The early church was incredibly active in its mission to bring God’s word to the world. What started as a small, Jewish cultic movement erupted into a dominant world religion—and all because of God’s absolute love for His people. Acts is a prime example of what active faith looks like, and guards against the incorrect tendency of relying on knowledge f… Read more…
The letters to the Colossians and Philemon come with unique historical and textual challenges. Of particular concern is the issue of authorship: did Paul really write these letters? If he didn’t write them, should they be included in Biblical cannon? Where do we draw the line for cultural admonishments vs. universal commands—especially concerning the rol… Read more…
Ephesians transcends the paradigm of works-based righteousness. Indeed, there is no ladder high enough that we can climb to heaven—only Christ can restore our relationship with God. And he does: we have so much more than forgiveness in Christ. Our lives are constantly being transformed to look more and more like the example set for us by Jesus. The NIV App… Read more…
This study of Galatians, a part of the NIV Application Commentary series, certainly does not stop at doctrine. The author examines the epistle to the church in Galatia through Paul’s eyes, using the so-called “new perspective” approach: the belief that Judaism, in that time, did not adhere to a “works based” way of being righteous. He remains utter… Read more…
The author of Hebrews writes about a variety of issues including repentance, faith, transformed living, and Jesus as Messiah and high priest. George H. Guthrie (Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) writes on the original, theological importance of Hebrews in this book of the NIV Application Commentary, as well as how we can apply that to our mo… Read more…
James’ epistle is considered by some to be the most difficult New Testament book to comprehend. Its focus is on doing good works, as opposed to the faith that is central to the majority of the other books in the New Testament. This is easy to misunderstand, especially when this seemingly contradictory focus is supported by extensive quotations from Jesus.… Read more…
The Gospel of John stands apart from Matthew, Mark, and Luke with a singularly unique perspective on the personality of Jesus. From his deliberate echo of Genesis at the beginning of his Gospel and on through the subsequent chapters, John provides an indispensable portrait of the messiah, without which our picture of Christ would be tragically lacking.
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The epistles of John betray the continuing challenges the early church faced. In this volume of the NIV Application Commentary series, Gary M. Burge (Ph.D., King’s College, Aberdeen University) leads us through John’s letters, connecting them to John’s Gospel as he goes, and illuminates their original messages and how we can apply them here and now.… Read more…
Luke’s gospel has earned a reputation for being greatly concerned with social justice. Jesus’ attention to those downtrodden for reason of race, class, or gender is a stunning example of how we ought to treat our neighbors. His extensively detailed ministry to diverse groups of people for the sake of unity is a particularly important message in the face… Read more…
The Gospel according to Mark is widely known for its short but concise narrative-driven account of Jesus’ life—his ministry and subsequent death and resurrection. Get straight to the core of Jesus’ saving character by studying Mark, which many scholars think is a common source for the other Gospels. Let its message of new life—new life without end—… Read more…
The NIV Application Commentary on Matthew shows readers how this Gospel can have the same transformative force today as it did when it was first written.
There is no way to exaggerate the effect the Gospel of Matthew has had on the church through the ages, especially right after Jesus’ ascension. His constant citations of scripture were … Read more…
From worship and prayer to family and the use of money, the book of 1 Timothy is full of implications for life in the local church. But beyond these practical truths for all believers, Ryken writes, "Paul's purpose in 1 Timothy is to help his spiritual son remain true." Thus the book has special application to those in gospel ministry.
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