGED (CHAPTER 7). GOD’S NATURE SHINES THROUGH BY THE ”“ HOPE ”“ HE OFFERS IN HIS RESTORATION OF THE LAND AND OF THE PEOPLE.
THEMES: BECAUSE GOD IS ETERNALLY RIGHTEOUS, HE DEMANDS THAT WE BE SATISFIED WITH NOTHING LESS THAN HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS IN OUR LIVES. GOD HATES SIN. THE COST FOR HAVING SIN IN OUR LIVES IS EXPENSIVE. GOD OFTEN SELECTS INDIVIDUALS TO DO HIS WORK WHOM THE WORLD WOULD REJECT. GOD HOLDS THOSE, TO WHOM MORE HAS BEEN GIVEN, ACCOUNTABLE FOR MORE. GOD’S JUDGMENT IS CERTAIN. GOD-FEARING PEOPLE RECEIVE BLESSINGS FROM GOD BOTH NOW AND FOR ALL ETERNITY.
OUTLINE: 1. GOD JUDGES ISRAEL’S NEIGHBORS. (1 : 1-2 : 5) 2. GOD JUDGES ISRAEL. (2 : 6-6 : 14) 3. AMOS HAS 5 VISIONS. (7 : 1-9 : 10) 4. ISRAEL IS PROMISED RESTORATION. (9 : 11-9 : 15)
BOOK OF OBADIAH
AUTHOR: OBADIAH
DATE WRITTEN: OBADIAH WAS WRITTEN DURING ONE OF THE INVASIONS OF JERUSALEM. IF WRITTEN WHEN THE CITY WAS DESTROYED BY THE PHILISTINES AND ARABIANS, THE DATE CAN BE SET BETWEEN 848 AND 840 B. C. IF WRITTEN DURING THE INVASION OF JERUSALEM BY BABYLON UNDER N E B U C H A N E Z Z A R, THE SUGGESTED DATE IS ABOUT 586 B. C.
TIME SPAN: WHILE THE LENGTH OF O B A D I A H’ S MINISTRY IS NOT CERTAIN, HIS PROPHECIES OVER THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: OBADIAH. THE NAME OBADIAH MEANS ”“ SERVANT OF THE LORD. ”“
BACKGROUND: OBADIAH, THE SHORTEST BOOK IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, IS ONLY 21 VERSES LONG. OBADIAH IS A PROPHET OF GOD WHO USES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONDEMN E D O M FOR SINS AGAINST BOTH GOD AND ISRAEL. THE E D O M I T E S ARE DESCENDANTS OF ESAU, AND THE I S R A E L I T E S ARE DESCENDANTS OF HIS TWIN BROTHER, JACOB. A QUARREL BETWEEN THE BROTHERS AS EFFECTED THEIR DESCENDANTS FOR OVER 1, 000 YEARS. THIS DIVISION CAUSED THE E D O M I T E S TO FORBID ISRAEL TO CROSS THEIR LAND DURING THE I S R A E L I T E S’ EXODUS FROM EGYPT. E D O M’ S SIN OF PRIDE NOW REQUIRES A STRONG WORD OF JUDGMENT FROM THE LORD.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO THE E D O M I T E S.
CONTENT: O B A D I A H’ S MESSAGE IS FINAL AND IT’S SURE: THE KINGDOM OF E D O M WILL BE DESTROYED COMPLETELY. E D O M HAS BEEN ARROGANT, GLOATING OVER ISRAEL’S MISFORTUNE, AND WHEN ENEMY ARMIES ATTACK ISRAEL AND THE I S R A E L I T E S ASK FOR HELP, THE E D O M I T ES REFUSED, AND CHOOSE TO FIGHT AGAINST THEM, NOT FOR THEM (VERSES 10-14). THESE SINS OF PRIDE CAN BE OVERLOOKED NO LONGER. THE BOOK ENDS WITH THE PROMISE OF THE FULFILLMENT AND DELIVERANCE OF ZION IN THE LAST DAYS WHEN THE LAND WILL BE RESTORED TO GOD’S PEOPLE AS HE RULES OVER THEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PRIDE” : ”“ BROTHER. ”“ THE E D O M I T E S SECURITY (LIVING IN A FORTIFIED CITY IN MOUNT S E I R) CAUSES AN EVIL ”“ PRIDE ”“ TO DEVELOP. THEIR ”“ BROTHER ”“ DESCENDANTS ARE THUS TREATED WITH TREACHERY AND ABANDONMENT. THE ONLY KIND OF ”“ PRIDE ”“ WHICH IS GOOD, AND WILL CAUSE MAN TO TREAT HIS ”“ BROTHER ”“ COMPASSION AND LOVE, IS THAT WHICH IS PLACED IN THE LORD.
THEMES: GOD WILL OVERCOME IN OUR BEHALF IF WE WILL STAY TRUE TO HIM. UNLIKE E D O M, WE MUST BE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS IN TIMES OF NEED. LIKE A LOVING FATHER, GOD MAY AT TIMES NEED TO PUNISH HIS CHILDREN. PRIDE IS SIN. (WE HAVE NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST AND WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US.) LOVING ALL MANKIND CAN BE EASY, BUT WE MAY NEED GOD’S HELP TO LOVE THE MAN NEXT DOOR.
OUTLINE: 1. PROPHECY OF E D O M’ S JUDGMENT. (1 : 1-1 : 9) 2. THE SINS OF E D O M. (1 : 10-1 : 14) 3. GOD’S VENGEANCE ON E D O M. (1 : 15-1 : 18) 4. THE POSSESSION OF E D O M BY ISRAEL. (1 : 19-1 : 21)
BOOK OF JONAH
AUTHOR: JONAH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 793 AND 753 B. C.
TIME SPAN: UNCERTAIN.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR AND CHIEF CHARACTER: JONAH.
BACKGROUND: JONAH, THE ONLY OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET FROM GALILEE, WAS BORN IN ISRAEL AND GREW UP IN A CITY CALLED G A T H H E P H E R, ABOUT 3 MILES FROM NAZARETH. JONAH A COMMISSIONED BY GOD TO PREACH REPENTANCE TO THE GENTILE NATION OF ASSYRIA AND IT’S CAPITAL OF NINEVEH. THIS IS AN ESPECIALLY HARD ASSIGNMENT SINCE THE ASSYRIANS HAVE A BRUTAL AND OPPRESSIVE REPUTATION, IN ADDITION TO BEING LONG-STANDING ENEMIES OF ISRAEL. KING JEROBOAM II REIGNS OVER ISRAEL AT THIS TIME.
WHERE WRITTEN: NEAR JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO ISRAEL.
CONTENT: JONAH’S FEAR AND PRIDE CAUSE HIM TO RUN FROM GOD. HE DOES NOT WISH TO GO TO NINEVEH TO PREACH REPENTANCE TO THE PEOPLE, AS GOD HAS COMMANDED, BECAUSE HE FEELS THEY ARE HIS ENEMY, AND HE IS CONVINCED THAT GOD WILL NOT CARRY OUT HIS THREAT TO DESTROY THE CITY. INSTEAD HE BOARDS A SHIP FOR T A R S H I S H, WHICH IS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. SOON A RAGING STORM CAUSES THE CREW TO CAST LOTS TO DETERMINE THAT JONAH IS THE PROBLEM. THEY THROW HIM OVERBOARD, AND HE IS SWALLOWED BY A GREAT FISH. IN THE BELLY FOR 3 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS (1:17), JONAH REPENTS OF HIS SIN TO GOD, AND THE FISH VOMITS HIM UP ON DRY LAND. JONAH THEN MAKES THE 500 MILE TRIP TO NINEVEH AND LEADS TO THE CITY IN A GREAT REVIVAL (CHAPTER 3). BUT THE PROPHET IS DISPLEASED INSTEAD OF THANKFUL WHEN NINEVEH REPENTS. JONAH LEARNS HIS LESSON, HOWEVER, WHEN GOD USES THE WIND, A GOURD AND A WORM TO TEACH HIM THAT GOD IS MERCIFUL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FISH” ; ”“ REVIVAL. ”“ JONAH IS NOT MERELY SWALLOWED BY A GREAT ”“ FISH” ; THIS EVENT REPRESENTS GOD EXTENDING HIS HELPING HAND TO SAVE THE PROPHET. IT GIVES JONAH A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, TO SEEK A UNIQUE DELIVERANCE, AS HE REPENTS DURING THIS EQUALLY UNIQUE RETREAT. MANY CLASSIFY THE ”“ REVIVAL ”“ WHICH JONAH BRINGS TO NINEVEH AS ONE OF THE GREATEST EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS OF ALL TIME.
THEMES: WE CAN NEVER SUCCESSFULLY HIDE FROM GOD, HE SEES OUR EVERY MOVE. GOD MANY TIMES DOES HIS GREATEST WORKS THROUGH THE LEAST LIKELY CANDIDATES. WHAT WE MAY CONSIDER AS IMPOSSIBLE, GOD MAY CONSIDER AS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY GIVE TO US. REGARDLESS OF OUR PATRIOTISM, WE MUST NEVER PUT OUR COUNTRY AHEAD OF OUR GOD. REGARDLESS OF OUR REPUTATION, NATIONALITY OR RACE, GOD LOVES US. REJOICING IN THE SALVATION OF OTHERS IS AN EXPERIENCE GOD WANTS US TO SHARE WITH HIM. GOD AT TIMES MAY USE NATURE, ANIMALS, THE WEATHER OR ANY PART OF HIS CREATION TO BRING US TO A CLOSER UNION WITH HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. JONAH FLEES FROM THE LAND. (1 : 1-1 : 17) 2. JONAH IS DELIVERED FROM THE FISH. (2 : 1-2 : 10) 3. JONAH OBEYS GOD AND GOES TO NINEVEH. (3 : 1-3 : 10) 4. JONAH IS ANGERED AT GOD’S MERCY. (4 : 1-4 : 11)
BOOK OF MICAH
AUTHOR: MICAH
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 735 AND 698 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 25 YEARS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MICAH. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ WHO IS LIKE JEHOVAH. ”“
BACKGROUND: MICAH IS A PROPHET OF THE COMMON PEOPLE (RUGGED, DIRECT AND CONVINCING) FROM THE PROMINENT J U D E A N CITY OF M O R E S H E T H, ABOUT 25 MILES SOUTHWEST OF JERUSALEM. M I C A H’ S MINISTRY SPANS THE REIGNS OF J O T H A M, A H A Z AND HEZEKIAH. THESE ARE TURBULENT TIMES OF GREAT OPPRESSION, CORRUPTION AND EXPLOITATION. ISRAEL AND JUDAH ARE DEEP IN SIN, DESPITE THEIR WEALTH, AND M I C A H' S MESSAGE OF IMMINENT JUDGMENT UPON THEM IS NEITHER PLEASANT NOR POPULAR.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO BOTH ISRAEL AND JUDAH.
CONTENT: M I C A H’ S MESSAGE IS DIRECTED AGAINST THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE IN JERUSALEM AND S A M A R I A, THE CAPITALS OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL. THE CORRUPT RULERS, FALSE PROPHETS, U N G O D L Y PRIESTS AND CHEATING MERCHANTS ARE THE MAIN REASONS FOR GOD’S JUDGMENT COMING AGAINST THE NATIONS. BUT IN THE MIDST OF THEIR DESTRUCTION, MICAH PROPHESIES THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH IN BETHLEHEM (5 : 2), 700 YEARS BEFORE JESUS CHRIST IS BORN. THIS ONCE INSIGNIFICANT VILLAGE NOW GAINS ETERNAL PROMINENCE. GOD ALSO REVEALS THROUGH MICAH THESE PROMISES: A REMNANT WILL REMAIN; HE WILL GATHER HIS OWN FROM ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; AND ZION WILL BE RESTORED.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JUSTICE ”“ ; ”“ MERCY ”“ ; ”“ HUMILITY. ”“ M I C A H’ S REPEATED AND EMPATHETIC CRY IS FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO SHOW ”“ JUSTICE ”“ IN ALL THEIR DEALINGS, TO LOVE ”“ MERCY ”“ BY SHOWING THE SAME TO OTHERS, AND TO WALK IN ”“ HUMILITY ”“ WITH THEIR GOD (6 : 8).
THEMES: GOD GIVES WARNINGS SO WE WILL NOT HAVE TO SUFFER HIS WRATH. JUDGMENT IS CERTAIN IF GOD’S WARNINGS ARE NOT HEEDED. GOD DISCIPLINES US BECAUSE HE LOVES US. GOD KNOWS THAT SIN DESTROYS, AND HE WANTS US TO BE WHOLE. GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION AWAITS THOSE WHO REMAIN TRUE TO HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. M I C A H’ S VISION OF JUDGMENT AGAINST S A M A R I A H AND JERUSALEM. (1 : 1-1 : 16) 2. JUDGMENT OF LEADERS AND PROPHETS. (2 : 1-3 : 12) 3. THE COMING KING AND HIS RESTORATION. (4 : 1-5 : 9) 4. GOD’S PUNISHMENT AND SUBSEQUENT BLESSING FOR ISRAEL. (5 : 10-7 : 20)
BOOK OF NAHUM
AUTHOR: N A H U M.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 663 AND 612 B. C.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: NAHUM. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ COMFORTER. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE BOOK OF NAHUM IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF JONAH, WHEREIN JONAH LED THE CITY OF NINEVEH (ASSYRIA’S CAPITAL) IN A TREMENDOUS REVIVAL, WHICH DELAYED GOD’S JUDGMENT AGAINST THEM. BUT THAT HAPPENED ABOUT 150 YEARS BEFORE, AND NOW AFTER YEARS OF FALLING AWAY NINEVEH HAS BECOME EVEN MORE WICKED. ASSYRIA IS AT THE PEAK OF HER REIGN, EXUDING PRIDE, WEALTH AND POWER. NAHUM, A PROPHET FROM THE J U D E A N TOWN OF E L K O S H, HAS THIS MISSION; TO PREACH GOD’S COMING JUDGMENT TO NINEVEH AND GOD’S COMFORT OF THE I S R A E L I T E S.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO ASSYRIA AND HER CAPITAL CITY, NINEVEH, BUT AS COMFORT TO GOD’S PEOPLE IN JUDAH AS WELL.
CONTENT: ASSYRIA HAD PROGRESSIVELY CONQUERED NATION AFTER NATION. THE ASSYRIANS ARE A BRUTAL PEOPLE, CRUEL, DEFIANT AND IMMORAL, AND THEIR SINS AGAINST GOD’S PEOPLE BRING THE JUDGMENT OF GOD UPON THEMSELVES. NAHUM PREDICTS THE DESOLATION OF NINEVEH, WHICH TAKES PLACE SOME YEARS LATER WHEN A FLOOD OF THE TIGRIS RIVER DESTROYS PART OF HER PREVIOUSLY INVINCIBLE CITY WALL. FORCES FROM BABYLON THEN ENTER THE CITY TO FULFILL N A H U M’ S WORDS. NINEVEH’S DESTRUCTION WILL BE FINAL; WHEREAS, JUDAH AT HER DESTRUCTION WILL LEAVE BEHIND A REMNANT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WRATH ”“ ; ”“ COMFORT. ”“ BY ALL HUMAN STANDARDS NINEVEH HAS MIGHT AND POWER. THE CITY SURROUNDED BY A GREAT WALL 100 FEET HIGH, THAT REPORTEDLY COULD HOLD 6 CHARIOTS RIDING ABREAST, AS WELL AS A GREAT MOAT 60 FEET IN DEPTH. 200 TOWERS ASCEND ANOTHER 100 FEET ABOVE THE WALL. BUT DESPITE THIS FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION, NINEVEH WILL NOT ESCAPE GOD’S ”“ WRATH. ”“ NAHUM HAS CONSTANT WORDS OF " COMFORT ”“ FOR HIS PEOPLE: THE LORD ”“ WILL NOT AT ALL ACQUIT THE WICKED ”“ (1 : 3)
THEMES: GOD IS PATIENT AND SLOW TO ANGER. THE PRAISE FROM OUR LIPS AND THE WORKS OF OUR HANDS TOGETHER ENABLE US TO WORSHIP GOD. ONE PLUS GOD IS A MAJORITY. GOD’S PROMISES ARE SUCH, WHETHER FOR BLESSING OR FOR PUNISHMENT. WE SHOULD LEAN NOT OUR OWN MIGHT, ON OUR MIGHTY ONE. VENGEANCE IS A RIGHT RESERVED FOR GOD ALONE.
OUTLINE: 1. N A H U M’ S VISION OF GOD’S POWER AND THE DELIVERANCE OF JUDAH. (1 : 1-1 : 14) 2. DESTRUCTION OF NINEVEH. (1 : 15-2 : 13) 3. REASONS FOR THE FALL OF NINEVEH. (3 : 1-3 : 19)
BOOK OF HABAKKUK
AUTHOR: HABAKKUK.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 609 AND 589 B. C.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: HABAKKUK. THIS NAME MAY MEAN ”“ ONE WHO EMBRACES. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE PROPHET HABAKKUK IS CALLED BY GOD TO WARN THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH OF THEIR COMING JUDGMENT. THESE LATTER DAYS BEFORE J U D A H’ S FALL ARE A VIOLENT TIME OF EXTENSIVE SIN THROUGHOUT THE LAND. HABAKKUK, FROM JUDAH, IS A CONTEMPORARY OF JEREMIAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO JUDAH.
CONTENT: HABAKKUK, WITNESSING J U D A H’ S APOSTASY, BRIBERY AND OPPRESSIONS, ENTERS INTO A DIALOGUE WITH GOD. HE WANTS TO KNOW WHY GOD IS ALLOWING THESE PEOPLE TO PROSPER AND ESCAPE JUDGMENT. GOD’S REPLY IS THAT HE IS SENDING THE BABYLONIANS AS HIS CHASTENING ROD UPON THE NATION OF JUDAH. BUT THIS BOTHERS HABAKKUK EVEN MORE: WHY WOULD A JUST GOD BRING JUDGMENT UPON A WICKED JUDAH WITH AN EVEN MORE WICKED BABYLON? GOD THEN GIVES HABAKKUK A NEW UNDERSTANDING AND INSIGHT INTO THE VERY NATURE OF GOD. GOD IS GOOD, FAIR AND WISE, AND MAN’S RESPONSIBILITY IS TO CONFIDENTLY PLACE FAITH IN HIM. GOD LET’S HABAKKUK KNOW THAT FUTURE JUDGMENT OF BABYLON WILL BRING SURE AND THOROUGH DESTRUCTION. HABAKKUK HAS LEARNED HIS LESSON: TO TRUST GOD AND PRAISE HIM ALWAYS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FAITH ”“ ; ”“ WOE. ”“ A PREDOMINANT LESSON TO BE LEARNED FROM THIS BOOK IS OUR NEED TO HAVE TOTAL ”“ FAITH ”“ IN GOD, FOR ”“ THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH ”“ (2 : 4). WE MAY NOT ALWAYS UNDERSTAND WHY GOD DOES EVERYTHING HE DOES, BUT WE CAN BE ASSURED THAT GOD LOVES US AND THAT HIS ULTIMATE PLANS CONSISTENTLY INCLUDE HIS JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED. ”“ WOE ”“ TO THOSE WHO SET THEMSELVES HIGH BY EVIL MEANS (2 : 9) AND BLOODSHED (2 : 12). ”“ WOE ”“ TO THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN IDOLS (2 : 18-19).
THEMES: IT IS A TIMELESS TRUTH THAT GOD HATES SIN AND IS UNWILLING TO COMPROMISE WITH IT. NO MATTER WHAT OUR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE, WE CAN STILL TRUST THE LORD AND PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. A LIFE LIVED BY FAITH WILL ALSO BE A LIFE FULL OF GOD’S JOY. WE CAN TALK TO GOD ABOUT ANYTHING, EVEN OUR DOUBTS AND FEARS. IF WE WILL GET TO KNOW OUR CREATOR BETTER, WE WILL BETTER UNDERSTAND HIS PLANS FOR HIS CREATION.
OUTLINE: 1. HABAKKUK COMPLAINS AGAINST INJUSTICE. (1 : 1-1 : 4) 2. THE LORD ANSWERS. (1 : 5-1 : 11) 3. HABAKKUK COMPLAINS THAT THE WICKED PREVAIL. (1 : 12-2 : 1) 4. THE LORD ANSWERS AGAIN. (2 : 2-2 : 20) 5. HABAKKUK PRAISES GOD IN PRAYER. (3 : 1-3 : 19)
BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH
AUTHOR: ZEPHANIAH
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 640 AND 612 B. C.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: ZEPHANIAH. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ DEFENDED BY JEHOVAH. ”“
BACKGROUND: ZEPHANIAH MINISTERS TO JUDAH, DURING THE YEARS BEFORE TOTAL DESTRUCTION COMES, WHEN THE YOUNG JOSIAH IS KING. JOSIAH BEGINS AS A VERY GOOD KING AND INSTITUTES SWEEPING REFORMS, PROBABLY EVEN THESE EFFORTS ARE NOT ENOUGH, FOR JUDAH FALLS DEEPER AND DEEPER INTO APOSTASY AND SIN. ZEPHANIAH, A CONTEMPORARY OF JEREMIAH, RESIDES IN JERUSALEM. HIS PROPHECY CONCERNS BOTH J U D A H’ S IMMEDIATE AND LONG-RANGE JUDGMENTS BY GOD. ZEPHANIAH IS PROBABLY THE GREAT-GRANDSON OF THE FORMER KING OF JUDAH, HEZEKIAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO JUDAH.
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH IS A MESSAGE OF JUDGMENT. THE PROPHET GRAPHICALLY USES THE 53 VERSES OF THIS BOOK TO DESCRIBE THE WRATH WHICH WILL COME UPON JUDAH, P H I L I S T I A, M O A B, A M M O N, ETHIOPIA AND ASSYRIA. THE SINS AND SUBSEQUENT DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM ARE GIVEN SPECIAL ATTENTION. FUTURE BLESSINGS, THOUGH, ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL GOD’S PEOPLE, JEW AND GENTILE ALIKE, IF THEY WILL OBEDIENTLY TURN TO HIM. THE PROMISED REMNANT OF ISRAEL WILL BE RESTORED, AND THERE WILL BE WORLDWIDE REJOICING (CHAPTER 3).
KEY WORDS: ”“ GREAT DAY OF THE LORD ”“ ; ”“ REMNANT. ”“ ZEPHANIAH EMPHATICALLY ANNOUNCES THAT GOD’S VENGEANCE AND HOLINESS WILL LEAD HIM TO JUDGE ALL NATIONS FOR THEIR SINS IN THE COMING ”“ GREAT DAY OF THE LORD ”“ (CHAPTER 1). BUT GOD HAS PROMISED TO EXALT A ”“ REMNANT, ”“ WHICH WILL BE REGATHERED FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH TO LIVE WITH THE COMFORT AND JOY OF THE LORD.
THEMES: GOD IS NOT PREJUDICED, HE HATES SIN AND LOVES OBEDIENCE UNIVERSALLY. GOD WANTS US TO HAVE PURE HEARTS, NOT HYPOCRITICAL, OUTWARD SHOWS OF PIETY. THE COMING OF THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL BRING JUDGMENT FAR GREATER THAN ANYTHING THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. RENEWED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD’S AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO HAVE GENUINELY REPENTANT HEARTS.
OUTLINE: 1. GOD’S JUDGMENT OF JUDAH. (1 : 1-2 : 3) 2. GOD’S JUDGMENT OF J U D A H’ S NEIGHBOR’S. (2 : 4-3 : 8) 3. GOD’S RESTORATION OF JUDAH. (3 : 9-3 : 20)
BOOK OF HAGGAI
AUTHOR: HAGGAI
DATE WRITTEN: ABOUT 520 B. C.
TIME SPAN: SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 4 MONTHS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: HAGGAI
BACKGROUND: IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL YEARS SINCE Z E R U B B A B E L (THE GOVERNOR) AND JOSHUA (THE HIGH PRIEST) LED THE FIRST RETURN OF EXILES TO JERUSALEM TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE OF GOD. HAGGAI, ALREADY AN OLD MAN, CAME WITH THEM. NOW, THIS SMALL GROUP WITH GREAT ASPIRATIONS HAS COME UPON HARD TIMES. THEY HAVE ALLOWED THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES OF OPPOSITION AND SCANTY RESOURCES TO DISCOURAGE THEM TO THE POINT OF QUITTING, AFTER HAVING COMPLETED ONLY THE TEMPLE’S FOUNDATION. THE JEWS’ NEGLECT OF THE TEMPLE IS MADE WORSE BY THEIR PREOCCUPATION WITH CONSTRUCTING ELABORATE HOMES FOR THEMSELVES. THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD COMES UPON THE PROPHET HAGGAI AND PROMPTS HIM TO STIR THE PEOPLE TO RESUME BUILDING THE TEMPLE.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO Z E R U B B A B E L AND JOSHUA IN PARTICULAR, BUT ALSO TO ALL JEWS WHO RETURNED FROM EXILE TO JERUSALEM.
CONTENT: THE ELDERLY HAGGAI EXHORTS THE PEOPLE TO GET EXCITED AND COMMITTED TO THE WORK OF REBUILDING THE TEMPLE, WHICH HAS CEASED. THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE FOR HAGGAI TO DO THIS IS TO GIVE THEM A GLIMPSE OF WHAT THEY HAVE LOST, THAT BLESSINGS COME TO THOSE WHO PUT GOD FIRST IN THEIR LIVES, AND THE VISION OF GOD’S GLORY FILLING THE NEW TEMPLE WHEN IT IS COMPLETED. BUT EVEN HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE IS NOT LACKING A REBUKE AND JUDGMENT OF THE PEOPLE FOR THEIR SINS. Z E R U B B A B E L AND JOSHUA ARE COMMISSIONED TO LET THE LORD’S PRESENCE GUIDE THEIR LEADERSHIP OF THE PEOPLE. FINALLY, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM IS FORETOLD, WHERE Z E R U B B A B E L WILL BE HONORED FOR HIS PART IN HELPING COMPLETE THE TEMPLE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CONSIDER YOUR WAYS ”“ ; ”“ GLORY. ”“ BEFORE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE CAN BE COMPLETED, FIRST THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE NEED TO BE RENEWED AS THE LORD TELLS THEM, ”“ CONSIDER YOUR WAYS ”“ (1 :7). HAGGAI ENCOURAGES THE PEOPLE TO SEEK PROPER PRIORITIES, WHICH WILL RESULT IN GOD’S ”“ GLORY ”“ FILLING THE NEW TEMPLE (2 : 7).
THEMES: IN ORDER FOR THE PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED, IT FIRST MUST BE STARTED. A JOB HALF DONE IS A JOB NOT DONE. IF WE COMMIT OUR WAYS TO GOD, HE WILL GUIDE AND BLESS OUR WALK. WE SHOULD AVOID COMPROMISING SITUATIONS. SOMETIMES WE SETTLE FOR GOOD, WHEN WE COULD HAVE THE BEST. PROSPERITY AND OTHER STANDARDS OF SUCCESS HOLD NO LASTING CONTENTMENT WHEN WE PLACE OUR CONCERNS AHEAD OF GOD’S.
OUTLINE: 1. H A G G A I’ S PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S MESSAGE TO REBUILD HIS TEMPLE. (1 : 1-1 : 15) 2. THE GLORY OF THE NEW TEMPLE. (2 : 1-2 : 9) 3. THE PROMISE OF BLESSINGS. (2 : 10-2 : 19) 4. GOD’S TRIUMPH AND Z E R U B B A B E L’ S RECOGNITION. (2 : 20-2 : 23)
BOOK OF ZECHARIAH
AUTHOR: ZECHARIAH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 520 AND 518 B. C., CHAPTERS 1-8; CHAPTERS 9-14 AUTHORED SOME MANY YEARS LATER, POSSIBLY BETWEEN 480 AND 470 B. C.
TIME SPAN: CHAPTER 1-8 COVER ABOUT 2 YEARS DURING THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. CHAPTERS 9-14 COVER ABOUT 10 YEARS AFTER THE TEMPLE WAS COMPLETED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: ZECHARIAH. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ GOD REMEMBERS. ”“
BACKGROUND: ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER H A G G A I’ S FIRST MESSAGE TO JERUSALEM, ZECHARIAH IS THE SON OF B E R E C H I A H AND THE GRANDSON OF I D D O, WHO WERE PART OF THE EXILES THAT RETURNED TO JERUSALEM UNDER
Z E R U B B A B E L. Z E C H A R I A H’ S MESSAGE FOR THOSE REBUILDING THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS ONE OF ENCOURAGEMENT, COMFORT AND JUDGMENT.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO A RESTORED ISRAEL.
CONTENT: Z E C H A R I A H’ S MESSAGE BEGINS WITH A SERIES OF NIGHT VISIONS, WHICH OFFER BOTH COMFORT TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE AND JUDGMENT OF THE DISOBEDIENT PEOPLE AND NATIONS. ZECHARIAH JOINS THE OLDER HAGGAI IN EXHORTING THE PEOPLE TO FINISH CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE (WHICH THEY ACCOMPLISH IN ABOUT 4 YEARS TIME) AND ENCOURAGING A CLOSER WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD. THE PEOPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE TASK INCREASES WHEN THEY ARE FINALLY MADE TO REALIZE THAT THE GLORY OF GOD CANNOT RETURN TO THE TEMPLE, IF THE TEMPLE DOES NOT EXIST. Z E C H A R I A H’ S PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE MESSIAH INCLUDE: THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH (CHAPTER 6); THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY ON THE COLT OF A DONKEY (CHAPTER 9); AND THE BETRAYAL FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER (CHAPTER 11). THE BOOK CLOSES WITH THE DAY OF THE LORD AND THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ OBEDIENCE ”“ ; ”“ MESSIAH. ”“ ZECHARIAH LETS THE NATION KNOW THAT FUTURE BLESSINGS ARE C O N T I G E N T UPON THE PEOPLE’S ”“ OBEDIENCE ”“ TO GOD AND HIS WORD. THE COMING OF THE ”“ MESSIAH ”“ IS CENTRAL TO THE BOOK: HIS POWER, BETRAYAL AND KINGDOM.
THEMES: GOD’S WAYS ARE NOT JUST BEST FOR GOD, THEY ARE ALSO BEST FOR US. WE NEED TO FEAR NO OBSTACLE WHEN WE ARE ON THE SIDE OF GOD. GOD DESIRES PURE ACTIONS, BUT EVEN MORE HE DESIRES PURE MOTIVES FOR OUR ACTIONS. A PERSON IN LOVE WITH THE LORD WILL ALSO HAVE LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION (THROUGH JESUS CHRIST) WAS ESTABLISHED FROM THE TIME SIN FIRST ENTERED THE WORLD.
OUTLINE: 1. ZECHARIAH GIVES GOD’S CALL TO REPENTANCE. (1 : 1-1 : 6) 2. ZECHARIAH HAS 8 VISIONS FROM THE LORD. (1 : 7-6 : 8) 3. JOSHUA IS CROWNED. (6 : 9-6 : 15) 4. GOD SEEKS OBEDIENCE, NOT HYPOCRISY. (7 : 1-7 : 14) 5. THE LORD PROMISES BLESSINGS FOR ISRAEL. (8 : 1-8 : 23) 6. ISRAEL’S ENEMIES ARE JUDGED. (9 : 1-9 : 8) 7. THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH AND HIS REIGN. (9 : 9-14 : 21)
BOOK OF MALACHI
AUTHOR: MALACHI
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 450 AND 400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 7 YEARS.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MALACHI. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ MY MESSENGER. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS NOW COMPLETE. THE MINISTRIES OF HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH ARE OVER, BUT PROPHECY CONTINUES THROUGH MALACHI AND HIS CONTEMPORARY, NEHEMIAH. ONCE AGAIN THE NATION HAS FALLEN INTO A WIDE VARIETY OF SINS: DIVORCE; INTERMARRIAGE TO PAGAN SPOUSES; NEGLECT OF THE TEMPLE AND IT’S TITHES; U N G O D L Y LEADERSHIP; AND INDIFFERENCE. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 100 YEARS SINCE THE JEWS’ RETURN TO JERUSALEM, AND NOW GOD’S PEOPLE ARE DISCOURAGED DUE TO THE TRYING TIMES OF DROUGHT AND FAMINE.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO ALL I S R A E L I T E S, BUT ESPECIALLY TO THE REMNANT THAT RETURNED FROM CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON.
CONTENT: THE PROPHET MALACHI BRINGS A MESSAGE OF JUDGMENT UPON THE PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT LEARNED FROM THEIR PASTS SINS. IN A DIALOGUE WITH GOD, THE SINS AND APATHY OF THE PEOPLE ARE REBUKED. MALACHI IS DISTINGUISHED AS BEING THE ONLY PROPHETIC BOOK WHICH ENDS NOT IN DELIVERANCE, BUT JUDGMENT. MANKIND HAS MADE VERY LITTLE PROGRESS SPIRITUALLY THROUGH THE YEARS, AND, THUS, THE OLD TESTAMENT ENDS WITH THE WORD ”“ CURSE. ”“ HOWEVER, THIS WORD IS CONTAINED IN A PROMISE THAT ELIJAH WILL COME TO RESTORE THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS. THIS IS FULFILLED WITH THE COMING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST WHO PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS CHRIST, 400 YEARS AFTER M A L A C H I’ S MESSAGE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TITHE ”“ ; ”“ PREPARE. ”“ WHEN THE PEOPLE DO NOT ”“ TITHE, ”“ THEY ARE ACTUALLY ROBBING FROM GOD WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY HIS (3 : 8-9). BUT THE PEOPLE OWE TO GOD MORE THAN JUST THEIR MONEY, THEY OWE THEIR TIME, TALENTS AND PRAISES AS WELL. PART OF M A L A C H I’ S MINISTRY IS TO ”“ PREPARE ”“ THE HEARTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE AND THE WAY FOR JOHN THE BAPTIST, WHO WILL THEN ”“ PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
THEMES: REMEMBERING GOD’S PAST VICTORIES WILL HELP DURING OUR TIMES OF NEED TODAY. GIVING TO GOD AND HIS WORK IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A PUNISHMENT. TRY AS WE MAY, WE CAN NEVER OUT GIVE THE LORD. THERE IS NO OVERLOOKING THE ISSUE OF SIN. GOD HAS A PLAN THAT INCLUDES ALL OF HISTORY.
OUTLINE: 1. GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL. (1 : 1-1 : 5) 2. ISRAEL’S DEFILED SACRIFICES. (1 : 6-1 : 14) 3. GOD’S ADMONITION FOR THE PRIESTS. (2 : 1-2 : 9) 4. ISRAEL’S SINS SHOWN OFFENSIVE TO GOD. (2 : 10-3 : 15) 5. PROMISES AND REWARDS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR GOD. (3 : 16-4 : 6)
BOOK OF MATTHEW
AUTHOR: MATTHEW
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 50 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 37 YEARS (4 B. C.- A. D. 33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MATTHEW.
BACKGROUND: THE OLD TESTAMENT ENDED WITH THE PROPHETS OF GOD PREDICTING THE COMING OF THE ANOINTED ONE, WHO WOULD ENTER HISTORY TO BRING REDEMPTION AND DELIVERANCE TO HIS PEOPLE. SOME 400 YEARS LATER, THE NEW TESTAMENT BEGINS WITH THE BOOK OF MATTHEW REVEALING THE FULFILLMENT OF THESE PROPHECIES IN JESUS CHRIST, THE LONG-AWAITED MESSIAH. MATTHEW, A JEWISH TAX COLLECTOR FOR THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT, IS CALLED BY JESUS TO BECOME ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES. THUS, HIS GOSPEL OFTEN GIVES US AN EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNT.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY AT ANTIOCH.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO JEWS, BUT ALSO TO GENTILES WHO HAVE BECOME CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: MATTHEW’S GOSPEL PROVIDES THE VITAL LINK BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. MATTHEW BEGINS BY TRACING THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS THROUGH JOSEPH; THE BIRTH OF JESUS TO THE VIRGIN MARY; THE BAPTISM OF JESUS BY JOHN THE BAPTIST; AND SATAN’S TEMPTATION OF JESUS WHILE IN THE WILDERNESS. JESUS SPEAKS MORE IN MATTHEW THAN IN THE OTHER GOSPELS, AND HIS TEACHING DISCOURSES INCLUDE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (CHAPTER 5-7); SENDING OUT THE TWELVE (CHAPTER 10); PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM (CHAPTER 13); FELLOWSHIP OF THE KINGDOM (CHAPTER 18); AND THE O L I V E T DISCOURSE CONCERNING THE FUTURE (CHAPTERS 24-25). DURING JESUS’ FINAL WEEK HIS BETRAYAL, TRIAL, CRUCIFIXION, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION TAKE PLACE. MATTHEW CONCLUDES WITH THE CALL OF THE GREAT COMMISSION TO ALL BELIEVERS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FULFILLMENT ”“ ; ”“ KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. ”“ MATTHEW QUOTES FROM MANY BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT TO SOLIDIFY FURTHER THE CLAIM THAT INDEED JESUS IS THE ”“ FULFILLMENT” OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH, THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. THE TERM ”“ KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ”“ IS USED REPEATEDLY BY MATTHEW TO INTRODUCE THE GOOD NEWS THAT GOD IS PRESENT IN JESUS CHRIST AND LIVES TO REIGN IN MAN’S LIVES. THIS TERM APPEARS NOWHERE ELSE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.
THEMES: JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE JEWS AND GENTILES. THERE IS ONE TRUE GOD, BUT WITH THE ESSENCE OF 3, THE TRINITY: GOD THE FATHER; GOD THE SON; AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE STANDARDS OF GOD ARE HIGH, BUT THE EXAMPLE HE GAVE US IS PERFECT, JESUS. CHRIST IS SUFFICIENT FOR WHATEVER NEED WE MIGHT HAVE. THE WAYS OF GOD ARE INFINITELY HIGHER THAN THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. JESUS WILLINGLY LAID DOWN HIS LIFE TO REDEEM A SINFUL WORLD WITH HIS PERFECT AND ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE.
OUTLINE: 1. JESUS’ BIRTH AND INFANCY. (1 : 1-2 : 23) 2. THE PREPARATION AND BEGINNINGS OF JESUS MINISTRY. (3 : 1-4 : 25) 3. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. (5 : 1-7 : 29) 4. JESUS’ MINISTRY OF MIRACLES. (8 : 1-9 : 34) 5. JESUS’ SENDING OUT THE TWELVE. (9 : 35-11 : 1) 6. THE CONTINUATION OF JESUS’ MINISTRY WITH CLAIMS AND PARABLES. (11 : 2-25 : 46) 7. JESUS’ BETRAYAL AND CRUCIFIXION. (26 : 1-27 : 56) 8. JESUS’ BURIAL, RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION. (27 : 57-28 : 20)
BOOK OF MARK
AUTHOR: MARK
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 50 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 3 ½ YEARS (A. D. 29-33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MARK.
BACKGROUND: A BOOK OF ACTION FOCUSING MORE ON JESUS’ DEED THAN ON HIS WORDS, MARK IS THE SHORTEST OF THE 4 GOSPELS. IT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED THAT THE PREACHING OF PETER, A COMPANION OF MARK, IS THE SOURCE OF MOST OF THIS GOSPEL’S MATERIAL. MARK ALSO SPENDS TIME WITH THEM FROM JERUSALEM TO ANTIOCH ON THEIR FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY. MARK LEAVES EARLY, HOWEVER, RETURNS TO JERUSALEM. AFTER THIS, BARNABAS WANTS TO BRING MARK, HIS COUSIN, ON THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. BUT PAUL DISAGREES AND LEAVES INSTEAD WITH SILAS. PAUL AND BARNABAS RECONCILE AT A LATER DATE, AND MARK BECOMES A CLOSE FRIEND AND HELPER OF PAUL.
WHERE WRITTEN: ROME (POSSIBLY WHILE PETER AND MARK ARE IN PRISON).
TO WHOM: GENERALLY TO ALL GENTILES, BUT PRIMARILY TO THE ROMANS.
CONTENT: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK VIVIDLY PORTRAYS JESUS TEACHING, HEALING AND MINISTERING TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. JESUS IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE AND THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ALL TIME. HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY INCLUDES EXHIBITS OF HIS DIVINE POWER OVER DISEASE, NATURE, DEMONS AND EVEN DEATH. THESE MIRACLES ALSO REVEAL JESUS’ COMPASSION FOR A HURTING WORLD. HOWEVER, OPPOSITION AND HOSTILITY GROW AGAINST JESUS FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS, PHARISEES, AND S A D D U C E E S. FINALLY, JESUS WILLINGLY ALLOWS HIS ARREST AND CRUCIFIXION TO TAKE PLACE. BUT HIS RESURRECTION SEALS THE ULTIMATE VICTORY FOR ALL WHO TRUST HIM TO SAVE THEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SERVANT” ; ”“ IMMEDIATELY. ”“ THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST CENTERS AROUND HIS BEING A ”“SERVANT ”“ TO ALL, GIVING HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY. MARK’S GOSPEL USES THE TERM ”“IMMEDIATELY ”“ MANY TIMES TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE AND URGENCY OF BELIEVING IN GOD’S SON, NOW!
THEMES: JESUS IS CONCERNED ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES. JESUS’ ACTIONS PARALLELED HIS WORDS, AND SO MUST OURS IF WE HOPE TO BE A POSITIVE WITNESS UNTO HIM. JESUS’ DEATH ON THE CROSS PAID THE PRICE FOR EACH OF OUR SINS IF WE WILL BUT TURN TO HIM WITH A REPENTANT HEART AND TRUST HIM AS SAVIOR. THERE IS NONE SO DOWN AND OUT THAT HE CAN EVER BE BEYOND THE EXTENDING ARMS OF GOD’S LOVE. EVEN AS JESUS COME TO SERVE US, SO MUST WE ALSO SERVE OTHERS.
OUTLINE: 1. THE BEGINNING OF JESUS CHRIST’S MINISTRY. (1 : 1-1 : 13) 2. JESUS’ MINISTRY OF HEALING AND TEACHING. (1 : 14-8 : 26) 3. JESUS’ INSTRUCTION OF HIS DISCIPLES. (8 : 27-13 : 37) 4. JESUS’ BETRAYAL, TRIAL AND CRUCIFIXION. (14 : 1-15 : 41) 5. JESUS’ BURIAL AND RESURRECTION. (15 : 42-16 : 20)
BOOK OF LUKE
AUTHOR: LUKE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 58 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 38 YEARS (5 B. C.- A. D. 33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: LUKE.
BACKGROUND: LUKE’S IS THE LONGEST AND MOST THOROUGH OF THE 4 GOSPELS. LUKE, A GENTILE PHYSICIAN, WRITES BOTH THIS GOSPEL AND THE BOOK OF ACTS TO AID A NEW CHRISTIAN NAMED T H E O P H I L U S. AS A MISSIONARY COMPANION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL, LUKE IS ABLE TO PRESENT A DETAILED HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF JESUS’ LIFE. LUKE PRESENTS JESUS’ HUMANITY MORE THAN ANY OF THE OTHER GOSPELS.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY AT C A E S A R E A OR ROME.
TO WHOM: TO T H E O P H I L U S SPECIFICALLY; GREEKS IN PARTICULAR; AND TO ALL GENTILES IN GENERAL.
CONTENT: CALLED ”“ THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK EVER WRITTEN, ”“ LUKE BEGINS BY TELLING US ABOUT JESUS’ PARENTS; THE BIRTH OF HIS COUSIN, JOHN THE BAPTIST; MARY AND JOSEPH’S JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, WHERE JESUS IS BORN IN A MANGER; AND THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS THROUGH JOSEPH. JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY REVEALS HIS PERFECT COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS THROUGH THE GOOD SAMARITAN (CHAPTER 10); THE LOST (PRODIGAL) SON (CHAPTER 15); AND THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS (CHAPTER 16). WHILE MANY BELIEVE IN JESUS’ UNPREJUDICED LOVE THAT SURPASSES ALL HUMAN LIMITS, MANY OTHERS CHALLENGE AND OPPOSE HIS CLAIMS. JESUS’ FOLLOWERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COUNT THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP, WHILE HIS ENEMIES SEEK HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS. FINALLY, JESUS IS BETRAYED, TRIED, SENTENCED AND CRUCIFIED. BUT THE GRAVE CANNOT HOLD HIM! HIS RESURRECTION ASSURES THE CONTINUATION OF HIS MINISTRY TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST (19 : 10). AFTER APPEARING ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS TO HIS DISCIPLES, HIS HOLY SPIRIT IS PROMISED, AND CHRIST ASCENDS TO THE FATHER.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JESUS ”“ ; ”“ SON OF MAN. ”“ AS GOD INCARNATE, ”“ JESUS ”“ IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ”“ SON OF MAN. ”“ THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS THROUGH JOSEPH IS DETAILED, AS ARE MANY OTHER SPECIFICS OF HIS HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS AND LIFE.
THEMES: JESUS UNDERSTANDS OUR WEAKNESSES, OUR TEMPTATIONS AND OUR TRIALS. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE JEWS, AND THE GENTILES. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE OUTCASTS, AND THE ACCEPTED. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE POOR, AND THE RICH. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH ADULTS, AND CHILDREN. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH MEN, AND WOMEN. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE FREE, AND THE OPPRESSED. JESUS CAME TO SAVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US!
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 4) 2. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS. (1 : 5-2 : 52) 3. THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. (3 : 1-3 : 20) 4. JESUS’ BAPTISM, GENEALOGY AND TEMPTATION. (3 : 21-4 : 13) 5. JESUS’ TEACHING AND HEALING MINISTRY. (4 : 14-9 : 50) 6. JESUS’ JOURNEYS FROM GALILEE TO JERUSALEM. (9 : 51-19 : 27) 7. JESUS’ SUFFERING AND CRUCIFIXION. (19 : 28-23 : 49) 8. JESUS’ BURIAL, RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION. (23 : 50-24 : 53)
BOOK OF JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 3 ½ YEARS (A. D. 29-33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN
BACKGROUND: ALTHOUGH THE GOSPELS OF MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS, THEY ARE QUITE SIMILAR IN CONTENT AND, THEREFORE, ARE CALLED THE ”“ SYNOPTIC GOSPELS. ”“ JOHN IS THE CALLED THE ”“ SUPPLEMENTAL GOSPEL ”“ BECAUSE IT STAND UNIQUELY IN A CLASS OF ITSELF. THE BOOK OF JOHN IS DIFFERENT IN MANY WAYS: STYLE, STRUCTURE, USE OF PERSONAL INTERVIEWS, LACK OF PARABLES. AND SPIRITUAL EXPLANATION OF EVENTS. JOHN AND HIS BROTHER JAMES FOLLOW JOHN THE BAPTIST UNTIL JESUS CALLS THEM TO FOLLOW HIM. JESUS REFERS TO THESE TWO AS ”“ SONS OF THUNDER, ”“ BUT LATER JOHN IS REFERRED TO AS THE DISCIPLE ”“ WHOM JESUS LOVED. ”“ JOHN, ALONG WITH PETER AND JAMES, BECOMES ESPECIALLY CLOSE TO JESUS. THEY ALONE ARE WITH JESUS AT THE TRANSFIGURATION (MATTHEW 17 : 1-8) AND AT GETHSEMANE (MARK 14 : 32-41). JOHN WROTE THIS BOOK FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE, ”“ THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD; AND THAT BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME ”“ (20 : 31). JOHN ALSO WROTE 1, 2, 3 JOHN, AND THE BOOK OF REVELATION.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY AT EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO THE GENTILES AND ALL CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: WHILE LUKE PRESENT JESUS AS THE ”“ SON OF MAN, ”“ JOHN PRESENTS JESUS IN HIS DEITY AS THE ”“ SON OF GOD. ”“ JESUS’ RELATIONSHIP TO THE FATHER IS EMPHASIZED AS HE TEACHES, HEALS, PRAYS AND MINISTERS. MIRACLES LISTED IN JOHN INCLUDE: TURNING WATER INTO WINE (2 : 1-11), FEEDING OF THE 5, 000 (6 : 1-14), WALKING ON WATER (6 :16-21) AND THE RAISING OF LAZARUS (11:1-46). BUT IN ADDITION TO BEING TOTALLY GOD, JESUS’ HUMANITY IS SHOWN BY HIS BEING TIRED, HUNGRY, THIRSTY AND SORROWFUL. 7 TIMES JESUS REFERS TO HIMSELF IN ”“ I AM ”“ PASSAGES WHICH CLEARLY SHOW HIS CLAIM TO GODHOOD AND THE WAY TO SALVATION. AFTER’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION, GREAT DETAIL IS GIVEN TO APPEARANCES OF THE LORD BEFORE HIS ASCENSION.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WORD " : ”“ LIFE ”“ ; ”“ BELIEVE. ”“ JESUS IS THE P R E - EXISTENT, ETERNAL ”“ WORD ”“ WHO BECAME A MAN. IN ORDER TO GAIN ETERNAL ”“ LIFE ”“ ONE MUST ”“ BELIEVE ”“ UPON THE NAME OF JESUS, JESUS, WHO ALWAYS WAS WITH GOD AND INDEED IS GOD.
THEMES: GOD LOVES EACH OF US SO MUCH THAT HE GAVE UP HIS SON SO THAT ANYONE BELIEVING IN JESUS SHALL NOT PERISH BUT SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (3 : 16). MIRACLES ARE GIVEN NOT ONLY TO HEAL, BUT ALSO AS SIGNS POINTING TO JESUS. GOD EXPECTS US TO LOVE NOT ONLY HIM, BUT ALSO OUT NEIGHBORS. CHRIST FULLY UNDERSTANDS OUR HURTS, HE PAID THE SUPREME PRICE TO HEAL THEM. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US AN ETERNAL PEACE WHICH THE WORLD CANNOT MANUFACTURE OR PURCHASE.
OUTLINE: 1. THE INCARNATION OF THE SON OF GOD (1 : 1-1 : 14) 2. THE INTRODUCTION AND PUBLIC MINISTRY OF JESUS. (1 : 15-5 : 15) 3. OPPOSITION TO JESUS’ MINISTRY. (5 : 16-12 : 50) 4. JESUS’ PREPARATION OF HIS DISCIPLES OF HIS BETRAYAL. (13 : 1-17 : 26) 5. JESUS’ ARREST, TRIAL AND CRUCIFIXION. (18 : 1-19 : 37) 6. JESUS’ BURIAL AND RESURRECTION. (19 : 38-21 : 25)
BOOK OF ACTS
AUTHOR: LUKE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 61 AND 63.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 29 YEARS (FROM THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST, ABOUT A. D. 33, THROUGH THE IMPRISONMENT OF PAUL IN ROME, ABOUT A. D. 62).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S DEPICTION OF THE DEEDS (ACTS) OF THE APOSTLES AS DIRECTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.
BACKGROUND: LUKE BEGINS THE BOOK OF ACTS WHERE HE LEFT OFF IN HIS GOSPEL. BOTH ARE WRITTEN TO AID A NEW CHRISTIAN NAMED T H E O P H I L U S. ACTS IS THE ESSENTIAL LINK CONNECTING THE 4 GOSPELS WITH ALL THE OTHER NEW TESTAMENT WRITINGS. ACTS SHOWS THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH CARRYING THE GREAT COMMISSION OF JESUS TO ALL THE WORLD. WHILE MENTIONING MOST OF THE APOSTLES, THIS BOOK EMPHASIZES THE MINISTRIES OF PETER (CHAPTERS 1-12) AND OF PAUL (CHAPTERS 13-28).
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY AT C A E S A R E A OR ROME.
TO WHOM: TO T H E O P H I L U S AND OTHER CHRISTIAN GENTILES.
CONTENT: ACTS CARRIES OUT THE STORY OF THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST THROUGH THE LIVES OF HIS DISCIPLES. THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AT PENTECOST GIVING POWER AND BOLDNESS TO AID CHRISTIANS IN WITNESSING TO ALL THE WORLD OF THEIR RISEN SAVIOR. ACTS DESCRIBES PETER’S LEADERSHIP OF THE JEWISH CHURCH; THE DEATH OF STEPHEN (CHAPTER 7); INTENSE PERSECUTION AGAINST CHRISTIANITY LED BY SAUL (CHAPTER 8); AND SAUL’S (PAUL'S) CONVERSION ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS (CHAPTER 9). PAUL LEADS 3 EXTENSIVE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS TEACHING AND PREACHING THE GOSPEL. THE BOOK ENDS WITH PAUL’S TRIP TO ROME, WHERE HE IS PUT INTO PRISON. BUT CHRISTIANITY HAS SPREAD LIKE FIRE FROM JERUSALEM THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE ROMAN EMPIRE. NOTHING CAN STOP THE GOOD NEWS NOW!
KEY WORDS: ”“ HOLY SPIRIT ”“ ; ”“ GROWTH. ”“ ACTS MENTIONS OR REFERS TO THE ”“ HOLY SPIRIT ”“ MORE THAN 30 TIMES. HE IS THE ONE WHO WILL GUIDE, FILL, SUSTAIN, CONVICT AND COMFORT THE BELIEVER. THE BOOK ALSO OUTLINES THE ”“ GROWTH ”“ OF THE CHURCH: IN NUMBERS, STRENGTH AND UNDERSTANDING.
THEMES: GOD WILL NOT ASK US TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT ALSO GIVING US THE PROVISION TO DO IT WELL. CHURCH GROWTH WILL BE CONTINUOUS AND SIGNIFICANT, WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADERSHIP. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIVES APART FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. CHRISTIANS OBEDIENT TO GOD’S LEADERSHIP WILL HAVE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE CHRIST.
OUTLINE: 1. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS. (1 : 1-1 : 11) 2. PENTECOST AND THE EARLY CHURCH IN JERUSALEM. (1 : 12-8 :3) 3. THE GOSPEL’S SPREAD TO JUDEA AND SAM-ARIA. (8 : 4-12 : 25) 4. PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY. (13:-14 : 28) 5. THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL. (15 : 1-15 : 35) 6. PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. (15 : 36-18 : 22) 7. PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY. (18 : 23-21 : 14) 8. PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME. (21 : 15-28 : 31)
BOOK OF ROMANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 56 AND 58.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSES OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH AT ROME.
BACKGROUND: PAUL IS COMPLETING HIS THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY AND ANTICIPATING A VISIT ROME. PAUL WRITES THIS LETTER TO INTRODUCE HIMSELF AND TO SUMMARIZE HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE CITY OF CORINTH IN GREECE.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHRISTIANS IN ROME, BOTH JEWISH AND GENTILE. (WITH OVER 1 MILLION INHABITANTS, ROME WAS THE CENTER OF ONE OF THE GREATEST EMPIRES THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN.)
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF ROMANS, THE LONGEST OF PAUL’S 13 NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS, IS AN ELABORATE, THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION ON SALVATION AND THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE. PAUL SYSTEMATICALLY REFLECTS ON HIS GRATITUDE OF GOD’S SALVATION THROUGH GRACE, AS LAW AND GRACE ARE CONTRASTED, AND HIS DETERMINATION TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN TO MEN EVERYWHERE. GOD’S DEALINGS WITH ISRAEL AND HIS PURPOSE FOR THE JEWS ARE DETAILED. RIGHTEOUSNESS APART FROM WORKS IS FURTHER ILLUSTRATED THROUGH THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM’S LIFE (CHAPTER 4). FINALLY, PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS CONCERNING CHRISTIAN DUTIES AND ETHICS ARE GIVEN.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SIN ”“ ; ”“ SALVATION ”“ ; ”“ FAITH. ”“ PAUL CLEARLY EXPLAINS THAT BROKEN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD IS A RESULT OF ”“ SIN ”“ IN OUR LIVES, AND ”“ SALVATION ”“ IS AVAILABLE ONLY BY ”“ FAITH ”“ IN THE SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST.
THEMES: EVERYONE IS BORN WITH A SINFUL NATURE, ”“ FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD ”“ (3 : 23). ALL OF US, LIKE PAUL, HAVE INNER CONFLICTS FROM THE SINFUL TENDENCIES OF OUR NATURAL MAN. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD. ONLY THROUGH THE PERFECT JESUS CHRIST CAN WE BECOME RIGHTEOUS. JUSTIFICATION IS BY FAITH, NOT BY GOOD WORKS. SANCTIFICATION IS THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, NOT THROUGH KEEPING RELIGIOUS LAWS. EVERYONE TRUSTING IN JESUS CHRIST WILL BE SAVED AND GIVEN THE ABILITY THROUGH THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO LIVE VICTORIOUSLY. DIVINE POWER FOR HOLY LIVING IS IMPARTED THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 17) 2. ALL MAN’S GUILT AS SINNERS. (1 : 18-3 : 20) 3. SALVATION AVAILABLE TO ALL BY FAITH. (3 : 21-8 : 39) 4. THE PLAN OF GOD FOR ISRAEL. (9 : 1-11 : 36) 5. CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS AND ATTITUDES. (12 : 1-15 :13) 6. FINAL INSTRUCTIONS AND GREETINGS. (15 : 14-16 : 27)
BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 55 AND 57
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S FIRST RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN CORINTH.
BACKGROUND: THE ROMAN GENERAL M U M M I U S DESTROYS THE GREEK CITY OF CORINTH IN THE SECOND CENTURY B. C., BUT JULIUS CAESAR RESTORES THE CITY IN ABOUT 46 B. C. CORINTH, LOCATED ON THE MEDITERRANEAN, BECOMES THE COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC HUB OF GREECE. THIS WEALTHY COSMOPOLITAN CENTER ABOUT 700, 000 PEOPLE SOON SETS THE STANDARD FOR IMMORALITY AND LICENTIOUSNESS. IT IS IN THIS PERVERSE ENVIRONMENT THAT PAUL ESTABLISHES THE CHURCH AT CORINTH WHILE THERE FOR OVER A YEAR-AND-A-HALF ON HIS SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. PRISCILLA, AQUILA, SILAS AND TIMOTHY ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN AIDING PAUL’S EFFORTS. BUT SOON AFTER PAUL’S DEPARTURE, SEVERE EVILS AND FACTIONS THREATEN THE STABILITY AND VERY EXISTENCE OF THE CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: EPHESUS
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH.
CONTENT: THE HOUSEHOLD OF CHLOE HAS REPORTED TO PAUL STRIFE IN THE CHURCH AT CORINTH. THE CHURCH SENDS A DELEGATION OF 3 MEN WITH A LETTER TO PAUL THAT SEEKS HIS WISDOM ON SEVERAL CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS THE CHURCH HAS. THIS LETTER FROM PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS SYSTEMATICALLY ANSWERS THESE ISSUES: DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH, IMMORALITY, LAWSUITS, CHALLENGES TO PAUL’S APOSTLESHIP, MEAT SACRIFICED TO IDOLS, MARRIAGE, DIVORCE AND THE LORD’S SUPPER. CLASSIC TEACHING IS OFFERED ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS (CHAPTER 12), CHRISTIAN LOVE (CHAPTER 13) AND THE RESURRECTION (CHAPTER 15). IN ADDITION TO PAUL’S WORDS OF DISCIPLINE, HE GIVES PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS TO THE PEOPLE WHILE PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL AS THE POWER AND WISDOM OF GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CORRECTION ”“ ; ”“ UNITY. ”“ PAUL OFFERS WORDS OF ”“ CORRECTION ”“ WITH BOTH LOVE AND FIRMNESS. THE ONLY HOPE AVAILABLE TO THE CORINTHIANS IS ”“ UNITY ”“ IN JESUS CHRIST. BOUND TOGETHER THEY CAN LOVE, SERVE, MINISTER AND OVERCOME EVIL BY DRAWING THEIR STRENGTH FROM THE SAME SPIRIT OF GOD WITHIN EACH OF THEM.
THEMES: CHRIST ALONE IS ABLE TO CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS AND GIVE US RIGHT STANDING BEFORE GOD. ONLY CHRISTIANS ARE ABLE TO GIVE TRUE LOVE. TRUE LOVE IS A DECISION, AN ACTION AND A COMMITMENT. GOD WILL NEVER LET US BE TEMPTED BEYOND OUR LIMITS TO ENDURE. BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST SHARE A ONENESS AND UNITY NOT MADE AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD. MATURE CHRISTIANS SOMETIMES NEED TO LIMIT THEIR PERSONAL LIBERTIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WEAKER. BELIEVERS RECEIVE GIFTS IN ORDER TO GLORIFY GOD AND BUILD UP THE BODY IN LOVE. JESUS CHRIST IS INTERESTED IN ALL AREAS OF OUR LIVES AND IS THE ANSWER TO ALL OUR PROBLEMS.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 9) 2. PROBLEMS IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH. (1 : 10-4 : 21) 3. DISCIPLINE FOR THE CHURCH. (5 : 1-6 : 20) 4. CONCERNING MARRIAGE. (7 : 1-7 : 40) 5. PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN RIGHTS AND LIBERTY. (8 : 1-11 : 1) 6. CONCERNING PUBLIC WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS. (11 : 2-14 : 40) 7. CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION. (15 : 1-15 : 58) 8. PAUL’S PLANS AND FINAL INSTRUCTIONS. (16 : 1-16 : 24)
BOOK OF 2 CORINTHIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 55 AND 57, A FEW MONTHS AFTER 1 CORINTHIANS.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: PAUL’S SECOND RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN CORINTH.
BACKGROUND: TITUS RETURNS TO PAUL AT MACEDONIA TO REPORT ON THE CORINTHIANS’ REACTIONS TO PAUL’S PREVIOUS LETTER (WHAT WE KNOW AS 1 CORINTHIANS), THAT MOST OF THE CHURCH AT CORINTH HAS REPENTED. NEVERTHELESS, SOME FALSE TEACHERS, LEADERS OF A REBELLIOUS MINORITY, SEEK TO BELITTLE PAUL’S AUTHORITY AND TO SWAY THE PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE MESSAGE HE HAS SHARED WITH THEM. THESE FALSE PROPHETS ACCUSE PAUL OF BEING PROUD, DISHONEST, LACKING IN SPEECH AND STATURE, AND UNQUALIFIED AS AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY THE MACEDONIAN CITY OF P H I L I P P I.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH.
CONTENT: THIS INTENSELY PERSONAL LETTER FROM PAUL UNCOVERS HIS HEARTFELT EMOTIONS, AMBITIONS AND LOVE FOR THE CHURCH. PAUL EXPLAINS IN DETAIL HIS CAREER AND SOME OF THE TRIALS HE ENDURES IN THE SERVICE OF CHRIST, INCLUDING A THORN IN THE FLESH TO KEEP HIM HUMBLE. HE THEN RECOUNTS THE NEED FOR A COLLECTION TO BE MADE READY FOR MACEDONIAN CHURCHES. THE JOY OF GENEROUS GIVING IS EMPHASIZED. FINALLY, PAUL DEFEND THE VALIDITY OF HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY AND CALLING FROM GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ AUTHORITY ”“ ; ”“ RECONCILIATION ”“ ; ”“ SHARING. ”“ THE ”“ AUTHORITY ”“ WHICH PAUL DECLARES OVER THE CORINTHIANS AS THEIR SPIRITUAL FATHER IS GRANTED TO HIM BY GOD, AND HE CHALLENGES EVERY CHRISTIAN WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SEEKING ”“ RECONCILIATION ”“ OF DIVISIONS WITHIN HIS CHURCH, HIS FAMILY AND WITH OTHERS. ONCE CHRISTIANS UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLES OF TOTAL ”“ SHARING ”“ THEY CAN BEGIN TO STAND UPON THE OTHER PROMISES OF GOD.
THEMES: GOD’S GOODNESS IS MORE POWERFUL THAN SATAN’S EVIL. BEING GRANTED THE ABILITY AND PRIVILEGE TO GIVE TO GOD’S WORK IS A BLESSING IN ITSELF. NOT ALL RELIGIOUS TEACHERS ARE OF THE LORD. NOT ALL RELIGIOUS TEACHERS HAVE OUR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND. WORDS FROM THE RIGHTEOUS ARE SOMETIMES MISUNDERSTOOD AND CONDEMNED BY THE WORLD. IT IS OKAY TO BOAST, ABOUT JESUS CHRIST AND WHAT HE HAS DONE.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 11) 2. PAUL’S MINISTRY AND P H I L O S P H Y EXPOUNDED. (1 : 12-7 : 16) 3. STEWARDSHIP ENCOURAGED. (8 : 1-9 : 15) 4. PAUL’S AUTHORITY AS AN APOSTLE EXAMINED. (10 : 1-13 : 10) 5. FINAL EXHORTATIONS. (13 : 11-13 : 14)
BOOK OF GALATIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D 49 AND 55.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH AT GALATIA.
BACKGROUND: JEWS GREATLY OUTNUMBER GENTILES IN THE EARLY CHURCHES, SUCH AS THE ONE AT GALATIA; THUS, MANY QUESTIONS AND ISSUES ARISE WHEN NON-JEWS COME INTO THE CHURCH. THE J U D A I Z E R S, A GROUP OF JEWISH BELIEVERS, FOLLOW PAUL AS HE EVANGELIZES. THEY INSIST THAT THE GENTILE BELIEVERS MUST SUBMIT TO CIRCUMCISION AND THE LAWS OF MOSES IN ORDER TO BE SAVED. THE BOOK OF GALATIANS IS PAUL’S RESPONSE TO THIS ERRONEOUS TEACHING. SALVATION IS A GIFT OF GRACE, WHOLLY DEPENDENT UPON FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. GALATIANS HAS BEEN CALLED THE ”“ M A G N A C H A R T A ”“ OF THE CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY ANTIOCH OR EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHRISTIANS IN GALATIA.
CONTENT: PAUL USES THIS LETTER TO REMIND CHRISTIANS THAT THEY ARE HEIRS OF GOD AS HIS OWN CHILDREN. THIS INHERITANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE BY WORKS, BUT ONLY BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. PAUL, A JEW HIMSELF, REFUTES THE FALSE TEACHING THAT EACH GENTILE CHRISTIAN MUST BE CONVERTED TO JUDAISM AND FOLLOW STRICT OBSERVATION OF EVERY MOSAIC LAW. HE SUMMARIZES THE GOSPEL AND THEN DECLARES HOW ABRAHAM WAS SAVED BY FAITH ABOUT 400 YEARS BEFORE THE LAW WAS REVEALED THROUGH MOSES. AFTER DEPENDING HIS CREDENTIALS AS AN APOSTLE, PAUL CONCLUDES WITH DISCUSSIONS ON WALKING IN THE SPIRIT AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ GRACE ”“ ; ”“ LIBERTY. ”“ NOT BY OUR OWN GOOD WORKS, BUT ONLY BY THE ”“ GRACE ”“ OF GOD ARE WE JUSTIFIED AND BROUGHT INTO A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. THIS ”“ LIBERTY ”“ GOD HAS GRANTED US IS MADE POSSIBLE BY CHRIST’S PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING US FROM SIN’S BONDAGE.
THEMES: THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO REVEAL MAN’S SINFULNESS AND GUILT. TO LIVE UNDER THE LAW IS BONDAGE, TO LIVE BY FAITH IS FREEDOM. CHRISTIANS ARE NOT BOUND BY THE LAW, CHRIST HAS SET US FREE. LIBERTY IS NOT LICENSE TO CONTINUE IN SIN. THE CHRISTIAN’S POWER TO LIVE VICTORIOUSLY OVER SIN COMES FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 10) 2. PAUL’S CALLING BY GOD AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE APOSTLES. (1 : 11-2 : 10) 3. EXPLANATION OF GRACE BY FAITH. (2 : 11-4 : 31) 4. FREEDOM IS CHRIST. (5 : 1-6 : 10) 5. FINAL BLESSING. (6 : 11-6 : 18)
BOOK OF EPHESIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 61
TIME SPAN: NONE.
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS. HOWEVER, THIS LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS IS PASSED ALONG TO OTHER ROMAN CITIES AS WELL.
BACKGROUND: JEWISH CONVERTS IN THE EARLY CHURCHES ARE OFTEN SEPARATING THEMSELVES AND EXCLUDING THEIR GENTILE BRETHREN. PAUL USES THIS OCCASION TO STRESS THE UNITY OF BELIEVERS. ALONG WITH C O L O S S I A N S, PHILIPPIANS AND PHILEMON, EPHESIANS IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE 4 ”“ PRISON EPISTLES ”“ BECAUSE IT IS WRITTEN DURING PAUL’S TWO YEAR IMPRISONMENT IN ROM; THEREFORE, HE SENDS THE LETTER TO ASIA BY HIS FRIEND T Y C H I C U S. PAUL HAS VISITED EPHESUS BEFORE, AND ON HIS THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY HE STAYS THERE FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS PREACHING CHRIST. IT IS DURING THIS TIME PAUL DEVELOPS A SPECIAL CONCERN FOR THE PEOPLE, AS REVEALED IN HIS LETTER.
WHERE WRITTEN: FROM A ROMAN PRISON.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHRISTIANS AT EPHESUS.
CONTENT: EPHESIANS DOES NOT ADDRESS SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OR SITUATIONS IN THE CHURCH. INSTEAD, IT IS WRITTEN TO ENCOURAGE THE BODY OF CHRIST TO MATURITY IN HIM. PAUL PRESENTS AN OVERVIEW OF THE PLAN AND PURPOSES OF GOD FROM BEGINNING OF TIME. THE PRIVILEGES AND THE UNITY WHICH CHRIST GIVES BELIEVERS PREPARE THEM DAILY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE. PRACTICAL GUIDANCE IS GIVEN FOR RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HUSBANDS AND WIVES (CHAPTERS 5); PARENTS AND CHILDREN, AND MASTERS AND SLAVES (CHAPTER 6). PAUL SHARES THAT FOR A CHRISTIAN TO BE SUCCESSFUL, HE MUST FIRST REALIZE THE WEALTH OF HIS POSITION IN CHRIST AND THE POWER FOUND IF HE WILL ”“ PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD ”“ (6 : 11).
KEY WORDS: ”“ RICHES ”“ ; ”“ ONE. ”“ ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST ARE HEIRS OF THE ”“ RICHES ”“ OF CHRIST AND OF HIS GRACE AND GLORY. EPHESIANS SEEKS TO UNIFY THE BODY BY EMPHASIZING THAT THERE IS ”“ ONE ”“ LORD, ”“ ONE ”“ FAITH AND ”“ ONE ”“ BAPTISM (4 : 5).
THEMES: THE HOLY SPIRIT SEALS BELIEVERS AS BELONGING TO GOD. THE BODY OF CHRIST IS THE CHURCH, THROUGH WHICH HIS ETERNAL PLAN IS FULFILLED. GOD HAS GIVEN EVERY BELIEVER ALL THE PROVISIONS NECESSARY TO HAVE VICTORY OVER ATTACKS FROM SATAN. WE ARE HELPLESS AGAINST SATAN’S ONSLAUGHTS IN OUR OWN MIGHT, OUR STRENGTH IS OBTAINED FROM THE ARMOR OF GOD. IF CHRISTIANS WILL UNDERSTAND THEIR CALLING IN CHRIST, PROPER CONDUCT IN HIM WILL FOLLOW.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. ( 1: 1-1 : 2) 2. CHRISTIANS’ POSITION IN CHRIST. (1 : 3-3 : 21) 3. UNITY AND HOLINESS FOR THE EPHESIAN CHURCH. (4 : 1-5 : 21) 4. RELATIONSHIPS BASED ON CHRIST. (5 : 22-6 : 9) 5. SPIRITUAL WARFARE. (6 : 10-6 : 20) 6. FINAL WORDS. (6 : 21-6 : 24)
BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 62.
TIME SPAN: NONE.
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH OF P H I L I P P I.
BACKGROUND: THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH JEWS FOR A SYNAGOGUE IN THE MACEDONIAN CITY OF P H I L I P P I WHEN PAUL ARRIVES ON HIS SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY, SO HE ESTABLISHES A CHURCH THAT IS PREDOMINANTLY GENTILE. THESE BELIEVERS SHOW A SPECIAL PLACE IN PAUL’S HEART BECAUSE OF THEIR UNSOLICITED FINANCIAL AID TO THIS MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. E P A P H R O D I T U S BECOMES DEATHLY ILL AFTER BRINGING THE MOST RECENT GIFT FROM THE CHURCH AT P H I L I P P I TO PAUL. AFTER HIS RECOVERY, PAUL SENDS THIS LETTER WITH E P A P H R O D I T U S TO THE PHILIPPIANS AS A PERSONAL ”“ THANK YOU ”“ NOTE AND TO STRENGTHEN THEIR ROOTS IN CHRIST. PHILIPPIANS, ALONG WITH EPHESIANS, C O L O S S I A N S AND PHILEMON, IS ONE OF PAUL’S ”“ PRISON EPISTLES. ”“
WHERE WRITTEN: FROM A PRISON IN ROME.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT P H I L I P P I.
CONTENT: THIS WARMLY AFFECTIONATE LETTER FROM PAUL COMMENDS THE PHILIPPIANS FROM THEIR FAITH AND SUPPORT. HE EXHORTS THEM TO CENTER THEIR LIVES IN CHRIST AND TO BE CONTENT IN ALL SITUATIONS. PAUL HAS VERY LITTLE OCCASION TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEMS IN THE CHURCH ALTHOUGH 2 QUARRELING WOMEN, E U O D I A S AND S Y N T Y C H E, ARE ADMONISHED TO SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES (CHAPTER 4). PAUL SETS MOST WORTHY GOALS BEFORE THE PEOPLE: TO LIVE IN GODLY UNITY AND LOVE, TO BE STRONG IN PRAYER AND TO JOYFULLY IMITATE THE EXAMPLE OF THEIR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ GOSPEL ”“ ; ”“ JOY. ”“ PAUL SHARES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ”“ GOSPEL ”“ IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, AS WELL AS WITH OTHER PEOPLE. THE OVERWHELMING ”“ JOY ”“ WHICH PAUL HAS IS SHOWN TO BE AVAILABLE TO ALL CHRISTIANS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES, THROUGH AN INTIMATE WALK WITH THE LORD AND BY LIVING UNDER THE LOVING CARE OF HIS CHURCH.
THEMES: A QUITTER NEVER WINS, A WINNER NEVER QUITS. WHAT GOES INTO OUR MINDS, COME OUT OF OUR ACTIONS. GOD NEVER FAILS. LASTING JOY COMES ONLY THROUGH A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. CHRISTIANS ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS, BUT CHRIST IS THE POWER TO OVERCOME. WE HAVE NO BASIS FOR PRIDE EXCEPT IN OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE, JESUS CHRIST.
OUTLINE: 1. PAUL PRAYS FOR THE PHILIPPIANS. (1 : 1-1 : 11) 2. PAUL’S CHAINS ADVANCE THE GOSPEL. (1 : 12-1 : 26) 3. CHRIST IS PAUL’S MODEL FOR HUMILITY. (1 : 27-2 : 18) 4. PAUL COMMENDS TIMOTHY AND E P A P H R O D I T U S. (2 : 19-2 : 30) 5. KNOWLEDGE AND PEACE OF CHRIST ARE EXHORTED. (3 : 1-4 : 20) 6. FINAL GREETINGS. (4 : 21-4 : 23)
BOOK OF C O L O S S I A N S
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 61
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH OF C O L O S S E.
BACKGROUND: PAUL ESTABLISHES THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS ON HIS SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. WHEN AT EPHESUS HE DEVELOPS A SPECIAL CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI, EVEN THOUGH HE HAS NEVER VISITED THERE. COLOSSI, ONCE SIMILAR TO THE THRIVING COMMERCIAL CITIES OF HER NEIGHBORS, BOADICEA AND HIERARCHIC, IS DECLINING. THE CITY IS INFILTRATED WITH FALSE TEACHINGS FROM THE JEWS, GREEKS AND ORIENTALS. PAUL RESPONDS TO THESE FALSE TEACHINGS, ESPECIALLY THAT OF GNOSTICISM, WHICH CLAIMS SECRET KNOWLEDGE AND POWERS AND DENIES CHRIST’S TRUE HUMANITY. PAUL SENDS THIS LETTER BY WAY OF PSYCHICS AND THE CONVERTED SLAVE ONESELF TO THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI AFTER PARAPHRASE'S VISIT AND REPORT ON THE CONDITIONS THERE. COLOSSI ANS, EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS AND PHILEMON COMPROMISE PAUL’S ”“ PRISON EPISTLES. ”“
WHERE WRITTEN: FROM A ROMAN PRISON.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI
CONTENT: THE FIRST PORTION OF COLOSSI ANS IS DOCTRINAL IN NATURE, AND THE LAST IS PRACTICAL APPLICATION. PAUL COMBATS THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF LEGALISM, ANGEL WORSHIP AND CEREMONIAL ISM HIS DEFENSE AGAINST SUCH HERESY IS COUPLED WITH HIS URGING COMMITMENT TO THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST. BELIEVERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PUT OFF THE OLD MAN AND PUT ON THE NEW MAN (3 : 9-10) BY LIVING RIGHTEOUS LIVES BEFORE GOD. THESE RULES FOR HOLY LIVING GIVE THEM FREEDOM FROM HUMAN REGULATIONS AS THEY FOLLOW CHRIST’S EXAMPLE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SUPREMACY ”“ ; ”“ HEAD. ”“ THE BOOK OF C O L O S S I A NS IS WRITTEN TO A CHURCH BEING DILUTED WITH VAIN, WORLDLY PHILOSOPHIES. THE ”“ SUPREMACY ”“ OF CHRIST IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE IS EMPHASIZED AS CHRIST IS PRESENTED AS ”“ HEAD ”“ OF THE BODY, HIS CHURCH.
THEMES: JESUS ALONE IS SUFFICIENT TO MEET EVERY NEED OF OUR LIVES. THE PERFECT REFLECTION OF THE INVISIBLE GOD IS THE PERFECT JESUS CHRIST. PHILOSOPHIES WHICH DO NOT EXALT CHRIST ARE NOT FROM GOD. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS REFLECTED THROUGH OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS.
OUTLINE: 1. PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE C O L O S S I A N S . (1 : 1-1 : 1 4) 2. SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. (1 : 15-2 : 5) 3. FALSE DOCTRINES. (2 : 6-2 : 23) 4. EXHORTATION OF HOLY LIVING. (3 : 1-3 : 17) 5. GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. (3 : 18-4 : 1) 6. FINAL INSTRUCTIONS. (4 : 2-4 : 18)
BOOK OF 1 THESSALONIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 50 AND 51.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S FIRST RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI.
BACKGROUND: THESSALONIKI IS THE CAPITAL CITY OF MACEDONIA, A ROMAN PROVINCE. WHEN PAUL ARRIVES THERE ON HIS MISSIONARY JOURNEY, IT IS A THRIVING TRADE CENTER AND SEAPORT OF SOME 200, 000 PEOPLE. PAUL’S PREACHING BRINGS MANY TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, BUT INTENSE PERSECUTION BY THE UNBELIEVERS FORCES HIM TO FLEE THE CITY. PAUL GOES TO BERIA WHERE HE LEAVES HIS COMPANIONS, TIMOTHY AND SILAS, TO CARRY ON THE MINISTRY. BUT THE DISSENTING JEWS FROM THESSALONIKI FOLLOW HIM THERE TO INCITE A RIOT. PAUL GOES TO ATHENS AND THEN TO CORINTH WHERE HE RECEIVES AN UPDATED REPORT FROM TIMOTHY ON THE THESSALONIAN CHRISTIANS. THIS LETTER IS PAUL’S RESPONSE.
WHERE WRITTEN: CORINTH.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI.
CONTENT: AMONG THE FIRST OF PAUL’S LETTERS, THESSALONIANS IS WRITTEN TO ENCOURAGE THE YOUNG CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI AND TO COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR DILIGENT FAITH. PAUL INSTRUCTS THE BELIEVERS TO LIVE LIVES OF HOLINESS AND ORDERLINESS AND INCLUDES A PLEA AGAINST SEXUAL IMMORALITY. THIS DYNAMIC FELLOWSHIP IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF JOY FOR PAUL. BUT SOME OF THE CHURCH MISUNDERSTAND THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, THINKING THE BELIEVERS WHO DIE BEFORE CHRIST’S RETURN WILL MISS OUT ON THE RESURRECTION. PAUL ASSURES THEM THAT THE DEAD IN CHRIST WILL INDEED BE THE FIRST TO RISE, AND THEY THEN WILL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THOSE ALIVE TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR. THIS LETTER FROM PAUL CLOSES WITH VARIOUS EXHORTATIONS AND BLESSINGS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ STEADFASTNESS ”“ ; ”“ SECOND COMING. ”“ PAUL COMMENDS THE THESSALONIAN BELIEVERS FOR THEIR ”“ STEADFASTNESS ”“ IN FAITH DESPITE THEIR BACKGROUND OF GREEK PAGANISM. AT A TIME WHEN THE ”“ SECOND COMING ”“ OF CHRIST IS EXPECTED SOON, PAUL WRITES ON THE COMFORT, NECESSITY AND CERTAINTY OF CHRIST’S RETURN.
THEMES: GOD EXPECTS BELIEVERS TO BE EXAMPLES FOR UNBELIEVERS. PERSECUTION IS NEVER A REASON TO LEAVE GOD. OUR ULTIMATE VICTORY IS IN CHRIST. THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST IS CERTAIN. CHRISTIANS SHOULD PRAY FOR THEIR CHURCH AND THEIR LEADERS. LIVING A SANCTIFIED LIFE IS GOD’S WILL FOR EVERY BELIEVER.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATIONS. (1 : 1) 2. THANKSGIVING FOR THE THESSALONIANS’ FAITH. (1 : 2-1 : 10) 3. PAUL’S MINISTRY IN THESSALONIKI. (2 : 1-4 : 12) 4. PREPARATIONS FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD. (4 : 13-5 : 11) 5. FINAL ADMONITIONS. (5 : 12-5 : 28)
BOOK OF 2 THESSALONIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: ABOUT A. D. 51, A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S SECOND RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI.
BACKGROUND: THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH IS CONFUSED CONCERNING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. EITHER THEY HAVE MISINTERPRETED PAUL’S FIRST LETTER, OR THEY HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO THE DECEIT OF FORGED LETTER CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE HAND OF PAUL. THE CHURCH BELIEVES CHRIST’S RETURN IS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE; THEREFORE, MANY ARE NEGLECTING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND WORK. THEY ARE LETTING OTHERS TAKE CARE OF THEM WHILE THEY DO NOTHING MORE THAN WAIT FOR THE LORD’S RETURN.
WHERE WRITTEN: CORINTH.
TO WHOM: TO THE BELIEVERS AT THESSALONIKI.
CONTENT: IN THIS LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS, PAUL STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANS USING THEIR TIME WISELY. THEY ARE COMMENDED FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND PROMISED JUDGMENT OF THOSE PERSECUTING THEM. THE CONDITIONS THAT WILL PREVAIL AT THE TIME OF CHRIST’S RETURN ARE OUTLINED, INCLUDING THE GREAT APOSTASY WHICH TAKE PLACE. PAUL EXHORTS THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH TO REMAIN STEADFAST IN THEIR SERVICE AS THE TIME OF CHRIST’S RETURN IS NOT KNOWN. BUT THE ABSOLUTE SURETY OF HIS COMING IS KNOWN AND IS THE ESSENCE OF THESE WORDS FROM PAUL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PERSECUTION ”“ ; ”“ WORD. ”“ THE ”“ PERSECUTION ”“ OF THESE NEW CHRISTIANS CONTINUES FROM LEGALISTIC JEWS WHO WILL NOT SUBMIT TO THE WORD OF GOD. IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT PAUL IMPLORES THE CHURCH NOT TO BE IDLE, BUT TO ”“ WORK ”“ WITH PATIENCE AND DILIGENCE.
THEMES: GOD’S PRESENCE GIVES US PEACE IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. DO NOT PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR GOD TODAY. CONDEMNATION AWAITS THOSE WHO TAKE PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. THE MINISTRY OF THE LORD IS ACTIVE, NOT IDLE. CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEVER GROW TIRED OF DOING GOOD WORKS.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. PAUL’S THANKSGIVING AND PRAYERS. (1 : 3-1 : 12) 3. CONCERNING THE COMING OF THE LORD. (2 : 1-2 : 17) 4. EXHORTATION AGAINST IDLENESS. (3 : 1-3 : 15) 5. FINAL GREETINGS. (3 : 16-3 : 18)
BOOK OF 1 TIMOTHY
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 62 AND 64.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S FIRST RECORDED LETTER TO HIS ASSOCIATE: TIMOTHY.
BACKGROUND: TIMOTHY, BORN IN LYSISTRATA, IS THE SON OF A DEVOUT JEWISH WOMAN NAMED EUNICE. HIS SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL WEAKNESS, CHARACTERISTICS MUCH LIKE PAUL’S, MAKE HIM AN IDEAL CO-LABORER WITH PAUL. PAUL LEAVES TIMOTHY IN EPHESUS TO GIVE GUIDANCE TO THE CHURCH THERE, WHICH IS EXPERIENCING SOME PROBLEMS. THE YOUNG AND TIMID TIMOTHY IS INEXPERIENCED IN SUCH PASTORAL CONCERNS, HOWEVER, SO PAUL WRITES TO ENCOURAGE TIMOTHY AND TO GIVE HIS ”“ BELOVED SON ”“ ADVICE ON SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OF A GODLY CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY THE MACEDONIAN CITY OF PHILIP-PI.
TO WHOM: TO TIMOTHY
CONTENT: THIS PERSONAL LETTER FROM PAUL TO HIS CLOSE ALLY TIMOTHY SERVES SEVERAL PURPOSES. IT OFFERS HOPE AND COMFORT TO KEEP YOUNG TIMOTHY ON THE RIGHT PATH AND IS A SIGN FOR THE CHURCH THAT TIMOTHY HAS THE EXPRESS BACKING AND SUPPORT OF THE APOSTLE PAUL. PAUL OFFERS TIMOTHY ADVICE FOR HIS CONGREGATION ON THESE CONCERNS: PROPER WORSHIP; QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE CHURCH OFFICERS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH WIDOWS, ELDERS AND SLAVES; AND THE EVIL OF LOVING MONEY. ADMONITIONS PERMEATE THE LETTER WITH COUNSEL TO HELP THE CHRISTIANS LIVE GODLY LIVES IN A HEALTHY CHURCH COMMITTED TO FOLLOWING GOOD AND FLEEING EVIL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ DOCTRINE” ; ”“ QUALIFICATIONS. ”“ PAUL EXHORTS TIMOTHY TO REMAIN TRUE TO GOD’S WAYS AND TO FOLLOW NO OTHER ”“ DOCTRINE ”“ SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF GOD’S WAYS INCLUDE A LIST OF THE ”“QUALIFICATIONS ”“ WHICH THE LORD HAS GIVEN FOR THE CHURCH’S LEADERSHIP.
THEMES: THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE DOCTRINE, AND ONLY COMMITTED CHRISTIANS ARE CAPABLE OF LIVING WITHIN IT. WHAT WE REALLY BELIEVE AS DOCTRINE WILL BE EXHIBITED BY OUR ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS. AGE IS NO BARRIER TO BEING USED MIGHTILY BY GOD. TRUE LEADERSHIP IS GOD-GIVEN, NOT MAN-MADE. AS AN ATHLETE MUST TRAIN, SO A CHRISTIAN MUST EXERCISE AND DISCIPLINE HIS FAITH.
OUTLINE: 1. LAW VERSUS FAITH. (1 : 1-2 : 15) 2. INSTRUCTIONS ON CHURCH OFFICES. (3 : 1-3 : 16) 3. ADVICE TO TIMOTHY CONCERNING FALSE DOCTRINES. (4 : 1-4 : 16) 4. ADVICE TO TIMOTHY CONCERNING CHURCH DISCIPLINE. (5 : 1-6 : 2) 5. EVIL OF LOVING MONEY. (6 : 3-6 : 21)
BOOK OF 2 TIMOTHY
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 66 AND 67.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S SECOND RECORDED LETTER TO HIS ASSOCIATE: TIMOTHY.
BACKGROUND: DURING PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY JOHN MARK LEAVES, BUT TIMOTHY IS HIS ABLE REPLACEMENT. THROUGH THE YEARS PAUL AND TIMOTHY BECOME LIKE FATHER AND SON AS THEY CO-LABOR TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD. BUT NOW PAUL IS ALONE IN A COLD, HARD ROMAN PRISON, AND ONLY LUKE IS WITH HIM. AS PAUL AWAITS HIS EXECUTION, HE USES THIS OCCASION TO WRITE WHAT IS PROBABLY HIS LAST RECORDED LETTER. PAUL, LONGING FOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP IS ANXIOUS FOR TIMOTHY TO COME SEE HIM AT ROME BEFORE WINTER SETS IN.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY FROM A ROMAN PRISON.
TO WHOM: TO TIMOTHY.
CONTENT: IN SPITE OF PAUL’S DISMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, HIS PRIMARY CONCERN IS FOR TIMOTHY AND HIS MINISTRY SINCE PAUL IS CONCERNED THAT WHEN HIS OWN DEATH COMES, GOD WILL HAVE AN ETERNAL HOME WAITING FOR HIM IN HEAVEN. PAUL ADMONISHES TIMOTHY TO NEVER BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, BUT TO PERSEVERE IN FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. HE THEN INSTRUCTS THAT IN THE LAST DAYS THERE WILL BE A DEVASTATING TURN AWAY FROM GOD AS MEN GLORIFY SIN, AND THAT THOSE WHO HARM THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST SHOULD BE AVOIDED. THE WORD OF GOD IS PRESENTED AS THE POWER AND INSPIRATION OF GOD TO COMPLETE AND EQUIP THE BELIEVER FOR SERVICE. PAUL CONCLUDES BY ASKING TIMOTHY TO COME SEE HIM SOON.
KEY WORDS: ”“ ENDURE ”“ ; ”“ TEACH. ”“ EVEN AS PAUL REMAINED STRONG WHILE IN PRISON, HE ENCOURAGES TIMOTHY TO ”“ ENDURE ”“ HIS TRIALS AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST. TIMOTHY IS ADMONISHED TO FLEE YOUTHFUL LUSTS AND TO FOLLOW FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. THEN HE CAN ”“ TEACH ”“ THE THINGS OF GOD TO FAITHFUL MEN WHO WILL LIKEWISE ”“ TEACH ”“ OTHERS (2 : 2).
THEMES: THE SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES HIS CHILDREN IS NOT ONE OF FEAR, IT IS ONE OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF A SOUND MIND (1 : 7). PERSECUTION IS A CERTAINTY FOR THOSE COMMITTED TO LIVING FOR JESUS. ”“ ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY THE INSPIRATION OF GOD, ”“ (3 : 16). CHRISTIANS SHOULD AVOID DISPUTES AND QUARRELS. THOUGH ALL MAY FORSAKE US, GOD WILL ALWAYS REMAIN TRUE.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. ENCOURAGEMENT TO BE FAITHFUL. (1 : 3-2 : 26) 3. APOSTASY IN THE LAST DAYS. (3 : 1-3 : 17) 4. CHARGE TO PREACH THE WORD. (4 : 1-4 : 5) 5. APPROACH OF PAUL’S DEATH. (4 : 6-4 : 18) 6. PAUL’S FINAL GREETINGS. (4 : 19-4 : 22)
BOOK OF TITUS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 63 AND 65.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: TITUS.
BACKGROUND: TITUS IS A GREEK GENTILE CONVERT FROM ANTIOCH WHO MINISTERS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS ALONGSIDE PAUL, TAKING ON SEVERAL NOTABLE ASSIGNMENTS. ONE OF THESE IS AT THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH WHERE HE GIVES GUIDANCE TO PREPARE THE PEOPLE IN THEIR OFFERING FOR THE JERUSALEM SAINTS. HE ALSO ACCOMPANIES PAUL AND BARNABAS TO THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL. ONE OF PAUL’S OWN CONVERTS, TITUS IS NOT CIRCUMCISED SINCE IT WOULD BE ASSUMED A CONCESSION TO JEWISH LEGALISM. PAUL LEAVES THE YOUNG BUT MATURE TITUS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND OF CRETE (WHICH IS 152 MILES LONG AND UP TO 35 MILES WIDE) TO ORGANIZE THE BELIEVERS INTO CHURCHES. HIS MISSION THERE IS COMPLICATED BY FALSE TEACHINGS, IMMATURITY AND IMMORALITY.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN. (POSSIBLY FROM GREECE OR MACEDONIA).
TO WHOM: TO TITUS.
CONTENT: PAUL’S REQUEST IN THIS LETTER IS THAT TITUS APPOINT QUALIFIED ELDERS IN EVERY CITY TO GUIDE THE BELIEVERS OF CRETE. SPECIAL EXHORTATIONS ARE GIVEN TO THE YOUNG AND THE OLD OF BOTH SEXES TO LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY AS THEY HOPE IN THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST. BELIEVERS ARE ENCOURAGED IN GOOD WORKS, BUT ADMONISHED TO REMEMBER THAT THEIR JUSTIFICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY. FALSE TEACHERS ARE REBUKED BY PAUL AS HE EMPHASIZES HOW SOUND DOCTRINE SHOULD BE THE FOCUS OF EVERY BELIEVER. PAUL USES THIS LETTER TO GIVE TITUS THE SPIRITUAL WISDOM HE NEEDS TO EFFECTIVELY LEAD THE CHURCH.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PURE ”“ ; ”“ HEIR. ”“ CHRISTIANS EXHORTED NOT ONLY TO LIVE ”“ PURE ”“ LIVES, BUT TO HAVE ”“ PURE ”“ MOTIVES AS WELL. EVERY BELIEVER IS JUSTIFIED BEFORE GOD TO BE AN ETERNAL ”“ HEIR ”“ TO ALL THAT GOD HAS MADE AVAILABLE.
THEMES: GOOD WORKS ARE NOT TO BRING US SALVATION, BUT TO REFLECT OUR SALVATION. CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT SPEAK EVIL OF ANYONE. BELIEVERS SHOULD DENY WORLDLY LUSTS (2 : 12). WE SHOULD NEVER LET OUR SPEECH BE SUCH THAT WE COULD BE CONDEMNED OR BRING DISGRACE TO THE WAYS OF THE LORD
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 4) 2. APPOINT CHURCH ELDERS. (1 : 5-1 : 9) 3. REBUKE FALSE TEACHERS. (1 : 10-1 :16) 4. TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE. (2 : 1-2 : 15) 5. LIVE OBEDIENT AND UPRIGHT LIVES. (3 : 1-3 : 11) 6. CONCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS. (3 : 12-3 : 15)
BOOK OF PHILEMON
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 61.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: PHILEMON.
BACKGROUND: PHILEMON IS A WELL-TO-DO CHRISTIAN FROM COLOSSI WHO OWNS SLAVES. ONE OF THESE SLAVES, O N E S I M U S, STEALS SOME OF HIS MASTER’S PROPERTY AND RUNS AWAY TO ROME. WHILE IN ROME, O N E S I M U S BECOMES A BELIEVER AFTER HEARING THE GOSPEL FROM PAUL. (PAUL HAD ALSO BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN LEADING PHILEMON TO SAVING FAITH IN CHRIST.) PAUL ENJOYS HAVING O N E S I M U S WITH HIM, BUT HE KNOWS THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS TO SEND O N E S I M U S HOME TO HIS LAWFUL OWNER, PHILEMON. PAUL SEND O N E S I M U S HOME WITH THIS LETTER, ACCOMPANIED BY TRIPTYCHS, TO PETITION PHILEMON TO RESTORE O N E S I M U S ’S FREEDOM. THE BOOK OF PHILEMON, ALONG WITH PHILIPPIANS, C O L O S S I A N S AND EPHESIANS, IS ONE OF PAUL’S ”“ PRISON EPISTLES. ”“
WHERE WRITTEN: ROME, WHILE PAUL IS UNDER HOUSE ARREST.
TO WHOM: TO PHILEMON. ALSO TO APHELIA AND ARCHIPELAGOS (POSSIBLY PHI LEMON'S WIFE AND SON), AND TO THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI, WHICH MEETS AT PHI LEMON'S HOME.
CONTENT: THE SHORTEST OF PAUL’S LETTERS, THE BOOK OF PHILEMON IS A STRIKING ANALOGY TO THE REDEMPTION STORY OF THE GOSPEL. PAUL PLEADS WITH PHILEMON TO FORGIVE O N E S I M U S AND TO RESTORE HIM BEYOND HIS ORIGINAL POSITION AS A SLAVE. NOW HE CAN BE A CHRISTIAN BROTHER, USEFUL TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. PHILEMON IS REMINDED OF HIS DEBT TO PAUL, BUT STILL PAUL OFFERS TO REPAY FOR ANY LOSS OF PHI LEMON'S. TRADITION REVEALS THAT PHILEMON USES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO FREE O N E S I M US .
KEY WORDS: ”“ SLAVE ”“ ; ”“ PROFITABLE. ”“ PAUL IS SPIRITUALLY A PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST AND PHYSICALLY IN THE BONDAGE OF A ROMAN PRISON, SO HE UNDERSTANDS O N E S I M U S ’S DEBT AS A ”“ SLAVE” TO PHILEMON. PAUL PLAYS UPON THE WORD ”“ PROFITABLE ”“ (VERSE 11), WHICH IS THE MEANING OF O N E S I M U S AND WHICH, INDEED, ALL CHRISTIANS ARE.
THEMES: ALL SINS AGAINST PEOPLE ARE ALSO SINS AGAINST GOD. THE LAWS OF THE LAND ARE FOR BOTH CHRISTIANS AND NON CHRISTIANS ALIKE. A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST WILL BREAK DOWN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BARRIERS. RECONCILIATION REQUIRES ACTION FROM BOTH THE WRONG AND THE WRONGED. CHRIST WILL FORGIVE OUR SINS AND GIVE US A FRESH BEGINNING.
OUTLINE: 1. GREETING. (1 : 1-1 : 3) 2. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER FOR PHILEMON. (1 : 4-1 : 7) 3. PAUL’S PLEA FOR O N E S I M U S . (1 : 8-1 : 21) 4. FAREWELL. (1 : 22-1 : 25)
BOOK OF HEBREWS
AUTHOR: UNCERTAIN. (SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE: APOLLOS, BARNABAS, CLEMENT, LUKE, PAUL, PHILIP, PRISCILLA, OR SILAS.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 64 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: NONE.
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: A CONGREGATION OF HEBREW BELIEVERS PROBABLY LOCATED IN ROME.
BACKGROUND: PERSECUTION IS A REAL THREAT TO THE CHURCH IN ROME. THIS PERSECUTION CAUSES MANY JEWISH BELIEVERS, WHO HAVE DIED TO THEIR LEGALISTIC, JUDAIC WAYS, TO TAKE SOME STEPS BACKWARD. THE AUTHOR USES THIS OCCASION TO EXPRESS THE FREEDOM THAT CHRIST HAS GIVEN TO ALL BELIEVERS, AND ASSERTS THAT WITH CHRIST THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY OF THE RITUALS OFFERED BY JUDAISM. APPEALING TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, THE AUTHOR ESPECIALLY COMMENTS ON PARALLELS FROM THE PENTATEUCH (GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS AND DEUTERONOMY).
WHERE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN. (POSSIBLY ROME).
TO WHOM: TO THE JEWISH CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: THE WRITER OF HEBREWS EXHORTS THE HEBREW CHRISTIANS TO MATURITY BY SHOWING THEM THAT PRESENT SUFFERING FOR CHRIST IS FOLLOWED BY ETERNAL GLORY WITH HIM THAT JUDAISM OR NO OTHER RELIGION CAN OFFER. THE ENTIRE OLD TESTAMENT POINTED TO THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST, FOR THE OFFERINGS, FEASTS, TABERNACLES AND PRIESTS WERE ALL USED TO SHOW THE BETTER WAY OF JESUS. FAITH IS DEFINED AND ENCOURAGEMENT IS GIVEN TO ALL BELIEVERS BY DETAILING THE FAITH OF SUCH MEN AND WOMEN AS ABEL, ENOCH, NOAH, ABRAHAM, SARAH, ISAAC, JACOB, JOSEPH AND MOSES (CHAPTER 11). THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS REVEALS THAT THE NEW, ETERNAL COVENANT HAS REPLACED A TEMPORAL ONE, AND IT’S PRICE HAS BEEN PAID-IN-FULL BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SACRIFICE ”“ ; ”“ BETTER. ”“ THE " SACRIFICE OF CHRIST IS PRESENTED AS BEING SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING OFFERED BY THE JUDAIC SYSTEM: CHRIST IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN THE ANGELS, SINCE HE IS WORSHIPED BY THEM, HE IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN MOSES SINCE HE CREATED HIM; HE IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN A A R O N ’S PRIESTHOOD, SINCE HIS ATONEMENT IS ETERNAL; AND HE IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN THE LAW, SINCE HE MEDIATES A SUPERIOR COVENANT.
THEMES: CHRISTIANITY IS MORE THAN A RELIGION, IT IS A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. TO BE VICTORIOUS, WE MUST RUN THE RACE WITH OUR EYES ON JESUS. WE CAN GIVE OUR TEMPTATIONS TO JESUS, HE HAS ALREADY FACED ALL OF THEM AND WON THE VICTORY. GOD DESIRES HIS CHILDREN TO GIVE STRENGTH OF TESTIMONY TO EACH OTHER. ONLY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CAN CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS.
OUTLINE: 1. JESUS CHRIST’S SUPERIORITY OVER THE PROPHETS AND ANGELS. (1 : 1-2 : 18) 2. JESUS CHRIST’S SUPERIORITY OVER MOSES. (3 : 1-4 : 13) 3. JESUS CHRIST, THE SUPERIOR PRIEST. (4 : 14-7 : 28) 4. JESUS CHRIST’S SUPERIOR COVENANT AND SACRIFICE. (8 : 1-10 : 18) 5. OBEDIENCE THROUGH FAITH. (10 : 19-12 : 29) 6. CONCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS. (13 : 1-13 : 25)
BOOK OF JAMES
AUTHOR: JAMES (THE SON OF MARY AND JOSEPH, THE HALF BROTHER OF JESUS).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 45 AND 49.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JAMES.
BACKGROUND: JAMES DOES NOT BECOME A BELIEVER UNTIL AFTER THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS. HE LATER BECOMES THE LEADER OF THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM, PRESIDES AT THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL, AND IS AMONG THOSE AWAITING THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST. THESE TEACHINGS OF JAMES CAN BE LIKENED TO THE BOOK OF PROVERBS AND TO THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS, ESPECIALLY TO HIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT. THE EMPHASIS OF JAMES’ LETTER IS TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD WORKS IN THE LIFE OF EVERY BELIEVER.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE TWELVE TRIBES SCATTERED AMONG THE NATIONS (JEWISH CHRISTIANS).
CONTENT: TO MERELY SAY WE HAVE FAITH IS INSUFFICIENT. JAMES STRESSES THAT WE MUST HAVE FAITH THAT MANIFESTS ITSELF IN THE ACTION OF GOOD WORKS. HIS LETTER COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF SINS: PRIDE, PREJUDICE, HYPOCRISY, WORLDLINESS, THE UNBRIDLED TONGUE AND APATHY. THIS PRACTICAL TREATISE GIVES THE SCATTERED JEWISH CHRISTIANS A STRONG UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR UNION IN CHRIST. THEIR TRIALS, DESIRES, RELATIONSHIPS, PRAYERS, COMPASSION, PATIENCE AND FAITH ARE ALL SHOWN TO HAVE A PLACE IN THEIR WORSHIP OF GOD AND IN THEIR MINISTRY TO OTHERS. THE LETTER CLOSES WITH A DRAMATIC ACCOUNT OF THE FAITH OF ELIJAH.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PATIENCE ”“ ; ”“ PURE RELIGION. ”“ JAMES EMPHASIZES ”“ PATIENCE ”“ AS A GODLY VIRTUE EACH BELIEVER NEEDS IN ORDER TO BECOME PERFECT AND COMPLETE IN CHRIST. ”“ PURE RELIGION ”“ IS LIVING RIGHTEOUSLY BEFORE GOD AND AS AN EXAMPLE BEFORE THE WORLD. THIS INCLUDES A PROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND OTHERS.
THEMES: WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH ALONE, BUT SAVING FAITH NEVER STANDS ALONE, IT REVEALS ITSELF THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND FRUIT OF THE BELIEVER. WE CANNOT BE SAVED BY ANY NUMBER OF GOOD WORKS. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS NOT REAL FAITH. WE MUST BE DOERS OF THE WORD, NOT JUST HEARERS. OUR HUMAN STRENGTH IS UNABLE TO BRIDLE THE TONGUE, BUT THROUGH GOD’S STRENGTH IT CAN BE DONE. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR DISCRIMINATION OR GREED IN THE LIFE OF A COMMITTED BELIEVER.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1) 2. CONCERNING TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS. (1 : 2-1 : 18) 3. CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE FAITH. (1 : 19-2 : 26) 4. STUMBLING BLOCKS. (3 : 1-5 : 6) 5. FAITH AND TRIUMPHS. (5 : 7-5 : 20)
BOOK OF 1 PETER
AUTHOR: PETER THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 63 AND 64.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: PETER.
BACKGROUND: THOUGH PERSECUTION HAS BEEN AN UNDESIRABLE FIXTURE OF THE CHURCH SINCE THE TIME OF CHRIST, THE EVIL REIGN OF NERO IN ROME IS DESTINED TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN WORSE. THIS LETTER IS THE APOSTLE PETER’S ATTEMPT TO PREPARE, COMFORT AND URGE THE BELIEVERS IN ASIA MINOR TO REMAIN STRONG DESPITE THEIR SUFFERING.
WHERE WRITTEN: ROME (SYMBOLICALLY REFERRED TO AS BABYLON).
TO WHOM: TO THE SCATTERED CHRISTIANS IN ASIA MINOR.
CONTENT: TO MANY THIS TIME OF PERSECUTION IS ONE OF DESPAIR, BUT PETER REVEALS THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A TIME TO REJOICE. HE ENCOURAGES THE BELIEVERS TO COUNT IT A PRIVILEGE TO SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST, FOR EVEN AS THEIR SAVIOR WAS PERSECUTED, SO WILL ALL FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST BE PERSECUTED AS THEY IDENTIFY WITH HIM. THIS LETTER FROM PETER MAKES REFERENCE TO HIS SERMONS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS AND ALSO TO HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH JESUS. TO FURTHER IDENTIFY WITH CHRIST, ALL BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO HOLINESS, PURITY AND BROTHERLY LOVE. THE CHRISTIAN’S WEALTH IN CHRIST ENABLES HIM TO LIVE WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST IN ALL OF LIFE’S ASSOCIATIONS. PETER CONCLUDES HIS PRACTICAL ADVICE BY CONFIRMING SATAN AS THE GREAT ENEMY OF EVERY CHRISTIAN (5 : 8). BUT THE ASSURANCE OF CHRIST’S FUTURE RETURN GIVES THE INCENTIVE OF HOPE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SUFFERING ”“ ; ”“ GLORY ”“ ; ”“ REJOICE. ”“ THE TRIALS AND ”“ SUFFERING ”“ WHICH BELIEVERS FACE BECAUSE OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST WILL BRING THEM SPIRITUAL ”“ GLORY. ”“ FOR THIS REASON CHRISTIANS HAVE OCCASION TO ”“ REJOICE ”“ EVEN WHEN SATAN AND THE WORLD AIM TO HURT THEM.
THEMES: THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE IS GIVEN TO ALL CHRISTIANS. THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOR EVER ”“ (1 : 25). GOD DESIRES FOR US TO CAST ALL OUR CARES UPON HIM. ONE WAY TO IDENTIFY WITH CHRIST IS TO SHARE IN HIS SUFFERING. SUFFERING FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING BRING GLORY, SUFFERING FOR SINFUL LIVING BRINGS SHAME. SATAN HATES US AND SEEKS OUR DEFEAT. HAPPINESS COMES TO THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT AND SUBMISSIVE TO CHRIST.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. PRAISES TO GOD. (1 : 3-1 : 12) 3. EXHORTATION TO HOLINESS. (1 : 13-2 : 12) 4. SUBMISSIONS OF THE BELIEVER. (2 : 13-3 : 7) 5. SUFFERING OF THE BELIEVER. (3 : 8-5 : 11) 6. FINAL GREETINGS. (5 : 12-5 :14)
BOOK OF 2 PETER
AUTHOR: PETER THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 64 AND 66.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: PETER
BACKGROUND: THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER’S IS WRITTEN NOT LONG BEFORE HIS DEATH. WHEREAS HIS FIRST LETTER TO THE BELIEVERS COMBATED PERSECUTION FROM THE OUTSIDE, THIS TIME PETER IS ADDRESSING THE SECOND MAJOR THREAT, FALSE TEACHING FROM THE INSIDE. SUCH FALSE TEACHING HAS GREATLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE APOSTASY OF THE CHRISTIANS IN ASIA MINOR TO WHOM PETER IS WRITING. THE MISSION OF PETER’S WORDS IS TO EXPOSE THESE FALSE TEACHERS AND TO ENCOURAGE THE BELIEVERS TO MATURE IN THE TRUTH OF GOD. TRADITION HAS IT THAT PETER WAS CRUCIFIED UPSIDE DOWN IN THE CITY OF ROME.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY ROME.
TO WHOM: TO ALL CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: THIS LETTER FROM PETER ENCOURAGES BELIEVERS TO GROW IN CHRIST, WHICH IS MADE POSSIBLE BY A PROPER KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL. GOD’S WORD GIVES THE PROMISES NECESSARY FOR OBEDIENCE AND CAN BE TOTALLY RELIED UPON AS REVEALING ALL TRUTH AND PROPHECY. PETER DISCUSSES IN DETAIL THE DANGER AND DESTRUCTIVENESS OF THE EVIL MINISTRY OF FALSE TEACHERS, WHOSE INTERESTS ARE NOT IN GOD. BBUT IN SELF-GLORIFICATION AND WORLDLY LUSTS. BUT GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL PREVAIL WHEN, AT THE DAY OF THE LORD, THE OLD EARTH SHALL BE BURNED UP AND A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH SHALL REPLACE IT (CHAPTER 3).
KEY WORDS: ”“ KNOWLEDGE " ; ”“ LAST DAYS. ”“ PETER’S METHOD OF REFUTING THE FALSE ”“ KNOWLEDGE ”“ BEING PROPAGATED IS TO REMIND THE BELIEVERS OF THE TRUE ”“ KNOWLEDGE, ”“ WHICH IS BASED ON A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHRIST. THIS GROWTH IN THE GRACE OF GOD IS AIDED BY A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ”“ LAST DAYS ”“ WHEN THE U N GODLY WILL RECEIVE THEIR JUDGMENT.
THEMES: DECEIT COMES IN MANY FORMS, BUT TRUTH COMES IN ONE FORM (THE FORM OF GOD). GOD HAS DELAYED HIS JUDGMENT SO THAT MORE MAY COME TO REPENTANCE (3:9). DESTRUCTION COMES TO THOSE WHO SCOFF AT THE WORD OF GOD. MATURITY IN GOD WILL COME AS WE DEVELOP AN INTENSE AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD’S SON, GOD’S SPIRIT AND GOD’S WORD. RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL PREVAIL OVER WICKEDNESS IN THE END.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. GROWTH AND KNOWLEDGE IN CHRIST. (1 : 3-1 : 21) 3. FALSE TEACHERS AND THEIR CONDEMNATION. (2 : 1-2 : 22) 4. THE DAY OF THE LORD. (3 : 1-3 : 18)
BOOK OF 1 JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN.
BACKGROUND: IN ADDITION TO THE 3 LETTERS BEARING HIS NAME, JOHN IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF THE FOURTH GOSPEL AND THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION. THIS LETTER OF JOHN IS WRITTEN TO CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS FOUNDED IN TRUTH AND FAITH, BUT RECEIVING SERIOUS CHALLENGES FROM FALSE TEACHERS. THE PARTICULAR ERROR BEING PROPAGATED IS A PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION CALLED GNOSTICISM. IT IS BUILT ON THE PREMISE THAT ALL MATTER IS TOTALLY EVIL, SPIRIT IS TOTALLY GOOD, AND THAT MAN WILL PROGRESS SPIRITUALLY AS HE INCREASES IN THIS KNOWLEDGE. THIS LEADS TO FURTHER FALSE TEACHINGS ABOUT CHRIST, STATING THAT HE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BORN IN THE FLESH SINCE ALL FLESH IS EVIL. THE GNOSTIC THEORIES ARE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS EITHER A GHOST THAT ONLY SEEMS TO HAVE A HUMAN BODY, OR THAT HE HAS A DUAL PERSONALITY, SOMETIMES DIVINE AND SOMETIMES HUMAN. JOHN’S MISSION HERE IS TO COMBAT THESE ERRORS.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO ALL CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: THIS MESSAGE OF JOHN IS A WARNING TO THE BELIEVERS NOT TO BE DECEIVED BY THE FALSE DOCTRINES BEING SPREAD. HE ADDRESSES THEM AS HIS ”“ LITTLE CHILDREN ”“ AND ”“ BELOVED ”“ MARKING HIS CLOSENESS TO THEM. THE UNION BETWEEN THE FATHER AND THE SON IS BOLDLY PROCLAIMED, FOR ONLY AS ONE COMES TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST CAN HE KNOW THE FATHER. JOHN URGES THE BELIEVERS TO FIND FULL JOY IN GOD AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS FORGIVENESS AND GRACE. JOHN’S PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDE ADMONITIONS FOR THE BELIEVER TO WALK IN THE LIGHT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, TO LIVE A SPIRITUAL LIFE MARKED BY A SPIRITUAL BIRTH AND TO SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE FOR OTHERS. THE CHRISTIANS ARE ENCOURAGED NOT TO LOVE THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD, TO BEWARE OF ANTICHRISTS AND TO TESTS THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD OR SATAN. JOHN CONCLUDES HIS LETTER OF HAPPINESS AND HOPE FOR THE BELIEVERS BY REASSURING THEM OF THE POWER OF PRAYER AND THEIR PROTECTION IN GOD FROM THE EVIL ONE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FELLOWSHIP ”“ ; ”“ LOVE. ”“ THE EMPHASIS OF 1 JOHN IS TO STRESS THAT IN ORDER FOR A BELIEVER TO HAVE A PROPER ”“ FELLOWSHIP ”“ WITH GOD, HE MUST WALK IN OBEDIENCE AND TRUTH. PROPER ”“ FELLOWSHIP ”“ WITH OTHERS IS MANIFESTED BY HAVING ”“ LOVE ”“ FOR ONE ANOTHER. THIS ”“ LOVE ”“ FOR OTHERS IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE FACT THAT CHRIST FIRST LOVED US ENOUGH TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE.
THEMES: GOD IS LIFE, GOD IS LIGHT, GOD IS LOVE. A BELIEVER’S BIRTHMARK IS RIGHTEOUSNESS. TRUE LOVE WILL MANIFEST ITSELF IN ACTIONS, NOT JUST IN WORDS. PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT ALL FEAR (4 : 18). THE LOVE GOD HAS FOR US IS TOTALLY UNCONDITIONAL. ONLY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CAN CLEANSE US OF ALL OUR SINS.
OUTLINE: 1. WALKING IN THE LIGHT. (1 : 1-2 : 14) 2. HINDRANCES IN FELLOWSHIP. (2 : 15-2 : 27) 3. ABIDING IN CHRIST’S LOVE. (2 : 28-5 : 5) 4. VICTORY AND ASSURANCE THROUGH FAITH. (5 : 6-5 : 21)
BOOK OF 2 JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN.
BACKGROUND: JOHN REVEALS IN HIS FIRST LETTER HOW A NUMBER OF FALSE TEACHERS HAVE BROKEN FROM THE CHURCH. 2 JOHN ADDRESSES SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE ERRONEOUS TEACHERS, WHO TRAVEL THROUGH THE AREA AT THE EXPENSE OF BOTH THE CHURCH’S MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE. AT THE HEART OF THESE HERESIES IS A FALSE BELIEF CALLED GNOSTICISM, WHICH CLAIMS A HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE FOR IT’S ADHERENTS. THE AGNOSTICS PROFESS THEY ARE A SPECIAL, SPIRITUAL ELITE, WHICH KEEPS THEM FROM BEING ACCOUNTABLE FOR RIGHT OR WRONG BEHAVIOR. THIS LETTER IS JOHN’S EFFORT TO COMBAT THE U N GODLY CONDUCT WHICH RESULTS AND TO ENCOURAGE TRUE BELIEVERS TO WITHDRAW ALL FELLOWSHIP FROM THESE FALSE TEACHERS. JOHN, ”“ THE BELOVED DISCIPLE, ”“ PROBABLY WROTE HIS 3 EPISTLES DURING THE FINALLY YEARS OF HIS LIFE.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO THE ELECT LADY AND HER CHILDREN. (THIS COULD EITHER BE A CHRISTIAN WOMAN AND HER CHILDREN, OR IT COULD REFER FIGURATIVELY TO A LOCAL CHURCH AND THE BELIEVERS IN IT.)
CONTENT: JOHN CONTINUES SHOWING HIS CONCERN FOR OTHERS BY WARNING OF THOSE WHO DO NOT TEACH THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS CHRIST, BUT JOHN DOES HAVE JOY FOR THOSE WALKING ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDS OF GOD. JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED THE SON OF GOD, AND THOSE TRUSTING HIM FOR SALVATION SHOULD LIVE IN TRUTH, LOVE AND OBEDIENCE. THE RELATIONSHIP BELIEVERS HAVE WITH THOSE OF THE WORLD MUST BE DISCERNING; FALSE TEACHERS SHOULD NOT BE ENCOURAGED IN ANY WAY (1 : 10-1 : 11). THE APOSTLE JOHN CONCLUDES THIS LETTER BY STATING HIS DESIRE TO RETURN FOR A PERSONAL VISIT WITH THE CHRISTIANS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TRUTH ”“ ; ”“ WALK. ”“ THE THEME OF ”“ TRUTH ”“ TRANSCENDS 2 JOHN. THIS ”“ TRUTH ”“ ADVOCATES LOVE, KNOWLEDGE AND JOY FOR BELIEVERS WHO ”“ WALK ”“ IN THESE VIRTUES. JOHN USES HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY TO COMMAND THIS ”“ WALK ”“ OF OBEDIENCE AND TO WARN BELIEVERS OF FALSE TEACHERS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW CHRIST’S TEACHINGS.
THEMES: ANTICHRISTS ARE IN THE WORLD, AND THEY SEEK TO DECEIVE US. OBEDIENCE AND LOVE ARE INSEPARABLE. A CHRISTIAN’S SUPPORT FOR HEATHEN ACTIVITIES IS BEING A PARTAKER IN THAT EVIL. GREAT JOY COMES TO THOSE WHO HELP OTHERS GROW IN TRUTH.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 3) 2. WALK IN OBEDIENT LOVE. (1 : 4-1 : 6) 3. AVOID FALSE TEACHERS. (1 : 7-1 : 11) 4. CONCLUDING REMARKS. (1 : 12-1 : 13)
BOOK OF 3 JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN.
BACKGROUND: 3 JOHN, A BOOK OF ONLY 14 VERSES, CENTERS AROUND 3 CHARACTERS. LAIUS IS EITHER A PASTOR OR A CHURCH LEADER WHO CONSISTENTLY WALKS IN THE TRUTH; DISCOTHEQUES IS A DISRUPTIVE AND PRIDEFUL LEADING MAN IN THE CHURCH; AND DEMETRIUS IS THE REPUTABLE LAYMAN WHO PROBABLY TOOK THIS LETTER FROM JOHN TO LAIUS. AT THIS TIME THERE ARE A NUMBER OF TRAVELING MISSIONARIES WHO SPREAD THE GOSPEL FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH AND ARE SUPPORTED BY CHURCH MEMBERS TAKING THEM INTO THEIR HOMES. JOHN USES THIS OCCASION TO ENCOURAGE SUCH GENEROSITY. JOHN WAS A LEADER IN THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS FOR MANY YEARS, HAVING MOVED THERE FROM JERUSALEM WHERE HE CARED FOR JESUS’ MOTHER AFTER THE CRUCIFIXION.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO LAIUS.
CONTENT: HAVING TRAVELED WITH JESUS, JOHN UNDERSTANDS THE NEED FOR ITINERANT MINISTERS TO BE AIDED IN THEIR EFFORTS. JOHN WRITES THIS LETTER TO HIS FRIEND LAIUS COMMENDING HIM AND ENCOURAGING HIM TO CONTINUE HIS SUPPORT FOR THE EVANGELISTS WHO TRAVEL THROUGHOUT ASIA MINOR. LAIUS IS FURTHER WARNED NOT TO BE LIKE HELIOTROPES, WHO REFUSES TO HELP THE MISSIONARIES, UNDERMINES THE AUTHORITY OF JOHN, AND EVEN BANISHES FROM THE CHURCH ALL WHO DESIRE TO GIVE AID TO THESE TRAVELING BEARERS OF TRUTH. IN CONTRAST, DEMETRIUS IS HIGHLY COMMENDED AS A MODEL CHURCH MEMBER. JOHN CLOSES THIS THIRD LETTER WITH HIS HOPE TO VISIT SOON.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JOY ”“ ; ”“ HOSPITALITY. ”“ THE ABUNDANT ”“ JOY ”“ WHICH JOHN EXPRESSES IS FOR THE FAITHFULNESS OF LAIUS AND OTHER BELIEVERS WHO CONTINUE TO WALK IN TRUTH. THE ”“ HOSPITALITY ”“ WHICH THEY SHOW TO THE ITINERANT PREACHERS AND OTHER CHRISTIAN BROTHERS IS A TRAIT WHICH THE ENTIRE CHURCH IS COMMISSIONED TO DEVELOP.
THEMES: THE FAMILY OF GOD SHOULD SUPPORT OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WHO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL. WHEN WE SUPPORT A MINISTRY, WE BECOME A PARTNER OF THAT MINISTRY. A GOOD REPUTATION WILL FOLLOW A CONSCIENTIOUS WALK WITH GOD. BELIEVERS SHOULD STAND FIRM AGAINST HYPOCRITES DILUTING THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1) 2. LAIUS’ LOVE AND FAITH COMMENDED. ( 1: 2-1 : 8) 3. HELIOTROPES’ ACTIONS REBUKED. (1 : 9-1 : 10) 4. DEMETRIUS’ ACTIONS PRAISED. (1 : 11-1 : 12) 5. FINAL GREETING. (1 : 13-1 : 14)
BOOK OF JUDE
AUTHOR: JUDE (THE BROTHER OF JAMES, AND THE HALF-BROTHER OF JESUS CHRIST).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 65 AND 80.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JUDE.
BACKGROUND: JUDE WRITES THIS LETTER TO COMBAT A FALSE TEACHING IN THE CHURCH WHICH IS A FORM OF GNOSTICISM. THIS ERRONEOUS DOCTRINE TEACHES THAT THE SINS OF THE BODY DO NOT AFFECT THE PURITY OF THE SOUL AND, THUS, OPENS THE DOOR FOR PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN ALL KINDS OF IMMORAL AND PERVERTED EVILS. JUDE, LIKE HIS BROTHER JAMES, DID NOT BELIEVE THAT HIS HALF-BROTHER JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD UNTIL AFTER THE RESURRECTION. THIS MAY ACCOUNT FOR WHY HE REFERS TO HIMSELF ONLY AS A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN (POSSIBLY OUTSIDE OF PALESTINE).
TO WHOM: TO BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST.
CONTENT: JUDE WRITES THIS LETTER TO WARN BELIEVERS THAT GODLESS MEN BEARING FALSE DOCTRINES ABOUT JESUS AND THE CHRISTIAN WALK ARE POLLUTING THE CHURCHES. JUDE REMINDS THE PEOPLE OF GOD’S PREVIOUS JUDGMENT AGAINST ISRAEL’S UNBELIEF, ANGELS’ DISOBEDIENCE, AND SODOM AND GOMORRAH’S CORRUPTION. THESE 3 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGMENTS ARE FOLLOWED BY 3 DECLARATIONS OF WOE TO GODLESS MEN WHO HAVE TAKEN THE WAY OF CAIN, SALAAM AND TORAH. JUDE REFERS TO JEWISH TRADITION REGARDING EPOCH'S PROPHECY OF THE DOOM OF THE U N GODLY AND MAKES REFERENCE TO THE APOSTLES’ PREDICTIONS OF EVIL, DIVISIONS AND APOSTASY. BUT STILL JUDE ENCOURAGES THE FAITHFUL TO REMAIN STRONG AND TRUE AND TO SHOW MERCY TO THOSE WHO DOUBT. THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST IS PROCLAIMED WITH GREAT JOY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CONTEND ”“ ; ”“ U N GODLY. ”“ THE MISSION OF THIS LETTER FROM JUDE IS TO URGE THE BELIEVERS TO ”“ CONTEND ”“ FOR THE FAITH WHICH HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO THEM (VERSE 3). IT PAINSTAKINGLY DETAILS THE SIN AND THE ASSURED JUDGMENT OF ALL ”“ U N GODLY ”“ PEOPLE.
THEMES: CHRISTIANS NEED TO BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS INFILTRATING THEIR CHURCHES. U N GODLY PEOPLE CAN BE DETECTED BY THEIR BELIEFS, THEIR ACTS AND THEIR WORDS. BELIEVERS SHOULD BE MERCIFUL TO UNBELIEVERS. JESUS CHRIST WILL CLEANSE ALL BELIEVERS AND PRESENT THEM WITHOUT FAULT TO GOD. THE JUDGMENT OF GOD ON UNBELIEVERS IS CERTAIN.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. CONDEMNATION OF FALSE TEACHERS. (1 : 3-1 : 16) 3. A CALL TO PERSEVERE. (1 : 17-1 : 23) 4. DOXOLOGY OF JUDE. (1 : 24-1 : 25)
BOOK OF REVELATION
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 90 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS SO NAMED BECAUSE IT IS THE ”“ REVELATION ”“ OF JESUS CHRIST AS GIVEN TO THE APOSTLE JOHN. IT IS ALSO CALLED THE ”“ APOCALYPSE, ”“ WHICH MEANS ”“ REVELATION ”“ OR ”“ UNVEILING. ”“
BACKGROUND: JOHN IS EXILED BY THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT TO PAT-MOS, A SMALL ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF GREECE, FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD. HIS EXILE IS ONLY A PART OF AN INTENSE PERIOD OF PERSECUTION AGAINST THE CHURCH, WHICH FOLLOWS THE ROMAN EMPEROR DOMINICAN'S PROCLAMATION THAT HE SHOULD BE WORSHIPED AS DEITY. WHILE ON PAT-MOS, JOHN RECEIVES THIS REVELATION ABOUT JESUS CHRIST FROM GOD THE FATHER. AN ANGEL HELPS JOHN TO UNDERSTAND THE VISION. WHEREAS THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GENESIS, TELLS OF THE BEGINNING OF SIN AND SATAN’S TRIUMPH, THE LAST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, THE REVELATION, TELLS OF SIN’S END AND SATAN’S DEFEAT. A SPECIAL BLESSING IS PROMISED TO ALL WHO READ, HEAR AND OBEY THIS BOOK. BUT ALSO A SPECIAL CURSE IS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO ADD TO OR TAKE AWAY FROM THESE WORDS. JOHN ALSO WROTE THE FOURTH GOSPEL AND THE 3 EPISTLES WHICH BEAR HIS NAME.
WHERE WRITTEN: ON THE ISLAND OF PAT-MOS, IN THE AEGEAN SEA.
TO WHOM: TO 7 CHURCHES IN ASIA MINOR (MODERN TURKEY).
CONTENT: THE REVELATION IS LAVISH IN COLORFUL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VISIONS WHICH PROCLAIM FOR US THE LAST DAYS BEFORE CHRIST’S RETURN AND THE USHERING IN OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH. IT IS A FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE PROPHETIC EVENTS WHICH AWAIT EVERY PERSON, WHETHER DEAD OR ALIVE. THE REVELATION MAKES KNOWN WHAT IS TO COME: THE SERIES OF DEVASTATION'S TO BE POURED OUT UPON THE EARTH; THE MARK OF THE BEAST, ”“ 666 ”“ (13 : 18); THE CLIMACTIC BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON; THE BINDING OF SATAN; THE REIGN OF THE LORD; THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT; AND THE NATURE OF THE ETERNAL CITY OF GOD. PROPHECIES CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST ARE FULFILLED, AND A CONCLUDING CALL TO HIS LORDSHIP ASSURES US THAT HE WILL SOON RETURN.
KEY WORDS: ”“ REVELATION ”“ ; ”“ JESUS CHRIST ”“ ; ”“ SEVEN. " THIS BOOK IS A THOROUGH ”“ REVELATION ”“ OF THE TOTAL PERSON OF ”“ JESUS CHRIST ”“ HIS GLORY, POWER AND WISDOM; HIS JUDGMENT, KINGDOM AND GRACE; AND THE LAMB OF GOD FROM ALPHA AND OMEGA. SEVERAL NUMBERS HAVE SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLISM IN THE REVELATION, BUT THE NUMBER ”“ SEVEN ”“ IS DOMINANT THROUGHOUT WITH 7 LETTERS, 7 DOOMS AND 7 NEW THINGS.
THEMES: THE END OF EARTHLY LIFE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF ETERNAL LIFE. CHRISTIANS SHALL SPEND ETERNITY WITH GOD IN THE NEW JERUSALEM. UNBELIEVERS SHALL SPEND ETERNITY WITH SATAN IN THE LAKE OF FIRE. GOD DESIRES THAT EVERYONE TRUST IN HIS SON FOR REDEMPTION, TODAY!
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 7) 2. CHRIST’S REVELATION OF HIMSELF TO JOHN. (1 : 8-1 : 20) 3. LETTERS TO THE 7 CHURCHES. (2 : 1-3 : 22) 4. THE THRONE IN HEAVEN. (4 : 1-5 : 14) 5. THE 7 SEALS. (6 : 1-8 : 5) 6. THE 7 TRUMPETS. (8 : 6-11 :19) 7. THE 7 EXPLANATORY PROPHECIES. (12 : 1-14 : 20) 8. THE 7 BOWLS OF WRATH. (15 : 1-16 : 21) 9. THE OVERTHROW OF BABYLON. (17 : 1-19 : 5) 10. PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. (19 : 6-19 : 21) 11. PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE MILLENNIUM. (20 : 1-20 : 6) 12. THE REBELLION AND SATAN’S FINAL DOOM. (20 : 7-20 :15) 13. THE NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH AND NEW JERUSALEM. (21 : 1-22 : 6) 14. THE COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. (22 : 7-22 : 21)
BOOK OF GENESIS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: CHAPTER 1-11 RECORD THE FIRST YEAR OF MAN’S HISTORY FROM CREATION TO THE TOWER OF BABEL. CHAPTER 12-50 COVERS OVER 300 YEARS, CENTERING AROUND THE LIVES OF 4 MEN: ABRAHAM, ISAAC, JACOB AND JOSEPH. GENESIS SPANS MORE TIME THAN THE OTHER 65 BOOKS COMBINED.
TITLE: THE WORD “ GENESIS” MEANS “ BEGINNING” OR “ ORIGIN.” B E R E S H I T H, THE FIRST WORD IN THE HEBREW TEXT, MEANS, “ IN THE BEGINNING.”
BACKGROUND: GENESIS IS THE FIRST BOOK OF THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES, CALLED THE PENTATEUCH. IN THE FIRST 11 CHAPTERS, GENESIS DEALS WITH THE HISTORY OF HUMAN RACE DWELLING IN THE LANDS FROM EDEN TO UR, AND IN THE REMAINING 39 CHAPTERS FROM C A A N A N TO EGYPT. THIS FIRST BOOK FORMS THE BASIS FOR ALL FURTHER REVELATION ABOUT GOD AND HIS PLAN FOR MAN.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE GENERAL BELIEF IS THAT MOSES RECEIVED THIS REVELATION WHILE ON MOUNT SINAI IN THE WILDERNESS.
TO WHOM: GENESIS IS WRITTEN FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE I S R A E L I T E S, BUT THE MESSAGE CONTAINED HEREIN ARE TIMELESS, AS THE PROMISES GOD MADE TO THE PATRIARCHS ARE MADE KNOWN AND THE FOUNDATION IS SET FOR REVELATION OF GOD’S LOVE AND THE REDEMPTION OF MANKIND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.
CONTENT: GOD USES HIS WORD TO SPEAK ALL OF CREATION INTO BEING. THIS CREATION IS PERFECT UNTIL MAN SINS BY LISTENING TO SATAN INSTEAD OF TRUSTING GOD AND OBEYING HIS PLAN. THIS OF ADAM AND EVE RESULTS IN SPIRITUAL DEATH AND EVENTUALLY LEADS TO FILLING THE WORLD WITH HATE, VIOLENCE AND DISOBEDIENCE. FINALLY, SIN PREVAILS UNTIL GOD USES A FLOOD TO DESTROY MANKIND, EXCEPT RIGHTEOUS NOAH AND HIS FAMILY. EVEN AFTER THIS, SIN SWEEPS THE LAND, AND THE PEOPLE BUILD THE HUGE TOWER OF BABEL IN DEFIANCE OF GOD. GOD NEVER STOPS LOVING MAN, HOWEVER, AND THE LAST 39 CHAPTERS OF GENESIS REVEAL HOW GOD, THROUGH THE FAMILY OF ABRAHAM, DIRECTS HISTORY TO ESTABLISH THE EARLY STAGES IN HIS PLAN TO SAVE THE PEOPLE AND MEND THEIR FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM. THE BOOK CLOSES WITH GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE IN EGYPT.
KEY WORDS: “ BEGINNING” ; “ MAN “ “ COVENANT. “ GENESIS ACCOUNTS FOR THE “ BEGINNING “ OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE, “ MAN “ AND WOMAN, SIN AND CIVILIZATION AND GOD’S WORD FOR REDEMPTION. GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN FOR SALVATION FOR MANKIND IS REVEALED THROUGH THE “ COVENANT “ HE ESTABLISHES WITH ABRAHAM.
THEMES: GOD CREATES MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE FOR FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM. MAN IS CREATED WITH A BODY, A SOUL, A SPIRIT AND A FREE WILL TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR OR AGAINST GOD. THOUGH WE SIN, GOD WILL NOT GIVE UP ON US OR ABANDON US. IN SPITE OF OUR FAILURES, GOD LOVES US AND SEES OUR VALUE AND WORTH. THE LORD HAS A PLAN FOR EVERY LIFE, AND IT INCLUDES SALVATION AND TOTAL OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD. GOD HAS THE LOVE AND THE POWER TO PROTECT AND PROVIDE FOR US AS WE PLACE OUR FAITH IN HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. STORY OF CREATION. (1 : 1-2 : 25) 2. BEGINNING OF SIN AND DEATH. (3 : 1-5 : 32) 3. STORY OF NOAH. 6 : 1-10 :3 2) 4. TOWER OF BABEL. (11:1-11 : 9) 5. LIFE OF ABRAHAM. (11 : 10-25 : 18) 6. LIFE OF ISAAC. (25 : 19-26 : 35) 7. LIFE OF JACOB (27 : 1-36 : 43) 8. LIFE OF JOSEPH (37 : 1-50 : 26)
BOOK OF EXODUS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: APPROXIMATELY 431 YEARS (THE PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE ARRIVAL OF JACOB IN EGYPT TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE IN THE WILDERNESS).
TITLE: THE WORD “ EXODUS “ MEANS “ EXIT “ OR “ DEPARTURE.”
BACKGROUND: THE SECOND BOOK OF THE PENTATEUCH, EXODUS, IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS. ONLY 70 DESCENDANTS OF JACOB JOURNEYED TO EGYPT, BUT AFTER INCREASING ABUNDANTLY IN NUMBER THEY BECAME OPPRESSED AS SLAVED TO EGYPTIAN LEADERS WHO DID NOT REMEMBER JOSEPH ( JACOB’S SON). DURING THE PRECEDING 4 CENTURIES THE PEOPLE HAVE GROWN TO A NATION OF SOME 3 MILLION BEFORE THEIR EXODUS FROM EGYPT BEGINS.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE GENERAL BELIEF IS THAT MOSES RECEIVED THIS REVELATION WHILE ON MOUNT SINAI IN THE WILDERNESS.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: EXODUS BEGINS WITH THE DESCENDANTS OF JACOB LIVING IN SLAVERY TO THE EGYPTIANS. MOSES IS CALLED AND DIRECTED BY GOD TO LEAD THE I S R A E L I T E S OUT OF THIS BONDAGE. ISRAEL IS FINALLY PERMITTED TO LEAVE EGYPT AFTER GOD DIRECTS MOSES TO PRONOUNCE A SERIES OF PLAGUES UPON EGYPT AND THE P H A R O A H. THE PASSOVER IS INSTITUTED, EMPHASIZING THAT THE BLOOD REDEMPTION IS ALWAYS NECESSARY (CHAPTER 12), AND THE RESULTING COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND THE I S R A E L I T E S IDENTIFIES THEM AS GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE. GOD THEN DELIVERS ISRAEL MIRACULOUSLY THROUGH THE RED SEA. AT MOUNT SINAI GOD GIVES THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, BUT LATER HAS TO JUDGE THE PEOPLE OF THEIR APOSTASY AND WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN CALF (CHAPTER 32). A FEW MONTHS AFTER THIS, THE TABERNACLE IS CONSTRUCTED.
KEY WORDS: “ DELIVERANCE “ ; “ REDEMPTION “ ; “ COMMANDMENTS. “ THE “ DELIVERANCE “ OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL FROM THEIR OPPRESSION AS SLAVES IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY MIRACULOUS ACTS PERFORMED BY GOD FOR THE COMPLETE “ REDEMPTION “OF HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE. THE TEN “ COMMANDMENTS “ AND OTHER LAWS GIVE THE PEOPLE THE INSTRUCTION NEEDED TO LIVE AS GOD’S DESIRES.
THEMES: GOD’S PROTECTION AND PROVISION ARE AVAILABLE TO HIS CHILDREN IN TIMES OF NEED. OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD BRINGS PROSPERITY AND BLESSINGS, DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS FAILURE AND PUNISHMENT. PART OF OUR COVENANT AGREEMENT WITH GOD IS THAT WE TRUST AND OBEY HIM IN RETURN FOR HIS DELIVERANCE AND SALVATION. GOD’S PROMISES CAN BE DEPENDED UPON TOTALLY AND UNCOMPROMISINGLY.
OUTLINE: 1. ISRAEL’S BONDAGE AND MOSES’ PREPARATION. (1 : 1-4 : 31) 2. GOD’S REDEMPTION OF ISRAEL FROM EGYPT. (5 : 1-15 : 21)
3. ISRAEL’S WILDERNESS JOURNEY TO MOUNT SINAI. (15 : 22-18 : 27) 4. GOD’S COVENANT AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. (19 : 1-24 : 18)
5. THE TABERNACLE AND RELATED REGULATIONS. (25 : 1-31 : 18) 6. ISRAEL’S APOSTASY. (32 : 1-32 : 35) 7. RENEWAL OF GOD’S COVENANT. (33 : 1-40 : 38)
BOOK OF LEVITICUS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 1 MONTH
TITLE: THE WORD “ LEVITICUS “ MEANS “ PERTAINING TO THE L E V I T E S. “ THE TITLE IS APPROPRIATE SINCE THE ISRAELITE PRIESTS WERE L E V I T E S, AND THE MINISTRY OF THESE PRIESTS IS DISCUSSED.
BACKGROUND: THE THIRD BOOK OF THE PENTATEUCH, LEVITICUS, IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY IN THE BOOK OF EXODUS. THE BOOK BEGINS WITH ISRAEL HAVING COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE. THIS HANDBOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PRIESTS IS GIVEN DURING ISRAEL’S ONE-YEAR ENCAMPMENT AT MOUNT SINAI.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE GENERAL BELIEF IS THAT MOSES RECEIVED THIS REVELATION WHILE ON MOUNT SINAI IN THE WILDERNESS.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: LEVITICUS SETS DOWN REGULATIONS TO PRESERVE THE SPIRITUAL, MORAL AND PHYSICAL PURITY OF THE PEOPLE. INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED ON HOW TO LIVE HOLY LIVES THROUGH SACRIFICES AND WORSHIP. ALSO DISCUSSED ARE TWO MAJOR OFFERINGS: 1) BURNT OFFERING, 2) MEAT (MEAL) OFFERING, 3) PEACE OFFERING, 4) SIN OFFERING 5) T R E S S P A S S OFFERING. OTHER CONCERNS OF LEVITICUS INCLUDE: A A R O N ’ S ROLE AS PRIEST; LAWS FOR THE PRIESTHOOD; CLEANLINESS; THE DAY OF ATONEMENT; LAWS TO REGULATE HOLINESS IN ALL OF LIFE; AND THE APPOINTED FEASTS OF THE LORD.
KEY WORDS: “ SANCTIFIED “ ; “ HOLINESS. “ THE L E V I T E S AND, MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE PRIESTS ARE SET ASIDE FOR SERVICE OR “ SANCTIFIED “ TO LIVE AS EXAMPLES OF “ HOLINESS “ BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE IN ALL THAT THEY DO.
THEMES: SIN IS ALWAYS DETESTABLE IN GOD’S SIGHT. GOD’S PLAN IS THAT ALL SIN MUST BE ATONED FOR BY THE OFFERING OF SACRIFICIAL BLOOD (AS FULFILLED IN CHRIST’S ATONEMENT). GOD IS TOTALLY HOLY, AND HE REQUIRES OUR HOLINESS AND DEDICATION. GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION, BUT OF ORDERLINESS IN WORSHIP. WE KEEP GOD’S LAWS NOT TO BECOME ACCEPTABLE TO HIM, BUT AS AN EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE FOR AND TRUST IN HIM. FAITHFULNESS TO GOD’S WORD ALLOWS HIS PEACE AND PRESENCE TO FILL OUR LIVES.
OUTLINE: 1. LAWS CONCERNING OFFERINGS. (1 : 1-7 : 38) 2. LAWS CONCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD. (8 : 1-10 : 20) 3. LAWS CONCERNING PERSONAL PURITY. (11:1-15 : 33) 4. THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. (16 : 1-16 : 34) 5. LAWS FOR SANCTIFICATION OF THE PEOPLE. (17 : 1-20 : 27) 6. LAWS FOR SANCTIFICATION OF THE PRIESTS. (21 : 1-22 : 33) 7. LAWS CONCERNING THE SABBATH AND OTHER APPOINTED FEASTS. (23 : 1-25 : 55) 8. BLESSINGS VERSES CURSES SET BEFORE THE PEOPLE. (26 : 1-26 : 46) 9. LAWS CONCERNING VOWS. (27 : 1-27 : 34)
BOOK OF NUMBERS
AUTHOR: MOSES
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 1400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 39 YEARS (THE PERIOD OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY FROM THE SECOND YEAR AFTER THE EXODUS TO JUST PRIOR TO THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN).
TITLE: THE BOOK OF NUMBERS GETS IT’S NAME FROM THE 2 CENSUSES (NUMBERINGS) OF THE NATION ISRAEL.
BACKGROUND: THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE PENTATEUCH, NUMBERS, IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH ELAPSES FROM THE TIME THE TABERNACLE IS CONSTRUCTED AT THE END OF EXODUS TO THE TIME OF THE CENSUS AT THE BEGINNING OF NUMBERS. DURING THAT MONTH THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS ARE GIVEN.
WHERE WRITTEN: MOUNT SINAI AND THE WILDERNESS, AS MOSES LEADS THE PEOPLE TO THE PROMISED LAND.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: NUMBERS IS THE STORY OF THE NEARLY 40 YEARS THAT THE I S R A E L I T E S WANDERED IN THE WILDERNESS, BETWEEN THE TIMES OF 2 SEPARATE CENSUSES OF THE PEOPLE. THE FIRST CENSUSES IS OF THE OLD GENERATION, THE GENERATION THAT CAME OUT OF EGYPT. IT TAKES PLACE AT MOUNT SINAI IN THE SECOND YEAR OF THE EXODUS. THE SECOND CENSUS IS OF THE NEW GENERATION. IT TAKES PLACE ON THE PLANES OF M O A B, OPPOSITE JERICHO, 38 YEARS LATER JUST PRIOR TO THE NATION’S ENTERING OF CANAAN. EVEN THOUGH THE OLD GENERATION (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF JOSHUA AND CALEB) IS NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND, GOD STILL PROVIDES FOR AND SUSTAINS THE PEOPLE THROUGH THESE WANDERINGS.
KEY WORDS: “ WANDERINGS “ ; “ CENSUS. “ THE EMPHASIS OF NUMBERS IS ON THE “ WANDERINGS “ OF THE I S R A E L I T E S IN THE WILDERNESS DURING THE TIME BETWEEN THE “ CENSUS “ TAKEN OF THE OLD GENERATION OF I S R A E L I T E S AND LATER THE “ CENSUS “ OF THE NEW GENERATION.
THEMES: OUR DISCIPLINE FROM GOD IS SOMETIMES STERN, BUT HE ULTIMATELY REWARDS THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT TO HIS WORD. BELIEVERS WILL NEVER HAVE TO LIVE IN THE WILDERNESS, BUT WE MAY HAVE TO WALK THROUGH IT. JUST AS GOD’S PUNISHMENT OF DISOBEDIENCE IS SURE, SO IS GOD’S PARDON AND RESTORATION FOR REPENTANCE. WE CAN PROGRESS AS CHILDREN OF GOD ONLY AS WE ALLOW HIM TO NURTURE OUR GROWTH. MURMURING AND COMPLAINING ARE OFFENSIVE TO THE GOD WE SERVE (CHAPTER 11).
OUTLINE: 1. THE FIRST CENSUS OF THE I S R A E L I T E S IS TAKEN. (1 : 1-4 : 49) 2. THE OLD GENERATION PREPARES TO INHERIT THE PROMISED LAND. (5 : 1-10 : 10) 3. THE OLD GENERATION FAILS TO INHERIT THE PROMISED LAND. (10 : 11-21 : 35) 4. ISRAEL ENCOUNTERS THE M O A B I T E S AND B A L A A M. (22 : 1-25 : 18) 5. THE SECOND CENSUS OF THE I S R A E L I T E S IS TAKEN. (26 : 1-26 : 65) 6. THE NEW GENERATION PREPARES TO INHERIT THE PROMISED LAND. (27 : 1-36 : 13)
BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY
AUTHOR: MOSES (HOWEVER, JOSHUA PROBABLY RECORDED MOSES’ DEATH IN CHAPTER 34.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1410 AND 1395 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 1 TO 2 MONTHS
TITLE: IT IS DERIVED FROM THE GREEK WORD, D E U T E R O N O M I O N, WHICH MEANS, ” “ SECOND LAW GIVING.”
BACKGROUND: THE PENTATEUCH CONCLUDES WITH THIS FIFTH AND FINAL BOOK OF MOSES. DEUTERONOMY BEGINS AT THE END OF ISRAEL’S 40 YEAR PERIOD IN THE WILDERNESS WHEN THE NEW GENERATION IS PREPARING TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND (CANAAN).
WHERE WRITTEN: ON THE PLAINS NEAR THE JORDAN RIVER IN M O A B (DUE EAST OF JERICHO).
TO WHOM: TO THE NEW GENERATION OF I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: A NUMBER OF YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE LAW WAS GIVEN AT MOUNT SINAI TO THE PARENTS OF THESE I S R A E L I T E S. BUT THAT GENERATION HAS SINCE DIED IN THE WILDERNESS (EXCEPT CALEB AND JOSHUA), AND THIS NEW GENERATION NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO DEVELOP A PROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. THUS, 3 FAREWELL SERMONS TO ISRAEL ARE GIVEN BY THE 120-YEAR-OLD MOSES JUST PRIOR TO HIS DEATH, AND THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSHUA AND MOSES’ SUCCESSOR TAKES PLACES. THESE ADDRESSES CHALLENGE THE PEOPLE TO LIVE THEIR FUTURE IN FAITH AND OBEDIENCE AS THEY REVIEW THEIR PAST. MORAL AND LEGAL REGULATIONS ARE EXPANDED UPON, AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE REPEATED.
KEY WORDS: ”“ REMEMBER ”“ ; ”“ COVENANT ”“ ; ”“ OBEDIENCE.” MOSES GIVES CONSTANT ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE I S R A E L I T E S TO ”“ REMEMBER ”“ THEIR ORIGINAL ”“ COVENANT ”“ WITH THE GOD OF THE PATRIARCH’S, WHO HAS FREED THEM FROM EGYPTIAN BONDAGE AND SUSTAINED THEM THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. THE ONLY PROPER RESPONSE FROM SUCH AN UNDESERVING PEOPLE IS ”“ OBEDIENCE ”“ TO GOD WITHOUT RESERVATION.
THEMES: THERE IS BUT ONE TRUE GOD. OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS, DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS PUNISHMENT. GENUINE LOVE FOR GOD IS EVIDENCED BY HOLY LIVING AND BY LOVE FOR OTHERS. GOD’S POWER AND FAITHFULNESS CAN BE DEPENDED UPON DURING OUR TIMES OF NEED. WE MUST TEACH OUT CHILDREN TO FEAR THE LORD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS (CHAPTER 6).
OUTLINE: 1. MOSES’ FIRST SERMON: REVIEW OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY. (1 : 1-4 : 43) 2. MOSES SECOND SERMON: REVIEW OF THE LAW. (4 : 44-11 : 32) APPLICATION OF THE LAW. (12 : 1-26 : 19) BLESSINGS AND CURSES. (27 : 1-28 : 68) 3. MOSES’ THIRD SERMON: RENEWAL OF ISRAEL’S COVENANT. (29 : 1-30 : 20) 4. THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSHUA AS MOSES’ SUCCESSOR. (31 :1-32 : 43) 5. MOSES’ FINAL WORDS AND DEATH. (32 : 44-34 : 12)
BOOK OF JOSHUA
AUTHOR: JOSHUA. HOWEVER, SOME OF THE ” “ ELDERS THAT OUTLIVED JOSHUA ” “ (24 : 31) PROBABLY ADDED PORTIONS TO THE BOOK AFTER HIS DEATH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1410 AND 1350 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 15-26 YEARS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: JOSHUA.
BACKGROUND: JOSHUA IS ALMOST STONED TO DEATH BY HIS OWN PEOPLE (NUMBERS 14 : 6-10) NEARLY 40 YEARS BEFORE THE BOOK OF JOSHUA BEGINS, BECAUSE OUT OF 12 SPIES TO CANAAN ONLY HE AND CALEB DETERMINE TO OBEY GOD’S DIRECTIONS TO CONQUER THE LAND. BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF TO ACCEPT GOD’S COVENANT, THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SPEND 40 YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS. BUT NOW JOSHUA, MOSES’ SUCCESSOR, IS PREPARING TO LEAD THE I S R A E L I T E S FROM THE WILDERNESS IN THEIR CONQUEST OF THE PROMISED LAND.
WHERE WRITTEN: EAST OF THE JORDAN RIVER (THE WILDERNESS) BEFORE THE CONQUEST, AND WEST OF THE JORDAN RIVER (CANAAN) THEREAFTER.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF JOSHUA IS PRIMARILY THE HISTORY OF JOSHUA’S LEADERSHIP OF ISRAEL. UNDER DIVINE GUIDANCE, JOSHUA ENGAGES IN 3 STRATEGIC, MILITARY OPERATIONS USING BRILLIANT DIVIDE-AND-CONQUER TACTICS, INSURING VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY ARMIES IN CANAAN. GOD’S MIRACULOUS INTERVENTIONS, INCLUDING THE CROSSING OF THE JORDAN RIVER AND THE CONQUEST OF JERICHO, PROVE TO ISRAEL THAT GOD IS AIDING THEIR EFFORTS. THE DIVISION OF THE PROMISED LAND AMONG THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL AND THEIR SUBSEQUENT SETTLEMENT IN THE NEW LAND TAKE PLACE. FINALLY, JOSHUA EXHORTS THE PEOPLE BEFORE HIS DEATH TO RENEW THEIR COVENANT AND TO DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO SERVE AND LOVE GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CHOOSE ”“ ; ”“ SERVE. ”“ JOSHUA EMPHASIS THAT WE MUST DO BOTH BY HIS ADMONITION TO ”“ CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE, BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD ”“ (24 : 15).
THEMES: OUR GREATEST ASSET IS NOT OUR PHYSICAL ABILITY OR CLEVERNESS, IT IS OUR FAITH IN GOD’S ABILITY TO OVERCOME IN OUR BEHALF. VICTORY COMES THROUGH FAITH IN GOD AND OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD. SIN MUST BE DEALT WITH AT ONCE BECAUSE IT BRINGS SEVERE CONSEQUENCES. GOD IS ALWAYS TRUE TO HIS PROMISES. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, IF WE HAVE FAITH IN HIM WHO MADE ALL THINGS. IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE OBEDIENT AND FAITHFUL TO THE COVENANT OF GOD. GOD PUNISHES SINFUL NATIONS AS WELL AS SINFUL INDIVIDUALS.
OUTLINE: 1. ISRAEL’S PREPARATION FOR THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN. (1 : 1-5 : 15) 2. THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN. (6 : 1-12 :24) 3. THE ALLOTMENTS OF THE LAND OF CANAAN BY TRIBE. (13 : 1-21 : 45) 4. JOSHUA’S FAREWELL, DEATH. (22 : 1-24 :33)
BOOK OF JUDGES
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY SAMUEL).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1043 AND 1004 B. C.
TIME SPAN: APPROXIMATELY 350 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE DEATH OF JOSHUA TO THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL).
TITLE: THE BOOK DERIVES IT’S TITLE FROM IT’S CONTENT ABOUT THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL, WHO WERE LEADERS DURING TRIBAL OR NATIONAL EMERGENCIES AT A TIME WHEN THERE WAS NO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT. THE HEBREW TITLE FOR THIS BOOK, S H O P O T I M, MEANS ” “ RULING LEADERS ”“ OR ” “ JUDGES.”
BACKGROUND: THE BOOK COVERS THE PERIOD FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF JOSHUA AND THE I S R A E L I T E S’ I N T I A L CONQUEST OF CANAAN. DURING THIS TIME THE PEOPLE, WAVERING BETWEEN APOSTASY AND REPENTANCE, ARE RULED BY INDIVIDUAL LEADERS CALLED JUDGES. THE BOOK OF JUDGES RECORDS THIS ERA OF DISOBEDIENCE AND DEFEAT.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE PROMISED LAND (CANAAN).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE CONQUEST AND OCCUPATION OF THE PROMISED LAND, THE I S R A E L I T E S BEGIN TO ADOPT THE SINFUL WAYS OF THE SURROUNDING NATIONS. A TRAGIC CYCLE DEVELOPS: ISRAEL FALLS INTO SIN; GOD DISCIPLINES WITH FOREIGN OPPRESSION; THE PEOPLE CRY TO GOD FOR HIS HELP; GOD RAISES UP A DELIVERER (JUDGE); PEACE IS RESTORED. THUS CYCLE IF REBELLION IS REPEATED 7 TIMES IN THE BOOK, EMPHASIZING GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS AND THE PENALTY FOR LACK OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. THE STORIES OF 3 SIGNIFICANT JUDGES ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL: DEBORAH (CHAPTER 4); GIDEON (CHAPTER 6-8); AND SAMSON (CHAPTER 13-16).
KEY WORDS: ” “APOSTASY” ; ” “ JUDGMENT ” “ ; ” “ REPENTANCE ” “ ; ” “ MERCY. ” “ THE I S R A E L I T E S CONTINUALLY FAIL TO LEARN THEIR LESSON. THEIR ” “ APOSTASY ” “ MEANS THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE OF ” “ JUDGMENT ” “ FROM GOD. BUT WHEN THEY FINALLY SHOW ” “ REPENTANCE, ” “ GOD WILL THEN IN HIS ” “ MERCY ” “ RAISE UP A JUDGE TO LEAD THE PEOPLE TO RESTORATION AND REST.
THEMES: THERE IS ALWAYS A PRICE TO BE PAID FOR OUR SINS. THE PRICE FOR SIN IS DESTRUCTION AND DEATH. WE ALL NEED PROPER LEADERSHIP IN OUR LIVES. (THE MOST IMPORTANT LEADER AND JUDGE FOR EACH OF US TODAY IS JESUS CHRIST.) WITHOUT STRONG LEADERS WE ARE MORE INCLINED TI BE INFLUENCED BY DAMAGING CIRCUMSTANCES OR DECEPTIVE PEOPLE. GOD IN HIS MERCY WILL DELIVER US WHEN WE REPENT WHOLEHEARTEDLY OF OUR SINS AND OBEY HIM. DOING RIGHT IN OUR OWN EYES IS NOT NECESSARILY DOING RIGHT IN GOD’S EYES.
OUTLINE: 1. ISRAEL’S FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN. (1 : 1-3 : 6) 2. THE CYCLE OF APOSTASY AND DELIVERANCE (3 : 7-16 : 31) (3. ISRAEL’S FALL INTO IDOL WORSHIP, IMMORALITY AND CIVIL WAR. (17 : 1-21 : 25)
BOOK OF RUTH
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN. (TRADITION HAS SUGGESTED SAMUEL.)
DATE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN. (HOWEVER, THE PREVALENT VIEW ASCRIBES A DATE BETWEEN 1011 AND 931 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 12 YEARS (DURING THE TIME OF THE JUDGES).
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S PRINCIPAL CHARACTER: RUTH. HER BIOGRAPHY IS OUTLINED IN THIS SHORT STORY.
BACKGROUND: THE SETTING FOR THE BOOK OF RUTH BEGINS IN THE COUNTRY OF M O A B, A REGION NORTHEAST OF THE DEAD SEA, BUT THEN MOVES TO BETHLEHEM. THIS TRUE ACCOUNT TAKES PLACE DURING THE DISMAL DAYS OF FAILURE AND REBELLION OF THE I S R A E L I T E S, CALLED THE PERIOD OF JUDGES.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY IN JUDAH).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: A FAMINE FORCES E L I M E L E C H AND HIS WIFE NAOMI FROM THEIR ISRAELITE HOME TO THE COUNTRY OF M O A B. E L I M E L E C H DIES AND NAOMI IS LEFT WITH HER 2 SONS, WHO SOON MARRY 2 M O A B I T E GIRLS, O R P A H AND RUTH. LATER BOTH OF THE SONS DIE, AND NAOMI IS LEFT ALONE WITH O R P A H AND RUTH IN A STRANGE LAND. O R P A H RETURNS TO HER PARENTS, BUT RUTH DETERMINES TO STAY WITH NAOMI AS THEY JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM. THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF LOVE, COMMITMENT AND DEVOTION AS RUTH TELLS NAOMI, ”“ WHITHER THOU GOES, I WILL GO; AND WHERE THOU LODGES, I WILL LODGE ”“ (1:16). RUTH EVENTUALLY MARRIES A WEALTHY MAN NAMED B O A Z, BY WHOM SHE BARES A SON, O B E D, WHO IS THE GRANDFATHER OF DAVID. RUTH’S PROVEN DEVOTION HAD BEEN REWARDED WITH A NEW HUSBAND, A SON AND A PRIVILEGED POSITION IN THE ROYAL LINEAGE OF JESUS CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ KINSMAN-REDEEMER ”“ ; ”“ ANCESTOR. ”“ B O A Z GRAPHICALLY FULFILLS THE ROLE OF ”“ KINS-REDEEMER. ”“ AS A RELATIVE, HE WILLINGLY OBTAINS THE RIGHT TO CLAIM THE LAND OF NAOMI AND THUS THE RIGHT TO MARRY RUTH, THEREBY FATHERING A SON TO KEEP THE FAMILY LINE ALIVE. THIS IS ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ”“ ANCESTORS ”“ IN THE STORY, WHICH END WITH THE FAMILY TREE LISTING RUTH AND B O A Z AS THE GREAT-GRANDPARENTS OF KING DAVID.
THEMES: GENUINE LOVE AT TIMES MAY REQUIRE UNCOMPROMISING SACRIFICE. REGARDLESS OF OUR LOT IN LIFE, WE CAN LIVE ACCORDING TO THE PRECEPTS OF GOD. GENUINE LOVE AND KINDNESS WILL BE REWARDED. GOD ABUNDANTLY BLESSES THOSE WHO SEEK TO LIVE OBEDIENT LIVES. OBEDIENT LIVING DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ”“ ACCIDENTS ”“ IN THE ETERNAL PLAN OF GOD. GOD EXTENDS MERCY TO THE MERCIFUL.
OUTLINE: 1. RUTH DETERMINES TO STAY WITH NAOMI (1 : 1-1 : 22) 2. RUTH CARES FOR NAOMI AND MEETS B O A Z. (2 :1-2 : 23) 3. NAOMI PLANS FOR B O A Z TO REDEEM RUTH. (3 : 1-3 : 18) 4. RUTH IS REWARDED FOR HER LOVE. (4 : 1-4 : 22)
BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY SAMUEL, WITH EXCERPTS FROM THE MEMOIRS OF GAD AND NATHAN).
DATE WRITTEN: PROBABLY BETWEEN 1050 AND 931 B. C. HOWEVER, THE BOOK WAS NOT PUT INTO IT’S FINAL FORM UNTIL SOME YEARS LATER, PROBABLY BETWEEN 930 AND 722 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 94 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL TO THE DEATH OF SAUL).
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER SAMUEL, NOT ONLY BECAUSE HE IS THE PRINCIPAL FIGURE IN THE FIRST PART, BUT ALSO BECAUSE HE ANOINTS SAUL AND DAVID, THE CHIEF CHARACTERS IN THE LATTER PORTION OF THE BOOK.
BACKGROUND: 1 SAMUEL IS A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY IN THE BOOK OF JUDGES. IT BEGINS LATE IN THE TURBULENT TIME OF THE JUDGES, WHEN ELI IS THE JUDGE-PRIEST AND ISRAEL IS BEING OPPRESSED BY THE PHILISTINES. 1 AND 2 SAMUEL CONSIST OF ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE SINCE THEY COVER THE CONTINUOUS STORY OF THEIR 3 MAIN CHARACTERS: SAMUEL, SAUL AND DAVID.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY IN ISRAEL).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: THE I S R A E L I T E S ARE INSISTING ON A KING LIKE THE HEATHEN NATIONS HAVE; THEY NO LONGER WANT GOD’S PLACEMENT OF A JUDGE OVER THEM. 1 SAMUEL IS THE STORY OF ISRAEL’S LAST JUDGE AND FIRST PROPHET (SAMUEL), HER FIRST KING (SAUL), AND THE EARLY YEARS OF HER ANOINTED KING-ELECT (DAVID). SAUL LACKS A HEART FOR GOD, SO GOD REJECTS HIM AS KING. YOUNG DAVID THEN ENTERS THE PICTURE BY SLAYING GOLIATH WITH A SLING AND A STONE (CHAPTER 17) AND DEVELOPING A STRONG FRIENDSHIP WITH SAUL’S SON, JONATHAN (CHAPTER 18) GOD SELECTS DAVID TO REPLACE SAUL AS KING, BUT DAVID HAS TO FLEE TO THE WILDERNESS TO ESCAPE SAUL’S RAGING JEALOUSY. DAVID LIVES IN EXILE UNTIL SAUL AND HIS SONS DIE IN BATTLE AT MOUNT G I L B O A. THE STAGE IS NOW SET FOR THE GOLDEN AGE WITH DAVID REIGNING AS KING OF ISRAEL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JEALOUSY ”“ ; ”“ HEART. ”“ THE BOOK IS FULL OF ”“ JEALOUSY ”“ ; ISRAEL FOR A KING LIKE HER NEIGHBORS, AND SAUL FOR HIS SUCCESSOR DAVID. THUS, GOD LOOKS AT THE ”“ HEART ”“ AND HIS SELECTIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT ARE EXPECTED.
THEMES: GOD IS BIGGER THAN ANY PROBLEM WE WILL EVER HAVE. WITH GOD’S HELP OUR EMOTION CAN BE KEPT UNDER HIS CONTROL. EVEN GOD’S CHILDREN CAN FAIL AND FALL INTO SIN. ANY LIFE FULL OF SIN AND DEFEAT CAN HAVE VICTORY AND ACCOMPLISHMENT, IF REPENTANCE AND OBEDIENCE ARE BEGUN. SIN IN OUR LIVES MAY ENCOURAGE GOD TO TAKE AWAY OUR BLESSINGS AND GIVE THEM TO OTHERS. OUR ULTIMATE LEADERSHIP SHOULD BE OF GOD, NOT MAN. OBEDIENCE IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO GOD THAN SACRIFICE. WE, LIKE DAVID, SHOULD BE MEN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART (13 : 14).
OUTLINE: 1. THE SERVICE OF ELI AS PRIEST AND JUDGE. (1 : 1-4 : 22) 2. THE MINISTRY OF SAMUEL, THE LAST JUDGE OF ISRAEL. (5 : 1-7 : 17) 3. THE MINISTRY OF SAMUEL, THE FIRST KING OF ISRAEL. (8 : 1-15 : 35) 4. DAVID AND SAUL. (16 : 1-27 : 12) 5. THE DECLINE AND DEATH OF SAUL. (28 : 1-31 : 13)
BOOK OF 2 SAMUEL
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY GAD AND NATHAN).
DATE WRITTEN: PROBABLY BETWEEN 1010 AND 931 B. C. HOWEVER, THE BOOK WAS NOT PUT INTO IT’S FINAL FORM UNTIL SOME YEARS LATER, PROBABLY BETWEEN 930 AND 722 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 40 YEARS (DURING THE REIGN OF KING DAVID).
TITLE: ALTHOUGH SAMUEL IS NOT LIVING DURING THE TIME OF THIS BOOK TAKES PLACE, IT IS NAMED AFTER HIM BECAUSE HE IS THE ONE WHO ANOINTED DAVID, THE CHIEF CHARACTER OF 2 SAMUEL.
BACKGROUND: 2 SAMUEL IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF 1 SAMUEL. THIS NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF DAVID CONTINUES WITH HIS BEING CROWNED KING OF ISRAEL AT THE DEATH OF SAUL. 2 SAMUEL COVERS THE MAJORITY OF DAVID’S 40-YEAR REIGN IN H E B R O N AND J E R U S A L M. (SAUL ALSO REIGNED 40 YEARS.) 1 AND 2 SAMUEL CONSISTS OF ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE SINCE THEY COVER THE CONTINUOUS STORY OF 3 MAIN CHARACTERS: SAMUEL, SAUL AND DAVID.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY IN ISRAEL).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: THE LIFE OF KING DAVID DOMINATES THE BOOK OF 2 SAMUEL. FIRST, DAVID RULES OVER JUDAH FOR ABOUT 7 YEARS. THEN, HIS KINGSHIP IS RECOGNIZED BY A UNIFIED ISRAEL OVER WHICH HE REIGNS FOR 33 YEARS. DURING THIS TRANSITION THE CAPITAL IS CHANGED FROM H E B R O N TO JERUSALEM, WHERE THE ARK OF THE COVENANT IS LOCATED. DAVID MILITARY VICTORIES EXPAND THE BORDERS OF THE PROMISED LAND AS HIS TRIUMPHS BRING THE NATION TO THE VERY ZENITH OF HER POWER. DAVID’S TRIUMPHS QUICKLY TURN TO TRAGEDY IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS REIGN, HOWEVER, WHEN HIS LUST TOWARDS B E T H S H E B A ULTIMATELY LEADS TO ADULTERY AND THE MURDER OF HER HUSBAND, URIAH (CHAPTER 11). THE PROPHET NATHAN REBUKES DAVID FOR HIS SINS, AND DAVID EARNESTLY REPENTS AND IS RESTORED TO GOD. BUT THE PRICE OF SIN STILL HAS TO BE PAID: HIS SON A B S A L O M’S REVOLT, CIVIL WAR AND UNREST IN THE NATION. ALTHOUGH THE FAME AND GLORY OF DAVID HAS NOW DIMINISHED, NEVER TO BE THE SAME AGAIN, GOD STILL BLESSES, FOR TO DAVID AND BATHSHEBA IS BORN SOLOMON, WHO WILL SUCCEED DAVID AS KING AND BECOME PART OF THE ROYAL ANCESTRY OF JESUS CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ ANOINTED ”“ ; ”“ DAVID. ”“ THE ENTIRE BOOK REVOLVES AROUND THE ”“ ANOINTED ”“ LIFE OF ”“ DAVID. ”“ HIS VICTORIES AND HIS FAILURES ARE GIVEN IN LIGHT OF HIS POSITION, WHICH COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN GIVEN HIM BY GOD.
THEMES: GOD CAN ACCOMPLISH EXTRAORDINARY THINGS THROUGH THE LIVES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE. OUR TOTAL TRUST SHOULD BE ONLY IN GOD, NOT IN MEN. THOUGH FORGIVEN, WE STILL MUST PAY THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SINS. GOD IS READY TO FORGIVE US AND USE US, IF ONLY WE WILL REPENT AND PLACE OUR FAITH IN HIM. THERE IS NO SIN SO GREAT THAT GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE US IF WE SINCERELY FORSAKE THE SIN AND TURN TO HIM. OBEDIENCE BRINGS VICTORY, DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS DEFEAT. AS A RULER THRIVES, SO THRIVES THE NATION, AS A RULER STUMBLES, SO STUMBLES THE NATION.
OUTLINE: 1. DAVID’S REIGN OVER JUDAH BEGINS. (1 : 1-4 : 12) 2. DAVID’S REIGN EXTENDS OVER ISRAEL. (5 : 1-10 : 19) 3. DAVID SINS. (11 : 1-11 : 27) 4. TROUBLES RESULT FOR DAVID’S HOUSE. (12 : 1-18 : 33) 5. DAVID IS RESTORED AS KING. (19 : 1-20 : 26) 6. COMMENTARY ON DAVID’S LATTER YEARS. (21 : 1-24 : 25)
BOOK OF 1 KINGS
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY JEREMIAH).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 640 AND 550 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 130 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM THE RISE OF SOLOMON TO THE DEATH OF AHAB).
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS SO NAMED BECAUSE IT IS A HISTORY OF THE KINGS WHO RULED ISRAEL AND JUDAH.
BACKGROUND: THIS SEQUEL TO 1 AND 2 SAMUEL BY TRACING S O L O M O N’ S RISE TO KINGSHIP AFTER THE DEATH OF DAVID. THE STORY BEGINS IN A UNITED KINGDOM, BUT ENDS IN A NATION DIVIDED INTO 2 KINGDOMS, KNOWN AS JUDAH AND ISRAEL. 1 AND 2 KINGS TOGETHER CONSIST OF ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY IN JUDAH AND EGYPT).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: 1 KINGS DESCRIBES S O L O M O N’ S REIGN, WEALTH AND WISDOM. THE GOLDEN AGE OF SOLOMON IS HIGHLIGHTED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE. AFTER HIS DEATH THERE IS DIVISION IN THE KINGDOM WITH HIS SON R E H O B O A M RULING OVER JUDAH (SOUTHERN KINGDOM) AND JEROBOAM RULING ISRAEL (NORTHERN KINGDOM). THE CAPITAL OF JUDAH AT THIS TIME IS JERUSALEM, AND THE CAPITAL OF ISRAEL IS S A M A R I A. THIS DIVIDED SITUATION CONTINUES FOR OVER 300 YEARS WITH EACH NATION HAVING IT’S OWN KING. THE BOOK ENDS RECOUNTING THE MIRACLES AND MINISTRY OF THE PROPHET ELIJAH, ESPECIALLY IN CONTRAST TO ISRAEL’S MOST WICKED KING, AHAB.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WISDOM ”“ ; ”“ DIVISION. ”“ S O L O M O N’ S RISE IS DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE FACT THAT HE SEEKS ”“ WISDOM ”“ FROM GOD INSTEAD OF FAME OF FORTUNE. BUT UNHEALTHY INFLUENCES FROM FOREIGN WIVES LEAD TO HIS DIVIDED HEART, WHICH, IN TURN, LEADS TO
”“ DIVISIONS ”“ IN THE NATION.
THEMES: GOD USES HISTORY TO SET BEFORE US EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL AND DEFEATED LIVES. WE MUST FOLLOW GODLY LEADERSHIP AND BE GODLY LEADERS FOR OTHERS. GOD IS MORE CONCERNED THAT WE HAVE WISDOM AND A HEART FOR HIM THAN IN OUR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THE CONSISTENT COMPANY WE KEEP IN FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN AFFECT US POSITIVELY OR NEGATIVELY.
OUTLINE: 1. REIGN OF SOLOMON. (1 : 1-11 : 43) 2. DIVISIONS OF R E H O B O A M AND JEROBOAM. (12 : 1-14 : 31) 3. REIGNS OF JUDAH KINGS. (15 : 1-15 : 24) 4. REIGNS OF ISRAEL’S KINGS. (15 : 25-16 :3 4) 5. ELIJAH AND AHAB. (17 : 1-22 : 53)
BOOK OF 2 KINGS
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN, POSSIBLY JEREMIAH. (HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN SUGGEST THAT CHAPTER 25 WAS WRITTEN BY AN EXILE AFTER THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 640 AND 550 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 293 YEARS (PERIOD FROM THE TIME OF THE PROPHET ELISHA TO THE CAPTIVITY OF JUDAH).
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS SO NAMED BECAUSE IT IS A HISTORY OF THE KINGS WHO RULED ISRAEL AND JUDAH.
BACKGROUND: 2 KINGS IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF 1 KINGS. THE 2 BOOKS FORM ONE BOOK IN THE HEBREW BIBLE. 2 KINGS CONTINUES THE STORY OF THE KINGS OVER THE DIVIDED KINGDOM, LEADING TO THE FINAL OVERTHROW AND DEPORTATION OF BOTH ISRAEL AND J U D A H’ S PEOPLE.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY FROM JUDAH AND EGYPT).
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S
CONTENT: 2 KINGS DEPICTS THE DOWNFALL OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM. PROPHETS CONTINUE TO WARN THE PEOPLE THAT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD IS AT HAND, BUT THEY WILL NOT REPENT. THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL IS REPEATEDLY RULED BY WICKED KINGS, AND EVEN THOUGH A FEW OF J U D A H’ S KINGS ARE GOOD, THE MAJORITY ARE BAD. THESE FEW GOOD RULERS, ALONG WITH ELISHA AND OTHER PROPHETS, CANNOT STOP THE NATION’S DECLINE. THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL IS EVENTUALLY DESTROYED BY THE ASSYRIANS (CHAPTER 17), AND ABOUT 136 YEARS LATER THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM OF JUDAH IS DESTROYED BY THE BABYLONIANS (CHAPTER 25). THOUGH THE PEOPLE OF GOD ARE IN CAPTIVITY, GOD STAYS TRUE TO HIS COVENANT, PRESERVING A REMNANT FOR HIMSELF.
KEY WORDS: ”“ APPRAISAL ”“ ; ”“ CAPTIVITY. ”“ THE GENERAL IDEA OF 2 KINGS IS TO GIVE AN ”“ APPRAISAL ”“ OF EACH KING, ESPECIALLY IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH TO GOD AND THE COVENANT. THE MAJORITY ARE APPRAISED AS EVIL IN GOD’S SIGHT, WHICH LEADS ISRAEL AND JUDAH INTO SEPARATE ”“ CAPTIVITY.”
THEMES: GOD HATES SIN AND HE WILL NOT ALLOW IT TO CONTINUE INDEFINITELY. GOD MAY AT TIMES USE HEATHEN TO BRING CORRECTION TO HIS PEOPLE. GOD LOVES US SO MUCH THAT HE SOMETIMES HAS TO DISCIPLINE US. GOD GIVES US WARNING BEFORE DELIVERING HIS JUDGMENT. WE CAN HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE THAT GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US.
OUTLINE: 1. ELIJAH’S REPLACEMENT BY ELISHA. (1 : 1-8 : 15) 2. ISRAEL’S DECLINE AD FALL. (8 : 16-17 : 6) 3. ISRAEL’S EXILE TO ASSYRIA BECAUSE OF SIN. (17 : 7-17 : 41) 4. J U D A H’ S SURVIVAL. (18 : 1-23 : 30) 5. J U D A H’ S EXILE TO BABYLONIA. (23 : 31-25 :30)
BOOK OF 1 CHRONICLES
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY EZRA).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 450 AND 400 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: CHAPTERS 1-9 COVER APPROXIMATELY 3, 500 YEARS FROM THE CREATION OF ADAM TO THE BIRTH OF DAVID. CHAPTERS 10-29 COVER OVER 33-40 YEARS DESCRIBING THE REIGN OF DAVID.
TITLE: THE BOOKS OF 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES ARE SO NAMED BECAUSE THEY ”“ CHRONICLE ”“ THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF GOD’S PEOPLE FROM GENESIS THROUGH KINGS. THE TITLE USED IN THE HEBREW BIBLE MEANS ”“ THE ACCOUNTS OF THE DAYS. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE LAST BOOK OF THE HEBREW BIBLE HAS BEEN BROKEN DOWN INTO 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES IN MODERN TRANSLATIONS. THE CHRONICLES ARE DIFFERENT IN PERSPECTIVE FROM THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL AND KINGS, EVEN THOUGH THEY COVER MUCH OF THE SAME MATERIAL. INSTEAD OF PROPHETIC, MORAL AND POLITICAL VIEWS, THEY ARE PRESENTED FROM A PRIEST’S POINT OF VIEW, EVALUATING THE NATION’S RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY JERUSALEM)
TO WHOM: TO THE REMNANT OF JUDAH RETURNING FROM BABYLON.
CONTENT: THERE ARE 2 DISTINCT SECTIONS OF THIS BOOK. FIRST, THE ROYAL LINEAGE FROM ADAM TO DAVID IS DISCUSSED. CHRONICLES EVALUATES DAVID’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIS RELIGIOUS GUIDANCE OF THE NATION AS HE SEEKS GOD’S LEADERSHIP. DAVID’S TRIALS, SINS AND FAILURES ARE D E- EMPHASIZED IN CHRONICLES SINCE THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND THE PEOPLE IS THE FOCUS HERE. 1 CHRONICLES END WITH THE DEATH OF DAVID AND THE SUCCESSION OF HIS SON SOLOMON TO THE THRONE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ ROYAL ”“ ; ”“ CHOSEN. ”“ CHRONICLES RECOUNTS THE ”“ ROYAL ”“ LINE OF DAVID (WHICH EVENTUALLY LEADS TO THE ABSOLUTE ROYALTY OF JESUS CHRIST). DAVID IS ”“ CHOSEN ”“ BY GOD TO RULE OVER ISRAEL; AND HIS SON SOLOMON IS ”“ CHOSEN ”“ TO RULE AFTER HIM AND TO BUILD A HOUSE FOR THE LORD (CHAPTER 28).
THEMES: GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE HIS PEOPLE, HIS PROMISES OR HIS COVENANT. WE MUST FULFILL OUT COVENANT WITH GOD TO BE TOTALLY OBEDIENT TO HIS WORD. IN ORDER TO DO A GREAT WORK FOR GOD, WE MUST FIRST HAVE A GREAT HEART FOR GOD. GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING IN OUR LIVES, EVEN WHEN WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND HIS WAYS OR SEE HIS HAND. EVEN THOUGH PEOPLE AND NATIONS SOMETIMES FAIL, GOD NEVER FAILS. WE SHOULD APPRECIATE OUR HERITAGE AND SIGNIFICANCE IN GOD’S EYES. GOD BLESSES OBEDIENCE, AND PUNISHES DISOBEDIENCE.
OUTLINE: 1. GENEALOGIES FROM ADAM TO DAVID. (1 : 1-9 : 44) 2. ANOINTING OF DAVID AS KING OVER ISRAEL. (10 : 1-12 : 40) 3. BRINGING THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TO JERUSALEM. (13 : 1-17 : 27) 4. BATTLE VICTORIES OF DAVID. (18 : 1-20 : 8) 5. CENSUS OF ISRAEL. (21 : 1-27 : 34) 6. PLANS FOR THE TEMPLE. (28 : 1-29 : 9) 7. FINAL WORDS AND DEEDS OF DAVID. (29 : 10-29 : 30)
BOOK OF 2 CHRONICLES
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLE EZRA)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 450 AND 400 B. C. (COMPILED FROM EARLIER SOURCES).
TIME SPAN: 433-440 YEARS (PERIOD OF TIME FROM S O L O M O N’ S REIGN THROUGH THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY).
TITLE: THE BOOKS OF 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES ARE SO NAMED BECAUSE THEY ”“ CHRONICLE ”“ THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF GOD’S PEOPLE FROM GENESIS THROUGH KINGS. THE TITLE USED IN THE HEBREW BIBLE MEANS ”“ THE ACCOUNTS OF THE DAYS. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE LAST BOOK OF THE HEBREW BIBLE HAS BEEN BROKEN DOWN INTO 1 AND 2 CHRONICLES IN MODERN TRANSLATIONS. THE CHRONICLES ARE DIFFERENT IN PERSPECTIVE FROM THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL AND KINGS, EVEN THOUGH THEY COVER MUCH OF THE SAME MATERIAL. INSTEAD OF PROPHETIC, MORAL AND POLITICAL VIEWS, THEY ARE PRESENTED FROM A PRIEST’S POINT OF VIEW, EVALUATING THE NATION’S RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 2 CHRONICLES IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF 1 CHRONICLES.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY JUDAH).
TO WHOM: TO THE REMNANT OF JUDAH RETURNING FROM BABYLON.
CONTENT: 2 CHRONICLES RECORDS THE HISTORY OF THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM OF JUDAH, FROM THE REIGN OF SOLOMON TO THE CONCLUSION OF THE BABYLONIAN EXILE. THE DECLINE OF JUDAH IS DISAPPOINTING, BUT EMPHASIS IS GIVEN TO THE SPIRITUAL REFORMERS WHO ZEALOUSLY SEEK TO TURN THE PEOPLE BACK TO GOD. LITTLE IS SAID ABOUT THE BAD KINGS OR OF THE FAILURES OF GOOD KINGS; ONLY GOODNESS IS STRESSED. SINCE CHRONICLES TAKES A PRIESTLY PERSPECTIVE, THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL IS RARELY MENTIONED BECAUSE OF HER FALSE WORSHIP AND REFUSAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM. 2 CHRONICLES CONCLUDES WITH THE FINAL DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TEMPLE ”“ ; ”“ REVIVAL. ”“ THE ”“ TEMPLE ”“ OF GOD IS REPEATEDLY EMPHASIZED: IT’S CONSTRUCTION; CONSECRATION (CHAPTER 7); SERVICE; WORSHIP; DESTRUCTION; AND, FINALLY, C Y R U S’ S EDICT TO REBUILD IT. GREAT ”“ REVIVALS ”“ TAKE PLACE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A S A, JEHOSHAPHAT, J O A S H, HEZEKIAH AND JOSIAH.
THEMES: OBEDIENCE IS VICTORY, DISOBEDIENCE IS DEFEAT. GOD DESIRES TO FORGIVE AND HEAL THOSE WHO WILL HUMBLY PRAY AND REPENT. A NATION’S LEADERS ARE A REFLECTION OF A NATION’S PEOPLE. NO WORTHY PROJECT CAN BE COMPLETED RIGHT WITHOUT THE HELP OF ALMIGHTY GOD. GOD HATES SIN AND WILL NOT TOLERATE IT. OUR PERSONAL EFFORTS ARE WORTHLESS IF DONE OUTSIDE OF THE WILL OF GOD.
OUTLINE: 1. THE REIGN OF SOLOMON (1 : 1-1 : 17) 2. S O L O M O N’ S BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. (2 : 1-7 : 22) 3. LATTER YEARS OF S O L O M O N’ S REIGN. (8 : 1-9 : 31) 4. THE REIGN OF THE KINGS OF JUDAH. (10 : 1-36 : 14) 5. THE FALL OF JERUSALEM. (36 : 15-36 : 23)
BOOK OF EZRA
AUTHOR: PROBABLY EZRA.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 457 AND 444 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 81 YEARS.
TITLE: FROM ONE OF THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTERS: EZRA.
BACKGROUND: EZRA CONTINUES FROM THE EXACT PLACE WHERE 2 CHRONICLES ENDS: CYRUS, KING OF PERSIA, ISSUES A DECREE WHICH PERMITS THE JEWS OF THE KINGDOM TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM AFTER 70 YEARS OF CAPTIVITY. THE EXODUS OF ISRAEL FROM EGYPT INCLUDED SOME 3 MILLION PEOPLE, BUT FEWER THAN 50, 000 PEOPLE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS ”“ SECOND EXODUS ”“ OF 900 MILES FROM BABYLONIA BACK TO JERUSALEM. AT LEAST PARTS OF THIS PERIOD COINCIDE IN TIME WITH THESE HISTORICAL FIGURES: GAUTAMA BUDDHA IN INDIA; CONFUCIUS IN CHINA; SOCRATES IN GREECE (FOLLOWED BY HIS PUPIL, PLATO); AND PERICLES IN ATHENS (ERECTING THE PARTHENON).
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: AFTER C Y R U S’ S EDICT, Z E R U B B A B E L LEADS THE FIRST RETURN TO GOD’S PEOPLE TO REBUILD THE RUINS OF JERUSALEM AND THE TEMPLE THAT HAVE BEEN DESTROYED. BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR. THE WORK IS REPEATEDLY HAMPERED BY SHORTAGES OF RESOURCES AND EXTERNAL OPPOSITION. THESE DISCOURAGEMENTS BRING ALL WORK TO A HALT UNTIL GOD SENDS THE PROPHETS HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH TO ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE, WHO THEN ENTHUSIASTICALLY REBUILD THE ALTAR AND THE TEMPLE OF GOD. SOME YEARS LATER, EZRA LEADS A RETURN OF PRIESTS FROM CAPTIVITY TO JERUSALEM. E Z R A’ S EFFECTIVE MINISTRY INCLUDES: TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD, I N T I A T I N G REFORMS, RESTORING WORSHIP AND LEADING SPIRITUAL REVIVAL IN JERUSALEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ RETURN ”“ ; ”“ REDEDICATE. ”“ FROM BONDAGE, GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NOW READY TO ”“ RETURN ”“ TO THEIR LAND, THEIR WORSHIP AND THEIR GOD. THEY HAVE TO ”“ REDEDICATE ”“ THEMSELVES TO REBUILDING ALL THEY HAVE LOST: THE ALTAR, THE TEMPLE, AND THEIR FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD.
THEMES: GOD S O V E R E I G N L Y LOOKS OVER AND PROTECTS HIS CHILDREN. GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES. WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE RECEIVE PUNISHMENT FOR SIN, IT SHOWS THAT PURE LOVE INCLUDES CORRECTION. IN RETURN FOR GOD’S ENDURING LOVE, WE OUGHT TO OBEY HIS WORD. NO PROBLEM IS TOO BIG TO STOP A PLAN MADE IN THE WILL OF GOD. OUR GOALS SHOULD BE WORTHY IN GOD’S EYES AS WELL AS OUR OWN. OUR SORROW OF YESTERDAY CAN BE OUR SUCCESSES OF TODAY.
OUTLINE: 1. THE EXILES RETURN TO JERUSALEM. (1 : 1-2 : 70) 2. THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS REBUILT. (3 : 1-6 : 22) 3. EZRA COMES TO JERUSALEM AND REFORMS THE PEOPLE. (7 : 1-10 : 44)
BOOK OF NEHEMIAH
AUTHOR: PROBABLY NEHEMIAH (HOWEVER, SOME SCHOLARS SUGGEST THAT EZRA MAY HAVE WRITTEN PARTS OF THE BOOK WHILE USING N E H E M I A H’ S MEMOIRS TO RECORD THE REST.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 445 AND 420 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 19-25 YEARS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: NEHEMIAH.
BACKGROUND: SOME 12 YEARS AFTER THE BOOK OF EZRA ENDS WITH E Z R A’ S REFORMS IN JERUSALEM, THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH BEGINS WITH NEHEMIAH RECEIVING WORD THAT JERUSALEM IS AGAIN IN SHAMBLES BOTH PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. THIS BREAKS N E H E M I A H’ S HEART, AND HE WEEPS FOR MANY DAYS. NEHEMIAH IS THE C U P B E A R E R FOR ARTAXERXES, THE KING OF PERSIA, AND IS GRANTED PERMISSION TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM ON A MISSION OF RESTORATION.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: NEHEMIAH IS GIVEN PERMISSION BY THE KING OF PERSIA TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM, WHERE HE REBUILDS THE WALLS OF THE CITY AND MADE A GOVERNOR. THE PEOPLE, INSPIRED BY NEHEMIAH, GIVE TITHES OF MUCH MONEY, SUPPLIES AND MANPOWER TO COMPLETE THE WALL IN A REMARKABLE 52 DAYS, DESPITE MUCH OPPOSITION. THIS UNITED EFFORT IS SHORT-LIVED, HOWEVER, BECAUSE JERUSALEM FALLS BACK INTO APOSTASY WHEN NEHEMIAH LEAVES FOR A WHILE. BUT HE THEN RETURNS TO RE-ESTABLISH TRUE WORSHIP THROUGH PRAYER AND BY ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE TO REVIVAL BY READING AND ADHERING TO THE WORD OF GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ GOAL ”“ ; ”“ REBUILD. ”“ WE ALL NEED GOALS, GOALS THAT REFLECT VISIONS, GOALS THAT REALLY MATTER, GOALS THAT INCLUDE GOD. N E H E M I A H’ S ”“ GOAL ”“ IS TO ”“ REBUILD ”“ THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM. NOTHING LESS THAN TOTAL COMPLETION WILL BE SATISFACTORY.
THEMES: EACH IF US OUGHT TO HAVE GENUINE COMPASSION FOR OTHERS WHO HAVE SPIRITUAL OR PHYSICAL HURTS. TO FEEL COMPASSION, YET DO NOTHING TO HELP, IS UNFOUNDED B I B L I C A L L Y. AT TIMES WE MAY HAVE TO GIVE UP OUR OWN COMFORT IN ORDER TO MINISTER PROPERLY TO OTHERS. WE MUST TOTALLY BELIEVE IN A CAUSE BEFORE WE WILL GIVE OUR TIME OR MONEY TO IT WITH A RIGHT HEART. WHEN WE ALLOW GOD TO MINISTER THROUGH US, EVEN UNBELIEVERS WILL KNOW IT IS GOD’S WORK.
OUTLINE: 1. NEHEMIAH REBUILDS JERUSALEM’S WALLS. (1 : 1-6 : 19) 2. EZRA MINISTERS THE LAW TO THE PEOPLE. (7 : 1-10 : 39) 3. LAWS AND REFORMS ARE OBEYED. (11:1-13 : 31)
BOOK OF ESTHER
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 485 AND 435 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 10 YEARS.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: ESTHER.
BACKGROUND: THE STORY OF ESTHER TAKES PLACE DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME BETWEEN THE SEPARATE RETURNS TO JERUSALEM LED BY Z E R U B B A B E L AND EZRA (BETWEEN CHAPTERS 6 AND 7 OF THE BOOK OF EZRA). AFTER 70 YEARS OF CAPTIVITY, ABOUT 50, 000 I S R A E L I T E S RETURN TO THEIR HOMELAND OF JERUSALEM, BUT THE VAST MAJORITY DETERMINE TO REMAIN IN PERSIA. ESTHER’S STORY TAKES PLACES AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND WHILE IN THE KING’S PALACE IN S H U S H A N (S U S A), THE PERSIAN CAPITAL. RUTH AND ESTHER ARE THE ONLY BOOKS OF THE BIBLE NAMED AFTER WOMEN. ESTHER IS A JEWISH WOMAN WHO MARRIES A GENTILE; RUTH, GENTILE WOMAN MARRIES A JEW.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY PERSIA).
TO WHOM: TO THE JEWS WHO REMAIN IN PERSIA INSTEAD OF RETURNING TO JERUSALEM.
CONTENT: ESTHER, WHOSE JEWISH HERITAGE HAS BEEN KEPT SECRET, IS CHOSEN QUEEN TO KING A H A S U E R U S OF PERSIA AFTER V A S H I IS DEMOTED FROM THE SAME POSITION. HAMAN, AN EVIL A D V I S O R TO THE KING, PLANS TO EXTERMINATE THE JEWISH PEOPLE (CHAPTER 3). BUT ESTHER HAS THE FAITH AND COURAGE TO CARRY OUT THE PLAN OF HER WISE COUSIN, M O R D E C A I, AND RISKS HER VERY LIFE, WHICH RESULTS IN THE DELIVERANCE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE. THE FEAST OF PURIM IS INSTITUTED TO REMIND THE PEOPLE OF GOD’S DELIVERANCE (CHAPTER 9). EVEN TO THIS DAY THERE IS A PUBLIC READING OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER DURING THIS CELEBRATION.
KEY WORDS: ”“ BEAUTY ”“ ; ”“ PROVIDENCE. ”“ GOD HAS BLESSED ESTHER WITH MUCH OUTWARD PHYSICAL ”“ BEAUTY, ”“ BUT IT IS THE ”“ BEAUTY ”“ OF HER HEART THAT SETS HER APART FOR THE ”“ PROVIDENCE ”“ OF GOD TO BE SHOWN. IT IS NOT BY CHANCE THAT THIS JEWISH GIRL RISES FROM TOTAL OBSCURITY TO BECOME THE QUEEN OF THE MOST POWERFUL EMPIRE OF THE WORLD. THE NAME OF GOD DOES NOT APPEAR ONCE IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER, BUT GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL CARE AND LEADING ARE NOT TO BE DENIED.
THEMES: GOD MAY HAVE BIGGER PLANS FOR OUR LIVES THAN WE HAVE FOR OURSELVES. GOD MAY PUT US IN POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP OR INFLUENCE SO WE CAN MORE THOROUGHLY ACCOMPLISH FOR HIS PURPOSES. GOD ANSWERS PRAYER AND FASTING BY ENABLING US TO OVERCOME OUR HUMAN OBSTACLES. GOD PROVIDENTIALLY PROVIDES FOR HIS OWN. GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH EXTRAORDINARY THINGS FOR HIM. GOD AT TIMES MAY HAVE TO DISCIPLINE US, BUT HE WILL NEVER ABANDON US.
OUTLINE: 1. ESTHER BECOMES QUEEN (1 : 1-2 : 18) 2. HAMAN PLOTS TO DESTROY THE JEWS. (2 : 19-5 : 14) 3. M O R D E C A I IS HONORED AT HAMAN’S EXPENSE. (6 : 1-8 : 2) 4. THE JEWS TRIUMPH. (8 : 3-10 : 3)
BOOK OF JOB
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN. (HOWEVER, SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE JOB, E L I H U, MOSES AND SOLOMON.)
DATE WRITTEN: SCHOLARS PLACE THE DATE OF THE AUTHORSHIP OF JOB ANYWHERE FROM THE TIME OF ABRAHAM TO THE TIME THE JEWS RETURN FROM THEIR BABYLONIAN EXILE.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S CHIEF CHARACTER: JOB.
BACKGROUND: AS THE BOOK OF JOB BEGINS, JOB IS ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST AND MOST PROSPEROUS MEN ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH. HE FEARS GOD AND LIVES AN UPRIGHT LIFE DURING THE ANCIENT PATRIARCHAL PERIOD IN THE LAND OF UZ (REGION OF NORTHERN ARABIA).
WHERE WRITTEN: UNKNOWN (POSSIBLY THE PALESTINIAN AREA).
TO WHOM: TO NO SPECIFIC PEOPLE.
CONTENT: WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? THIS IS THE QUESTION RAISED AFTER JOB LOSES HIS FAMILY, HIS WEALTH AND HIS HEALTH. JOB’S 3 FRIENDS, E L I P H A Z, B I L D A D AND Z O P H A R, COME TO COMFORT HIM AND TO DISCUSS HIS CRUSHING SERIES OF TRAGEDIES. THEY INSIST HIS SUFFERING IS PUNISHMENT FOR SIN IN HIS LIFE. JOB, THOUGH, REMAINS DEVOTED TO GOD THROUGH ALL OF THIS AND CONTENDS THAT HIS LIFE HAS NOT BEEN ONE OF SIN. A FOURTH MAN, E L I H U, TELLS JOB HE NEEDS TO HUMBLE HIMSELF AND SUBMIT TO GOD’S USE OF TRIALS TO PURIFY HIS LIFE. FINALLY, JOB QUESTIONS GOD AND LEARNS VALUABLE LESSONS ABOUT THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD AND HIS NEED TO TOTALLY TRUST IN THE LORD. JOB IS THEN RESTORED TO HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY, EVEN BEYOND HIS EARLIER STATE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TRIALS ”“ ; ”“ SUFFERING ”“ ; ”“ COMFORT. ”“ TO LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE. DESPITE TORMENT AND ”“ TRIALS, ”“ JOB WAS STEADFAST IN HIS BELIEF IN GOD, FOR AS HE TOLD HIS WIFE, ”“ SHALL WE RECEIVE GOOD AT THE HAND OF GOD AND SHALL WE NOT RECEIVE EVIL? ”“ (2 : 10). CHRISTIANS TODAY ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM BROKEN HEARTS OR ”“ SUFFERING, ”“ BUT THROUGH IT ALL WE, LIKE JOB, CAN REST IN THE FACT THAT GOD IS FAIR, OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT AND SOVEREIGN. HE WILL ”“ COMFORT ”“ US IF WE WILL TURN TO HIM.
THEMES: SATAN CANNOT BRING FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL DESTRUCTION UPON US UNLESS IT IS GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL, AND GOD WILL SET THE LIMITS. IT IS BEYOND OUR HUMAN ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE ”“ WHYS ”“ BEHIND ALL THE SUFFERING IN THE WORLD. REST ASSURED, THE WICKED WILL RECEIVE THEIR JUST DUES. WE CANNOT BLAME ALL THE SUFFERING ON THE SIN IN A SUFFERER’S LIFE. SUFFERING MAY SOMETIMES BE ALLOWED IN OUR LIVES TO PURIFY, TO TEST, TO TEACH OR TO STRENGTHEN THE SOUL BY SHOWING US THAT WHEN WE HAVE LOST ALL, AND ONLY GOD REMAINS, GOD REMAINS ENOUGH. GOD DESERVES AND REQUESTS OUR LOVE AND PRAISE REGARDLESS OF OUR LOT IN LIFE. GOD WILL DELIVER ALL SUFFERING BELIEVERS EITHER IN THIS LIFE OR IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME.
OUTLINE: 1. JOB BACKGROUNDS AND ASSAULTS FROM SATAN. (1 : 1-2 : 13) 2. JOB’S DEBATES WITH HIS 3 FRIENDS. (3 : 1-31 : 40) 3. E L I H U’ S SPEAKING OUT FOR GOD’S FAIRNESS. (32 : 1-37 : 24) 4. GOD’S INTERVENTION. (38 : 1-41 : 34) 5. JOB’S RESTORATION. (42 : 1-42 : 17)
BOOK OF PSALMS
AUTHOR: PRIMARILY DAVID, BUT ALSO AT LEAST 7 OTHER WRITERS: MOSES, SOLOMON, A S A P H, ETHAN, H E M A N AND THE SONS OF K O R A H. SOME OF THE PSALMS ARE ANONYMOUS.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1450 AND 430 B. C. (DUE TO THE NUMEROUS AUTHORS, THE TIME SPAN IS GREAT. HOWEVER, THE MAJORITY WERE WRITTEN ABOUT 1000 B. C.)
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 1, 000 YEARS (THE PERIOD FROM THE TIME OF MOSES TO THE RETURN OF THE I S R A E L I T E S FROM BABYLONIAN EXILE).
TITLE: THE WORD ”“ PSALMS ”“ MEANS ”“ PRAISES ”“ A TERM THAT REFLECTS MUCH OF THE BOOK’S CONTENT. ”“ PSALM ”“ COMES FROM A GREEK WORD WHICH MEANS ”“ A SONG SUNG TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A PLUCKED INSTRUMENT. ”“ THE HEBREW TITLE OF THIS BOOK MEANS ”“ PRAISE SONGS. ”“
BACKGROUND: PSALMS IS THE LONGEST BOOK IN THE BIBLE AND INCLUDES THE LONGEST CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE (CHAPTER 119). THE BOOK OF PSALMS IS MADE UP OF 150 POEMS COMPOSED TO BE SET TO MUSIC.
WHERE WRITTEN: NUMEROUS AREAS DUE TO THE NUMEROUS AUTHORS.
TO WHOM: TO THE I S R A E L I T E S.
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF PSALMS IS USED AS THE TEMPLE HYMNBOOK DURING THE KINGDOM PERIOD FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORSHIP. THE 5 DIVISIONS OR BOOKS OF PSALMS CORRESPOND IN ORDER AND IN THOUGHT TO THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES. BY VIRTUE OF SEVERAL AUTHORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS COLLECTION OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE PSALMS COVER ALMOST EVERY AREA OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND EMOTION: FEAR VS. CONFIDENCE; ANGER VS. COMPASSION; SORROW VS. JOY; AND PRAYER AND PRAISES FOR THE PSALMIST’S MAJESTIC GOD. DAVID WRITES THE MAJORITY OF HIS PSALMS WHILE FLEEING FROM SAUL AND HIS ARMY. SEVERAL PSALMS REFER TO THE MESSIAH OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST: HIS COMING, HIS DEATH AND HIS RESURRECTION.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PRAISE ”“ : ”“ TRUST. ”“ THESE 150 PSALMS ABOUND IN ”“ PRAISE ”“ TO GOD FOR ALL THAT HE IS, ALL THAT HE HAS DONE AND ALL THAT HE WILL DO. GOD’S PEOPLE ARE CONTINUALLY COMMENDED TO ”“ TRUST ”“ GOD FOR HIS PROTECTION, LOVE AND DELIVERANCE.
THEMES: SIN IS ALWAYS REBELLION AGAINST GOD. SIN WILL ALWAYS BE PUNISHED. A LIFE OF CONSECRATED RIGHTEOUSNESS HATES SIN. GOD LOVES EACH OF US AND IS CONCERNED FOR EVERY AREA OF OUR LIVES. WE CAN APPROACH GOD JUST AS WE ARE, WITH ALL OUR CONCERNS. A LIFE OF PRAISE IS A LIFE OF VICTORY. GOD CAN BE TRUSTED DURING OUR TIMES OF SORROW AS WELL AS OUR TIMES OF JOY.
OUTLINE: 1. BOOK ONE: PSALMS. (1 : 1-41 : 1) 2. BOOK TWO: PSALMS. (42 : 1-72 : 1) 3. BOOK THREE: PSALMS. (73 :1-89 : 1) 4. BOOK FOUR: PSALMS. (90 : 1-106 : 1) 5. BOOK FIVE: PSALMS. (107 : 1-150 : 1)
BOOK OF PROVERBS
AUTHOR: PRINCIPALLY KING SOLOMON, BUT A G U R, KING LEMUEL AND OTHERS MADE CONTRIBUTIONS.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 1000 AND 700 B. C. HOWEVER, THE MAJORITY OF THE PROVERBS WERE WRITTEN BY SOLOMON BY 931 B. C. (THE BOOK WAS NOT EDITED INTO IT’S PRESENT-DAY FORM UNTIL SOME YEARS LATER.)
TIME SPAN: UNKNOWN, BUT PRIMARILY DURING THE YEARS OF S O L O M O N’ S LIFE.
TITLE: THE HEBREW TITLE OF THIS BOOK MEANS ”“ PROVERBS OF SOLOMON. ”“
BACKGROUND: SOLOMON SUCCEEDS HIS FATHER DAVID TO RULE AS KING OF ISRAEL. AFTER ASKING GOD FOR WISDOM, SOLOMON IS SO BLESSED THAT PEOPLE COME FROM FAR AWAY TO LEARN FROM HIM. THIS COLLECTION OF WISE SAYINGS IS A PART OF THESE TEACHINGS. THE BOOK OF PROVERBS IS A COLLECTION OF ROUGHLY ONE-FOURTH OF THE 3, 000 PROVERBS AND 1, 005 SONGS ATTRIBUTED TO SOLOMON.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JUDAH.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
CONTENT: PROVERBS IS AN ASSORTMENT OF WISE SAYINGS RELATING SPIRITUAL TRUTHS AND COMMON SENSE. THESE PROVERBS GIVES INSTRUCTION CONCERNING EVERY CONCEIVABLE AREA OF HUMAN LIFE, OFTEN CONTRASTING THE U N G O D L Y VIEW OF THE FOOL VERSUS THE GODLY PERSPECTIVE OF THE WISE. THESE TRUTHS GIVE COUNSEL WHICH HELPS BOTH TO PREVENT AND TO CORRECT U N G O D L Y LIFESTYLES. PROVERBS ARE PRACTICAL, TIMELESS AND IDEAL FOR MEMORIZING. THE BOOK ENDS WITH A CLOSE LOOK AT THE QUALITIES OF A GODLY WOMAN IN RELATION TO HER HUSBAND, HER CHILDREN AND HER NEIGHBORS (CHAPTER 31).
KEY WORDS: ”“ WISDOM ”“ ; ”“ FOLLY. ”“ THE ABILITY TO LIVE WITH PRACTICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SCRUTINIZED. THIS ”“ WISDOM ”“ HELPS US TO DISCERN BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL, TRUTH AND ERROR, AND DIVINE AND HUMAN PERSPECTIVES. ”“ THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS BEGINNING OF WISDOM ”“ (9 : 10), ”“ BUT THE FOLLY OF FOOLS IS DECEIT ”“ (14 : 8).
THEMES: TRUE WISDOM CANNOT BE GAINED APART FROM GOD. GOD IS CONCERNED THAT WE SUBMIT EVEN SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT AREAS OF OUR LIVES TO HIS LORDSHIP. WE SHOULD NOT RELY ON OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, BUT ON THE TRUTHS THAT GOD TEACHES US. GOD WILL DIRECT OUR PATHS. GODLY SUCCESS IN LIFE COMES FROM OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD. GOD DESIRES FOR US TO BE HAPPY. GOD HAS MADE HAPPINESS AVAILABLE TO US IF WE WILL ONLY FEAR, TRUST AND OBEY HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. PURPOSE AND THEME OF PROVERBS. (1 : 1-1 : 6) 2. WISDOM AND FOLLY CONTRASTED. (1 : 7-9 : 18) 3. PROVERBS OF SOLOMON. (10 : 1-24 : 34) 4. PROVERBS OF SOLOMON COLLECTED BY KING H E Z E K I A H’ S MEN. (25 : 1-29 : 27) 5. SAYINGS OF A G U R. (30 : 1-30 : 33) 6. SAYINGS OF KING LEMUEL. (31 : 1-31 : 31)
BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES
AUTHOR: PROBABLY SOLOMON.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 940 AND 935 B. C.
TIME SPAN: UNKNOWN (PROBABLY DURING THE LATTER YEARS OF S O L O M O N’ S REIGN).
TITLE: THIS TITLE FROM THE GREEK MEANS ”“ PREACHER. ”“
BACKGROUND: THOUGH THE AUTHOR HAS A LIFE FULL OF PLEASURES, WEALTH, POWER AND PRESTIGE, HE STILL SEEKS HAPPINESS. THE MAJORITY OF ECCLESIASTES IS PROBABLY WRITTEN AS SOLOMON ANALYZES PAST FAILURES AND APOSTASY IN HIS LIFE.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES BEGINS WITH THE AUTHOR SHARING HIS REASONS FOR VIEWING LIFE AS MEANINGLESS, FUTILE AND FULL OF VANITY. HIS THOUGHTS CONTEND THAT DESPITE MAN’S LABOR, ATTAINMENTS, POPULARITY OR POSSESSIONS, DEATH AWAITS ALL. HE REALIZES THAT THERE IS A TIME AND A SEASON FOR ALL THINGS (CHAPTER 3), BUT DOES NOT KNOW HOW MAN CAN FULLY UNDERSTAND WHEN THESE TIMES ARE RELEVANT. THIS CONFESSION OF PESSIMISM EVENTUALLY GIVES WAY TO THE TRUTH THAT THERE IS NO JOY FOR MAN APART FROM HIS CREATOR. THE AUTHOR REALIZES AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY PROCLAIMS THE ANSWER: SATISFACTION, MEANING AND HAPPINESS DO NOT COME FROM THE ATTAINMENTS OF LIFE, BUT FROM THE LORD OF LIFE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ VANITY ”“ ; ”“ LABOR. ”“ WITHOUT GOD, THERE IS NO SENSE TO BE MADE OUT OF OUR LIVES. ALL IS ”“ VANITY ”“ EMPTINESS AND HOPELESSNESS. OUR EARTHLY ”“ LABOR ”“ WILL CONTINUALLY FRUSTRATE AND DISAPPOINT US IF WE SEEK IT AS AN END TO ITSELF.
THEMES: EARTHLY GOALS APART FROM GOD WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. MONEY WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. FFAME WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. POWER WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. ACCOMPLISHMENTS WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS, HUMAN WISDOM WILL NOT BRING US HAPPINESS. A LIFE THAT IS TOTALLY SUBMISSIVE AND DEVOTED TO GOD WILL BRING HAPPINESS. A YOUTHFUL LIFE OBEDIENT TO GOD WILL BRING JOY TO OUR LATTER YEARS, A YOUTHFUL LIFE DISOBEDIENT TO GOD WILL BRING SORROW TO OUR LATTER YEARS. WE OUGHT TO ENJOY LIFE EVEN THOUGH AT TIMES WE WILL HAVE TROUBLES. THE CLOSER WE WALK WITH GOD, THE MORE AWARE WE BECOME OF HIS BLESSINGS IN OUR LIVES. TODAY COULD BE OUR LAST ON THIS EARTH, WE SHOULD VIEW IT AS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD.
OUTLINE: 1. ALL IS VANITY. (1 : 1-2 : 26) 2. A TIME FOR EVERYTHING. (3 : 1-3 : 22) 3. DISAPPOINTMENTS AND INEQUALITIES OF LIFE. (4 : 1-8 : 17) 4. A COMMON DESTINY FOR ALL. (9 : 1-12 : 8) 5. CONCLUSION: FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. (12 : 9-12 : 14)
BOOK OF SONG OF SOLOMON
AUTHOR: PROBABLY SOLOMON
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 965 AND 960 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 1 YEAR
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS TITLED ”“ SONG OF SOLOMON ”“ BECAUSE IT IS A LOVE SONG ABOUT SOLOMON AND HIS BRIDE. IT IS ALSO CALLED ”“ SONG OF SONGS, ”“ WHICH MEANS ”“ THE SUPREME SONG. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE SETTING OF THE BOOK IS PROBABLY EARLY IN S O L O M O N’ S REIGN. MOST OF THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN THE PALACE AT JERUSALEM OR IN THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY LEADING TO THE BRIDE’S HOME. THE SONG OF SOLOMON MORE EXPLICITELY DEALS WITH THE TOPICS OF SEX AND MARRIAGE THAN ANY OTHER BOOK IN THE BIBLE. WHILE THERE ARE MANY INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS STORY, MANY VIEW IT AS ALLEGORICALLY PORTRAYING GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL AND/OR CHRIST’S LOVE FOR HIS CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE BRIDE.
CONTENT: THE SONG OF SOLOMON IS A CELEBRATION OF LOVE BETWEEN A MAN (SOLOMON) AND A WOMAN (THE S H U L A M I T E SHEPHERD GIRL). THIS COLLECTION OF POEMS, IN THE FORM OF SONGS, P R O T R A Y S THE DEEP AND PURE LOVE OF TWO WHO ARE NOW LOOKING BACK OVER MEMORIES OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP. THE POOR S H U L A M I T E GIRL HAD WORKED IN THE COUNTRY IN A VINEYARD OWNED BY KING SOLOMON. UPON VISITING THE VINEYARD, SOLOMON AND THE S H U L A M I T E FELL IN LOVE, AND HE TOOK HER TO HIS PALACE IN JERUSALEM TO BE HIS WIFE. THE LYRICS FOLLOWING COVER ALMOST EVERY AREA OF THEIR MUTUAL FEELINGS: ADMIRATION FOR EACH O T H E R’ S PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES, THEIR MARRIAGE, SEXUALITY, DESIRES AND JOYS. THE PROBLEMS OF SEPARATION AND JEALOUSY ARISE BUT ARE QUICKLY RESOLVED BY EMPHASIZING THEIR ORIGINAL TRUE LOVE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ LOVE ”“ ; ”“ MARRIAGE. ”“ THE SONG OF SOLOMON BEAUTIFULLY PORTRAYS THE QUALITIES OF A PURE ”“ LOVE ”“ AND INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ”“ MARRIAGE. ”“ TO DEVELOP THIS KIND OF A RELATIONSHIP REQUIRES TOTAL HONESTY, UNSELFISHNESS AND UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT.
THEMES: SEX AND MARRIAGE ARE ORDAINED BY GOD AND ARE GOOD IN HIS SIGHT WHEN COMBINED. GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL (AND CHRIST’S LOVE FOR THE CHURCH, HIS BRIDE) IS MUCH GREATER THAN ANY HUMAN LOVE. ALTHOUGH A PERSON MAY BE POVERTY-STRICKEN FINANCIALLY, HE CAN BE RICH SPIRITUALLY BY LOVING GOD AND KNOWING THAT GOD UNCONDITIONALLY LOVES HIM. AN IDEAL MARRIAGE WILL BE TENDER AND AFFECTIONATE, YET STRONG DURING TIMES OF TRIALS.
OUTLINE: 1. SOLOMON AND THE S H U L A M I T E GIRL FALL IN LOVE. (1 : 1-3 : 5) 2. THE TWO ARE UNITED IN MARRIAGE. (3 : 6-5 : 1) 3. THE BRIDE AND GROOM FACE PAINFUL STRUGGLES. (5 : 2-7 : 9) 4. THE BRIDE AND GROOM REUNITE AND GROW IN THEIR LOVE. (7 : 9-8 : 14)
BOOK OF ISAIAH
AUTHOR: ISAIAH
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 745 AND 680 B. C.
TIME SPAN: I S A I A H’ S PROPHETIC MINISTRY LASTS ABOUT 60 YEARS DURING THE REIGN OF 4 KINGS OF JUDAH: U Z Z I A H, J O T H A M, A H A Z AND HEZEKIAH,
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET ISAIAH.
BACKGROUND: THE WELL-EDUCATED, POLITICALLY ASTUTE ISAIAH LIVES IN JERUSALEM, THE CAPITAL OF JUDAH. ISAIAH HAS MESSAGES FOR ALL OF ISRAEL, BUT HIS MINISTRY IS PRIMARILY DIRECTED TO JUDAH. HOSEA AND MICAH ARE PROPHESYING GOD’S WORD AT THIS SAME TIME. TRADITION HAS IT THAT ISAIAH IS S A W N INTO PIECES DURING THE REIGN OF EVIL MANASSEH. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH BEGINS THE PROPHETICAL SECTION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO THE NATION OF JUDAH, BUT ALSO TO ALL THE SURROUNDING NATIONS.
CONTENT: WHILE JUDAH IS SPIRITUALLY DESTITUTE, ISRAEL IS EVEN MORE CORRUPT. AFTER ISAIAH PROPHESIES THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL BY ASSYRIA, WHICH INDEED TAKES PLACE SHORTLY THEREAFTER, HE TURNS HIS ATTENTION TO JUDAH. HIS MESSAGE TO JUDAH AND THE SURROUNDING NATIONS IS THAT THE JUDGMENT OF GOD WILL COME UPON THEM ALSO. IF THEY DO NOT TURN FROM THEIR EVIL WAYS, THEY WILL BE LED INTO CAPTIVITY BY THE BABYLONIANS. ALL IS NOT GLOOM, HOWEVER, AS ISAIAH ASSURES THE PEOPLE: THOSE IN CAPTIVITY WILL BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO JERUSALEM UNDER CYRUS’S EDICT; A ”“SUFFERING SERVANT ”“ WILL BE BORN OF A VIRGIN AS THE CHILD OF GOD TO BE THE MESSIAH AND BRING SALVATION TO THE WORLD; AND THE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM WILL TAKE PLACE AND BRING ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO THE NEW ZION. ISAIAH’S PROPHECIES CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST ARE CRYSTAL CLEAR, THOROUGH AND PROBABLY MORE DETAILED THAN IN ANY OTHER OLD TESTAMENT BOOK.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JUDGMENT ”“ ; ”“ SALVATION. ”“ I S A I A H’ S 66 CHAPTERS CAN BE LIKENED TO A MINIATURE BIBLE. THE FIRST 39 CHAPTERS CORRESPOND TO THE 39 BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT BY EMPHASIZING GOD’S ”“ JUDGMENT ”“ UPON THOSE WHO REFUSE TO REPENT AND TURN TO HIM IN FAITH. THE FINAL 27 CHAPTERS PARALLEL THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT BY FOCUSING ON THE MESSIAH, WHO IS OUR ”“ SALVATION. ”“
THEMES: GOD IS OUR ETERNAL COMFORTER, REDEEMER AND SAVIOR. GOD WILL PARDON US OF OUR SINS IF WE WILL FORSAKE OUR PAST AND TURN TO HIM. THE FLEETING PLEASURE OF SIN IN OUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE WORTH THE EXTREME PRICE WE MUST PAY FOR IT (JUDGMENT FROM GOD). GOD IS HOLY AND WILL NOT TARRY WHILE UNHOLINESS PERSISTS IN HIS COVENANT PEOPLE. DELIEVERANCE IS OF GOD, NOT OF MAN. THE GREATEST SUCCESS IN THE WORLD IS BEING OBEDIENT TO THE WILL OF GOD.
OUTLINE: 1. I S A I A H’ S COMMISSION TO PROCLAIM JUDGMENT. (1 : 1-6 : 13) 2. DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL BY ASSYRIA. (7 : 1-10 : 4) 3. DESTRUCTION OF ASSYRIA BY GOD. (10 : 5-12 : 6) 4. PROPHECIES CONCERNING OTHER HEATHEN NATIONS. (13 : 1-23 : 18) 5. ISRAEL’S JUDGMENT AND DELIVERANCE. (24 : 1-27 : 13) 6. ZION’S RESTORATION. (28 : 1-35 : 10) 7. DELAY OF JUDGMENT FOR JERUSALEM THROUGH H E Z E K I A H’ S PRAYERS. (36 : 1-39 : 8) 8. PROPHECY OF ISRAEL’S DELIVERANCE AND DELIVERER. (40 : 1-57 : 21) 9. THE FINAL KINGDOM AND IT’S GLORY. (58 : 1-66 : 24)
BOOK OF JEREMIAH
AUTHOR: JEREMIAH, AS DIRECTED TO HIS SECRETARY BARUCH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 627 AND 580 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 40-47 YEARS, (JEREMIAH’S MINISTRY BEGIN UNDER J U D A H’ S LAST GOOD KING, JOSIAH, AND CONTINUES UNDER THE REMAINING 4 EVIL KINGS: J E H O A H A Z, J E H O I A K I M, J E H O I A C H I N AND ZEDEKIAH.)
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET JEREMIAH.
BACKGROUND: ALTHOUGH 70 YEARS EARLIER ASSYRIA WAS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO DESTROY THE NORTHERN KING OF ISRAEL, HER POWER HAS SINCE DECLINED, AND BABYLON EVENTUALLY DEFEATS BOTH ASSYRIA AND EGYPT TO ATTAIN WORLD SUPREMACY. JEREMIAH’S LIFE COVERS THE 40 YEARS THAT LEAD TO THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM, ALSO AT THE HANDS OF BABYLON. OTHER PROPHETS OF THE TIME INCLUDE ZEPHANIAH, HABAKKUK, DANIEL AND EZEKIEL. JEREMIAH, ”“ THE WEEPING PROPHET, ”“ BEGINS HIS MINISTRY FROM JERUSALEM WHEN HE IS ABOUT 20 YEARS OLD. APOSTASY, IDOLATRY AND PERVERTED WORSHIP ARE THE RULE OF THE DAY IN JUDAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM. (HOWEVER, SOME SCHOLARS SUGGEST EGYPT.)
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO THE NATION OF JUDAH, BUT ALSO TO ALL THE SURROUNDING NATIONS.
CONTENT: JEREMIAH BOLDLY UNDERTAKES THE UNENVIABLE TASK OF PROCLAIMING GOD’S JUDGMENT UPON AN UNREPENTANT NATION. HE EVEN REMAINS CELIBATE AS A SIGN THAT JUDGMENT WILL COME DURING HIS LIFETIME (CHAPTER 16), WHICH IT SURELY DOES. PERSECUTION BECOMES HIS LOT WHEN FALSE PROPHETS OF THE LAND, SUCH AS H A N A N I A H, TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY DESIRE TO HEAR RATHER THAN THE TRUTH OF GOD. JEREMIAH’S UNPOPULAR MESSAGE BRINGS HIM SORROWS OF OPPOSITION, IMPRISONMENT, EXCOMMUNICATION FROM THE TEMPLE AND BEATINGS (CHAPTERS 20 AND 38). NOTHING CAN STOP JEREMIAH. YET EVEN AS HE PROPHESIES DESTRUCTION, JEREMIAH PROMISES A COMING TIME OF BLESSING, RESTORATION AND A NEW COVENANT. AFTER J U D A H’ S EXILE TO BABYLON, HE REMAINS WITH THE REMNANT IN JERUSALEM. BUT WHEN G E D A L I A H, THE GOVERNOR PLACED OVER JERUSALEM, IS MURDERED, JEREMIAH IS TAKEN AS A HOSTAGE TO EGYPT, WHERE HE CONTINUES HIS PROPHETIC MINISTRY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SIN ”“ ; ”“ WEEPING. ”“ IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF JEREMIAH TO PROCLAIM J U D A H’ S COMING JUDGMENT FOR HER CONTINUANCE IN ”“ SIN, ”“ FOR THE PEOPLE’S WICKEDNESS IS TOO GREAT. JEREMIAH IS ”“ WEEPING, ”“ NOT ONLY FOR HIS OWN PERSECUTIONS, BUT ALSO FOR HIS NATION’S BITTER AFFLICTION.
THEMES: GOD IS PATIENT AND LOVING. GOD’S LOVE FOR US MAY REQUIRE DIVINE DISCIPLINE FOR OUR OWN GOOD. IT GRIEVES THE HEART OF GOD TO HAVE TO DISCIPLINE HIS CHILDREN. NATIONS WHICH REJECT GOD WILL PAY THE PRICE FOR THEIR DISOBEDIENCE. THE TIME TO REPENT AND TURN TO GOD IS NOW. GOD MAY HAVE TO REBUKE SIN IN OUR LIVES, BUT HE WILL NEVER ABANDON OR FORSAKE US.
OUTLINE: 1. THE CALL OF JEREMIAH. (1 : 1-1 : 19) 2. PROPHECIES AGAINST JUDAH. (2 : 1-29 : 32) 3. THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. (30 : 1-33 : 26) 4. THE FAIL OF JERUSALEM AND HER FIGHT TO EGYPT. (34 : 1-45 : 5) 5. PROPHECIES AGAINST THE FOREIGN NATIONS. (46 : 1-51 : 64) 6. THE CAPTURE AND DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. (52 : 1-52 : 34)
BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS
AUTHOR: PROBABLY JEREMIAH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 586 AND 585 B. C.
TIME SPAN: AN UNCERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME SOON AFTER THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EXILE.
TITLE: THE BOOK TAKES IT’S NAME FROM IT’S CONTENT: POETIC LAMENTS ABOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. IT IS ALSO CALLED THE ”“ LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH. ”“
BACKGROUND: LAMENTATION IS (A LOOK AT THE PAST) IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH (A LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE). BOTH BOOKS CENTER AROUND THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND HER SUBSEQUENT CAPTIVITY. LAMENTATIONS IS ONE OF 5 BOOKS WHICH MAKE UP OF THE M E G I L L O T H ARE READ P U B L I C A L L Y AT THE FOLLOWING JEWISH FESTIVALS: NINTH OF A B A (LAMENTATIONS); PURIM (ESTHER); PENTECOST (RUTH); TABERNACLES (ECCLESIASTES); AND PASSOVER (SONG OF SOLOMON), THE FIRST 4 POEMS OF LAMENTATIONS, A 5 POEM SONG, ARE IN ”“ ACROSTIC” OR ALPHABETICAL FASHION. THE 22 LETTERS OF THE HEBREW ALPHABET CORRESPOND SUCCESSFULLY TOT THE FIRST LETTER OF EACH VERSE IN CHAPTERS 1, 2 AND 4. HOWEVER, IN CHAPTER 3 EACH LETTER IS ALLOTTED 3 VERSES.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM OR EGYPT.
TO WHOM: TO THE FALLEN CITY OF JERUSALEM.
CONTENT: NEBUCHADNEZZAR BRINGS TO PASS THAT WHICH JEREMIAH HAS BEEN PROPHESYING FOR 40 YEARS. JEREMIAH SITS AMONG THE ASHES AND WEEPS. HIS ANGUISH IS NOT ONLY FOR HIMSELF, BUT FOR THE EXILES AND THOSE LEFT BEHIND DESTITUTE. ”“ MINE EYES DO FAIL WITH TEARS, MY BOWELS ARE TROUBLED, MY LIVER IS POURED UPON THE EARTH, FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE DAUGHTER OF MY PEOPLE. ”“ (2 : 11). THESE 5 POEMS MAKE UP A FUNERAL SONG FOR THE DEATH OF JERUSALEM. BUT EVEN DURING THE BARREN HOUR, IN JEREMIAH’S CONTRITE HEART HE HAS A GLIMMER OF HOPE. HE BEGINS AGAIN TO PRAY FOR MERCY ON HIS PEOPLE. JEREMIAH PRAISES GOD FOR HIS POWER, HIS FAIRNESS AND HIS FAITHFULNESS. HE LOOKS TO GOD FOR THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WRATH” ; ”“ LAMENT. ”“ THE ”“ WRATH ”“ OF GOD HAS CRUSHED JERUSALEM AND VINDICATED HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE. ALL JERUSALEM CAN DO NOW IS ”“ LAMENT ”“ OVER WHAT WAS ONCE HIS PROUD AND GLORIOUS CITY.
THEMES: THE SUFFERING WE EXPERIENCE MAY AT TIMES BE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE SIN IN OUR LIVES. SUFFERING MAY BE ALLOWED IN OUR LIVES AS A MEANS OF HELPING US TO REPENT. A FORGIVEN SIN MAY STILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES WITH WHICH WE MUST DEAL. DURING OUR DARKEST HOURS GOD WILL STRENGTHEN AND COMFORT US IF WE WILL ONLY LET HIM. IF WE HAVE EVER EXPERIENCE SORROW, WE ARE GREAT CANDIDATES TO CONSOLE ANOTHER WHO IS HURTING NOW. EVEN AS JEREMIAH MOURNED, OUR FATHER MOURNS (WHEN WE REFUSE TO TAKE THE MESSAGE OF HIS SON TO HEART). THE JUDGMENT OF GOD IS CERTAIN, THE TIME IT WILL ARRIVE IS NOT.
OUTLINE: 1. DESTRUCTION AND DESOLATION OF JERUSALEM. (1 : 1-1 : 22) 2. GOD’S ANGER WITH JERUSALEM. (2 : 1-2 :22) 3. PRAYER FOR GOD’S MERCY ON JERUSALEM. (3 : 1-3 : 66) 4. REPENTANCE OF JERUSALEM. (4 : 1-4:22) 5. PRAYER FOR GOD’S RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM. (5 : 1-5 : 22)
BOOK OF EZEKIEL
AUTHOR: EZEKIEL
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 593 AND 565 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 22 YEARS.
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. THE NAME EZEKIEL MEANS ”“ GOD STRENGTHENS. ”“
BACKGROUND: EZEKIEL, WHO GREW UP IN JERUSALEM AND SERVED AS A PRIEST IN THE TEMPLE, IS AMONG THE SECOND GROUP OF CAPTIVES TAKEN TO BABYLON ALONG WITH KING J E H O I C H I N. WHILE IN BABYLON HE BECOMES A PROPHET OF GOD. JEREMIAH HAS ALREADY PROPHESIED IN JERUSALEM FOR ABOUT 35 YEARS, AND DANIEL, HAVING BEEN EXILED TO BABYLON 9 YEARS EARLIER, IS ALSO A WELL-ESTABLISHED PROPHET, AS SHOWN BY HIS BEING MENTIONED 3 TIMES IN E Z E K I E L’ S MESSAGES. BOTH EZEKIEL AND DANIEL ARE SEVERAL YEARS YOUNGER THAN THE PROPHET JEREMIAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: BABYLON.
TO WHOM: PRINCIPALLY TO THE B A B Y L O N I A N EXILES.
CONTENT: E Z E K I E L’ S MINISTRY BEGINS IN BABYLON WITH CONDEMNATION AND JUDGMENT OF THE NATION JUDAH. BUT AFTER THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM TAKES PLACE, E Z E K I E L’ S PERSPECTIVE CHANGES. THE PAST IS GONE, BUT THERE IS A GLIMMER OF HOPE SHINING THROUGH FOR THE FUTURE. EZEKIEL, WHO WANTS TO HELP THE PEOPLE LEARN FROM THEIR FAILURES, ANNOUNCES IMPENDING JUDGMENT UPON THE NATIONS THAT SURROUND JUDAH AND RE-ESTABLISH HOPE FOR THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. HIS VISION OF THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES PICTURES NEW LIFE BEING BREATHED INTO THE NATION (CHAPTER 37). EZEKIEL CONCLUDES WITH HIS RETURN TO JERUSALEM IN A VISION TO RECEIVE DETAILS ON THE NEW TEMPLE, THE NEW JERUSALEM AND THE NEW LAND. ISRAEL AND JUDAH WILL ONCE AGAIN BE RESTORED TO UNITY FROM THE END OF THE EARTH, AS GOD’S GLORY ALSO RETURNS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ VISIONS ”“ ; ”“WATCHMAN. ”“ EZEKIEL RECEIVES A VARIETY OF BEAUTIFUL AND UNUSUAL ”“ VISIONS ”“ CONCERNING THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM PLANS OF GOD. THESE HELP TO ESTABLISH EZEKIEL AS GOD’S ”“WATCHMAN ”“ TO WARN AND ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE. ”“ SON OF MAN, I HAVE MADE THEE A WATCHMAN UNTO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL: THEREFORE HEAR THE WORD AT MY MOUTH, AND GIVE THEM WARNING FROM ME ”“ (3 : 17; 33 : 7).
THEMES: GOD HAS AND ALWAYS WILL HATE SIN. THE WAYS OF GOD CONTRAST WITH THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. WE ARE EACH RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN SINS. WE ARE TOGETHER ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE SINS OF OUR NATION. AS WILL ANY LOVING FATHER, GOD WILL DISCIPLINE US FOR OUR DISOBEDIENCE. GOD’S PROMISES OF RESTORATION FOR HIS PEOPLE WILL UNDENIABLY BE FULFILLED.
OUTLINE: 1. CALL AND COMMISSION OF EZEKIEL. (1 : 1-3 : 27) 2. JUDGMENT ON SINFUL JUDAH. (4 : 1-24 : 27) 3. JUDGMENT ON THE GENTILES. (25 : 1-32 : 32) 4. PROMISED RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. (33 : 1-39 : 29) 5. THE NEW TEMPLE. (40 : 1-48 : 35)
BOOK OF DANIEL
AUTHOR: DANIEL
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 605 AND 530 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 60-70 YEARS. (DURING THE EARLY PERIOD OF BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY, DANIEL PROPHESIES UNDER THE REIGNS OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR, HIS CAPTOR; BELSHAZZAR; DARIUS THE M E D E; AND CYRUS.)
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR AND CHIEF CHARACTER: DANIEL. THIS BOOKS IS SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS THE ”“ APOCALYPSE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. ”“ THE NAME DANIELS MEANS ”“ GOD IS MY JUDGE. ”“
BACKGROUND: AS A PART OF THE FIRST GROUP DEPORTED TO BABYLON, DANIEL IS EDUCATED AND GROOMED FOR SERVICE IN THE GENTILE GOVERNMENT. THIS DEVOUT JEWISH TEENAGER GROWS UP IN THE COURTS OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR, WHERE HE CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE BOTH JEW AND GENTILE TO TRUST IN GOD. IN CONTRAST TO THE LIVES OF MOST BIBLICAL CHARACTERS, DANIEL IS DISTINGUISHED BY NEVER HAVING ANYTHING NEGATIVE WRITTEN ABOUT HIM. A LARGE SEGMENT OF DANIEL IS COMPOSED IN THE ARAMAIC TONGUE, UNLIKE OTHER OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN HEBREW.
WHERE WRITTEN: BABYLON.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO THE JEWS EXILED IN BABYLON, BUT ALSO TO THE GENTILES OF BABYLON AND PERSIA.
CONTENT: DANIEL AND HIS 3 FRIENDS: S H A D R A C H, M E S H A C H AND A B E D N E G O, ARE ORDERED TO COMPROMISE THEIR FAITH BY EATING THE KING’S FOOD INSTEAD OF WHAT GOD HAS ORDAINED. THEY ARE BLESSED FOR NOT COMPROMISING. BUT LATER, AFTER DANIEL HAS RISEN IN PROMINENCE BY IDENTIFYING AND INTERPRETING N E B U C H A D N E Z Z A R’ S DREAM, MORE PERSECUTION ARISES. EVENTUALLY DANIEL’S FRIENDS ARE THROWN INTO A FIERY FURNACE FOR NOT BOWING DOWN TO FALSE GODS, BUT GOD PROTECTS THEM. DANIEL’S POWER RISES WHEN HE IS ABLE TO INTERPRET THE HANDWRITING WHICH NEBUCHADNEZZAR SEES ON THE WALL (CHAPTER 5), BUT SHORTLY THEREAFTER DANIEL IS THROWN INTO A LIONS’ DEN FOR THE OFFENSE OF PRAYING TO HIS GOD (CHAPTER 6). ONCE AGAIN GOD PROTECTS AS DANIEL WALKS AWAY UNHARMED. DANIEL’S MINISTRY CONTINUES WITH THESE VISIONS: THE 4 BEASTS, CORRELATING TO THE KINGDOMS OF BABYLON, PERSIA, GREECE AND ROME (CHAPTER 7); THE RAM AND THE GOAT (CHAPTER 8); THE 70 ”“ SEVENS ”“ (CHAPTER 9); AND, FINALLY, THE EMERGENCE OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ COURAGE ”“ ; ”“ PRESENTATION. ”“ THE BOOK OF DANIEL HAS SEVERAL MEMORABLE STORIES ILLUSTRATING THE ”“ COURAGE ”“ AND COMMITMENT OF MEN WHO PLACE THEIR FAITH IN GOD. THE ”“ PRESERVATION ”“ OF GOD’S PEOPLE IS ASSURED FOR ALL WHO RELY ON HIM.
THEMES: GOD WORKS THROUGH THE LIVES OF PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS DESIRES. EARTHLY KINGDOMS MAY RISE AND FALL, BUT GOD AND HIS WORD WILL LAST FOREVER. IF WE WILL COMMIT OURSELVES TO GOD, GOOD WILL TRIUMPH OVER EVIL IN OUR LIVES. GOD IS CONCERNED ABOUT EVERY AREA OF OUR LIVES, EVEN OUT DIETS AND EATING HABITS. ONLY GOD KNOWS ALL, SEES ALL AND HEARS ALL, AND THUS ONLY HE IS WORTHY OF LORDSHIP OF OUR LIVES.
OUTLINE: 1. DANIEL’S TRAINING IN BABYLON. (1 : 1-1 : 21) 2. DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS DURING N E B U C H A D N E Z Z A R’ S REIGN. (2 : 1-4 : 37) 3. THE WRITING ON THE WALL. (5 : 1-5 : 31) 4. DANIEL’S FAITH TESTED IN THE LIONS’ DEN. (6 : 1-6 :28) 5. DANIEL’S DREAM, VISIONS AND PRAYER. (7 : 1-9 : 27) 6. DANIEL’S REVELATION OF ISRAEL’S FUTURE. (10 : 1-12 : 13)
BOOK OF HOSEA
AUTHOR: HOSEA
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 790 AND 710 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 45 YEARS. (HOSEA’S MINISTRY OVERLAPS THOSE OF THE PROPHETS ISAIAH AND, AMOS AND MICAH.)
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR AND ONE OF THE CHIEF CHARACTERS: HOSEA HAS BEEN CALLED ”“ THE PROPHET WITH THE BROKEN HEART.”
BACKGROUND: HOSEA’S MINISTRY TO THE NORTHERN KINGDOM BEGINS WHILE JEROBOAM II IS REIGNING IN ISRAEL, AND SUCCESSFULLY COVERS THE REIGNS OF U Z Z I A H, J O T H A M, A H A Z AND HEZEKIAH IN JUDAH. THE SETTING FOR THIS FIRST BOOK OF THE MINOR PROPHETS IS JUST BEFORE ISRAEL IS EXILED TO ASSYRIA. WHILE THE NATION IS THRIVING IN PROSPERITY, IT’S SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS IS DEPLORABLE WITH PAGAN AND IMMORAL WORSHIP OF BAAL AND A S H T A R O T H, AS WELL AS THE WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN CALVES, THAT JEROBOAM I HAD SET UP AT B E T H E L AND DAN.
WHERE WRITTEN: ISRAEL (NORTHERN KINGDOM).
TO WHOM: TO THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTHERN KINGDOM.
CONTENT: HOSEA’S PERSONAL LIFE GRADUALLY ILLUSTRATES HIS PROPHETIC MESSAGE. AT THE COMMAND OF GOD, THE PROPHET HOSEA MARRIES G O M E R THE PROSTITUTE. BUT INSTEAD OF BEING FAITHFUL TO HER FORGIVING AND LOVING HUSBAND, G O M E R RETURNS TO HER PREVIOUS LOVERS. HOSEA, THOUGH, IS DILIGENT AS HE COMPASSIONATELY SEEKS HER OUT AND IS ABLE TO BRING HER BACK. HOSEA’S MESSAGE IS ALSO REVEALED THROUGH THE MEANING OF THE NAMES HE GIVES HIS 3 CHILDREN: J E Z R E E L, ”“ GOD SCATTERS ”“ ; LO – R U H A M A H, ”“ NOT PITIED ”“ ; AND LO – A M M I, ”“ NOT MY PEOPLE ”“ (CHAPTER 1). LIKE G O M E R, WANTON ISRAEL IS RUNNING AFTER OTHER ”“ LOVES ”“ INSTEAD OF BEING FAITHFUL IN HER ”“ MARRIAGE ”“ TO GOD. HOWEVER, ISRAEL’S REBELLION, APOSTASY AND FORNICATION EVENTUALLY GIVES WAY TO GOD’S LOVE. FINALLY, HOSEA OUTLINES ISRAEL'S RESTORATION AND NEW MARRIAGE COVENANT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ MARRIAGE ”“ ; ”“ FORGIVENESS. ”“ JUST AS HOSEA MARRIES G O M E R, TO GOD’S COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL REPRESENTS THEIR ”“ MARRIAGE. ”“ AND JUST AS HOSEA REACHES OUT IN ”“ FORGIVENESS ”“ TO BUY BACK HIS ADULTEROUS WIFE FROM A SLAVE MARKET (CHAPTER 3), SO GOD IN ”“ FORGIVENESS ”“ CONTINUES TO SEEK HIS OWN.
THEMES: THE LOVE OF GOD IS UNCONDITIONAL, ETERNAL AND TRANSFORMING. GOD LOVES US ENOUGH TO CHASTEN US FOR OUR SINS. GOD PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WE CAN DO WHICH WILL SEPARATE US FROM GOD’S COMPASSION AND LOVE. GOD’S CONCERN FOR OUR ENTIRE BEING INCLUDES THE SUCCESS OF OUR MARRIAGE. UNREQUITED LOVE IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES MAY HELP US TO UNDERSTAND BETTER THE HEARTACHE GOD EXPERIENCES WHEN MANKIND REJECTS HIS LOVE.
OUTLINE: 1. HOSEA IS MARRIED TO G O M E R. (1 : 1-3 : 5) 2. ISRAEL COMMITS SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. (4 : 1-6 : 3) 3. (ISRAEL IS JUDGED FOR REFUSING TO REPENT. (6 : 4-10 : 15) 4. GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL PROMISES RESTORATION. (11:1-14 : 9)
BOOK OF JOEL
AUTHOR: JOEL
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 835 AND 800 B. C.
TIME SPAN: WHILE THE EXACT LENGTH OF J O E L’ S MINISTRY IS NOT KNOWN, HIS PROPHECIES SPAN THE TIME UNTIL THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM IS COMPLETE.
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: THE PROPHET JOEL. JOEL HAS BEEN CALLED THE ”“ PROPHET OF PENTECOST. ”“ THE NAME JOEL MEANS ”“ JEHOVAH IS GOD. ”“
BACKGROUND: JUDAH, THE SETTING FOR THE BOOK OF JOEL, IS DEVASTATED BY A VAST HORDE OF LOCUSTS. THIS INVASION OF LOCUSTS DESTROYS EVERYTHING: THE FIELDS OF GRAIN, THE VINEYARDS, THE GARDENS AND THE TREES. JOEL SYMBOLICALLY DESCRIBES THE LOCUSTS AS A MARCHING HUMAN ARMY AND VIEWS ALL OF THIS AS DIVINE JUDGMENT COMING AGAINST THE NATION FOR HER SINS.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PROBABLY TO THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF JUDAH, BUT ALSO TO ALL JEWS AND GENTILES.
CONTENT: A TERRIBLE LOCUST PLAGUE IS FOLLOWED BY A SEVERE FAMINE THROUGHOUT THE LAND. JOEL USES THESE HAPPENINGS AS A CATALYST TO SEND WORDS OF WARNING TO JUDAH THAT UNLESS THE PEOPLE REPENT QUICKLY AND COMPLETELY, ENEMY ARMIES WILL DEVOUR THE LAND AS DID THE NATURAL ELEMENTS. JOEL APPEALS TO ALL THE PEOPLE AND THE PRIESTS OF THE LAND OF FAST AND HUMBLE THEMSELVES AS THEY SEEK GOD’S FORGIVENESS. IF THEY WILL BUT RESPOND, THERE WILL BE RENEWED MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FOR THE NATION. BUT THE DAY OF THE LORD IS COMING. AT THIS TIME THE DREADED LOCUSTS WILL SEEM AS GNATS IN COMPARISON, AS ALL NATIONS RECEIVE THEIR JUDGMENT. FINALLY, JOEL GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF JERUSALEM’S ULTIMATE RESTORATION AND PROSPERITY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ LOCUSTS ”“ ; ”“ SPIRIT. ”“ THE BOOK OF JOEL IS HIGHLIGHTED BY 2 MAJOR EVENTS. ONE IS THE INVASION OF ”“ LOCUSTS ”“ WHICH DEVASTATES THE LANDS OF REBELLIOUS JUDAH. THE OTHER IS GOD POURING OUT HIS ”“ SPIRIT ”“ UPON ALL FLESH, WHICH WILL RESULT IN SONS AND DAUGHTERS PROPHESYING, OLD MEN DREAMING DREAMS AND YOUNG MEN SEEING VISIONS (2 : 28). THE INITIAL FULFILLMENT OF THIS IS QUOTED BY PETER IN ACTS AS HAVING TAKEN PLACE AT PENTECOST.
THEMES: WITHOUT REPENTANCE, JUDGMENT WILL BE HARSH, THOROUGH AND CERTAIN. OUR TRUST SHOULD NOT BE IN OUR POSSESSIONS, WHICH CAN BE TAKEN FROM US, BUT IN THE LORD OUR GOD. GOD AT TIMES MAY USE NATURE, SORROW OR OTHER COMMON OCCURRENCES TO DRAW US CLOSER TO HIM. GOD’S COVENANT WITH HIS PEOPLE WILL ENDURE FOREVER.
OUTLINE: 1. INVASION OF LOCUSTS. (1 : 1-2 : 11) 2. GOD’S MERCY ON THE REPENTANT. (2 : 12-2 : 27) 3. FINAL JUDGMENT AND TRIUMPH OF GOD. (2 : 28-3 : 21)
BOOK OF AMOS
AUTHOR: AMOS
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 760 AND 753 B. C.
TIME SPAN: 7-10 YEARS.
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: AMOS. AMOS IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ”“ HERDSMAN OF T E K O A. ”“
BACKGROUND: AMOS IS A SHEPHERD AND A FRUIT PICKER FROM THE J U D E A N VILLAGE OF T E K O A (DUE SOUTH OF BETHLEHEM) WHEN GOD CALLS HIM, EVEN THOUGH HE LACKS AN EDUCATION OR A PRIESTLY BACKGROUND. A M O S’ S MISSION IS DIRECTED TO HIS NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH, ISRAEL. HIS MESSAGES IF IMPENDING DOOM AND CAPTIVITY FOR THE NATION BECAUSE OF HER SINS ARE LARGELY UNPOPULAR AND UNHEEDED, HOWEVER, BECAUSE NOT SINCE THE DAYS OF SOLOMON HAVE TIMES BEEN SO GOOD IN ISRAEL. A M O S’ S MINISTRY TAKES PLACE WHILE JEROBOAM II REIGNS OVER ISRAEL, AND U Z Z I A H REIGNS OVER JUDAH (40 YEARS PRIOR TO ISRAEL’S EXILE TO ASSYRIA). CONTEMPORARY PROPHETS ARE ISAIAH, HOSEA AND MICAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: NEAR JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO ISRAEL, BUT ALSO TO JUDAH AND THE SURROUNDING NATIONS.
CONTENT: AMOS CAN SEE THAT BENEATH ISRAEL’S EXTERNAL PROSPERITY AND POWER, INTERNALLY THE NATION IS CORRUPT TO THE CORE. THE SINS FOR WHICH AMOS CHASTENS THE PEOPLE ARE EXTENSIVE: NEGLECT OF GOD’S WORD, IDOLATRY, PAGAN WORSHIP, GREED, CORRUPTED LEADERSHIP AND OPPRESSION OF THE POOR, AMOS BEGINS BY PRONOUNCING A JUDGMENT UPON ALL THE SURROUNDING NATIONS, THEN UPON HIS OWN NATION OF JUDAH, AND FINALLY THE HARSHEST JUDGMENT IS GIVEN TO ISRAEL. HIS VISIONS OF GOD REVEAL THE SAME EMPHATIC MESSAGE: JUDGMENT IS NEAR. THE BOOK ENDS WITH GOD’S PROMISE TO AMOS OF FUTURE RESTORATION OF THE REMNANT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PLUMB LINE ”“ ; ”“ HOPE. ”“GOD’S VISION TO AMOS REVEALS THE ”“ PLUMB LINE ”“ (STANDARD) BY WHICH THE PEOPLE WILL BE TESTED AND JUDGED (CHAPTER 7). GOD’S NATURE SHINES THROUGH BY THE ”“ HOPE ”“ HE OFFERS IN HIS RESTORATION OF THE LAND AND OF THE PEOPLE.
THEMES: BECAUSE GOD IS ETERNALLY RIGHTEOUS, HE DEMANDS THAT WE BE SATISFIED WITH NOTHING LESS THAN HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS IN OUR LIVES. GOD HATES SIN. THE COST FOR HAVING SIN IN OUR LIVES IS EXPENSIVE. GOD OFTEN SELECTS INDIVIDUALS TO DO HIS WORK WHOM THE WORLD WOULD REJECT. GOD HOLDS THOSE, TO WHOM MORE HAS BEEN GIVEN, ACCOUNTABLE FOR MORE. GOD’S JUDGMENT IS CERTAIN. GOD-FEARING PEOPLE RECEIVE BLESSINGS FROM GOD BOTH NOW AND FOR ALL ETERNITY.
OUTLINE: 1. GOD JUDGES ISRAEL’S NEIGHBORS. (1 : 1-2 : 5) 2. GOD JUDGES ISRAEL. (2 : 6-6 : 14) 3. AMOS HAS 5 VISIONS. (7 : 1-9 : 10) 4. ISRAEL IS PROMISED RESTORATION. (9 : 11-9 : 15)
BOOK OF OBADIAH
AUTHOR: OBADIAH
DATE WRITTEN: OBADIAH WAS WRITTEN DURING ONE OF THE INVASIONS OF JERUSALEM. IF WRITTEN WHEN THE CITY WAS DESTROYED BY THE PHILISTINES AND ARABIANS, THE DATE CAN BE SET BETWEEN 848 AND 840 B. C. IF WRITTEN DURING THE INVASION OF JERUSALEM BY BABYLON UNDER N E B U C H A N E Z Z A R, THE SUGGESTED DATE IS ABOUT 586 B. C.
TIME SPAN: WHILE THE LENGTH OF O B A D I A H’ S MINISTRY IS NOT CERTAIN, HIS PROPHECIES OVER THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
TITLE: THE BOOK IS NAMED AFTER IT’S AUTHOR: OBADIAH. THE NAME OBADIAH MEANS ”“ SERVANT OF THE LORD. ”“
BACKGROUND: OBADIAH, THE SHORTEST BOOK IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, IS ONLY 21 VERSES LONG. OBADIAH IS A PROPHET OF GOD WHO USES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONDEMN E D O M FOR SINS AGAINST BOTH GOD AND ISRAEL. THE E D O M I T E S ARE DESCENDANTS OF ESAU, AND THE I S R A E L I T E S ARE DESCENDANTS OF HIS TWIN BROTHER, JACOB. A QUARREL BETWEEN THE BROTHERS AS EFFECTED THEIR DESCENDANTS FOR OVER 1, 000 YEARS. THIS DIVISION CAUSED THE E D O M I T E S TO FORBID ISRAEL TO CROSS THEIR LAND DURING THE I S R A E L I T E S’ EXODUS FROM EGYPT. E D O M’ S SIN OF PRIDE NOW REQUIRES A STRONG WORD OF JUDGMENT FROM THE LORD.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO THE E D O M I T E S.
CONTENT: O B A D I A H’ S MESSAGE IS FINAL AND IT’S SURE: THE KINGDOM OF E D O M WILL BE DESTROYED COMPLETELY. E D O M HAS BEEN ARROGANT, GLOATING OVER ISRAEL’S MISFORTUNE, AND WHEN ENEMY ARMIES ATTACK ISRAEL AND THE I S R A E L I T E S ASK FOR HELP, THE E D O M I T ES REFUSED, AND CHOOSE TO FIGHT AGAINST THEM, NOT FOR THEM (VERSES 10-14). THESE SINS OF PRIDE CAN BE OVERLOOKED NO LONGER. THE BOOK ENDS WITH THE PROMISE OF THE FULFILLMENT AND DELIVERANCE OF ZION IN THE LAST DAYS WHEN THE LAND WILL BE RESTORED TO GOD’S PEOPLE AS HE RULES OVER THEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PRIDE” : ”“ BROTHER. ”“ THE E D O M I T E S SECURITY (LIVING IN A FORTIFIED CITY IN MOUNT S E I R) CAUSES AN EVIL ”“ PRIDE ”“ TO DEVELOP. THEIR ”“ BROTHER ”“ DESCENDANTS ARE THUS TREATED WITH TREACHERY AND ABANDONMENT. THE ONLY KIND OF ”“ PRIDE ”“ WHICH IS GOOD, AND WILL CAUSE MAN TO TREAT HIS ”“ BROTHER ”“ COMPASSION AND LOVE, IS THAT WHICH IS PLACED IN THE LORD.
THEMES: GOD WILL OVERCOME IN OUR BEHALF IF WE WILL STAY TRUE TO HIM. UNLIKE E D O M, WE MUST BE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS IN TIMES OF NEED. LIKE A LOVING FATHER, GOD MAY AT TIMES NEED TO PUNISH HIS CHILDREN. PRIDE IS SIN. (WE HAVE NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST AND WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US.) LOVING ALL MANKIND CAN BE EASY, BUT WE MAY NEED GOD’S HELP TO LOVE THE MAN NEXT DOOR.
OUTLINE: 1. PROPHECY OF E D O M’ S JUDGMENT. (1 : 1-1 : 9) 2. THE SINS OF E D O M. (1 : 10-1 : 14) 3. GOD’S VENGEANCE ON E D O M. (1 : 15-1 : 18) 4. THE POSSESSION OF E D O M BY ISRAEL. (1 : 19-1 : 21)
BOOK OF JONAH
AUTHOR: JONAH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 793 AND 753 B. C.
TIME SPAN: UNCERTAIN.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR AND CHIEF CHARACTER: JONAH.
BACKGROUND: JONAH, THE ONLY OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET FROM GALILEE, WAS BORN IN ISRAEL AND GREW UP IN A CITY CALLED G A T H H E P H E R, ABOUT 3 MILES FROM NAZARETH. JONAH A COMMISSIONED BY GOD TO PREACH REPENTANCE TO THE GENTILE NATION OF ASSYRIA AND IT’S CAPITAL OF NINEVEH. THIS IS AN ESPECIALLY HARD ASSIGNMENT SINCE THE ASSYRIANS HAVE A BRUTAL AND OPPRESSIVE REPUTATION, IN ADDITION TO BEING LONG-STANDING ENEMIES OF ISRAEL. KING JEROBOAM II REIGNS OVER ISRAEL AT THIS TIME.
WHERE WRITTEN: NEAR JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO ISRAEL.
CONTENT: JONAH’S FEAR AND PRIDE CAUSE HIM TO RUN FROM GOD. HE DOES NOT WISH TO GO TO NINEVEH TO PREACH REPENTANCE TO THE PEOPLE, AS GOD HAS COMMANDED, BECAUSE HE FEELS THEY ARE HIS ENEMY, AND HE IS CONVINCED THAT GOD WILL NOT CARRY OUT HIS THREAT TO DESTROY THE CITY. INSTEAD HE BOARDS A SHIP FOR T A R S H I S H, WHICH IS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. SOON A RAGING STORM CAUSES THE CREW TO CAST LOTS TO DETERMINE THAT JONAH IS THE PROBLEM. THEY THROW HIM OVERBOARD, AND HE IS SWALLOWED BY A GREAT FISH. IN THE BELLY FOR 3 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS (1:17), JONAH REPENTS OF HIS SIN TO GOD, AND THE FISH VOMITS HIM UP ON DRY LAND. JONAH THEN MAKES THE 500 MILE TRIP TO NINEVEH AND LEADS TO THE CITY IN A GREAT REVIVAL (CHAPTER 3). BUT THE PROPHET IS DISPLEASED INSTEAD OF THANKFUL WHEN NINEVEH REPENTS. JONAH LEARNS HIS LESSON, HOWEVER, WHEN GOD USES THE WIND, A GOURD AND A WORM TO TEACH HIM THAT GOD IS MERCIFUL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FISH” ; ”“ REVIVAL. ”“ JONAH IS NOT MERELY SWALLOWED BY A GREAT ”“ FISH” ; THIS EVENT REPRESENTS GOD EXTENDING HIS HELPING HAND TO SAVE THE PROPHET. IT GIVES JONAH A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, TO SEEK A UNIQUE DELIVERANCE, AS HE REPENTS DURING THIS EQUALLY UNIQUE RETREAT. MANY CLASSIFY THE ”“ REVIVAL ”“ WHICH JONAH BRINGS TO NINEVEH AS ONE OF THE GREATEST EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS OF ALL TIME.
THEMES: WE CAN NEVER SUCCESSFULLY HIDE FROM GOD, HE SEES OUR EVERY MOVE. GOD MANY TIMES DOES HIS GREATEST WORKS THROUGH THE LEAST LIKELY CANDIDATES. WHAT WE MAY CONSIDER AS IMPOSSIBLE, GOD MAY CONSIDER AS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY GIVE TO US. REGARDLESS OF OUR PATRIOTISM, WE MUST NEVER PUT OUR COUNTRY AHEAD OF OUR GOD. REGARDLESS OF OUR REPUTATION, NATIONALITY OR RACE, GOD LOVES US. REJOICING IN THE SALVATION OF OTHERS IS AN EXPERIENCE GOD WANTS US TO SHARE WITH HIM. GOD AT TIMES MAY USE NATURE, ANIMALS, THE WEATHER OR ANY PART OF HIS CREATION TO BRING US TO A CLOSER UNION WITH HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. JONAH FLEES FROM THE LAND. (1 : 1-1 : 17) 2. JONAH IS DELIVERED FROM THE FISH. (2 : 1-2 : 10) 3. JONAH OBEYS GOD AND GOES TO NINEVEH. (3 : 1-3 : 10) 4. JONAH IS ANGERED AT GOD’S MERCY. (4 : 1-4 : 11)
BOOK OF MICAH
AUTHOR: MICAH
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 735 AND 698 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 25 YEARS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MICAH. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ WHO IS LIKE JEHOVAH. ”“
BACKGROUND: MICAH IS A PROPHET OF THE COMMON PEOPLE (RUGGED, DIRECT AND CONVINCING) FROM THE PROMINENT J U D E A N CITY OF M O R E S H E T H, ABOUT 25 MILES SOUTHWEST OF JERUSALEM. M I C A H’ S MINISTRY SPANS THE REIGNS OF J O T H A M, A H A Z AND HEZEKIAH. THESE ARE TURBULENT TIMES OF GREAT OPPRESSION, CORRUPTION AND EXPLOITATION. ISRAEL AND JUDAH ARE DEEP IN SIN, DESPITE THEIR WEALTH, AND M I C A H' S MESSAGE OF IMMINENT JUDGMENT UPON THEM IS NEITHER PLEASANT NOR POPULAR.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO BOTH ISRAEL AND JUDAH.
CONTENT: M I C A H’ S MESSAGE IS DIRECTED AGAINST THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE IN JERUSALEM AND S A M A R I A, THE CAPITALS OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL. THE CORRUPT RULERS, FALSE PROPHETS, U N G O D L Y PRIESTS AND CHEATING MERCHANTS ARE THE MAIN REASONS FOR GOD’S JUDGMENT COMING AGAINST THE NATIONS. BUT IN THE MIDST OF THEIR DESTRUCTION, MICAH PROPHESIES THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH IN BETHLEHEM (5 : 2), 700 YEARS BEFORE JESUS CHRIST IS BORN. THIS ONCE INSIGNIFICANT VILLAGE NOW GAINS ETERNAL PROMINENCE. GOD ALSO REVEALS THROUGH MICAH THESE PROMISES: A REMNANT WILL REMAIN; HE WILL GATHER HIS OWN FROM ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; AND ZION WILL BE RESTORED.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JUSTICE ”“ ; ”“ MERCY ”“ ; ”“ HUMILITY. ”“ M I C A H’ S REPEATED AND EMPATHETIC CRY IS FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO SHOW ”“ JUSTICE ”“ IN ALL THEIR DEALINGS, TO LOVE ”“ MERCY ”“ BY SHOWING THE SAME TO OTHERS, AND TO WALK IN ”“ HUMILITY ”“ WITH THEIR GOD (6 : 8).
THEMES: GOD GIVES WARNINGS SO WE WILL NOT HAVE TO SUFFER HIS WRATH. JUDGMENT IS CERTAIN IF GOD’S WARNINGS ARE NOT HEEDED. GOD DISCIPLINES US BECAUSE HE LOVES US. GOD KNOWS THAT SIN DESTROYS, AND HE WANTS US TO BE WHOLE. GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION AWAITS THOSE WHO REMAIN TRUE TO HIM.
OUTLINE: 1. M I C A H’ S VISION OF JUDGMENT AGAINST S A M A R I A H AND JERUSALEM. (1 : 1-1 : 16) 2. JUDGMENT OF LEADERS AND PROPHETS. (2 : 1-3 : 12) 3. THE COMING KING AND HIS RESTORATION. (4 : 1-5 : 9) 4. GOD’S PUNISHMENT AND SUBSEQUENT BLESSING FOR ISRAEL. (5 : 10-7 : 20)
BOOK OF NAHUM
AUTHOR: N A H U M.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 663 AND 612 B. C.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: NAHUM. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ COMFORTER. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE BOOK OF NAHUM IS A SEQUEL TO THE BOOK OF JONAH, WHEREIN JONAH LED THE CITY OF NINEVEH (ASSYRIA’S CAPITAL) IN A TREMENDOUS REVIVAL, WHICH DELAYED GOD’S JUDGMENT AGAINST THEM. BUT THAT HAPPENED ABOUT 150 YEARS BEFORE, AND NOW AFTER YEARS OF FALLING AWAY NINEVEH HAS BECOME EVEN MORE WICKED. ASSYRIA IS AT THE PEAK OF HER REIGN, EXUDING PRIDE, WEALTH AND POWER. NAHUM, A PROPHET FROM THE J U D E A N TOWN OF E L K O S H, HAS THIS MISSION; TO PREACH GOD’S COMING JUDGMENT TO NINEVEH AND GOD’S COMFORT OF THE I S R A E L I T E S.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO ASSYRIA AND HER CAPITAL CITY, NINEVEH, BUT AS COMFORT TO GOD’S PEOPLE IN JUDAH AS WELL.
CONTENT: ASSYRIA HAD PROGRESSIVELY CONQUERED NATION AFTER NATION. THE ASSYRIANS ARE A BRUTAL PEOPLE, CRUEL, DEFIANT AND IMMORAL, AND THEIR SINS AGAINST GOD’S PEOPLE BRING THE JUDGMENT OF GOD UPON THEMSELVES. NAHUM PREDICTS THE DESOLATION OF NINEVEH, WHICH TAKES PLACE SOME YEARS LATER WHEN A FLOOD OF THE TIGRIS RIVER DESTROYS PART OF HER PREVIOUSLY INVINCIBLE CITY WALL. FORCES FROM BABYLON THEN ENTER THE CITY TO FULFILL N A H U M’ S WORDS. NINEVEH’S DESTRUCTION WILL BE FINAL; WHEREAS, JUDAH AT HER DESTRUCTION WILL LEAVE BEHIND A REMNANT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WRATH ”“ ; ”“ COMFORT. ”“ BY ALL HUMAN STANDARDS NINEVEH HAS MIGHT AND POWER. THE CITY SURROUNDED BY A GREAT WALL 100 FEET HIGH, THAT REPORTEDLY COULD HOLD 6 CHARIOTS RIDING ABREAST, AS WELL AS A GREAT MOAT 60 FEET IN DEPTH. 200 TOWERS ASCEND ANOTHER 100 FEET ABOVE THE WALL. BUT DESPITE THIS FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION, NINEVEH WILL NOT ESCAPE GOD’S ”“ WRATH. ”“ NAHUM HAS CONSTANT WORDS OF " COMFORT ”“ FOR HIS PEOPLE: THE LORD ”“ WILL NOT AT ALL ACQUIT THE WICKED ”“ (1 : 3)
THEMES: GOD IS PATIENT AND SLOW TO ANGER. THE PRAISE FROM OUR LIPS AND THE WORKS OF OUR HANDS TOGETHER ENABLE US TO WORSHIP GOD. ONE PLUS GOD IS A MAJORITY. GOD’S PROMISES ARE SUCH, WHETHER FOR BLESSING OR FOR PUNISHMENT. WE SHOULD LEAN NOT OUR OWN MIGHT, ON OUR MIGHTY ONE. VENGEANCE IS A RIGHT RESERVED FOR GOD ALONE.
OUTLINE: 1. N A H U M’ S VISION OF GOD’S POWER AND THE DELIVERANCE OF JUDAH. (1 : 1-1 : 14) 2. DESTRUCTION OF NINEVEH. (1 : 15-2 : 13) 3. REASONS FOR THE FALL OF NINEVEH. (3 : 1-3 : 19)
BOOK OF HABAKKUK
AUTHOR: HABAKKUK.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 609 AND 589 B. C.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: HABAKKUK. THIS NAME MAY MEAN ”“ ONE WHO EMBRACES. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE PROPHET HABAKKUK IS CALLED BY GOD TO WARN THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH OF THEIR COMING JUDGMENT. THESE LATTER DAYS BEFORE J U D A H’ S FALL ARE A VIOLENT TIME OF EXTENSIVE SIN THROUGHOUT THE LAND. HABAKKUK, FROM JUDAH, IS A CONTEMPORARY OF JEREMIAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: TO JUDAH.
CONTENT: HABAKKUK, WITNESSING J U D A H’ S APOSTASY, BRIBERY AND OPPRESSIONS, ENTERS INTO A DIALOGUE WITH GOD. HE WANTS TO KNOW WHY GOD IS ALLOWING THESE PEOPLE TO PROSPER AND ESCAPE JUDGMENT. GOD’S REPLY IS THAT HE IS SENDING THE BABYLONIANS AS HIS CHASTENING ROD UPON THE NATION OF JUDAH. BUT THIS BOTHERS HABAKKUK EVEN MORE: WHY WOULD A JUST GOD BRING JUDGMENT UPON A WICKED JUDAH WITH AN EVEN MORE WICKED BABYLON? GOD THEN GIVES HABAKKUK A NEW UNDERSTANDING AND INSIGHT INTO THE VERY NATURE OF GOD. GOD IS GOOD, FAIR AND WISE, AND MAN’S RESPONSIBILITY IS TO CONFIDENTLY PLACE FAITH IN HIM. GOD LET’S HABAKKUK KNOW THAT FUTURE JUDGMENT OF BABYLON WILL BRING SURE AND THOROUGH DESTRUCTION. HABAKKUK HAS LEARNED HIS LESSON: TO TRUST GOD AND PRAISE HIM ALWAYS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FAITH ”“ ; ”“ WOE. ”“ A PREDOMINANT LESSON TO BE LEARNED FROM THIS BOOK IS OUR NEED TO HAVE TOTAL ”“ FAITH ”“ IN GOD, FOR ”“ THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH ”“ (2 : 4). WE MAY NOT ALWAYS UNDERSTAND WHY GOD DOES EVERYTHING HE DOES, BUT WE CAN BE ASSURED THAT GOD LOVES US AND THAT HIS ULTIMATE PLANS CONSISTENTLY INCLUDE HIS JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED. ”“ WOE ”“ TO THOSE WHO SET THEMSELVES HIGH BY EVIL MEANS (2 : 9) AND BLOODSHED (2 : 12). ”“ WOE ”“ TO THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN IDOLS (2 : 18-19).
THEMES: IT IS A TIMELESS TRUTH THAT GOD HATES SIN AND IS UNWILLING TO COMPROMISE WITH IT. NO MATTER WHAT OUR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE, WE CAN STILL TRUST THE LORD AND PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. A LIFE LIVED BY FAITH WILL ALSO BE A LIFE FULL OF GOD’S JOY. WE CAN TALK TO GOD ABOUT ANYTHING, EVEN OUR DOUBTS AND FEARS. IF WE WILL GET TO KNOW OUR CREATOR BETTER, WE WILL BETTER UNDERSTAND HIS PLANS FOR HIS CREATION.
OUTLINE: 1. HABAKKUK COMPLAINS AGAINST INJUSTICE. (1 : 1-1 : 4) 2. THE LORD ANSWERS. (1 : 5-1 : 11) 3. HABAKKUK COMPLAINS THAT THE WICKED PREVAIL. (1 : 12-2 : 1) 4. THE LORD ANSWERS AGAIN. (2 : 2-2 : 20) 5. HABAKKUK PRAISES GOD IN PRAYER. (3 : 1-3 : 19)
BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH
AUTHOR: ZEPHANIAH
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 640 AND 612 B. C.
TIME SPAN: NOT SPECIFIED
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: ZEPHANIAH. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ DEFENDED BY JEHOVAH. ”“
BACKGROUND: ZEPHANIAH MINISTERS TO JUDAH, DURING THE YEARS BEFORE TOTAL DESTRUCTION COMES, WHEN THE YOUNG JOSIAH IS KING. JOSIAH BEGINS AS A VERY GOOD KING AND INSTITUTES SWEEPING REFORMS, PROBABLY EVEN THESE EFFORTS ARE NOT ENOUGH, FOR JUDAH FALLS DEEPER AND DEEPER INTO APOSTASY AND SIN. ZEPHANIAH, A CONTEMPORARY OF JEREMIAH, RESIDES IN JERUSALEM. HIS PROPHECY CONCERNS BOTH J U D A H’ S IMMEDIATE AND LONG-RANGE JUDGMENTS BY GOD. ZEPHANIAH IS PROBABLY THE GREAT-GRANDSON OF THE FORMER KING OF JUDAH, HEZEKIAH.
WHERE WRITTEN: JUDAH.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO JUDAH.
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH IS A MESSAGE OF JUDGMENT. THE PROPHET GRAPHICALLY USES THE 53 VERSES OF THIS BOOK TO DESCRIBE THE WRATH WHICH WILL COME UPON JUDAH, P H I L I S T I A, M O A B, A M M O N, ETHIOPIA AND ASSYRIA. THE SINS AND SUBSEQUENT DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM ARE GIVEN SPECIAL ATTENTION. FUTURE BLESSINGS, THOUGH, ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL GOD’S PEOPLE, JEW AND GENTILE ALIKE, IF THEY WILL OBEDIENTLY TURN TO HIM. THE PROMISED REMNANT OF ISRAEL WILL BE RESTORED, AND THERE WILL BE WORLDWIDE REJOICING (CHAPTER 3).
KEY WORDS: ”“ GREAT DAY OF THE LORD ”“ ; ”“ REMNANT. ”“ ZEPHANIAH EMPHATICALLY ANNOUNCES THAT GOD’S VENGEANCE AND HOLINESS WILL LEAD HIM TO JUDGE ALL NATIONS FOR THEIR SINS IN THE COMING ”“ GREAT DAY OF THE LORD ”“ (CHAPTER 1). BUT GOD HAS PROMISED TO EXALT A ”“ REMNANT, ”“ WHICH WILL BE REGATHERED FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH TO LIVE WITH THE COMFORT AND JOY OF THE LORD.
THEMES: GOD IS NOT PREJUDICED, HE HATES SIN AND LOVES OBEDIENCE UNIVERSALLY. GOD WANTS US TO HAVE PURE HEARTS, NOT HYPOCRITICAL, OUTWARD SHOWS OF PIETY. THE COMING OF THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL BRING JUDGMENT FAR GREATER THAN ANYTHING THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. RENEWED FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD’S AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO HAVE GENUINELY REPENTANT HEARTS.
OUTLINE: 1. GOD’S JUDGMENT OF JUDAH. (1 : 1-2 : 3) 2. GOD’S JUDGMENT OF J U D A H’ S NEIGHBOR’S. (2 : 4-3 : 8) 3. GOD’S RESTORATION OF JUDAH. (3 : 9-3 : 20)
BOOK OF HAGGAI
AUTHOR: HAGGAI
DATE WRITTEN: ABOUT 520 B. C.
TIME SPAN: SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 4 MONTHS
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: HAGGAI
BACKGROUND: IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL YEARS SINCE Z E R U B B A B E L (THE GOVERNOR) AND JOSHUA (THE HIGH PRIEST) LED THE FIRST RETURN OF EXILES TO JERUSALEM TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE OF GOD. HAGGAI, ALREADY AN OLD MAN, CAME WITH THEM. NOW, THIS SMALL GROUP WITH GREAT ASPIRATIONS HAS COME UPON HARD TIMES. THEY HAVE ALLOWED THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES OF OPPOSITION AND SCANTY RESOURCES TO DISCOURAGE THEM TO THE POINT OF QUITTING, AFTER HAVING COMPLETED ONLY THE TEMPLE’S FOUNDATION. THE JEWS’ NEGLECT OF THE TEMPLE IS MADE WORSE BY THEIR PREOCCUPATION WITH CONSTRUCTING ELABORATE HOMES FOR THEMSELVES. THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD COMES UPON THE PROPHET HAGGAI AND PROMPTS HIM TO STIR THE PEOPLE TO RESUME BUILDING THE TEMPLE.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO Z E R U B B A B E L AND JOSHUA IN PARTICULAR, BUT ALSO TO ALL JEWS WHO RETURNED FROM EXILE TO JERUSALEM.
CONTENT: THE ELDERLY HAGGAI EXHORTS THE PEOPLE TO GET EXCITED AND COMMITTED TO THE WORK OF REBUILDING THE TEMPLE, WHICH HAS CEASED. THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE FOR HAGGAI TO DO THIS IS TO GIVE THEM A GLIMPSE OF WHAT THEY HAVE LOST, THAT BLESSINGS COME TO THOSE WHO PUT GOD FIRST IN THEIR LIVES, AND THE VISION OF GOD’S GLORY FILLING THE NEW TEMPLE WHEN IT IS COMPLETED. BUT EVEN HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE IS NOT LACKING A REBUKE AND JUDGMENT OF THE PEOPLE FOR THEIR SINS. Z E R U B B A B E L AND JOSHUA ARE COMMISSIONED TO LET THE LORD’S PRESENCE GUIDE THEIR LEADERSHIP OF THE PEOPLE. FINALLY, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM IS FORETOLD, WHERE Z E R U B B A B E L WILL BE HONORED FOR HIS PART IN HELPING COMPLETE THE TEMPLE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CONSIDER YOUR WAYS ”“ ; ”“ GLORY. ”“ BEFORE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE CAN BE COMPLETED, FIRST THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE NEED TO BE RENEWED AS THE LORD TELLS THEM, ”“ CONSIDER YOUR WAYS ”“ (1 :7). HAGGAI ENCOURAGES THE PEOPLE TO SEEK PROPER PRIORITIES, WHICH WILL RESULT IN GOD’S ”“ GLORY ”“ FILLING THE NEW TEMPLE (2 : 7).
THEMES: IN ORDER FOR THE PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED, IT FIRST MUST BE STARTED. A JOB HALF DONE IS A JOB NOT DONE. IF WE COMMIT OUR WAYS TO GOD, HE WILL GUIDE AND BLESS OUR WALK. WE SHOULD AVOID COMPROMISING SITUATIONS. SOMETIMES WE SETTLE FOR GOOD, WHEN WE COULD HAVE THE BEST. PROSPERITY AND OTHER STANDARDS OF SUCCESS HOLD NO LASTING CONTENTMENT WHEN WE PLACE OUR CONCERNS AHEAD OF GOD’S.
OUTLINE: 1. H A G G A I’ S PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S MESSAGE TO REBUILD HIS TEMPLE. (1 : 1-1 : 15) 2. THE GLORY OF THE NEW TEMPLE. (2 : 1-2 : 9) 3. THE PROMISE OF BLESSINGS. (2 : 10-2 : 19) 4. GOD’S TRIUMPH AND Z E R U B B A B E L’ S RECOGNITION. (2 : 20-2 : 23)
BOOK OF ZECHARIAH
AUTHOR: ZECHARIAH.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 520 AND 518 B. C., CHAPTERS 1-8; CHAPTERS 9-14 AUTHORED SOME MANY YEARS LATER, POSSIBLY BETWEEN 480 AND 470 B. C.
TIME SPAN: CHAPTER 1-8 COVER ABOUT 2 YEARS DURING THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. CHAPTERS 9-14 COVER ABOUT 10 YEARS AFTER THE TEMPLE WAS COMPLETED.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: ZECHARIAH. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ GOD REMEMBERS. ”“
BACKGROUND: ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER H A G G A I’ S FIRST MESSAGE TO JERUSALEM, ZECHARIAH IS THE SON OF B E R E C H I A H AND THE GRANDSON OF I D D O, WHO WERE PART OF THE EXILES THAT RETURNED TO JERUSALEM UNDER
Z E R U B B A B E L. Z E C H A R I A H’ S MESSAGE FOR THOSE REBUILDING THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS ONE OF ENCOURAGEMENT, COMFORT AND JUDGMENT.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO A RESTORED ISRAEL.
CONTENT: Z E C H A R I A H’ S MESSAGE BEGINS WITH A SERIES OF NIGHT VISIONS, WHICH OFFER BOTH COMFORT TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE AND JUDGMENT OF THE DISOBEDIENT PEOPLE AND NATIONS. ZECHARIAH JOINS THE OLDER HAGGAI IN EXHORTING THE PEOPLE TO FINISH CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE (WHICH THEY ACCOMPLISH IN ABOUT 4 YEARS TIME) AND ENCOURAGING A CLOSER WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD. THE PEOPLE’S DEVOTION TO THE TASK INCREASES WHEN THEY ARE FINALLY MADE TO REALIZE THAT THE GLORY OF GOD CANNOT RETURN TO THE TEMPLE, IF THE TEMPLE DOES NOT EXIST. Z E C H A R I A H’ S PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE MESSIAH INCLUDE: THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH (CHAPTER 6); THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY ON THE COLT OF A DONKEY (CHAPTER 9); AND THE BETRAYAL FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER (CHAPTER 11). THE BOOK CLOSES WITH THE DAY OF THE LORD AND THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ OBEDIENCE ”“ ; ”“ MESSIAH. ”“ ZECHARIAH LETS THE NATION KNOW THAT FUTURE BLESSINGS ARE C O N T I G E N T UPON THE PEOPLE’S ”“ OBEDIENCE ”“ TO GOD AND HIS WORD. THE COMING OF THE ”“ MESSIAH ”“ IS CENTRAL TO THE BOOK: HIS POWER, BETRAYAL AND KINGDOM.
THEMES: GOD’S WAYS ARE NOT JUST BEST FOR GOD, THEY ARE ALSO BEST FOR US. WE NEED TO FEAR NO OBSTACLE WHEN WE ARE ON THE SIDE OF GOD. GOD DESIRES PURE ACTIONS, BUT EVEN MORE HE DESIRES PURE MOTIVES FOR OUR ACTIONS. A PERSON IN LOVE WITH THE LORD WILL ALSO HAVE LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION (THROUGH JESUS CHRIST) WAS ESTABLISHED FROM THE TIME SIN FIRST ENTERED THE WORLD.
OUTLINE: 1. ZECHARIAH GIVES GOD’S CALL TO REPENTANCE. (1 : 1-1 : 6) 2. ZECHARIAH HAS 8 VISIONS FROM THE LORD. (1 : 7-6 : 8) 3. JOSHUA IS CROWNED. (6 : 9-6 : 15) 4. GOD SEEKS OBEDIENCE, NOT HYPOCRISY. (7 : 1-7 : 14) 5. THE LORD PROMISES BLESSINGS FOR ISRAEL. (8 : 1-8 : 23) 6. ISRAEL’S ENEMIES ARE JUDGED. (9 : 1-9 : 8) 7. THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH AND HIS REIGN. (9 : 9-14 : 21)
BOOK OF MALACHI
AUTHOR: MALACHI
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN 450 AND 400 B. C.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 7 YEARS.
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MALACHI. THIS NAME MEANS ”“ MY MESSENGER. ”“
BACKGROUND: THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS NOW COMPLETE. THE MINISTRIES OF HAGGAI AND ZECHARIAH ARE OVER, BUT PROPHECY CONTINUES THROUGH MALACHI AND HIS CONTEMPORARY, NEHEMIAH. ONCE AGAIN THE NATION HAS FALLEN INTO A WIDE VARIETY OF SINS: DIVORCE; INTERMARRIAGE TO PAGAN SPOUSES; NEGLECT OF THE TEMPLE AND IT’S TITHES; U N G O D L Y LEADERSHIP; AND INDIFFERENCE. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 100 YEARS SINCE THE JEWS’ RETURN TO JERUSALEM, AND NOW GOD’S PEOPLE ARE DISCOURAGED DUE TO THE TRYING TIMES OF DROUGHT AND FAMINE.
WHERE WRITTEN: JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO ALL I S R A E L I T E S, BUT ESPECIALLY TO THE REMNANT THAT RETURNED FROM CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON.
CONTENT: THE PROPHET MALACHI BRINGS A MESSAGE OF JUDGMENT UPON THE PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT LEARNED FROM THEIR PASTS SINS. IN A DIALOGUE WITH GOD, THE SINS AND APATHY OF THE PEOPLE ARE REBUKED. MALACHI IS DISTINGUISHED AS BEING THE ONLY PROPHETIC BOOK WHICH ENDS NOT IN DELIVERANCE, BUT JUDGMENT. MANKIND HAS MADE VERY LITTLE PROGRESS SPIRITUALLY THROUGH THE YEARS, AND, THUS, THE OLD TESTAMENT ENDS WITH THE WORD ”“ CURSE. ”“ HOWEVER, THIS WORD IS CONTAINED IN A PROMISE THAT ELIJAH WILL COME TO RESTORE THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS. THIS IS FULFILLED WITH THE COMING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST WHO PREPARES THE WAY FOR JESUS CHRIST, 400 YEARS AFTER M A L A C H I’ S MESSAGE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TITHE ”“ ; ”“ PREPARE. ”“ WHEN THE PEOPLE DO NOT ”“ TITHE, ”“ THEY ARE ACTUALLY ROBBING FROM GOD WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY HIS (3 : 8-9). BUT THE PEOPLE OWE TO GOD MORE THAN JUST THEIR MONEY, THEY OWE THEIR TIME, TALENTS AND PRAISES AS WELL. PART OF M A L A C H I’ S MINISTRY IS TO ”“ PREPARE ”“ THE HEARTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE AND THE WAY FOR JOHN THE BAPTIST, WHO WILL THEN ”“ PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
THEMES: REMEMBERING GOD’S PAST VICTORIES WILL HELP DURING OUR TIMES OF NEED TODAY. GIVING TO GOD AND HIS WORK IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A PUNISHMENT. TRY AS WE MAY, WE CAN NEVER OUT GIVE THE LORD. THERE IS NO OVERLOOKING THE ISSUE OF SIN. GOD HAS A PLAN THAT INCLUDES ALL OF HISTORY.
OUTLINE: 1. GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL. (1 : 1-1 : 5) 2. ISRAEL’S DEFILED SACRIFICES. (1 : 6-1 : 14) 3. GOD’S ADMONITION FOR THE PRIESTS. (2 : 1-2 : 9) 4. ISRAEL’S SINS SHOWN OFFENSIVE TO GOD. (2 : 10-3 : 15) 5. PROMISES AND REWARDS FOR THOSE WHO FEAR GOD. (3 : 16-4 : 6)
BOOK OF MATTHEW
AUTHOR: MATTHEW
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 50 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 37 YEARS (4 B. C.- A. D. 33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MATTHEW.
BACKGROUND: THE OLD TESTAMENT ENDED WITH THE PROPHETS OF GOD PREDICTING THE COMING OF THE ANOINTED ONE, WHO WOULD ENTER HISTORY TO BRING REDEMPTION AND DELIVERANCE TO HIS PEOPLE. SOME 400 YEARS LATER, THE NEW TESTAMENT BEGINS WITH THE BOOK OF MATTHEW REVEALING THE FULFILLMENT OF THESE PROPHECIES IN JESUS CHRIST, THE LONG-AWAITED MESSIAH. MATTHEW, A JEWISH TAX COLLECTOR FOR THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT, IS CALLED BY JESUS TO BECOME ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES. THUS, HIS GOSPEL OFTEN GIVES US AN EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNT.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY AT ANTIOCH.
TO WHOM: PRIMARILY TO JEWS, BUT ALSO TO GENTILES WHO HAVE BECOME CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: MATTHEW’S GOSPEL PROVIDES THE VITAL LINK BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. MATTHEW BEGINS BY TRACING THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS THROUGH JOSEPH; THE BIRTH OF JESUS TO THE VIRGIN MARY; THE BAPTISM OF JESUS BY JOHN THE BAPTIST; AND SATAN’S TEMPTATION OF JESUS WHILE IN THE WILDERNESS. JESUS SPEAKS MORE IN MATTHEW THAN IN THE OTHER GOSPELS, AND HIS TEACHING DISCOURSES INCLUDE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (CHAPTER 5-7); SENDING OUT THE TWELVE (CHAPTER 10); PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM (CHAPTER 13); FELLOWSHIP OF THE KINGDOM (CHAPTER 18); AND THE O L I V E T DISCOURSE CONCERNING THE FUTURE (CHAPTERS 24-25). DURING JESUS’ FINAL WEEK HIS BETRAYAL, TRIAL, CRUCIFIXION, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION TAKE PLACE. MATTHEW CONCLUDES WITH THE CALL OF THE GREAT COMMISSION TO ALL BELIEVERS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FULFILLMENT ”“ ; ”“ KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. ”“ MATTHEW QUOTES FROM MANY BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT TO SOLIDIFY FURTHER THE CLAIM THAT INDEED JESUS IS THE ”“ FULFILLMENT” OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH, THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. THE TERM ”“ KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ”“ IS USED REPEATEDLY BY MATTHEW TO INTRODUCE THE GOOD NEWS THAT GOD IS PRESENT IN JESUS CHRIST AND LIVES TO REIGN IN MAN’S LIVES. THIS TERM APPEARS NOWHERE ELSE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.
THEMES: JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE JEWS AND GENTILES. THERE IS ONE TRUE GOD, BUT WITH THE ESSENCE OF 3, THE TRINITY: GOD THE FATHER; GOD THE SON; AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE STANDARDS OF GOD ARE HIGH, BUT THE EXAMPLE HE GAVE US IS PERFECT, JESUS. CHRIST IS SUFFICIENT FOR WHATEVER NEED WE MIGHT HAVE. THE WAYS OF GOD ARE INFINITELY HIGHER THAN THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. JESUS WILLINGLY LAID DOWN HIS LIFE TO REDEEM A SINFUL WORLD WITH HIS PERFECT AND ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE.
OUTLINE: 1. JESUS’ BIRTH AND INFANCY. (1 : 1-2 : 23) 2. THE PREPARATION AND BEGINNINGS OF JESUS MINISTRY. (3 : 1-4 : 25) 3. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. (5 : 1-7 : 29) 4. JESUS’ MINISTRY OF MIRACLES. (8 : 1-9 : 34) 5. JESUS’ SENDING OUT THE TWELVE. (9 : 35-11 : 1) 6. THE CONTINUATION OF JESUS’ MINISTRY WITH CLAIMS AND PARABLES. (11 : 2-25 : 46) 7. JESUS’ BETRAYAL AND CRUCIFIXION. (26 : 1-27 : 56) 8. JESUS’ BURIAL, RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION. (27 : 57-28 : 20)
BOOK OF MARK
AUTHOR: MARK
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 50 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 3 ½ YEARS (A. D. 29-33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: MARK.
BACKGROUND: A BOOK OF ACTION FOCUSING MORE ON JESUS’ DEED THAN ON HIS WORDS, MARK IS THE SHORTEST OF THE 4 GOSPELS. IT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED THAT THE PREACHING OF PETER, A COMPANION OF MARK, IS THE SOURCE OF MOST OF THIS GOSPEL’S MATERIAL. MARK ALSO SPENDS TIME WITH THEM FROM JERUSALEM TO ANTIOCH ON THEIR FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY. MARK LEAVES EARLY, HOWEVER, RETURNS TO JERUSALEM. AFTER THIS, BARNABAS WANTS TO BRING MARK, HIS COUSIN, ON THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. BUT PAUL DISAGREES AND LEAVES INSTEAD WITH SILAS. PAUL AND BARNABAS RECONCILE AT A LATER DATE, AND MARK BECOMES A CLOSE FRIEND AND HELPER OF PAUL.
WHERE WRITTEN: ROME (POSSIBLY WHILE PETER AND MARK ARE IN PRISON).
TO WHOM: GENERALLY TO ALL GENTILES, BUT PRIMARILY TO THE ROMANS.
CONTENT: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK VIVIDLY PORTRAYS JESUS TEACHING, HEALING AND MINISTERING TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. JESUS IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE AND THE PERFECT SACRIFICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ALL TIME. HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY INCLUDES EXHIBITS OF HIS DIVINE POWER OVER DISEASE, NATURE, DEMONS AND EVEN DEATH. THESE MIRACLES ALSO REVEAL JESUS’ COMPASSION FOR A HURTING WORLD. HOWEVER, OPPOSITION AND HOSTILITY GROW AGAINST JESUS FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS, PHARISEES, AND S A D D U C E E S. FINALLY, JESUS WILLINGLY ALLOWS HIS ARREST AND CRUCIFIXION TO TAKE PLACE. BUT HIS RESURRECTION SEALS THE ULTIMATE VICTORY FOR ALL WHO TRUST HIM TO SAVE THEM.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SERVANT” ; ”“ IMMEDIATELY. ”“ THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST CENTERS AROUND HIS BEING A ”“SERVANT ”“ TO ALL, GIVING HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY. MARK’S GOSPEL USES THE TERM ”“IMMEDIATELY ”“ MANY TIMES TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE AND URGENCY OF BELIEVING IN GOD’S SON, NOW!
THEMES: JESUS IS CONCERNED ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES. JESUS’ ACTIONS PARALLELED HIS WORDS, AND SO MUST OURS IF WE HOPE TO BE A POSITIVE WITNESS UNTO HIM. JESUS’ DEATH ON THE CROSS PAID THE PRICE FOR EACH OF OUR SINS IF WE WILL BUT TURN TO HIM WITH A REPENTANT HEART AND TRUST HIM AS SAVIOR. THERE IS NONE SO DOWN AND OUT THAT HE CAN EVER BE BEYOND THE EXTENDING ARMS OF GOD’S LOVE. EVEN AS JESUS COME TO SERVE US, SO MUST WE ALSO SERVE OTHERS.
OUTLINE: 1. THE BEGINNING OF JESUS CHRIST’S MINISTRY. (1 : 1-1 : 13) 2. JESUS’ MINISTRY OF HEALING AND TEACHING. (1 : 14-8 : 26) 3. JESUS’ INSTRUCTION OF HIS DISCIPLES. (8 : 27-13 : 37) 4. JESUS’ BETRAYAL, TRIAL AND CRUCIFIXION. (14 : 1-15 : 41) 5. JESUS’ BURIAL AND RESURRECTION. (15 : 42-16 : 20)
BOOK OF LUKE
AUTHOR: LUKE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 58 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 38 YEARS (5 B. C.- A. D. 33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: LUKE.
BACKGROUND: LUKE’S IS THE LONGEST AND MOST THOROUGH OF THE 4 GOSPELS. LUKE, A GENTILE PHYSICIAN, WRITES BOTH THIS GOSPEL AND THE BOOK OF ACTS TO AID A NEW CHRISTIAN NAMED T H E O P H I L U S. AS A MISSIONARY COMPANION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL, LUKE IS ABLE TO PRESENT A DETAILED HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF JESUS’ LIFE. LUKE PRESENTS JESUS’ HUMANITY MORE THAN ANY OF THE OTHER GOSPELS.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY AT C A E S A R E A OR ROME.
TO WHOM: TO T H E O P H I L U S SPECIFICALLY; GREEKS IN PARTICULAR; AND TO ALL GENTILES IN GENERAL.
CONTENT: CALLED ”“ THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK EVER WRITTEN, ”“ LUKE BEGINS BY TELLING US ABOUT JESUS’ PARENTS; THE BIRTH OF HIS COUSIN, JOHN THE BAPTIST; MARY AND JOSEPH’S JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, WHERE JESUS IS BORN IN A MANGER; AND THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS THROUGH JOSEPH. JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY REVEALS HIS PERFECT COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS THROUGH THE GOOD SAMARITAN (CHAPTER 10); THE LOST (PRODIGAL) SON (CHAPTER 15); AND THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS (CHAPTER 16). WHILE MANY BELIEVE IN JESUS’ UNPREJUDICED LOVE THAT SURPASSES ALL HUMAN LIMITS, MANY OTHERS CHALLENGE AND OPPOSE HIS CLAIMS. JESUS’ FOLLOWERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COUNT THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP, WHILE HIS ENEMIES SEEK HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS. FINALLY, JESUS IS BETRAYED, TRIED, SENTENCED AND CRUCIFIED. BUT THE GRAVE CANNOT HOLD HIM! HIS RESURRECTION ASSURES THE CONTINUATION OF HIS MINISTRY TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST (19 : 10). AFTER APPEARING ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS TO HIS DISCIPLES, HIS HOLY SPIRIT IS PROMISED, AND CHRIST ASCENDS TO THE FATHER.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JESUS ”“ ; ”“ SON OF MAN. ”“ AS GOD INCARNATE, ”“ JESUS ”“ IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ”“ SON OF MAN. ”“ THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS THROUGH JOSEPH IS DETAILED, AS ARE MANY OTHER SPECIFICS OF HIS HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS AND LIFE.
THEMES: JESUS UNDERSTANDS OUR WEAKNESSES, OUR TEMPTATIONS AND OUR TRIALS. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE JEWS, AND THE GENTILES. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE OUTCASTS, AND THE ACCEPTED. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE POOR, AND THE RICH. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH ADULTS, AND CHILDREN. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH MEN, AND WOMEN. JESUS CAME TO SAVE BOTH THE FREE, AND THE OPPRESSED. JESUS CAME TO SAVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US!
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 4) 2. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS. (1 : 5-2 : 52) 3. THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. (3 : 1-3 : 20) 4. JESUS’ BAPTISM, GENEALOGY AND TEMPTATION. (3 : 21-4 : 13) 5. JESUS’ TEACHING AND HEALING MINISTRY. (4 : 14-9 : 50) 6. JESUS’ JOURNEYS FROM GALILEE TO JERUSALEM. (9 : 51-19 : 27) 7. JESUS’ SUFFERING AND CRUCIFIXION. (19 : 28-23 : 49) 8. JESUS’ BURIAL, RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION. (23 : 50-24 : 53)
BOOK OF JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 3 ½ YEARS (A. D. 29-33).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN
BACKGROUND: ALTHOUGH THE GOSPELS OF MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS, THEY ARE QUITE SIMILAR IN CONTENT AND, THEREFORE, ARE CALLED THE ”“ SYNOPTIC GOSPELS. ”“ JOHN IS THE CALLED THE ”“ SUPPLEMENTAL GOSPEL ”“ BECAUSE IT STAND UNIQUELY IN A CLASS OF ITSELF. THE BOOK OF JOHN IS DIFFERENT IN MANY WAYS: STYLE, STRUCTURE, USE OF PERSONAL INTERVIEWS, LACK OF PARABLES. AND SPIRITUAL EXPLANATION OF EVENTS. JOHN AND HIS BROTHER JAMES FOLLOW JOHN THE BAPTIST UNTIL JESUS CALLS THEM TO FOLLOW HIM. JESUS REFERS TO THESE TWO AS ”“ SONS OF THUNDER, ”“ BUT LATER JOHN IS REFERRED TO AS THE DISCIPLE ”“ WHOM JESUS LOVED. ”“ JOHN, ALONG WITH PETER AND JAMES, BECOMES ESPECIALLY CLOSE TO JESUS. THEY ALONE ARE WITH JESUS AT THE TRANSFIGURATION (MATTHEW 17 : 1-8) AND AT GETHSEMANE (MARK 14 : 32-41). JOHN WROTE THIS BOOK FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE, ”“ THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD; AND THAT BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME ”“ (20 : 31). JOHN ALSO WROTE 1, 2, 3 JOHN, AND THE BOOK OF REVELATION.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY AT EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO THE GENTILES AND ALL CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: WHILE LUKE PRESENT JESUS AS THE ”“ SON OF MAN, ”“ JOHN PRESENTS JESUS IN HIS DEITY AS THE ”“ SON OF GOD. ”“ JESUS’ RELATIONSHIP TO THE FATHER IS EMPHASIZED AS HE TEACHES, HEALS, PRAYS AND MINISTERS. MIRACLES LISTED IN JOHN INCLUDE: TURNING WATER INTO WINE (2 : 1-11), FEEDING OF THE 5, 000 (6 : 1-14), WALKING ON WATER (6 :16-21) AND THE RAISING OF LAZARUS (11:1-46). BUT IN ADDITION TO BEING TOTALLY GOD, JESUS’ HUMANITY IS SHOWN BY HIS BEING TIRED, HUNGRY, THIRSTY AND SORROWFUL. 7 TIMES JESUS REFERS TO HIMSELF IN ”“ I AM ”“ PASSAGES WHICH CLEARLY SHOW HIS CLAIM TO GODHOOD AND THE WAY TO SALVATION. AFTER’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION, GREAT DETAIL IS GIVEN TO APPEARANCES OF THE LORD BEFORE HIS ASCENSION.
KEY WORDS: ”“ WORD " : ”“ LIFE ”“ ; ”“ BELIEVE. ”“ JESUS IS THE P R E - EXISTENT, ETERNAL ”“ WORD ”“ WHO BECAME A MAN. IN ORDER TO GAIN ETERNAL ”“ LIFE ”“ ONE MUST ”“ BELIEVE ”“ UPON THE NAME OF JESUS, JESUS, WHO ALWAYS WAS WITH GOD AND INDEED IS GOD.
THEMES: GOD LOVES EACH OF US SO MUCH THAT HE GAVE UP HIS SON SO THAT ANYONE BELIEVING IN JESUS SHALL NOT PERISH BUT SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (3 : 16). MIRACLES ARE GIVEN NOT ONLY TO HEAL, BUT ALSO AS SIGNS POINTING TO JESUS. GOD EXPECTS US TO LOVE NOT ONLY HIM, BUT ALSO OUT NEIGHBORS. CHRIST FULLY UNDERSTANDS OUR HURTS, HE PAID THE SUPREME PRICE TO HEAL THEM. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US AN ETERNAL PEACE WHICH THE WORLD CANNOT MANUFACTURE OR PURCHASE.
OUTLINE: 1. THE INCARNATION OF THE SON OF GOD (1 : 1-1 : 14) 2. THE INTRODUCTION AND PUBLIC MINISTRY OF JESUS. (1 : 15-5 : 15) 3. OPPOSITION TO JESUS’ MINISTRY. (5 : 16-12 : 50) 4. JESUS’ PREPARATION OF HIS DISCIPLES OF HIS BETRAYAL. (13 : 1-17 : 26) 5. JESUS’ ARREST, TRIAL AND CRUCIFIXION. (18 : 1-19 : 37) 6. JESUS’ BURIAL AND RESURRECTION. (19 : 38-21 : 25)
BOOK OF ACTS
AUTHOR: LUKE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 61 AND 63.
TIME SPAN: ABOUT 29 YEARS (FROM THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST, ABOUT A. D. 33, THROUGH THE IMPRISONMENT OF PAUL IN ROME, ABOUT A. D. 62).
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S DEPICTION OF THE DEEDS (ACTS) OF THE APOSTLES AS DIRECTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.
BACKGROUND: LUKE BEGINS THE BOOK OF ACTS WHERE HE LEFT OFF IN HIS GOSPEL. BOTH ARE WRITTEN TO AID A NEW CHRISTIAN NAMED T H E O P H I L U S. ACTS IS THE ESSENTIAL LINK CONNECTING THE 4 GOSPELS WITH ALL THE OTHER NEW TESTAMENT WRITINGS. ACTS SHOWS THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH CARRYING THE GREAT COMMISSION OF JESUS TO ALL THE WORLD. WHILE MENTIONING MOST OF THE APOSTLES, THIS BOOK EMPHASIZES THE MINISTRIES OF PETER (CHAPTERS 1-12) AND OF PAUL (CHAPTERS 13-28).
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY AT C A E S A R E A OR ROME.
TO WHOM: TO T H E O P H I L U S AND OTHER CHRISTIAN GENTILES.
CONTENT: ACTS CARRIES OUT THE STORY OF THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST THROUGH THE LIVES OF HIS DISCIPLES. THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AT PENTECOST GIVING POWER AND BOLDNESS TO AID CHRISTIANS IN WITNESSING TO ALL THE WORLD OF THEIR RISEN SAVIOR. ACTS DESCRIBES PETER’S LEADERSHIP OF THE JEWISH CHURCH; THE DEATH OF STEPHEN (CHAPTER 7); INTENSE PERSECUTION AGAINST CHRISTIANITY LED BY SAUL (CHAPTER 8); AND SAUL’S (PAUL'S) CONVERSION ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS (CHAPTER 9). PAUL LEADS 3 EXTENSIVE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS TEACHING AND PREACHING THE GOSPEL. THE BOOK ENDS WITH PAUL’S TRIP TO ROME, WHERE HE IS PUT INTO PRISON. BUT CHRISTIANITY HAS SPREAD LIKE FIRE FROM JERUSALEM THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE ROMAN EMPIRE. NOTHING CAN STOP THE GOOD NEWS NOW!
KEY WORDS: ”“ HOLY SPIRIT ”“ ; ”“ GROWTH. ”“ ACTS MENTIONS OR REFERS TO THE ”“ HOLY SPIRIT ”“ MORE THAN 30 TIMES. HE IS THE ONE WHO WILL GUIDE, FILL, SUSTAIN, CONVICT AND COMFORT THE BELIEVER. THE BOOK ALSO OUTLINES THE ”“ GROWTH ”“ OF THE CHURCH: IN NUMBERS, STRENGTH AND UNDERSTANDING.
THEMES: GOD WILL NOT ASK US TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT ALSO GIVING US THE PROVISION TO DO IT WELL. CHURCH GROWTH WILL BE CONTINUOUS AND SIGNIFICANT, WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADERSHIP. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIVES APART FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT. CHRISTIANS OBEDIENT TO GOD’S LEADERSHIP WILL HAVE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE CHRIST.
OUTLINE: 1. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS. (1 : 1-1 : 11) 2. PENTECOST AND THE EARLY CHURCH IN JERUSALEM. (1 : 12-8 :3) 3. THE GOSPEL’S SPREAD TO JUDEA AND SAM-ARIA. (8 : 4-12 : 25) 4. PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY. (13:-14 : 28) 5. THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL. (15 : 1-15 : 35) 6. PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. (15 : 36-18 : 22) 7. PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY. (18 : 23-21 : 14) 8. PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME. (21 : 15-28 : 31)
BOOK OF ROMANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 56 AND 58.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSES OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH AT ROME.
BACKGROUND: PAUL IS COMPLETING HIS THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY AND ANTICIPATING A VISIT ROME. PAUL WRITES THIS LETTER TO INTRODUCE HIMSELF AND TO SUMMARIZE HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.
WHERE WRITTEN: THE CITY OF CORINTH IN GREECE.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHRISTIANS IN ROME, BOTH JEWISH AND GENTILE. (WITH OVER 1 MILLION INHABITANTS, ROME WAS THE CENTER OF ONE OF THE GREATEST EMPIRES THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN.)
CONTENT: THE BOOK OF ROMANS, THE LONGEST OF PAUL’S 13 NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS, IS AN ELABORATE, THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION ON SALVATION AND THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE. PAUL SYSTEMATICALLY REFLECTS ON HIS GRATITUDE OF GOD’S SALVATION THROUGH GRACE, AS LAW AND GRACE ARE CONTRASTED, AND HIS DETERMINATION TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN TO MEN EVERYWHERE. GOD’S DEALINGS WITH ISRAEL AND HIS PURPOSE FOR THE JEWS ARE DETAILED. RIGHTEOUSNESS APART FROM WORKS IS FURTHER ILLUSTRATED THROUGH THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM’S LIFE (CHAPTER 4). FINALLY, PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS CONCERNING CHRISTIAN DUTIES AND ETHICS ARE GIVEN.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SIN ”“ ; ”“ SALVATION ”“ ; ”“ FAITH. ”“ PAUL CLEARLY EXPLAINS THAT BROKEN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD IS A RESULT OF ”“ SIN ”“ IN OUR LIVES, AND ”“ SALVATION ”“ IS AVAILABLE ONLY BY ”“ FAITH ”“ IN THE SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST.
THEMES: EVERYONE IS BORN WITH A SINFUL NATURE, ”“ FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD ”“ (3 : 23). ALL OF US, LIKE PAUL, HAVE INNER CONFLICTS FROM THE SINFUL TENDENCIES OF OUR NATURAL MAN. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD. ONLY THROUGH THE PERFECT JESUS CHRIST CAN WE BECOME RIGHTEOUS. JUSTIFICATION IS BY FAITH, NOT BY GOOD WORKS. SANCTIFICATION IS THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, NOT THROUGH KEEPING RELIGIOUS LAWS. EVERYONE TRUSTING IN JESUS CHRIST WILL BE SAVED AND GIVEN THE ABILITY THROUGH THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO LIVE VICTORIOUSLY. DIVINE POWER FOR HOLY LIVING IS IMPARTED THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 17) 2. ALL MAN’S GUILT AS SINNERS. (1 : 18-3 : 20) 3. SALVATION AVAILABLE TO ALL BY FAITH. (3 : 21-8 : 39) 4. THE PLAN OF GOD FOR ISRAEL. (9 : 1-11 : 36) 5. CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS AND ATTITUDES. (12 : 1-15 :13) 6. FINAL INSTRUCTIONS AND GREETINGS. (15 : 14-16 : 27)
BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 55 AND 57
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S FIRST RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN CORINTH.
BACKGROUND: THE ROMAN GENERAL M U M M I U S DESTROYS THE GREEK CITY OF CORINTH IN THE SECOND CENTURY B. C., BUT JULIUS CAESAR RESTORES THE CITY IN ABOUT 46 B. C. CORINTH, LOCATED ON THE MEDITERRANEAN, BECOMES THE COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC HUB OF GREECE. THIS WEALTHY COSMOPOLITAN CENTER ABOUT 700, 000 PEOPLE SOON SETS THE STANDARD FOR IMMORALITY AND LICENTIOUSNESS. IT IS IN THIS PERVERSE ENVIRONMENT THAT PAUL ESTABLISHES THE CHURCH AT CORINTH WHILE THERE FOR OVER A YEAR-AND-A-HALF ON HIS SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. PRISCILLA, AQUILA, SILAS AND TIMOTHY ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN AIDING PAUL’S EFFORTS. BUT SOON AFTER PAUL’S DEPARTURE, SEVERE EVILS AND FACTIONS THREATEN THE STABILITY AND VERY EXISTENCE OF THE CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: EPHESUS
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH.
CONTENT: THE HOUSEHOLD OF CHLOE HAS REPORTED TO PAUL STRIFE IN THE CHURCH AT CORINTH. THE CHURCH SENDS A DELEGATION OF 3 MEN WITH A LETTER TO PAUL THAT SEEKS HIS WISDOM ON SEVERAL CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS THE CHURCH HAS. THIS LETTER FROM PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS SYSTEMATICALLY ANSWERS THESE ISSUES: DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH, IMMORALITY, LAWSUITS, CHALLENGES TO PAUL’S APOSTLESHIP, MEAT SACRIFICED TO IDOLS, MARRIAGE, DIVORCE AND THE LORD’S SUPPER. CLASSIC TEACHING IS OFFERED ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS (CHAPTER 12), CHRISTIAN LOVE (CHAPTER 13) AND THE RESURRECTION (CHAPTER 15). IN ADDITION TO PAUL’S WORDS OF DISCIPLINE, HE GIVES PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS TO THE PEOPLE WHILE PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL AS THE POWER AND WISDOM OF GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CORRECTION ”“ ; ”“ UNITY. ”“ PAUL OFFERS WORDS OF ”“ CORRECTION ”“ WITH BOTH LOVE AND FIRMNESS. THE ONLY HOPE AVAILABLE TO THE CORINTHIANS IS ”“ UNITY ”“ IN JESUS CHRIST. BOUND TOGETHER THEY CAN LOVE, SERVE, MINISTER AND OVERCOME EVIL BY DRAWING THEIR STRENGTH FROM THE SAME SPIRIT OF GOD WITHIN EACH OF THEM.
THEMES: CHRIST ALONE IS ABLE TO CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS AND GIVE US RIGHT STANDING BEFORE GOD. ONLY CHRISTIANS ARE ABLE TO GIVE TRUE LOVE. TRUE LOVE IS A DECISION, AN ACTION AND A COMMITMENT. GOD WILL NEVER LET US BE TEMPTED BEYOND OUR LIMITS TO ENDURE. BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST SHARE A ONENESS AND UNITY NOT MADE AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD. MATURE CHRISTIANS SOMETIMES NEED TO LIMIT THEIR PERSONAL LIBERTIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WEAKER. BELIEVERS RECEIVE GIFTS IN ORDER TO GLORIFY GOD AND BUILD UP THE BODY IN LOVE. JESUS CHRIST IS INTERESTED IN ALL AREAS OF OUR LIVES AND IS THE ANSWER TO ALL OUR PROBLEMS.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 9) 2. PROBLEMS IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH. (1 : 10-4 : 21) 3. DISCIPLINE FOR THE CHURCH. (5 : 1-6 : 20) 4. CONCERNING MARRIAGE. (7 : 1-7 : 40) 5. PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN RIGHTS AND LIBERTY. (8 : 1-11 : 1) 6. CONCERNING PUBLIC WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS. (11 : 2-14 : 40) 7. CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION. (15 : 1-15 : 58) 8. PAUL’S PLANS AND FINAL INSTRUCTIONS. (16 : 1-16 : 24)
BOOK OF 2 CORINTHIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 55 AND 57, A FEW MONTHS AFTER 1 CORINTHIANS.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: PAUL’S SECOND RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN CORINTH.
BACKGROUND: TITUS RETURNS TO PAUL AT MACEDONIA TO REPORT ON THE CORINTHIANS’ REACTIONS TO PAUL’S PREVIOUS LETTER (WHAT WE KNOW AS 1 CORINTHIANS), THAT MOST OF THE CHURCH AT CORINTH HAS REPENTED. NEVERTHELESS, SOME FALSE TEACHERS, LEADERS OF A REBELLIOUS MINORITY, SEEK TO BELITTLE PAUL’S AUTHORITY AND TO SWAY THE PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE MESSAGE HE HAS SHARED WITH THEM. THESE FALSE PROPHETS ACCUSE PAUL OF BEING PROUD, DISHONEST, LACKING IN SPEECH AND STATURE, AND UNQUALIFIED AS AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY THE MACEDONIAN CITY OF P H I L I P P I.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH.
CONTENT: THIS INTENSELY PERSONAL LETTER FROM PAUL UNCOVERS HIS HEARTFELT EMOTIONS, AMBITIONS AND LOVE FOR THE CHURCH. PAUL EXPLAINS IN DETAIL HIS CAREER AND SOME OF THE TRIALS HE ENDURES IN THE SERVICE OF CHRIST, INCLUDING A THORN IN THE FLESH TO KEEP HIM HUMBLE. HE THEN RECOUNTS THE NEED FOR A COLLECTION TO BE MADE READY FOR MACEDONIAN CHURCHES. THE JOY OF GENEROUS GIVING IS EMPHASIZED. FINALLY, PAUL DEFEND THE VALIDITY OF HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY AND CALLING FROM GOD.
KEY WORDS: ”“ AUTHORITY ”“ ; ”“ RECONCILIATION ”“ ; ”“ SHARING. ”“ THE ”“ AUTHORITY ”“ WHICH PAUL DECLARES OVER THE CORINTHIANS AS THEIR SPIRITUAL FATHER IS GRANTED TO HIM BY GOD, AND HE CHALLENGES EVERY CHRISTIAN WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SEEKING ”“ RECONCILIATION ”“ OF DIVISIONS WITHIN HIS CHURCH, HIS FAMILY AND WITH OTHERS. ONCE CHRISTIANS UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLES OF TOTAL ”“ SHARING ”“ THEY CAN BEGIN TO STAND UPON THE OTHER PROMISES OF GOD.
THEMES: GOD’S GOODNESS IS MORE POWERFUL THAN SATAN’S EVIL. BEING GRANTED THE ABILITY AND PRIVILEGE TO GIVE TO GOD’S WORK IS A BLESSING IN ITSELF. NOT ALL RELIGIOUS TEACHERS ARE OF THE LORD. NOT ALL RELIGIOUS TEACHERS HAVE OUR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND. WORDS FROM THE RIGHTEOUS ARE SOMETIMES MISUNDERSTOOD AND CONDEMNED BY THE WORLD. IT IS OKAY TO BOAST, ABOUT JESUS CHRIST AND WHAT HE HAS DONE.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 11) 2. PAUL’S MINISTRY AND P H I L O S P H Y EXPOUNDED. (1 : 12-7 : 16) 3. STEWARDSHIP ENCOURAGED. (8 : 1-9 : 15) 4. PAUL’S AUTHORITY AS AN APOSTLE EXAMINED. (10 : 1-13 : 10) 5. FINAL EXHORTATIONS. (13 : 11-13 : 14)
BOOK OF GALATIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D 49 AND 55.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH AT GALATIA.
BACKGROUND: JEWS GREATLY OUTNUMBER GENTILES IN THE EARLY CHURCHES, SUCH AS THE ONE AT GALATIA; THUS, MANY QUESTIONS AND ISSUES ARISE WHEN NON-JEWS COME INTO THE CHURCH. THE J U D A I Z E R S, A GROUP OF JEWISH BELIEVERS, FOLLOW PAUL AS HE EVANGELIZES. THEY INSIST THAT THE GENTILE BELIEVERS MUST SUBMIT TO CIRCUMCISION AND THE LAWS OF MOSES IN ORDER TO BE SAVED. THE BOOK OF GALATIANS IS PAUL’S RESPONSE TO THIS ERRONEOUS TEACHING. SALVATION IS A GIFT OF GRACE, WHOLLY DEPENDENT UPON FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. GALATIANS HAS BEEN CALLED THE ”“ M A G N A C H A R T A ”“ OF THE CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY ANTIOCH OR EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHRISTIANS IN GALATIA.
CONTENT: PAUL USES THIS LETTER TO REMIND CHRISTIANS THAT THEY ARE HEIRS OF GOD AS HIS OWN CHILDREN. THIS INHERITANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE BY WORKS, BUT ONLY BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. PAUL, A JEW HIMSELF, REFUTES THE FALSE TEACHING THAT EACH GENTILE CHRISTIAN MUST BE CONVERTED TO JUDAISM AND FOLLOW STRICT OBSERVATION OF EVERY MOSAIC LAW. HE SUMMARIZES THE GOSPEL AND THEN DECLARES HOW ABRAHAM WAS SAVED BY FAITH ABOUT 400 YEARS BEFORE THE LAW WAS REVEALED THROUGH MOSES. AFTER DEPENDING HIS CREDENTIALS AS AN APOSTLE, PAUL CONCLUDES WITH DISCUSSIONS ON WALKING IN THE SPIRIT AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.
KEY WORDS: ”“ GRACE ”“ ; ”“ LIBERTY. ”“ NOT BY OUR OWN GOOD WORKS, BUT ONLY BY THE ”“ GRACE ”“ OF GOD ARE WE JUSTIFIED AND BROUGHT INTO A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. THIS ”“ LIBERTY ”“ GOD HAS GRANTED US IS MADE POSSIBLE BY CHRIST’S PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING US FROM SIN’S BONDAGE.
THEMES: THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO REVEAL MAN’S SINFULNESS AND GUILT. TO LIVE UNDER THE LAW IS BONDAGE, TO LIVE BY FAITH IS FREEDOM. CHRISTIANS ARE NOT BOUND BY THE LAW, CHRIST HAS SET US FREE. LIBERTY IS NOT LICENSE TO CONTINUE IN SIN. THE CHRISTIAN’S POWER TO LIVE VICTORIOUSLY OVER SIN COMES FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 10) 2. PAUL’S CALLING BY GOD AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE APOSTLES. (1 : 11-2 : 10) 3. EXPLANATION OF GRACE BY FAITH. (2 : 11-4 : 31) 4. FREEDOM IS CHRIST. (5 : 1-6 : 10) 5. FINAL BLESSING. (6 : 11-6 : 18)
BOOK OF EPHESIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 61
TIME SPAN: NONE.
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS. HOWEVER, THIS LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS IS PASSED ALONG TO OTHER ROMAN CITIES AS WELL.
BACKGROUND: JEWISH CONVERTS IN THE EARLY CHURCHES ARE OFTEN SEPARATING THEMSELVES AND EXCLUDING THEIR GENTILE BRETHREN. PAUL USES THIS OCCASION TO STRESS THE UNITY OF BELIEVERS. ALONG WITH C O L O S S I A N S, PHILIPPIANS AND PHILEMON, EPHESIANS IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE 4 ”“ PRISON EPISTLES ”“ BECAUSE IT IS WRITTEN DURING PAUL’S TWO YEAR IMPRISONMENT IN ROM; THEREFORE, HE SENDS THE LETTER TO ASIA BY HIS FRIEND T Y C H I C U S. PAUL HAS VISITED EPHESUS BEFORE, AND ON HIS THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY HE STAYS THERE FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS PREACHING CHRIST. IT IS DURING THIS TIME PAUL DEVELOPS A SPECIAL CONCERN FOR THE PEOPLE, AS REVEALED IN HIS LETTER.
WHERE WRITTEN: FROM A ROMAN PRISON.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHRISTIANS AT EPHESUS.
CONTENT: EPHESIANS DOES NOT ADDRESS SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OR SITUATIONS IN THE CHURCH. INSTEAD, IT IS WRITTEN TO ENCOURAGE THE BODY OF CHRIST TO MATURITY IN HIM. PAUL PRESENTS AN OVERVIEW OF THE PLAN AND PURPOSES OF GOD FROM BEGINNING OF TIME. THE PRIVILEGES AND THE UNITY WHICH CHRIST GIVES BELIEVERS PREPARE THEM DAILY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE. PRACTICAL GUIDANCE IS GIVEN FOR RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HUSBANDS AND WIVES (CHAPTERS 5); PARENTS AND CHILDREN, AND MASTERS AND SLAVES (CHAPTER 6). PAUL SHARES THAT FOR A CHRISTIAN TO BE SUCCESSFUL, HE MUST FIRST REALIZE THE WEALTH OF HIS POSITION IN CHRIST AND THE POWER FOUND IF HE WILL ”“ PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD ”“ (6 : 11).
KEY WORDS: ”“ RICHES ”“ ; ”“ ONE. ”“ ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST ARE HEIRS OF THE ”“ RICHES ”“ OF CHRIST AND OF HIS GRACE AND GLORY. EPHESIANS SEEKS TO UNIFY THE BODY BY EMPHASIZING THAT THERE IS ”“ ONE ”“ LORD, ”“ ONE ”“ FAITH AND ”“ ONE ”“ BAPTISM (4 : 5).
THEMES: THE HOLY SPIRIT SEALS BELIEVERS AS BELONGING TO GOD. THE BODY OF CHRIST IS THE CHURCH, THROUGH WHICH HIS ETERNAL PLAN IS FULFILLED. GOD HAS GIVEN EVERY BELIEVER ALL THE PROVISIONS NECESSARY TO HAVE VICTORY OVER ATTACKS FROM SATAN. WE ARE HELPLESS AGAINST SATAN’S ONSLAUGHTS IN OUR OWN MIGHT, OUR STRENGTH IS OBTAINED FROM THE ARMOR OF GOD. IF CHRISTIANS WILL UNDERSTAND THEIR CALLING IN CHRIST, PROPER CONDUCT IN HIM WILL FOLLOW.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. ( 1: 1-1 : 2) 2. CHRISTIANS’ POSITION IN CHRIST. (1 : 3-3 : 21) 3. UNITY AND HOLINESS FOR THE EPHESIAN CHURCH. (4 : 1-5 : 21) 4. RELATIONSHIPS BASED ON CHRIST. (5 : 22-6 : 9) 5. SPIRITUAL WARFARE. (6 : 10-6 : 20) 6. FINAL WORDS. (6 : 21-6 : 24)
BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 62.
TIME SPAN: NONE.
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH OF P H I L I P P I.
BACKGROUND: THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH JEWS FOR A SYNAGOGUE IN THE MACEDONIAN CITY OF P H I L I P P I WHEN PAUL ARRIVES ON HIS SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY, SO HE ESTABLISHES A CHURCH THAT IS PREDOMINANTLY GENTILE. THESE BELIEVERS SHOW A SPECIAL PLACE IN PAUL’S HEART BECAUSE OF THEIR UNSOLICITED FINANCIAL AID TO THIS MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. E P A P H R O D I T U S BECOMES DEATHLY ILL AFTER BRINGING THE MOST RECENT GIFT FROM THE CHURCH AT P H I L I P P I TO PAUL. AFTER HIS RECOVERY, PAUL SENDS THIS LETTER WITH E P A P H R O D I T U S TO THE PHILIPPIANS AS A PERSONAL ”“ THANK YOU ”“ NOTE AND TO STRENGTHEN THEIR ROOTS IN CHRIST. PHILIPPIANS, ALONG WITH EPHESIANS, C O L O S S I A N S AND PHILEMON, IS ONE OF PAUL’S ”“ PRISON EPISTLES. ”“
WHERE WRITTEN: FROM A PRISON IN ROME.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT P H I L I P P I.
CONTENT: THIS WARMLY AFFECTIONATE LETTER FROM PAUL COMMENDS THE PHILIPPIANS FROM THEIR FAITH AND SUPPORT. HE EXHORTS THEM TO CENTER THEIR LIVES IN CHRIST AND TO BE CONTENT IN ALL SITUATIONS. PAUL HAS VERY LITTLE OCCASION TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEMS IN THE CHURCH ALTHOUGH 2 QUARRELING WOMEN, E U O D I A S AND S Y N T Y C H E, ARE ADMONISHED TO SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES (CHAPTER 4). PAUL SETS MOST WORTHY GOALS BEFORE THE PEOPLE: TO LIVE IN GODLY UNITY AND LOVE, TO BE STRONG IN PRAYER AND TO JOYFULLY IMITATE THE EXAMPLE OF THEIR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ GOSPEL ”“ ; ”“ JOY. ”“ PAUL SHARES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ”“ GOSPEL ”“ IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, AS WELL AS WITH OTHER PEOPLE. THE OVERWHELMING ”“ JOY ”“ WHICH PAUL HAS IS SHOWN TO BE AVAILABLE TO ALL CHRISTIANS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES, THROUGH AN INTIMATE WALK WITH THE LORD AND BY LIVING UNDER THE LOVING CARE OF HIS CHURCH.
THEMES: A QUITTER NEVER WINS, A WINNER NEVER QUITS. WHAT GOES INTO OUR MINDS, COME OUT OF OUR ACTIONS. GOD NEVER FAILS. LASTING JOY COMES ONLY THROUGH A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. CHRISTIANS ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS, BUT CHRIST IS THE POWER TO OVERCOME. WE HAVE NO BASIS FOR PRIDE EXCEPT IN OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE, JESUS CHRIST.
OUTLINE: 1. PAUL PRAYS FOR THE PHILIPPIANS. (1 : 1-1 : 11) 2. PAUL’S CHAINS ADVANCE THE GOSPEL. (1 : 12-1 : 26) 3. CHRIST IS PAUL’S MODEL FOR HUMILITY. (1 : 27-2 : 18) 4. PAUL COMMENDS TIMOTHY AND E P A P H R O D I T U S. (2 : 19-2 : 30) 5. KNOWLEDGE AND PEACE OF CHRIST ARE EXHORTED. (3 : 1-4 : 20) 6. FINAL GREETINGS. (4 : 21-4 : 23)
BOOK OF C O L O S S I A N S
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 61
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: NAMED AFTER THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: THE CHURCH OF C O L O S S E.
BACKGROUND: PAUL ESTABLISHES THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS ON HIS SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY. WHEN AT EPHESUS HE DEVELOPS A SPECIAL CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI, EVEN THOUGH HE HAS NEVER VISITED THERE. COLOSSI, ONCE SIMILAR TO THE THRIVING COMMERCIAL CITIES OF HER NEIGHBORS, BOADICEA AND HIERARCHIC, IS DECLINING. THE CITY IS INFILTRATED WITH FALSE TEACHINGS FROM THE JEWS, GREEKS AND ORIENTALS. PAUL RESPONDS TO THESE FALSE TEACHINGS, ESPECIALLY THAT OF GNOSTICISM, WHICH CLAIMS SECRET KNOWLEDGE AND POWERS AND DENIES CHRIST’S TRUE HUMANITY. PAUL SENDS THIS LETTER BY WAY OF PSYCHICS AND THE CONVERTED SLAVE ONESELF TO THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI AFTER PARAPHRASE'S VISIT AND REPORT ON THE CONDITIONS THERE. COLOSSI ANS, EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS AND PHILEMON COMPROMISE PAUL’S ”“ PRISON EPISTLES. ”“
WHERE WRITTEN: FROM A ROMAN PRISON.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI
CONTENT: THE FIRST PORTION OF COLOSSI ANS IS DOCTRINAL IN NATURE, AND THE LAST IS PRACTICAL APPLICATION. PAUL COMBATS THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF LEGALISM, ANGEL WORSHIP AND CEREMONIAL ISM HIS DEFENSE AGAINST SUCH HERESY IS COUPLED WITH HIS URGING COMMITMENT TO THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST. BELIEVERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PUT OFF THE OLD MAN AND PUT ON THE NEW MAN (3 : 9-10) BY LIVING RIGHTEOUS LIVES BEFORE GOD. THESE RULES FOR HOLY LIVING GIVE THEM FREEDOM FROM HUMAN REGULATIONS AS THEY FOLLOW CHRIST’S EXAMPLE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SUPREMACY ”“ ; ”“ HEAD. ”“ THE BOOK OF C O L O S S I A NS IS WRITTEN TO A CHURCH BEING DILUTED WITH VAIN, WORLDLY PHILOSOPHIES. THE ”“ SUPREMACY ”“ OF CHRIST IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE IS EMPHASIZED AS CHRIST IS PRESENTED AS ”“ HEAD ”“ OF THE BODY, HIS CHURCH.
THEMES: JESUS ALONE IS SUFFICIENT TO MEET EVERY NEED OF OUR LIVES. THE PERFECT REFLECTION OF THE INVISIBLE GOD IS THE PERFECT JESUS CHRIST. PHILOSOPHIES WHICH DO NOT EXALT CHRIST ARE NOT FROM GOD. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS REFLECTED THROUGH OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS.
OUTLINE: 1. PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE C O L O S S I A N S . (1 : 1-1 : 1 4) 2. SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. (1 : 15-2 : 5) 3. FALSE DOCTRINES. (2 : 6-2 : 23) 4. EXHORTATION OF HOLY LIVING. (3 : 1-3 : 17) 5. GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. (3 : 18-4 : 1) 6. FINAL INSTRUCTIONS. (4 : 2-4 : 18)
BOOK OF 1 THESSALONIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 50 AND 51.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S FIRST RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI.
BACKGROUND: THESSALONIKI IS THE CAPITAL CITY OF MACEDONIA, A ROMAN PROVINCE. WHEN PAUL ARRIVES THERE ON HIS MISSIONARY JOURNEY, IT IS A THRIVING TRADE CENTER AND SEAPORT OF SOME 200, 000 PEOPLE. PAUL’S PREACHING BRINGS MANY TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, BUT INTENSE PERSECUTION BY THE UNBELIEVERS FORCES HIM TO FLEE THE CITY. PAUL GOES TO BERIA WHERE HE LEAVES HIS COMPANIONS, TIMOTHY AND SILAS, TO CARRY ON THE MINISTRY. BUT THE DISSENTING JEWS FROM THESSALONIKI FOLLOW HIM THERE TO INCITE A RIOT. PAUL GOES TO ATHENS AND THEN TO CORINTH WHERE HE RECEIVES AN UPDATED REPORT FROM TIMOTHY ON THE THESSALONIAN CHRISTIANS. THIS LETTER IS PAUL’S RESPONSE.
WHERE WRITTEN: CORINTH.
TO WHOM: TO THE CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI.
CONTENT: AMONG THE FIRST OF PAUL’S LETTERS, THESSALONIANS IS WRITTEN TO ENCOURAGE THE YOUNG CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI AND TO COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR DILIGENT FAITH. PAUL INSTRUCTS THE BELIEVERS TO LIVE LIVES OF HOLINESS AND ORDERLINESS AND INCLUDES A PLEA AGAINST SEXUAL IMMORALITY. THIS DYNAMIC FELLOWSHIP IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF JOY FOR PAUL. BUT SOME OF THE CHURCH MISUNDERSTAND THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, THINKING THE BELIEVERS WHO DIE BEFORE CHRIST’S RETURN WILL MISS OUT ON THE RESURRECTION. PAUL ASSURES THEM THAT THE DEAD IN CHRIST WILL INDEED BE THE FIRST TO RISE, AND THEY THEN WILL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THOSE ALIVE TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR. THIS LETTER FROM PAUL CLOSES WITH VARIOUS EXHORTATIONS AND BLESSINGS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ STEADFASTNESS ”“ ; ”“ SECOND COMING. ”“ PAUL COMMENDS THE THESSALONIAN BELIEVERS FOR THEIR ”“ STEADFASTNESS ”“ IN FAITH DESPITE THEIR BACKGROUND OF GREEK PAGANISM. AT A TIME WHEN THE ”“ SECOND COMING ”“ OF CHRIST IS EXPECTED SOON, PAUL WRITES ON THE COMFORT, NECESSITY AND CERTAINTY OF CHRIST’S RETURN.
THEMES: GOD EXPECTS BELIEVERS TO BE EXAMPLES FOR UNBELIEVERS. PERSECUTION IS NEVER A REASON TO LEAVE GOD. OUR ULTIMATE VICTORY IS IN CHRIST. THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST IS CERTAIN. CHRISTIANS SHOULD PRAY FOR THEIR CHURCH AND THEIR LEADERS. LIVING A SANCTIFIED LIFE IS GOD’S WILL FOR EVERY BELIEVER.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATIONS. (1 : 1) 2. THANKSGIVING FOR THE THESSALONIANS’ FAITH. (1 : 2-1 : 10) 3. PAUL’S MINISTRY IN THESSALONIKI. (2 : 1-4 : 12) 4. PREPARATIONS FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD. (4 : 13-5 : 11) 5. FINAL ADMONITIONS. (5 : 12-5 : 28)
BOOK OF 2 THESSALONIANS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: ABOUT A. D. 51, A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S SECOND RECORDED LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT THESSALONIKI.
BACKGROUND: THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH IS CONFUSED CONCERNING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. EITHER THEY HAVE MISINTERPRETED PAUL’S FIRST LETTER, OR THEY HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO THE DECEIT OF FORGED LETTER CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE HAND OF PAUL. THE CHURCH BELIEVES CHRIST’S RETURN IS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE; THEREFORE, MANY ARE NEGLECTING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND WORK. THEY ARE LETTING OTHERS TAKE CARE OF THEM WHILE THEY DO NOTHING MORE THAN WAIT FOR THE LORD’S RETURN.
WHERE WRITTEN: CORINTH.
TO WHOM: TO THE BELIEVERS AT THESSALONIKI.
CONTENT: IN THIS LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS, PAUL STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANS USING THEIR TIME WISELY. THEY ARE COMMENDED FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND PROMISED JUDGMENT OF THOSE PERSECUTING THEM. THE CONDITIONS THAT WILL PREVAIL AT THE TIME OF CHRIST’S RETURN ARE OUTLINED, INCLUDING THE GREAT APOSTASY WHICH TAKE PLACE. PAUL EXHORTS THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH TO REMAIN STEADFAST IN THEIR SERVICE AS THE TIME OF CHRIST’S RETURN IS NOT KNOWN. BUT THE ABSOLUTE SURETY OF HIS COMING IS KNOWN AND IS THE ESSENCE OF THESE WORDS FROM PAUL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PERSECUTION ”“ ; ”“ WORD. ”“ THE ”“ PERSECUTION ”“ OF THESE NEW CHRISTIANS CONTINUES FROM LEGALISTIC JEWS WHO WILL NOT SUBMIT TO THE WORD OF GOD. IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT PAUL IMPLORES THE CHURCH NOT TO BE IDLE, BUT TO ”“ WORK ”“ WITH PATIENCE AND DILIGENCE.
THEMES: GOD’S PRESENCE GIVES US PEACE IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. DO NOT PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR GOD TODAY. CONDEMNATION AWAITS THOSE WHO TAKE PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. THE MINISTRY OF THE LORD IS ACTIVE, NOT IDLE. CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEVER GROW TIRED OF DOING GOOD WORKS.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. PAUL’S THANKSGIVING AND PRAYERS. (1 : 3-1 : 12) 3. CONCERNING THE COMING OF THE LORD. (2 : 1-2 : 17) 4. EXHORTATION AGAINST IDLENESS. (3 : 1-3 : 15) 5. FINAL GREETINGS. (3 : 16-3 : 18)
BOOK OF 1 TIMOTHY
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 62 AND 64.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S FIRST RECORDED LETTER TO HIS ASSOCIATE: TIMOTHY.
BACKGROUND: TIMOTHY, BORN IN LYSISTRATA, IS THE SON OF A DEVOUT JEWISH WOMAN NAMED EUNICE. HIS SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL WEAKNESS, CHARACTERISTICS MUCH LIKE PAUL’S, MAKE HIM AN IDEAL CO-LABORER WITH PAUL. PAUL LEAVES TIMOTHY IN EPHESUS TO GIVE GUIDANCE TO THE CHURCH THERE, WHICH IS EXPERIENCING SOME PROBLEMS. THE YOUNG AND TIMID TIMOTHY IS INEXPERIENCED IN SUCH PASTORAL CONCERNS, HOWEVER, SO PAUL WRITES TO ENCOURAGE TIMOTHY AND TO GIVE HIS ”“ BELOVED SON ”“ ADVICE ON SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OF A GODLY CHURCH.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY THE MACEDONIAN CITY OF PHILIP-PI.
TO WHOM: TO TIMOTHY
CONTENT: THIS PERSONAL LETTER FROM PAUL TO HIS CLOSE ALLY TIMOTHY SERVES SEVERAL PURPOSES. IT OFFERS HOPE AND COMFORT TO KEEP YOUNG TIMOTHY ON THE RIGHT PATH AND IS A SIGN FOR THE CHURCH THAT TIMOTHY HAS THE EXPRESS BACKING AND SUPPORT OF THE APOSTLE PAUL. PAUL OFFERS TIMOTHY ADVICE FOR HIS CONGREGATION ON THESE CONCERNS: PROPER WORSHIP; QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE CHURCH OFFICERS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH WIDOWS, ELDERS AND SLAVES; AND THE EVIL OF LOVING MONEY. ADMONITIONS PERMEATE THE LETTER WITH COUNSEL TO HELP THE CHRISTIANS LIVE GODLY LIVES IN A HEALTHY CHURCH COMMITTED TO FOLLOWING GOOD AND FLEEING EVIL.
KEY WORDS: ”“ DOCTRINE” ; ”“ QUALIFICATIONS. ”“ PAUL EXHORTS TIMOTHY TO REMAIN TRUE TO GOD’S WAYS AND TO FOLLOW NO OTHER ”“ DOCTRINE ”“ SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF GOD’S WAYS INCLUDE A LIST OF THE ”“QUALIFICATIONS ”“ WHICH THE LORD HAS GIVEN FOR THE CHURCH’S LEADERSHIP.
THEMES: THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE DOCTRINE, AND ONLY COMMITTED CHRISTIANS ARE CAPABLE OF LIVING WITHIN IT. WHAT WE REALLY BELIEVE AS DOCTRINE WILL BE EXHIBITED BY OUR ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS. AGE IS NO BARRIER TO BEING USED MIGHTILY BY GOD. TRUE LEADERSHIP IS GOD-GIVEN, NOT MAN-MADE. AS AN ATHLETE MUST TRAIN, SO A CHRISTIAN MUST EXERCISE AND DISCIPLINE HIS FAITH.
OUTLINE: 1. LAW VERSUS FAITH. (1 : 1-2 : 15) 2. INSTRUCTIONS ON CHURCH OFFICES. (3 : 1-3 : 16) 3. ADVICE TO TIMOTHY CONCERNING FALSE DOCTRINES. (4 : 1-4 : 16) 4. ADVICE TO TIMOTHY CONCERNING CHURCH DISCIPLINE. (5 : 1-6 : 2) 5. EVIL OF LOVING MONEY. (6 : 3-6 : 21)
BOOK OF 2 TIMOTHY
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 66 AND 67.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM PAUL’S SECOND RECORDED LETTER TO HIS ASSOCIATE: TIMOTHY.
BACKGROUND: DURING PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY JOHN MARK LEAVES, BUT TIMOTHY IS HIS ABLE REPLACEMENT. THROUGH THE YEARS PAUL AND TIMOTHY BECOME LIKE FATHER AND SON AS THEY CO-LABOR TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD. BUT NOW PAUL IS ALONE IN A COLD, HARD ROMAN PRISON, AND ONLY LUKE IS WITH HIM. AS PAUL AWAITS HIS EXECUTION, HE USES THIS OCCASION TO WRITE WHAT IS PROBABLY HIS LAST RECORDED LETTER. PAUL, LONGING FOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP IS ANXIOUS FOR TIMOTHY TO COME SEE HIM AT ROME BEFORE WINTER SETS IN.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY FROM A ROMAN PRISON.
TO WHOM: TO TIMOTHY.
CONTENT: IN SPITE OF PAUL’S DISMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, HIS PRIMARY CONCERN IS FOR TIMOTHY AND HIS MINISTRY SINCE PAUL IS CONCERNED THAT WHEN HIS OWN DEATH COMES, GOD WILL HAVE AN ETERNAL HOME WAITING FOR HIM IN HEAVEN. PAUL ADMONISHES TIMOTHY TO NEVER BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, BUT TO PERSEVERE IN FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. HE THEN INSTRUCTS THAT IN THE LAST DAYS THERE WILL BE A DEVASTATING TURN AWAY FROM GOD AS MEN GLORIFY SIN, AND THAT THOSE WHO HARM THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST SHOULD BE AVOIDED. THE WORD OF GOD IS PRESENTED AS THE POWER AND INSPIRATION OF GOD TO COMPLETE AND EQUIP THE BELIEVER FOR SERVICE. PAUL CONCLUDES BY ASKING TIMOTHY TO COME SEE HIM SOON.
KEY WORDS: ”“ ENDURE ”“ ; ”“ TEACH. ”“ EVEN AS PAUL REMAINED STRONG WHILE IN PRISON, HE ENCOURAGES TIMOTHY TO ”“ ENDURE ”“ HIS TRIALS AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST. TIMOTHY IS ADMONISHED TO FLEE YOUTHFUL LUSTS AND TO FOLLOW FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. THEN HE CAN ”“ TEACH ”“ THE THINGS OF GOD TO FAITHFUL MEN WHO WILL LIKEWISE ”“ TEACH ”“ OTHERS (2 : 2).
THEMES: THE SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES HIS CHILDREN IS NOT ONE OF FEAR, IT IS ONE OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF A SOUND MIND (1 : 7). PERSECUTION IS A CERTAINTY FOR THOSE COMMITTED TO LIVING FOR JESUS. ”“ ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY THE INSPIRATION OF GOD, ”“ (3 : 16). CHRISTIANS SHOULD AVOID DISPUTES AND QUARRELS. THOUGH ALL MAY FORSAKE US, GOD WILL ALWAYS REMAIN TRUE.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. ENCOURAGEMENT TO BE FAITHFUL. (1 : 3-2 : 26) 3. APOSTASY IN THE LAST DAYS. (3 : 1-3 : 17) 4. CHARGE TO PREACH THE WORD. (4 : 1-4 : 5) 5. APPROACH OF PAUL’S DEATH. (4 : 6-4 : 18) 6. PAUL’S FINAL GREETINGS. (4 : 19-4 : 22)
BOOK OF TITUS
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 63 AND 65.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: TITUS.
BACKGROUND: TITUS IS A GREEK GENTILE CONVERT FROM ANTIOCH WHO MINISTERS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS ALONGSIDE PAUL, TAKING ON SEVERAL NOTABLE ASSIGNMENTS. ONE OF THESE IS AT THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH WHERE HE GIVES GUIDANCE TO PREPARE THE PEOPLE IN THEIR OFFERING FOR THE JERUSALEM SAINTS. HE ALSO ACCOMPANIES PAUL AND BARNABAS TO THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL. ONE OF PAUL’S OWN CONVERTS, TITUS IS NOT CIRCUMCISED SINCE IT WOULD BE ASSUMED A CONCESSION TO JEWISH LEGALISM. PAUL LEAVES THE YOUNG BUT MATURE TITUS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND OF CRETE (WHICH IS 152 MILES LONG AND UP TO 35 MILES WIDE) TO ORGANIZE THE BELIEVERS INTO CHURCHES. HIS MISSION THERE IS COMPLICATED BY FALSE TEACHINGS, IMMATURITY AND IMMORALITY.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN. (POSSIBLY FROM GREECE OR MACEDONIA).
TO WHOM: TO TITUS.
CONTENT: PAUL’S REQUEST IN THIS LETTER IS THAT TITUS APPOINT QUALIFIED ELDERS IN EVERY CITY TO GUIDE THE BELIEVERS OF CRETE. SPECIAL EXHORTATIONS ARE GIVEN TO THE YOUNG AND THE OLD OF BOTH SEXES TO LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY AS THEY HOPE IN THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST. BELIEVERS ARE ENCOURAGED IN GOOD WORKS, BUT ADMONISHED TO REMEMBER THAT THEIR JUSTIFICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY. FALSE TEACHERS ARE REBUKED BY PAUL AS HE EMPHASIZES HOW SOUND DOCTRINE SHOULD BE THE FOCUS OF EVERY BELIEVER. PAUL USES THIS LETTER TO GIVE TITUS THE SPIRITUAL WISDOM HE NEEDS TO EFFECTIVELY LEAD THE CHURCH.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PURE ”“ ; ”“ HEIR. ”“ CHRISTIANS EXHORTED NOT ONLY TO LIVE ”“ PURE ”“ LIVES, BUT TO HAVE ”“ PURE ”“ MOTIVES AS WELL. EVERY BELIEVER IS JUSTIFIED BEFORE GOD TO BE AN ETERNAL ”“ HEIR ”“ TO ALL THAT GOD HAS MADE AVAILABLE.
THEMES: GOOD WORKS ARE NOT TO BRING US SALVATION, BUT TO REFLECT OUR SALVATION. CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT SPEAK EVIL OF ANYONE. BELIEVERS SHOULD DENY WORLDLY LUSTS (2 : 12). WE SHOULD NEVER LET OUR SPEECH BE SUCH THAT WE COULD BE CONDEMNED OR BRING DISGRACE TO THE WAYS OF THE LORD
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 4) 2. APPOINT CHURCH ELDERS. (1 : 5-1 : 9) 3. REBUKE FALSE TEACHERS. (1 : 10-1 :16) 4. TEACH SOUND DOCTRINE. (2 : 1-2 : 15) 5. LIVE OBEDIENT AND UPRIGHT LIVES. (3 : 1-3 : 11) 6. CONCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS. (3 : 12-3 : 15)
BOOK OF PHILEMON
AUTHOR: PAUL THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 60 AND 61.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: PHILEMON.
BACKGROUND: PHILEMON IS A WELL-TO-DO CHRISTIAN FROM COLOSSI WHO OWNS SLAVES. ONE OF THESE SLAVES, O N E S I M U S, STEALS SOME OF HIS MASTER’S PROPERTY AND RUNS AWAY TO ROME. WHILE IN ROME, O N E S I M U S BECOMES A BELIEVER AFTER HEARING THE GOSPEL FROM PAUL. (PAUL HAD ALSO BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN LEADING PHILEMON TO SAVING FAITH IN CHRIST.) PAUL ENJOYS HAVING O N E S I M U S WITH HIM, BUT HE KNOWS THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS TO SEND O N E S I M U S HOME TO HIS LAWFUL OWNER, PHILEMON. PAUL SEND O N E S I M U S HOME WITH THIS LETTER, ACCOMPANIED BY TRIPTYCHS, TO PETITION PHILEMON TO RESTORE O N E S I M U S ’S FREEDOM. THE BOOK OF PHILEMON, ALONG WITH PHILIPPIANS, C O L O S S I A N S AND EPHESIANS, IS ONE OF PAUL’S ”“ PRISON EPISTLES. ”“
WHERE WRITTEN: ROME, WHILE PAUL IS UNDER HOUSE ARREST.
TO WHOM: TO PHILEMON. ALSO TO APHELIA AND ARCHIPELAGOS (POSSIBLY PHI LEMON'S WIFE AND SON), AND TO THE CHURCH AT COLOSSI, WHICH MEETS AT PHI LEMON'S HOME.
CONTENT: THE SHORTEST OF PAUL’S LETTERS, THE BOOK OF PHILEMON IS A STRIKING ANALOGY TO THE REDEMPTION STORY OF THE GOSPEL. PAUL PLEADS WITH PHILEMON TO FORGIVE O N E S I M U S AND TO RESTORE HIM BEYOND HIS ORIGINAL POSITION AS A SLAVE. NOW HE CAN BE A CHRISTIAN BROTHER, USEFUL TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. PHILEMON IS REMINDED OF HIS DEBT TO PAUL, BUT STILL PAUL OFFERS TO REPAY FOR ANY LOSS OF PHI LEMON'S. TRADITION REVEALS THAT PHILEMON USES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO FREE O N E S I M US .
KEY WORDS: ”“ SLAVE ”“ ; ”“ PROFITABLE. ”“ PAUL IS SPIRITUALLY A PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST AND PHYSICALLY IN THE BONDAGE OF A ROMAN PRISON, SO HE UNDERSTANDS O N E S I M U S ’S DEBT AS A ”“ SLAVE” TO PHILEMON. PAUL PLAYS UPON THE WORD ”“ PROFITABLE ”“ (VERSE 11), WHICH IS THE MEANING OF O N E S I M U S AND WHICH, INDEED, ALL CHRISTIANS ARE.
THEMES: ALL SINS AGAINST PEOPLE ARE ALSO SINS AGAINST GOD. THE LAWS OF THE LAND ARE FOR BOTH CHRISTIANS AND NON CHRISTIANS ALIKE. A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST WILL BREAK DOWN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BARRIERS. RECONCILIATION REQUIRES ACTION FROM BOTH THE WRONG AND THE WRONGED. CHRIST WILL FORGIVE OUR SINS AND GIVE US A FRESH BEGINNING.
OUTLINE: 1. GREETING. (1 : 1-1 : 3) 2. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER FOR PHILEMON. (1 : 4-1 : 7) 3. PAUL’S PLEA FOR O N E S I M U S . (1 : 8-1 : 21) 4. FAREWELL. (1 : 22-1 : 25)
BOOK OF HEBREWS
AUTHOR: UNCERTAIN. (SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE: APOLLOS, BARNABAS, CLEMENT, LUKE, PAUL, PHILIP, PRISCILLA, OR SILAS.)
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 64 AND 70.
TIME SPAN: NONE.
TITLE: REFERS TO THE ADDRESSEE OF THIS LETTER: A CONGREGATION OF HEBREW BELIEVERS PROBABLY LOCATED IN ROME.
BACKGROUND: PERSECUTION IS A REAL THREAT TO THE CHURCH IN ROME. THIS PERSECUTION CAUSES MANY JEWISH BELIEVERS, WHO HAVE DIED TO THEIR LEGALISTIC, JUDAIC WAYS, TO TAKE SOME STEPS BACKWARD. THE AUTHOR USES THIS OCCASION TO EXPRESS THE FREEDOM THAT CHRIST HAS GIVEN TO ALL BELIEVERS, AND ASSERTS THAT WITH CHRIST THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY OF THE RITUALS OFFERED BY JUDAISM. APPEALING TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, THE AUTHOR ESPECIALLY COMMENTS ON PARALLELS FROM THE PENTATEUCH (GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS AND DEUTERONOMY).
WHERE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN. (POSSIBLY ROME).
TO WHOM: TO THE JEWISH CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: THE WRITER OF HEBREWS EXHORTS THE HEBREW CHRISTIANS TO MATURITY BY SHOWING THEM THAT PRESENT SUFFERING FOR CHRIST IS FOLLOWED BY ETERNAL GLORY WITH HIM THAT JUDAISM OR NO OTHER RELIGION CAN OFFER. THE ENTIRE OLD TESTAMENT POINTED TO THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST, FOR THE OFFERINGS, FEASTS, TABERNACLES AND PRIESTS WERE ALL USED TO SHOW THE BETTER WAY OF JESUS. FAITH IS DEFINED AND ENCOURAGEMENT IS GIVEN TO ALL BELIEVERS BY DETAILING THE FAITH OF SUCH MEN AND WOMEN AS ABEL, ENOCH, NOAH, ABRAHAM, SARAH, ISAAC, JACOB, JOSEPH AND MOSES (CHAPTER 11). THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS REVEALS THAT THE NEW, ETERNAL COVENANT HAS REPLACED A TEMPORAL ONE, AND IT’S PRICE HAS BEEN PAID-IN-FULL BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SACRIFICE ”“ ; ”“ BETTER. ”“ THE " SACRIFICE OF CHRIST IS PRESENTED AS BEING SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING OFFERED BY THE JUDAIC SYSTEM: CHRIST IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN THE ANGELS, SINCE HE IS WORSHIPED BY THEM, HE IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN MOSES SINCE HE CREATED HIM; HE IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN A A R O N ’S PRIESTHOOD, SINCE HIS ATONEMENT IS ETERNAL; AND HE IS ”“ BETTER ”“ THAN THE LAW, SINCE HE MEDIATES A SUPERIOR COVENANT.
THEMES: CHRISTIANITY IS MORE THAN A RELIGION, IT IS A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. TO BE VICTORIOUS, WE MUST RUN THE RACE WITH OUR EYES ON JESUS. WE CAN GIVE OUR TEMPTATIONS TO JESUS, HE HAS ALREADY FACED ALL OF THEM AND WON THE VICTORY. GOD DESIRES HIS CHILDREN TO GIVE STRENGTH OF TESTIMONY TO EACH OTHER. ONLY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CAN CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS.
OUTLINE: 1. JESUS CHRIST’S SUPERIORITY OVER THE PROPHETS AND ANGELS. (1 : 1-2 : 18) 2. JESUS CHRIST’S SUPERIORITY OVER MOSES. (3 : 1-4 : 13) 3. JESUS CHRIST, THE SUPERIOR PRIEST. (4 : 14-7 : 28) 4. JESUS CHRIST’S SUPERIOR COVENANT AND SACRIFICE. (8 : 1-10 : 18) 5. OBEDIENCE THROUGH FAITH. (10 : 19-12 : 29) 6. CONCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS. (13 : 1-13 : 25)
BOOK OF JAMES
AUTHOR: JAMES (THE SON OF MARY AND JOSEPH, THE HALF BROTHER OF JESUS).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 45 AND 49.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JAMES.
BACKGROUND: JAMES DOES NOT BECOME A BELIEVER UNTIL AFTER THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS. HE LATER BECOMES THE LEADER OF THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM, PRESIDES AT THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL, AND IS AMONG THOSE AWAITING THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST. THESE TEACHINGS OF JAMES CAN BE LIKENED TO THE BOOK OF PROVERBS AND TO THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS, ESPECIALLY TO HIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT. THE EMPHASIS OF JAMES’ LETTER IS TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD WORKS IN THE LIFE OF EVERY BELIEVER.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY JERUSALEM.
TO WHOM: TO THE TWELVE TRIBES SCATTERED AMONG THE NATIONS (JEWISH CHRISTIANS).
CONTENT: TO MERELY SAY WE HAVE FAITH IS INSUFFICIENT. JAMES STRESSES THAT WE MUST HAVE FAITH THAT MANIFESTS ITSELF IN THE ACTION OF GOOD WORKS. HIS LETTER COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF SINS: PRIDE, PREJUDICE, HYPOCRISY, WORLDLINESS, THE UNBRIDLED TONGUE AND APATHY. THIS PRACTICAL TREATISE GIVES THE SCATTERED JEWISH CHRISTIANS A STRONG UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR UNION IN CHRIST. THEIR TRIALS, DESIRES, RELATIONSHIPS, PRAYERS, COMPASSION, PATIENCE AND FAITH ARE ALL SHOWN TO HAVE A PLACE IN THEIR WORSHIP OF GOD AND IN THEIR MINISTRY TO OTHERS. THE LETTER CLOSES WITH A DRAMATIC ACCOUNT OF THE FAITH OF ELIJAH.
KEY WORDS: ”“ PATIENCE ”“ ; ”“ PURE RELIGION. ”“ JAMES EMPHASIZES ”“ PATIENCE ”“ AS A GODLY VIRTUE EACH BELIEVER NEEDS IN ORDER TO BECOME PERFECT AND COMPLETE IN CHRIST. ”“ PURE RELIGION ”“ IS LIVING RIGHTEOUSLY BEFORE GOD AND AS AN EXAMPLE BEFORE THE WORLD. THIS INCLUDES A PROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND OTHERS.
THEMES: WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH ALONE, BUT SAVING FAITH NEVER STANDS ALONE, IT REVEALS ITSELF THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND FRUIT OF THE BELIEVER. WE CANNOT BE SAVED BY ANY NUMBER OF GOOD WORKS. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS NOT REAL FAITH. WE MUST BE DOERS OF THE WORD, NOT JUST HEARERS. OUR HUMAN STRENGTH IS UNABLE TO BRIDLE THE TONGUE, BUT THROUGH GOD’S STRENGTH IT CAN BE DONE. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR DISCRIMINATION OR GREED IN THE LIFE OF A COMMITTED BELIEVER.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1) 2. CONCERNING TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS. (1 : 2-1 : 18) 3. CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE FAITH. (1 : 19-2 : 26) 4. STUMBLING BLOCKS. (3 : 1-5 : 6) 5. FAITH AND TRIUMPHS. (5 : 7-5 : 20)
BOOK OF 1 PETER
AUTHOR: PETER THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 63 AND 64.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: PETER.
BACKGROUND: THOUGH PERSECUTION HAS BEEN AN UNDESIRABLE FIXTURE OF THE CHURCH SINCE THE TIME OF CHRIST, THE EVIL REIGN OF NERO IN ROME IS DESTINED TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN WORSE. THIS LETTER IS THE APOSTLE PETER’S ATTEMPT TO PREPARE, COMFORT AND URGE THE BELIEVERS IN ASIA MINOR TO REMAIN STRONG DESPITE THEIR SUFFERING.
WHERE WRITTEN: ROME (SYMBOLICALLY REFERRED TO AS BABYLON).
TO WHOM: TO THE SCATTERED CHRISTIANS IN ASIA MINOR.
CONTENT: TO MANY THIS TIME OF PERSECUTION IS ONE OF DESPAIR, BUT PETER REVEALS THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A TIME TO REJOICE. HE ENCOURAGES THE BELIEVERS TO COUNT IT A PRIVILEGE TO SUFFER FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST, FOR EVEN AS THEIR SAVIOR WAS PERSECUTED, SO WILL ALL FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST BE PERSECUTED AS THEY IDENTIFY WITH HIM. THIS LETTER FROM PETER MAKES REFERENCE TO HIS SERMONS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS AND ALSO TO HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH JESUS. TO FURTHER IDENTIFY WITH CHRIST, ALL BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO HOLINESS, PURITY AND BROTHERLY LOVE. THE CHRISTIAN’S WEALTH IN CHRIST ENABLES HIM TO LIVE WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST IN ALL OF LIFE’S ASSOCIATIONS. PETER CONCLUDES HIS PRACTICAL ADVICE BY CONFIRMING SATAN AS THE GREAT ENEMY OF EVERY CHRISTIAN (5 : 8). BUT THE ASSURANCE OF CHRIST’S FUTURE RETURN GIVES THE INCENTIVE OF HOPE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ SUFFERING ”“ ; ”“ GLORY ”“ ; ”“ REJOICE. ”“ THE TRIALS AND ”“ SUFFERING ”“ WHICH BELIEVERS FACE BECAUSE OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST WILL BRING THEM SPIRITUAL ”“ GLORY. ”“ FOR THIS REASON CHRISTIANS HAVE OCCASION TO ”“ REJOICE ”“ EVEN WHEN SATAN AND THE WORLD AIM TO HURT THEM.
THEMES: THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE IS GIVEN TO ALL CHRISTIANS. THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOR EVER ”“ (1 : 25). GOD DESIRES FOR US TO CAST ALL OUR CARES UPON HIM. ONE WAY TO IDENTIFY WITH CHRIST IS TO SHARE IN HIS SUFFERING. SUFFERING FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING BRING GLORY, SUFFERING FOR SINFUL LIVING BRINGS SHAME. SATAN HATES US AND SEEKS OUR DEFEAT. HAPPINESS COMES TO THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT AND SUBMISSIVE TO CHRIST.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. PRAISES TO GOD. (1 : 3-1 : 12) 3. EXHORTATION TO HOLINESS. (1 : 13-2 : 12) 4. SUBMISSIONS OF THE BELIEVER. (2 : 13-3 : 7) 5. SUFFERING OF THE BELIEVER. (3 : 8-5 : 11) 6. FINAL GREETINGS. (5 : 12-5 :14)
BOOK OF 2 PETER
AUTHOR: PETER THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 64 AND 66.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: PETER
BACKGROUND: THE SECOND LETTER OF PETER’S IS WRITTEN NOT LONG BEFORE HIS DEATH. WHEREAS HIS FIRST LETTER TO THE BELIEVERS COMBATED PERSECUTION FROM THE OUTSIDE, THIS TIME PETER IS ADDRESSING THE SECOND MAJOR THREAT, FALSE TEACHING FROM THE INSIDE. SUCH FALSE TEACHING HAS GREATLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE APOSTASY OF THE CHRISTIANS IN ASIA MINOR TO WHOM PETER IS WRITING. THE MISSION OF PETER’S WORDS IS TO EXPOSE THESE FALSE TEACHERS AND TO ENCOURAGE THE BELIEVERS TO MATURE IN THE TRUTH OF GOD. TRADITION HAS IT THAT PETER WAS CRUCIFIED UPSIDE DOWN IN THE CITY OF ROME.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY ROME.
TO WHOM: TO ALL CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: THIS LETTER FROM PETER ENCOURAGES BELIEVERS TO GROW IN CHRIST, WHICH IS MADE POSSIBLE BY A PROPER KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL. GOD’S WORD GIVES THE PROMISES NECESSARY FOR OBEDIENCE AND CAN BE TOTALLY RELIED UPON AS REVEALING ALL TRUTH AND PROPHECY. PETER DISCUSSES IN DETAIL THE DANGER AND DESTRUCTIVENESS OF THE EVIL MINISTRY OF FALSE TEACHERS, WHOSE INTERESTS ARE NOT IN GOD. BBUT IN SELF-GLORIFICATION AND WORLDLY LUSTS. BUT GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL PREVAIL WHEN, AT THE DAY OF THE LORD, THE OLD EARTH SHALL BE BURNED UP AND A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH SHALL REPLACE IT (CHAPTER 3).
KEY WORDS: ”“ KNOWLEDGE " ; ”“ LAST DAYS. ”“ PETER’S METHOD OF REFUTING THE FALSE ”“ KNOWLEDGE ”“ BEING PROPAGATED IS TO REMIND THE BELIEVERS OF THE TRUE ”“ KNOWLEDGE, ”“ WHICH IS BASED ON A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHRIST. THIS GROWTH IN THE GRACE OF GOD IS AIDED BY A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ”“ LAST DAYS ”“ WHEN THE U N GODLY WILL RECEIVE THEIR JUDGMENT.
THEMES: DECEIT COMES IN MANY FORMS, BUT TRUTH COMES IN ONE FORM (THE FORM OF GOD). GOD HAS DELAYED HIS JUDGMENT SO THAT MORE MAY COME TO REPENTANCE (3:9). DESTRUCTION COMES TO THOSE WHO SCOFF AT THE WORD OF GOD. MATURITY IN GOD WILL COME AS WE DEVELOP AN INTENSE AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD’S SON, GOD’S SPIRIT AND GOD’S WORD. RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL PREVAIL OVER WICKEDNESS IN THE END.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. GROWTH AND KNOWLEDGE IN CHRIST. (1 : 3-1 : 21) 3. FALSE TEACHERS AND THEIR CONDEMNATION. (2 : 1-2 : 22) 4. THE DAY OF THE LORD. (3 : 1-3 : 18)
BOOK OF 1 JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN.
BACKGROUND: IN ADDITION TO THE 3 LETTERS BEARING HIS NAME, JOHN IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF THE FOURTH GOSPEL AND THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION. THIS LETTER OF JOHN IS WRITTEN TO CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS FOUNDED IN TRUTH AND FAITH, BUT RECEIVING SERIOUS CHALLENGES FROM FALSE TEACHERS. THE PARTICULAR ERROR BEING PROPAGATED IS A PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION CALLED GNOSTICISM. IT IS BUILT ON THE PREMISE THAT ALL MATTER IS TOTALLY EVIL, SPIRIT IS TOTALLY GOOD, AND THAT MAN WILL PROGRESS SPIRITUALLY AS HE INCREASES IN THIS KNOWLEDGE. THIS LEADS TO FURTHER FALSE TEACHINGS ABOUT CHRIST, STATING THAT HE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BORN IN THE FLESH SINCE ALL FLESH IS EVIL. THE GNOSTIC THEORIES ARE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS EITHER A GHOST THAT ONLY SEEMS TO HAVE A HUMAN BODY, OR THAT HE HAS A DUAL PERSONALITY, SOMETIMES DIVINE AND SOMETIMES HUMAN. JOHN’S MISSION HERE IS TO COMBAT THESE ERRORS.
WHERE WRITTEN: POSSIBLY EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO ALL CHRISTIANS.
CONTENT: THIS MESSAGE OF JOHN IS A WARNING TO THE BELIEVERS NOT TO BE DECEIVED BY THE FALSE DOCTRINES BEING SPREAD. HE ADDRESSES THEM AS HIS ”“ LITTLE CHILDREN ”“ AND ”“ BELOVED ”“ MARKING HIS CLOSENESS TO THEM. THE UNION BETWEEN THE FATHER AND THE SON IS BOLDLY PROCLAIMED, FOR ONLY AS ONE COMES TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST CAN HE KNOW THE FATHER. JOHN URGES THE BELIEVERS TO FIND FULL JOY IN GOD AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS FORGIVENESS AND GRACE. JOHN’S PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDE ADMONITIONS FOR THE BELIEVER TO WALK IN THE LIGHT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, TO LIVE A SPIRITUAL LIFE MARKED BY A SPIRITUAL BIRTH AND TO SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE FOR OTHERS. THE CHRISTIANS ARE ENCOURAGED NOT TO LOVE THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD, TO BEWARE OF ANTICHRISTS AND TO TESTS THE SPIRITS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE FROM GOD OR SATAN. JOHN CONCLUDES HIS LETTER OF HAPPINESS AND HOPE FOR THE BELIEVERS BY REASSURING THEM OF THE POWER OF PRAYER AND THEIR PROTECTION IN GOD FROM THE EVIL ONE.
KEY WORDS: ”“ FELLOWSHIP ”“ ; ”“ LOVE. ”“ THE EMPHASIS OF 1 JOHN IS TO STRESS THAT IN ORDER FOR A BELIEVER TO HAVE A PROPER ”“ FELLOWSHIP ”“ WITH GOD, HE MUST WALK IN OBEDIENCE AND TRUTH. PROPER ”“ FELLOWSHIP ”“ WITH OTHERS IS MANIFESTED BY HAVING ”“ LOVE ”“ FOR ONE ANOTHER. THIS ”“ LOVE ”“ FOR OTHERS IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE FACT THAT CHRIST FIRST LOVED US ENOUGH TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE.
THEMES: GOD IS LIFE, GOD IS LIGHT, GOD IS LOVE. A BELIEVER’S BIRTHMARK IS RIGHTEOUSNESS. TRUE LOVE WILL MANIFEST ITSELF IN ACTIONS, NOT JUST IN WORDS. PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT ALL FEAR (4 : 18). THE LOVE GOD HAS FOR US IS TOTALLY UNCONDITIONAL. ONLY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CAN CLEANSE US OF ALL OUR SINS.
OUTLINE: 1. WALKING IN THE LIGHT. (1 : 1-2 : 14) 2. HINDRANCES IN FELLOWSHIP. (2 : 15-2 : 27) 3. ABIDING IN CHRIST’S LOVE. (2 : 28-5 : 5) 4. VICTORY AND ASSURANCE THROUGH FAITH. (5 : 6-5 : 21)
BOOK OF 2 JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN.
BACKGROUND: JOHN REVEALS IN HIS FIRST LETTER HOW A NUMBER OF FALSE TEACHERS HAVE BROKEN FROM THE CHURCH. 2 JOHN ADDRESSES SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE ERRONEOUS TEACHERS, WHO TRAVEL THROUGH THE AREA AT THE EXPENSE OF BOTH THE CHURCH’S MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE. AT THE HEART OF THESE HERESIES IS A FALSE BELIEF CALLED GNOSTICISM, WHICH CLAIMS A HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE FOR IT’S ADHERENTS. THE AGNOSTICS PROFESS THEY ARE A SPECIAL, SPIRITUAL ELITE, WHICH KEEPS THEM FROM BEING ACCOUNTABLE FOR RIGHT OR WRONG BEHAVIOR. THIS LETTER IS JOHN’S EFFORT TO COMBAT THE U N GODLY CONDUCT WHICH RESULTS AND TO ENCOURAGE TRUE BELIEVERS TO WITHDRAW ALL FELLOWSHIP FROM THESE FALSE TEACHERS. JOHN, ”“ THE BELOVED DISCIPLE, ”“ PROBABLY WROTE HIS 3 EPISTLES DURING THE FINALLY YEARS OF HIS LIFE.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO THE ELECT LADY AND HER CHILDREN. (THIS COULD EITHER BE A CHRISTIAN WOMAN AND HER CHILDREN, OR IT COULD REFER FIGURATIVELY TO A LOCAL CHURCH AND THE BELIEVERS IN IT.)
CONTENT: JOHN CONTINUES SHOWING HIS CONCERN FOR OTHERS BY WARNING OF THOSE WHO DO NOT TEACH THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS CHRIST, BUT JOHN DOES HAVE JOY FOR THOSE WALKING ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDS OF GOD. JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED THE SON OF GOD, AND THOSE TRUSTING HIM FOR SALVATION SHOULD LIVE IN TRUTH, LOVE AND OBEDIENCE. THE RELATIONSHIP BELIEVERS HAVE WITH THOSE OF THE WORLD MUST BE DISCERNING; FALSE TEACHERS SHOULD NOT BE ENCOURAGED IN ANY WAY (1 : 10-1 : 11). THE APOSTLE JOHN CONCLUDES THIS LETTER BY STATING HIS DESIRE TO RETURN FOR A PERSONAL VISIT WITH THE CHRISTIANS.
KEY WORDS: ”“ TRUTH ”“ ; ”“ WALK. ”“ THE THEME OF ”“ TRUTH ”“ TRANSCENDS 2 JOHN. THIS ”“ TRUTH ”“ ADVOCATES LOVE, KNOWLEDGE AND JOY FOR BELIEVERS WHO ”“ WALK ”“ IN THESE VIRTUES. JOHN USES HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY TO COMMAND THIS ”“ WALK ”“ OF OBEDIENCE AND TO WARN BELIEVERS OF FALSE TEACHERS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW CHRIST’S TEACHINGS.
THEMES: ANTICHRISTS ARE IN THE WORLD, AND THEY SEEK TO DECEIVE US. OBEDIENCE AND LOVE ARE INSEPARABLE. A CHRISTIAN’S SUPPORT FOR HEATHEN ACTIVITIES IS BEING A PARTAKER IN THAT EVIL. GREAT JOY COMES TO THOSE WHO HELP OTHERS GROW IN TRUTH.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1-1 : 3) 2. WALK IN OBEDIENT LOVE. (1 : 4-1 : 6) 3. AVOID FALSE TEACHERS. (1 : 7-1 : 11) 4. CONCLUDING REMARKS. (1 : 12-1 : 13)
BOOK OF 3 JOHN
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 85 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JOHN.
BACKGROUND: 3 JOHN, A BOOK OF ONLY 14 VERSES, CENTERS AROUND 3 CHARACTERS. LAIUS IS EITHER A PASTOR OR A CHURCH LEADER WHO CONSISTENTLY WALKS IN THE TRUTH; DISCOTHEQUES IS A DISRUPTIVE AND PRIDEFUL LEADING MAN IN THE CHURCH; AND DEMETRIUS IS THE REPUTABLE LAYMAN WHO PROBABLY TOOK THIS LETTER FROM JOHN TO LAIUS. AT THIS TIME THERE ARE A NUMBER OF TRAVELING MISSIONARIES WHO SPREAD THE GOSPEL FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH AND ARE SUPPORTED BY CHURCH MEMBERS TAKING THEM INTO THEIR HOMES. JOHN USES THIS OCCASION TO ENCOURAGE SUCH GENEROSITY. JOHN WAS A LEADER IN THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS FOR MANY YEARS, HAVING MOVED THERE FROM JERUSALEM WHERE HE CARED FOR JESUS’ MOTHER AFTER THE CRUCIFIXION.
WHERE WRITTEN: PROBABLY EPHESUS.
TO WHOM: TO LAIUS.
CONTENT: HAVING TRAVELED WITH JESUS, JOHN UNDERSTANDS THE NEED FOR ITINERANT MINISTERS TO BE AIDED IN THEIR EFFORTS. JOHN WRITES THIS LETTER TO HIS FRIEND LAIUS COMMENDING HIM AND ENCOURAGING HIM TO CONTINUE HIS SUPPORT FOR THE EVANGELISTS WHO TRAVEL THROUGHOUT ASIA MINOR. LAIUS IS FURTHER WARNED NOT TO BE LIKE HELIOTROPES, WHO REFUSES TO HELP THE MISSIONARIES, UNDERMINES THE AUTHORITY OF JOHN, AND EVEN BANISHES FROM THE CHURCH ALL WHO DESIRE TO GIVE AID TO THESE TRAVELING BEARERS OF TRUTH. IN CONTRAST, DEMETRIUS IS HIGHLY COMMENDED AS A MODEL CHURCH MEMBER. JOHN CLOSES THIS THIRD LETTER WITH HIS HOPE TO VISIT SOON.
KEY WORDS: ”“ JOY ”“ ; ”“ HOSPITALITY. ”“ THE ABUNDANT ”“ JOY ”“ WHICH JOHN EXPRESSES IS FOR THE FAITHFULNESS OF LAIUS AND OTHER BELIEVERS WHO CONTINUE TO WALK IN TRUTH. THE ”“ HOSPITALITY ”“ WHICH THEY SHOW TO THE ITINERANT PREACHERS AND OTHER CHRISTIAN BROTHERS IS A TRAIT WHICH THE ENTIRE CHURCH IS COMMISSIONED TO DEVELOP.
THEMES: THE FAMILY OF GOD SHOULD SUPPORT OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WHO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL. WHEN WE SUPPORT A MINISTRY, WE BECOME A PARTNER OF THAT MINISTRY. A GOOD REPUTATION WILL FOLLOW A CONSCIENTIOUS WALK WITH GOD. BELIEVERS SHOULD STAND FIRM AGAINST HYPOCRITES DILUTING THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH.
OUTLINE: 1. SALUTATION. (1 : 1) 2. LAIUS’ LOVE AND FAITH COMMENDED. ( 1: 2-1 : 8) 3. HELIOTROPES’ ACTIONS REBUKED. (1 : 9-1 : 10) 4. DEMETRIUS’ ACTIONS PRAISED. (1 : 11-1 : 12) 5. FINAL GREETING. (1 : 13-1 : 14)
BOOK OF JUDE
AUTHOR: JUDE (THE BROTHER OF JAMES, AND THE HALF-BROTHER OF JESUS CHRIST).
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 65 AND 80.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: FROM THE BOOK’S AUTHOR: JUDE.
BACKGROUND: JUDE WRITES THIS LETTER TO COMBAT A FALSE TEACHING IN THE CHURCH WHICH IS A FORM OF GNOSTICISM. THIS ERRONEOUS DOCTRINE TEACHES THAT THE SINS OF THE BODY DO NOT AFFECT THE PURITY OF THE SOUL AND, THUS, OPENS THE DOOR FOR PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN ALL KINDS OF IMMORAL AND PERVERTED EVILS. JUDE, LIKE HIS BROTHER JAMES, DID NOT BELIEVE THAT HIS HALF-BROTHER JESUS WAS THE SON OF GOD UNTIL AFTER THE RESURRECTION. THIS MAY ACCOUNT FOR WHY HE REFERS TO HIMSELF ONLY AS A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST.
WHERE WRITTEN: UNCERTAIN (POSSIBLY OUTSIDE OF PALESTINE).
TO WHOM: TO BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST.
CONTENT: JUDE WRITES THIS LETTER TO WARN BELIEVERS THAT GODLESS MEN BEARING FALSE DOCTRINES ABOUT JESUS AND THE CHRISTIAN WALK ARE POLLUTING THE CHURCHES. JUDE REMINDS THE PEOPLE OF GOD’S PREVIOUS JUDGMENT AGAINST ISRAEL’S UNBELIEF, ANGELS’ DISOBEDIENCE, AND SODOM AND GOMORRAH’S CORRUPTION. THESE 3 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGMENTS ARE FOLLOWED BY 3 DECLARATIONS OF WOE TO GODLESS MEN WHO HAVE TAKEN THE WAY OF CAIN, SALAAM AND TORAH. JUDE REFERS TO JEWISH TRADITION REGARDING EPOCH'S PROPHECY OF THE DOOM OF THE U N GODLY AND MAKES REFERENCE TO THE APOSTLES’ PREDICTIONS OF EVIL, DIVISIONS AND APOSTASY. BUT STILL JUDE ENCOURAGES THE FAITHFUL TO REMAIN STRONG AND TRUE AND TO SHOW MERCY TO THOSE WHO DOUBT. THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST IS PROCLAIMED WITH GREAT JOY.
KEY WORDS: ”“ CONTEND ”“ ; ”“ U N GODLY. ”“ THE MISSION OF THIS LETTER FROM JUDE IS TO URGE THE BELIEVERS TO ”“ CONTEND ”“ FOR THE FAITH WHICH HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO THEM (VERSE 3). IT PAINSTAKINGLY DETAILS THE SIN AND THE ASSURED JUDGMENT OF ALL ”“ U N GODLY ”“ PEOPLE.
THEMES: CHRISTIANS NEED TO BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS INFILTRATING THEIR CHURCHES. U N GODLY PEOPLE CAN BE DETECTED BY THEIR BELIEFS, THEIR ACTS AND THEIR WORDS. BELIEVERS SHOULD BE MERCIFUL TO UNBELIEVERS. JESUS CHRIST WILL CLEANSE ALL BELIEVERS AND PRESENT THEM WITHOUT FAULT TO GOD. THE JUDGMENT OF GOD ON UNBELIEVERS IS CERTAIN.
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 2) 2. CONDEMNATION OF FALSE TEACHERS. (1 : 3-1 : 16) 3. A CALL TO PERSEVERE. (1 : 17-1 : 23) 4. DOXOLOGY OF JUDE. (1 : 24-1 : 25)
BOOK OF REVELATION
AUTHOR: JOHN THE APOSTLE.
DATE WRITTEN: BETWEEN A. D. 90 AND 96.
TIME SPAN: NONE
TITLE: THIS BOOK IS SO NAMED BECAUSE IT IS THE ”“ REVELATION ”“ OF JESUS CHRIST AS GIVEN TO THE APOSTLE JOHN. IT IS ALSO CALLED THE ”“ APOCALYPSE, ”“ WHICH MEANS ”“ REVELATION ”“ OR ”“ UNVEILING. ”“
BACKGROUND: JOHN IS EXILED BY THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT TO PAT-MOS, A SMALL ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF GREECE, FOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD. HIS EXILE IS ONLY A PART OF AN INTENSE PERIOD OF PERSECUTION AGAINST THE CHURCH, WHICH FOLLOWS THE ROMAN EMPEROR DOMINICAN'S PROCLAMATION THAT HE SHOULD BE WORSHIPED AS DEITY. WHILE ON PAT-MOS, JOHN RECEIVES THIS REVELATION ABOUT JESUS CHRIST FROM GOD THE FATHER. AN ANGEL HELPS JOHN TO UNDERSTAND THE VISION. WHEREAS THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GENESIS, TELLS OF THE BEGINNING OF SIN AND SATAN’S TRIUMPH, THE LAST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, THE REVELATION, TELLS OF SIN’S END AND SATAN’S DEFEAT. A SPECIAL BLESSING IS PROMISED TO ALL WHO READ, HEAR AND OBEY THIS BOOK. BUT ALSO A SPECIAL CURSE IS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO ADD TO OR TAKE AWAY FROM THESE WORDS. JOHN ALSO WROTE THE FOURTH GOSPEL AND THE 3 EPISTLES WHICH BEAR HIS NAME.
WHERE WRITTEN: ON THE ISLAND OF PAT-MOS, IN THE AEGEAN SEA.
TO WHOM: TO 7 CHURCHES IN ASIA MINOR (MODERN TURKEY).
CONTENT: THE REVELATION IS LAVISH IN COLORFUL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VISIONS WHICH PROCLAIM FOR US THE LAST DAYS BEFORE CHRIST’S RETURN AND THE USHERING IN OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH. IT IS A FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE PROPHETIC EVENTS WHICH AWAIT EVERY PERSON, WHETHER DEAD OR ALIVE. THE REVELATION MAKES KNOWN WHAT IS TO COME: THE SERIES OF DEVASTATION'S TO BE POURED OUT UPON THE EARTH; THE MARK OF THE BEAST, ”“ 666 ”“ (13 : 18); THE CLIMACTIC BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON; THE BINDING OF SATAN; THE REIGN OF THE LORD; THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT; AND THE NATURE OF THE ETERNAL CITY OF GOD. PROPHECIES CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST ARE FULFILLED, AND A CONCLUDING CALL TO HIS LORDSHIP ASSURES US THAT HE WILL SOON RETURN.
KEY WORDS: ”“ REVELATION ”“ ; ”“ JESUS CHRIST ”“ ; ”“ SEVEN. " THIS BOOK IS A THOROUGH ”“ REVELATION ”“ OF THE TOTAL PERSON OF ”“ JESUS CHRIST ”“ HIS GLORY, POWER AND WISDOM; HIS JUDGMENT, KINGDOM AND GRACE; AND THE LAMB OF GOD FROM ALPHA AND OMEGA. SEVERAL NUMBERS HAVE SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLISM IN THE REVELATION, BUT THE NUMBER ”“ SEVEN ”“ IS DOMINANT THROUGHOUT WITH 7 LETTERS, 7 DOOMS AND 7 NEW THINGS.
THEMES: THE END OF EARTHLY LIFE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF ETERNAL LIFE. CHRISTIANS SHALL SPEND ETERNITY WITH GOD IN THE NEW JERUSALEM. UNBELIEVERS SHALL SPEND ETERNITY WITH SATAN IN THE LAKE OF FIRE. GOD DESIRES THAT EVERYONE TRUST IN HIS SON FOR REDEMPTION, TODAY!
OUTLINE: 1. INTRODUCTION. (1 : 1-1 : 7) 2. CHRIST’S REVELATION OF HIMSELF TO JOHN. (1 : 8-1 : 20) 3. LETTERS TO THE 7 CHURCHES. (2 : 1-3 : 22) 4. THE THRONE IN HEAVEN. (4 : 1-5 : 14) 5. THE 7 SEALS. (6 : 1-8 : 5) 6. THE 7 TRUMPETS. (8 : 6-11 :19) 7. THE 7 EXPLANATORY PROPHECIES. (12 : 1-14 : 20) 8. THE 7 BOWLS OF WRATH. (15 : 1-16 : 21) 9. THE OVERTHROW OF BABYLON. (17 : 1-19 : 5) 10. PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. (19 : 6-19 : 21) 11. PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE MILLENNIUM. (20 : 1-20 : 6) 12. THE REBELLION AND SATAN’S FINAL DOOM. (20 : 7-20 :15) 13. THE NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH AND NEW JERUSALEM. (21 : 1-22 : 6) 14. THE COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. (22 : 7-22 : 21)
