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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/16290-h.zip b/16290-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f12731a --- /dev/null +++ b/16290-h.zip diff --git a/16290-h/16290-h.htm b/16290-h/16290-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7f98982 --- /dev/null +++ b/16290-h/16290-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7759 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html><head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"><title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Bible Book by Book by Josiah Blake Tidwell</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + body {background:white; + color:black; + font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; + font-size:14pt; + margin-top:100px; + margin-left:10%; + margin-right:10%; + text-align:justify} + hr { width: 100%; + height: 1px; } + hr.narrow { width: 50%; + height: 1px; } + blockquote { font-size: 14pt; } + blockquote.footnote { font-size: 14pt; } + .smallcaps { font-variant: small-caps } + p.footnote { margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 0; + text-indent: 0; + font-size: 14pt; } + p.pg { margin-left: 0; + margin-right: 0; + text-indent: 0; + font-size: 12pt; } + table {font-size:14pt} + p {text-indent: 4% } + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + hr.full { width: 100%; + height: 5px; } + pre {font-size: 8pt;} +</style> + +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> +Project Gutenberg's The Bible Book by Book, by Josiah Blake Tidwell + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Bible Book by Book + A Manual for the Outline Study of the Bible by Books + +Author: Josiah Blake Tidwell + +Release Date: July 13, 2005 [EBook #16290] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK *** + + + + +Produced by Fredric Lozo + + + + + +</pre> + + +<hr class="full" noshade="noshade"> +<br> +<br> +<center> +<h2>THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK:<br> +<br> +A MANUAL:<br></h2> +<h3>For the Outline Study of the Bible by Books</h3> +<h3>by</h3> +<h2>J.B. TIDELL, A.M., D.D.</h2> +<br> +<h4>Professor of Biblical Literature</h4> +in Baylor University +<br> +Waco, Texas +<br><br> +<br> + +1916 +<h6>BAYLOR UNIVERSITY PRESS</h6> +Waco, Texas +</center> +<br> +<br> +<hr class="narrow"> +<br> + + + +<center> + +<br> +<h3>Preface to Second Edition.</h3> +</center> +<br> + +<p>In sending forth this second edition of The Bible Book by Book it has +seemed wise to make some changes in it. The descriptive matter has +been put in paragraph instead of tabular form; the analyses have been +made shorter and less complex; the lessons based on the Old Testament +books have been omitted or incorporated in the topics of study which +have been increased, It is believed that the make-up of the book is +better and more attractive. +</p> +<p>The author feels a deep gratitude that the first edition has been so +soon sold. He indulges the hope that it has been found helpful and +sends out this edition with a prayer that it may prove more valuable +than did the former. +</p> + +J.B. Tidwell +<br> + <br> +<hr class="narrow"> +<br> + + + +<center> +<br> +<h3> +Preface to First Edition. +</h3> +</center> +<br> + +<p>The aim of this book is to furnish students of the Bible with an +outline which will enable them to gain a certain familiarity with its +contents. While it is intended especially for students in academies, +preparatory schools and colleges, the needs of classes conducted by +Women's Societies, Young People's Organizations, Sunday School Normal +Classes, Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. and advanced classes of the +Sunday Schools have been constantly in mind. Its publication has been +encouraged not only by the hope of supplying the needs mentioned but +by expressions that have followed public lectures upon certain books, +indicating a desire on the part of Christians in general for a book +that would, in a brief compass, give them some insight into the +purpose, occasion and general setting of each of the books of the +Bible. +</p> +<p>The work has been done with a conviction that the students of American +schools should become as well acquainted with the sources of our +religion as they are required to do with the religions of ancient +heathen nations, and all the more so, since the most of our people +regard it as the true and only religion, and still more so, since "it +is made the basis of our civilization and is implied and involved in +our whole national life." It is believed by the Author that a +knowledge of the simple facts of the history, geography and chronology +of the Bible is essential to a liberal education and that to be +familiar with the prophecies, poetry, and ethics of the scripture is +as essential to the educated man of today as was a "knowledge of Greek +history in the time of Pericles or of English history in the reign of +Henry the VIII." And, in order that such knowledge may be gained, +effort has been made to put into the book only a minimum of matter +calculated to take the student away from the Bible itself to a +discussion about it and to put into it a maximum of such matter as +will require him to study the scripture at first hand. +</p> +<p>Having intended, first of all to meet the needs of those whose +advantages for scripture study have been limited, the information has +been put in tabular form, giving only such facts as have been +carefully gathered from reliable sources, with but little attempt to +show how the conclusions were reached. It is expected that the facts +given may be mastered and that an interest may be created which will +lead to further study upon the subjects treated. And to this end some +of the studies have been made sufficiently complicated for college +work and instruction for such work given in suggestions for teachers, +leaders and classes. Besides the studies of the books there have been +introduced some matters of general interest which have been found +helpful as drills for academy pupils, and which will be found +interesting and helpful to all classes of students. +</p> +<p>The general plan is the outgrowth of the experience of a few years of +teaching, but the material presented lays little claim to originality. +It has been gathered from many sources and may in some cases seem +almost like plagiarism, but due acknowledgment is here made for all +suggestions coming from any source whatsoever, including Dr. George W. +Baines, who read all the material except that on the New Testament. +</p> +<p>Let it be said also, that in preparing these studies the Author has +proceeded upon the basis of a belief in the Bible as the Word of God, +a true source of comfort for every condition of heart and a safe guide +to all faith and conduct whether of individuals or of nations. It is +hoped therefore that those who may study the topics presented will +approach the scripture with an open heart, that it may have full power +to make them feel the need of God, that they may make its provisions +real in their experience and that it may bring to them new and changed +lives. +</p> +<p>If the pastors shall deem it valuable as a book of reference for +themselves and to their members who are desirous of pursuing Bible +study, or if it shall be found serviceable to any or all of those +mentioned in paragraph one of this Preface, the Author will be amply +rewarded for the effort made. +</p> + +J. B. TIDWELL.<br> +Waco, Texas, August, 1914. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + +<center> +<hr class="narrow"> +<br> +<br> +<a name="48"></a> +<h3>TABLE OF CONTENTS.</h3> +</center> +<br> + +<p><b>Some Introductory Studies.</b></p> +<br> +<center> +<table border="0" cellpadding="5"> + <tbody><tr> + <td align="right" valign="top" width="30%"><a href="#1">Chapter I. </a></td> + <td align="left">Why We Believe the Bible.<br><br> + + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#2">Chapter II. </a></td> + <td align="left">The Names of God.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#3">Chapter III. </a></td> + <td align="left">The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.<br> +<br> + </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#4">Chapter IV. </a></td> + <td align="left">Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great +Covenants.<br><br> + + +</td> +</tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#5">Chapter V. </a></td> + <td align="left">The Divisions of the Scriptures. <br><br> + + </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#6">Chapter VI. </a></td> + <td align="left">The Dispensations.<br><br> + + </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#7">Chapter VII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Ages and Periods of Biblical History.<br><br> +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#8">Chapter VIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Some General Matters and Some Biblical Characters.<br><br> + +</td></tr> + </tbody></table> +</center> + +<p><b>The Bible Book by Book.</b></p> + + +<br> + +<center> +<table border="0" cellpadding="5"> + + + + <tbody><tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#9">Chapter I. </a></td> + <td align="left"> Genesis.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#10">Chapter II. </a></td> + <td align="left">Exodus.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#11">Chapter III. </a></td> + <td align="left">Leviticus.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#12">Chapter IV. </a></td> + <td align="left">Numbers.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#13">Chapter V. </a></td> + <td align="left">Deuteronomy.<br><br> + + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#14">Chapter VI. </a></td> + <td align="left">Joshua.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#15">Chapter VII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Judges and Ruth.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#16">Chapter VIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">First and Second Samuel.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#17">Chapter IX. </a></td> + <td align="left">First and Second Kings.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#18">Chapter X. </a></td> + <td align="left">First and Second Chronicles.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#19">Chapter XI. </a></td> + <td align="left">Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#20">Chapter XII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Job.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#21">Chapter XIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Psalms and Proverbs.<br><br> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#22">Chapter XIV. </a></td> + <td align="left">Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#23">Chapter XV. </a></td> + <td align="left">Isaiah.<br><br> + + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#24">Chapter XVI. </a></td> + <td align="left">Jeremiah and Lamentations.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#25">Chapter XVII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Ezekiel and Daniel.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#26">Chapter XVIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Hosea and Joel.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#27">Chapter XIX. </a></td> + <td align="left">Amos and Obadiah.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#28">Chapter XX. </a></td> + <td align="left">Jonah and Micah.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#29">Chapter XXI. </a></td> + <td align="left">Nahum and Habakkuk.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#30">Chapter XXII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Zephaniah and Haggai.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#31">Chapter XXIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Malachi.<br><br> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#32">Chapter XXIV. </a></td> + <td align="left">Matthew.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#33">Chapter XXV. </a></td> + <td align="left">Mark.<br><br> + + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#34">Chapter XXVI. </a></td> + <td align="left">Luke.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#35">Chapter XXVII. </a></td> + <td align="left">John.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#36">Chapter XXVIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Acts.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#37">Chapter XXIX. </a></td> + <td align="left">Romans.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#38">Chapter XXX. </a></td> + <td align="left">First and Second Corinthians.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#39">Chapter XXXI. </a></td> + <td align="left">Galatians and Ephesians.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#40">Chapter XXXII. </a></td> + <td align="left">Philippians and Colossians.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#41">Chapter XXXIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">First and Second Thessalonians.<br><br> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#42">Chapter XXXIV. </a></td> + <td align="left">First and Second Timothy.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#43">Chapter XXXV. </a></td> + <td align="left">Titus and Philemon.<br><br> + + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#44">Chapter XXXVI. </a></td> + <td align="left">Hebrews and James.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#45">Chapter XXXVII. </a></td> + <td align="left">First and Second Peter.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#46">Chapter XXXVIII. </a></td> + <td align="left">First, Second and Third John and Jude.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right" valign="top"><a href="#47">Chapter XXXIX. </a></td> + <td align="left">Revelation.<br><br> + +</td> + </tr> + + </tbody></table> +</center> +<br> +<br> +<center> +<hr class="narrow"> +</center> +<br><br> + +<br> +<br> +<center> +<hr class="narrow"> +</center> +<br><br> +<a name="1"></a> + +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Why We Believe The Bible.</b></i> +<br><br> +</center> +<br> +<br> + +<p>There are two lines of proof of the reliability of the scriptures, the +external and the internal. These different kinds of evidences may be +put down, without separation, somewhat as follows: +</p> +<p> 1. The Formation and Unity of the Bible. There are sixty-six +books written by nearly forty men, who lived at various times, and yet +these books agree in making a perfect whole. These writers were of +different classes and occupations. They possessed different degrees of +training and lived in widely different places and ages of the world. +The perfect agreement of their writings could not, therefore, be the +result of any collusion between them. The only conclusion that can +explain such unity is that one great and infinite mind dictated the +scripture. +</p> +<p> 2. The Preservation of the Bible. That the Bible is a divine book +is proven in that it has survived the wreck of empires and kingdoms +and the destruction of costly and carefully gathered libraries and +that, too, when there was no special human effort to save it. At times +all the constituted powers of earth were arrayed against it, but it +has made its way against the tide of fierce opposition and +persecution. +</p> +<p> 3. Its Historical Accuracy. The names of towns, cities, battles, +kings, empires and great events, widely apart in time and place, are +given without a blunder. The ruins of cities of Assyria, Egypt and +Babylon have been unearthed and tablets found that prove the accuracy +of the Bible narrative. These tablets corroborate the stories of the +creation and fall of man, of the flood, the tower of Babel, the +bondage in Egypt, the captivity, and many other things. This accuracy +gives us confidence in the reality of the book. +</p> +<p> 4. Its Scientific Accuracy. At the time of the writing of the +Bible. there were all sorts of crude and superstitious stories about +the earth and all its creatures and processes. It was humanly +impossible for a book to have been written that would stand the teat +of scientific research, and yet at every point it has proven true to +the facts of nature. Its teachings areas to the creation of all animal +life is proven in science, in that not a single new species has come +into existence within the history of man and his research or +experiment. David said the sun traveled in a circuit (Ps. 19:6), and +science has proven his statement. Job said the wind had weight (Job +28:25) and science has finally verified it. That the earth is +suspended In space with no visible support is declared by Job, who +said that "God hangeth the earth upon nothing", Job 26:7. +Besides these and other specific teachings of science which correspond +to Bible utterances, the whole general teachings of the scripture is +sustained by our investigations. Many theories have been advanced that +contradicted the Bible (at one time a French Institution of Science +claimed that there were eighty hostile theories), but not a single +such theory has stood. Wherever a teaching of science contradicting +the Bible has ever been advanced, it has been proven false, while the +Bible was found to correspond to the facts. +</p> +<p> 5. Its Prophetic Accuracy. At least sixteen prophets prophesied +concerning future events. They told of the coming destruction of +cities and empires, calling them by name. They told of new kingdoms. +They told of the coming of Christ, his nativity, the place of his +birth, and the result of his life and death and made no mistake. +</p> +<p>Christ himself showed how their old prophecies were fulfilled in Him. +He told the destruction of Jerusalem and the nature of his Kingdom and +work, all of which has been shown to be true. No other but a Divine +book could have foretold the future in detail. +</p> +<p> 6. The Richness and Universality of Its Teachings. Its contents are +fresh and new to every age and people. Its teachings furnish the +highest standards for right human government and for personal purity +of character. Its virtues are superior to all others. Every generation +finds new and wonderful treasures in it, and while hundreds of +thousands of books have been written about it, one feels that it is +still a mine, the riches of whose literary excellence, moral beauty +and lofty thought have scarcely been touched. +</p> +<p> 7. The Fairness and Candor of Its Writers. In portraying its heroes, +the Bible does not attempt any gloss. Their faults are neither +covered up nor condoned, but condemned. This is unlike all other +books. +</p> +<p> 8. Its Solution of Man's Difficulties. What is the origin of the +world? What is the origin of man? How came sin in the world? Will +there be punishment of sin that will satisfy the unfairness and +inequalities of life? Is there redemption for weak and helpless man? +Is there a future life? These are some of the questions that have +troubled man in all ages. The Bible alone answers them in a simple yet +adequate way. It alone gives us the knowledge of the way to secure +happiness. Its remedies alone furnish a certain balm for bruised human +hearts. +</p> +<p> 9. Its Miracles. The Bible, which records how God sent his son and +others on special missions, also tells how He attested their work by +signs or miracles. These miracles were performed in the presence of +creditable witnesses and should, therefore, be believed. Moreover, +they are so different from the superhuman deeds of ancient mythology +as to stamp them as divine and true and at the same time to discredit +all the false. +</p> +<p>Bible miracles are never for mere exploitation or for personal profit +to the one who performs the miracle. They are for the good of others. +The blind and deaf and lame are healed. The sick and dead are raised. +Lepers are cured and sins forgiven. Moreover, those who perform the +miracle claim no power of their own, but attribute it all to God and +only perform the miracle that God may be exalted. +</p> +<p> 10. Its Spiritual Character. It is evident that man alone could not +have conceived the lofty ideas of the scripture. All his experience +proves that he can not produce anything so far beyond himself. These +high truths therefore, have come from a greater than man. +</p> +<p> 11. Its Fruit. No other book will do for man what the Bible does. The +spread of its truths makes man better. Wherever the Bible goes +civilization and enlightenment follow. This is so, no matter what the +former condition of the people. Where everything else fails, the Bible +succeeds in lifting men out of ignorance and shame. +</p> + +<p> 12. Its Own Claims to Divine Origin. (1) It clearly claims to be the +the word of God. (a) All scripture is given by inspiration Of God. 2 +Tim. 3:16. (b) God spake unto the fathers by the prophets, Heb. 1:1. +(c) Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 +Peter 1:21. (d) He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, Luke 1:70. +(e) Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake. Acts 1:16. (f) +God showed by the mouth of all his prophets. Acts 3:18. (g) By the +revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal. 1:12. (h) Not as the word of men, but +as it is in truth the word of God, 1 Thes. 2:13. (2) It claims to be a +good book and to be given for man's good. Both of these claims have +been amply justified. But it could not be a good book and claim what +is not true. This it would do if it ware not the Word of God. +</p> + + +<a name="2"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3> + +<br> +<i><b>The Names of God.</b></i> +<br><br> +<br></center> +<br> + +<p>The Names of God.</p> + +<p>Several names are used for God, each having its own significance, and +every Bible reader should in some general way know the meaning of each +name. We cannot always distinguish the exact meaning, but the +following, while not all, will be of use in reading the English +translation. +</p> +<p> 1. God. This comes from one word and two of its compound or forms +and will mean accordingly: (1) The Strong one used 225 times in the +Old Testament; (2) The Strong one as an object of worship; (3) The +Strong one who is faithful and, therefore, to be trusted and obeyed. +This last is a plural term and is used 2300 times in the Old +Testament. It is the name used when God said. "Let us make man" and +"God created man in his own image," etc., Gen. 1:26-27. It was by this +name that God the Trinity covenanted for the good of man before man +was created. +</p> +<p> 2. LORD. Small capitals in the old version and translated Jehovah in +the in the revised translation. It means: (1) The self-existing one +who reveals himself; (2) God as Redeemer. It was under this name that +he sought man after the fall and clothed him with skins. Gen. 3:9-17; +(3) God who makesand keeps his covenants. It is used more than 100 +times in connection with the covenants, as in Jer. 31:31-34 where he +promises a new covenant. +</p> +<p> 3. Lord. Small letters except the L and always denotes God as Master +in his relation to us as servants. There are two kinds of servants- +hired and bought servants, the latter being always superior and more +beloved. The servant is expected to obey and is guaranteed protection +and support for his service. +</p> +<p> 4. Almighty God. This means a Strong-breasted one, the Pourer or +Shredder forth of spiritual and temporal blessings. It refers to +God: (1) As a nourisher, strength-giver, satisfier and a strong one +who gives; (2) As the giver of fruitfulness which comes through +nourishment. He was to make Abraham fruitful, Gen. 17:1-8; (3) As +Giver of chastening. This he does in the way of pruning that there may +be more fruit. +</p> +<p> 5. The Most High or Most High God. This means: (1) The Possessor of +heaven and earth, who as owner distributes the earth among the +nations; (2) The one who, as possessor, has dominion and authority +over both, Dan. 4:18, 37; Ps. 91:9-13. +</p> +<p> 6. Everlasting God, This represents him as: (1) The God of the +mystery of the ages and, therefore, (2) The God of secrets; (3) The +God of everlasting existence whose understanding is past finding out, +Is. 40:28. +</p> +<p> 7. LORD (Jehovah) God, This name is used: (1) Of the relation of +Deity to man, (a) as Creator, creating and controlling his destiny, +especially of his earthly relations, (b) as having moral authority +over him, (c) as redeemer; (2) Of his relation to Israel, whose +destiny he made and controlled. +</p> +<p> 8. Lord (Jehovah) of Hosts. This refer: Usually to the host of +heaven, especially of angels; (2) To all the divine or heavenly power +available for the people of God; (3) The special name of deity used to +comfort Israel in time of division and defeat or failure, Is. 1:9, +8:11-14. +</p> +<p>Note. Drill on the use of these names and find some scripture passage +illustrating the use of each. +</p> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="3"></a> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3> + +<br> + + +<b><i>The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.</i></b><br><br> + +</center> +<br> + +<p>The Sacred Officers.</p> + +<p>The following facts about the officers of the Bible should be familiar +to all Bible students.</p> + +<p> 1. The Priests. They represent the people to God. The head of the +household was the first priest. Gen. 8:20. Later the first born or +oldest son became priests of the chosen people, Ex. 28:1. They served +in the tabernacle and later in the temple where they conducted +religious services, offered sacrifices for public and private sins and +were teachers and magistrates of the law.</p> + +<p> 2. The Prophets. These speak for God to the people. They received +revelations from God and made them known to men. They were selected +according to God's own will to impart his spiritual gifts (1 Cor. +12:11) and extended down through those who wrote prophetic books to +Malachi. They were philosophers, teachers, preachers and guides to the +people's piety and worship. Abraham was the first to be called a +prophet (Gen. 20:7) and Aaron next (Ex. 7:1).</p> + +<p> 3. The Scribes. The word means a writer and Seraiah is the first one +mentioned, 2 Sam. 8;17. As writers they soon became transcribers, then +interpreters and teachers or expounders. They became known as lawyers +and were accorded high standing and dignity. In the time of the kings +they were supported by the state as a learned, organized and highly +influential body of men. In Christ's time they were among the most +influential members of the Sanhedrin.</p> + +<p> 4. The Apostles. These formed the beginning of Christ's church. They +were separate from the old order and were, therefore, under no +obligation to any caste. Nor were they tied to the old administration +of divine things. The word means a messenger or one sent. They were, +therefore, to be with him and to be sent forth to preach. Twelve were +chosen, and when Judas, one of them, betrayed him, Matthias was chosen +in his place (Acts 1:15-26). Paul was appointed in a special way +(Acts 9:1-43) and perhaps others. Barnabas was called an apostle +(Acts 14:14).</p> + +<p>These men led the new movements (Acts 5:12-13) and devoted themselves +especially to ministerial gifts (Acts 8:14-18). They had first +authority in the church (Acts 9:27; 15:2; 1 Cor. 9:1; 12:28; 2 Cor. +10:8; 12:12; Gal. 1:17; 2:8-9).</p> + +<p> 5. Ministers or Preachers-They are: (1) Those who minister to or +aid another in service, but as free attendants, not as slaves; (2) +They became the teachers and hence our term ministers (Acts 13:2; Rom. +15:16); (3) Today they are preachers and teachers of the word and +minister to the spiritual needs of God's people and of others.</p> + +<p>Note. Read all the scriptures here referred to and invite others to be +given by the class. Then drill on these facts until they are familiar.</p> + +<p>The Sacred Occasions.</p> + +<p> 1. The Sabbath. For the meaning and use of the term see Lev. 25:4; +Math. 28:1; Lu. 24:1; Acts 25:7. The first mention is Gen. 2:2-3 and +the first mention of the weekly Sabbath is Ex. 16:22-30. It is +suggested in the division of weeks. Gen. 8:10-12; 29:27-28, and Israel +was directed to keep it, Ex. 20:8-11.</p> + +<p> 2. The New Moons. They were special feasts on the first day of the +month (Num. 10:10) and were celebrated by sacrifices (Num. 28:11-15). +Among the ten tribes it was regarded as a time suitable to go to the +prophets for instruction, 2 K. 4:23. 3. The Annual Feasts. There were +several of these. (1) <i>The Passover</i>, April 14 (Ex. 12:1-51), +commemorating the exodus from Egypt and the saving of the first born. +(2) <i>Pentecost</i>, June 6 (Ex. 34:22; Lev. 23:15-16; Deut. 16:9-10; Num. +28:26-31), commemorating the giving of the Law.</p> + +<p> (3) <i>The Feast of Trumpets</i>, October 1 (Lev. 23:23-25; Num. 29:1-6), +the beginning of the civil year. (4) <i>The Day of Atonement</i>, October +10 (Lev. 16: 1-34; 23:27-32), atonement made for the sins of the +people. (5) <i>The Feast of Tabernacles</i>, October 15, lasting a week +(Lev. 23:34-43; Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Deut. 16:13-15), commemorating the +life in the wilderness. (6) <i>The Feast of Dedication</i>, December 25 (1 +Kings 8:2; 1 Chron. 5:3), commemorating the dedication of the temple. +(7) <i>The Feast of Purim</i>, March 14 and 15 (Esth. 9:20-32), +commemorating the deliverance through Esther.</p> + +<p> 4. The Sabbatical Year. The land of Israel should rest every seven +years as the people rested every seven days. No seeds must be sown or +vineyards pruned. All that grew was public property and the poor could +take it at will. All debts must then be forgiven except to foreigners +(Ex. 23:10-11; Lev. 25:2-7; Deut. 15:1-11). +</p> +<p> 5. The Year of Jubilee. Every fiftieth year was known as Jubilee, +Lev. 25:8-55. It began on the tenth day of the seventh month and +during it the soil was unfilled just as on the Sabbatical year. All +alienated land went back to the original owner and the Hebrew bondmen +became free if they desired. +</p> +<p> 6. The Lord's Day. It is the first day of the week and commemorates +the resurrection of Jesus and the finished work of redemption as the +Sabbath commemorated the finished work of creation. +</p> +<p>Note. Find other scripture references to each of these occasions and +become familiar with the name, date and import of each. +</p> + + +<a name="4"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3> + +<br> + +<i>><b>Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants.</b></i>.<br><br> +</center> +<br> +<br> + +<p>The Sacred Institutions of Worship.</p> + +<p> 1. The Alter. Make a careful study finding: (1) The first mention of +it. (2) The different persons who are recorded as erecting altars, +Gen. 1-Ex. 20. (3) The materials of construction, Ex. 20:24-25. (4) +The purpose for which they were erected, including that of Joshua, +Josh. 22:10, 22-29.</p> + +<p> 2. The Tabernacle, Ex. chs. 25-29. Study: (1) The instructions to +build it, including the offerings and articles to be given. (2) Its +furniture. (3) Its erection. (4) Its purpose, Ex. 29;42-45; Heb. Chs. +9-10. (5) Its history, when first set up, how long used, etc.</p> + +<p> 3. The Temple. (1) <i>Solomon's Temple</i>. Study David's desire to build +and his preparation for it. 2 Sam. 7:1-2; 2 Chron. 28, 29; its +material, erection and dedication, 1 Kings 5-8; 2 Chron. 2:6; its +destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's general, 587 B. C. (2) <i>Zerubbabel +Temple</i>. Study the decree of Cyrus, return of the Jews, rebuilding and +dedication, Ezra Chs. 1-6; its destruction by Pompey 63 B. C. and by +Herod the Great 37 B. C. (3) <i>Herod's Temple</i>. It was begun 20 or 21 B. +C., John 2:20; Matt. 24:1-2; Matt. l3:1-2; Lu. 2l:56, and destroyed +under Titus, A. D. 70.</p> + +<p> 4. The Synagogue. Greek work meaning an assemblage. There were +synagogues wherever there were faithful Jews, about 1500 in Palestine +and perhaps 480 in Jerusalem. The officers were (1) Ruler. Lu. 8:49; +13:14; Mk 5:15, etc; (2) Elders, Lu. 7:3; Mk. 5:22, etc; (3) +Minister, Lu. 4:20. The service was one of prayer and reading and +expounding the scriptures. It was through the worship at the synagogue +that the apostles everywhere had opportunity to teach Christianity.</p> + +<p> 5. The Church. The word means an assemblage and is most commonly +used of a local congregation of Christian workers. It is sometimes +called the church of Christ, Church of God, Saints, etc. Churches were +established in cities and in homes. It is not proper to call all the +Christians of a particular denomination a church. Nor can we call all +of any denomination in a given territory a church. It would be wrong +to say the Baptist church of the south. In the New Testament we can +get a rather clear idea of it as an institution by a study of a few +principal churches and leaders of the Christian movement after the +ascension of Christ.</p> + +<p>The Seven Great Covenants.</p> + +<p>There are two kinds of covenants. (1) Declarative or unconditional, +example, Gen. 9-11, "I will." (2) Mutual or conditional, example, +"If thou wilt." All scripture is a development of or is summed up +in seven covenants.</p> + +<p> 1. The Adamic Covenant, Gen. 3:14-19. Outline the elements of the +covenant, showing the persons affected and the results or conditions +involved.</p> + +<p> 2. The Noahic Covenant, Gen. 8:20-9:27. Outline the elements of the +covenant, and the results affected.</p> + +<p> 3. The Abrahamic Covenant. Gen. 12:1-3; Acts 7:3. other details, +Gen. 13:14-17; 15:1-18; 17:1-8. Outline, giving the elements, +blessings proposed, temporal and spiritual or eternal. This is +sometimes called several covenants but it seems best to consider it +one that is enlarged upon from time to time.</p> + +<p> 4. The Mosaic Covenant, Ex. 19-30. Given in two parts: (1) <i>Law of +Duty</i> (10 commandments), (2) <i>Law of Mercy</i>, Priesthood and Sacrifices +Lev. 4:27:31; Heb. 9:1-7. (3) To whom given, Ex. 19:3 and to all, Rom. +2,12; 3:19, etc. (4) Its purpose: (a) Negative, Rom. 3:19-20, Gal. +2:16-21. etc; (b) Positive, Rom. 3:19, 7:7-13. (5) Christ's relation +to the Mosaic Covenant: (a) was under it, Gal. 4;4; Matt. 3:13, etc; +(b) Kept it, Jno. 8:46; 15:10; (c) Bore its curse for sinners, Gal. +3:10-13; 4:45; 2 Cor. 5:21, etc; (d) Took the place of and ended the +Priesthood and sacrifices, Heb. 9:11-15; 10:1-12, etc; (e) New +covenant provided for believers in Christ, Rom.8:1; Gal. 3:13-17.</p> + +<p> 5. The Deuteronomic Covenant, Deut. 30:1-9. Outline its elements, +giving things promised and prophesied.</p> + +<p> 6. The Davidic Covenant, 2 Sam. 7:5-19. (1) Elements of the covenant +and summary in the Old Testament. (2) In the New Testament.</p> + +<p> 7. The New Covenant. (1) Formed, Heb. 8:6-13. (2) In prophecy. Jer. +31:31-34. (3) It is founded on the sacrifice of Christ. Matt. 26: +27-28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:11-12. (4) It is primarily for Israel, but +Christians are partakers, Heb. 10:11-22; Eph. 2:11-20. (5) Jews are +yet to be brought into it, Ezek. 20:34-37; Jer. 23:5-6; Rom. 11:25-27.</p> + +<p>Note. Try to see how all of these covenants met in Christ.</p> + +<br> +<br> + +<a name="5"></a> +<center> + +<h3>CHAPTER V.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>The Division of the Scriptures.</b></i> +<br><br> +</center> +<br> + + + +<p>In language and contents, the Bible is divided into two main +divisions.</p> + +<p>1. The Old Testament, 39 Books. 2. The New Testament, 27 Books. Total. +66 Books.</p> + +<p>The Jews were accustomed to divide the Old Testament into three main +parts, as follows:</p> + +<p> 1. The Law-the first five books, Genesis to Deuteronomy, otherwise +called the Pentateuch and books of Moses.</p> + +<p> 2. The Prophets. These are divided into the "former prophets" or +historical books and the "later prophets," or books, which we commonly +call the prophetic books.</p> + +<p> 3. The Writings, which was made to include; (1) Poetical +books-Psalms, Proverbs and Job; (2) Five Rolls-Song of Solomon, Ruth, +Esther, Lamentations and Ecclesiastes; (3) Other Books: Daniel, Ezra, +Nehemiah and I and II Chronicles.</p> + +<p>The Bible itself divides the Old Testament into the three following +divisions:</p> + +<p> 1. The Law, which includes the first five books of the Bible, also +called the books of Moses.</p> + +<p> 2. The Prophets, which includes the next twelve books, commonly +called historical books and the seventeen books we know as the +prophetic books.</p> + +<p> 3. The Psalms, including the five poetical books.</p> + +<p>The Books of the Bible</p> + +<p>The books of the Old and New Testaments may each be divided into three +or five groups as follows:</p> + +<p>First Into three groups.</p> + +<p>1. History.</p> +<blockquote><p> (1) Old Testament-Genesis-Esther (17 books).</p> + +<p> (2) New Testament-Matthew-Acts (5 books).</p></blockquote> + +<p>2. Doctrine.</p> + +<blockquote><p> (1) Old Testament-Job-Song of Solomon (5 books).</p> + +<p> (2) New Testament-Romans-Jude (21 books).</p></blockquote> + +<p>3. Prophecy. </p> + +<blockquote><p>(1) Old Testament-Isaiah-Malachi (17 books)</p>. + +<p> (2) New Testament-Revelation (1 book). </p></blockquote> + +<p>Second, into five groups.</p> + +<p><b>1. Old Testament.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> (1) Pentateuch-Genesis-Deuteronomy (5 books).</p> + +<p> (2) Historical Books-Joshua-Esther (12 books).</p> + +<p> (3) Poetical Books-Job-Song of Solomon (5 books).</p> + +<p> (4) Major Prophets-Isaiah-Daniel (5 books).</p> + +<p> (5) Minor Prophets-Hosea-Malachi (12 books).</p></blockquote> + +<p><b>2. New Testament.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> (1) Gospels-Matthew-John (4 books).</p> + +<p> (2) Acts-Acts (1 book).</p> + +<p>(3) Pauline Epistles-Romans-Hebrews (14 +books).</p> + +<p> (4) General Epistles-James-Jude (7 books).</p> + +<p> (5) Revelation-Revelation (1 book).</p></blockquote> + +<p>Direction For Study. (1) Drill on the Scripture divisions, Jewish +divisions and the three and five groups of each Testament. (2) Drill +on the number of chapters in each book and on the abbreviation of +each. (3) Drill on books having the same number of chapters, as all +those having one chapter, two chapters, etc. </p> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="6"></a> + +<center> +<h3> + +CHAPTER VI.</h3> + +<br> + + +<i>><b>The Dispensations.</b></i><br><br> +</center> +<br> + +<br> + +<p>A dispensation is a period of time during which God deals in a +particular way with man in the matter of sin and responsibility. The +whole Bible may be divided into either three or seven dispensations.</p> + +<center><p><b>Three Dispensations.</b></p></center> + +<p> 1.<i>The Patriarchal Dispensation</i>. From creation to the giving of the +Law, Gen. 1-Ex. 19 and Job.</p> + +<p> 2. <i>The Mosaic Dispensation</i>. From the giving of the Law to the +birth of Christ, Ex. 20-Mal. 4.</p> + +<p> 3. <i>The Christian Dispensation</i>. From the birth of Christ to his +second coming, Matt.-Rev.</p> + +<center><p><b>Seven Dispensations.</b></p></center> +<p>In each of these, man is put in a given state or +condition, has a responsibility in it, fails to meet the +responsibility, and suffers consequent Judgment.</p> + +<p> 1. <i>The Dispensation of Innocence</i>. From creation to the expulsion +from the garden, Gen. 1-3. In this period. Adam and Eve were under +obligations to keep their innocence by abstaining from the fruit of +the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Their failure has been the +most destructive and for reaching of all man's failures.</p> + +<p> 2. <i>The Dispensation of Conscience</i>. From the fall to the flood, +Gen. 4-9. Man had a natural conscience, or knew good from evil, and +was under obligation to do good and not evil. The time covered B. C. +4004-2348=1636 years for 1 and 2.</p> + +<p> 3. <i>The Dispensation of Human Governments</i>. From the flood to the +call of Abraham, Gen. 10-12. God gave the eight persons saved from the +flood power to govern the renewed earth. The time covered, B. C. +2348-1921.= 427 years.</p> + +<p> 4. <i>The Dispensation of Promise</i>. From Abraham to the giving of the +law. Gen. 12-Ex.19. God promised Abraham land, natural seed, +spiritual seed and other conditional promises. For the sake of study, +this dispensation is divided into two sections. (1) Abraham and the +chosen people, Gen. 12:50. (2) Moses and the Exodus, Ex. 1-19. The +time covered, B. C. 1921-1491=430 years.</p> + +<p> 5. The Dispensation of the Law. From Sinai to Calvary or from Exodus +to the cross, Ex. 20-John 21. The history of Israel in the wilderness +and their lapses into idolatry and their other sins while in Canaan, +their captivity by Babylon and final dispersion are evidences of their +failure in this dispensation. All of the Old Testament was written +during this period. The time covered, B. C. 1491-A. D. 34=1525 years.</p> + +<p> 6. The Dispensation of Grace. From Calvary to the second coming of +Christ, Act 8-Rev. Grace is God giving instead of requiring +righteousness. It is unmerited favor. During this dispensation, +perfect and eternal salvation is fully offered to both Jews and +Gentiles upon the condition of faith. It will end with the destruction +of the wicked. The time covered is not known.</p> + +<p> 7. The Dispensation of the Kingdom. The Millennium (1000).</p> + +<p>Directions for Study. (1) Drill the class on the names of +dispensations, the portion of scripture included and the period of +time covered. (2) Have each student to select for himself some +prominent person or historical event found in each dispensation with +which he will familiarize himself.</p> + + +<a name="7"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER VII.</h3> + +<br> +<b><i>Ages and Periods of Biblical History. +</i></b></center> + + + +<p>Bible history is commonly divided into the following ages or periods +according to the purpose to be served or the minuteness of the study +to be taken.</p> + +<center><p><b>Seven Ages.</b></p></center> + +<p> 1. The Adamic Age. Gen. 1-8-From the creation to the flood.</p> + +<p> 2. The Noachian Age, Gen. 9-11-From the flood to the call of +Abraham.</p> + +<p> 3. The Abrahamic Age, Gen. 12-Ex. 19-From the call of Abraham to the +giving of the law.</p> + +<p> 4. The Mosaic Age, Ex. 20-1 Sam. 31-From the giving of the Law to +the reign of David.</p> + +<p> 5. The Davidic Age. 2 Sam. 1-2 Kings 25-From David's ascension to +the throne to the restoration.</p> + +<p> 6. The Ezraitic Age. Ezra-Mal.-From the restoration to the birth of +Christ.</p> + +<p> 7. The Christian Age. Matt-Rev.-From the birth to the second coming +of Christ.</p> + +<p>Fifteen Historical Periods.</p> + +<p> 1. <i>The Ante-diluvian Period</i>, From the creation to the flood. Gen. +1-6. The time covered, B. C. 4004 minus 2348 equal 1656 years.</p> + +<p> 2. <i>The Post-diluvian Period</i>. From the flood to the call of +Abraham. Gen. 7-11. Time covered, B. C. 2348 minus 1921 equal 427 +years.</p> + +<p> 3. <i>The Patriarchial Period</i>. From the call of Abraham to the +descent into Egypt. Gen. 12-50. Time covered. B. C. 1921 minus 1706 +equal 215 years.</p> + +<p> 4. <i>The Period Of Bondage</i>. From the descent into Egypt to the +Exodus Ex. 1-12. Time covered B. C. 1706 minus 1491 equal 215 years.</p> + +<p> 5. <i>The Period of Wilderness Wandering</i>. From the exodus to the +entrance into Canaan. Ex. 2-Deut. 34. Time covered, B. C. 1491 minus +1451 equal 40 years.</p> + +<p> 6. <i>The Period of the Conquest of Canaan</i>. From the entrance of +Canaan to the time of the Judges, Job. 1-Judge 2. Time covered, B. C. +1451 minus 1400 equal 51 years.</p> + +<p> 7. <i>The Period of the Judges</i>. From the beginning of the Judges to +the beginning of the Kingdom. Judg. 3-Sam 8. Time covered, B. C, 1400 +minus 1095 equal 305 years.</p> + +<p> 8. <i>The Period of the Kingdom of Israel</i>. From the beginning to the +division of the Kingdom, 1 Sam.9; King 11; 1 Chron. 10;2 Chron. 9. +Time covered B. C. 1095 minus 975 equal 120 years.</p> + +<p> 9. <i>The Period of the Two Kingdoms</i>. From the division of the +kingdom to the fall of Israel, 1 Kings 12; 2 Kings 18; 2 Chron. 10-29. +Time covered, B. C. 975 minus 722 equal 253 years.</p> + +<p> 10. <i>The Period of the Kingdom of Judah</i>. From the fall of Israel to +the fall of Judah, 2 Kings 21-25; 2 Chron. 33-36. Time covered, B. C. +722 minus 587 equal 135 years.</p> + +<p> 11. <i>The Period of Babylonian Captivity</i>. From the fall of Judah to +the restoration to Jerusalem. 2 Kings, Is., Jer, Eze., Dan. Time +covered, B. C. 587 minus 537 equal 50 years.</p> + +<p> 12. <i>The Period of the Restoration</i>. From the return to Jerusalem to +the end of the Old Testament, Ezra, Neh., Esth., Hag., Zech. Time +covered, B. C. 537 minus 445 equal 92 years.</p> + +<p> 13. <i>>The Period Between the Testaments</i>. From the end of the 0ld +Testament to the Birth of Christ-no scripture. Time covered, B. C. 445 +minus 4 equal 441 years.</p> + +<p> 14. <i>The Period of the Life of Christ</i>. From the birth of Jesus to +the ascension. Matt.-John. Time covered, B. C. 4 minus A. D. 30 equal +34 years.</p> + +<p> 15. <i>The Period of the Church after the Ascension</i>. From the +ascension to the second coming, Acts-Rev. Time covered A. D. 34 to the +end of the age.</p> + +<center><p><b>Twenty-one Shorter Periods.</b></p></center> + +<p> 1. From the Creation to the Fall, Gen. 1-3.</p> + +<p> 2. From the Fall to the Flood. Gen. 4-8.</p> + +<p> 3. From the Flood to Abraham, Gen. 9-11.</p> + +<p> 4. From Abraham to Egypt. Gen. 12-50.</p> + +<p> 5. From Egypt to Sinai. Ex. 1-19.</p> + +<p> 6. From Sinai to Kadesh, Ex. 20-Num. 14.</p> + +<p> 7. From Kadesh to the death of Moses, Num. 14-Dt. 34.</p> + +<p> 8. Joshua's Conquest, Josh. 9. The Judges, Jud. 1-1 Sam. 7.</p> + +<p> 10. Saul's Reign. 1 Sam. 8-end.</p> + +<p> 11. David's Reign, 2 Sam.</p> + +<p> 12. Solomon's Reign. 1 K. 1-11.</p> + +<p> 13. The Divided Kingdom 1 K. 12-2 K. 17.</p> + +<p> 14. From the captivity of Israel to the captivity of Judah. 2 K. 18- +25. 15. From the captivity of Judah to the Restoration, Dan. and Eze.</p> + +<p> 16. From the Restoration to Malachi, Ezra, Neh., and Esther.</p> + +<p> 17. From Malachi to the Birth of Christ, no scripture.</p> + +<p> 18. From the Birth of Christ to the ascension, Matt-John. 19. From +the Ascension to the Church at Antioch, Acts 1-12.</p> + + <p>20. From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem, Acts 13-28.</p> + +<p> 21. From the Destruction of Jerusalem to the close of the New +Testament. John and Rev.</p> + +<p>Note 1. The author's "Bible Period by Period" is based upon these +twenty-one periods and will furnish material for a study of the whole +story of the Bible.</p> + +<p>Note 2. To the scripture given for each period should be added +corresponding scripture such as sections in Chron. corresponding to +that of Kings.</p> + +<p>Directions for Study. (1) Drill separately on the ages, fifteen +periods with the scripture and period covered by each until the class +is thoroughly familiar with them. Require the students to select some +event or character found in each age and period and drill on them +until they know something found in each.</p> +<br> +<br> + + + +<a name="8"></a> + +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER VIII.</h3> + +<br> +<i><b>Some General Matters and Biblical Characters.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<br><br> + +<p>Some General Matters.</p> + +<p>Any intelligent reading of the Bible requires a knowledge of some +general matters. This chapter looks to the study of some of the most +important of them.</p> + +<p><i>Sacred Mountains and Hills</i>.</p> + +<p>(1) Ararat, Gen. 8:4. (2) Lebanon. 1 K. 5:6; Josh, 13:5-6. (3) Hor, +Num. 34:7-8. (4) Hermon, Dt. 4:48; S. of S. 4:8. (5) Gilead, Gen. +31:25; Dt. 32:49. (7) Tabor, Josh. 19:22; Jud. 4:6. (8) Carmel, Is. +32:9; 1 K. 18-19. (9) Moriah, 2 Chron. 3:1-10. Zion, 2 Sam. 5:7-9; Ps, +87:2, 5. (11) Sinai, Ex. 19:1, 11 etc. (12) Horeb, Ex. 3:1; 1 K. 19:8 +etc. (13) Calvary Mt. 27:45. (14) Olivet or Olives, Zech. 14:4: Mk. +13:3.</p> + +<center><p><i><b>The Jewish Months</b></i>.</p></center> + +<p> Hebrew Names Roman Names.</p> + +<p> 1. Nisan or Ahib March and April</p> + +<p> 2. Iyar or Ziv April and May.</p> + +<p> 3. Sivan May and June.</p> + +<p> 4. Tammuz June and July.</p> + +<p> 5. Ab July and August.</p> + +<p> 6. Elul August and September.</p> + +<p> 7. Tisri or Eharium September and October.</p> + +<p> 8. Marchesvan October and November.</p> + +<p> 9. Casleu or Chisleu November and December.</p> + +<p> 10. Tebeth December and January.</p> + +<p> 11. Shebat January and February.</p> + +<p> 12. Adar February and March.</p> + +<p><i>Politico-Religious Parties</i>.</p> + +<p> 1. The Parties. (1) The Galileans. (2) Samaritans. (3) Proselytes. +(4) Hellenists. (5) Herodians. (6) Publicans.</p> + +<p> 2. The Religious Classes. (1) Scribes. (2) Pharisees. (3) +Sadducees. (4) Zealots. (5) Essenes.</p> + +<p>Note. By reference to some good Bible dictionary become familiar with +the history and importance of all the topics of the chapter.</p> + +<p>Some Biblical Characters.</p> + +<p><i>Twenty Principal Men</i></p> + +<p>(1) Adams, Gen. 1-3. (2) Noah, Gen. 5-9. (3) Abraham, Gen. 12-25. (4) +Jacob, Gen. 25-50. (5) Moses, Ex-Dt. (6) Joshua, Josh. (7) Gideon, +Jud. 6-8. (8) Samuel, 1 Sam. 1-25. (9) David, 2 Sam. and 1 Chron. +11-29. (10) Solomon, 1 K. 1-11, 2 K. 2. (11) Hezekiah, 2 K. 18-20. +(12) Josiah, 2 K. 22-23. (13) Daniel, Dan. 1-12. (14) Ezra, Ezr. 7-10; +Neh. 8. (15) John the Baptist, Mt. Lu. Jno. (16) Peter, Four Gospels +and Acts. (17) Paul, Acts 9-28 and the Epistles. (18) John, the +Gospels and Revelation.</p> + +<p><i>Some Prophets</i>. +</p> +<p>First Group. Tell something of the character and work of each of the +following: (1) Enoch, Jude 14; (2) Noah, 2 Pet. 2:5; Gen. 6:25-27; (3) +Samuel, 1 Sam. 9:9; 1 Chron. 29:29; (4) Nathan, 2 Sam. 7:2-4;12:2-7; +(5) Gad, 1 Sam. 22:5; 2 Sam. 24:11; (6) Ahijah, 1 K. 14:2; (7) Elijah, +1 K. 17-19; 1 Sam. 1-2; (8) Elisha, 2 K. 3-8; (9) Jonah, the book; +(10) Malachi, the book; (11) Agabus, Acts 21:10; (12) Daughters of +Philip, Acts 21:9.</p> + +<p>Second Group. Sam. - King. What prophet prophesied to each of the +following kings and what message did he bring: (1) Saul. 1 Sam. 15:17. +(2) David, 2 Sam. 7:2-3; 12:2-7. (3) Solomon, (4) Rehoboam, 1 K. +12:22; (5) Asa. (6) Ahab, 1 K. 17:1 ff. (7) Jeroboam. (8) Joash, 2 K. +13:14. (9) Jeroboam II, 1 K. 11:29 ff. (10) Ahaz. Is. 7:1-3. (11) +Hezekiah, Is. 19:2. (12) Josiah and his sons, 2 K. 22:14.</p> + +<p>Third Group. Which prophet prophesied against the following nations +and what was the nature of their prophecy: (1) Syria, Is. 17:3; Jer. +49:23; Amos. 1:3; Zech. 9:2; (2) Ninevah, Jonah, 1;1. Nahum 2:8 etc; +(3) Babylon, Is. 13:1; Jer. 25:12; (4) Moab, Is. 15:1 Jer. 25:21; Jer. +47; Eze. 25:8; Amos 2:1. (5) Ammon, Jer. 49:6; Eze. 21:28; Amos 1:13; +(6) Philistia, Is. 14:29. Zech. 9:6; Jer. 47:1. 4 Eze. 25:15; (7) +Egypt. Is. 19:1; Jer. 44:28; Eze. 29; (8) Tyre of Phoenicia.</p> + +<p><i>Some Women</i>.</p> + +<p>First Group. In what connection and in what books of the Bible are the +following women considered? (1) Eve, Gen. 2:20; 4:1. (2) Sarah, +Gen.11, 29; 17:15. (3) Hagar, Gen. 16:1. (4) Rebekah, Gen. 24:15. (5) +Keturah, Gen. 25:1. (6) Rachel, Gen. 29: 16ff. (7) Leah, Gen. 29:16ff. +(8) Dinah, Gen. 30:21; 34:11. (9) Adah, Gen. 36:2. (10) Asenath, Gen. +41:45. (11) Shiphrah and Puah, Ex. 1:15. (12) Jehochebed, Ex. 6:20. +(13) Miriam. Ex. 2:4; 15:20; Num. 12:1 etc. (14) Zipporah, Ex. 2:21; +4:23; 18:20. (15) Rahab. Josh, 2:1-21. Heb. 11:31; Mt. 1:5. (16) +Deborah. Jud. 4:4. (17) Ruth, Ruth 1:4. (18) Hannah, 1 Sam. chs. 1-2. +(19) Bathshebah, 2 Sam. 11:3. (20) Abishag, 1 K. 1:3. (21) Jezebel, 1 +K. 21:5. (22) Vashti, Esth. 1:19. (23) Esther, Esth. 2:7. (24) Mary. +Mt. 1:18; Lu. 1:27. (25) Elizabeth. Lu. 1:5. (26) Martha. Jno. 12:2. +(27) Sapphira, Acts 5:1. (28) Tabitha, Dorcas, Acts 9:36. (29) Lydia +Acts. 16:14.</p> + +<p>Second Group. In what connection are the following mentioned; (1) The +witch of Endor, 1 Sara. 28:7. (2) The women of Tekoa. 2 Sam. 14. (3) +The queen of Sheba, 1 King 17:9. 10 (Elijah). (5) The woman of Shunem, +2 King 4:8 (Elisha). (6) The Samaritan woman. Jho. Ch. 4. (7) The +Syrophenician woman, Matt. 15:21-28. (8) Peter's mother in-law. Matt. +8: 14-17. (9) The widow of Nain, Lu. 7:11. (10) The daughter of +Jairus, Matt. 9:23-26.</p> + +<p>Third Group. Who is the mother of: (I) Seth. Gen. 5:3. (2) Isaac, Gen. +21:1 ff. (3) Ishmael, Gen. 16:16. (4) Jacob, Gen. 25:20ff (5) Judah. +Gen. 29:35. (6) Joseph, (7) Ephraim. Gen. 41:52. (8) Moses, Ex. 6:20. +(9) Samuel. 1 Sam. 1:20. (10) Joab. I Chron. 2:16. (11) Absalom, 2 +Sam. 3:3. (12) Solomon, 2 Sam. 12:24. (13) Rehoboam, I King 14:21-22. +(14) John the Baptist, Lu. 1:57.</p> +<br> + + +<center><p> * * * * * </p></center> +<br> +<br> + +<center><p><b>THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK.</b></p> + +<p>A MANUAL:</p> + +<p>For the Outline Study of the Bible by Books.</p> +<br> + +<p> * * * * * </p> +</center><br> + + +<a name="9"></a> + +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> +<i><b>Genesis.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + +<p>The Name means beginning, origin, or creation. The leading thought, +therefore, is creation and we should study it with a view to finding +out everything, the beginning of which is recorded in it. Certainly we +have the record of: (1) The beginning of the world which God created. +(2) The beginning of man as the creature of God. (3) The beginning of +sin, which entered the world through the disobedience of man. (4) The +beginning of redemption, seen alike in the promises and types of the +book and in the chosen family. (5) The beginning of condemnation, seen +in the destruction and punishment of individuals, cities and the +world.</p> + +<p>The Purpose. The chief purpose of the book is to write a religious +history, showing how, after man had fallen into sin, God began to give +him a religion and to unfold to him a plan of salvation. In doing this +God is revealed as Creator, Preserver, Law-Giver, Judge and Merciful +Sovereign.</p> + +<p>The Importance of Genesis to Science. While the book does not attempt +to explain many matters which are left to investigation, it does set +out several facts which indicate the general plan of the universe and +furnish a basis for scientific research. Among the more important +things indicated are that: (1) There was a beginning of things. (2) +Things did not come by chance. (3) There is a Creator who continues to +take interest in and control the universe. (4) There was orderly +progress in creation from the less and more simple to the greater and +more complex. (5) Everything else was brought into existence for man +who is the crowning work of creation.</p> + +<p>The Religious Importance of the Book. The germ of all truth which is +unfolded in the scripture is found in Genesis and to know well this +book is to know God's plan for the blessing of man. Above all we learn +about the nature and work of God.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p>Note. In an ordinary academy class I would not tax the students with +the memory of more than the general divisions indicated by the Roman +notation, I, etc. But, in this, and all other outlines, drill the +class till these divisions, with the scripture included, are known +perfectly. I would also try to fix some event mentioned in each +section.</p> + +<p>I. Creation, Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Creation in general, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. Creation of man in particular, Ch. 2.</p></blockquote> + +<p>II. Fall. Ch. 3.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Temptation, 1-5.</p> + +<p> 2. Fall, 6-8.</p> + +<p> 3. Lord's appearance, 9-13.</p> + +<p> 4. Curse, 14-21. 5. Exclusion from the garden, 22-24.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Flood, Chs. 4-9.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Growth of sin through Cain, 4:1-24.</p> + + <p>2. Genealogy of Noah, 4: 25-5 end.</p> + +<p> 3. Building of the Ark, Ch. 6.</p> + +<p> 4. Occupying the Ark, Ch. 7.</p> + +<p> 5. Departure from the Ark, Ch. 8.</p> + +<p> 6. Covenant with Noah, Ch. 9.</p></blockquote> + +<p>IV. Nations, 10:1-11:9.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Basis of Nations, Noah's sons, Ch. 10. How?</p> + +<p> 2. Occasion of forming the nations, 11:1-9. Why?</p></blockquote> + +<p>V. Abraham, 11:10-25:18.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Genealogy of Abram from Shem, 11:10 end.</p> + +<p> 2. Call and promise, Ch. 12.</p> + +<p> 3. Abraham and Lot, Chs. 13-14.</p> + +<p> 4. Covenant, 15: 1-18: 15.</p> + +<p> 5. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, 18:16-19 end.</p> + +<p> 6. Lives at Gerar, Ch. 20.</p> + +<p> 7. Birth of Isaac, Ch. 21.</p> + +<p> 8. Sacrifice of Isaac, Ch. 22.</p> + +<p> 9. Death of Sarah, Ch. 23.</p> + +<p> 10. Marriage of Isaac, Ch. 24.</p> + +<p> 11. Death of Abraham and Ishmael, 25:1-18.</p></blockquote> + +<p>VI. Isaac. 26:19-36 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His two sons, 25:19 end.</p> + +<p> 2. Divine covenant. Ch. 26.</p> + +<p> 3. Jacob's deception, Ch. 27.</p> + +<p> 4. Jacob's flight into Haran, Ch. 28.</p> + +<p> 5. Jacob's marriage and prosperity, Chs. 20-30.</p> + +<p> 6. Jacob's return to Canaan. Chs, 31-35.</p> + +<p> 7. Generations of Esau, Ch. 36.</p></blockquote> + +<p>VII. Jacob, including Joseph, Chs. 37-50.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Jacob and Joseph, Chs. 37-45.</p> + +<p> 2. Sojourn in Egypt, Chs. 46-48.</p> +<p> 3. Death of Jacob and Joseph, Chs. 49-50.</p></blockquote> +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) All that we may learn from this book +concerning the nature and work of God. (2) The different things the +origin of which this book tells: (a) Inanimate things, (b) Plant life, +(c) Animal life, (d) Human life, (e) Devices for comfort and safety, +(f) Sin and its varied effects, (g) Various trades and manners of +life, (h) Redemption, (i) Condemnation. (3) Worship as it appears in +Genesis, its form and development. (4) The principal men of the book +and the elements of weakness and strength in the character of each. +The teacher may make a list and assign them for study to different +pupils. (5) List the disappointments, family troubles and sorrows of +Jacob, and study them in the light of his early deception and fraud. +(6) The over-ruling divine providence seen in the career of Joseph, +with the present day lessons from the incidents of his life. (7) The +fundamental value of faith in the life and destiny of men. (8) The +Messianic promises, types and symbols of the entire book. List and +classify them.</p> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="10"></a> + +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Exodus.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + +<p>Name. The name Exodus means a going out or departure.</p> + +<p>Subject The subject and key-word of the book is redemption (3:7, 8; +12:13 etc.), particularly that half of redemption indicated by +deliverance from an evil plight. It records the redemption of the +chosen people out of Egyptian bondage, which becomes a type of all +redemption in that it was accomplished (1) wholly through the power of +God, (2) by a means of a deliverer (3) under the cover of blood.</p> + +<p>Purpose. At this point Old Testament history changes from that of the +family, given in individual biographies and family records, to that of +the nation, chosen for the divine purposes. The divine will is no +longer revealed to a few leaders but to the whole people. It begins +with the cruel bondage of Israel in Egypt, traces the remarkable +events of their delivery and ends with a complete establishment of the +dispensation of the Law. The aim seems to be to give an account of the +first stage in the fulfillment of the promises made by God to the +Patriarchs with reference to the place and growth of the Israelites.</p> + +<p>Contents. Two distinct sections are usually given by students: the +historical, included in chapters 1-19 and the legislative, comprising +chapters 20-40. The first section records: the need of deliverance; +the birth, training and call of the deliverer; the contest with +Pharaoh; the deliverance and march through the wilderness to Sinai. +The second gives the consecration of the nation and the covenant upon +which it was to become a nation. The laws were such as to cover all +the needs of a primitive people, both moral, ceremonial and civic with +directions for the establishment of the Priesthood and Sanctuary.</p> + +<p>Exodus and Science, Scientific research has gone far toward +establishing the truthfulness of the Exodus record, but has brought to +light nothing that in any way discounts it. It has shown who the +Pharaoh of the oppression and Exodus was (Rameses. II, the Pharaoh of +the oppression and Merenpth II, the Pharaoh of the Exodus.) and has +discovered Succoth. It has shown that writing was used long before the +Exodus and has discovered documents written before that period. It has +thus confirmed the condition of things narrated in the Bible.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p>I. Israel in Egypt, 1:1-12:36.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The bondage, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. The deliverer, Chs. 2-4.</p> + +<p> 3. The contest with Pharaoh, 5:1-12:38.</p></blockquote> + +<p>II. Israel Journeying to Sinai, 12:37-18: end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The exodus and passover, 12:37-13:16.</p> + +<p> 2. Journeying through Succoth to the Red Sea, 13:17-15:21.</p> + +<p> 3. From the Red Sea to Sinai, 15:22-18 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Israel at Sinai, Chs, 10-40.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The people prepared, Ch. 19.</p> + +<p> 2. The moral law, Ch. 20.</p> + +<p> 3. The civil law, 21:1-23:18.</p> + +<p> 4. Covenant between Jehovah and Israel, 23:20-24 end.</p> + +<p> 5. Directions for building the tabernacle, Chs. 25-31.</p> + +<p> 6. The covenant broken and renewed, Chs. 32-34.</p> + +<p> 7. The erection and dedication of the Tabernacle, 35-40.</p></blockquote> + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The preparation of Israel and Moses for +the deliverance. (2) The conception of God found in Exodus: (a) As to +his relation to nature, (b) As to his relation to his enemies, (c) As +to his relation to his people, (d) As to his nature and purposes. (3) +The conception of man found in Exodus. (a) The need and value of +worship to him, (b) His duty to obey God. (4) The plagues. (5) The +divisions of the decalogue: (a) Those touching our relation to God. +(b) Those touching our relation to men. (6) The different conferences +between Jehovah and Moses, including Moses' prayer. (7) The current +evils against which the civil laws were enacted and similar conditions +of today. (8) The character of the different persons mentioned in the +book: (a) Pharaoh, (b) Moses, (c) Aaron, (d) Jethro, (e) Magicians. +(8) Amalek, etc. (9) The Messianic teachings of the book-here study +(a) the sacrifices, (b) the material, colors, etc., of the Tabernacle, +(c) the smitten rock, (d) Moses and his family. + + +<a name="11"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Leviticus.</b></i><br></center> +<br> + + +<p>Name. By the rabbis, it was called "The Law of the Priest" and "The +Law of Offerings," but from the time of the Vulgate it has been called +Leviticus, because it deals with the services of the sanctuary as +administered by the Levites.</p> + +<p>Connection with Former Books. In Genesis, man is left outside of the +Garden and the remedy for his ruin is seen in the promised seed. In +Exodus, man is not only outside of Eden, but is in bondage to an evil +enemy and his escape from his bondage is shown to be in the blood of +the lamb, which is shown to be sufficient to satisfy man's need and +God's justice. In Leviticus there is given the place of sacrifice, as +an atonement for sin, and it is shown that God accepted the sacrifice +of the victim instead of the death of the sinner. It is a continuation +of Exodus, containing the Sinaitic legislation from the time of the +completion of the Tabernacle.</p> + +<p>Contents. Except the brief historical sections found in chapters 8-10 +and 24:10-14, it contains a system of laws, which may be divided into +(1) Civil, (2) Sanitary, (3) Ceremonial, (4) Moral and (5) Religious +laws, emphasis being placed on moral and religious duties.</p> + +<p>Purpose. (1) To show that God is holy and man is sinful. (2) To show +how God can maintain his holiness and expose the sinfulness of man. +(3) To show how a sinful people may approach a Holy God. (4) To +provide a manual of law and worship for Israel. (5) To make Israel a +holy nation.</p> + +<p>Key-Word. The key-word then is Holiness, which is found 87 times in +the book, while in contrast with it, the words sin and uncleanliness +(in various forms) occur 194 times, showing the need of cleansing. On +the other hand, blood, as a means of cleansing, occurs 89 times. The +key verse is, I think, 19:2, though some prefer 10:10 as the best +verse.</p> + +<p>The Sacrifices, or Offerings. They may be divided in several ways, +among which the most instructive is as follows: (1) <i>National +Sacrifices</i>, which include (a) Serial, such as daily, weekly, and +monthly offerings, (b) Festal, as the Passover, Cycle of Months, etc., +(c) for the service of the Holy Place, as holy oil, precious incense, +twelve loaves, etc. (2) <i>Official Sacrifices</i>, which include (a) those +for the priests, (b) those for princes and rulers, and (c) those for +the holy women, Ex. 38:8; 1 Sam. 2:22. (3) <i>Personal Sacrifices</i>, +including (a) the blood offering-peace offering, sin offering and +trespass offering, (b) the bloodless offerings-the meat, or meal, +offering.</p> + +<p>Besides this general division, the offerings are divided into two +kinds, as follows: (1) <i>Sweet-savor Offerings</i>. These are atoning in +nature and show that Jesus is acceptable to God because he not only +does no sin, but does all good, upon which the sinner is presented to +God in all the acceptableness of Christ. These offerings are (a) the +burnt offering, in which Christ willingly offers himself without spot +to God for our sins, (b) the meal offering, in which Christ's perfect +humanity, tested and tried, becomes the bread of His people, (c) the +peace offering representing Christ as our peace, giving us communion +with God, and thanks. (2) <i>Non-Sweet-Savor Offerings</i>. These are +perfect offerings, overlaid with human guilt. They are (a) the sin +offering, which is expiatory, substitutional and efficacious, +referring more to sins against God, with little consideration of +injury to man, (b) the trespass offering, which refers particularly +to sins against man, which are also sins against God.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p>I. Law of Sacrifices, Chs. 1-7.</p> +<blockquote><p> 1. Burnt offering, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. Meal offering, Ch. 2.</p> + +<p> 3. Peace offering, Ch. 3.</p> + +<p> 4. Sin offering, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 5. Trespass (or guilt) offering, 5:1-6:7.</p> + +<p> 6. Instructions to priests concerning the offerings, 6:8-7 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>II. Law of Purity. Chs. 11-22.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Pure food, animals to be eaten, Ch. II.</p> + +<p> 2. Pure body and house, rules for cleansing, Chs. 12-13.</p> + +<p> 3. Pure nation, offering for sin on the day of atonement, Chs. +16-17.</p> + +<p> 4. Marriages, Ch. 18.</p> + +<p> 5. Pure morals, Chs. 19-20.</p> + +<p> 6. Pure priests, Chs. 21-22.</p></blockquote> + +<p>IV. Law of Feasts, Chs. 23-25.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Sacred feasts, Ch. 23.</p> + +<p> 2. Parenthesis, or interpolation, lamps of the Tabernacle, +shew-bread, the blasphemer, Ch. 24.</p> + +<p> 3. Sacred years, Ch. 25.</p></blockquote> + +<p>V. Special Laws, Chs, 26-27.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Blessing and cursing, Ch. 26.</p> + +<p> 2. Vows and tithes, Ch. 27.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the several offerings and +become familiar with what is offered, how it is offered, the result to +be attained in each case. (2) The laws (a) for the consecration and +purity of the priests (Chs. 8-10 and 21-22), (b) governing marriages +(Ch. 18), (c) concerning clean animals and what may be used for food +(Ch, 11), (d) governing vows and tithes (Ch. 37). (3) The sacrifice of +the two goats and two birds, (a) the details of what is done with each +goat and each bird, (b) the lessons or truths typified by each goat +and bird. (4) The name, occasion, purpose, time and manner of +observing each of the feasts. (5) Redemption as seen in Leviticus, (a) +the place of the priest, (b) of substitution, (c) of imputation, (d) +of sacrifice and blood in redemption. (5) The nature of sin as seen in +Leviticus, (a) its effect on man's nature, (b) its effect on his +relation to God.</p> +<br> + + +<a name="12"></a><br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3> +<br> + +<p><i><b>Numbers.</b></i></p> +</center> +<p>Name. It is named from the two enumerations of the people, at Sinai, +Ch. 1. and at Moab, Ch. 26.</p> + +<p>Connection with Former Books. Genesis tells of Creation, Exodus of +redemption, Leviticus of worship and fellowship, and Numbers of +service and work. In Leviticus Israel is assigned a lesson and in +Numbers she is getting that lesson. In this book as in Exodus and +Leviticus Moses is the central figure.</p> + +<p>Central Thought. Service which involves journeying, which in turn +implies walk as a secondary thought. All the types of the books bear +upon this two-fold idea of service and walk.</p> + +<p>Key-Phrase. "All that are able to go forth to war" occurs fourteen +times in the first chapter. There was fighting ahead and all who could +fight must muster in.</p> + +<p>The History Covered is a period of a little more than thirty-eight +years (Num. 1:1; Deut. 1:3) and is a record (1) of how Israel marched +to the border of Canaan, (2) wandered thirty-eight years in the +wilderness while the old nation died and a new nation was trained in +obedience to God, (3) then returned to the border of the promised +land.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + + +<blockquote><p>I. The Preparation at Sinai, 1:1-10:10.</p> + +<p>1. The number and arrangement of the tribes, Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<p>2. The choice and assignment of the Levites, Chs. 3-4.</p> + +<p>3. Laws for the purity of the camp, Chs. 5-6.</p> + +<p>4. Laws concerning the offerings for worship, Chs. 7-8.</p> + +<p>5. Laws concerning the passover and cloud, 9:1-14.</p> + +<p>6. Signals for marching and assembling 9:15-10:10.</p></blockquote> + +<p>II. The Journey to Moab, 10:11-22:1.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1. From Sinai to Kadesh, 10:11-14 end.</p> + +<p>2. From Kadesh to Kadesh (the wilderness wanderings), 19:1-20:21.</p> + +<p>3. From Kadesh to Moab, 20:22-22:1.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Sojourn at Moab, 22:2-36 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Balak and Balaam, 22:2-25 end.</p> + +<p> 2. The sum of the people, Ch. 26.</p> + +<p> 3. Joshua. Moses' successor, Ch. 27.</p> + +<p> 4. Feasts and offerings, Chs. 28-30.</p> + +<p> 5. Triumph over Midian, Ch. 31.</p> + +<p> 6. Two and half tribes given land east of Jordan, Ch. 32. +</p> +<p> 7. Wilderness journeys enumerated, Ch. 33. +</p> +<p> 8. Divisions of Canaan and the cities of Refuge, Chs. 34-36. +</p></blockquote> + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the different times when +God came to the relief of Israel, by providing guidance, protection, +food, etc. and from them study God's wonderful resources in caring for +his people. (2) Make a list of the different times and occasions when +Israel or any individual sinned or rebelled against God or His +leaders, and study the result in each case. (3) Make a list of the +miracles of the book and give the facts about each. Show which were +miracles of judgment and which were miracles of mercy. (4) The story +of the spies and the results of the mistake made as seen in all the +future history of Israel. (5) The story of Balak and Balaam. (6) God's +punishment of disobedient and sinful nations. (7) Doubt as a source of +complaint and discontent. (8) The types of Christ and Christian +experience: (a) The Nazarite; (b) Aaron's Budding Rod, 17:8; Heb 9:4; +(c) The Blue Ribband, 15:38; (d) The Red Heifer, 19:2; (e) The Brazen +Serpent, 21:9; (f) The cities of refuge, 35:13. + +<br> +<br> + + + +<a name="13"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER V.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Deuteronomy.</b></i><br><br> +</center> +<br> + +<br> + + + + +<p>Name. The name comes from the Greek word which means a second or +repeated law. It contains the last words of Moses which were likely +delivered during the last seven days of his life. It is not a mere +repetition of the law, but rather an application of the law in view of +the new conditions Israel would meet in Canaan, and because of their +former disobedience.</p> + +<p>Purpose. To lead Israel to obedience and to warn them against +disobedience. The spirit and aim of the law is explained in such a way +as to present both encouragement and warning.</p> + +<p>Contents. It consists of three addresses of Moses, given on the plains +of Moab at the close of the wilderness wanderings of Israel, in which +he gives large sections of the law formerly given, together with +additions necessary to meet the new conditions. There is also the +appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor and the farewell song of +blessing of Moses and the record of his death.</p> + +<p>Style. The style is warmer and more oratorical than that of former +books. Its tone is more spiritual and ethical and its appeal is "to +know God," "love God" and "obey God."</p> + +<p>Occasion and Necessity of the Book. (1) A crisis had come in the life +of Israel. The life of the people was to be changed from that of +wandering in the wilderness to that of residence in cities and +villages and from dependence upon heavenly manna to the cultivation of +the fields. Peace and righteousness would depend upon a strict +observance of the laws. (2) A new religion of Canaan against which +they must be put on guard. The most seductive forms of idolatry would +be met everywhere and there would be great danger of yielding to it.</p> + +<p>The Key-Word. "Thou shalt," so often repeated as, "thou shall," and +"shalt not." The key-verses are 11:26-28.</p> + +<b>Analysis.</b> + +<p>I. Review of the Journeys, Chs. 1-4.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Place of their camp, 1:1-5.</p> + +<p> 2. Their history since leaving Egypt, 1:6-3 end.</p> + +<p> 3. Exhortation to obedience, 4:1-40.</p> + +<p> 4. Three cities of refuge on this side of Jordan. 4:41-49.</p></blockquote> + +<p>II. Review of the Law, Chs. 3-26.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Historical and hortatory section, Chs. 5-11.</p> + +<p> 2. Laws of religion. 12:1-16:17.</p> + +<p> 3. Laws of political life. 16:18-20 end.</p> + +<p> 4. Laws of society and domestic relations, Chs. 21-26.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Future of Israel Foretold, Chs. 27-30.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Memorial tablets of stone. Ch. 27.</p> + +<p> 2. Blessing and cursing, Ch. 28.</p> + +<p> 3. Renewed covenant and Israel's future foretold. Chs. 29-30.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>IV. Moses' Last Days, Chs. 31-34.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Charge to Joshua, Ch. 31. +</p> +<p> 2. Song of Moses, Ch. 32.</p> + +<p> 3. Blessing of Moses, Ch. 33.</p> + +<p> 4. Death of Moses, Ch. 34.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the principal their past +history of which Moses reminds Israel in Chapters 1-4, and find where +in the previous books each incident is recorded. (2) From Chapter 11 +make a list of reasons for obedience, the rewards of obedience and the +importance of the study of God's law. (3) The laws of blessing and +cursing (Ch. 28), make a list of the curses, the sin and the penalty, +the blessings, indicating the blessing and that for which it is +promised. (4) Make a list of the different countries or peoples +concerning whom Israel was given commandment or warning. (5) Moses' +farewell blessing on the several tribes (Ch. 33). Make a list of what +shall come to each tribe. (6) The names, location and purpose of the +cities of refuge and the lessons for today to be drawn from them and +their use. (7) The inflexibility of God's law.</p> + +<a name="14"></a><br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER VI.</h3> + +<br> +<b><i>Joshua.</i></b><br> + +</center> +<br> + +<p>Historical Books of the Old Testament. The twelve books, including +those from Joshua to Esther, are called historical. They narrate the +history of Israel from the entrance of Canaan to the return from +captivity, which is divided into three periods or epochs. (1) <i>The +Independent Tribes</i>. This consists of the work of the conquest of +Canaan and of the experiences of the Judges and is recorded in Joshua, +Judges and Ruth. (2) <i>The kingdom of Israel</i>. (a) Its rise, 1 Sam. (b) +Its glory, 2 Sam., 1 K. 1-11, 1 Chron. 11-29, 2 Chron. 1-9. (c) <i>Its +division and fall</i>, 1 K. 12-22, 2 K. 1-25; 2 Chron. 10-36. (3) <i>The +Return from Captivity</i>, Ezr. Neh. and Est.</p> + +<p>Name. Taken from Joshua, the leading character, who may be described +as a man of faith, courage, enthusiasm, fidelity to duty, and +leadership.</p> + +<p>Connection with Former Books. Joshua completes the story of the +deliverance begun in Exodus. If Israel had not sinned in believing the +evil spies and turning back into the wilderness, we would not have had +the last twenty-one chapters of Numbers and the book of Deuteronomy. +Joshua then would have followed the fifteenth chapter of Numbers, thus +completing the story of God leading Israel out of Egypt into Canaan.</p> + +<p>The Key-Word is redemption with the emphasis put upon possession while +redemption in Exodus put the stress upon deliverance. The two make +full redemption which requires being "brought out" and "brought in."</p> + +<p>Purpose of the Book. (1) To show how Israel was settled in Canaan +according to the promise of God. (2) To show how, by the destruction +of the Canaanites, God punishes a people for their sins. (3) To show +that God's people are finally heirs of earth and that the wicked shall +be finally dispossessed.</p> + +<p>Some Typical and Spiritual Matters. (1) The conflict with Canaan. In +the wilderness the conflict was with Amalek who was an illustration of +the never ending conflict of the flesh or of the "new man" and the +"old man." In Canaan the conflict is typical of our struggle against +principalities and powers and spiritual hosts in heavenly places, Eph. +6:10-18. (2) Crossing the Jordan is an illustration of our death to +sin and resurrection with Christ. (3) The scarlet line illustrates our +safety under Christ and his sacrifice. (4) The downfall of Jericho. +This illustrates the spiritual victories we win in secret and by ways +that seem foolish to men. (5) Joshua. Joshua is a type of Christ in +that he leads his followers to victory over their enemies; in that he +is their advocate in time of defeat and in the way he leads them into +a permanent home.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p>I. Conquest of Canaan, Chs. 1-12.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The preparation, Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<p> 2. Crossing the Jordan, Chs. 3-4.</p> + +<p> 3. Conquest of Jericho, Chs. 5-6.</p> + +<p> 4. Conquest of the South, Chs. 7-10.</p> + +<p> 5. Conquest of the North, Ch. 11.</p> + +<p> 6. Summary, Ch. 12.</p></blockquote> + +<p>II. Division of Lands, Chs. 13-22.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Territory of the different tribes, Chs. 13-19.</p> + +<p> 2. Cities of Refuge, Ch. 20.</p> + +<p> 3. Cities of the Levites, Ch. 21.</p> + +<p> 4. Return of the Eastern Tribes, Ch. 22.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Joshua's Last Counsel, and Death. Chs. 23-24.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Exhortation to fidelity, Ch. 23.</p> + +<p> 2. Farewell address and death, Ch. 24.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The cooperation of the two and one-half +tribes in the conquest of Canaan. (2) Make a list of the different +battles and indicate any in which Israel was defeated. (3) The portion +of the country allotted to each of the tribes of Israel. (4) The story +of the sins of Achan. Its results and his discovery and punishment. +(5) The story of the Gibeonites, their stratagem and consequent +embarrassment of Joshua. (6) Make a list of incidents or occurrences +that show a miraculous element running through the narrative. (7) The +story of Rabab, the harlot. (8) The names of the several tribes of +Canaan and the history of each. (9) The place of prayer and worship in +the narrative. Give instances. (10) Evidences found in the book that +God hates sin.</p> + + +<br> + +<a name="15"></a> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER VII.</h3> + +<br> + + +<b><i>Judges and Ruth.</i></b><br><br> + +</center> + + + + + + +<p><b>Judges.</b></p> + +<p>The Name. The name is taken from the Judges whose deeds it records.</p> + +<p>The Character of the Book. The book is fragmentary and unchronological in its arrangement. The +events recorded are largely local and tribal instead of national, +but are of great value as showing the condition and character of the +people.</p> + + +<p>The Condition of the Nation. Israel was unorganized and somewhat +unsettled. They lacked moral energy and the spirit of obedience to +Jehovah and were constantly falling into idolatry and then suffering +at the hands of heathen nations. This condition is summed up in the +oft repeated words: "The children of Israel again did evil in the eyes +of the Lord" and "the Lord sold them into the hand of the oppressor."</p> + +<p>The Contents. Judges records the conflict of the nation with the +Canaanite people and with itself; the condition of the country, people +and times and the faithfulness, righteousness and mercy of God. It +gives an account of "Seven apostasies, seven servitudes to the seven +heathen nations and seven deliverances." It furnishes an explanation +of these "ups and downs" and is not merely a record of historical +events but an interpretation of those events.</p> + +<p>The Work of the Judges. The Judges were raised up as occasion required +and were tribesmen upon whom God laid the burden of apostate and +oppressed Israel. They exercised judicial functions and led the armies +of Israel against their enemies. They, therefore, asserted the +nation's principles and upheld the cause of Jehovah. As deliverers +they were all types of Christ.</p> + +<p>The Key-word is Confusion and the key-verse is "every man did +that which was right in his own eyes" 17:6, which would certainly +bring about a state of confusion.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. From the Conquest to the Judges, 1:1-3:6.</p> + +<p> II. The Judges and their Work. 3:7-16 end.</p> +<blockquote> <p> 1. Against Mesopotamia, 3:7-12.</p> + +<p> 2. Against Moab, 3:13-30.</p> + +<p> 3. Against Philistia, 3:31.</p> + +<p> 4. Against the Canaanites, Chs. 4-5.</p> + +<p> 5. Against the Midianites, Chs. 6-10.</p> + +<p> 6. Against the Amorites, Chs. 11-12.</p> + +<p> 7. Against the Philistines, Chs, 13-16.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Idolatry of Micah, Chs. 17-18.</p> + +<p> IV. The Crime of Gibea, Chs. 19-21.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Learn the names of the Judges in order +with the time each served, or the period of rest after his work had +been accomplished. (2) The enemy each judge had to combat and what +work was accomplished by each judge. (3) What elements of strength and +of weakness are to be found in the character of each judge. (4) From +the story of Gideon and Sampson, point out New Testament truths. (5) +From the story of Jephthah and Deborah gather lessons for practical +life today. (6) Religious apostasy as a cause of national decay. (7) +Political folly and social immorality as a sign of national decay. (8) +The method of divine deliverance.</p> + +<p><b>Ruth.</b></p> + +<p>This book together with the Judges treats the life of Israel from the +rule of death of Joshua to the rule of Eli.</p> + +<p>Name. From the principal character.</p> + +<p>Contents. It is properly a continuation of Judges, showing the life of +the times in its greatest simplicity. It is also especially important +because it shows the lineage of David through the whole history of +Israel and thereby is a link in the genealogy of Christ. +</p> +<p>Typical Matters. (1) Ruth is a type of Christ's Gentile bride and her +experience is similar to that of any devout Christian. (2) Boaz the +rich Bethlehemite accepting this strange woman in an illustration of +the redemptive work of Jesus. </p> + +<p>The Key-words are love and faith. +</p> +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Sojourn at Moab, 1:1-5.</p> + +<p> II. The Return to Jerusalem, 1:6-22.</p> + +<p>III. Ruth and Boaz, Chs. 2-4.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Gleaning the fields of Boaz, Ch. 2.</p> + +<p> 2. Ruth married to Boaz, Chs. 3-4.</p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><blockquote> <p> A. A bold act, Ch. 3.</p> + + <p>B. Redemption of Naomi's inheritance, 4:1-12.</p> + + <p>C. Becomes wife of Boaz, 4:13-17.</p> + + <p>D. Genealogy of David, 4:18-22.</p></blockquote></blockquote> + +<p>Some one has said that Ch. 1 is Ruth deciding, Ch. 2 is Ruth serving, +Ch. 3 is Ruth resting, Ch. 4 is Ruth rewarded.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Each of the characters of the book. (2) +The whole story of Ruth in comparison with the stories of Judges (Chs. +17-21) to get a view of the best and worst in their social conditions. +(3) The value of a trusting soul (Ruth).</p> + +<a name="16"></a> +<br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER VIII.</h3> + +<br> + + + +<i><b>First and Second Samuel.</b></i>.<br><br> +</center> + + + +<p>Name. The name is taken from the history of the life of Samuel +recorded in the early part of the book. It means "asked of God." The +two were formerly one book and called the "First Book of Kings," the +two books of Kings being one book and called Second Kings. Samuel and +Kings form a continuous story, and give us a record of the rise, glory +and fall of the Jewish Monarchy.</p> + +<p><b>First Samuel.</b></p> + +<p>Contents. This book begins with the story of Eli. the aged priest, +judge and leader of the people. It records the birth and childhood of +Samuel, who later becomes priest and prophet of the people. It tells +of Saul's elevation to the throne and of his final downfall. Along +with this is also given the growing power of David, who is to succeed +Saul as king.</p> + +<p>The Prophets. Samuel was not only both judge and priest and prophet, +but as prophet he performed conspicuous services in several +directions. Probably the most notable of all his work was the +establishment of schools of prophets, which greatly dignified the work +of the prophets. After this time, the prophet and not the priest was +the medium of communication between God and his people.</p> + +<p>Saul. As king, Saul began well and under favorable circumstances. He +gave himself to military exploits and neglected the finer spiritual +matters and soon made a complete break with Samuel, who represented +the religious-national class-and thereby lost the support of +the best elements of the nation. He then became morose and melancholy +and insanely jealous in conduct and could not, therefore, understand +the higher religious experiences that were necessary as a +representative of Jehovah on the throne of Israel. +</p> +<p><b>Analysis. +</b></p> + <p>I. Career of Samuel, Chs. 1-7. +</p> +<blockquote> <p>1. His birth and call, Chs. 1-3. +</p> + <p>2. His conflict with the Philistines, Chs. 4-7. +</p></blockquote> + <p>II. Career of Saul to his rejection, Chs. 8-15. +</p> +<blockquote> <p>1. Chosen as King, Chs. 8-10. +</p> + <p> 2. Wars with Philistines, Chs. 11-14. +</p> + <p> 3. He is rejected, Chs. 15. +</p></blockquote> +<p>III. Career of Saul after his rejection, Chs. 16-31. +</p> +<blockquote><p> 1. While David is at his court, Chs. 16-20.</p> +<p> + 2. While David is a refugee in Judah, Chs. 21-26.</p> + +<p> 3. While David is a refugee in Philistia, Chs. 27-31.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The story of Eli and his sons. (2) The +birth and call of Samuel. (3) The anointing of Saul. (4) The anointing +of David. (5) The evils of jealousy as seen in Saul. (6) The +importance of respect for existing forms of government-see David's +attitude toward Saul. (7) How a man's attitude toward God and his +servants can make or mar his destiny. (8) Examples of how God uses +both good and bad carrying forward his purposes.</p> + +<p><b>Second Samuel.</b></p> + +<p>In this book, there is given the story of the career of David while +king of Israel. He was the strongest king Israel ever had and was +characterized as a fine executive, a skillful soldier and of a deeply +religious disposition. He was not without his faults, but in spite of +them developed a great empire.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. His Reign Over Judah a Hebren, Chs. 1-4.</p> + +<p> II. His reign Over All Israel, Chs. 5-10.</p> + +<p>III. His Great Sin and Its Results, Chs. 11-20.</p> + +<p> IV. An Appendix, Chs. 21-34.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) How David became king. (2) His victories +in war. (3) His great sin and some of its consequences. (4) His +kindness toward his enemies (see also his attitude toward Saul +recorded in First Samuel). (5) The kindness of God as illustrated by +the story of David's kindness to Mephibosheth, Ch. 9. (6) David's +psalm of praise, Chs. 22-23. (7) The different occasions when David +showed a penitent spirit (8) The great pestilence. Ch. 24.</p> + +<br> +<br> + + +<a name="17"></a> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER IX.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>First and Second Kings.</b></i> +<br> +<br> + + + +</center> + +<p>Name. The name is taken from the Kings whose deeds they narrate.</p> + +<p>Contents. It takes up the history of Israel where Second Samuel left +off and gives the account of the death of David, the reign of Solomon, +the Divided Kingdom, and the captivity.</p> + +<p>Purpose. The political changes of Israel are given in order to show +the religious condition. Everywhere there is a conflict between faith +and unbelief, between the worship of Jehovah and the worship of Baal. +We see wicked kings who introduce false worship and righteous kings +who bring about reforms and try to overthrow false worship. Israel +yields to evil and is finally cut off, but Judah repents and is +restored to perpetuate the kingdom and to be the medium through +which Jesus came.</p> + +<p>The Kingdom of Solomon. Solomon began in glory, flourished a while and +then ended in disgrace. He sacrificed the most sacred principles of +the nation in order to form alliances with other nations. He attempted +to concentrate all worship on Mount Moriah, probably hoping that in +this way he might control all nations. He finally became a tyrant and +robbed the people of their liberty.</p> + +<p>The Two Kingdoms. This is a sad story of dissension and war and +defeat. Israel or the northern kingdom was always jealous of Judah. It +was by far the stronger and possessed a much larger and more fertile +land. There were nineteen king, from Jeroboam to Hoshea, whose names +and the number of years they reigned should be learned together with +the amount of scripture included in the story of each. Judah or the +southern kingdom was always a little more faithful to the true +worship. There were twenty kings, from Rehoboam to Zedekiah, whose +lives with the number of years they reigned and the scripture passages +describing each, should be tabulated and learned.</p> + +<p>The Captivity. It is made clear that the captivity is because of sin. +God having spared them for a long time. (1) Israel was taken captivity +by the Assyrian Empire, whose capital was Nineveh. This marks the end +of the northern tribes. (2) Judah was captured by the Babylonian +Empire, but after a period of seventy years, the people were restored +to their own land.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis of First Kings.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Reign of Solomon, Chs. 1-11.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His accession, Chs. 1-4.</p> + +<p> 2. Building the Temple, Chs. 5-8.</p> + +<p> 3. His greatness and sin, Chs. 9-11.</p></blockquote> + + <p>II. The Revolt and Sin of The Ten Tribes, Chs. 12-16.</p> + +<p>III. The Reign of Ahab and the Career of Elijah, Chs. 17-22.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis of Second Kings.</b></p> + +<p> I. The last days of Elijah, Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<p> II. The career of Elisha, Chs. 3-8.</p> + +<p>III. The dynasty of Jehu, Chs. 9-14.</p> + +<p> IV. The fall of Israel, Chs. 15-17.</p> + +<p> V. The Kingdom of Judah, Chs. 18-25.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion (1) Contrast the character of David with that +of Solomon. Give the ideal elements and the defects of each. Also +compare them as rulers. (2) Contrast the character of Elijah with that +of Elisha. Point out the elements of strength and weakness in each. +Compare the great moral and religious truth taught by each as well as +the great deeds performed by them. (3) Study this as the cradle of +liberty. Note Elijah's resistance of tyrants and Ahab in the vineyard +of Naboth. Look for other instances. (4) Consider the place of the +prophets. Note their activity in the affairs of government. Glance +through these books and make a list of all prophets who are named and +note the character of their message and the king or nation to whom +each spoke. (5) Make a list of the kings of Israel and learn the story +of Jeroboam I, Omri, Ahab, Jehu, Jeroboam II and Hoshea. (6) Make a +list of the kings of Judah and learn the principal events and the +general character of the reign of Rehoboam, Jehoshaphat, Joash, +Uzziah, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah and Zedekiah. (7) The fall of +Judah. (8) The failure of human governments, (a) the cause, (b) the +manifestation and result.</p> + + +<a name="18"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER X.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>First and Second Chronicles.</b></i><br><br> +<br> +<br> +</center> +<p>Name. The name Chronicles was given by Jerome. They were the "words of +days" and the translators of the Septuagint named them the "things +omitted." They were originally one book.</p> + +<p>Contents. Beginning with Adam the history of Israel is rewritten down +to the return of Judah from captivity.</p> + +<p>Relation to Former Books. It covers the same field as all the others. +To this time the books have fitted one into another and formed a +continuous history. Here we double back and review the whole history, +beginning with Adam, and coming down to the edict of Cyrus which +permitted the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem.</p> + +<p>Religious Purpose of the Narratives. Several things show these books +to have a religious purpose. (1) God's care of his people and his +purpose to save them is given special emphasis. (2) The building of +the temple is given much prominence. (3) The kings who served God and +destroyed idols are given the most conspicuous place. (4) He follows +the line of Judah. only mentioning Israel where it seemed necessary. +In this way he was following the Messianic line through David. (5) The +priestly spirit permeates these books instead of the prophetic +elements as in the earlier historical books. The aim, therefore, +seems to be to teach rather than to narrate. He seems to teach that +virtue and vice, in private or in national affairs, will surely +receive their dues-that God must be taken into account in the life of +individuals and of nations.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis of First Chronicles.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Genealogies, Chs. 1-9.</p> + +<p>II. The Reign of David, Chs. 10-29.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Accession and great men, Chs.10-12.</p> + +<p> 2. Zeal for Jehovah's house, Chs. 13-17.</p> + +<p> 3. His victories, Chs. 18-20.</p> + +<p> 4. The numbering of the people, Chs. 21.</p> + +<p> 5. Provision for the temple, Chs. 22-29.</p></blockquote> + +<p><b>Analysis of Second Chronicles.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Reign of Solomon, Chs. 1-9.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Building of the temple, Cha. 1-4.</p> + +<p> 2. Dedication of the temple, Chs. 5-7.</p> + +<p> 3. Solomon's greatness and wealth, Chs. 8-9.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>II. Judah After the Revolt of the Ten Tribes, Chs. 10-36.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Reign of Rehoboam, Chs. 10-12.</p> + +<p> 2. Victory of Abijah, Chs. 13.</p> + +<p> 3. Reign of Asa, Chs. 14-16.</p> + +<p> 4. Reign of Jehoshaphat, Chs. 21-28.</p> + +<p> 5. Reign of Hezekiah, Chs. 29-32.</p> + +<p> 6. Reign of Manasseh and Amon, Ch. 33.</p> + +<p> 7. Reign of Josiah, Chs. 34-35.</p> + +<p> 8. The captivity, Ch, 36.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The great men of David. (2) The +different victories won by David. (3) The dedication of the temple, +especially the prayer. (4) The wealth and follies of Solomon. (5) The +scripture and God's house as a means and source of all information, +see: (a) Asa's restoration of the altar and its vessels, (b) +Jehoshaphat's teaching the people God's law, (c) Joash and God's +restored house, (d) The reforms Of Josiah. (6) The reign of Manasseh. +(7) The nature of the worship of Judah. (8) The captivity. (9) The +value of true religion to a nation. (10) The evil results of idolatry.</p> + + +<a name="19"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XI.</h3> + +<br> + + +<i><b>Ezra, Nehemiah and Ester.</b></i><br><br> +</center> +<br> +<br> + + + + + +<p><b>Ezra and Nehemiah.</b></p> + +<p>Name. Ezra and Nehemiah were formerly counted as one book and contain +the account of the restoration of the exiles to Jerusalem and the re- +establishment of their worship. They soon came to be called First and +Second Ezra. Jerome first called the second book Nehemiah. Wycliffe +called them the first and second Esdras and later they were called the +books of Esdras otherwise the Nehemiahs. The present names were first +given in the Geneva Bible (1560). Ezra is so called from the author +and principal character, the name meaning "help". Nehemiah is so +called from the principal character, whose name means "Jehovah +comforts."</p> + +<p>Other Books. Three other books should be read in connection with this +study. (1) The book of Esther, which relates to this time and should +be read between chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra. (2) The books of +Haggai and Zechariah. These two prophets were associated with the +first return of Zerubbabel and their words incited the Jews to +complete the temple in spite of opposition.</p> + + +<p>The Return from Captivity. The return consisted of three expeditions +led respectively by Zerubbabel. Ezra and Nehemiah. The time covered +can not be accurately calculated. It is probably not fewer than ninety +years. Some think it may have been as many as one hundred and ten +years.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis of Ezra.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Rebuilding of the Temple, Chs. 1-6.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The proclamation of Cyrus, 1.</p> + +<p> 2. Those who returned, 2.</p> + +<p> 3. The foundation laid, 3.</p> + +<p> 4. The work hindered, 4.</p> + +<p> 5. The work finished, 5-6.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Reforms of Ezra, Chs. 7-10.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Ezra's Journey, 7-8.</p> + +<p> 2. The confession of sin, 9.</p> + +<p> 3. The covenant to keep the law. 10.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The traits of character displayed +by Ezra. (2) The reforms of Ezra. (a) What were they? (b) Parallel +conditions of today. (3) The adversaries of Judah. (a) Who were they? +(b) The nature of their opposition. (4) The decree of Cyrus. (5) The +expedition of Zerubbabel and Ezra. (6) Ezra's commission and the +king's orders 7:1-26. (7) God's use of friends and enemies in +forwarding his purposes.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis of Nehemiah.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Rebuilding of the Wall, Chs. 1-7.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Nehemiah permitted to go to Jerusalem, 1-2.</p> +<p> + 2. The work on the walls and its hindrance, 3-7.</p> +</blockquote> + <p>II. The Covenant to Keep the Law, Chs. 8-10.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The law read, 8.</p> + +<p> 2. Confession made, 9.</p> + +<p> 3. The covenant made, 10.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Walls Dedicated and Nehemiah's Reform, Chs. 11-13.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Those who dwelt in the city, 11:1-12:26.</p> + +<p> 2. The walls dedicated, 12:27-47 end.</p> + +<p> 3. Evils corrected, Ch. 13.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Point out elements of strength in the +character and work of Nehemiah. (2) The greatness and difficulty of +Nehemiah's task, (a) the rubbish, (b) the size and length of the wall, +(c) the strength of their enemies. (3) The reforms of Nehemiah, (a) +religious, (b) moral, (c) political. (4) The public meeting and new +festival, 8:1-18. (5) The covenant 9:1-10:39. (6) The repeopling of +Jerusalem, Chs. 11-12.</p> + +<p><b>Esther.</b></p> + +<p>Name. This is taken from its principal character, a Jewish maiden +became queen of a Persian King.</p> + +<p>Purpose. To explain the origin of the feast of Purim work of +providence for God's people.</p> + +<p>Time. The events narrated are thought to have occurred about 56 years +after the first return of Zerubbabel in 536 B. C. The King then would +be Xerxes the Great, and the drunken feast may have been preparatory +to the invasion of Greece in the third year of his reign. +Connection with Other Books. There is no connection between Esther and +the other books of the Bible. While it is a story of the time when the +Jews were returning to Jerusalem, and very likely should come between +the first and second return, and, therefore, between the sixth and +seventh chapters of Ezra, the incident stands alone. Without it we +would lose much of our knowledge of that period.</p> + +<p>The Story. While Esther stands out as the principal character, the +whole story turns on the refusal of Mordecai to bow down to Haman, +which would have been to show him divine honor. He did not hate Haman +but, as a Jew could not worship any other than God. He dared to stand +for principle at the risk of his life.</p> + +<p>The Name of God. One of the peculiarities of the book is that it +nowhere mentions the name of God, or makes any reference to him. +This may be because his name was held secret and sacred at that time. +However, God's power and His care of His people are everywhere implied +in the book.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Esther Made Queen, Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Queen Vashti dethroned. Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. Esther made queen. Ch. 2.</p> +</blockquote> +<p> II. Haman's Plot and its Defeat. Chs. 3-8.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Haman plots the destruction of the Jews. Ch. 3.</p> + +<p> 2. The Jews' mourning and Mordecai's plea to Esther. Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 3. Esther banquets Haman and the King, Ch. 5.</p> + +<p> 4. Mordecai highly honored for former service. Ch. 6.</p> + + <p> 5. Esther's plea granted and Haman hanged, Ch. 7,</p> + +<p> 6. The Jews allowed defense and Mordecai advanced, Ch. 8.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>III. The Jews' Deliverance, Chs. 9-10.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Their enemies slain, 9:1-16.</p> + +<p> 2. A memorial feast is established. 9:17-32 end.</p> + +<p> 3. Mordecai made great, Ch. 10.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The character of the king, Vashti, +Mordecai, Esther and Haman. (2) Mordecai's plea to Esther. (3) The +honor of Mordecai and humiliation of Haman, Ch. 6. (4) The destruction +of their enemies. (5) The feast of Purim, 9:17-32. (6) Truth about God +seen in this book. (7) Why not name the book Mordecai or Vashti-are +they not as heroic as Esther? (8) The race devotion of the Jews, then +and now. (9) Persian life as seen in the book.</p> + +<a name="20"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>Chapter XII.</h3> + +<br> +<i><b>Job.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p>Name. Job, from its chief character, or hero, and mean "Persecuted." </p> + +<p>Date. Neither the date nor the author can be determined with +certainty. I incline to the theory of the Job authorship.</p> + +<p>Connection with Other Books. It stands alone, being one of the so- +called wisdom books of the Bible. It nowhere alludes to the Mosaic law +or the history of Israel.</p> + +<p>Literary Characteristics. Chapters one and two and parts of chapter +forty-two are prose. All the rest is poetry. The different speakers +may have been real speakers, or characters created by one writer to +make the story. There is, however, little doubt that the story is +founded on historical facts.</p> + +<p>The Problems of the Book. This book raises several great questions, +that are common to the race, and directly or indirectly discusses +them. Among those questions the following are the most important. (1) +Is there any goodness without reward? "Doth Job serve God or naught"? +(2) Why do the righteous suffer and why does sin go unpunished? (3) +Does God really care for and protect his people who fear him? (4) Is +adversity and affliction a sign that the sufferer is wicked? (5) Is +God a God of pity and mercy!</p> + +<p>The Argument. The argument proceeds as follows: (1) There is a +conference between God and Satan and the consequent affliction of Job. +(2) The first cycle of discussion with his three friends in which they +charge Job with sin and he denies the charge. (3) The second cycle of +discussion. In this Job's friends argue that his claim of innocence is +a further evidence of his guilt and impending danger. (4) The third +cycle. In this cycle Job's friends argue that his afflictions are just +the kind that would come to one who yielded to temptations such as +those to which he is subject. In each of the three cycles of +discussion with his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, each argues +with Job except that Zophar remains silent in the third cycle. They +speak in the same order each time. (5) Elihu shows how Job accuses God +wrongly while vindicating himself and asserts that suffering instructs +us in righteousness and prevents us from sinning. (6) God intervenes +and in two addresses instructs Job. In the first address, Job is shown +the creative power of the Almighty and his own folly in answering God +whom animals by instinct fear. In the second address, Job is shown +that one should know how to rule the world and correct its evils +before one complains at or accuses God. (7) Job prays and is restored.</p> + +<p>Purpose. The purpose of the book, then, is to justify the wisdom and +goodness of God in matters of human suffering and especially to show +that all suffering is not punitive.</p> + +<p>Job's temptation. Job's temptation came by stages and consisted +largely in a series of losses as follows: (1) His property, (2) His +children, (3) His health, (4) His wife's confidence-she would have him +curse God and die. (5) His friends who now think him a sinner, (6) The +joy of life-he cursed the day of his birth, (7) His confidence in the +goodness of God-he said to God, "Why hast thou set me as a mark for +thee?" In his reply to Elihu he doubts the justice if not the very +existence of God.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Job's Wealth and Affliction. Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<p> II. The Discussion of Job and His Three Friends. Cha. 3-31.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The first cycle, 3-14.</p> +<p> + 2. The second cycle, Chs. 15-21.</p> + +<p> 3. The third cycle, Chs. 22-31.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Speech of Elihu, Chs. 32-37.</p> + +<p> IV. The Addresses of God, Chs. 38-41.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The first address, 38-39.</p> + +<p> 2. The second address, 40-41.</p></blockquote> + +<p> V. Job's Restoration, Ch. 42.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The personality and malice of Satan. +Point out his false accusations against Job and God, also the signs of +his power. (2) Concerning man look for evidence of: (a) The folly of +self-righteousness, (b) The vileness of the most perfect man in God's +sight, (c) The impossibility of man, by wisdom, apart from grace, +finding God. (3) Concerning God, gather evidence of his wisdom, +perfection and goodness. (4) Job's disappointment in his friends. (5) +Elements of truth and falsehood in the theory of Job's friends. (6) +Job's despair of the present, his view of Sheol and his view of the +future. Does he believe in a future life or think all ends with the +grave? (7) Does the book really explain why the righteous are allowed +to suffer? (8) Make a list of the striking passages especially worthy +of remembering.</p> + + +<a name="21"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XIII.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>Psalms and Proverbs.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p><b>Psalms.</b></p> + +<p>Name. The Hebrew word means praises or hymns, while the Greek word +means psalms. It may well be called the "Hebrew Prayer and Praise +Book." The prevailing note is one of praise, though some are sad and +plaintive while others are philosophical.</p> + +<p>Authors. Of the 150 Psalms, there is no means of determining the +authorship of 50. The authors named for others are David, Asaph, the +sons of Korah, Herman, Ethan, Moses and Solomon. Of the 100 whose +authorship is indicated, David is credited with 73, and in the New +Testament he alone is referred to as the author of them. Lu. 20:42.</p> + +<p>Relation to the Other Old Testament Books. It has been called the +heart of the entire Bible, but its relation to the Old Testament is +especially intimate. All divine manifestations are viewed in regard to +their bearing on the inner experience. History is interpreted in the +light of a passion for truth and righteousness and as showing forth +the nearness of our relation to God.</p> + +<p>The Subjects of the Psalms. It is very difficult to make any sort of +classification of the Psalms and any classification is open to +criticism. For this reason many groupings have been suggested. The +following, taken from different sources, may be of help. (1) Hymns of +praise, 8, 18, 19, 104, 145, 147, etc. (2) National hymns, 105, 106, +114, etc. (3) Temple hymns or hymns for public worship, 15, 24, 87, +etc. (4) Hymns relating to trial and calamity, 9, 22, 55, 56, 109, +etc. (5) Messianic Psalms, 2,16, 40, 72, 110, etc. (6) Hymns of +general religious character, 89, 90, 91, 121, 127, etc.</p> + +<p>The following classification has been given in the hope of suggesting +the most prominent religious characteristics of the Psalms. (1) Those +that recognize the one infinite, all-wise and omnipotent God. (2) +Those that recognize the universality of his love and providence and +goodness. (3) Those showing abhorrence of all idols and the rejection +of all subordinate deities. (4) Those giving prophetic glimpses of the +Divine Son and of his redeeming work on earth. (5) Those showing the +terrible nature of sin, the divine hatred of it and judgment of God +upon sinners. (6) Those teaching the doctrines of forgiveness, divine +mercy, and the duty of repentance. (7) Those emphasizing the beauty of +holiness, the importance of faith and the soul's privilege of +communion with God.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p>1. Davidic Psalms. 1-41. These are not only ascribed to him but +reflect much of his life and faith.</p> + +<p>2. Historical Psalms. 42-72. +These are ascribed to several authors, those of the sons of Korah +being prominent and are especially full of historical facts.</p> + +<p>3. Liturgical or Ritualistic Psalms. 73-89. +Most of them are ascribed to Asaph and, besides being specially +prescribed for worship, they are strongly historical.</p> + +<p>4. Other Pre-Captivity Psalms. 90-106. +Ten are anonymous, one is Moses' (Ps. 90) and the rest David's. They +reflect much of the pre-captivity sentiment and history.</p> + +<p>5. Psalms of the Captivity and Return. 107-150. Matters pertaining to +the captivity and return to Jerusalem.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) On what occasion were the following +Palms probably composed: (a) Psalm 3 (2 Sam. 15). (b) Psalm 24 (2 Sam. +6:12-17). (c) Psalm 56 (1 Sam. 21:10-15). (d) Psalms 75 and 76 (2 +Kings 19:32-37). (e) Psalm 109 (1 Sam. 22:9-23). (f) Psalm 74 (2 Kings +25:2-18). (g) Psalm 60 (1 Chron. 18:11-13). (2) What is the subject of +Psalms 23, 84, 103,133 and 137? (3) What doctrine of the divine +character is taught in each of the following Psalms; 8, 19, 33, 46, +93, 115 and 139?</p> + + +<p><b>Proverbs.</b></p> + +<p>Practical Value of the Book of Proverbs. The proverbs emphasize the +external religious life. They teach how to practice religion and +overcome the daily temptations. They express a belief in God and his +rule over the universe and, therefore, seek to make his religion the +controlling motive in life and conduct. They breathe a profound +religious spirit and a lofty religious conception, but put most stress +upon the doing of religion in all the relations of life. Davison says: +"For the writers of Proverbs religion means good sense, religion means +mastery of affairs, religion means strength and manliness and success, +religion means a well furnished intellect employing the best means to +accomplish the highest ends." This statement is correct as far as the +side of duty emphasized is concerned.</p> + +<p>Nature of Proverbs. (1) There is a voice of wisdom which speaks words +of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, prudence, subtility, instruction, +discretion and the fear of Jehovah, and furnishes us with good advice +for every condition of life. (2) There is a voice of folly, which +speaks words of folly, simplicity, stupidity, ignorance, brutishness +and villainy, and lifts her voice wherever wisdom speaks. (3) Wisdom +is contrasted with folly, which often issues in simplicity and +scorning. (4) Wisdom is personified, as if it were God speaking about +the practical, moral, intellectual and religious duties of men. (5) +Christ finds Himself in the book, Lu. 24:27, and if Christ be +substituted for wisdom, where it is found, a new and wonderful power +will be seen in the book.</p> + +<p>Scheme of the Considerations Found in Proverbs. The first sphere-the +home, father and children, 1:8-9 and Chs. 2-7. Key-word here is "my +son." The second sphere-friendship; companions is the important word. +1:10-19. The third sphere-the world beyond.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Praise of Wisdom. Chs. 1-9. This is shown by contrast with folly.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The design and some fundamental maxims, 1:1-19.</p> + +<p> 2. Wisdom's warnings, 1:20 end.</p> + +<p> 3. Wisdom will reveal God and righteousness and save one from +wicked men and strange women, Ch. 2.</p> + +<p> 4. Description of the life of wisdom, Ch. 3.</p> + +<p> 5. Wisdom the best way, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 6. The strange woman, Ch. 5.</p> + +<p> 7. Against various evils, Ch. 6.</p> + +<p> 8. Wisdom's warnings against the seductions of an adulterous, Ch. 7.</p> + +<p> 9. Wisdom makes an appeal, Ch. 8.</p> + +<p> 10. Wisdom gives her invitations, Ch. 9.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Practical Proverbs of Solomon. 10:1-22:16. These are separate and +cannot be classified.</p> + +<p>III. Words of the Wise. 22:17-24 end. Sometimes called commendations +of justice. There are several authors, but no common topic.</p> + +<p> IV. Proverbs of Solomon, copied by the scribes of Hezekiah, Chs. 25- +29.</p> + +<p> V. Words of Agur. Ch. 30. +From one who has tried "to find out God unto perfection and found the +task above him."</p> + +<p> VI. Words of Lemuel, Ch. 31.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The duty of Kings, 1-9.</p> + +<p> 2. The praise of a virtuous woman or good wife, 10-31.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Collect passages that tell of the +rewards of virtue and piety. (2) Cite passages that show the evils of: +sloth or indolence, of wine-drinking and drunkenness, of tale-bearing, +of family contentions. (3) Make a list of the chief thoughts of the +book concerning God, man, and other great religious teachings of our +day. (4) What is said of a man who rules his own spirit, of a good +name, of obedience to parents, of fitly spoken words, of a beautiful +woman who lacks discretion, of a liberal soul, of a false balance, of +a soft answer, of a wise son. Find where the answers are found (5) The +Peril of following an unchaste love (woman), chapter 5. (6) Folly of +yielding to the wiles of an harlot, chapter 7. (7) The description of +a worthy woman, 31:10 end.</p> + +<a name="22"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.</b></i><br><br> +</center> +<br> +<br> + +<p><b>Ecclesiastes.</b></p> + +<p>Name. The Hebrew word means preacher and refers to or signifies one +who calls together and addresses assemblies.</p> + +<p>The Personal or Human Element. Such expressions as "I perceived," "I +said in my heart," "I saw," etc., indicate that it is not the will of +God that is developed but a man is telling of his own ventures and +utter failure.</p> + +<p>The General View or Key-phrase is "under the sun," with the sad +refrain, "vanity of vanities, all is vanity", and shows how a man +under the best possible conditions sought for joy and peace, trying at +its best every human resource. He had the best that could be gotten, +from human wisdom, from wealth, from worldly pleasure, from worldly +honor, only to find that all was "vanity and vexation of spirit." It +is what a man, with the knowledge of a holy God, and that He will +bring all into judgment, has learned of the emptiness of things "under +the sun" and of the whole duty of man to "fear God and keep his +commandments."</p> + +<p>Purpose of the Book. The purpose, then, is not to express the doubts +or skepticism of the writer, not to record the complaining of a bitter +spirit. It is not the story of a pessimist or of an evil man turned +moralist. But it is intended to show that, if one should realize all +the aims, hopes and aspirations of life, they would not bring +satisfaction to the heart. His experience is used to show the result +of successful worldliness and self-gratification in contrast with the +outcome of the higher wisdom of the Godly life. We are shown that man +was not made for this world alone and not for selfish achievement or +gratification, but to fulfill some great plan of God for him which he +will accomplish through obedience and Divine service.</p> + +<p>The Date and Authorship. The opening verse and certain other passages +such as some of the conditions as well as the characters of the +persons represented in the book give the impression that Solomon wrote +it, but there are other evidences that point to some other author. +Neither the author nor the date of writing has been definitely +determined.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Vanities of Life. Chs. 1-4. seen in both experience and +observation.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The Vanity of what he has experienced, 1-2.</p> + +<p> 2. The Vanity of what he has observed, 3-4.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Practical Wisdom, Chs. 5-7.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Some prudential maxims, Chs. 5.</p> + +<p> 2. Some Vanities, Ch. 6.</p> + +<p> 3. The best way to get along in life, Ch. 7.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Rules for a Happy Life, Chs. 8-11.</p> + +<p> IV. Conclusion of the Whole Matter, Ch. 13.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the different things +enumerated as a failure or vanity. (2) Make a list of the different +things coming to us as God's gift of providence. (3) Make a list of +prudential maxims or rules which teach how to live rightly and to lift +us above the tribulations and defeat of life. (4) Does the author +think seeking pleasure is the real business of life? (5) Does he deny +the value of altruistic service? (6) Does he believe in the future +life and in future rewards?</p> + +<p><b>Song of Solomon.</b></p> + +<p>Name. Song of Songs which is Solomon's. It is also called Canticles, +meaning Song of Songs and is so-called, perhaps, because of its very +great beauty.</p> + +<p>The Subject. The subject is faithful love, seen in a woman who though +subjected to the temptations of an oriental court, remains faithful to +her old lover. She, a country girl of the north, attracts the +attention of the king who brings her to Jerusalem and offers her every +inducement to become the wife of the king. But upon final refusal she +is allowed to return home to her lover, a country shepherd lad.</p> + +<p>Meaning of the Story. (1) To the Jews of that time it was a call to +purity of life, for a return to those relations which God had ordained +between man and woman. It was a protest against polygamy which had +become almost universal. Indeed, they regarded it as setting forth the +whole history of Israel. (2) To the Christian it sets forth in +allegory, Christ and his church as Bridegroom and Bride and the +fullness of love which unites the believer and his Savior. (3) To all +the world there is shown the purity and constancy of a woman's love +and devotion to her ideals. It furnishes ideal which, if properly held +up, would cast out of human society all those monstrous practices that +come from unworthy ideals.</p> + +<p>The Style. It is part dialogue and part monologue. Their love on both +sides is expressed in that sensuous way common among the oriental +peoples. Many of the allusions give rise to the belief that it was +written to celebrate the nuptials of Solomon and the daughter of +Pharaoh.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis of Song of Solomon..</b></p> + +<p> I. The King's first attempt to win the Virgin's love, 1:1-2:7.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. She converses with the ladies of the court, 1:1-8.</p> + +<p> 2. The King's first attempt fails to win her, 1:9-2:7.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The King's second effort to win her love, 2:8-5:8.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The virgin recalls her former happiness when with her lover at +home, 2:8-17.</p> + +<p> 2. In a dream she goes in search of him, 3:1-5.</p> + +<p> 3. The King shows her his glory and greatness, 3:6-11.</p> + +<p> 4. She again rejects his love in spite of his praise of her beauty, 4:1-7.</p> + +<p> 5. She longs for her absent lover, 4:8-5:1.</p> + +<p> 6. She dreams of seeking in vain for him, 5:2-8.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The King's third attempt to win her, 5:9-8:4.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The ladies of the court cannot understand her faithfulness to +her old lover, 5:9-6:3.</p> + +<p> 2. The King's third effort to win her is met with the declaration +of her purpose to remain true to her absent lover, 6:4-8:4. </p></blockquote> + +<p> VI. The Triumph of the Maiden, 8:5-14.</p> +<p>She returns to her home among the hills of the north and is reunited +with her shepherd lover.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the passages by which the +woman's beauty is described. (2) Passages that suggest the relation of +the saved soul to Christ. (3) Passages that suggest the glory of the +church. (4) Some of the passages by which the love of the woman and of +the king is expressed. (5) The basis of human love. 2:2-3. (6) The +strength of human lover, 8:6-7. (7) The interpretation of human love +in terms of divine love.</p> + + + +<a name="23"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XV.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Isaiah.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p>Prophet. In the study of the messages of the prophets we should +understand that the meaning of the term prophets may be: (1) A person +employed in the public utterance of religious discourse, very much as +the preacher of today. This was the most common function of the +prophet. Some were reformers while others were evangelists or +revivalists. (2) One who performed the function of the scribes and +wrote the history and biography and annals of their nations. In this +capacity they compiled or wrote large portions of the books of the Old +Testament. (3) One who was able to discern the future and foretell +events which would transpire afterward.</p> + +<p>The Prophetical Books. All take their name from the Prophets whose +messages they bear. They are written largely in the poetic style and +are usually divided into two divisions. (1) The major prophets which +include Isaiah. Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel and Daniel. (2) The +minor prophets, including the other twelve. This division is based on +the bulk of material in the books and is unscientific and misleading, +since it suggests that some are more important than others. +They are more appropriately divided according to their place in the +prophetic order or the period of Israel's history when they +prophesied, somewhat as follows: 1. <i>The Pre-exilic prophets</i>, or +those who prophesied before the exile. These are, (1) Jonah, Amos and +Hosea, prophets of Israel. (2) Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, +Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah, prophets of Judah. 2. <i>The exilic +prophets</i>, Ezekiel and Daniel. 3. <i>The Post-exilic prophets</i>, prophets +who prophesied after the captivity. All are of Judah and are Haggai, +Zechariah and Malachi.</p> + +<p>Jeremiah's ministry perhaps extended into the period of the captivity. +There is great uncertainty about the chronology of Obadiah, Joel and +Jonah. There is differences of opinion as to whether certain of the +prophets belong to Judah or Israel. Micah is an example. The teacher +will be able to give reasons for this difference.</p> + +<p>The Study of the Prophets. The student should hold in mind that the +prophet deals primarily with the moral and religious conditions of his +own people at the time of his ministry. His denunciations, warnings +and exhortations are, therefore, not abstract principles, but are +local and for Israel. The prophet was then first of all a Jewish +patriot and revivalist filled with the Holy Ghost and with zeal for +Israel.</p> + +<p>The predictive elements of the prophetic books must be interpreted in +the light, (1) of a nearby or local fulfillment, such as of the +dispersion and restoration, and (2) of a far off and greater +fulfillment of which the first is only a forerunner, such as the +advent of the Messiah and his glorious reign over the whole earth. The +interpretation of prophecy should generally be in the literal, natural +and unforced meaning of the words. The following passages will show +how prophecy, already fulfilled, has been fulfilled literally and not +allegorically. Gen. 15:13-16; 16:11-12; Dt. 28:62-67; Ps. 22:1, 7, 8, +15-18; Is. 7:14; 53:2-9; Hos. 3:4; Joel 2:28-29: Mic. 5:2; Acts 2:16- +18; Matt. 21:4-5; Lu. 1:20, 31; Acts 1:5; Matt. 2:4-6; Lu. 21:16.17, +24; Acts 21:10-11.</p> + +<p>In a given book of prophecy, the book should be read carefully and all +the different subjects treated, noted. This should be followed by a +careful study to find what is said about the several topics already +found. To illustrate, the prophet may mention himself, Jerusalem, +Israel, Judah, Babylon or Egypt, etc. One should learn what is said of +each. This will make necessary the student's learning all he can of +the history of the different subjects mentioned that he may understand +the prophecy about it.</p> + +<p>The Prophet Isaiah. Several things are known of him. (1) He was called +to his work the last year of the reign of Uzziah. (2) He lived at +Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, and +most of his life seems to have been spent as a sort of court preacher +or chaplain to the king. (3) He is the most renowned of all the Old +Testament prophets, his visions not being restricted to his own +country and times. He spoke for all nations and for all times, being +restricted to his own country and times. "He was a man of powerful +intellect, great integrity and remarkable force of character." (4) He +is quoted more in the New Testament than any of the other prophets +and, because of the relation of his teaching to New Testament times +and teachings, his prophesies have been called the "Bridge between the +old and new covenants." (5) He married and had two sons.</p> + +<p>The Nature of His Teachings. In his inaugural vision recorded in the +sixth chapter Isaiah has impressed upon him some truths that shaped +his whole career. He saw: (1) The holiness and majesty of God; (2) The +corruption of those about him; (3) The certainty of awful judgment +upon the wicked; (4) The blessing of those whose lives are approved of +God; and (5) The salvation of a remnant that was to be the seed of a +new Israel. With these truths burning in his soul he pressed the +battle of righteousness into every sphere of life. He strove to +regenerate the entire national life. He tried to make not only +religious worship, but commerce and politics so pure that it could all +become a service acceptable to God. He, therefore, became a religious +teacher, preacher, social reformer, statesman and seer.</p> + +<p>Conditions of Israel (The Northern Kingdom). Isaiah began to prophecy +when it was outwardly rich and prosperous under the rule of Jereboam +IL Inwardly it was very corrupt. It soon went to pieces, however (621 +B. C.), being conquered and carried into captivity by the Assyrians.</p> + +<p>Conditions of Judah (The Southern Kingdom). During the reigns of Ahaz, +Jotham and Uzziah, oppression, wickedness and idolatry existed +everywhere. Ahaz made an alliance with Assyria, which finally brought +destruction to Israel, but Hezekiah listened to Isaiah and made +reforms, and God destroyed the Assyrian army before Jerusalem was +destroyed.</p> + +<p>Nature of the Contents of the Book. The contents of the Book have been +said to include: (1) Warnings and threats against his own people +because of their sins. (2) Sketches of the history of his times. (3) +Prophesies of the return of Israel from captivity. (4) Prophesies +concerning the coming of the Messiah. (S) Predictions of the judgment +of God on other nations. (6) Discourses that urge upon Israel moral +and religious reformation. (7) Visions of the future glory and +prosperity of the church. (8) Expressions of thanksgiving and praise.</p> + +<p>The Center of Interest. The prophet deals primarily with the nation +and not with the individual. He speaks primarily of the present and +not of the future. These two facts must be kept constantly in mind as +we read and interpret the book.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Discourses Concerning Judah and Israel, Chs. 1-12. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Some promises and rebukes, Chs. 1-6.</p> + +<p> 2. The book of Immanuel, Chs. 7-12.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Prophesies against Foreign Nations, Chs. 13-23. +III. The Judgment of the World and the Triumph of God's People, Chs. +24-27.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The judgments. Ch. 24. </p> + +<p> 2. The triumph. Chs. 25-27. </p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Judah's Relation to Egypt and Assyria, Chs. 38-32.</p> + +<p> V. The Great Deliverance of Jerusalem, Chs. 33-39.</p> + +<p> VI. The Book of Consolation, Chs. 40-66.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. God's preparation for certain deliverance, Chs. 40-48.</p> + +<p> 2. Jehovah's servant, the Messiah, will bring this deliverance. +Chs. 49-57.</p> + +<p> 3. The restoration of Zion and the Messianic Kingdom, with promises +and warnings for the future. Chs. 58-66.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The sins of Israel and Judah that he +rebukes. (2) Other nations against which he makes predictions and what +he said of each. (3) Isaiah's call. Ch. 6. (4) Isaiah's errand to +Ahaz, Ch. 7. (5) The way in which Isaiah rests the sole deity of +Jehovah upon his ability to predict a future, Ch. 41. Give other +illustrations. (6) The express predictions of the Messiah as we find +them fulfilled in Jesus. (7) Point out the passages portraying the +future glory of the church and the spiritual prosperity of the race. +(8) Passages predicting the restoration of the Jews from captivity. +(9) Some predictions already fulfilled: (a) God's judgments on the +kings of Israel and the nation of Israel, Ch. 7. (b) The overthrow of +Sennacherib, Chs. 13 and 37. (c) Disasters which should overtake +Babylon, Damascus, Egypt, Moab and Idumea, Chs. 13, 15, 18, 19 and 34. +(d) Vivid and marvelous descriptions of the final fate of Babylon and +Idumea, 13:19-22; 34:10-17. (10) The theology of Isaiah or his views +on such subjects as the moral condition of man, the need of a +redeemer, the consequences of redemption, Divine Providence, the +majesty and holiness of God, the future life, etc.</p> + +<a name="24"></a><br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>Chapter XVI.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>Jeremiah and Lamentations.</b></i><br><br> +</center> +<br> +<br> + +<p>The Author. (1) His name means "Exalted of Jehovah," and he is ranked +second among the great Old Testament writers. (2) He lived the last of +the sixth and the first of the fifth centuries before Christ. His +ministry began in 626 B. C., the thirteenth year of Josiah (1:2), and +lasted about forty years. He probably died in Babylon during the early +years of the captivity. (3) He was of a sensitive nature, mild, timid, +and inclined to melancholy. He was devoutly religious and naturally +shrank from giving pain to others. (4) He was uncommonly bold and +courageous in declaring the message of God, it was unpopular and +subjected him to hatred and even to suffering wrong. He was unsparing +in the denunciations and rebukes administered to his nation, not even +sparing the prince. (5) He is called the weeping prophet. He was +distressed both by the disobedience and apostasy of Israel and by the +evil which he foresaw. Being very devoutly religious, he was pained by +the impiety of his time.</p> + +<p>Condition of the Nations. (1) Israel, the northern kingdom, had been +carried into captivity and Judah stood alone against her enemies. (2) +Judah had fallen into a bad state, but Josiah, who reigned when +Jeremiah began his ministry, attempted to bring about reforms and +restore the old order. After his death, however, wickedness grew more +and more until, in the later part of the life of Jeremiah, Jerusalem +and the temple were destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and Judah was led away +in captivity. (3) The world powers of the time of Jeremiah's birth +were Assyria and Egypt. They were contending for supremacy. But +Jeremiah lived to see both of them subdued and Babylon mistress of the +world. He foresaw also how Babylon would fall and how a kingdom +greater than all would rise wherein there would be righteousness and +peace.</p> + +<p><b>Jeremiah.</b></p> + +<p>The book of Jeremiah is composed principally of sketches of biography, +history and prophecy, but the events and chapters are not in +chronological order. It closes the period of the monarchy and marks +the destruction of the holy city and of the sanctuary and tells of the +death agony of the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. But he saw +far beyond the judgments of the near future to a brighter day when the +eternal purpose of divine grace would be realized. The book, +therefore, emphasizes the future glory of the kingdom of God which +must endure though Israel does perish. He made two special +contributions to the truth as understood in his time. (1) The +spirituality of religion. He saw the coming overthrow of their +national and formal religion and realized that, to survive that +crisis, religion must not be national, but individual and spiritual. +(2) Personal responsibility (31:29-30). If religion was to be a +spiritual condition of the individual, the doctrine of personal +responsibility was a logical necessity. These two teachings constitute +a great step forward.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Prophet's Call and Assurance, Ch. 1.</p> + + <p>II. Judah Called to Repentance, Chs. 2-22.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Her sins set forth, Chs. 2-6</p> + +<p> 2. The call to repentance, Chs. 7-10.</p> + +<p> 3. The appeal to the covenant, Chs. 11-13.</p> + +<p> 4. Rejection and captivity foretold, Chs. 14-22.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Book of Consolation, Chs. 23-33.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The restoration of the remnant, Chs. 22-29.</p> + +<p> 2. The complete restoration, Chs. 30-33.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. The Doom of Jerusalem Due to the People's Wickedness, Chs. 34-36.</p> + +<p> V. The History of Jeremiah and His Times, Chs. 37-45.</p> + +<p> VI. Prophecies Against Foreign Nations, Chs, 46-51.</p> + +<p>VII. Historical Appendix, Ch. 52.</p> + +<p><b>Lamentations.</b></p> + +<p>The name means elegies or mournful or plaintive poems. It was formerly +a part of Jeremiah and represents the sorrows of Jeremiah when the +calamities which he had predicted befell his people, who had often +despised and rejected him for his messages. He chose to live with them +in their suffering and out of his weeping pointed them to a star of +hope. There are five independent poems in as many chapters. Chapters +1, 2, 4 and 5 have each 22 verses or just the number of the Hebrew +alphabet. Chapter 3 has 66 verses or just three times the number of +the alphabet. The first four chapters are acrostic, that is each verse +begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In chapter three, each +letter is used in order and is three times repeated as the initial +letter of three successive lines.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Misery of Jerusalem, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> II. The Cause of the People's Suffering, Ch. 2.</p> + +<p>III. The Basis of Hope, Ch. 3.</p> + +<p> IV. The Past and Present of Israel, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> V. The Final Appeal for Restoration, Ch. 5.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the evils predicted +against the people because of their sins. (Example 19:7-9). (2) Make a +list of the different sins and vices of which Jeremiah accuses Israel. +(Example 2:12; :3:20, etc.) (3) Point out all the prophesies of Divine +judgment against other nations and analyze the punishment foretold. +(Example 5:18-25). (4) Study the case of fidelity to parents given in +Ch. 35. (5) Collect all passages in both books which tell of the +Messiah and of Messianic times and make a study of each (as 23:5-6). +(6) Select a few of the striking passages of Lamentations and show how +they apply to the facts of history. (6) The sign and type of the +destruction of the land. Chs. 13-14. (8) The potter an illustration of +God's power over nations, Chs. 18-19. (9) The illustration of the +return, seen in the figs, Ch. 24. (10) Jeremiah's letter to the +captive, Ch. 29. (11) Jeremiah's love for Judah-it saw their faults, +rebuked them for their sins, but did not desert them when they were in +suffering, because they despised his advice.</p> + +<a name="25"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>Chapter XVII.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Ezekiel and Daniel.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p><b>Ezekiel.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "God will strengthen". He was a priest and +was carried into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. B. C. 597. He had a home +on the river Chebar where the Elders of Judah were accustomed to meet. +His wife died in the ninth year of his captivity. He was a man of very +powerful intellect and apparently from the better classes of those +carried into captivity. He is less attractive than Isaiah and less +constant in the flow of his thought than Jeremiah. He is not so timid +or sensitive as Jeremiah but has all his horror for sin and all of his +grief, occasioned by the wickedness of his people and the suffering +which they endured. In his boldness of utterance he was not surpassed +by his predecessors.</p> + +<p>Nature of the Prophecy. The nature of the prophecy or the methods by +which he exercised or manifests his prophetic gift differs from that +of the other prophets. He does not so much predict as see visions of +them. Allegories, parables, similitudes and visions abound, some of +them symbolic of the future and others of existing facts and +conditions. The prophet remains on the banks of Chebar and in spirit +is transported to Jerusalem and the temple. Much of the book is in +character similar to Revelation and while the general subjects are +very plain, much of the meaning of the symbols is obscure. There are, +however, powerful addresses and eloquent predictions of Divine +judgments on the nations. It was probably due to the services of +Ezekiel that Israel's religion was preserved during the exile.</p> + +<p>The Main Aspects of his Teaching. (1) Denunciation of Judah's sins and +the downfall of Jerusalem, Chs. 1-24. (2) Judgments upon foreign +nations, Chs. 25-32. (3) Repentance as a condition of salvation, +18:30-32. (4) The glorious restoration of Israel, li:16ff; 16:60ff; +27:22-24; 20:40ff; Chs. 33-48. (5) The freedom and responsibility of +the individual soul before God. 18:20-32. (6) The necessity of a new +heart and a new spirit, 11:19: 18:31; 36:26.</p> + +<p>Condition of the Jews. (1) <i>Political and social condition</i>. They are +captives living in Babylon but are treated as colonists and not as +slaves. They increased in numbers and accumulated great wealth and +some of them rose to the highest offices. (2) <i>The religious condition +or outlook</i>. They had religious freedom and in this period they +forever gave up their idolatry. They sought out the books of the law, +revised the cannon, wrote some new books and perhaps inaugurated the +synagogue worship which became so powerful afterward.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Ezekiel's Call, Chs. 1-3.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Preliminary vision, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. The call, Chs. 2-3.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Destruction of Jerusalem, Chs. 4-24.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The siege and certain judgment of the city, Chs. 4-7.</p> +<p> + 2. The condition of the city and the sins of the people, Chs. 8-19.</p> + +<p> 3. Renewed proofs and predictions of the doom of Judah and +Jerusalem, Chs. 20-24.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Predictions against Foreign Nations and Cities. Chs. 25-32.</p> + +<p> IV. Prophecies concerning the Restoration, Chs. 33-48.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The restoration of Judah to the promised land, Chs. 33-39.</p> + +<p> 2. The Messianic times, Chs. 40-48.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The condition, the particular sin and +the judgment promised upon each of the nations mentioned-has the +prediction been fulfilled? (2) The duties and responsibilities of a +preacher as illustrated by Ezekiel's watchman, Ch. 33. (3) The vision +of dry bones. Ch 37. (4) Judah and Israel under the figure of an evil +woman, Ch. 23. (5) The healing river, 47:1-12. (6) The teachings about +the Restoration, in the following passages: 36:8, 9, 29, 30, 34, 35, +25-27; 37:1-14; 24:11-24; 37:22; 26,27; 43:11-12. (7) The symbols and +types of the book.</p> + +<p><b>Daniel.</b></p> + +<p>Name. The name is taken from its leading character, Daniel, which +means "God is my Judge."</p> + +<p>Author. It was very probably Daniel, though some think it may have +been one of his companions, and still others think the history may +have been gotten together and written about 166 B. C.</p> + +<p>The Date. The date then would have been between the captivity, 605 B. +C., and the death of Daniel, 533 B. C., perhaps late in his life, or +if by some other (which I do not think likely) about 166 B. C.</p> + +<p>The Prophet. He was probably born in Jerusalem and was one of the +noble young captives first carried into captivity by King +Nebuchadnezzar. He was educated by order of the king and soon rose to +great favor and was chosen to stand before the king in one of the +highest government positions under the Chaldean, Median and Persian +dynasties. He lived through the whole period of the captivity and +probably died in Babylon. It is said that not one imperfection of his +life is recorded. The angel repeatedly calls him "greatly beloved."</p> + +<p>World Empires of the Book. (1) <i>The Babylonian Empire</i> (625-536 B. C.) +with Nebuchadnezzar as the leading king and the one who carried Israel +captive. (2) <i>The Persian Empire</i> (536-330 B. C.) which became a world +power through Cyrus, under whom the Jews returned to Jerusalem. (3) +<i>The Grecian Empire</i>, which, under the leadership of Alexander the +Great, subdued the entire Persian world. (4) <i>The Roman Empire</i>, which +was anticipated by and grew out of the Syrian Empire.</p> + +<p>Purpose of the Book. The purpose of the book seems to be: (1) To +magnify Jehovah, who delivers his servants, who is God of all nations, +and who will punish idolatry, who is pure, righteous, etc. (2) To +encourage his countrymen to resist the forces that threaten the +foundation of their faith. This was done by the example of Daniel and +his companions whom Jehovah saved. (3) To give a prophecy or vision of +all times from the day of Daniel to the Messianic period. (4) To +outline the religious philosophy of history which would issue in a +great world state, which the Messianic King would rule by principles +of justice and right, and which would subdue all kingdoms and have +everlasting dominion. The main idea is the ultimate triumph of the +kingdom of God. As compared with former prophetic books there are two +new teachings. (1) Concerning angels. (2) Concerning a resurrection +from the dead.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Daniel's History, Chs. 1-6.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His youth and education, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's image dream. Ch. 2.</p> + +<p> 3. In the fiery furnace. Ch. 3.</p> + +<p> 4. Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's tree dream, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 5. Interpretation of the hand-writing on the wall for Belshazzar, +Ch. 5.</p> +<p> + 6. In the Lion's den, Ch. 6.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Daniel's Vision of the Kingdom, Chs. 7-12.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The four beasts, Ch. 7.</p> + +<p> 2. The ram and the he-goat, Ch. 8.</p> +<p> + 3. The seventy weeks, Ch. 9.</p> + +<p> 4. The final vision, Chs. 10-12.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the various visions of +Daniel and become familiar with the contents of each. (2) Make a list +of all the passages that refer to the fact of Daniel's praying and +point out some of the specific prayers with their answers. (3) Point +out the different attempts to overthrow or kill Daniel and tell the +cause, by whom he was opposed and how he escaped. (4) Make a list of +the different symbols such as the lion and learn the description given +of each symbolic animal. (5) Point out the several decrees made by the +different kings and learn what led to the decree, how it affected +Daniel, how it bore upon the worship of the people of his nation, how +it affected the worship of Jehovah, etc. (6) The difficulty and +possibility of right living in bad surroundings. (7) The openness of +Daniel's conduct. (8) The elements of strength of character displayed +by Daniel. (9) The inevitable conflict between good and evil.</p> + + +<a name="26"></a><br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>Chapter XVIII.</h3> + +<br> + + +<i><b>Hosea and Joel.</b></i><br><br> +</center> +<br> + + + + +<p><b>Hosea.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. He is called the "Prophet of Divine Love." His name, +Hosea, means "Deliverance." He was a native and citizen of Israel and +followed Amos whom he may have heard in Bethel. He was a contemporary +with Isaiah and bore faithful testimony to corrupt Israel in the North +while Isaiah prophesied at Jerusalem and was to Israel what Jeremiah +became to Judah. He was prepared for his work through the lessons +which he learned from the sins of his unfaithful wife. (1) Through the +suffering which he endured because of her sins, he understood how God +was grieved at the wickedness of Israel and how her sins were not only +against God's law but an insult to divine love. (2) In love and at +great cost he restored his wayward wife and in that act saw a hope of +the restoration and forgiveness of Israel. His ministry extended over +more than sixty years and was perhaps the longest of any on record. It +continued 786-726 B. C., covering the last few years of the reign of +Jereboam II, to which Chs. 1-3 belong and the period of anarchy +following.</p> + +<p>The Style and Method. His style is "abrupt, uneven, inelegant," but +also poetical, figurative and abounding in metaphors. His writings +must be interpreted with great care to get what is meant by his +symbolic speech. He reminds one of modern reformers and revivalists. +Through all the anger which the book reveals we see also the +surpassing beauty of reconciling love. One sees everywhere that the +supreme goal to which Hosea moves is the re-establishment of Israel's +fellowship of life and love with Jehovah.</p> + +<p>Conditions of Israel. <i>Outwardly</i> there was prosperity. Syria and Moab +had been conquered; commerce had greatly increased; the borders of the +land had been extended and the temple offerings were ample. <i>Inwardly</i> +there was decay. Gross immoralities were being introduced; worship was +being polluted and the masses of the people crushed, while the +Assyrian Empire was advancing and ready to crush Israel, whom, because +of her sins, God had abandoned to her fate.</p> + +<p>They countenanced oppression, murder, lying, stealing, swearing, etc. +They had forgotten the law and their covenant to keep it and had +substituted the worship of Baal for that of Jehovah, thereby becoming +idolaters. They no longer looked to God in their distress but turned +to Egypt and Assyria for help, and thereby put security and prosperity +on a basis of human strength and wisdom instead of resting them upon a +hope of divine favor.</p> + + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p>I. Israel's Sin. illustrated by the tragedy of Hosea's unfortunate +marriage, Chs. 1-3. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His evil wife and their children, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. Israel's unfaithfulness and return to God seen in the evil +women, Ch. 2.</p> + +<p> 3. God's love restores Israel as Hosea does his wife, Ch. 3.</p></blockquote> +<p> + II. The Prophetic Discourses, Chs. 4-14.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Israel's sin, Chs. 4-8.</p> + +<p> 2. Israel's coming punishment, Chs. 9-11.</p> + + +<p> 3. Israel's repentance and restoration, Chs. 12-14.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the +exhortations to penitence and reformation and study them. (2) Point +out the different utterances of judgment upon the people. (3) Make a +list of all the different sins condemned. (4) Make a list of the +expressions of tender love for the wayward and backsliding one. (5) +Make a list of all passages indicating grief and suffering because of +the sin and danger of the one loved. (6) Political and religious +apostacy. (7) Sin as infidelity to love-as spiritual adultery. (8) The +invitations of the book.</p> + +<p><b>Joel.</b></p> + + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "Jehovah is God," but his birth-place and +conditions of life are unknown. He very probably prophesied in Judah +(2:15-17) and the time of his ministry is commonly thought to have +been during the reign of Joash, king of Israel, and Amaziah, king of +Judah. It seems certain his is one of the earliest (some think the +very earliest) of the prophetic books, and his references to the +temple and its services have caused some to conclude he was a priest.</p> + +<p>The Prophecy. (1) The occasion of the prophecy was four successive +plagues of insects, particularly the locusts (2:25) and a drouth +(2:23) which had been unprecedented. These calamities the prophet +declares are the results of their sins and should call them to +repentance, that God may bless instead of curse their land. (2) The +people repent and the calamity is removed. This is used by the prophet +to foreshadow the coming destruction and restoration of Israel and +this restoration is also doubtless used to prefigure Christian church +and its triumph on earth. (3) The great subject is the terrible +judgments of God which were to come upon the people because of their +sins. (4) His great distinctive prophecy is 2;28-32 which was +fulfilled on the day of pentecost, Acts 2:16-21. (B) In it all, he is +emphasizing the rewards of the righteous and certain punishment of the +wicked and thus he appealed to both the hopes and the fears of men. +But the relief value of the book is its optimism. There was victory +ahead, the righteous would finally triumph and be saved and God's +enemies will be destroyed. The conflict of good and evil and of +Israel and her enemies will end in entire and glorious triumph for +Israel and right.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Call to Repentance, Chs. 1:1-2:17.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. By the past scourge of locusts and drought, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. By the scourge to come, 2:1-17.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Israel's Repentance and Jehovah's Promised Blessing, 2:18-3:21.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Material blessing, 2:18-27.</p> + +<p> 2. In the world Judgment, Ch. 3.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Point out the different statements about +the drouth and locusts that indicate their severity and ruinous +effects. (2) Collect the passages referring to the Messianic age and +try to see how or what each foretells of that age. (3) Point out all +references to the sins of Israel. (4) Collect evidences of the divine +control of the universe as seen in the book.</p> + +<a name="27"></a> +<br> + +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XIX.</h3> + +<br> + + +<b><i>Amos and Obadiah.</i></b><br><br> + +</center> + +<p><b>Amos.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "Burden," and he is called the prophet of +righteousness. His home was at Tokea, a small town of Judea about +twelve miles south of Jerusalem, where he acted as herdsman and as +dresser of sycamore trees. He was very humble, not being of the +prophetic line, nor educated in the schools of the prophets for the +prophetic office. God called him to go out from Judah, his native +country, as a prophet to Israel, the Northern Kingdom. In obedience to +this call he went to Bethel, where the sanctuary was, and delivered +his bold prophecy. His bold preaching against the land Of Israel while +at Bethel aroused Amaziah the leading idolatrous priest, who +complained of him to the king. He was expelled from the kingdom, after +he had denounced Amaziah who had perhaps accused him of preaching as a +trade, 7:10-14, but we know nothing more of him except what is in this +book, which he perhaps wrote after he returned from Tekoa.</p> + +<p>The Time of the Prophecy. It was during the reign of Uzziah, king of +Judah and of Jereboam II, king of Israel, and was outwardly a very +prosperous time in Northern Israel. But social evils were everywhere +manifest, especially the sins that grow out of a separation between +the rich and poor, 2:6-8, etc. Religion was of a low and formal kind, +very much of the heathen worship having been adopted.</p> + +<p>The Significance of the Prophecy. One need but read the book of Amos +to see that he expects doom to come upon foreign nations, that he +foretells the wickedness of the Jews and their coming doom, showing +how the nation is to be dissolved and sold into captivity and that he +predicts the glory and greatness of the Messianic kingdom. He thinks +of Jehovah as the one true God, an a11 wise, all-powerful, +omnipresent, merciful and righteous person whose favor can only be +secured by a life of righteousness. He sees that justice between men +is the foundation of society, that men are responsible for their +acts, that punishment will follow failure to measure up to our +responsibility, that worship is an insult to God, unless the worshiper +tries to conform to divine demands.</p> + + +<p> I. The Condemnation of the Nations. Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Introduction, 1:1-2.</p> +<p> 2. Israel's neighbors shall be punished for their sins. 1:3-2:5.</p> + +<p> 3. Israel's sins shall he punished, 2:6-16.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Condemnation of Israel, Chs. 3-6.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. For civil iniquities, Ch. 3.</p> + +<p> 2. For oppression of the poor and for idolatry, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 3. Repeated announcements of judgment with appeals to return and +do good, Chs. 5-6.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Five Visions Concerning Israel, Chs. 7:1-9:10.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The locusts, 7:1-3.</p> + + +<p> 2. The fire, 7:4-6.</p> + +<p> 3. The plumb line (a testing), 7:7-9, a historical interlude (the +conflict with Amaziah), 7:10-17.</p> + +<p> 4. A basket of summer fruit (iniquity ripe for punishment), Ch. 8.</p> + +<p> 5. The destruction of the altar (No more services), 9:1-10.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Promised Restoration and Messianic Kingdom, 9;11-15.</p> + +<p>For Study mid Discussion, (1) Gather from the book a list of +illustrations, sayings, etc., that are taken from the rustic or +agricultural usages. (2) Make a list of the different nations against +which he prophesies and point out the sin of each and the nature of +the punishment threatened. (3) Make a list of the different +illustrations used to show the greatness and power of God. (4) The sin +of wrong inter-relation of nations. (5) The responsibility of national +enlightenment. (6) Repentance as seen in this book. (7) The book's +evidence of the luxury of the time.</p> + +<p><b>Obadiah.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "servant of the Lord," but we know nothing +of him except what we can gather from his prophecy.</p> + +<p>The Time. It was doubtless written after the fall of Jerusalem under +Nebuchadnezzar, 587 B. C. and before the destruction of Edom, five +years later, which would make the date about 585 B. C. This would make +him a contemporary of Jeremiah.</p> + +<p>The Occasion of the prophecy is the cruelty of the Edomites in +rejoicing over the fall of Judah.</p> + +<p>The Jews. It is said to be a favorite book with the Jews because of +the vengeance which it pronounces upon Edom, their brother. Its chief +importance lies in its predictions of doom upon Edom the descendants +of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob and the type of the unchangeable +hostility of the flesh to that which is born of the spirit.</p> + +<p>The Teachings. (1) Jehovah is especially interested in Israel. (2) He +will establish a new kingdom, with Judea and Jerusalem as the center +and with holiness as the chief characteristic.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Edom's punishment, 1-9.</p> + +<blockquote> +<p> 1. She must fall, 1-4.</p> + +<p> 2. Her allies will desert her, 5-7.</p> + +<p> 3. Her wisdom will fail her, 8-9.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p> II. Edom's sin, 10-14</p> + +<p>III. Guilt of the nations, 15-16.</p> + +<p> IV. Judah shall be restored,</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The sin of pride. (2) The sin of +rejoicing in another's misfortune. (3) Punishment according to our sin +and of the same kind as was our sin.</p> + + +<a name="28"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XX.</h3> + +<br> +<i><b>Jonah and Micah.</b></i>.<br><br> +</center> + + + + +<p><b>Jonah. +</b></p> +<p>The Prophet. His name means "done," and he is the son of Amittai. His +home was Gath-hepher, a village of Zebulun, and he, therefore, +belonged to the ten tribes and not to Judah. He is first mentioned in +2 Kings 14:28, where he prophesied the success of Jeroboam II, in his +war with Syria, by which he would restore the territory that other +nations had wrested from Israel. He very likely prophesied at an early +date, though all attempts to determine the time of his prophecy or the +time and place of his death have failed.</p> + + +<p>The Prophecy. It differs from all the other prophecies in that it is a +narrative and more "the history of a prophecy than prophecy itself". +All the others are taken up chiefly with prophetic utterances, while +this book records the experiences and work of Jonah, but tells us +little of his utterances. The story of Jonah has been compared to +those of Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17-19, and 2 Kings 4-6).</p> + +<p>Although full of the miraculous element, the evident purpose is to +teach great moral and spiritual lessons, and it is unfortunate that +its supernatural element has made this book the subject of infidel +attack. But the facts, though extraordinary, are in no way +contradictory or inconsistent. Indeed, Mr. Driver has well said that +"no doubt the outlines of the narrative are historical." Christ spoke +of Jonah and accredited it by likening his own death for three days to +Jonah's three days in the fish's belly.</p> + + +It is the most "Christian" of all the Old Testament books, its +central truth being the universality of the divine plan of redemption. +Nowhere else in the Old Testament is such stress laid upon the love of +God as embracing in its scope the whole human race. + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Jonah's First Call and Flight from Duty, Chs. 1-2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The call, flight and punishment, 1:1-16.</p> + +<p> 2. The repentance and rescue, 1:17-2:10 (end).</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Jonah's Second Call and Preaching at Nineveh, Ch. 3.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His second call. 1-2.</p> + +<p> 2. His preaching against Nineveh. 2-4.</p> +<p> + 3. Nineveh repents, 5-9.</p> + +<p> 4. Nineveh is spared, 10.</p></blockquote> +<p>III. Jonah's Anger and God's Mercy, Ch. 4.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Jonah's anger, 1-4.</p> + +<p> 2. The lessons of the gourd. 5-11.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The different elements of character +noticeable in Jonah. (2) The dangers of disobedience, to self and to +others. (3) The possibilities of influence for the man commissioned of +God. Jonah's influence on the sailors and on Nineveh. (4) God's care +for heathen nations (4-11), and its bearing upon the Foreign Mission +enterprise. (5) The nature of true repentance and God's forgiveness. +(6) The prophet, or preacher-his call, his message and place of +service.</p> + +<p><b>Micah.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "who is the Lord?" and he was Moresheth. a +small town of Gath. He was a younger contemporary of Isaiah and +prophesied to both Israel and Judah during the time of Jotham, Ahaz +and Hezekiah, kings of Judah; and of Pekah and Hoshea, the last two +kings of Israel. He sympathized deeply with the common people, being +moved by the social wrongs of his time (Ch. 2-3), and became the +people's advocate and defender as well as their accuser. He clearly +sets forth the wickedness of Judah and Israel, their punishment, their +restoration and the coming Christ. As compared with Isaiah, he was a +simple countryman, born of obscure parentage and recognized as one of +the peasant classes, while Isaiah was a city prophet of high social +standing and a counselor of kings.</p> + +<p>The Great Truths of the Prophecy Are: (1) The destruction of Israel +(1:6-7) (2) The desolation of Jerusalem and the temple (3:12 and +7:13). (3) The carrying off of the Jews to Babylon (4:10). (4) The +return from captivity with peace and prosperity and with spiritual +blessing (4:1-8 and 7:11-17). (5) The ruler in Zion (Messiah) (4:8). +(6) Where and when he should be born (5:2). This is his great prophecy +and is accepted as final in the announcement to Herod.</p> + + +<p> I. The Impending Calamity, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> II. The Sins That Have Brought on This Calamity. Chs. 2-3.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. In their wickedness they refuse to hear the prophets and are led +into captivity, 2:1-11.</p> + +<p> 2. The promised restoration, 2:12-13.</p> +<p> + 3. The sins of the rich and of those in authority. Ch. 3.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Promised Restoration and Glory, Chs. 4-5.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The promised restoration of the city Zion, 4:1-5.</p> + +<p> 2. The restoration and glory of Israel, 4:6-13 (end).</p> +<p> 3. The mighty messianic king to be given, Ch. 5.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. God's Controversy With Israel. Chs. 6-7.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. God's charge and threat against them, Ch. 6.</p> + +<p> 2. In lamentation and patience the righteous must wait for a better +time, 7:1-13.</p> + +<p> 3. God will have mercy and restore, 7:14-20.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and discussion. (1) The several accusations and threatenings +against Israel and Judah. (2) The different things mentioned to +describe the coming prosperity of Israel and of the Messianic period. +(3) The false authority of civil rulers, of moral leaders, of +spiritual teachers.</p> +<br> +<br> +<a name="29"></a> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXI.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Nahum and Habakkuk.</b></i> +<br><br> +</center> + +<p><b>Nahum.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "consolation", and he was a native of +Elkosh, a small town of Galilee. We do not know where he uttered his +prophecy, whether from Philistia or at Nineveh. It is thought that he +escaped into Judah when the Captivity of the Ten Tribe began and that +he was at Jerusalem at the time of the Assyrian invasion.</p> + +<p>The Prophecy. The date, if the above conclusions are to be relied +upon, would be in the reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah, which would be +between 720 and 698 B. C. Others put it between the destruction of +Thebes, 664 B. C. and the fall of Nineveh, 607 B. C. claiming that it +might be either during the reign of Josiah, 640-625 B. C. or in the +reign of Manasseh, 660 B. C. The theme of the book is the approaching +fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which held sway for centuries +and has been regarded as the most brutal of the ancient heathen +nations. The purpose, in keeping with the name of the author, was to +comfort his people, so long harassed by Assyria, which was soon to +fall and trouble them no more. The style is bold and fervid and +eloquent and differs from all the prophetic books so far studied in +that it is silent concerning the sins of Judah. It is a sort of +outburst of exultation over the distress of a cruel foe, a shout of +triumph over the downfall of an enemy that has prevented the +exaltation of the people of Jehovah.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Doom of Nineveh Pronounced, Ch. 1.</p> + +<p> II. the Siege and Fall of Nineveh, Ch. 2.</p> + +<p>III. The Sins Which Will Cause Nineveh's Ruin, Ch. 3.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The striking features of the Divine +character seen in the book. How many in 1:2-3? (2) The description of +Nineveh-not only her wickedness, but her energy and enterprise. (3) +The doom predicted for Nineveh-analyze the predictions to the +different things to which she is doomed. (4) Pride as a God-ward sin +and its punishment. (5) Cruelty, The man-ward sin and its punishment.</p> + + +<p><b>Habakkuk.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "embracing," and he very likely was a +contemporary of Jeremiah and prophesied between 608 B. C. and 638 B. +C. at a time of political and moral crisis. He may have been a Levite +connected with the Temple music.</p> + + +<p>The Prophecy. As Nahum prophesied the fall of Assyria for its +oppression of Israel, Habakkuk tells of God's judgments upon the +Chaldeans because of their oppression. The style is poetical and +displays a very fine imagery. (1) There is a dialogue between the +prophet and the Divine ruler. (2) There is a prayer or psalm which is +said not to be excelled in any language in the grandeur of its +poetical conceptions and sublimity of expression.</p> + +<p>Its purpose grew out of the fact that they were no better off under +the rule of Babylon (Chaldeans) which had overthrown Assyria than they +were formerly while Assyria ruled over them. It intended to answer the +questions: (1) How could God use such a wicked instrument as the +Chaldeans (Barbarians) to execute his purposes? (2) Could the Divine +purpose be justified in such events? God's righteousness needed +vindicating to the people. (3) Why does wickedness seem to triumph +while the righteous suffer? This is the question of Job, applied to +the nation.</p> + + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + + +<p> I. The Problem of the Apparent Triumph of Sin, Ch. 1.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. Why does sin go unpunished? 1-4.</p> +<p> + 2. God says he has used the Chaldeans to punish sin, 5-11.</p> + +<p> 3. Are they confined to evil forever, 12-17.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Impending Punishment of the Chaldeans, Oh. 2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Waiting for the vision, 1-3.</p> +<p> + 2. Vision of five destructive woes, 4-20. </p></blockquote> + +<p>III. An Age of Confidence in God, Ch.3.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Prayer of the disquieted prophet, 1-2.</p> + +<p> 2. Past history has shown that God will finally destroy Israel's +enemies, 3-15.</p> + + +<p> 3. The prophet must joyously trust God and wait when in +perplexity, 16-19.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The morals of the people. (2) The +character and deeds of the Chaldeans. (3) The Universal supremacy of +Jehovah. (4) The proper attitude amid perplexing problem. (5) Faith +and faithfulness as a guarantee of supremacy and life.</p> + +<a name="30"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3> + +Chapter XXII.</h3> + +<br> + + +<i><b>Zephaniah and Haggai.</b></i><br><br> +</center> +<p><b>Zephaniah.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. He is a son of Cushi, a descendant of Hezekiah, and +prophesied about 630 B. C. during the reign of Josiah. His prophesies +may have aided in inaugurating and in carrying to success the reforms +of Josiah. His name means "hid of the Lord" in he is supposed to have +been a contemporary of Habakkuk. </p> + +<p>The Prophecy. The prophecy seems to be based upon the ravages of the +Scythians, whom the nations had come to fear and whom Egypt had +bribed, and looks to the judgment of the Lord which cannot be +escaped. Its theme, therefore, is "The great day of the Lord" in which +suffering will come upon all nations with which the prophet is +familiar, Jerusalem and all Judea included. Converts would be won from +all parts of the world and these could worship Jehovah, "every one +from his place".</p> + +<p><b>Analysis. +</b></p> +<p> I. The Coming Day of Wrath. Ch. 1.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The destruction of all things, 1-6.</p> +<p> + 2. The severe punishment of Judah, 7-18.</p></blockquote> +<p> + II. Judgment Upon Evil Nations, 2:1-3:7.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. A plea for repentance, 2:1-3.</p> + +<p> 2. The doom that shall engulf the nations, 2:4-end.</p> +<p> + 3. Judah's obstinacy in sin, 3:1-7.</p></blockquote> +<p> +III. Promised Blessing for the Faithful Remnant, 3:8-20</p>. + +<blockquote><p> 1. Because of Israel's sin, the nation will be cleansed by +punishment and converted to God, 3:3-10.</p> + +<p> 2. Purified Israel shall be honored in all the earth, 3:11-20.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>For Study and Discussion, (1) Gather a list of all that is said to +induce repentance or the turning away from evil. (2) What sins are +condemned in Judah and other nations. Make a list of them. (3) Name +the special classes that are condemned, as princes. (4) Make a list of +the blessings promised for the coming Messianic days. (5) The purpose +of the Lord's judgments.</p> + +<p><b>Haggai.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. Haggai was born in Babylon and was one of those who +returned from captivity, under Zerrubbabel, according to the decree of +Cyrus. He prophesied during the period of the rebuilding of the +temple, as recorded in Ezra and he was the first prophet called to +prophesy after the Jews returned from the captivity in Babylon. He +began his teaching sixteen years after the return of the first band to +Jerusalem.</p> + +<p>The Conditions Out of Which Grew the Prophecy. Under the decree of +Cyrus. King of Persia, Zerrubbabel, a descendant of King David, had +led a company of captives back to Jerusalem. They had set up the altar +and work on the temple had been begun, but the work had been +interrupted by the hostile Samaritans and others and for about +fourteen years almost nothing had been done. These years of inactivity +had dulled their zeal and they were rapidly becoming reconciled to the +situation and by reason of their weakness, compared with the great +task before them, they were beginning to despair of seeing their +people and beloved city and Temple restored to that glory pictured by +former prophets.</p> + +<p>The Prophecy. Its purpose was to restore the hope of the people and to +give them zeal for the cause of God. This was accomplished by means of +four distinct visions, each of which shows their folly in not +completing the work, mid promises divine blessing. They hear God say, +"I am with you, and will bless you." The result is seen in that they +are enabled, in spite of opposition, to finish and dedicate it in +about four years.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Appeal to Rebuild the Temple, Ch. 1.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The appeal, 1:11.</p> + +<p> 2. The preparations to build, 12-15.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The New Temple, 2:1-19.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The superior glories of it, 2:1-9.</p> + +<p> 2. The blessing of its holy service, 2:10-19.</p></blockquote> +<p> +III. The Messianic Kingdom, 2:10-23.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion, (1) The rebukes uttered by the prophet. (2) +The encouragements he offers. (3) The historical confirmation of the +facts of this book found in Ezra. (4) False content and discontent. +(5) Basing conclusions upon the comparative strength of the friends +and enemies of a proposition, while leaving God out of the count.</p> + + +<a name="31"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIII.</h3> + +<br> + + +<i><b>Zechariah and Malachi.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p><b>Zechariah.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "Remembered of the Lord" and like Haggai +he appears to have been among the captives who returned from Babylon +with Zerubbabel. He was a co-laborer with Haggai, beginning his work +two mouths later and continuing into the second year following him. +The conditions of the times were the same as those described in +Haggai.</p> + +<p>The Prophecy. The purpose is the same as that of Haggai. The time of +the first eight chapters is that of the rebuilding of the temple while +the remaining chapters, 9-14, are thought to have been written thirty +years later. It is distinguished for: (1) The symbolic character of +its visions. (2) The richness of his Messianic predictions found in +the second part. (3) The large place given to angelic mediation in the +intercourse with Jehovah.</p> + +<p>The Contents. The contents have been said to contain: (1) +Encouragements to lead the people to repent and reform; (2) +Discussions about keeping up the days of fasting and humiliation +observed during the captivity; (3) Reflections of a moral and +spiritual nature; (4) Denunciations against some contemporary nations; +(5) Promises of the prosperity of God's people; (6) Various +predictions concerning Christ and his kingdom.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Eight Visions Encouraging the Rebuilding of the Temple, Chs. 1-6. +Introduction, 1:1-6.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The horseman among the myrtle trees, 1:7-17.</p> + +<p> 2. The four horns and four carpenters, 1:18-21.</p> + +<p> 3. The man with the measuring line, Ch. 2. +</p> +<p> 4. Joshua, the High Priest, and Satan, Ch. 3. </p> + +<p> 5. The Golden Candlestick, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 6. The Flying Roll 5:1-4.</p> + +<p> 7. The woman and ephah, 5:5-11 end.</p> + +<p> 8. The four war chariots, 6:1-8. </p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p> Appendix: Joshua crowned as a type of Christ, 6:9-15.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Requirement of the Law and the Restoration and Enlargement +of Israel, Chs. 7-8.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Obedience better than fasting. 7:1-7.</p> + +<p> 2. Disobedience the source of all their past misery, 7:8-14 end.</p> + +<p> 3. The restoration and enlargement which prefigure Christ "The +Jew," Ch.8.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Visions of the Messianic Kingdom. Chs. 9-14.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The Messianic King, Ch. 9-10.</p> + +<p> 2. The rejected Shepherd, Ch. 11.</p> + +<p> 3. The restored and penitent people, Chs. 12-13.</p> + +<p> 4. The divine sovereignty, Ch. 14.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The symbols and figures used in the +several visions. (2) The different ways of expressing or planning the +success of God's people and the overthrow of their enemies. (3) The +discussion of fasting, should they keep it up? What is superior to it? +etc. (4) The promises of these prophesies. (5) The denunciations and +judgments found in the book.</p> + +<p><b>Malachi.</b></p> + +<p>The Prophet. His name means "Messenger of the Lord." or "My +Messenger". He was connected with the reform movement of Nehemiah and +Ezra and condemned the same sins which they condemned. He must, +therefore, have lived about 100 years after Haggai and Zechariah, or +about 430-420 B. C. He was the last of the Old Testament inspired +prophets. </p> + +<p>The Condition of the Time. The people had been restored to Jerusalem +and the temple and walls rebuilt. They had become sensual and selfish +and had grown careless and neglectful of their duty. Their +interpretation of the glowing prophecies of the exilic and pre-exilic +prophets had led them to expect to realize the Messianic kingdom +immediately upon their return. They were, therefore, discouraged and +grew skeptical (2:17) because of the inequalities of life seen +everywhere. This doubt of divine justice had caused them to neglect +vital religion and true piety had given place to mere formality. They +had not relapsed into idolatry but a spirit of worldliness had crept +in and they were guilty of many vices such as we see today in +professedly Christian communities.</p> + +<p>The Prophecy. The purpose of this prophecy was to rebuke the people +for departing from the worship of the law of God, to call the people +back to Jehovah and to revive their national spirit. There are in it: +(1) Unsparing denunciations of social evils and of the people of +Israel. (2) Severe rebukes for the indifference and hypocrisy of the +priests. (3) Prophecies of the coming of the Messiah and the +characteristics and manner of his coming. (4) Prophecies concerning +the forerunner of the Messiah.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p>Introduction: Jehovah's love of Israel. 1:1-5. This is seen in the +contrast between Israeli and Egypt.</p> + +<p> I. Israel's Lack of Love of God, 1:6-2:16. It is proved.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. By their polluted offerings, 1:6 end.</p> + +<p> 2. By the sins of the priests. 2:1-9.</p> + +<p> 3. By their heathen marriages and by their divorces, 2:10-16.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. God Will Come and Judge His People, 2:17-4:6 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His messenger will separate the righteous from the wicked, 2:17- +4:6.</p> + +<p> 2. This is seen in the effect of their withholding or paying +tithes. 3:7-12.</p> + +<p> 3. Faithful services will be rewarded. 3:13-4:6 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the particular sins +rebuked. (2) Make a list of all the different things said about the +Messiah and his mission and also that of the forerunner. (3) Analyze +and study each of the seven controversies. 1:2, 7; 2:13, 14, 17; 3:7, +8, 14. (4) Compare the future destinies of the righteous and wicked as +revealed in this book, making a list of all that is said of each. (5) +Make a list of all the promises of the book.</p> + + +<a name="32"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIV.</h3> + +<br> +<i><b>Matthew.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p>Each Gospel was written with a view to creating a definite result and +written to a particular people and they differ accordingly. In this +book, therefore, each Gospel is discussed with the hope of so +outlining its purpose and consequent peculiarities as to stimulate a +thorough study of the questions raised.</p> + +<p>Date. Written about 60 A. D., but after Mark.</p> + +<p>The Author. The Author always speaks of himself as "the publican," +which may indicate his sense of humility, felt in having been exalted +from so low an estate to that of an apostle. He was the son of Alpheus +(Mar. 2:14; Lu. 5:27), and was called Levi until Jesus called him and +gave him the name Matthew, which means "Gift of God." We know nothing +of his work except his call and farewell feast (9:9-10), and that he +was with the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Thus silent and +observant and qualified by former occupation, he could well undertake +the writing of this book. It might be possible that he was chosen by +the others for this great task. We know nothing of his death.</p> +<p><b>Characteristics and Purpose.</b></p> + +<p>1. It is not a Chronological but a Systematic and Topical Gospel. +There is order in the arrangement of materials so that a definite +result may be produced. Materials are treated in groups, as the +miracles in chapters eight and nine and the parables of chapter +thirteen. There is order and purpose also in the arrangement of these +groups of miracles and parables. The first miracle is the cure of +leprosy, and is a type of sin; while the last one is the withering of +the fig tree, which is a symbol of judgment. The first parable is that +of the seed of the kingdom, which is a symbol of the beginning or +planting of the kingdom; the last is that of the talents and +prophesies the final adjudication at the last day. This same orderly +arrangement is also observed in the two great sections of the book. +The first great section 4:17-16:20, especially sets forth the person +and nature of Jesus, while the second section, 16:20 end, narrates his +great work for others as seen in his death and resurrection.</p> + +<p>2. It Is a Didactic or Teaching Gospel. While giving the account of a +number of miracles, the book is marked by several discourses of +considerable length, as The sermon on the Mount, chapters 3-7, the +denunciation of the Pharisees, chapter 23, the prophecy of the +destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world, chapters 24-25, the +address to the apostles, chapter 10; and the doctrines of the +kingdom, 17:24-20:16. These portions and the parables noted above will +indicate how large a portion of the book is taken up in discourses. +The student can make lists of other and shorter sections of teaching.</p> + +<p>3. It Is a Gospel of Gloom and Despondency. There are no songs of joy +like those of Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon, Anna and the Angels, +recorded in Luke. Nor do we see him popular and wise at the age of +twelve. Instead, we have his mother almost repudiated and left in +disgrace by Joseph and only saved by divine intervention. Jerusalem is +in trouble, the male children are killed and mothers are weeping for +them. The child Jesus is saved only by the flight into Egypt, his +whole life after the return from Egypt is covered in oblivion and he +is a despised Nazarite. The cross is one of desolation with no +penitent thief nor sympathy from any one, with his enemies reviling, +smiting their breasts and passing by. Nor is there much optimism or +expectation of success. The disciples are to be rejected and +persecuted even as their Lord; many are to be called and but few are +chosen; only a few are to find the narrow way; many are to claim +entrance into the Kingdom because they have prophesied in His name and +be denied. Even Matthew himself is a despised and rejected publican.</p> + +<p>4. It Is a Kingly Gospel. The genealogy shows the royal descent of +Jesus. The Magi came seeking him that was "born king of the Jews," and +John the Baptist preaches that the "Kingdom of heaven is at hand." +Here we have the parables of the kingdom, beginning with "the Kingdom +of heaven," etc. In Luke a certain man made a great supper and had two +sons, while in Matthew it was a certain king. In the other evangelists +we always have the term gospel while, with one exception, Matthew +always puts it "the gospel of the Kingdom". The "keys of the kingdom" +are given to Peter. All the nations shall gather before him as he sits +on the throne and "the king say" unto them, and the "king shall +answer," etc. (Matt. 25:34, 40).</p> + +<p>5. It Is an Official and an Organic Gospel. This is suggested in that +Matthew represents Satan as head of a kingdom; also, in that those +connected with Jesus' birth are official persons and most of the acts +are official in their nature. Pilate, the judge, washed his hands of +the blood of Jesus, the Roman guard pronounces him the Christ, and the +guards say he could not be kept in the tomb, Jesus denounces the +officials and calls his own disciples by official names. It is Peter, +not Simon, and Matthew, the apostolic name, and not Levi as in Luke. +Jesus indicates his official capacity in his rejection of the Jews, +telling them that the kingdom is taken away from them (21:43). He +makes ready for the establishing of his own kingdom and tells them who +is to wield the keys of the kingdom which is not to be bound by time +or national relations as was the former kingdom. In Matthew alone do +we find full instructions as to the membership, discipline and +ordinances of the church. Here alone are we given in the gospels the +command to baptize to administer the communion and the beautiful +formula for baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and +here we have his official command to "Go" backed by all the authority +of heaven and earth.</p> + +<p>In the further pursuit of this official work, we find Jesus giving +especial recognition to the Gentile believers-giving them full place +in his kingdom. The genealogy through grace and faith includes +Gentiles; the second chapter shows how the Gentile Magi do him honor; +the Roman centurion displays a faith superior to any Israelite; the +great faith of the Canaanite woman led him to heal her daughter, and +the Gentile wife of Pilate because of her dreams sends a warning that +he have "nothing to do" with him. All this tended to show the official +and organic way in which Jesus worked.</p> + +<p>6. It Is a Gospel of Jewish Antagonism and Rejection. On the one hand +the Jews antagonize and reject Jesus. On the other the Jews, +especially the scribes and Pharisees, are exposed and rejected by +Jesus. The Pharisees plotted against Jesus and resented his violation +of their regulations and customs concerning the Sabbath and their +ceremonies about eating and washing and his associations with +publicans and sinners. Their opposition culminated in their putting +him to death. On the other hand Jesus also rejects the Jews. John +calls them a generation of vipers and Jesus designated them with such +terms as hypocrites, blind guides and whited sepulchers, the climax +being reached in chapter 23. It is here that in their wickedness they +are unable to discern between the work of God and of Beelzebub. They +are told of the application of Isaiah's prophecy, that they have ears +and hear not and that on account of their unworthiness, the kingdom is +taken from them. The blasting of the fig tree with which the miracles +of Matthew ends shows what is to be the fate of the Jewish nation.</p> + +<p>7. It Is a Jewish Gospel. This is seen in his use of Jewish symbols, +terms and numbers without explanation. He never explained the meaning +of a Jewish word, such as Corban, nor of a custom, such as to say that +the Jews eat not except they wash. The other evangelists do. He calls +Jerusalem by the Jewish terms, "City of the great king," and "Holy +City," and Christ the "Son of David" and the "Son of Abraham." He +speaks of the Jewish temple as the temple of God, the dwelling place +of God and the holy place. The genealogy is traced to Abraham by three +great Jewish events of history. All this would be calculated to win +the Jews, but, much more, the sixty-five quotations from the Old +Testament and the oft repeated attempt to show that deeds and sayings +recorded were that the "Scripture (or saying) might be fulfilled." +And, while not seeing as much in the numbers as Plummer and others, +one can hardly believe that all numbers, so characteristic of Jews, +are accidental here. The genealogy has three fourteens being multiples +of seven. There are fourteen parables, seven in one place and seven in +another. There are seven woes in chapter 23. There are twenty miracles +separated into two tens. The number seven usually, if not always, +divides into four and three, the human and the divine. Of the seven +parables in chapter 13, four touch the human or natural while three +refer to the divine or spiritual side of his kingdom. There are seven +petitions in the Lord's prayer, the first three relating to God and +the last four to man. A like division is perhaps true in the +beatitudes.</p> + +<p><b>Subject</b>. The Kingdom of God or of Heaven.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Beginning of the Kingdom, 1:1-4:16.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Jesus, the King, is the Old Testament Messiah, chs. 1-2.</p> + + +<p> 2. Jesus, the King, is prepared for his work, 3:1-4:16.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Proclamation of the Kingdom, 4:17-16:20.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The beginning of the proclamation, 4:17 end.</p> + +<p> 2. By the Sermon on the Mount, chs. 5-7.</p> + +<p> 3. By the miracles and connected teachings, chs. 8-9.</p> + +<p> 4. By the sending of the Twelve and subsequent teachings and +miracles, chs. 10-12.</p> + +<p> 5. By the seven parables and subsequent miracles, chs. 13-14.</p> + +<p> 6. By the denunciation of the Pharisees with attendant miracles +and teachings, 15:1-16:12.</p> + +<p> 7. By the Great Confession, 16:12-20.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Passion of the Kingdom, 6:21-27 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Four predictions of the passion with intervening discourses and +miracles, 16:21-26:2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> (A) At Caesarea Philippi, 16:21-17:21.</p> +<p> + (B) In Galilee near Capernaum, 17:22-20:16.</p> + +<p> (C) Near Jerusalem, 20:17-22 end.</p> + +<p> (D) At Jerusalem, 23:1-26:2.</p></blockquote> + +<p> 2. The events of the Passion, 26:3-27 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. The Triumph of the Kingdom, Ch. 28.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The resurrection of the King, 1-15.</p> + +<p> 2. Provision for the propagation of the Kingdom, 16-20.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Some events of Christ's childhood, (a) +The story of the Magi. (b) The massacre of the infants, (c) The flight +to Egypt, (d) The return to Nazareth. (2) Two miracles, (a) Cure of +the blind man, 9:27-31. (b) Fish with money in its mouth, 17:24-27. +(3) Ten Parables, (a) The Tares, 13:24-30. (b) The draw net, 13:47-50. +(c) The unmerciful servant. 18:23-25. (d) The laborers in the +vineyard, 20:1-16. (e) The two sons, 21:28-32. (f) The marriage of the +king's son, 22:1-14. (g) The hidden treasure. 24:44. (h) The pearl, +24:45-46. (i) The ten virgins. 25:1-13. (j) The talents, 25:14-30. (4) +Ten passages in Christ's discourses: (a) Parts of the Sermon on the +Mount, chs. 5-7. (b) Revelation to babes, 11:25-27. (c) Invitations to +the weary, 11:28-30. (d) About idle words, 12:36-37. (e) Prophecy to +Peter, 16:17-19. (f) Humility and forgiveness, 18:14-35. (g) Rejection +of the Jews, 21:43. (h) The great denunciation, ch. 23. (i) The +judgment scene, 23:31-46. (j) The great commission and promise, 28:16- +20. (5) Some terms by which Jesus is designated in Matthew should be +studied. Let the student make a list of the different places where +each of the following terms are used and from a study of the passages +compared with any others form opinions as to the significance of the +term, (a) Son of Abraham, (b) Son of David, (c) Son of man, (d) Son of +God, (e) Christ, the Christ, (f) Jesus, (g) Lord, (h) Kingdom of +heaven or Kingdom of God. (6) Make a list of all the places where the +expression "That the saying (or scripture) might be fulfilled" and +tabulate all the things fulfilled. (7) Show how many times and where +the phrase "The Kingdom of Heaven" (or of God) occurs and from a study +of these passages tabulate in list the nature, characteristics and +purpose of the Kingdom. (8) Make a list of all the places mentioned +and become familiar with the history and geography of each and +memorize the leading events connected with each.</p> + +<a name="33"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXV.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>Mark.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + + + +<p>Date. Probably written about A. D. 60, and before Matthew.</p> + +<p>The Author. He was not an apostle and was variously designated as +follows; (1) John, whose surname was Mark, Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37; (2) +John only, Acts 13:5. 13; (3) Mark only, Acts 15:39; (4) always Mark +after this, Col. 4:10, Philemon 24, 2 Tim. 4:11, 1 Pet. 5:13. He was a +son of Mary, a woman of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). Her home was the +gathering place of the disciples, whither Peter went after he was +delivered from prison. On this or some other visit Mark may have been +converted through the preaching of Peter, and this may have been the +cause of Peter calling him "his son" (1 Pet. 5:13), which doubtless +means son in the ministry. He returns with Paul and Barnabas from +Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 12:25), and accompanies them, as minister +(Acts 13:5) on the first great missionary journey as far as Perga +(Acts 13:13). There he left them and returned home. On the second +missionary tour Paul declined to take him and separated from Barnabas, +Mark's cousin (Col. 4:10), who chose Mark for his companion (Acts +15:37-39). Ten years later he seems to be with Paul in his +imprisonment at Rome and was certainly counted a fellow worker by Paul +(Col. 4:10, Philemon 24). Paul found him useful and asked Timothy to +bring him to him in his last imprisonment (2 Tim. 4:11). He was with +Peter when he wrote his first epistle (1 Peter 5:13).</p> + +<p>What he knew of the work of Jesus directly we do not know, probably +not much. The early Christian writers universally say that he was the +interpreter of Peter and that he based his gospel upon information +gained from him.</p> + +<p><b>Characteristics and Purpose.</b></p> + +<p>1. It Is a Gospel of Vividness and Details. He shows the effect of awe +and wonder produced upon those present by the works and teaching of +Jesus. He tells the details of the actions of Jesus and his disciples +and the multitudes. Jesus "looks around," "sat down," "went before". +He is grieved, hungry, angry, indignant, wonders, sleeps, rests and is +moved with pity. The cock crows twice: "it is the hour", "a great +while before day," or "eventide," "there are two thousand swine", the +disciples and Jesus are on the sea, on Olivet, or in the court yard or +in the porch. Everything is portrayed in detail.</p> + +<p>2. It Is a Gospel of Activity and Energy. There is no story of his +infancy, but he starts with "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus +Christ". He portrays the active career of Jesus on earth. He, +however, lays emphasis upon the works rather than the words of Jesus. +Few discourses of any length and only four of the fifteen parables of +Matthew are given and those in the briefest form, while eighteen of +the miracles are given in rapid review. The rapid succession is +indicated by one Greek word, translated by the seven words +"immediately", "anon", "forthwith", "by and by", "as soon as", +"shortly", and "straightway", which occur forty-one times in this +gospel. The last meaning, straightway, is truest to the Greek idea and +may be called Mark's characteristic word. It indicates how with the +speed of a racer he rushed along and thereby furnishes us a breathless +narrative which Farrar says makes us "feel like the apostles who, +among the press of the people coming and going, were twice made to say +they 'had no leisure so much as to eat'." It moves as the scenes of a +moving picture show.</p> + +<p>3. It Is a Gospel of Power Over Devils. Here as in no other gospel the +devils are made subject to Jesus. They recognize him as the "Son of +God" and acknowledge their subordination to him by pleading with him +as to what shall be done with them (5:7, 12).</p> + +<p>4. It Is a Gospel of Wonder. Everywhere Jesus is a man of wonder that +strikes awe and terror and causes to wonder those who see and hear +him. Some of these may be studied, especially in the Greek, in 1:27; +2:13; 4:41; 5:28 6:50; 51; 7:37. As Archbishop Thompson puts it, "The +wonder-working Son of God sweeps over his Kingdom swiftly and meteor- +like" and thus strikes awe into the hearts of the on-lookers. He is "a +man heroic and mysterious, who inspires not only a passionate devotion +but also amazement and adoration".</p> + +<p>5. It Is a Gospel for the Romans. The Romans were men of great power, +mighty workers who left behind them great accomplishments for the +blessing of humanity. So that Mark would especially appeal to them by +recording of Jesus his mighty deeds. He lets them see one who has +power to still the storm, to control disease and death, and even power +to control the unseen world of spirits. The Roman, who found deity in +a Caesar as head of a mighty Kingdom, would bow to one who had shown +himself King in every realm and whose kingdom was both omnipotent and +everlasting, both visible and unseen, both temporal and spiritual.</p> + +<p>Then, too, the Roman cared nothing for Jewish Scripture or prophecy +and so he omits all reference to the Jewish law, the word law not +being found in the entire book. He only once or twice refers in any +way to the Jewish scriptures. He omits the genealogy of Jesus which +could have no value to a Roman. Then, too, he explains all doubtful +Jewish words, such as "Boanerges" (3:17), "Tabitha cumi" (5:41), +"corban" (7:11), "alba" (15:36). He reduced Jewish money to Roman +currency (12:42). He explains Jewish customs as not being understood +by them. (See 7:3; 13:3; 14:12; 15:42).</p> + +<p>And once more by the use of terms familiar to him such as centurion, +contend, etc. "Mark showed the Roman a man who was a man indeed". He +showed them manhood crowned with glory and power; Jesus of Nazareth, +the Son of God; a man but a Man Divine and sinless, among sinful and +suffering men. Him, the God-man, no humiliation could degrade, no +death defeat. Not even on the cross could he seem less than the King, +the Hero, the only Son. And as he gazed on such a picture how could +any Roman refrain from exclaiming with the awe-struck Centurion, +"Truly this was the Son of God".</p> + +<p><b>Subject.</b> Jesus the Almighty King.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Almighty King is Exhibited as the Son of God, 1:1-13.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. In the baptism and teaching of John, 1-8.</p> + +<p> 2. In the baptism of Jesus, 9-11.</p> + +<p> 3. In the temptation, 12-13.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Almighty King at Work in Galilee, 1:14-9 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Begins his work, 1:14 end.</p> + +<p> 2. Reveals his Kingdom, Chs. 2-5.</p> + +<p> 3. Meets opposition, 6:1-8:26.</p> + +<p> 4. Prepares his disciples for the end, 8:27-9 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Almighty King Prepares for Death 10:1-14:31.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. He goes to Jerusalem, 10:1-11:11.</p> + +<p> 2. In Jerusalem and vicinity, 11:12-14:31.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. The Almighty King Suffers at the Hands of His Enemies. 14:32- +15:46.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Agony of Gethsemane, 14:32-42.</p> + +<p> 2. Arrest, 14:43-52.</p> + +<p> 3. Jewish trial and denial of Peter, 14:53 end.</p> + +<p> 4. Trial before Pilate. 15:1-15.</p> + +<p> 5. The Crucifixion. 15:16-41.</p> + +<p> 6. The Burial, 15:42 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> V. The Almighty King Triumphs Over His Enemies, Ch.16.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The resurrection, 1-8.</p> + +<p> 2. The appearances, 9-18.</p> +<p> 3. The ascension, 19-20.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Sections peculiar to Mark, (a) Growth of +the seed, 4:26-29. (b) Jesus' compassion on the multitudes, 7:32-37. +(c) The blind men healed gradually, 8;22-26. (d) Details about the +ass, etc., 11:1-14. (e) Concerning watching, 13:33-37. (f) Details +concerning Christ's appearances. 16:6-11. (2) The spiritual condition +of those affected by Jesus' miracles. Keeping in mind their condition +before and after the miracle: (a) Were they saved as well as well as +healed? (b) Did they or their friends exercise faith, or did Jesus act +voluntarily without any expression of faith? (3) What did Jesus do in +performing the miracle? (a) Did he use the touch? (b) Was he touched? +(c) Did he simply give command, etc? (4) From the following +scriptures 2:35; 1:45; 3:7-12; 6:6; 6:21-32; 6:46; 7:34-25; 8:27; 9:2; +11:11; 11:19; 14:1-12, make a list of the different places to which +Jesus retired and in connection with each indicate (in writing): (a) +Was it before or after a victory or conflict? (b) Was it in +preparation for or rest after the performance of a great work? (c) +Indicate in each case whether he went alone or was accompanied and, if +accompanied, by whom? (e) In each case also tell what Jesus did during +the period of retirement. Did he pray, teach, perform miracles or +what? (5) List the phrases "Son of man" and "Kingdom of God" and point +out the appropriateness and meaning of each. (6) List all references +to demons and to demon possessed people and study their nature, the +nature of their work, their power, wisdom, etc. (7) The facts +concerning the death of Jesus. 14:1-15:14. List them.</p> + +<a name="34"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXVI.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Luke.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + + +<p>Date. It was probably written about A. D. 60 or 63, certainly before +the fall of Jerusalem, A. D. 70, and likely while Luke was with Paul +in Rome or during the two years at Caesarea.</p> + +<p>Author. The author is Luke, who also wrote Acts, and was a companion +of Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). He rejoins +Paul at Philippi (Acts 20:1-7) on the return from the third missionary +journey, remaining with him at Caesarea and on the way to Rome (Acts +Chs. 20-28), He is called the "Beloved physician" (Col. 4:14) and +Paul's "fellow laborer" (Philemon 24).</p> + +<p>From the context of Col. 4:4 we learn that he was "not of the +circumcision" and, therefore, a Gentile. From his preface (Lu. 1:1) we +learn that he was not an eye witness of what he wrote. He is thought +to be "the brother" whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the +churches (2 Cor. 8:18), and, by tradition, is always declared to be a +Gentile and proselyte. As is indicated by the gospel itself, he was +the most cultured of all the gospel writers.</p> + +<p><b>Characteristics and Purpose.</b></p> + +<p>1. It Is a Gospel of Song and Praise. There are a number of songs such +as the song of Mary (1:46-55), the song of Zacharias (1:68-79), the +song of the angels (2:14) and the song of Simeon (2:29-33). There are +many expressions of praise such as (2:2; 5:29; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; +18:43; 23:47).</p> + +<p>2. It Is a Gospel of Prayer. Jesus prays at his baptism, (3:21), after +cleansing the leper (5:16), before calling the twelve (6:12), at his +transfiguration (9:28), before teaching the disciples to pray (11:1), +for his murderers as he was on the cross (23:34), with his last breath +(23:46). Luke gives us Christ's command to pray (21:36) and two +parables, the midnight friend (11:5-13) and the unjust judge (18:1-8) +to show the certain and blessed results of continued prayer.</p> + +<p>3. It Is a Gospel of Womanhood. No other gospel gives her anything +like so large a place as Luke. Indeed, all of the first three chapters +or a greater part of their contents may have been given him, as he +"traced out accurately from the first" (1:3), by Mary and Elizabeth. +He gives us the praise and prophecy of Elizabeth (1:42-42), the song +of Mary (1:46-55). Anna and her worship (2:36-38), sympathy for the +widow of Nain (7:12-15), Mary Magdella the sinner (7:36-50), the woman +associates of Jesus (8:1-3), tender words to the woman with an issue +of blood (8:48), Mary and Martha and their disposition (10:38-42). +sympathy and help for the "daughter" of Abraham (13:16), the +consolation of the daughters of Jerusalem (23:28). These references +have been collected by others and are the most conspicuous ones and +serve to show how large a place woman is given in this gospel.</p> + +<p>4. It Is a Gospel of the Poor and Outcast. More than any other of the +evangelists Luke reports those teachings and incidents in the life of +our Savior which show how his work is to bless the poor and neglected +and vicious. Among the more striking passages of this character are +the oft repeated references to the publicans (3:12; 5:27, 29, 30, +etc.), Mary Magdella, who was a sinner (7:36-50), the woman with an +issue of blood (8:43-48), the harlots (15:30), the prodigal son +(13:11-32), Lazarus, the beggar (16:13-31), the poor, maimed, halt and +blind invited to the supper (14:7-24). the Story of Zacchaeus (19:1- +9), the Savior's business declared to be to seek and save the lost +(8:10), the dying robber saved (23:39-43).</p> + +<p>5. It Is a Gentile Gospel. The book is everywhere filled with a world +wide purpose not so fully expressed in the other evangelists. Here we +have the angels, announcement of great joy which shall be to all +people (2:10) and the song about Jesus as "a light for revelation to +the Gentiles" (2:32). The genealogy traces Christ's lineage back to +Adam (2:38) and thus connects him not with Abraham as a representative +of humanity. The fuller account of the sending out of the seventy +(10:1-24). the very number of whom signified the supposed number of +the heathen nations, who were to go, not as the twelve to the lost +sheep of the house of Israel, but to all those cities whither Jesus +himself would come, is suggestive of this broader purpose of Luke. The +good Samaritan (10:25-37) is Christ's illustration of a true neighbor +and in some way also intends to show the nature of Christ's work which +was to be without nationality. Of the ten lepers healed (17:11-19) +only one, a Samaritan, returned to render him praise, thus showing how +others than the Jews would not only be blessed by him but would do +worthy service for him. The Perean ministry, across the Jordan (9:51- +18:4, probably 9:51-19:28). is a ministry to the Gentiles and shows +how large a place Luke would give the Gentiles in the work and +blessings of Jesus.</p> + +<p>6. It Is a Gospel for the Greeks. If Matthew wrote for Jews and Mark +for Romans, it is but natural that some one should write in such a way +as to appeal, specially, to the Greeks as the other representative +race. And, such the Christian writers of the first centuries thought +to be Luke's purpose. The Greek was the representative of reason and +humanity and felt that his mission was to perfect humanity. "The full +grown Greek would be a perfect world man", able to meet all men on the +common plane of the race. All the Greek gods were, therefore, images +of some form of perfect humanity. The Hindu might worship an emblem of +physical force, the Roman deify the Emperor and the Egyptian any and +all forms of life, but the Greek adored man with his thought and +beauty and speech, and, in this, had most nearly approached the true +conception of God. The Jew would value men as the descendants of +Abraham; the Roman according as they wielded empires, but the Greek on +the basis of man as such.</p> + +<p>The gospel for the Greek must, therefore, present the perfect man, and +so Luke wrote about the Divine Man as the Savior of all men. Christ +touched man at every point and is interested in him as man whether low +and vile or high and noble. By his life he shows the folly of sin and +the beauty of holiness. He brings God near enough to meet the longings +of the Greek soul and thereby furnish him a pattern and brother suited +for all ages and all people. The deeds of Jesus are kept to the +background while much is made of the songs of others and the +discourses of Jesus as they were calculated to appeal to the cultured +Greek. If the Greek thinks he has a mission to humanity, Luke opens a +mission ground enough for the present and offers him an immortality +which will satisfy in the future.</p> + +<p>7. It Is an Artistic Gospel. Renan calls Luke the most beautiful book +in the world, while Dr, Robertson says "the charm of style and the +skill in the use of facts place it above all praise". The delicacy and +accuracy, picturesqueness and precision with which he sets forth the +different incidents is manifestly the work of a trained historian. His +is the most beautiful Greek and shows the highest touches of culture +of all of the gospels.</p> +<p> +<b>Subject. </b> Jesus the World's Savior.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p>Introduction. The dedication of the gospel, 1:1-4.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. The Savior's Manifestation, 1:5-4:13. </p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. The announcement of the Forerunner, 1:5-25. </p> + +<p> 2. The announcement of the Savior. 1:26-38. </p> + +<p> 3. Thanksgiving of Mary and Elizabeth, 1:29-56. </p> + +<p> 4. The birth and childhood of the Forerunner, 1:37 end. </p> + +<p> 5. The birth of the Savior, 2:1-20. </p> + +<p> 6. The childhood of the Savior. 3:1-4:13.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Savior's Work and Teaching in Galilee, 4:14-9:50. </p> +<blockquote><p> 1. He preaches in the synagogue at Nazareth. 4:14-30. </p> + +<p> 2. He works in and around Capernaum, 4:31-6:11. </p> + +<p> 3. Work while touring Galilee, 6:12-9:50.</p> +</blockquote> +<p>III. The Savior's Work and Teaching After Leaving Galilee Up to the +Entrance Into Jerusalem, 9:31-19:27. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. He journeys to Jerusalem, 9:51 end.</p> + +<p> 2. The mission of the Seventy and subsequent matters, 10:1-11:13.</p> + +<p> 3. He exposes the experience and practice of the day, 11:14-12 end.</p> + +<p> 4. Teachings, miracles warnings and parables, 13:1-18:30.</p> +<p>5. Incidents connected with his final approach to Jerusalem, 18:31- +19:27.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. The Savior's Work and Teaching in Jerusalem, 19:28-22:38.</p> +<blockquote><p> 1. The entrance to Jerusalem, 19:28 end.</p> +<p> + 2. Questions and answers. Ch. 20.</p> +<p> + 3. The widow's mites, 21:1-4. +</p><p> 4. Preparation for the end, 21:5-22:38.</p></blockquote> + +<p> V. The Savior Suffers for the World, 22:39-23 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The agony in the garden, 22:39-46.</p> + +<p> 2. The betrayal and arrest, 22:47-53.</p> + +<p> 3. The trial. 22:54-23:26.</p> + +<p> 4. The cross, 23:27-49.</p> + +<p> 5. The burial, 23:30 end.</p> </blockquote> + +<p> VI. The Savior is Glorified, Ch. 24.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The resurrection, 1-12.</p> + +<p> 2. The appearance and teachings, 13-49.</p> + +<p> 3. The ascension, 50 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p><b>For Study and Discussion</b>.</p> +<p>1. Six miracles peculiar to Luke. (1) The +draught of fishes, 5:4-11. (2) The raising of the widow's son, 7:11- +18. (3) The woman with the spirit of infirmity, 13:11-17. (4) The man +with the dropsy, 14:1-6. (5) The ten lepers, 17:11-19. (6) The healing +of Malchus' ear. 22:50-51.</p> + +<p>2. Eleven parables, peculiar to Luke. (I) The two debtors, 7:41-43. +(2) The good Samaritan, 10:25-37. (3) The importunate friend, 11:5-8. +(4) The rich fool, 12:16-19. (5) The barren fig-tree, 13:6-9. (6) The +lost piece of silver, 15:8-10. (7) The prodigal son, 15:11-32. (8) The +unjust steward, 16:1-13. (9) The rich man and Lazarus, 18:19-31. (10) +The unjust judge, 18:1-8. (11) The Pharisee and publican, 18:9-14.</p> + +<p>3. Some other passages mainly peculiar to Luke. (1) Chs. 1-2 and 9:51- +18:14 are mainly peculiar to Luke. (2) John the Baptist's answer to +the people. 3:10-14. (3) The conversation with Moses and Elias, 9:30- +31. (4) The weeping over Jerusalem, 19:41-44. (5) The bloody sweat, +22:44. (6) The sending of Jesus to Herod, 23:7-12. (7) The address to +the daughters of Jerusalem, 23:27-31. (8) "Father forgive them", +23:34. (9) The penitent robber, 23:40-43. (10) The disciples at +Emmaus, 24:13-31; (11) Particulars about the ascension. 24:50-53.</p> + +<p>4. The following words and phrases should be studied, making a list +of the references where each occurs and a study of each passage in +which they occur with a view of getting Luke's conception of the term. +(1) The "son of man" (23 times). (2) The "son of God" (7 times). (3) +The "kingdom of God" (32 times). (4) References to law, lawyer, lawful +(18 times). (5) Publican (11 times). (6) Sinner and sinners (16 +times). Mr. Stroud estimates that 59 percent of Luke is peculiar to +himself and Mr. Weiss figures that 541 have no incidences in the other +gospels.</p> + +<a name="35"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXVII.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>John.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + + + +<p>The Author. From the evidence found in the gospel, we may learn +several things about the author. (1) <i>That he was a Jew</i>. This is seen +in his evident knowledge of Jewish opinions concerning such subjects +as the Messiah, and his knowledge of their customs, such as the +purification. (2) <i>He was an eye-witness to most of what he relates</i>. +This is seen in his exact knowledge of time, as to the hour or time of +day a thing occurred; in his knowledge of the number of persons or +things present, as the division of his garments into four parts; in +the vividness of the narrative which he could hardly have had without +first having seen it all. (3) <i>He was an apostle</i>. This is seen in his +knowledge of the thoughts of the disciples (2:11, 17); in his +knowledge of the private words of the disciples to Jesus and among +themselves (4:31, 33, etc.); in his knowledge of the private resorts +of the disciples (11:54. etc.); and in his knowledge of the Lord's +motives, etc. (2:24-25, etc.); and in his knowledge of Christ's +feelings (11:33). (4) <i>He was the son of Zebedee</i> (Mar. 1:19-20), and +was probably one of John's two disciples whom he turned to Jesus (1- +40). (5) <i>He is one of the three most prominent of the apostles</i>, +being several times especially honored (Matt. 17:1-3. etc.), and is +prominent in the work of the church after Christ's ascension, as well +as in all their work before his death: (6) <i>He also wrote three +epistles and Revelation</i>. He outlived all the other apostles and is +supposed to have died on the Isle of Patmos as an exile about 100 A.D.</p> + +<p>The Times and Circumstances of the Writings. These are so different +from those which influenced the other evangelists that one can hardly +escape the feeling that John's gospel is colored accordingly. The +gospel had been preached in all the Roman empire and Christianity was +no longer considered a Jewish sect, attached to the Synagogue. +Jerusalem had been overthrown and the temple destroyed. Christians had +been sorely persecuted, but had achieved great triumphs in many +lands. All the rest of the New Testament except Revelation had been +written. Some had arisen, who disputed the deity of Jesus and while +the gospel is not a mere polemic against that false teaching, it +does, by establishing the true teaching thoroughly undermine the +false. He perhaps wrote to Christians of all nationalities, whose +history had by this time been enriched by the blood of martyrs for the +faith. Instead of the Messiah in whom Jews would find a Savior or the +mighty worker in whom the Roman would find him, or the Ideal Man in +whom the Greeks would find him. John wrote concerning the eternal, +Incarnate Word in whose Spiritual Kingdom each, having lost his +narrowness and racial prejudice, could be forever united.</p> + +<p><b>The Style and the Plan.</b></p> +<p>This gospel differs from the others in +language and plan. It is both profound and simple and has several +elements of style as follows: (1) Simplicity. The sentences are short +and connected by coordinate conjunctions. There are but few direct +quotations, and but few dependent sentences, and most of them show the +sequence of things, either as a cause or a purpose. (2) Sameness. This +arises from the method of treating each step in the narrative as if +isolated and separate from all the rest rather than merging it into +the complete whole. (3) Repetition, whether in the narrative proper or +in the quoted words of the Lord, is very frequent. The following +examples will illustrate this: "In the beginning was the word and the +word was with God and the word was God." "The light shineth in +darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not." "I am the Good +Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth his life." "Jesus then, when he saw +her weeping and the Jews that were weeping with her." "If I bear +witness of myself my witness is not true. There is another that +beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth +of me is true." Let the student gather a list of all such repetitions. +(4) <i>Parallelism</i>, or statements expressing the same or similar +truths, such as the following are common. "Peace I leave with you, my +peace I give unto you"; "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let +it be afraid"; "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never +perish." This parallelism, which at the same time becomes repetition, +is seen in the way a subject or conclusion is stated and, after +elaboration, restated in a new and enlarged view, thus teaching the +truth in a gradually unfolding beauty and force. An illustration is +found in the statement, "I will raise him up in the last day," 6, 39, +70, 44. (5) <i>Contrasts</i>. The plan is more simple and more easily seen +all along than is that of any other of the Evangelists. On the one +hand, he shows how love and faith are developed in the believer until, +in the end, Thomas, who was the most doubtful of all, could exclaim, +"My Lord and my God." On the other hand, he shows the unbeliever +advanced from mere indifference to a positive hatred that culminated +in the crucifixion. This purpose is carried out by a process of +contrasting and separating things that are opposites, such as (a) +Light and darkness, (b) Truth and falsehood, (c) Good and evil, (d) +Life and death, (e) God and Satan. In all of these he is convincing +his reader that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God.</p> + +<p><b>Characteristics and Purpose.</b></p> + +<p>1. It Is a Gospel of the Feasts. Indeed, if subtract from it those +miracles and teachings and other works performed in connection with +the feasts, we should have only a few fragments left. The value of the +book would be destroyed and the most beautiful and the profoundest +teachings of the gospel lost.</p> + +<p>The student will do well from the following list of feasts to endeavor +to group around each all that John records as occurring in connection +with it. (1) The Feast of the Passover (2:13, 23), First Passover, A. +D. 27. (2) A Feast of the Jews (5:1), probably Purim. (3) Passover a +Feast of the Jews (6:4), Second Passover, A. D. 28. (4) Feast of the +Tabernacles (7:2). (5) Feast of the Dedication (10:22). (6) Passover +(11:55-56; 12:1, 12, 20; 13:29; 18:28). Third Passover, A. D. 29.</p> + +<p>2. It Is a Gospel of Testimony. John writes to prove that Jesus is +the Christ. He assumes the attitude of a lawyer before a jury and +introduces testimony until he fells certain of his case and then +closes the testimony with the assurance that much more could be +offered if it seemed necessary. There are seven lines of testimony. +(1) The testimony of John the Baptist. (2) The testimony of certain +other individuals. (3) The testimony of Jesus' works. (4) The +testimony of Jesus himself (see the I am's). (5) The testimony of the +scripture. (6) The testimony of the Father. (7) The testimony of the +Holy Spirit.</p> + +<p>3. It Is of Gospel of Belief. The purpose being to produce belief +there are given: numerous examples of belief, showing the growth of +faith; the secret of faith, such as hearing or receiving the word; the +results of faith, such as eternal life, freedom, peace, power, etc.</p> + +<p>4. It Is a Spiritual Gospel. It represents the deeper mediations of +John, which are shaped so as to establish a great doctrine which, +instead of history, became his great impulse. To John "history is +doctrine" and he reviews it in the light of its spiritual +interpretation. It furnished a great bulwark against the Gnostic +teachers, who had come to deny the diety of Jesus. He also emphasized +and elaborated the humanity of Jesus. His whole purpose is "not so +much the historic record of the facts as the development of their +inmost meaning." </p> + +<p>5. It Is a Gospel of Symbolism. John was a mystic and delighted in +mystic symbols. The whole book speaks in the language of symbols. The +mystic numbers three and seven prevail throughout the book not only in +the things and sayings recorded but in the arrangement of topics. Each +of the Eight Miracles is used for a "sign" or symbol, as the feeding +of the five thousand in which Jesus appears as the bread or support of +life. The great allegories of the Good-Shepherd, the sheep-fold and +the vine; the names used to designate Jesus as the Word, Light, the +Way, the Truth, the Life, etc., all show how the whole gospel is +penetrated with a spirit of symbolic representation.</p> + +<p>6. It Is the Gospel of the Incarnation. "Matthew explains his +messianic function; Mark his active works and Luke his character as +Savior." John magnifies his person and everywhere makes us see "the +word made flesh." God is at no great distance form us. He has become +flesh. The word has come as the Incarnate Man. Jesus, this Incarnate +Man, is God and as such fills the whole book, but he, nevertheless, +hungers and thirsts and knows human experience. God has come down to +man to enable him to rise up to God.</p> + +<p><b>Subject:</b> Jesus, the Christ, God's Son.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p>Introduction or prologue, 1:1-18.</p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p>(1) The divine nature of the word. 1-5.</p> + +<p>(2) The manifestation of the word as the world's Savior, 6-18.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. The Testimony of His Great Public Ministry, 1:19-12 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. He is revealed, 1:19-2:12.</p> + +<p> 2. He is recognized, 2:13-3 end.</p> + +<p> 3. He is antagonized, Chs. 5-11.</p> + +<p> 4. He is honored, Ch. 12.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Testimony of His Private Ministry with His Disciples, Chs. +13-17.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. He teaches and comforts his disciples, Chs. 13-16.</p> + +<p> 2. He prays for his disciples, Ch. 17.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Testimony of His Passion. Chs. 18-19.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His betrayal, 18:1-11.</p> + +<p> 2. The Jewish or ecclesiastical trial, 18:12-27.</p> + +<p> 3. The Roman or civil trial, 18:28-19:16.</p> + +<p> 4. His death and burial, 19:17 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. The Testimony of His Resurrection and Manifestation, Chs. 20-21.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. His resurrection and manifestation to his disciples, Ch. 20.</p> + +<p> 2. Further manifestations and instructions to his disciples, Ch. +21.</p></blockquote> + +<p><b>For Study and Discussion.</b></p> +<p>(1) The events and discourses connected with +each feast mentioned above. (2) The seven lines of testimony mentioned +above. List examples of each. (3) The following miracles as "signs," +pointing out what they symbolize about Jesus: (a) The Cana miracle, +2:1-11; (b) The nobleman's son, 4:48-54; (c) The impotent man, 5:1-16; +(d) Feeding five thousand, 6:3-14; (e) Walking on the sea, 6:16-20; +(f) Healing the blind man, 9:1-16; read all the chapter; (g) Raising +Lazarus, Ch. 11; (h) The draft of fishes, 21:1-11. (4) The following +discourses: (a) The conversation with Nicodemus, Ch. 3; (b) The +conversation with the woman at the well, Ch. 4; (c) The discourse on +the shepherd and the sheep, Ch. 10; (d) The discussions of chapter 13; +(e) The discourse on the vine, Ch. 15; (f) The Lord's prayer, Ch. 17. +(5) From the following passages find the cause or explanation of +unbelief, 1:45; 3:11, 19, 20; 5:16, 40, 42, 44; 6:42, 52; 7:41, 42, +48; 8:13, 14, 45; 12:26, 44; 20:9. (6) From the following study the +results of unbelief, 3:18, 20, 36; 4:13, 14; 6:35, 53, 58; 8:19, 34, +55; 14:1, 28; 15:5; 16:6, 9. (7) Make a list of all the night scenes +of the book and study them. (8) Study each instance of someone +worshiping Jesus. (9) Name each chapter of the book so as to indicate +some important event in it-as the vine chapter or Good Shepherd +chapter. (10) Find where and how many times each of the following +words and phrases occurs and study them as time will admit. (1) +Eternal life, 17 times, only 18 in all the other gospels, (2) believe, +(3) believe on, (4) sent, (5) life, (6) sign or signs (Revised +version), (7) work or works, (8) John the Baptist, (9) verily, always +double and used by Jesus, (10) receive, received, etc., (11) witness, +or testify, testimony, etc.. (12) truth, (13) manifest, manifested, +(14) "I am" (spoken by Jesus).</p> + +<a name="36"></a><br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>Acts.</b></i><br><br> +Chs.1-9.</center> + +<p>The Author. The author is Luke who wrote the gospel of Luke. Facts +concerning him may be found in chapter twenty-seven. He wrote this +book about A. D. 63 or 64.</p> + +<p>The Purpose. It was addressed to an individual as a sort of +continuation of the former thesis and aims to chronicle the growth and +development of the movement inaugurated by Jesus as it was carried on +by the apostles after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. It is +taken up largely with the history of Christian work among the Gentiles +and only gives enough of the history of the Jerusalem church to +authenticate the work among the Gentiles. The chief purpose, +therefore, seems to be to give an account of the spread of +Christianity among the Gentiles. This view is further strengthened in +the fact that Luke himself was a gentile (Col. 4:10) and that he was a +companion of Paul (Col. 4:14) and the "we" section of Acts. The book +does not, therefore, claim to be a complete account of the labors of +the early apostles. But it does give in a simple, definite and +impressive manner an account of how the religion of Jesus was +propagated after his death and of how it was received by those to whom +it was first preached.</p> + +<p>The Spirituality. In the Old Testament God the Father was the active +agent. In the gospels God the Son (Jesus) was the active agent. In +Acts (and ever after) God the Holy Spirit is the active agent. He is +mentioned about seventy times in Acts. The Savior had told the +apostles to wait at Jerusalem for the power of the Holy Ghost. Until +they were endued with His power they were very ordinary men. Afterward +they were pure in their purpose and ideals and were always triumphant +in their cause. The book is a record of mighty spiritual power seen in +action everywhere.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-3.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. The Church Witnessing in Jerusalem, 1:4-8:11. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Preparation for witnessing, 1:4-2:4.</p> + +<p> 2. First witnessing, 2:4-47 end.</p> + +<p> 3. First persecution, 3:1-4:31.</p> + +<p> 4. Blessed state of the church, 4:32-5:42.</p> + +<p> 5. First deacons, 6:1-7.</p> + +<p> 6. The first martyr, 6:8-8:1.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Church Witnessing in Palestine, 8:2-12:25.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The witnesses are scattered abroad, 8:2-4.</p> + +<p> 2. Philip witnesses in Samaria and Judea, 8:5-40.</p> + +<p> 3. The Lord wins new witnesses, 9:1-11:18.</p> + +<p> 4. Center of labor changed to Antioch, 11:19-30.</p> + +<p> 5. The witnesses triumph over Herod's persecution, 12:1-25.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Church Witnessing lo the Gentile World, 13:1-28:31.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Witnessing in Asia, Chs. 13-14. Paul's First Missionary Journey.</p> + +<p> 2. The first church council, 15:1-35.</p> + +<p> 3. Witnessing in Europe, 15:36-18:22. Paul's Second Missionary +Journey.</p> + +<p> 4. Further witnessing in Asia and Europe, 18:23-21:17. Paul's Third +Missionary Journey.</p> + +<p> 5. Paul, the witness, rejected and attacked by the Jews at +Jerusalem, 21:18-23:35.</p> + +<p> 6. Two years imprisonment at Caesarea, Chs. 24-26.</p> + +<p> 7. Paul, the witness, carried to Rome, 27:1-28:15.</p> + +<p> 8. Paul, the witness, at Rome, 28:16-31.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The first church conference for +business, 1:15-26. (2) The coming of the Holy Spirit, 2:1-4. (3) +Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, 2:5-47. (4) The first miracle, +ch. 3. (5) The first persecution, 4:1-31. (6) Death of Annanias and +Sapphira, 5:1-11. (7) The first deacons, 6:1-7. (8) The first martyr, +ch.7. (9) Philip's work in Samaria, 8:5-40. (10) Conversion of Saul, +9:1-31. (11) Conversion of Cornelius, 10:1-11:18. (12) List the +principal churches of the book, their location and what makes them +notable. (13) List the principal preachers of the book and note the +sermons or miracles, etc., that make them prominent. (14)The +sermons and addresses of the book, to whom each was delivered, its +purpose, etc.(15) The chief elements of power of these early +disciples. (16) The growth of Christianity and the hindrances it had +to overcome. (17) The great outstanding teachings of these early +Christians. (18) The tact and adaptation of the apostles (give +examples). (19) The different plans to kill Paul and the way by which +he escaped each. (20) The missionary journeys of Paul and his journey +to Rome as a prisoner.</p> + + +<a name="37"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIX.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>Romans.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + + + +<p>The Author. Paul, the author, was a Hebrew by descent, a native of +Tarsus in Cilicia, and educated by Gamaliel, the great Pharisaic +teacher. He was one of the most unmerciful persecutors of the early +Christians, but was converted by the sudden appearance to him of the +risen Lord. He began preaching at Damascus, but on account of +persecution went into Arabia. Returning from Arabia he visited +Jerusalem and Damascus, and then went to Cilicia, where he doubtless +did evangelistic work until Barnabas sought him at Tarsus and brought +him to Antioch, where he worked a year with Barnabas. After this they +went up to Jerusalem with contributions for the brethren. Upon return +to Antioch he was called by the Holy Ghost to mission work in which he +continued till his death, making at least three great missionary +journeys, during which and afterward he suffered "one long martyrdom" +till his death.</p> + +<p>Paul's Epistles. Paul's epistles are commonly put into four groups as +follows: (1) <i>The Eschatological group</i>, or those dealing with the +second coming of Christ. These are I. and II. Thessalonians and were +written from Corinth about 62 to 63 A. D. (2) <i>The Anti-Judaic group</i>, +or those growing out of controversy with Judaistic teachers. They are +I. Corinthians. II. Corinthians, Galatians and Romans, written during +the third Missionary journey, probably at Ephesus, Philippi, and +Corinth. (3) <i>The Christological group</i>, which center their teachings +around the character and work of Jesus, and were written during the +imprisonment at Rome. They are Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, +Ephesians, and Hebrews (many think Paul did not write Hebrews). (4) +<i>The Pastoral Group</i>, or those written to young preachers touching +matters of church organization and government and practical +instructions concerning evangelists, pastors, and other Christian +workers. They are 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus.</p> + +<p>All of Paul's epistles, unless it be Hebrews, fall very naturally into +five sections, as follows: (1) An introduction, which may contain a +salutation, usually including the subject of the epistle and the name +of those with Paul as co-laborers at the time of the writing, and a +thanksgiving for the good character or conduct of those whom he +addresses. (2) A Doctrinal Section, in which he discusses some great +Christian teaching, which needs special emphasis as the case of the +church or individual addressed. (3) A Practical Section, in which he +sets forth the practical application of the principles discussed in +the doctrinal section to the life of those addressed. (4) A Personal +Section, in which are personal messages and salutations sent to and by +various friends. (5) A Conclusion, in which may be found a benediction +or autograph conclusion to authenticate the letter, maybe both, with +other closing words.</p> + +<p>The Occasion of the Roman Epistle. (1) Paul longed to go to Rome (Acts +19:21) and now hoped soon to do so (Romans 15:24-33). He may, +therefore, have wished them to know of his doctrine before his +arrival, especially as they had perhaps heard some false reports of +it. (2) It was just after he wrote Galatians and Paul's mind was full +of the doctrine of justification, and he may have desired to write +further upon the subject, giving special emphasis to the Divine side +of the doctrine as he had given to the human side of it in Galatians. +(3) Then, too, he may have been misunderstood in Galatians and desired +to enlarge upon his teaching. In Galatians man is justified by +believing, in Romans God gives his own righteousness to the believer +for his justification. (4) Phoebe, a woman of influence and Christian +character, a friend of Paul, was about to go to Rome from the coasts +of Corinth, and Paul not only had a good opportunity to send the +letter, but could do her a service by way of introducing her (16:1-2).</p> + +<p>The Church at Rome. It was doubtless in a very prosperous condition +the time of Paul's writing. It was perhaps organized by some Jews +heard and believed while at Jerusalem, probably on the day of +Pentecost. While its membership included both Jews and Gentiles (1:6- +13; 7:1), it was regarded by Paul as especially a Gentile church (1:3- +7; 13-15).</p> + +<p>Some Errors of Doctrine and Practice Had Crept in Which Needed +Correction. (1) They seem to have misunderstood Paul's teachings and +to have charged that he taught that the greater the sin the greater +the glory of God (3:8). (2) They may have thought him to teach that we +should sin in order to get more grace (6:1) and, therefore, may have +made his teaching of justification by faith an excuse for immoral +conduct. (3) The Jews would not recognize the Gentile Christians as +equal with them in Christ's Kingdom (1:9, 29, etc.). (4) Some of the +Gentile brethren, on the other hand, looked with contempt upon their +narrow and prejudiced and bigoted Jewish brethren (14:3). (5) Paul, +therefore, aimed to win the Jews to Christian truth and the Gentiles +to Christian love.</p> + +<p>Paul's Connection With the Church. He had never been there up to this +time (1:11, 13, 15) and it is not likely that any other apostles had +been there. For then Paul would have not have been planning to go +since his rule was not to go where another had worked (15:20; 2 Cor. +10:14-16). This strikes a heavy blow at Catholicism, claiming that +Peter was first bishop of Rome. If Paul would not have followed him, +then Peter had not been there, and the most important test of papacy +is overthrown. Paul had, however, many intimate friends and +acquaintances at Rome, many of whom were mentioned in chapter 16. +Among them were his old friends, Aquila and Priscilia.</p> + +<p>The Argument of the Book. The doctrines of the book are considered and +discussed under four main propositions: (1) All men are guilty before +God (Jews and Gentiles alike). (2) All men need a Savior. (3) Christ +died for all men. (4) We all, through faith, are one body in Christ.</p> + +<p>Date. Probably from Corinth, about A. D. 58.</p> + +<p>Theme. The gift of the righteousness of God as our justification which +is received through faith in Christ, or justification by faith.</p> + + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-17. </p></blockquote> + +<p> I. All Men Need of Righteousness, 1:18-3:20.</p> + +<p> II. All Men May Have Righteousness by Faith in Christ (justification) +3:21-4 end.</p> + +<p>III. All Who Are Thus Justified Will Be Finally Sanctified, Chs. 5-8. +The believer's final redemption is thus guaranteed.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. By the new relation to God which this righteousness gives. Ch. +5.</p> + +<p> 2. By the new realms of grace into which it brings him, Ch. 6 (no +death in this realm).</p> + +<p> 3. By the nature given him, Ch. 7. This wars against the old nature +and will win.</p> + +<p> 4. By the new possession (the Holy Spirit) which it gives, Ch. 8:1- +27.</p> + +<p> 5. By the foreordained purpose of God for them, 8:28-39.</p> +</blockquote> +<p> IV. This Doctrine as Related to the Rejection of the Jews, chs. 9-11. +</p> +<blockquote><p> 1. The justice of their rejection, 9:1-29.</p> + +<p> 2. The cause of their rejection, 9:30-10 end.</p> + +<p> 3. The limitations of their rejection, ch. 11.</p></blockquote> + +<p> V. The Application of This Doctrine to Christian Life, 12:1-15:13.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Duty to God-consecration, 12-12.</p> + +<p> 2. Duty to self-a holy life, 12:3 end.</p> + +<p> 3. Duty to state authorities-honor, 13:1-7.</p> + +<p> 4. Duty to society-love all, 13:8-10.</p> + +<p> 5. Duty as to the Lord's return-watchfulness, 13:11-14.</p> + +<p> 6. Duty to the weak -helpfulness and forbearance, 14:1-15:13. </p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion. 15:14-16 end. (1) Personal matters, 14:14 end. (2) +Farewell greetings and warnings, ch. 16.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The greeting (1:1-7). What does it +reveal about, (a) The call, duty and standing of an apostle or +preacher? (b) The standing, privileges and duties of a church, or +individual Christian? (c) The relation of the old dispensation to the +new? (d) Christ's diety or his Messiahship in fulfillment of prophecy? +(e) The different persons of the Trinity? (2) Study sin as described +in 3:10-18, and what can be learned concerning: (a) The state of sin, +(b) The practice of sin, (c) The reason for sin. (3) Abraham as an +example of justification by faith, ch. 4. (4) The plan and method by +which God rescues men from sin, 5:6-11. (5) The contrast between Adam +and Christ. 5:12-31. Do we get more in Christ than we lost in Adam? +(6) Why a matter under grace should not continue in sin, 6:1-14. (7) A +converted man's relation to the law. 7:1-6. (8) The different things +done for us by the Holy Spirit, 8:1-27. (9) The practical duties of a +Christian, ch. 12. (10) Make a list of the following "key-words," +showing how many times and were each occurs, and outline form the +scripture references the teachings about each. Power, sin and +unrighteousness, righteousness, justification, faith and belief, +atonement, redemption, adoption, propitiation, election, +predestination.</p> + +<a name="38"></a><br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXX.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>First and Second Corinthians.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + +<p>The City of Corinth. It contained 400,000 inhabitants and was the +chief city of Greece when Paul visited it, being situated on a large +isthmus where the commerce of the world passed. The inhabitants were +Greeks, Jews, Italians and a mixed multitude from everywhere. Sailors, +merchants, adventurers and refugees from all the world crowded the +city, bringing with them the evils of every country, out of which grew +many forms of human degradation. Religion and philosopy had been +prostituted to low uses. Intellectual life was put above moral life, +and the future life was denied that they might enjoy the present life +without restraint.</p> + +<p>The Church at Corinth. It was founded by Paul on the second missionary +journey (Acts 18:1-18). His spirit in founding the church is seen in 1 +Cor. 2:1-2. While there Paul made his home with Aquila and Priscilla, +Jews who had been expelled from Rome (Acts 18:2-3), but who now became +members of the church. Apollos preached to this church and aided it in +Paul's absence (18:24-28; 19:1). Both Epistles are full of information +as to the condition of the church and the many problems which hit had +to face from time to time. It must be remembered that Corinth was one +of the most wicked cities of ancient times and that the church was +surrounded by heathen customs and practices. Many of its members had +but recently been converted from heathenism to Christianity and the +church was far from ideal.</p> + +<p><b>First Corinthians.</b></p> + +<p>The Occasion and Purpose of the Letter. Unfavorable news had come to +Paul concerning the Corinthian church and he had written them a letter +(5:9) which has been lost. In that letter he seems to have commanded +them to give up their evil practices and promised to visit them. In +the meantime, members of the household of Chloe(1:11) and other +friends (16:17) came to him at Ephesus and brought news of their +divisions and of the evil practices of certain of their members. +Finally, they wrote him a letter asking his advice on certain matters +(7:1). From all this we learn (1) that there were four factions among +them, 1:2; (2) that there was gross immorality in the church as in the +case of the incestuous person, Ch. 5; (3) that they went to law with +each other, Ch. 6; (4) that many practical matters troubled them. +Paul, therefore, wrote to correct all these errors in doctrine and +practice.</p> + +<p>Content. This letter contains some of the greatest passages in the New +Testament. It is, however, remarkable especially for the very +practical nature of its contents. It deals with many of the problems +of every day life and has been said not to discuss but one great +doctrine, that of the resurrection. </p> + +<p>Date. From Ephesus in the spring of A. D. 57.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-9.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. Concerning Divisions and the Party Spirit. 1:10-4.</p> + +<blockquote><p> Divisions are prevented:</p></blockquote> +<blockquote><p> 1. By Christ as the center of Christianity, 1:10 end. +</p> + <p> 2. By spiritual mindedness, 2:1-3:4.</p> + +<p> 3. By a right view of preachers, 3:5-4 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>II. Correction of Moral Disorders, Chs. 5-6. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The incestuous person, Ch. 5. </p> + +<p> 2. Lawsuits, 6:1-11. </p> + +<p> 3. Sins of the body, 6;12 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Answers to Questions and Cognate Matters, 7:1-16:4.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Concerning marriage and celibacy, Ch. 7. </p> + +<p> 2. Concerning things offered to idols. 8:1-11:1. </p> + +<p> 3. Concerning head dress, 11:2-16. </p> + +<p> 4. Concerning the Lord's supper, 11:17 end. </p> + +<p> 5. Concerning spiritual gifts, Chs. 12-14. </p> + +<p> 6. Concerning the resurrection, Ch. 15. </p> + +<p> 7. Concerning collections for the saints, 16:1-4. </p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Personal Matters and Conclusion, 16:5 end.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Earthly wisdom and heavenly foolishness, +1:18-25. (2) Spiritual wisdom, 2:7-16. (3) Paul's apostolic labors, +4:9-13. (4) The scripture estimate of the human body, 6:12-20. (5) +Marriages and divorce, 7:25-50, letting "virgin" mean any single +person, male or female. (6) Paul's practice in the matter of his +rights, 9:1-23. (7) The Christian race, 9:24-27. (8) Love and its +nature, Ch. 13. (a) Superior to other gifts, 1-3. (b) Its ten marks, +4-6. (c) Its power, 7. (d) Its permanence, 8-13. (9) Spiritual gifts, +Chs. 12-14. Name and describe them. (10) The resurrection, Ch. 15. (a) +Calamities to result, if there were none-or the other doctrines here +made to depend on the resurrection; (b) The nature of the resurrected +body.</p> + +<p><b>Second Corinthians.</b></p> + +<p>The Occasion and Purpose of the Letter. From suggestions found here +and there in these two epistles it appears that much communication +passed between Paul and the church and that the two letters that have +come down to us are only some of a series. He suffered much perplexity +and grief because of the conditions of the church. He met Titus in +Macedonia on the third missionary journey (he had hoped for him with +news from Corinth while he was at Troas). He wrote this letter in +response to the messages brought by Titus. He expresses solicitude for +them, defends himself against the charges of his enemies, warns them +against errors, instructs them in matters of duty and expresses joy +that they have heeded his former advice.</p> + +<p>The Character and Content. It is the least systematic of all Paul's +epistles. It abounds in emotion, showing mingled joy, grief and +indignation. It is intensely personal and from it we, therefore, learn +more of his life and character than from any other source. This makes +it of great value in any study of Paul himself. Section one has as its +great topic tribulation and consolation in tribulation, and has in it +an undercurrent of apology, darkened by a suppressed indignation. +Section two is colored by a sorrowful emotion. Section three +everywhere teems with a feeling of indignation. Through the whole +letter there runs an undercurrent of self-defense. The "key-note" of +this book, as well as of First Corinthians, is loyalty to Christ.</p> + +<p>Date. It was written from Macedonia (probably Philippi) fall of A.D. +57.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-7.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. Paul's Trials, Principles and Consolation as a Preacher, 1:8- +7:16.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. His interest in the Corinthian church. 1:8-2:11. </p> + +<p> 2. His service both to God and men, 2:12 end. </p> + +<p> 3. His appointment by the Holy Spirit, Ch. 3.</p> + +<p> 4. His power given by God, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 5. His hope of future blessedness, 5:1-19.</p> + +<p> 6. His exhortation and appeal to the church. 5:20-7:4.</p> + +<p> 7. His joy at their reception of the word, 7:5 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Collection for the Poor Saints, Chs. 8-9.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The appeal for liberality, 8:1-15.</p> + +<p> 2. The sending of Titus and two other brethren, 8:16-9:5.</p> + +<p> 3. The Blessedness of liberality, 9:6 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Paul's Apostolic Authority. 10:1-13:10.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. He vindicates his apostolic authority, 10:1-12:13.</p> + +<p> 2. He warns them that his coming will be with apostolic authority, +12:14-13:10. </p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion, 13:11 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's reasons for not going to Corinth, +1:15-2:4. (2) The glory of the gospel ministry, 4:1-6. (3) His +affectionate injunction, 6:11-18. (4) The grace of liberality, Chs. +8-9. Make a list of (a) ways of cultivating this grace, (b) the +blessings it will bring to the possessor, to others and to the whole +church. (5) Paul's boasting, 11:16-12:20. (a) Of what things did he +boast? (b) When is boasting justifiable? (6) Paul's self-defense? +When should we defend ourselves? (7) The vision of the third heaven, +12:1-4. (8) The thorn in the flesh, 12:7-9. (9) The personal attacks +on Paul. Note the hints in 2:17; 4:3; 5:3; 10:8; 10:10; 11:6.</p> + + +<br> +<br> +<a name="39"></a> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXI.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Galatians and Ephesians.</b></i> +<br><br> +</center> + +<p><b>Galatians.</b></p> +<p>The Country. (1) <i>Politically</i> it was the Roman province which +included Lycaonia, Isauria, and parts of Phrygia and Pisidia. (2) +Geographically it was the center of the Celtic tribes, and in this +sense it seems to be used in this epistle and in Acts (Gal. 1:1; Acts. +13:14; 14:6; 16:6).</p> + +<p>The Celtic People. They were descended from the Gauls who sacked Rome +in the fourth century B. C. and in the third century B. C. invaded +Asia Minor and northern Greece. A part of them remained in Galatia. +predominating in the mixed population formed out of the Greek, Roman +and Jewish people. They were quick-tempered, impulsive, hospitable and +fickle people. They were quick to receive impressions and equally +quick to give them up. They received Paul with enthusiastic joy, and +were then suddenly turned from him (Gal. 4:13-16).</p> + +<p>The Churches of Galatia. Just how and by whom these churches were +established we do not know. The great highway from the East to Europe +passed through this region, making it possible for some of those +present at Pentecost to have sown the seed of the gospel there. It +could have sprung up from work done by Paul while at Tarsus from the +time of his return from Arabia to his going to Antioch with Barnabas. +But the scripture gives us no word about this.</p> + +<p>On the second missionary journey Paul visited them (Acts 16:6) and +seems to have been taken sick while passing through and to have +preached to them while unable to travel (Gal. 4:14-15). They gladly +received his teaching, and churches seem to have sprung up. Paul also +visited them while on the third missionary journey (Acts 18:23) and +instructed and established them in the faith. The churches were +running well when Paul left them, but Judaizing teachers had now come +in and, acting upon their fickle and unstable nature, had greatly +corrupted the simplicity of their faith.</p> + +<p>The Occasion of the Epistle. (1) Judaizing teachers had gone among the +Galatians, claiming that the Jewish law was binding upon Christians, +admitting that Jesus was the Messiah, but claiming that salvation +must, nevertheless, be obtained by the works of the law. They +especially urged that all Gentiles be circumcised. (2) In order to +gain their point and turn the Galatians from their belief, they were +trying to weaken their confidence in Paul, their spiritual teacher. +They said he was not one of the twelve, and therefore, not one of the +apostles, and his teachings were not of binding authority. They +suggested that he had learned his doctrine from others, especially +from the apostles who were pillars of the church.</p> + +<p>The Purpose of the Epistle. The purpose of the epistle was to root out +the errors of doctrine introduced by the Judaizers and to hold the +Galatians to their earlier faith. To do this it was necessary to +establish his apostolic authority and the divine origin of his gospel. +He also desired to show the practical value or application of his +teaching. He especially shows the value of Christian freedom and at +the same time shows that it is not license. In fulfilling these +purposes he gave us an inspired classic upon the fundamental doctrine +of justification by faith and forever settled the disturbing question +of the relation of Christians to the Jewish law.</p> + +<p>Author and Date. It was written by Paul, probably from Corinth in A.D. +57.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-10.</p></blockquote> +<p> + I. Authoritativeness of Paul's Gospel, 1:11-2 end. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. It is independent of man, 1:11 end.</p> + +<p> 2. It is the gospel of an apostle, Ch. 2.</p> +</blockquote><p> + II. Teaching of Paul's Gospel, Chs. 3-4. Justification by faith.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Their experience proves it, 3:1-5.</p> + +<p> 2. The example of Abraham attests it, 3:6-8.</p> + +<p> 3. The scripture teaches it, 3:10-12.</p> + +<p> 4. The work of Christ provides for it, 3:13-14.</p> + +<p> 5. Its superior results demonstrate it. 3:15-4:20.</p> + +<p> 6. The experiences of Sarah and Hagar and their sons illustrate it, +4:21 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Application of Paul's Gospel to Faith and Conduct, 5:1-6:10.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. He exhorts them to stand fast in the liberty of Christ; 5:1-12; +5:12. This liberty excludes Judaism.</p> + +<p> 2. He exhorts them not to abuse their liberty, 5:13-6:10.</p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion, 6:11 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The dangers of fickleness (1:6; 4:9; +15:16). (2) The methods of false teachers: (a) Their chief method is +to attack men prominent in the movement, (b) They usually put forward +some one else for leader; They would supplant Paul with Peter, (c) One +may well consider how a man will often allow the influence of another +to be undermined if he is himself exalted. (3) The reasons Paul gives +to show that his teaching is not of man, 1:11 end. (4) The +confirmation of Paul's divine call, 2:1-10. (5) Difference between +one under law and under faith, 4:1-7. (6) The lusts of the flesh, sins +of body and mind are included, 5:19-21. (7) The fruits of the spirit, +5:22-23. (8) The words, liberty, lust, flesh, spirit, works of the +law, live and die, servant and bondage, justified, righteousness, +faith and believe. (9) For more advanced study list and study passages +in Galatians that coincide with or correspond to passages in Romans.</p> + +<p><b>Ephesians.</b></p> + +<p>The City. It was the capital of pro-consular Asia, being about a mile +from the sea coast, and was the great religious, commercial and +political center of Asia. It was noteworthy because of two notable +structures there. First, the great theatre which had a seating +capacity of 50,000 people, and second, the temple of Diana which was +one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was 342 feet long +and 164 feet wide, made of shining marble, supported by a forest of +columns 56 feet high, and was 220 years in building. This made it the +center of the influence of Diana worship, of which we read in Acts +19:23-41. The statue with its many breasts betokened the fertility of +nature.</p> + +<p>Next to Rome, Ephesus was the most important city visited by Paul. It +has been called the third capital of Christianity, it being the center +of work in Asia through which were founded all the churches of Asia, +especially the seven churches of Asia to which Jesus sent the messages +of Revelations. Jerusalem, the birth place of power, is the first, and +Antioch, the center of mission work, is the second capital.</p> + +<p>Paul's Work at Ephesus. (1) Revisited there on the return from the +second missionary journey (Acts 18:18-21). and left with them Aquila +and Priscilla. (2) On the third missionary journey he spent about +three years there, (Acts 20:31). (3) During this second visit he had +such influence as to check the worship of Diana to such an extent as +to arouse the opposition of her worshippers and make it necessary for +him to depart into Macedonia (Acts 20:1). (4) On the return from the +third missionary journey he stopped at Miletus, thirty miles away, and +sent for the elders of Ephesus to whom he delivered a farewell address +(Acts 20:16-38).</p> + +<p>The Epistle. The contents are much akin to those of Colossians, but +also differ greatly from them. (1) In each book half is doctrinal and +half practical. (2) Colossians discusses Christ-hood or Christ the +head of the church, while Ephesians discusses church-hood or the +church as the body of Christ. (3) In Colossians Christ is "All and in +all", in Ephesians the ascended Christ is seen in his church. (4) In +Colossians we have Paul in the heated arena of controversy; in +Ephesians he is quietly meditating upon a great theme.</p> + +<p>It has been said to contain the profoundest truth revealed to men, and +the church at Ephesus was, perhaps, better prepared than any other to +be the custodian of such truth, since Paul's long stay there had so +well prepared them to hear and understand it. It may have been written +as a circular letter to be sent in turn to several churches of which +the church at Ephesus was one.</p> + +<p>Date. By Paul, probably from Rome, A. D. 62 or 63.</p> + +<p>Theme. The church, Christ's mystical body.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Salutation, 1:1-2. </p></blockquote> + +<p> I. The Spiritual Blessings of the Church. 1:3-14.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The origin of these blessings, v. 3.</p> + +<p> 2. The blessings enumerated, 4-14. </p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Prayer for the Readers, 1:15 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. That God may grant them the spirit of wisdom, the Holy Spirit, +15-17.</p> + +<p> 2. That they may know what they have in Christ, 18-33.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Great Work Done for Them, Ch. 2. Both Jews and Gentiles.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. They were regenerated, 1:10.</p> + +<p> 2. They were organized, 11 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Paul's Mission and Prayer for Them, Ch. 3.</p> +<blockquote><p> 1. His mission to preach the mystery of Christ. 1-13.</p> + +<p> 2. His prayer for them and doxology of praise to God, 14 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> V. The Duty of the Churches as the Body of Christ, 4:1-6:20.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Duty of individual members in relation to other members and to +the world. 4:1-5:21.</p> + +<p> 2. Duties of individuals in their home relations, 5:22-6:9.</p> + +<p> 3. Duties of individual members in their relation to the organized +efforts of the church. 6:10-20.</p> + +<p> Conclusion, 6:21 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The Christian's standing before God, +Chs. 1-2. Such words as sealed, chosen, quickened. (2) The blessings +of the church, make a list, 1:3-14. (3) The elements and +characteristics of the new life, 4:25-32. (4) The different things +done in an intelligent Christian life, 5:3-17. (5) The +exalted nature and office of Christ, 1:2-33; 2:13-22. (6) The eternal +purpose of God, 2:3-5; 2:4-7; 3:9-12. (7) Principles of Christian +sociology seen in the home relations such as husband and wife, child +and parents, and servant and master. (8) The Christian's relation to +Christ as seen in these relations.</p> + +<a name="40"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3> + +CHAPTER XXXII.</h3> + +<br> + + +<i><b>Philippians and Colossians.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p><b>Philippians.</b></p> + + +<p>The City. It belonged to Thrace until 358 B. C., when it was seized by +Philip, king of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great It was the +place where Marcus Antonius and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius +(42 B. C.). which defeat overthrew the Roman Oligarchy, and Augustus +(Octavius) was made Emperor. Is was on the great highway through which +all trade and traders going eastward and westward must pass, and was, +therefore, a fit center of evangelism for all Europe. It was the place +where the first church Of Europe was established by Paul on his second +missionary journey, A. D. 52.</p> + +<p>Paul's Connection with the Church. By a vision from God he went to +Philippi on the second missionary journey (Acts 16:9-12). He first +preached at a woman's prayer-meeting, where Lydia was converted. She +furnished him a home while he continued his work in the city. After +some time there arose great opposition to him and he and Silas were +beaten and put in prison, but through prayer they were released by an +earthquake which also resulted in the conversion of the jailer +(Acts ch. 16). He perhaps visited them again on his journey from +Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 20 2 Cor 2:12-13; 7:5-6). He spent the +Passover there (Acts 20:6) and received messages from them (Phil. +4:16). They also sent him assistance (Phil. 18) and he wrote them this +letter.</p> + +<p>The Character and Purpose of the Letter. It is an informal letter with +no logical plan or doctrinal arguments. It is the spontaneous +utterance of love and gratitude. It is a tender, warm-hearted, loving +friend and brother presenting the essential truths of the gospel in +terms of friendly intercourse. He found in them constant reasons for +rejoicing, and now that Epaphroditus who had brought their aid to him +was about to return from Rome to Philippi, he had an opportunity to +send them a letter of thanks (Phil. 4:18). It is remarkable for its +tenderness, warnings, entreaties and exhortations and should be read +often as a spiritual tonic.</p> + +<p>Date. It was written by Paul during his imprisonment at Rome, about A. +D. 62.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> Introduction, 1:1-11.</p> + +<p> I. Paul's Present Situation and Feeling. 1:12-26.</p> + +<p> II. Some Exhortations, 1:27-2:18.</p> + +<p>III. He Plans to Communicate with Them, 2:19 end.</p> + +<p> IV. Some Warnings, ch. 3.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Against Judaizers, 1-16.</p> + +<p> 2. Against false professors, 17 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> V. Final Exhortation. 4:1-9.</p> + +<p> VI. Gratitude for Their Gifts, 4:10-19.</p> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion, 4:20 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul as a good minister, 1:3-8. Paul's +prayer for the Philippians, 1:9-11. (3) The choice between life death, +1:19-26. (4) Humble-mindedness and its rewards as seen in Jesus 2:5- +11. (5) An upright Christian life, 2:12-18. (6) Paul's sense of +imperfection, 3:12-16. (7) Worthy meditations, 4:8-9. (8) Outline the +information the book gives concerning Paul's condition at the time of +the writing. (9) Point out all the teachings of the book on the +necessity of cultivating unselfishness and the blessing derived from +it. (10) The expression of joy and rejoicing. (11) The number of times +our Lord, under different names, is referred to.</p> + +<p><b>Colossians.</b></p> + +<p>The City. It was situated about 100 miles east of Ephesus, and was of +little importance at the time of this epistle, though it had once been +of considerable influence. It was one of a group of three cities, +Laodicia and Hierapolis being the Other two, situated on the Lycus +river near where it flows into the famous Meander.</p> + +<p>The Church of Colossae. It was perhaps founded by Epaphras (1:6-7; +4:12-13) who was directed by Paul in his work there "for us" "on our +behalf", (1:7). Paul though having a very vital connection with it. +had never visited the church (1:7; 2:1). He seems to have kept posted +about conditions in the church (1:3; 4, 9, 2:1), and to have approved +the work and discipline of the church (1:5-7, 23, 2:5-7; 4:12-13). He +was loved by them (1:8) and knew and loved some of them. See also +Phile 9.</p> + +<p>Condition of the Church and Occasion for the Epistle. False teachers +or a false teacher, had come among them and had greatly hindered the +prosperity of the church. The main source of all their false teaching +lay in an old eastern dogma, that all matter is evil and its source +also evil. If this were true, God, who is in no wise evil, could not +have created matter. And since our bodies are matters they are evil +and God could not have created them. From this notion that our bodies +are evil two extremes of error arose: (1) That only by various ascetic +practices, whereby we punish the body, can we hope to save it, 2:20- +23. (2) That since the body is evil, none of its deeds are to be +accounted for. License was, therefore, granted to evil conduct, and +evil passions were indulged at pleasure and without impunity (3:5-8).</p> + +<p>In seeking to find relief from this condition they formulated two +other false doctrines. (1) An esoteric and exclusive theory which was +a doctrine of secrets and initiation (2:2, 3, 8). By this doctrine +they declared that the remedy for man's condition was known to only a +few, and to learn this secret one must be initiated into their +company. (2) That since God could not have been creator of these +sinful bodies, they could not, therefore, come to him for blessing, +and so they formulated, in their theory, a series of intermediary +beings or Aeons, such as angels, that must have created us and whom we +must worship (2:18), especially as a means of finally reaching God.</p> + + +<p>All these false theories conspired to limit the greatness and +authority of Jesus Christ, and to limit the efficiency of redemption +in him (2:9-10). They are called by the one name, Gnosticism, and +present four aspects of error in this book. (1) Philosophic, 2:3, 4, +8. (2) Ritualistic, or Judaistic, 2:11, 14, 16-17. (3) Visionary, or +angel-worship, 1:16; 2:10, 15, 18. (4) Ascetic practices, 2:20-23. +There are three modern applications of the Colossian heresy. (1) +Ceremonialism, or ritualism. (2) Speculation. (3) Low standards of +righteousness.</p> + +<p>The Epistle. The news of these false teachings was brought to Paul +probably by Epaphras. 1:7-8, and he wrote to combat them. It is +polemic in spirit and argues that we have everything in Christ, that +he is the source and Lord of all creation and that he alone can +forgive sins and reconcile us to God. It, therefore, represents more +fully than any other of Paul's epistles his doctrine of the person and +preeminence of Christ.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. Doctrinal Teachings, Ch. 1.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Introduction, 1-14.</p> + + +<p> 2. Christ in relation to creation, 15-17.</p> + + +<p> 3. Christ in relation to the church, 18 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Polemic Against False Teachings, ch. 2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Introduction, 1-7.</p> + +<p> 2. Polemic against the general false teachings, 8-15.</p> + +<p> 3. Polemic against the particular claims of the false teachers, 16 +end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Hortatory Section, 3:1-4:6.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. To a lofty Christian life, 3:1-4.</p> + +<p> 2. To exchange the old vices for the Christian graces, 3:5-14.</p> +<p> + 3. To make Christ sovereign over the whole of life, 3:15-17.</p> + +<p> 4. To the Christian discharge of relative duties, 3:18-4:1.</p> + + <p> 3. To a proper prayer life, 4:2-6.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Personal Section, 4:7 end.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's prayer for them, 1:9-14. (2) The +preeminence of the Savior,1:5-20. (3) The false and true philosophy of +religion, 2:8-15. (4) The worldly vices, 3:5-8. (5) The Christian +graces, 3:9-14. (6) The lofty Christian life, 3:15-17. (7) All +references to the false teachings as in the words mystery, head, body, +Lord, fullness, etc. Note 2:3, 8, 11, 16, 18, and many others. (8) +Paul's view of Jesus. Study every reference to him.</p> + + + +<a name="41"></a> +<br><br> +<center> + +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h3> + +<br> + + +<i><b>First and Second Thessalonians.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p>The City of Thessalonica. It was founded by Cassander, King of Macedon +315 B. C., and was about a hundred miles west of Philippi. It was a +great commercial center of Paul's time, the inhabitants being Greeks, +Romans and Jews. It still exists under the name of Saloniki, and has a +population of from 75,000 to 85,000 about half of whom are Jews.</p> + +<p>The Church of Thessalonica. Upon being delivered from prison at +Philippi. Paul continued his second missionary journey to +Thessalonica, having also Silas and Timothy with him (Acts 17:1-5). He +spent three Sabbaths there, but on account of the persecution of the +Jews, went from there to Berea, then to Athens, and then to Corinth +where he spent 18 months. The first letter bears testimony to the +splendid Christian character of these new converts from heathenism.</p> + +<p><b>First Thessalonians.</b></p> + +<p>This is probably the first epistle written by Paul and perhaps the +first written document of the Christian religion. It is not doctrinal, +has no element of controversy and is one of the most gentle and +affectionate of Paul's letters. It is notable for its special +salutations and refers to their expectations of the immediate return +of Jesus. Its main idea is <i>consolation</i> (4:17-18), its keynote +<i>hope</i> and its leading words <i>affliction and advent</i>. Its purpose was: +(1) to send affectionate greetings, (2) to console them in their +afflictions, (3) to correct their wrong, their mistaken views of +Christ's second coming, (4) to exhort then to proper living as against +certain immoral tendencies.</p> + +<p>Date. From Corinth A. D. 53.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<p> I. The Spiritual Condition of the Church, Ch. 1.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Introduction. 1.</p> + +<p> 2. Their faith, love and hope, 2-3.</p> + +<p> 3. The cause of these, 4-5.</p> + +<p> 4. The result of these, 6-10.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Paul's Character and Conduct While With Them, 2:1-16.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. How he brought them the gospel, 1-12.</p> + +<p> 2. How they received it, 13-16.</p></blockquote> +<p>III. Paul's Interest in the Church Since Leaving Them. 2:17-3 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Desired to visit them, 2:17 end.</p> + +<p> 2. He sent Timothy to them and rejoices in his report of them, 3:1- +10.</p> +<p> 3. Benediction upon them, 3:11 end.</p> +</blockquote> +<p> IV. Exhortation for the Future, 4:1-5:11.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. To purity, 4:1-8.</p> +<p> + 2. To brotherly love, 4:9-10.</p> + +<p> 3. To honest industry, 4:11-12.</p> + +<p> 4. To be comforted in the loss of their dead in Christ, 4:13-5:11.</p> </blockquote> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion, 5:12. +</p></blockquote> +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Things in the church for which Paul is +thankful, 1:2-6. (2) What is said about how the gospel was preached to +them, 2:1-16. (3) Paul's longing to know about them, 3:1-9. (4) The +duties enjoined, 4:1-12. (5) The second coming of Christ and the +resurrection, 4:13-18. (6) How we are prepared for the great day of +his coming, 5:3-10. (7) The several exhortations in 5:12-22. (8) The +human elements or explanation of Paul's power as a preacher Ch. 2. (9) +The deity of Jesus seen in the book.</p> + +<p><b>Second Thessalonians.</b></p> + +<p>This letter was also written from Corinth and during the same year. It +is the shortest letter Paul wrote to any church and is characterized +by its lack of special salutations and for its general idea of patient +waiting for our Lord. The occasion seems to be to correct their wrong +views of the second coming of Christ and the errors of life growing +out of it. It may be that they had misunderstood his own teaching to +be that the day of the Lord was already at hand (2:2).</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-2.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. Thanksgiving and Prayer for in View of The Second Coming of +Christ, 1:2 end.</p> + +<p> II. Warnings about Christ's Second Coming. 2:1-12. </p> + +<p>III. Their Escape at His Coming, 2:13 end.</p> + +<p> IV. Practical Matters, 3:1-15.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Their prayers for each other, 1-5.</p> + +<p> 2. Discipline for the disorderly, 6-15.</p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion, 3:16 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Things commendable in the church, 13-14. +(2) Moral disorders of the church, 3:7-11. (3) How to deal with the +disorderly, 3:6, 14, 15. (4) How to deal with the idle, 3:12. (5)Facts +concerning Christ's second coming, from the whole book. (6) Facts +concerning the judgment of the wicked.</p> + + +<a name="42"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h3> + +<br> +<i><b>First and Second Timothy.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + +<p>Timothy.</p> + + + +<p>He was a native of Lycaonia. His father was a Greek, but his mother +and grandmother were Jews, 2 Tim. 1:5. He was taught the scriptures +from his very youth, 2 Tim. 3:15, and was probably converted during +Paul's first visit to Lystra, Acts 14:8-20. He was ordained as an +evangelist 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6, and, after Paul's second visit to +Lystra. he spent most of his time with Paul, Acts 16:1. He did much +valuable service for Paul, and was greatly esteemed by him. Acts +17:14; 18:5; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10. His name is +associated with Paul in writing a number of letters, 2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. +1:1; Col. 1:1. He was pastor at Ephesus and while there received these +letters, 1 Tim. 1:3-4. Paul desired to have him with him when death +came, 2 Tim. 4:9; 13, 21.</p> + +<p><b>First Timothy.</b></p> + +<p>This epistle was written while Timothy was pastor at Ephesus, probably +between A. D. 64 and 66. Its purpose was to instruct Timothy with +regard to his pastoral duties. It, therefore, reflects the condition +of the church and especially the errors which he would correct or +against which he wished to warn his "true child in the faith."</p> +<p><b> +Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Greeting, 1:1-2.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. The True Teachings of the Gospel, 1:3 end.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. Gnostic teachings and the true purpose of the law, 3-11.</p> + +<p> 2. Paul's salvation. 12-17.</p> + +<p> 3. Further warnings against false teachers, 18 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Public Worship. Ch. 2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Prayer, 1-7.</p> +<p> + 2. Conduct of men and women in church assemblies, 8 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Church Officers. Ch. 3. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. A bishop or pastor, 1-7.</p> + +<p> 2. Deacons and deaconesses. 8-13. </p> + +<p> 3. A personal word, 14 end. </p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Pastoral Duties, 4:1-6:2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. As to the true doctrine, Ch. 4.</p> + +<p> 2. Toward the various classes of the church, 5:1-20.</p> + +<p> 3. Concerning himself, 5:21 end.</p> + +<p> 4. In teaching slaves and their masters, 6:1-2.</p></blockquote> + + +<p> V. Final Warnings and Exhortations, 6:3 end.</p> +<blockquote><p> 1. Against false teachers, 3-10.</p> +<p> + 2. To be truly godly, 11-16.</p> +<p> + 3. To teach the rich aright, 17-19.</p> + +<p> 4. To be true to his charge, 20 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) False teachings, 1:3-11; 4:1-8; 6:20-21. +(2) The kind of man a pastor should be, 4:12-5:2. (3) The kind of men +to select for church officers, 3:1-13. (Fifteen qualifications of a +pastor and seven of a deacon). (4) Church government and services of +worship, 2:1, 2, 8; 3:14, 15. (5) The word's doctrine or teaching, +godliness and faith meaning doctrine.</p> + +<p><b>Second Timothy.</b></p> + +<p>This letter was written from Rome just before his martyrdom A. D. 67. +It was written to further instruct Timothy and to explain his own +personal affairs. It is the last letter written by Paul, a sort of +last will and testimony and is of great importance as it tells as how +he fared just before his death. It is more personal in tone than First +Timothy and shows us how very pitiable was his plight in these last +days.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-5.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. Exhortations to Timothy. 1:6-2 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. To steadfastness in the gospel. 1:6 end.</p> + +<p> 2. To patient endurance of suffering, 2:1-13.</p> +<p> + 3. To faithfulness as a pastor, 2:14-26 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Warnings to Timothy. 3:1-4:5.</p> +<blockquote><p> 1. Concerning the perilous, 3:1-13.</p> + +<p> 2. Concerning his duties in such times, 3:14-4:5. </p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Paul's View of Death, 4:6-18.</p> + + +<blockquote><p> 1. His satisfaction and hope at its approach, 6-8.</p> + + +<p> 2. His hope during this loneliness and need, 9-18. + Conclusion, 4:19 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's condition when he wrote,1:17; +4:7, 13-16; 6:20. (2) The desire or appeal of 1:4; 3:8; 4:5, 9, 13, +21. (3) The exhortations to Timothy, 1:6, 7, 13, 14; 2:1-6, 15, 23; +3:14; 4:5. (4) perilous times to come, Ch. 3. (5) Paul's view of +death, 4:5-22.</p> + +<a name="43"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXV.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>Titus and Philemon.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + + + + +<p><b>Titus.</b></p> + +<p>The Author. We do not know much of the work of Titus. But from Gal. +2:1-5; 2 Cor. 2:12-13; 7:2-16, and Titus 1:5 and 3:12 we learn: (1) +that he was a Gentile whom Paul carried to Jerusalem, (2) that by the +liberty of the gospel the Jerusalem council did not require him to be +circumcised. (3) that he a capable and an energetic missionary, (4) +that Paul had left him in Crete to finish the work which he had begun +there.</p> + +<p>The Book. The book is written to counsel Titus concerning the work +Paul had left him to do (1:5). It contains: (1) the qualifications of +the presbyters to be selected; (2) the method of dealing with false +teachings; (3) instructions to the different classes of the church; +(4) exhortations to Titus himself.</p> +<p> +Date. Probably written from Macedonia, A. D. 66.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> +<blockquote><p> + Greeting, 1:1-4.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. Qualifications and Duties of Bishops or Pastors, 1:5 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The qualifications and duties, 5-9.</p> +<p> + 2. Reasons for needing such officers, 10 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Instruction in Practical Godliness, 2:1-3:11.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Proper conduct for the different classes and its basis, Ch. 2.</p> + +<p> 2. Proper conduct in the different life relations, 3:1-11.</p> + +<p> Conclusion. 3:12-15.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Qualifications of presbyters 1:5-10. +(2) Lofty moral ideals for all Christians 2:1-15. (3) Savior and +salvation used seven times. (4) Good works or good things, the keyword +of the epistles and used seven times. (5) Sound doctrine occurs seven +times in this form or as sound in the faith, uncorruption in doctrine, +sound speech or doctrine of God. (6) Sober-minded occurring six times, +at least in thought. These last three constitute the Epistle's idea of +real godliness.</p> + +<p><b>Philemon.</b></p> + + +<p>Philemon lived at Colossae and was probably a convert of Paul and +member of the Colossian church. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon who +had robbed his master (v 18) and fled to Rome where he had been +converted under Paul's preaching (v 10). It is the only individual or +private letter written by Paul and is written to tell Philemon of the +conversion of Onesimus and to make a plea for him. Through the +kindness shown Onesimus we have revealed to us the great kindness of +the Apostle's heart. He speaks to Philemon not as an apostle in +authority, but as a friend to a friend, thereby showing his great +courtesy. The letter is of inestimable value as showing the power of +the gospel to win and transform a poor slave and to soften the harsh +relations between the different classes of ancient society. </p> + +<p>Date, From Rome about A. D. 63.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p>1. Introduction, 1-7.</p> + +<p>2. The purpose of the letter-an appeal to Onesimus, 8-21.</p> + +<p>3. Closing matters, 22 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) How Christianity deals with slaves. (2) +The effectiveness of the Christian religion in a life: (a) Even a +fugitive slave would confess his guilt, as, no doubt, Onesimus had +done to Paul; (b) It will make one desire to correct any wrongs one +has done, and willing, as was Onesimus, to go to the one wronged and +make confession; (c) It often raises one from worthlessness to great +usefulness (v 11); (d) It will not only make one useful to others in +temporal matters, but will make one profitable in things spiritual (v +13). (3) Concerning a real Christian helper, we may learn that, like +Paul: (a) He wilt not try to hide or cover up a man's past faults; (b) +He will sympathize with the poor fellow who has a bad record behind +him; (c) He will make it as easy as possible for such a convert to +right the past; (d) He will gladly use the very humblest Christian (v +13); (e) He will be courteous and recognize the rights of others, as +in the case of Philemon; (f) He will not force a man to do his duty, +but will use love and persuasion to bring him to it. (4) Make a list +of all the persons named and learn something of each.</p> + +<a name="44"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>Hebrews and James.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p><b>Hebrews.</b></p> + +<p>The Author. The writer nowhere indicates his name, and there is +difference of opinion as to who wrote it. I am personally inclined to +the view of those who regard Paul as the author, which for a long time +was the common view. The main points against his authorship are that +the language and style are dissimilar to Paul's and that it is less +like an epistle than any other book that bears his name. It seems +clear, however, that the thoughts and course of reasoning are Pauline +and the differences otherwise may be explained by the difference of +purpose and spirit in writing. For the arguments for and against his +authorship the student is referred to the larger commentaries and +introductions to the New Testament literature.</p> + + +<p>Those To Whom It Was Written. It was, no doubt, addressed to Hebrew +Christians, but whether to a special church or to those in a special +locality, is a matter of dispute. Several things, however, may be +learned about them. (1) They had steadfastly endured persecution and +the loss of property. (2) They had shown sympathy with other +Christians, 6:10; 10:32-34. (3) They had been Christians some time, +5:12. (4) They knew the writer whom they are, by their prayers, to +help restore to themselves, 13:19. (5) They knew Timothy who was to +visit them, 13:23. (6) They were now in danger of apostacy to Judaism +but had not yet resisted to blood, 12:3-4; 5:11; 6:9. Their danger of +going back to Judaism might arise from several sources. (1) There was +a tendency to disbelieve Christ and his claims, 3:12. (2) The +elaborate worship of the Temple compared with the simple worship of +the Christian church. (3) The Jews branded them as traitors and +taunted them for turning against the law, which was given by prophets, +angels, and Moses, and from the sanctuary ministered to by the priests +of God. (4) They were suffering persecution.</p> + +<p>Purpose and Contents. The purpose was to prevent apostacy from +Christianity to Judaism and incidentally to comfort them in their +suffering and persecution. To accomplish this purpose the author +shows, by a series of comparisons, that the religion of Christ is +superior to that which preceded it. "Better" is the key-word, which +along with other terms of comparison such as "more excellent" is +constantly used to show the superiority of Christianity. It is very +much like a sermon, the author often turning aside to exhort, then +returning to the theme.</p> + +<p>Date. It was written from Jerusalem, Alexandria or Rome some time +before A. D. 70, since the temple was still standing, 9:6-7; 10:1.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + + +<p> I. Christianity is Superior to Judaism because Christ through Whom +it was Introduced is Superior to the Messengers of Judaism, chs. 1-6.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. He is superior to prophets, 1:1-3.</p> + +<p> 2. He is superior to angels. 1:4-2 end.</p> +<p> + 3. He is superior to Moses, including Joshua, chs. 3-6.</p> + +<p> Three points in each of these comparisons are the same.</p> + +<p> 1. He is God's son.</p> + +<p> 2. He is man's Savior.</p> + +<p> 3. He is man's high priest.</p> + +<p> Neither prophets nor angels nor Moses equal Jesus in these points. + There are two notable exhortations, (a) 2:1-4; (b) 5:11-6 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Christianity in Superior to Judaism because Its Priesthood is +Superior to that of Judaism, 7:1-10:18.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Christ its priest is superior to the priests of Judaism, 7:1- +8:6.</p> + +<p> 2. Its covenant is superior to that of Judaism, 8:7 end.</p> +<p> + 3. Its tabernacle is superior to that of Judaism, ch. 9.</p> + +<p> 4. Its sacrifice is superior to those of Judaism, 10:1-18.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Christianity is Superior to Judaism, because the Blessings it +Confers are Superior to those of Judaism. 10:19-11 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. In the liberty of approach to God, 10:19 end.</p> + +<p> 2. In the superior ground of faith, 11:1-12:17.</p> + +<p> 3. In our coming to Mount Zion instead of Mount Sinai, 12:18 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Practical Conclusion, ch. 13.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Description of Christ. 1:1-3. (2) +Christ's superiority to angels. 1:3-14. (3) Christ's humiliation for +our salvation, 2:9-18. (4) How is Christ superior to Aaronic priests, +3:14, 15; 5:1-7, 9; 7:28. (5) The two covenants, 8:6-12. (6) Typical +character of the old ordinances. 9:1-10:4. (7) Our assurance and hope, +6:13-20. (8) The danger of rejecting Christ, 10:26-31. (9) The benefit +of affliction, 12:4-11. (10) The comparisons of 12:18-29. (11) The +warning of 13.-8-15, (12) The exhortations of the book, as 2:1-4. Make +a list. (13) All the terms of comparison, as better and more +excellent. Make a list. (14) Every reference to Christ as high +priest. (15) Every reference to the Holy Spirit-What are his works and +where in the book is it taught?</p> + +<p><b>James.</b></p> + +<p>The Author. Three persons called James are mentioned in the New +Testament. One of these is James, the Lord's brother (Matt. 13:55), +who did not believe on Jesus until after the resurrection, Jno. 7:2-9; +Mar. 3:21, 31; Acts 1:13-14. This James occupies and important place +as pastor at Jerusalem, and made an important speech at the council of +the Apostles, Acts 15: 13-21. He is mentioned elsewhere, in Acts, +12:17; Gal. 1:19; 2:9-12. Josephus tells us that he was stoned to +death about 62 A. D. on a charge of departing from the Jewish law. +This James, the Lord's brother, is supposed to be the author of this +epistle.</p> + +<p>To Whom Written. This letter was written to the Jews scattered +everywhere, 1:1, and evidently to Christian Jews, 2:1. Some of them +were rich, some poor, 2:1-10. They were lustful, greedy, and proud, +4:1-12, and were omitting to do the Lord's work as they should. 1:22- +27.</p> + +<p>The Epistle. The chief characteristic of style is abruptness. Change +is made from one subject to another with no effort to connect them. +There is, therefore, no general subject, and a lack of close +connection between the points of analysis. "Faith without works is +dead" flashes in every section as a sort of bond of unity. It is +eloquent, stern and sincere, and has a distinct Jewish tone. It lacks +the doctrinal emphasis found in Paul and states the Christian faith in +terms of moral excellence and instructs them in the subject of +Christian morals. It is notable for its omissions. It does not have +the resurrection or ascension and only mentions Christ's name twice. +Date and Place of Writing. It was no doubt written from Jerusalem +where he was pastor, but the date is much disputed. Some put it as +early as A. D. 40. Others among whom is Dr. Robertson say it was +written not later than A. D. 50. Still others put it about A. D. 61 or +62, just before the martyrdom of James. It is probably safe to say +that it was one of the very earliest of the New Testament books.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Salutation, 1:1.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. Proper Attitude Toward Trials. 1:2-18.</p> + +<p> II. Proper Altitude Toward God's Word, 1:19-27 end.</p> + +<p>III. Various Warnings. 2:1-4:12.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Against respect of persons, 2:1-13.</p> + +<p> 2. Against barren professions of faith, 2:14-26.</p> + +<p> 3. Against the dangers of the tongue, 3:1-12.</p> + +<p> 4. Against false wisdom, 3:13-18.</p> + +<p> 5. Against quarrels, greed and pride. 4:1-12.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. Various Denunciations, 4:13-5:6. </p> + +<p> V. Various Exhortations, 5:7-20 end.</p> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) From the following scriptures make a +list of all the things James advises us not to do: 1;6, 13, 16, 22; +2:1, 14; 3:1. 10; 4:1, 11, 13; 5:9, 12. (2) From the following +scriptures make a list of all the things James advises us to do; 1:2, +4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 22, 26; 2:8, 12; 3:13; 4:8. 5:7, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19. +(3) Make a sketch of heavenly wisdom, showing the different things +said about it, studying especially, 1:5-8 and 3:13-18. (4) Study the +ethics of speech and of the tongue, 1:19-21 and 3:1-12. (5) Life's +trial and temptations, 1:2-4, 12-15. (6) Make a list of ail the +figures of speech, especially similes and metaphors as "a doubter is +like a surge of the sea," 1:6. (7) James' rebuke of selfishness, 5:1- +6. (8) The utility and power of prayer, 5:13-18.</p> + + +<a name="45"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h3> + +<br> + +<i><b>First and Second Peter.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p>The Author. The author was the Apostle Peter, whose name before he +became a disciple, was Simon. He was born in Bethsaida and lived in +Capernaum where he followed the occupation of fishing. He was brought +to Jesus by Andrew, his brother, and became one of the leaders of the +Apostles, both before and after Christ's death. His career should be +studied as it is found in Acts. He was impetuous, brave and energetic, +and after the ascension performed many miracles.</p> + +<p><b>First Peter.</b></p> + +<p>Those Addressed. The sojourn of the dispersion (1:1) points to Jewish +Christians. They were strangers (sojourners) 1:1, 17; 2:11, who were +persecuted, 3:17; 4:12-19, but whose persecution came, not from the +Jews, but from pagans, 4:3-4. They had certain faults and wrong +tendencies, 2:1, 11, 12, 16; 8:8-12; 4:9; 5:2-3.</p> + +<p>Purpose. To console them in their suffering, and to exhort them to +faithfulness and duty.</p> + +<p>Date. Probably about 64-68 A. D. Certainly not after 70 A. D., as he +was not doubt put to death before then.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-2. </p></blockquote> +<p> + I. Thanksgiving for the Blessing of Grace, 1:3-12.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. For a living hope and an abiding inheritance, 3-5.</p> + +<p> 2. For joyful faith during trials, 6-9.</p> + +<p> 3. For salvation, 10-12.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. Obligations Growing out of the Blessings of Grace, 1:13-4:19.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. A right relation of the heart toward God and man, 1:13-2:10.</p> + +<p> 2. Right conduct in life relations, 2:11-3:12.</p> + +<p> 3. Right attitude toward suffering, 3:13-4:19 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. Exhortations to Particular Classes, 5:1-9.</p> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion 5:10 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Peter's loyalty to Christ. (a) He makes +everything depend on Christ, his cross (1:18-19; 2:24; 3:18), his +suffering (2:21; 3:18; 4:13), his resurrection (1:3), his +manifestation (1:7-13), his exaltation (3:22; 4:11; 5:10). (b) He +calls Christ a living stone, 2:4-8. (c) He clings to Christ's +teaching, submission to rightful authority (2:13-16), forgiveness of +others (4:8; Matt. 18:22), humility (5:5). (2) The mercy of God our +hope 1:3-7. From this passage list what is said of spiritual +inheritors and their inheritance. (3) How to obtain the Christian +ideal, 1:13-21. (4) Spiritual development. 2:1-10. (5) Various deities +of society, 2:13-17; of domestic life 2:18; 3:1, 7; of Christian +brotherhood, 1:22, 2:1-5; 3:8-9; 4:8-11; 5:1-5. (6) The work of the +different persons of the Trinity. (7) The words precious, joy and +rejoicing, mercy, love and faith.</p> + +<p><b>Second Peter.</b></p> + +<p>The Occasion. The occasion of the epistle is found in the harm being +done to the church by false teachers, who were of two classes, the +libertines and the mockers about whom he warns.</p> + +<p>Purpose. Its purpose was to exhort them to Christian growth and to +warn them against false teachers.</p> + +<p>Comparison with First Peter. It has no reference to Christ's death, +suffering, resurrection and ascension. Glance through 1 Peter again to +see how often these are mentioned. The spirit manifested is one of +anxiety, severity, and denunciation, white in 1 Peter it is one of +mildness, sweetness and fatherly dignity. It connects the second +coming of Christ with the punishment of the wicked, while 1 Peter +connects it with the glorification of the saints. Its key-note is +knowledge, while that of 1 Peter is hope.</p> + +<p>Some Teachings. (1) To be holy, not to secure an inheritance, but +because we already have it. (2) To love the brethren, not to purify +our soul, but because it is pure. (3) That we sacrifice, not as +penance, but as an expression of praise. </p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-2.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. Progress in the Christian Life, 1:3-21 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. An exhortation to growth, 3-11.</p> + +<p> 2. Reasons for these exhortations, 12-21.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. False Teachers, Ch. 2.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The evil teachers and their followers, 1-3.</p> + +<p> 2. Their punishment, 5-10.</p> + +<p> 3. Their character, evil ways and end, 11-32. </p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Second Coming of Christ, 3:1-13. He will bring both blessings +and destruction. </p> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion, 3:14-18.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) What our salvation involves, 1:5-11. (2) +The characteristics of the false teachers, 2:1-3, 10, 12-14. (3) The +certain punishment of these false teachers, 2:4-6, 15, 16, 21, 22. (4) +The exhortations of the book such as to sobriety, 1:13. (5) The +predictions of the book.</p> + +<a name="46"></a><br> +<br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>First, Second and Third John and Jude.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + + + + +<p><b>First John.</b></p> + +<p>Author and Date. It was probably written from Ephesus, 80 or 85 A. D. +though some put it as early as A. D. 69, while others put it as late +as A. D. 95. The author nowhere indicates his name, but through all +the centuries it has been attributed to John, the beloved disciple. +For information concerning him see lesson twenty-eight.</p> + +<p>The Readers. It was doubtless written primarily to the churches of +Asia Minor in which John by reason of his work at Ephesus had a +special interest. It is evident that those addressed were of all ages +and were hated of the world. They were inclined to worldliness and to +the danger of looking too lightly upon sin. They were also in danger +of being led into doubt by those who denied the deity of Jesus.</p> + +<p>The Style. It is more in the form of a sermon or pastoral address than +of an epistle. It is written with a tone of conscious authority. The +thought is profound and mystical, but the language is simple both in +words and in sentences. The arguments are by immediate inference. +Their are many contrasts, parallelisms and repetitions with no figures +of speech except perhaps the words light and darkness.</p> + +<p>The Purpose. The chief purpose was to tell them how they might know +that they had eternal life, 5:13. The accomplishment of this purpose +would also assure the fulfillment of the secondary purpose stated in +1:3, 4.</p> + +<p>Theme. The evidence of eternal life.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-4.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. How Those Who Possess Eternal Life will Live, 1:5-5:12. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. They will dwell in the light, 1:5-2:28.</p> + +<p> 2. They will do righteousness, 2:29-4:6.</p> + +<p> 3. They will live a life of love, 4:7-5:3.</p> + +<p> 4. They will walk by faith, 5:4-12. </p></blockquote> + +<p> II. What Those who Live such Lives may Know, 5:13-20.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. That they have eternal life. 13.</p> + +<p> 2. That their prayers are answered, 14-17.</p> + +<p> 3. That God's people do not live in sin, 18.</p> + +<p> 4. Their true relation to God and to Christ, 19-20. </p> + +<p> Conclusion, 5:21.</p></blockquote> + +<p> The following analysis made with the idea of the theme being +"Fellowship with God" (1:3-4) is very suggestive.</p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1:1-4.</p></blockquote> + +<p>I. God is Light and our fellowship with him depends upon our walking +in the light, 1:5-2:28.</p> + +<p>II. God la Righteous and our fellowship with him depends upon our +doing righteousness, 2-29, 4:6.</p> + +<p>III. God is Love and our fellowship with him depends upon our having +and manifesting a spirit of love, 4:7-5:3. </p> + +<p>IV. God Is Faithful and our fellowship with him depends upon our +exercising faith in him, 5:4-12. </p> + +<blockquote><p> Conclusion. 5:13-21 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The different things we may know and how +we may know them. Make a list giving reference, as, "know Him if we +keep His commandments" (2:3). (2) Make a list of the things defined in +the following scriptures, and give the definition in each case: 1:5; +2:25; 3:11, 3:23; 5:3; 5:4; 5:11; 5:14. (3) The several figures and +attributes of God, as light, righteousness and love. (4) The +requirements of deeds of righteousness, 1:6, 7; 2:9-11; 3:17-23. (5) +God's love for his children, 3:1-2; 4:8-11, 16, 19. (6) Christians' +duty to love one another, 2:10; 3:10-24; 4:7-21; 5:1-2. (7) The +propitiatory death of Jesus Christ, 1:7; 2:1-2; 4:10. (8) Difference +between Christians and non-Christians, 3:4-10. How many times do each +of the following words occur? Love, light, life, know, darkness, hate, +righteousness, sin, liar and lie, true and truth.</p> + +<p><b>Second John.</b></p> + +<p>It is a friendly, personal letter, written some time after the first +letter, to the "elect lady" who, as I think, was John's friend, and +not a church or some nation as has sometimes been argued. The aim is +evidently to warn his friend against certain false teachers.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p>1. Greeting, 1-3.</p> + +<p>2. Thanksgiving, 4.</p> + +<p>3. Exhortation to obedience. 5-6.</p> + +<p>4. Warning against anti-Christs, 7-9.</p> + +<p>5. How to deal with false teachers, 10-11.</p> + +<p>6. Conclusion, 12-13.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The character of the children of the +elect lady. (2) Evidence of real discipleship. (3) How to deal with +false teachers.</p> + +<p><b>Third John.</b></p> + +<p>This also is a private letter written, some time after First John, to +his personal friend, Gaius. There was some confusion about receiving +certain evangelists. Gaius had received them while Diotrephes had +opposed their reception. He commends Gaius for his Christian +hospitality and character.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p>1. Greeting, 1.</p> + +<p>2. Prayer for his posterity, 2.</p> + +<p>3. Commends his godly walk, 3-4.</p> + +<p>4. Commends his hospitality, 5-8.</p> + +<p>5. Complaint against Diotrephes, 9-10.</p> + +<p>6. Test of relation to God, and worth of Demetrius, 11-12.</p> + +<p>7. Conclusion, 13-14.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The character of Gaius and Diotrephes. +(2) Christian hospitality. (3) Such words as truth, sincerity and +reality.</p> + +<p><b>Jude.</b></p> + +<p>The author is named as Jude, the brother of James. He probably means +the James wrote the epistle of that name and is, therefore, the Lord's +brother.</p> + +<p>Purpose. False teachers were boldly teaching their heresies in the +meetings of the congregation. These men were also very immoral in +conduct and the epistle is written to expose their errors and to +exhort his readers to contend for the true faith and to live worthy +lives. In many points it is very similar to the second letter of +Peter.</p> + +<p>Date. It was probably written about A. D. 66. At any rate it must have +been written before A. D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed, as Jude +would hardly have failed to mention that event along with other +examples of punishment, 5-7.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1-4.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. The Fate of Wicked Disturbers, 5-16.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. God punishes the wicked, 5-7.</p> + +<p> 2. He will destroy these men, 8-16.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. How to Contend For the Faith, 17-23. </p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Be mindful of the enemies, 17-19.</p> + +<p> 2. Be strong (built up in the faith), 20-21. </p> + +<p> 3. Maintain an evangelistic spirit, 22-23.</p> + +<p> Conclusion, 24-25.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the words and phrases +occurring in threes, as mercy, love, peace, or Cain, Baalam, Korah. +(2) Make a list of all the different things taught about the evil +workers mentioned, 8-10, 12, 13. 16, 19. (3) What the apostles had +foretold concerning them.</p> + +<a name="47"></a> +<br><br> +<center> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h3> +<br> +<i><b>Revelation.</b></i><br><br> +</center> + +<p>Author. John, the Apostle, while in exile on the Isle of Patmos, 1:1, +4, 9; 22:8.</p> + +<p>Date. About 95 or 96 A. D.</p> + +<p>The Book. (1) It is a book of symbols and imagery, and constantly +creates excitement and wonder. (2) It is a book of wars, but war +always ends in peace. The word war occurs seven times in Revelation, +and only seven times in all the rest of the New Testament. (3) It is a +book of thunder, but the thunder and earthquake die away and are +followed by liturgies and psalms. (4) It is a book of the rewards of +the righteous. This is seen in the letters to the seven churches, and +in the victories of the right in all conflicts and wars of the book. +(5) It is, therefore, a book of optimism. Everywhere God overcomes +Satan, the Lamb triumphs, Babylon falls, etc.</p> + +<p>Its Interpretation. There are several classes of interpreters, as +follows (1) <i>The Praeterist</i>, who thinks it has been fulfilled in its +primary sense. He makes all the prophesies and visions refer to Jewish +history down to the fall of Jerusalem, and to the history of Pagan +Rome. (2) <i>The Futurist</i>, who interprets literally and thinks all the +events of the book are to come just before or just after the second +coming of Christ. (3) <i>The Historical or Continuous School</i>. These +think some have been fulfilled, some are now being fulfilled, and some +will be fulfilled in the future. (4) <i>The Spiritualist</i>, who objects +to the other three classes of interpreters because they make so much +of the time element. He lays stress upon the moral and spiritual +element of the book and reads the book "as a representation of ideas +rather than of events." </p> + +<p>Value. The chief value of the book seems to lie in its testimony to +the faith and hope of persecuted Christians and in the comfort and +inspiration it has brought to sorrowing and oppressed souls of every +age. It points outthat there will be an end of conflict, that God and +the Lamb will triumph that the enemies of our souls will be punished +and that the followers of God will be rewarded with eternal reward.</p> + +<p><b>Analysis.</b></p> + +<blockquote><p> Introduction, 1-8.</p></blockquote> + +<p> I. The Seven Churches, 1:9-3 end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. A preparatory vision of Christ, 1:9 end.</p> + +<p> 2. The addresses to the churches, Chs. 2-3.</p></blockquote> + +<p> II. The Seven Seals, 4:1-8:1.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. A preparatory vision of the throne, Chs. 4-5.</p> + +<p> 2. Six seals opened in order, Ch. 6.</p> + +<p> 3. An episode-sealing God's servants, Ch, 7.</p> + +<p> 4. The seventh seal opened, 8:1.</p></blockquote> + +<p>III. The Seven Trumpets, 8:1l end.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. A preparatory vision, 8:2-6.</p> + +<p> 2. Six trumpets sounded in order, 8:7-9 end.</p> + +<p> 3. An episode-Little book, measuring the temple and two witnesses, +10:1-11:14</p> + +<p> 4. The seventh trumpet sounded, 11:15 end.</p></blockquote> + +<p> IV. The Seven Mystic Figures. Chs. 12-14.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. The sun-clothed woman, Ch. 12.</p> + +<p> 2. The red dragon, Ch, 12.</p> + +<p> 3. The man-child, Ch. 12.</p> + +<p> 4. The beast from the sea, 13:1-10.</p> + +<p> 5. The beast from the earth, 13:11-18.</p> + +<p> 6. The Lamb on Mount Sion, 14:1-13. Three angels.</p> +<p> + 7. The son of man on the cloud, 14:14-20. Three angels.</p></blockquote> + +<p> V. The Seven Vials, Chs. 15-16.</p> + +<blockquote><p> 1. The preliminary vision, Ch. 15-a song of victory.</p> +<p> 2. Six vials poured out in order, 16:1-12.</p> + +<p> 3. An episode, 16:13-16. The spirits of the devil gather the kings +of the earth to the battle of Armageddon.</p> + +<p> 4. The seventh vial poured out, 16:17-21 (end).</p></blockquote> + +<p> VI. Three Final Conflicts and Triumphs, 17:1-22:5.</p> +<blockquote><p> + 1. The first conflict and triumph, 17:1-19:10.</p> + +<p> 2. The second conflict and triumph, 19:11-20:6.</p> +<p> + 3. The third conflict and triumph, 20:7-22:5.</p> + +<p>VII. The Epilogue Conclusion, 22:6-21 end.</p></blockquote> + +<blockquote><p> 1. Three-fold testimony to the truth of the vision. Angel, Jesus. +John, 6-8.</p> + +<p> 2. Directions of the angels concerning the prophecy, 9-10.</p> + +<p> 3. The moral of the book, 11-17.</p> + +<p> 4. John's attestation and salutation, 18-21.</p></blockquote> + +<p>For Study and Discussion. (1) The vision of Jesus, 1:9 end. (2) +The letters to the seven churches: (a) Which churches are given noting +but praise? (b) Which nothing but blame? (c) Which both praise and +blame? (d) What is commended and what condemned in each. (3) The +twenty-four elders, four living creatures, sealed book and the Lamb, +Chs. 4-5. (4) The sealing of God's servants, Ch. 7. (5) The little +book, Ch. 10. (6) The measuring rod and two witnesses; 11:1-14. (7) +Each of the seven mystic figures, Chs. 12-14. Describe each. (8) +Mystery Babylon, Ch. 17. (9) Song of triumph over Babylon, 19:1-10. +(10) The judgment of Satan, 20:1-10. (11) The description of the +general resurrection and judgment, 20:11-15; 22:10-15. (12) The +description of heaven, Chs. 21-22. (13) Verify the following points of +similarity in the seven seals, seven trumpets and seven vials, (a) +that heaven is opened and a preliminary vision before each series, (b) +that the first four in each series refer especially to the present +natural world, while the last three in each series refer more +particularly to the future or spiritual world, (c) that in each series +there is an episode after the sixth which is either an elaboration of +the sixth or an introduction to the seventh. (14) Compare these three +series again and note, (a) that they portray the same events in +similar language, (b) that the victory of the righteous and the +destruction of the wicked are portrayed in each, (c) that the victory +of the redeemed predominates in the first (seals) while the +destruction of the wicked predominates in the last (vials). (15) In +the series note the progress in the severity of punishment, (a) one- +fourth afflicted in the first (seals), (b) one-third afflicted in the +second (trumpets), (c) all are destroyed in the third (vials). (16) +From the following scriptures make a list allowing how nearly the same +thing is affected in each of the seven trumpets and vials, (a) 8:7 and +16:2, (b) 8:8 and 16:3, (c) 8:10-11 and 16:4-7, (d) 8:12 and 16:8-9, +(e) 9:9-11 and 16:10-11, (f) 9:13-21 and 16:12-16, (g) 11:15-18 and +16:17-21. (17) The contrasts and resemblances of the trumpets and +vials.</p> + +<p>Trumpets. 1. Hail, fire blood cast on earth, one-third of the trees +burned.</p> + +<p>Vails. 1. The Vial poured out on the earth, affliction upon the +followers of the beast.</p> + +<p>Trumpets. 2. One-third of the sea made blood, one-third of its +creatures and of its ships destroyed. </p> + +<p>Vails. 2. The whole sea made blood, and every soul therein destroyed.</p> + +<p>Trumpets. 3. One-third of the rivers made bitter, many men destroyed. </p> + +<p>Vials. 3. All the rivers made blood and vengeance upon all men.</p> + +<p>Trumpets. 4. One-third of the sun, etc., smitten, one-third of the day +darkened. </p> + +<p>Vials. 4. The whole sun smitten, men are scorched, they blaspheme and +repent not.</p> + +<p>Trumpets. 5. The stars of heaven fall into the pit; locusts sent +forth; men seek death.</p> + +<p>Vials. 5. The throne and kingdom of the beast smitten, men suffer and +blaspheme and repent not.</p> + +<p>Trumpets. 6. One-third of the men destroyed by the armies of the +Euphrates; men do not repent. Episode: God's two witnesses witness for +Him and work miracles. War against them by the beasts.</p> + +<p>Vials. 6. A way prepared for the kings beyond the Euphrates. Episode: +The dragon's three unclean spirits witness for him and work miracles. +War by the world at Armageddon.</p> + +<p>Trumpets. 7. Voices in heaven, judgment, earthquake, hail, etc.</p> + +<p>Vials. 7, Voice in heaven, fall of Babylon, earthquake, hail, etc.</p> + +<p>(18) The benedictions and doxologies of the book. (19) Things taught +about Jesus. (20) Things taught about Satan.</p> + +<p>END.</p> + + +<pre> + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Bible Book by Book, by Josiah Blake Tidwell + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK *** + +***** This file should be named 16290-h.htm or 16290-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/2/9/16290/ + +Produced by Fredric Lozo + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Bible Book by Book + A Manual for the Outline Study of the Bible by Books + +Author: Josiah Blake Tidwell + +Release Date: July 13, 2005 [EBook #16290] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK *** + + + + +Produced by Fredric Lozo + + + + + +THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK + +A MANUAL + +For the Outline Study of the Bible by Books + +BY + +J.B. TIDELL, A.M., D.D. + +Professor of Biblical Literature + +In Baylor University + +Waco, Texas + +1916 + +Baylor University Press + +Waco, Texas + + * * * * * + +Preface to Second Edition. + +In sending forth this second edition of The Bible Book by Book it has +seemed wise to make some changes in it. The descriptive matter has +been put in paragraph instead of tabular form; the analyses have been +made shorter and less complex; the lessons based on the Old Testament +books have been omitted or incorporated in the topics of study which +have been increased, It is believed that the make-up of the book is +better and more attractive. + +The author feels a deep gratitude that the first edition has been so +soon sold. He indulges the hope that it has been found helpful and +sends out this edition with a prayer that it may prove more valuable +than did the former. + +J.B. Tidwell + + * * * * * + +Preface to First Edition. + +The aim of this book is to furnish students of the Bible with an +outline which will enable them to gain a certain familiarity with its +contents. While it is intended especially for students in academies, +preparatory schools and colleges, the needs of classes conducted by +Women's Societies, Young People's Organizations, Sunday School Normal +Classes, Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. and advanced classes of the +Sunday Schools have been constantly in mind. Its publication has been +encouraged not only by the hope of supplying the needs mentioned but +by expressions that have followed public lectures upon certain books, +indicating a desire on the part of Christians in general for a book +that would, in a brief compass, give them some insight into the +purpose, occasion and general setting of each of the books of the +Bible. + +The work has been done with a conviction that the students of American +schools should become as well acquainted with the sources of our +religion as they are required to do with the religions of ancient +heathen nations, and all the more so, since the most of our people +regard it as the true and only religion, and still more so, since "it +is made the basis of our civilization and is implied and involved in +our whole national life." It is believed by the Author that a +knowledge of the simple facts of the history, geography and chronology +of the Bible is essential to a liberal education and that to be +familiar with the prophecies, poetry, and ethics of the scripture is +as essential to the educated man of today as was a "knowledge of Greek +history in the time of Pericles or of English history in the reign of +Henry the VIII." And, in order that such knowledge may be gained, +effort has been made to put into the book only a minimum of matter +calculated to take the student away from the Bible itself to a +discussion about it and to put into it a maximum of such matter as +will require him to study the scripture at first hand. + +Having intended, first of all to meet the needs of those whose +advantages for scripture study have been limited, the information has +been put in tabular form, giving only such facts as have been +carefully gathered from reliable sources, with but little attempt to +show how the conclusions were reached. It is expected that the facts +given may be mastered and that an interest may be created which will +lead to further study upon the subjects treated. And to this end some +of the studies have been made sufficiently complicated for college +work and instruction for such work given in suggestions for teachers, +leaders and classes. Besides the studies of the books there have been +introduced some matters of general interest which have been found +helpful as drills for academy pupils, and which will be found +interesting and helpful to all classes of students. + +The general plan is the outgrowth of the experience of a few years of +teaching, but the material presented lays little claim to originality. +It has been gathered from many sources and may in some cases seem +almost like plagiarism, but due acknowledgment is here made for all +suggestions coming from any source whatsoever, including Dr. George W. +Baines, who read all the material except that on the New Testament. + +Let it be said also, that in preparing these studies the Author has +proceeded upon the basis of a belief in the Bible as the Word of God, +a true source of comfort for every condition of heart and a safe guide +to all faith and conduct whether of individuals or of nations. It is +hoped therefore that those who may study the topics presented will +approach the scripture with an open heart, that it may have full power +to make them feel the need of God, that they may make its provisions +real in their experience and that it may bring to them new and changed +lives. + +If the pastors shall deem it valuable as a book of reference for +themselves and to their members who are desirous of pursuing Bible +study, or if it shall be found serviceable to any or all of those +mentioned in paragraph one of this Preface, the Author will be amply +rewarded for the effort made. + +J. B. TIDWELL. + +Waco, Texas, August, 1914. + + * * * * * + +Table of Contents. + +Some Introductory Studies. + +Chapter I. Why We Believe the Bible. + +Chapter II. The Names of God. + +Chapter III. The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions. + +Chapter IV. Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great +Covenants. + +Chapter V. The Divisions of the Scriptures. + +Chapter VI. The Dispensations. + +Chapter VII. Ages and Periods of Biblical History. + +Chapter VIII. Some General Matters and Some Biblical Characters. + +The Bible Book by Book. + +Chapter I. Genesis. + +Chapter II. Exodus. + +Chapter III. Leviticus. + +Chapter IV. Numbers. + +Chapter V. Deuteronomy. + +Chapter VI. Joshua. + +Chapter VII. Judges and Ruth. + +Chapter VIII. First and Second Samuel. + +Chapter IX. First and Second Kings. + +Chapter X. First and Second Chronicles. + +Chapter XI. Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. + +Chapter XII. Job. + +Chapter XIII. Psalms and Proverbs. + +Chapter XIV. Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon. + +Chapter XV. Isaiah. + +Chapter XVI. Jeremiah and Lamentations. + +Chapter XVII. Ezekiel and Daniel. + +Chapter XVIII. Hosea and Joel. + +Chapter XIX. Amos and Obadiah. + +Chapter XX. Jonah and Micah. + +Chapter XXI. Nahum and Habakkuk. + +Chapter XXII. Zephaniah and Haggai. + +Chapter XXIII. Malachi. + +Chapter XXIV. Matthew. + +Chapter XXV. Mark. + +Chapter XXVI. Luke. + +Chapter XXVII. John. + +Chapter XXVIII. Acts. + +Chapter XXIX. Romans. + +Chapter XXX. First and Second Corinthians. + +Chapter XXXI. Galatians and Ephesians. + +Chapter XXXII. Philippians and Colossians + +Chapter XXXIII. First and Second Thessalonians. + +Chapter XXXIV. First and Second Timothy. + +Chapter XXXV. Titus and Philemon. + +Chapter XXXVI. Hebrews and James. + +Chapter XXXVII. First and Second Peter. + +Chapter XXXVIII. First, Second and Third John and Jude. + +Chapter XXXIX. Revelation. + + * * * * * + +Chapter I. + +Why We Believe The Bible. + +There are two lines of proof of the reliability of the scriptures, the +external and the internal. These different kinds of evidences may be +put down, without separation, somewhat as follows: + + 1. The Formation and Unity of the Bible. There are sixty-six +books written by nearly forty men, who lived at various times, and yet +these books agree in making a perfect whole. These writers were of +different classes and occupations. They possessed different degrees of +training and lived in widely different places and ages of the world. +The perfect agreement of their writings could not, therefore, be the +result of any collusion between them. The only conclusion that can +explain such unity is that one great and infinite mind dictated the +scripture. + + 2. The Preservation of the Bible. That the Bible is a divine book +is proven in that it has survived the wreck of empires and kingdoms +and the destruction of costly and carefully gathered libraries and +that, too, when there was no special human effort to save it. At times +all the constituted powers of earth were arrayed against it, but it +has made its way against the tide of fierce opposition and +persecution. + + 3. Its Historical Accuracy. The names of towns, cities, battles, +kings, empires and great events, widely apart in time and place, are +given without a blunder. The ruins of cities of Assyria, Egypt and +Babylon have been unearthed and tablets found that prove the accuracy +of the Bible narrative. These tablets corroborate the stories of the +creation and fall of man, of the flood, the tower of Babel, the +bondage in Egypt, the captivity, and many other things. This accuracy +gives us confidence in the reality of the book. + + 4. Its Scientific Accuracy. At the time of the writing of the +Bible. there were all sorts of crude and superstitious stories about +the earth and all its creatures and processes. It was humanly +impossible for a book to have been written that would stand the teat +of scientific research, and yet at every point it has proven true to +the facts of nature. Its teachings areas to the creation of all animal +life is proven in science, in that not a single new species has come +into existence within the history of man and his research or +experiment. David said the sun traveled in a circuit (Ps. 19:6), and +science has proven his statement. Job said the wind had weight (Job +28:25) and science has finally verified it. That the earth is +suspended In space with no visible support is declared by Job, who +said that "God hangeth the earth upon nothing", Job 26:7. +Besides these and other specific teachings of science which correspond +to Bible utterances, the whole general teachings of the scripture is +sustained by our investigations. Many theories have been advanced that +contradicted the Bible (at one time a French Institution of Science +claimed that there were eighty hostile theories), but not a single +such theory has stood. Wherever a teaching of science contradicting +the Bible has ever been advanced, it has been proven false, while the +Bible was found to correspond to the facts. + + 5. Its Prophetic Accuracy. At least sixteen prophets prophesied +concerning future events. They told of the coming destruction of +cities and empires, calling them by name. They told of new kingdoms. +They told of the coming of Christ, his nativity, the place of his +birth, and the result of his life and death and made no mistake. + +Christ himself showed how their old prophecies were fulfilled in Him. +He told the destruction of Jerusalem and the nature of his Kingdom and +work, all of which has been shown to be true. No other but a Divine +book could have foretold the future in detail. + + 6. The Richness and Universality of Its Teachings. Its contents are +fresh and new to every age and people. Its teachings furnish the +highest standards for right human government and for personal purity +of character. Its virtues are superior to all others. Every generation +finds new and wonderful treasures in it, and while hundreds of +thousands of books have been written about it, one feels that it is +still a mine, the riches of whose literary excellence, moral beauty +and lofty thought have scarcely been touched. + + 7. The Fairness and Candor of Its Writers. In portraying its heroes, +the Bible does not attempt any gloss. Their faults are neither +covered up nor condoned, but condemned. This is unlike all other +books. + + 8. Its Solution of Man's Difficulties. What is the origin of the +world? What is the origin of man? How came sin in the world? Will +there be punishment of sin that will satisfy the unfairness and +inequalities of life? Is there redemption for weak and helpless man? +Is there a future life? These are some of the questions that have +troubled man in all ages. The Bible alone answers them in a simple yet +adequate way. It alone gives us the knowledge of the way to secure +happiness. Its remedies alone furnish a certain balm for bruised human +hearts. + + 9. Its Miracles. The Bible, which records how God sent his son and +others on special missions, also tells how He attested their work by +signs or miracles. These miracles were performed in the presence of +creditable witnesses and should, therefore, be believed. Moreover, +they are so different from the superhuman deeds of ancient mythology +as to stamp them as divine and true and at the same time to discredit +all the false. + +Bible miracles are never for mere exploitation or for personal profit +to the one who performs the miracle. They are for the good of others. +The blind and deaf and lame are healed. The sick and dead are raised. +Lepers are cured and sins forgiven. Moreover, those who perform the +miracle claim no power of their own, but attribute it all to God and +only perform the miracle that God may be exalted. + + 10. Its Spiritual Character. It is evident that man alone could not +have conceived the lofty ideas of the scripture. All his experience +proves that he can not produce anything so far beyond himself. These +high truths therefore, have come from a greater than man. + + 11. Its Fruit. No other book will do for man what the Bible does. The +spread of its truths makes man better. Wherever the Bible goes +civilization and enlightenment follow. This is so, no matter what the +former condition of the people. Where everything else fails, the Bible +succeeds in lifting men out of ignorance and shame. + + + 12. Its Own Claims to Divine Origin. (1) It clearly claims to be the +the word of God. (a) All scripture is given by inspiration Of God. 2 +Tim. 3:16. (b) God spake unto the fathers by the prophets, Heb. 1:1. +(c) Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 +Peter 1:21. (d) He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, Luke 1:70. +(e) Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake. Acts 1:16. (f) +God showed by the mouth of all his prophets. Acts 3:18. (g) By the +revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal. 1:12. (h) Not as the word of men, but +as it is in truth the word of God, 1 Thes. 2:13. (2) It claims to be a +good book and to be given for man's good. Both of these claims have +been amply justified. But it could not be a good book and claim what +is not true. This it would do if it ware not the Word of God. + + * * * * * + +Chapter II. + +The Names of God. + +Several names are used for God, each having its own significance, and +every Bible reader should in some general way know the meaning of each +name. We cannot always distinguish the exact meaning, but the +following, while not all, will be of use in reading the English +translation. + + 1. God. This comes from one word and two of its compound or forms +and will mean accordingly: (1) The Strong one used 225 times in the +Old Testament; (2) The Strong one as an object of worship; (3) The +Strong one who is faithful and, therefore, to be trusted and obeyed. +This last is a plural term and is used 2300 times in the Old +Testament. It is the name used when God said. "Let us make man" and +"God created man in his own image," etc., Gen. 1:26-27. It was by this +name that God the Trinity covenanted for the good of man before man +was created. + + 2. LORD. Small capitals in the old version and translated Jehovah in +the in the revised translation. It means: (1) The self-existing one +who reveals himself; (2) God as Redeemer. It was under this name that +he sought man after the fall and clothed him with skins. Gen. 3:9-17; +(3) God who makesand keeps his covenants. It is used more than 100 +times in connection with the covenants, as in Jer. 31:31-34 where he +promises a new covenant. + + 3. Lord. Small letters except the L and always denotes God as Master +in his relation to us as servants. There are two kinds of servants- +hired and bought servants, the latter being always superior and more +beloved. The servant is expected to obey and is guaranteed protection +and support for his service. + + 4. Almighty God. This means a Strong-breasted one, the Pourer or +Shredder forth of spiritual and temporal blessings. It refers to +God: (1) As a nourisher, strength-giver, satisfier and a strong one +who gives; (2) As the giver of fruitfulness which comes through +nourishment. He was to make Abraham fruitful, Gen. 17:1-8; (3) As +Giver of chastening. This he does in the way of pruning that there may +be more fruit. + + 5. The Most High or Most High God. This means: (1) The Possessor of +heaven and earth, who as owner distributes the earth among the +nations; (2) The one who, as possessor, has dominion and authority +over both, Dan. 4:18, 37; Ps. 91:9-13. + + 6. Everlasting God, This represents him as: (1) The God of the +mystery of the ages and, therefore, (2) The God of secrets; (3) The +God of everlasting existence whose understanding is past finding out, +Is. 40:28. + + 7. LORD (Jehovah) God, This name is used: (1) Of the relation of +Deity to man, (a) as Creator, creating and controlling his destiny, +especially of his earthly relations, (b) as having moral authority +over him, (c) as redeemer; (2) Of his relation to Israel, whose +destiny he made and controlled. + + 8. Lord (Jehovah) of Hosts. This refer: Usually to the host of +heaven, especially of angels; (2) To all the divine or heavenly power +available for the people of God; (3) The special name of deity used to +comfort Israel in time of division and defeat or failure, Is. 1:9, +8:11-14. + +Note. Drill on the use of these names and find some scripture passage +illustrating the use of each. + + * * * * * + +Chapter III. + +The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions. + +The Sacred Officers. + +The following facts about the officers of the Bible should be familiar +to all Bible students. + + 1. The Priests. They represent the people to God. The head of the +household was the first priest. Gen. 8:20. Later the first born or +oldest son became priests of the chosen people, Ex. 28:1. They served +in the tabernacle and later in the temple where they conducted +religious services, offered sacrifices for public and private sins and +were teachers and magistrates of the law. + + 2. The Prophets. These speak for God to the people. They received +revelations from God and made them known to men. They were selected +according to God's own will to impart his spiritual gifts (1 Cor. +12:11) and extended down through those who wrote prophetic books to +Malachi. They were philosophers, teachers, preachers and guides to the +people's piety and worship. Abraham was the first to be called a +prophet (Gen. 20:7) and Aaron next (Ex. 7:1). + + 3. The Scribes. The word means a writer and Seraiah is the first one +mentioned, 2 Sam. 8;17. As writers they soon became transcribers, then +interpreters and teachers or expounders. They became known as lawyers +and were accorded high standing and dignity. In the time of the kings +they were supported by the state as a learned, organized and highly +influential body of men. In Christ's time they were among the most +influential members of the Sanhedrin. + + 4. The Apostles. These formed the beginning of Christ's church. They +were separate from the old order and were, therefore, under no +obligation to any caste. Nor were they tied to the old administration +of divine things. The word means a messenger or one sent. They were, +therefore, to be with him and to be sent forth to preach. Twelve were +chosen, and when Judas, one of them, betrayed him, Matthias was chosen +in his place (Acts 1:15-26). Paul was appointed in a special way +(Acts 9:1-43) and perhaps others. Barnabas was called an apostle +(Acts 14:14). + +These men led the new movements (Acts 5:12-13) and devoted themselves +especially to ministerial gifts (Acts 8:14-18). They had first +authority in the church (Acts 9:27; 15:2; 1 Cor. 9:1; 12:28; 2 Cor. +10:8; 12:12; Gal. 1:17; 2:8-9). + + 5. Ministers or Preachers-They are: (1) Those who minister to or +aid another in service, but as free attendants, not as slaves; (2) +They became the teachers and hence our term ministers (Acts 13:2; Rom. +15:16); (3) Today they are preachers and teachers of the word and +minister to the spiritual needs of God's people and of others. + +Note. Read all the scriptures here referred to and invite others to be +given by the class. Then drill on these facts until they are familiar. + +The Sacred Occasions. + + 1. The Sabbath. For the meaning and use of the term see Lev. 25:4; +Math. 28:1; Lu. 24:1; Acts 25:7. The first mention is Gen. 2:2-3 and +the first mention of the weekly Sabbath is Ex. 16:22-30. It is +suggested in the division of weeks. Gen. 8:10-12; 29:27-28, and Israel +was directed to keep it, Ex. 20:8-11. + + 2. The New Moons. They were special feasts on the first day of the +month (Num. 10:10) and were celebrated by sacrifices (Num. 28:11-15). +Among the ten tribes it was regarded as a time suitable to go to the +prophets for instruction, 2 K. 4:23. 3. The Annual Feasts. There were +several of these. (1) _The Passover_, April 14 (Ex. 12:1-51), +commemorating the exodus from Egypt and the saving of the first born. +(2) _Pentecost_, June 6 (Ex. 34:22; Lev. 23:15-16; Deut. 16:9-10; Num. +28:26-31), commemorating the giving of the Law. + + (3) _The Feast of Trumpets_, October 1 (Lev. 23:23-25; Num. 29:1-6), +the beginning of the civil year. (4) _The Day of Atonement_, October +10 (Lev. 16: 1-34; 23:27-32), atonement made for the sins of the +people. (5) _The Feast of Tabernacles_, October 15, lasting a week +(Lev. 23:34-43; Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Deut. 16:13-15), commemorating the +life in the wilderness. (6) _The Feast of Dedication_, December 25 (1 +Kings 8:2; 1 Chron. 5:3), commemorating the dedication of the temple. +(7) _The Feast of Purim_, March 14 and 15 (Esth. 9:20-32), +commemorating the deliverance through Esther. + + 4. The Sabbatical Year. The land of Israel should rest every seven +years as the people rested every seven days. No seeds must be sown or +vineyards pruned. All that grew was public property and the poor could +take it at will. All debts must then be forgiven except to foreigners +(Ex. 23:10-11; Lev. 25:2-7; Deut. 15:1-11). + + 5. The Year of Jubilee. Every fiftieth year was known as Jubilee, +Lev. 25:8-55. It began on the tenth day of the seventh month and +during it the soil was unfilled just as on the Sabbatical year. All +alienated land went back to the original owner and the Hebrew bondmen +became free if they desired. + + 6. The Lord's Day. It is the first day of the week and commemorates +the resurrection of Jesus and the finished work of redemption as the +Sabbath commemorated the finished work of creation. + +Note. Find other scripture references to each of these occasions and +become familiar with the name, date and import of each. + + + * * * * * + +Chapter IV. + +Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants. + +The Sacred Institutions of Worship. + + 1. The Alter. Make a careful study finding: (1) The first mention of +it. (2) The different persons who are recorded as erecting altars, +Gen. 1-Ex. 20. (3) The materials of construction, Ex. 20:24-25. (4) +The purpose for which they were erected, including that of Joshua, +Josh. 22:10, 22-29. + + 2. The Tabernacle, Ex. chs. 25-29. Study: (1) The instructions to +build it, including the offerings and articles to be given. (2) Its +furniture. (3) Its erection. (4) Its purpose, Ex. 29;42-45; Heb. Chs. +9-10. (5) Its history, when first set up, how long used, etc. + + 3. The Temple. (1) _Solomon's Temple_. Study David's desire to build +and his preparation for it. 2 Sam. 7:1-2; 2 Chron. 28, 29; its +material, erection and dedication, 1 Kings 5-8; 2 Chron. 2:6; its +destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's general, 587 B. C. (2) _Zerubbabel +Temple_. Study the decree of Cyrus, return of the Jews, rebuilding and +dedication, Ezra Chs. 1-6; its destruction by Pompey 63 B. C. and by +Herod the Great 37 B. C. (3) _Herod's Temple_. It was begun 20 or 21 B. +C., John 2:20; Matt. 24:1-2; Matt. 13:1-2; Lu. 21:56, and destroyed +under Titus, A. D. 70. + + 4. The Synagogue. Greek work meaning an assemblage. There were +synagogues wherever there were faithful Jews, about 1500 in Palestine +and perhaps 480 in Jerusalem. The officers were (1) Ruler. Lu. 8:49; +13:14; Mk 5:15, etc; (2) Elders, Lu. 7:3; Mk. 5:22, etc; (3) +Minister, Lu. 4:20. The service was one of prayer and reading and +expounding the scriptures. It was through the worship at the synagogue +that the apostles everywhere had opportunity to teach Christianity. + + 5. The Church. The word means an assemblage and is most commonly +used of a local congregation of Christian workers. It is sometimes +called the church of Christ, Church of God, Saints, etc. Churches were +established in cities and in homes. It is not proper to call all the +Christians of a particular denomination a church. Nor can we call all +of any denomination in a given territory a church. It would be wrong +to say the Baptist church of the south. In the New Testament we can +get a rather clear idea of it as an institution by a study of a few +principal churches and leaders of the Christian movement after the +ascension of Christ. + +The Seven Great Covenants. +There are two kinds of covenants. (1) Declarative or unconditional, +example, Gen. 9-11, "I will." (2) Mutual or conditional, example, +"If thou wilt." All scripture is a development of or is summed up +in seven covenants. + + 1. The Adamic Covenant, Gen. 3:14-19. Outline the elements of the +covenant, showing the persons affected and the results or conditions +involved. + + 2. The Noahic Covenant, Gen. 8:20-9:27. Outline the elements of the +covenant, and the results affected. + + 3. The Abrahamic Covenant. Gen. 12:1-3; Acts 7:3. other details, +Gen. 13:14-17; 15:1-18; 17:1-8. Outline, giving the elements, +blessings proposed, temporal and spiritual or eternal. This is +sometimes called several covenants but it seems best to consider it +one that is enlarged upon from time to time. + + 4. The Mosaic Covenant, Ex. 19-30. Given in two parts: (1) _Law of +Duty_ (10 commandments), (2) _Law of Mercy_, Priesthood and Sacrifices +Lev. 4:27:31; Heb. 9:1-7. (3) To whom given, Ex. 19:3 and to all, Rom. +2,12; 3:19, etc. (4) Its purpose: (a) Negative, Rom. 3:19-20, Gal. +2:16-21. etc; (b) Positive, Rom. 3:19, 7:7-13. (5) Christ's relation +to the Mosaic Covenant: (a) was under it, Gal. 4;4; Matt. 3:13, etc; +(b) Kept it, Jno. 8:46; 15:10; (c) Bore its curse for sinners, Gal. +3:10-13; 4:45; 2 Cor. 5:21, etc; (d) Took the place of and ended the +Priesthood and sacrifices, Heb. 9:11-15; 10:1-12, etc; (e) New +covenant provided for believers in Christ, Rom.8:1; Gal. 3:13-17. + + 5. The Deuteronomic Covenant, Deut. 30:1-9. Outline its elements, +giving things promised and prophesied. + + 6. The Davidic Covenant, 2 Sam. 7:5-19. (1) Elements of the covenant +and summary in the Old Testament. (2) In the New Testament. + + 7. The New Covenant. (1) Formed, Heb. 8:6-13. (2) In prophecy. Jer. +31:31-34. (3) It is founded on the sacrifice of Christ. Matt. 26: +27-28; 1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 9:11-12. (4) It is primarily for Israel, but +Christians are partakers, Heb. 10:11-22; Eph. 2:11-20. (5) Jews are +yet to be brought into it, Ezek. 20:34-37; Jer. 23:5-6; Rom. 11:25-27. + +Note. Try to see how all of these covenants met in Christ. + + * * * * * + +Chapter 5. + +The Division of the Scriptures. + +In language and contents, the Bible is divided into two main +divisions. + +1. The Old Testament, 39 Books. 2. The New Testament, 27 Books. Total. +66 Books. + +The Jews were accustomed to divide the Old Testament into three main +parts, as follows: + + 1. The Law-the first five books, Genesis to Deuteronomy, otherwise +called the Pentateuch and books of Moses. + + 2. The Prophets. These are divided into the "former prophets" or +historical books and the "later prophets," or books, which we commonly +call the prophetic books. + + 3. The Writings, which was made to include; (1) Poetical +books-Psalms, Proverbs and Job; (2) Five Rolls-Song of Solomon, Ruth, +Esther, Lamentations and Ecclesiastes; (3) Other Books: Daniel, Ezra, +Nehemiah and I and II Chronicles. + +The Bible itself divides the Old Testament into the three following +divisions: + + 1. The Law, which includes the first five books of the Bible, also +called the books of Moses. + + 2. The Prophets, which includes the next twelve books, commonly +called historical books and the seventeen books we know as the +prophetic books. + + 3. The Psalms, including the five poetical books. + +The Books of the Bible + +The books of the Old and New Testaments may each be divided into three +or five groups as follows: + +First Into three groups. + +1. History. + (1) Old Testament-Genesis-Esther (17 books). + + (2) New Testament-Matthew-Acts (5 books). + +2. Doctrine. + + (1) Old Testament-Job-Song of Solomon (5 books). + + (2) New Testament-Romans-Jude (21 books). + +3. Prophecy. (1) Old Testament-Isaiah-Malachi (17 books). + + (2) New Testament-Revelation (1 book). + +Second, into five groups. + +1. Old Testament. + + (1) Pentateuch-Genesis-Deuteronomy (5 books). + + (2) Historical Books-Joshua-Esther (12 books). + + (3) Poetical Books-Job-Song of Solomon (5 books). + + (4) Major Prophets-Isaiah-Daniel (5 books). + + (5) Minor Prophets-Hosea-Malachi (12 books). + +2. New Testament. + + (1) Gospels-Matthew-John (4 books). + + (2) Acts-Acts (1 book). (3) Pauline Epistles-Romans-Hebrews (14 +books). + + (4) General Epistles-James-Jude (7 books). + + (5) Revelation-Revelation (1 book). + +Direction For Study. (1) Drill on the Scripture divisions, Jewish +divisions and the three and five groups of each Testament. (2) Drill +on the number of chapters in each book and on the abbreviation of +each. (3) Drill on books having the same number of chapters, as all +those having one chapter, two chapters, etc. + + * * * * * + +Chapter VI. + +The Dispensations. +A dispensation is a period of time during which God deals in a +particular way with man in the matter of sin and responsibility. The +whole Bible may be divided into either three or seven dispensations. + +Three Dispensations. + + 1._The Patriarchal Dispensation_. From creation to the giving of the +Law, Gen. 1-Ex. 19 and Job. + + 2. _The Mosaic Dispensation_. From the giving of the Law to the +birth of Christ, Ex. 20-Mal. 4. + + 3. _The Christian Dispensation_. From the birth of Christ to his +second coming, Matt.-Rev. + +Seven Dispensations. In each of these, man is put in a given state or +condition, has a responsibility in it, fails to meet the +responsibility, and suffers consequent Judgment. + + 1. _The Dispensation of Innocence_. From creation to the expulsion +from the garden, Gen. 1-3. In this period. Adam and Eve were under +obligations to keep their innocence by abstaining from the fruit of +the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Their failure has been the +most destructive and for reaching of all man's failures. + + 2. _The Dispensation of Conscience_. From the fall to the flood, +Gen. 4-9. Man had a natural conscience, or knew good from evil, and +was under obligation to do good and not evil. The time covered B. C. +4004-2348=1636 years for 1 and 2. + + 3. _The Dispensation of Human Governments_. From the flood to the +call of Abraham, Gen. 10-12. God gave the eight persons saved from the +flood power to govern the renewed earth. The time covered, B. C. +2348-1921.= 427 years. + + 4. _The Dispensation of Promise_. From Abraham to the giving of the +law. Gen. 12-Ex.19. God promised Abraham land, natural seed, +spiritual seed and other conditional promises. For the sake of study, +this dispensation is divided into two sections. (1) Abraham and the +chosen people, Gen. 12:50. (2) Moses and the Exodus, Ex. 1-19. The +time covered, B. C. 1921-1491=430 years. + + 5. The Dispensation of the Law. From Sinai to Calvary or from Exodus +to the cross, Ex. 20-John 21. The history of Israel in the wilderness +and their lapses into idolatry and their other sins while in Canaan, +their captivity by Babylon and final dispersion are evidences of their +failure in this dispensation. All of the Old Testament was written +during this period. The time covered, B. C. 1491-A. D. 34=1525 years. + + 6. The Dispensation of Grace. From Calvary to the second coming of +Christ, Act 8-Rev. Grace is God giving instead of requiring +righteousness. It is unmerited favor. During this dispensation, +perfect and eternal salvation is fully offered to both Jews and +Gentiles upon the condition of faith. It will end with the destruction +of the wicked. The time covered is not known. + + 7. The Dispensation of the Kingdom. The Millennium (1000). +Directions for Study. (1) Drill the class on the names of +dispensations, the portion of scripture included and the period of +time covered. (2) Have each student to select for himself some +prominent person or historical event found in each dispensation with +which he will familiarize himself. + + * * * * * + +Chapter VII. + +Ages and Periods of Biblical History. + +Bible history is commonly divided into the following ages or periods +according to the purpose to be served or the minuteness of the study +to be taken. + +Seven Ages. + + 1. The Adamic Age. Gen. 1-8-From the creation to the flood. + + 2. The Noachian Age, Gen. 9-11-From the flood to the call of +Abraham. + + 3. The Abrahamic Age, Gen. 12-Ex. 19-From the call of Abraham to the +giving of the law. + + 4. The Mosaic Age, Ex. 20-1 Sam. 31-From the giving of the Law to +the reign of David. + + 5. The Davidic Age. 2 Sam. 1-2 Kings 25-From David's ascension to +the throne to the restoration. + + 6. The Ezraitic Age. Ezra-Mal.-From the restoration to the birth of +Christ. + + 7. The Christian Age. Matt-Rev.-From the birth to the second coming +of Christ. + +Fifteen Historical Periods. + + 1. _The Ante-diluvian Period_, From the creation to the flood. Gen. +1-6. The time covered, B. C. 4004 minus 2348 equal 1656 years. + + 2. _The Post-diluvian Period_. From the flood to the call of +Abraham. Gen. 7-11. Time covered, B. C. 2348 minus 1921 equal 427 +years. + + 3. _The Patriarchial Period_. From the call of Abraham to the +descent into Egypt. Gen. 12-50. Time covered. B. C. 1921 minus 1706 +equal 215 years. + + 4. _The Period Of Bondage_. From the descent into Egypt to the +Exodus Ex. 1-12. Time covered B. C. 1706 minus 1491 equal 215 years. + + 5. _The Period of Wilderness Wandering_. From the exodus to the +entrance into Canaan. Ex. 2-Deut. 34. Time covered, B. C. 1491 minus +1451 equal 40 years. + + 6. _The Period of the Conquest of Canaan_. From the entrance of +Canaan to the time of the Judges, Job. 1-Judge 2. Time covered, B. C. +1451 minus 1400 equal 51 years. + + 7. _The Period of the Judges_. From the beginning of the Judges to +the beginning of the Kingdom. Judg. 3-Sam 8. Time covered, B. C, 1400 +minus 1095 equal 305 years. + + 8. _The Period of the Kingdom of Israel_. From the beginning to the +division of the Kingdom, 1 Sam.9; King 11; 1 Chron. 10;2 Chron. 9. +Time covered B. C. 1095 minus 975 equal 120 years. + + 9. _The Period of the Two Kingdoms_. From the division of the +kingdom to the fall of Israel, 1 Kings 12; 2 Kings 18; 2 Chron. 10-29. +Time covered, B. C. 975 minus 722 equal 253 years. + + 10. _The Period of the Kingdom of Judah_. From the fall of Israel to +the fall of Judah, 2 Kings 21-25; 2 Chron. 33-36. Time covered, B. C. + +722 minus 587 equal 135 years. + + 11. _The Period of Babylonian Captivity_. From the fall of Judah to +the restoration to Jerusalem. 2 Kings, Is., Jer, Eze., Dan. Time +covered, B. C. 587 minus 537 equal 50 years. + + 12. _The Period of the Restoration_. From the return to Jerusalem to +the end of the Old Testament, Ezra, Neh., Esth., Hag., Zech. Time +covered, B. C. 537 minus 445 equal 92 years. + + 13. _The Period Between the Testaments_. From the end of the Old +Testament to the Birth of Christ-no scripture. Time covered, B. C. 445 +minus 4 equal 441 years. + + 14. _The Period of the Life of Christ_. From the birth of Jesus to +the ascension. Matt.-John. Time covered, B. C. 4 minus A. D. 30 equal +34 years. + + 15. _The Period of the Church after the Ascension_. From the +ascension to the second coming, Acts-Rev. Time covered A. D. 34 to the +end of the age. + +Twenty-one Shorter Periods. + + 1. From the Creation to the Fall, Gen. 1-3. + + 2. From the Fall to the Flood. Gen. 4-8. + + 3. From the Flood to Abraham, Gen. 9-11. + + 4. From Abraham to Egypt. Gen. 12-50. + + 5. From Egypt to Sinai. Ex. 1-19. + + 6. From Sinai to Kadesh, Ex. 20-Num. 14. + + 7. From Kadesh to the death of Moses, Num. 14-Dt. 34. + + 8. Joshua's Conquest, Josh. 9. The Judges, Jud. 1-1 Sam. 7. + + 10. Saul's Reign. 1 Sam. 8-end. + + 11. David's Reign, 2 Sam. + + 12. Solomon's Reign. 1 K. 1-11. + + 13. The Divided Kingdom 1 K. 12-2 K. 17. + + 14. From the captivity of Israel to the captivity of Judah. 2 K. 18- +25. 15. From the captivity of Judah to the Restoration, Dan. and Eze. + + 16. From the Restoration to Malachi, Ezra, Neh., and Esther. + + 17. From Malachi to the Birth of Christ, no scripture. + + 18. From the Birth of Christ to the ascension, Matt-John. 19. From +the Ascension to the Church at Antioch, Acts 1-12. + + 20. From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem, Acts 13-28. + + 21. From the Destruction of Jerusalem to the close of the New +Testament. John and Rev. + +Note 1. The author's "Bible Period by Period" is based upon these +twenty-one periods and will furnish material for a study of the whole +story of the Bible. + +Note 2. To the scripture given for each period should be added +corresponding scripture such as sections in Chron. corresponding to +that of Kings. + +Directions for Study. (1) Drill separately on the ages, fifteen +periods with the scripture and period covered by each until the class +is thoroughly familiar with them. Require the students to select some +event or character found in each age and period and drill on them +until they know something found in each. + + * * * * * + +Chapter VIII. + +Some General Matters and Biblical Characters. + +Some General Matters. + +Any intelligent reading of the Bible requires a knowledge of some +general matters. This chapter looks to the study of some of the most +important of them. + +_Sacred Mountains and Hills_. + +(1) Ararat, Gen. 8:4. (2) Lebanon. 1 K. 5:6; Josh, 13:5-6. (3) Hor, +Num. 34:7-8. (4) Hermon, Dt. 4:48; S. of S. 4:8. (5) Gilead, Gen. +31:25; Dt. 32:49. (7) Tabor, Josh. 19:22; Jud. 4:6. (8) Carmel, Is. +32:9; 1 K. 18-19. (9) Moriah, 2 Chron. 3:1-10. Zion, 2 Sam. 5:7-9; Ps, +87:2, 5. (11) Sinai, Ex. 19:1, 11 etc. (12) Horeb, Ex. 3:1; 1 K. 19:8 +etc. (13) Calvary Mt. 27:45. (14) Olivet or Olives, Zech. 14:4: Mk. +13:3. + +_The Jewish Months_. + + Hebrew Names Roman Names. + + 1. Nisan or Ahib March and April + + 2. Iyar or Ziv April and May. + + 3. Sivan May and June. + + 4. Tammuz June and July. + + 5. Ab July and August. + + 6. Elul August and September. + + 7. Tisri or Eharium September and October. + + 8. Marchesvan October and November. + + 9. Casleu or Chisleu November and December. + + 10. Tebeth December and January. + + 11. Shebat January and February. + + 12. Adar February and March. + +_Politico-Religious Parties_. + + 1. The Parties. (1) The Galileans. (2) Samaritans. (3) Proselytes. +(4) Hellenists. (5) Herodians. (6) Publicans. + + 2. The Religious Classes. (1) Scribes. (2) Pharisees. (3) +Sadducees. (4) Zealots. (5) Essenes. + +Note. By reference to some good Bible dictionary become familiar with +the history and importance of all the topics of the chapter. + +Some Biblical Characters. + +_Twenty Principal Men_ + +(1) Adams, Gen. 1-3. (2) Noah, Gen. 5-9. (3) Abraham, Gen. 12-25. (4) +Jacob, Gen. 25-50. (5) Moses, Ex-Dt. (6) Joshua, Josh. (7) Gideon, +Jud. 6-8. (8) Samuel, 1 Sam. 1-25. (9) David, 2 Sam. and 1 Chron. +11-29. (10) Solomon, 1 K. 1-11, 2 K. 2. (11) Hezekiah, 2 K. 18-20. +(12) Josiah, 2 K. 22-23. (13) Daniel, Dan. 1-12. (14) Ezra, Ezr. 7-10; +Neh. 8. (15) John the Baptist, Mt. Lu. Jno. (16) Peter, Four Gospels +and Acts. (17) Paul, Acts 9-28 and the Epistles. (18) John, the +Gospels and Revelation. + +_Some Prophets_. + +First Group. Tell something of the character and work of each of the +following: (1) Enoch, Jude 14; (2) Noah, 2 Pet. 2:5; Gen. 6:25-27; (3) +Samuel, 1 Sam. 9:9; 1 Chron. 29:29; (4) Nathan, 2 Sam. 7:2-4;12:2-7; +(5) Gad, 1 Sam. 22:5; 2 Sam. 24:11; (6) Ahijah, 1 K. 14:2; (7) Elijah, +1 K. 17-19; 1 Sam. 1-2; (8) Elisha, 2 K. 3-8; (9) Jonah, the book; +(10) Malachi, the book; (11) Agabus, Acts 21:10; (12) Daughters of +Philip, Acts 21:9. + +Second Group. Sam. - King. What prophet prophesied to each of the +following kings and what message did he bring: (1) Saul. 1 Sam. 15:17. +(2) David, 2 Sam. 7:2-3; 12:2-7. (3) Solomon, (4) Rehoboam, 1 K. +12:22; (5) Asa. (6) Ahab, 1 K. 17:1 ff. (7) Jeroboam. (8) Joash, 2 K. +13:14. (9) Jeroboam II, 1 K. 11:29 ff. (10) Ahaz. Is. 7:1-3. (11) +Hezekiah, Is. 19:2. (12) Josiah and his sons, 2 K. 22:14. + +Third Group. Which prophet prophesied against the following nations +and what was the nature of their prophecy: (1) Syria, Is. 17:3; Jer. +49:23; Amos. 1:3; Zech. 9:2; (2) Ninevah, Jonah, 1;1. Nahum 2:8 etc; +(3) Babylon, Is. 13:1; Jer. 25:12; (4) Moab, Is. 15:1 Jer. 25:21; Jer. +47; Eze. 25:8; Amos 2:1. (5) Ammon, Jer. 49:6; Eze. 21:28; Amos 1:13; +(6) Philistia, Is. 14:29. Zech. 9:6; Jer. 47:1. 4 Eze. 25:15; (7) +Egypt. Is. 19:1; Jer. 44:28; Eze. 29; (8) Tyre of Phoenicia. + +_Some Women_. + +First Group. In what connection and in what books of the Bible are the +following women considered? (1) Eve, Gen. 2:20; 4:1. (2) Sarah, +Gen.11, 29; 17:15. (3) Hagar, Gen. 16:1. (4) Rebekah, Gen. 24:15. (5) +Keturah, Gen. 25:1. (6) Rachel, Gen. 29: 16ff. (7) Leah, Gen. 29:16ff. +(8) Dinah, Gen. 30:21; 34:11. (9) Adah, Gen. 36:2. (10) Asenath, Gen. +41:45. (11) Shiphrah and Puah, Ex. 1:15. (12) Jehochebed, Ex. 6:20. +(13) Miriam. Ex. 2:4; 15:20; Num. 12:1 etc. (14) Zipporah, Ex. 2:21; +4:23; 18:20. (15) Rahab. Josh, 2:1-21. Heb. 11:31; Mt. 1:5. (16) +Deborah. Jud. 4:4. (17) Ruth, Ruth 1:4. (18) Hannah, 1 Sam. chs. 1-2. +(19) Bathshebah, 2 Sam. 11:3. (20) Abishag, 1 K. 1:3. (21) Jezebel, 1 +K. 21:5. (22) Vashti, Esth. 1:19. (23) Esther, Esth. 2:7. (24) Mary. +Mt. 1:18; Lu. 1:27. (25) Elizabeth. Lu. 1:5. (26) Martha. Jno. 12:2. +(27) Sapphira, Acts 5:1. (28) Tabitha, Dorcas, Acts 9:36. (29) Lydia +Acts. 16:14. + +Second Group. In what connection are the following mentioned; (1) The +witch of Endor, 1 Sara. 28:7. (2) The women of Tekoa. 2 Sam. 14. (3) +The queen of Sheba, 1 King 17:9. 10 (Elijah). (5) The woman of Shunem, +2 King 4:8 (Elisha). (6) The Samaritan woman. Jho. Ch. 4. (7) The +Syrophenician woman, Matt. 15:21-28. (8) Peter's mother in-law. Matt. +8: 14-17. (9) The widow of Nain, Lu. 7:11. (10) The daughter of +Jairus, Matt. 9:23-26. + +Third Group. Who is the mother of: (I) Seth. Gen. 5:3. (2) Isaac, Gen. +21:1 ff. (3) Ishmael, Gen. 16:16. (4) Jacob, Gen. 25:20ff (5) Judah. +Gen. 29:35. (6) Joseph, (7) Ephraim. Gen. 41:52. (8) Moses, Ex. 6:20. +(9) Samuel. 1 Sam. 1:20. (10) Joab. I Chron. 2:16. (11) Absalom, 2 +Sam. 3:3. (12) Solomon, 2 Sam. 12:24. (13) Rehoboam, I King 14:21-22. +(14) John the Baptist, Lu. 1:57. + + * * * * * + +THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK. + +A MANUAL. + +For the Outline Study of the Bible by Books. + + * * * * * +Chapter I. + +Genesis. + +The Name means beginning, origin, or creation. The leading thought, +therefore, is creation and we should study it with a view to finding +out everything, the beginning of which is recorded in it. Certainly we +have the record of: (1) The beginning of the world which God created. +(2) The beginning of man as the creature of God. (3) The beginning of +sin, which entered the world through the disobedience of man. (4) The +beginning of redemption, seen alike in the promises and types of the +book and in the chosen family. (5) The beginning of condemnation, seen +in the destruction and punishment of individuals, cities and the +world. + +The Purpose. The chief purpose of the book is to write a religious +history, showing how, after man had fallen into sin, God began to give +him a religion and to unfold to him a plan of salvation. In doing this +God is revealed as Creator, Preserver, Law-Giver, Judge and Merciful +Sovereign. + +The Importance of Genesis to Science. While the book does not attempt +to explain many matters which are left to investigation, it does set +out several facts which indicate the general plan of the universe and +furnish a basis for scientific research. Among the more important +things indicated are that: (1) There was a beginning of things. (2) +Things did not come by chance. (3) There is a Creator who continues to +take interest in and control the universe. (4) There was orderly +progress in creation from the less and more simple to the greater and +more complex. (5) Everything else was brought into existence for man +who is the crowning work of creation. + +The Religious Importance of the Book. The germ of all truth which is +unfolded in the scripture is found in Genesis and to know well this +book is to know God's plan for the blessing of man. Above all we learn +about the nature and work of God. + +Analysis. + +Note. In an ordinary academy class I would not tax the students with +the memory of more than the general divisions indicated by the Roman +notation, I, etc. But, in this, and all other outlines, drill the +class till these divisions, with the scripture included, are known +perfectly. I would also try to fix some event mentioned in each +section. + +I. Creation, Chs. 1-2. + + 1. Creation in general, Ch. 1. + + 2. Creation of man in particular, Ch. 2. + +II. Fall. Ch. 3. + + 1 Temptation, 1-5. + + 2. Fall, 6-8. + + 3. Lord's appearance, 9-13. + + 4. Curse, 14-21. 5. Exclusion from the garden, 22-24. + +III. Flood, Chs. 4-9. + 1. Growth of sin through Cain, 4:1-24. + + 2. Genealogy of Noah, 4: 25-5 end, + + 3. Building of the Ark, Ch. 6. + + 4. Occupying the Ark, Ch. 7. + + 5. Departure from the Ark, Ch. 8. + + 6. Covenant with Noah, Ch. 9. + +IV. Nations, 10:1-11:9. + + 1. Basis of Nations, Noah's sons, Ch. 10. How? + + 2. Occasion of forming the nations, 11:1-9. Why? + +V. Abraham, 11:10-25:18. + + 1. Genealogy of Abram from Shem, 11:10 end. + + 2. Call and promise, Ch. 12. + + 3. Abraham and Lot, Chs. 13-14. + + 4. Covenant, 15: 1-18: 15. + + 5. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, 18:16-19 end. + + 6. Lives at Gerar, Ch. 20. + + 7. Birth of Isaac, Ch. 21. + + 8. Sacrifice of Isaac, Ch. 22. + + 9. Death of Sarah, Ch. 23. + + 10. Marriage of Isaac, Ch. 24. + + 11. Death of Abraham and Ishmael, 25:1-18. + +VI. Isaac. 26:19-36 end. + + 1. His two sons, 25:19 end. + + 2. Divine covenant. Ch. 26. + + 3. Jacob's deception, Ch. 27. + + 4. Jacob's flight into Haran, Ch. 28. + + 5. Jacob's marriage and prosperity, Chs. 20-30. + + 6. Jacob's return to Canaan. Chs, 31-35. + + 7. Generations of Esau, Ch. 36. + +VII. Jacob, including Joseph, Chs. 37-50. + + 1. Jacob and Joseph, Chs. 37-45. + + 2. Sojourn in Egypt, Chs. 46-48. + + 3. Death of Jacob and Joseph, Chs. 49-50. +For Study and Discussion. (1) All that we may learn from this book +concerning the nature and work of God. (2) The different things the +origin of which this book tells: (a) Inanimate things, (b) Plant life, +(c) Animal life, (d) Human life, (e) Devices for comfort and safety, +(f) Sin and its varied effects, (g) Various trades and manners of +life, (h) Redemption, (i) Condemnation. (3) Worship as it appears in +Genesis, its form and development. (4) The principal men of the book +and the elements of weakness and strength in the character of each. +The teacher may make a list and assign them for study to different +pupils. (5) List the disappointments, family troubles and sorrows of +Jacob, and study them in the light of his early deception and fraud. +(6) The over-ruling divine providence seen in the career of Joseph, +with the present day lessons from the incidents of his life. (7) The +fundamental value of faith in the life and destiny of men. (8) The +Messianic promises, types and symbols of the entire book. List and +classify them. + + + * * * * * + +Chapter 2. + +Exodus. + +Name. The name Exodus means a going out or departure. + +Subject The subject and key-word of the book is redemption (3:7, 8; +12:13 etc.), particularly that half of redemption indicated by +deliverance from an evil plight. It records the redemption of the +chosen people out of Egyptian bondage, which becomes a type of all +redemption in that it was accomplished (1) wholly through the power of +God, (2) by a means of a deliverer (3) under the cover of blood. + +Purpose. At this point Old Testament history changes from that of the +family, given in individual biographies and family records, to that of +the nation, chosen for the divine purposes. The divine will is no +longer revealed to a few leaders but to the whole people. It begins +with the cruel bondage of Israel in Egypt, traces the remarkable +events of their delivery and ends with a complete establishment of the +dispensation of the Law. The aim seems to be to give an account of the +first stage in the fulfillment of the promises made by God to the +Patriarchs with reference to the place and growth of the Israelites. + +Contents. Two distinct sections are usually given by students: the +historical, included in chapters 1-19 and the legislative, comprising +chapters 20-40. The first section records: the need of deliverance; +the birth, training and call of the deliverer; the contest with +Pharaoh; the deliverance and march through the wilderness to Sinai. +The second gives the consecration of the nation and the covenant upon +which it was to become a nation. The laws were such as to cover all +the needs of a primitive people, both moral, ceremonial and civic with +directions for the establishment of the Priesthood and Sanctuary. + +Exodus and Science, Scientific research has gone far toward +establishing the truthfulness of the Exodus record, but has brought to +light nothing that in any way discounts it. It has shown who the +Pharaoh of the oppression and Exodus was (Rameses. II, the Pharaoh of +the oppression and Merenpth II, the Pharaoh of the Exodus.) and has +discovered Succoth. It has shown that writing was used long before the +Exodus and has discovered documents written before that period. It has +thus confirmed the condition of things narrated in the Bible. + +Analysis. + +I. Israel in Egypt, 1:1-12:36. + + 1. The bondage, Ch. 1. + + 2. The deliverer, Chs. 2-4. + + 3. The contest with Pharaoh, 5:1-12:38. + +II. Israel Journeying to Sinai, 12:37-18: end. + + 1. The exodus and passover, 12:37-13:16. + + 2. Journeying through Succoth to the Red Sea, 13:17-15:21. + + 3. From the Red Sea to Sinai, 15:22-18 end. + +III. Israel at Sinai, Chs, 10-40. + + 1. The people prepared, Ch. 19. + + 2. The moral law, Ch. 20. + + 3. The civil law, 21:1-23:18. + + 4. Covenant between Jehovah and Israel, 23:20-24 end. + + 5. Directions for building the tabernacle, Chs. 25-31. + + + 6. The covenant broken and renewed, Chs. 32-34. + + 7. The erection and dedication of the Tabernacle, 35-40. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The preparation of Israel and Moses for +the deliverance. (2) The conception of God found in Exodus: (a) As to +his relation to nature, (b) As to his relation to his enemies, (c) As +to his relation to his people, (d) As to his nature and purposes. (3) +The conception of man found in Exodus. (a) The need and value of +worship to him, (b) His duty to obey God. (4) The plagues. (5) The +divisions of the decalogue: (a) Those touching our relation to God. +(b) Those touching our relation to men. (6) The different conferences +between Jehovah and Moses, including Moses' prayer. (7) The current +evils against which the civil laws were enacted and similar conditions +of today. (8) The character of the different persons mentioned in the +book: (a) Pharaoh, (b) Moses, (c) Aaron, (d) Jethro, (e) Magicians. +(8) Amalek, etc. (9) The Messianic teachings of the book-here study +(a) the sacrifices, (b) the material, colors, etc., of the Tabernacle, +(c) the smitten rock, (d) Moses and his family. + + * * * * * + +Chapter III. + +Leviticus. + +Name. By the rabbis, it was called "The Law of the Priest" and "The +Law of Offerings," but from the time of the Vulgate it has been called +Leviticus, because it deals with the services of the sanctuary as +administered by the Levites. + +Connection with Former Books. In Genesis, man is left outside of the +Garden and the remedy for his ruin is seen in the promised seed. In +Exodus, man is not only outside of Eden, but is in bondage to an evil +enemy and his escape from his bondage is shown to be in the blood of +the lamb, which is shown to be sufficient to satisfy man's need and +God's justice. In Leviticus there is given the place of sacrifice, as +an atonement for sin, and it is shown that God accepted the sacrifice +of the victim instead of the death of the sinner. It is a continuation +of Exodus, containing the Sinaitic legislation from the time of the +completion of the Tabernacle. + +Contents. Except the brief historical sections found in chapters 8-10 +and 24:10-14, it contains a system of laws, which may be divided into +(1) Civil, (2) Sanitary, (3) Ceremonial, (4) Moral and (5) Religious +laws, emphasis being placed on moral and religious duties. + +Purpose. (1) To show that God is holy and man is sinful. (2) To show +how God can maintain his holiness and expose the sinfulness of man. +(3) To show how a sinful people may approach a Holy God. (4) To +provide a manual of law and worship for Israel. (5) To make Israel a +holy nation. + +Key-Word. The key-word then is Holiness, which is found 87 times in +the book, while in contrast with it, the words sin and uncleanliness +(in various forms) occur 194 times, showing the need of cleansing. On +the other hand, blood, as a means of cleansing, occurs 89 times. The +key verse is, I think, 19:2, though some prefer 10:10 as the best +verse. + +The Sacrifices, or Offerings. They may be divided in several ways, +among which the most instructive is as follows: (1) _National +Sacrifices_, which include (a) Serial, such as daily, weekly, and +monthly offerings, (b) Festal, as the Passover, Cycle of Months, etc., +(c) for the service of the Holy Place, as holy oil, precious incense, +twelve loaves, etc. (2) _Official Sacrifices_, which include (a) those +for the priests, (b) those for princes and rulers, and (c) those for +the holy women, Ex. 38:8; 1 Sam. 2:22. (3) _Personal Sacrifices_, +including (a) the blood offering-peace offering, sin offering and +trespass offering, (b) the bloodless offerings-the meat, or meal, +offering. + +Besides this general division, the offerings are divided into two +kinds, as follows: (1) _Sweet-savor Offerings_. These are atoning in +nature and show that Jesus is acceptable to God because he not only +does no sin, but does all good, upon which the sinner is presented to +God in all the acceptableness of Christ. These offerings are (a) the +burnt offering, in which Christ willingly offers himself without spot +to God for our sins, (b) the meal offering, in which Christ's perfect +humanity, tested and tried, becomes the bread of His people, (c) the +peace offering representing Christ as our peace, giving us communion +with God, and thanks. (2) _Non-Sweet-Savor Offerings_. These are +perfect offerings, overlaid with human guilt. They are (a) the sin +offering, which is expiatory, substitutional and efficacious, +referring more to sins against God, with little consideration of +injury to man, (b) the trespass offering, which refers particularly +to sins against man, which are also sins against God. + +Analysis. + +I. Law of Sacrifices, Chs. 1-7. + 1. Burnt offering, Ch. 1. + + 2. Meal offering, Ch. 2. + + 3. Peace offering, Ch. 3. + + 4. Sin offering, Ch. 4. + + 5. Trespass (or guilt) offering, 5:1-6:7. + + 6. Instructions to priests concerning the offerings, 6:8-7 end. + +II. Law of Purity. Chs. 11-22. + + 1. Pure food, animals to be eaten, Ch. II. + + 2. Pure body and house, rules for cleansing, Chs. 12-13. + + 3. Pure nation, offering for sin on the day of atonement, Chs. +16-17. + + 4. Marriages, Ch. 18. + + 5. Pure morals, Chs. 19-20. + + 6. Pure priests, Chs. 21-22. + +IV. Law of Feasts, Chs. 23-25. + + 1. Sacred feasts, Ch. 23. + + 2. Parenthesis, or interpolation, lamps of the Tabernacle, +shew-bread, the blasphemer, Ch. 24. + + 3. Sacred years, Ch. 25. + +V. Special Laws, Chs, 26-27. + + 1. Blessing and cursing, Ch. 26. + + 2. Vows and tithes, Ch. 27. +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the several offerings and +become familiar with what is offered, how it is offered, the result to +be attained in each case. (2) The laws (a) for the consecration and +purity of the priests (Chs. 8-10 and 21-22), (b) governing marriages +(Ch. 18), (c) concerning clean animals and what may be used for food +(Ch, 11), (d) governing vows and tithes (Ch. 37). (3) The sacrifice of +the two goats and two birds, (a) the details of what is done with each +goat and each bird, (b) the lessons or truths typified by each goat +and bird. (4) The name, occasion, purpose, time and manner of +observing each of the feasts. (5) Redemption as seen in Leviticus, (a) +the place of the priest, (b) of substitution, (c) of imputation, (d) +of sacrifice and blood in redemption. (5) The nature of sin as seen in +Leviticus, (a) its effect on man's nature, (b) its effect on his +relation to God. + + * * * * * + +Chapter IV. + +Numbers. + +Name. It is named from the two enumerations of the people, at Sinai, +Ch. 1. and at Moab, Ch. 26. + +Connection with Former Books. Genesis tells of Creation, Exodus of +redemption, Leviticus of worship and fellowship, and Numbers of +service and work. In Leviticus Israel is assigned a lesson and in +Numbers she is getting that lesson. In this book as in Exodus and +Leviticus Moses is the central figure. + +Central Thought. Service which involves journeying, which in turn +implies walk as a secondary thought. All the types of the books bear +upon this two-fold idea of service and walk. + +Key-Phrase. "All that are able to go forth to war" occurs fourteen +times in the first chapter. There was fighting ahead and all who could +fight must muster in. + +The History Covered is a period of a little more than thirty-eight +years (Num. 1:1; Deut. 1:3) and is a record (1) of how Israel marched +to the border of Canaan, (2) wandered thirty-eight years in the +wilderness while the old nation died and a new nation was trained in +obedience to God, (3) then returned to the border of the promised +land. + +Analysis. + +I. The Preparation at Sinai, 1:1-10:10. + + 1. The number and arrangement of the tribes, Chs. 1-2. + + 2. The choice and assignment of the Levites, Chs. 3-4. + + 3. Laws for the purity of the camp, Chs. 5-6. + + 4. Laws concerning the offerings for worship, Chs. 7-8. + + 5. Laws concerning the passover and cloud, 9:1-14. + + 6. Signals for marching and assembling 9:15-10:10. + + II. The Journey to Moab, 10:11-22:1. + + 1. From Sinai to Kadesh, 10:11-14 end. + + 2. From Kadesh to Kadesh (the wilderness wanderings), 19:1-20:21. + + 3. From Kadesh to Moab, 20:22-22:1. + +III. The Sojourn at Moab, 22:2-36 end. + + 1. Balak and Balaam, 22:2-25 end. + + 2. The sum of the people, Ch. 26. + + 3. Joshua. Moses' successor, Ch. 27. + + 4. Feasts and offerings, Chs. 28-30. + + 5. Triumph over Midian, Ch. 31. + + 6. Two and half tribes given land east of Jordan, Ch. 32. + + 7. Wilderness journeys enumerated, Ch. 33. + + 8. Divisions of Canaan and the cities of Refuge, Chs. 34-36. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the different times when +God came to the relief of Israel, by providing guidance, protection, +food, etc. and from them study God's wonderful resources in caring for +his people. (2) Make a list of the different times and occasions when +Israel or any individual sinned or rebelled against God or His +leaders, and study the result in each case. (3) Make a list of the +miracles of the book and give the facts about each. Show which were +miracles of judgment and which were miracles of mercy. (4) The story +of the spies and the results of the mistake made as seen in all the +future history of Israel. (5) The story of Balak and Balaam. (6) God's +punishment of disobedient and sinful nations. (7) Doubt as a source of +complaint and discontent. (8) The types of Christ and Christian +experience: (a) The Nazarite; (b) Aaron's Budding Rod, 17:8; Heb 9:4; +(c) The Blue Ribband, 15:38; (d) The Red Heifer, 19:2; (e) The Brazen +Serpent, 21:9; (f) The cities of refuge, 35:13. + + * * * * * + +Chapter V. + +Deuteronomy. + +Name. The name comes from the Greek word which means a second or +repeated law. It contains the last words of Moses which were likely +delivered during the last seven days of his life. It is not a mere +repetition of the law, but rather an application of the law in view of +the new conditions Israel would meet in Canaan, and because of their +former disobedience. + +Purpose. To lead Israel to obedience and to warn them against +disobedience. The spirit and aim of the law is explained in such a way +as to present both encouragement and warning. + +Contents. It consists of three addresses of Moses, given on the plains +of Moab at the close of the wilderness wanderings of Israel, in which +he gives large sections of the law formerly given, together with +additions necessary to meet the new conditions. There is also the +appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor and the farewell song of +blessing of Moses and the record of his death. + +Style. The style is warmer and more oratorical than that of former +books. Its tone is more spiritual and ethical and its appeal is "to +know God," "love God" and "obey God." + +Occasion and Necessity of the Book. (1) A crisis had come in the life +of Israel. The life of the people was to be changed from that of +wandering in the wilderness to that of residence in cities and +villages and from dependence upon heavenly manna to the cultivation of +the fields. Peace and righteousness would depend upon a strict +observance of the laws. (2) A new religion of Canaan against which +they must be put on guard. The most seductive forms of idolatry would +be met everywhere and there would be great danger of yielding to it. + +The Key-Word. "Thou shalt," so often repeated as, "thou shall," and +"shalt not." The key-verses are 11:26-28. + +Analysis. + +I. Review of the Journeys, Chs. 1-4. + + 1. Place of their camp, 1:1-5. + + 2. Their history since leaving Egypt, 1:6-3 end. + + 3. Exhortation to obedience, 4:1-40. + + 4. Three cities of refuge on this side of Jordan. 4:41-49. + +II. Review of the Law, Chs. 3-26. + + 1. Historical and hortatory section, Chs. 5-11. + + 2. Laws of religion. 12:1-16:17. + + 3. Laws of political life. 16:18-20 end. + + 4. Laws of society and domestic relations, Chs. 21-26. + +III. Future of Israel Foretold, Chs. 27-30. + + 1. Memorial tablets of stone. Ch. 27. + + 2. Blessing and cursing, Ch. 28. + + 3. Renewed covenant and Israel's future foretold. Chs. 29-30. + +IV. Moses' Last Days, Chs. 31-34. + + 1. Charge to Joshua, Ch. 31. + + 2. Song of Moses, Ch. 32. + + 3. Blessing of Moses, Ch. 33. + + 4. Death of Moses, Ch. 34. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the principal their past +history of which Moses reminds Israel in Chapters 1-4, and find where +in the previous books each incident is recorded. (2) From Chapter 11 +make a list of reasons for obedience, the rewards of obedience and the +importance of the study of God's law. (3) The laws of blessing and +cursing (Ch. 28), make a list of the curses, the sin and the penalty, +the blessings, indicating the blessing and that for which it is +promised. (4) Make a list of the different countries or peoples +concerning whom Israel was given commandment or warning. (5) Moses' +farewell blessing on the several tribes (Ch. 33). Make a list of what +shall come to each tribe. (6) The names, location and purpose of the +cities of refuge and the lessons for today to be drawn from them and +their use. (7) The inflexibility of God's law. + + * * * * * + +Chapter VI. + +Joshua. + +Historical Books of the Old Testament. The twelve books, including +those from Joshua to Esther, are called historical. They narrate the +history of Israel from the entrance of Canaan to the return from +captivity, which is divided into three periods or epochs. (1) _The +Independent Tribes_. This consists of the work of the conquest of +Canaan and of the experiences of the Judges and is recorded in Joshua, +Judges and Ruth. (2) _The kingdom of Israel_. (a) Its rise, 1 Sam. (b) +Its glory, 2 Sam., 1 K. 1-11, 1 Chron. 11-29, 2 Chron. 1-9. (c) _Its +division and fall_, 1 K. 12-22, 2 K. 1-25; 2 Chron. 10-36. (3) _The +Return from Captivity_, Ezr. Neh. and Est. + +Name. Taken from Joshua, the leading character, who may be described +as a man of faith, courage, enthusiasm, fidelity to duty, and +leadership. + +Connection with Former Books. Joshua completes the story of the +deliverance begun in Exodus. If Israel had not sinned in believing the +evil spies and turning back into the wilderness, we would not have had +the last twenty-one chapters of Numbers and the book of Deuteronomy. +Joshua then would have followed the fifteenth chapter of Numbers, thus +completing the story of God leading Israel out of Egypt into Canaan. + +The Key-Word is redemption with the emphasis put upon possession while +redemption in Exodus put the stress upon deliverance. The two make +full redemption which requires being "brought out" and "brought in." + +Purpose of the Book. (1) To show how Israel was settled in Canaan +according to the promise of God. (2) To show how, by the destruction +of the Canaanites, God punishes a people for their sins. (3) To show +that God's people are finally heirs of earth and that the wicked shall +be finally dispossessed. + +Some Typical and Spiritual Matters. (1) The conflict with Canaan. In +the wilderness the conflict was with Amalek who was an illustration of +the never ending conflict of the flesh or of the "new man" and the +"old man." In Canaan the conflict is typical of our struggle against +principalities and powers and spiritual hosts in heavenly places, Eph. +6:10-18. (2) Crossing the Jordan is an illustration of our death to +sin and resurrection with Christ. (3) The scarlet line illustrates our +safety under Christ and his sacrifice. (4) The downfall of Jericho. +This illustrates the spiritual victories we win in secret and by ways +that seem foolish to men. (5) Joshua. Joshua is a type of Christ in +that he leads his followers to victory over their enemies; in that he +is their advocate in time of defeat and in the way he leads them into +a permanent home. + +Analysis. + +I. Conquest of Canaan, Chs. 1-12. + + 1. The preparation, Chs. 1-2. + + 2. Crossing the Jordan, Chs. 3-4. + + 3. Conquest of Jericho, Chs. 5-6. + + 4. Conquest of the South, Chs. 7-10. + + 5. Conquest of the North, Ch. 11. + + 6. Summary, Ch. 12. + +II. Division of Lands, Chs. 13-22. + + 1. Territory of the different tribes, Chs. 13-19. + + 2. Cities of Refuge, Ch. 20. + + 3. Cities of the Levites, Ch. 21. + + 4. Return of the Eastern Tribes, Ch. 22. + +III. Joshua's Last Counsel, and Death. Chs. 23-24. + + 1. Exhortation to fidelity, Ch. 23. + + 2. Farewell address and death, Ch. 24. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The cooperation of the two and one-half +tribes in the conquest of Canaan. (2) Make a list of the different +battles and indicate any in which Israel was defeated. (3) The portion +of the country allotted to each of the tribes of Israel. (4) The story +of the sins of Achan. Its results and his discovery and punishment. +(5) The story of the Gibeonites, their stratagem and consequent +embarrassment of Joshua. (6) Make a list of incidents or occurrences +that show a miraculous element running through the narrative. (7) The +story of Rabab, the harlot. (8) The names of the several tribes of +Canaan and the history of each. (9) The place of prayer and worship in +the narrative. Give instances. (10) Evidences found in the book that +God hates sin. + + * * * * * + +Chapter VII. + +Judges and Ruth. + +Judges. + +The Name. The name is taken from the Judges whose deeds it records. + +The Character of the Book. +The book is fragmentary and unchronological in its arrangement. The +events recorded are largely local and tribal instead of national, +but are of great value as showing the condition and character of the +people. + + +The Condition of the Nation. Israel was unorganized and somewhat +unsettled. They lacked moral energy and the spirit of obedience to +Jehovah and were constantly falling into idolatry and then suffering +at the hands of heathen nations. This condition is summed up in the +oft repeated words: "The children of Israel again did evil in the eyes +of the Lord" and "the Lord sold them into the hand of the oppressor." + +The Contents. Judges records the conflict of the nation with the +Canaanite people and with itself; the condition of the country, people +and times and the faithfulness, righteousness and mercy of God. It +gives an account of "Seven apostasies, seven servitudes to the seven +heathen nations and seven deliverances." It furnishes an explanation +of these "ups and downs" and is not merely a record of historical +events but an interpretation of those events. + +The Work of the Judges. The Judges were raised up as occasion required +and were tribesmen upon whom God laid the burden of apostate and +oppressed Israel. They exercised judicial functions and led the armies +of Israel against their enemies. They, therefore, asserted the +nation's principles and upheld the cause of Jehovah. As deliverers +they were all types of Christ. + +The Key-word is Confusion and the key-verse is "every man did +that which was right in his own eyes" 17:6, which would certainly +bring about a state of confusion. + +Analysis. + + I. From the Conquest to the Judges, 1:1-3:6. + + II. The Judges and their Work. 3:7-16 end. + 1. Against Mesopotamia, 3:7-12. + + 2. Against Moab, 3:13-30. + + 3. Against Philistia, 3:31. + + 4. Against the Canaanites, Chs. 4-5. + + 5. Against the Midianites, Chs. 6-10. + + 6. Against the Amorites, Chs. 11-12. + + 7. Against the Philistines, Chs, 13-16. + +III. The Idolatry of Micah, Chs. 17-18. + + IV. The Crime of Gibea, Chs. 19-21. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Learn the names of the Judges in order +with the time each served, or the period of rest after his work had +been accomplished. (2) The enemy each judge had to combat and what +work was accomplished by each judge. (3) What elements of strength and +of weakness are to be found in the character of each judge. (4) From +the story of Gideon and Sampson, point out New Testament truths. (5) +From the story of Jephthah and Deborah gather lessons for practical +life today. (6) Religious apostasy as a cause of national decay. (7) +Political folly and social immorality as a sign of national decay. (8) +The method of divine deliverance. + +Ruth. + +This book together with the Judges treats the life of Israel from the +rule of death of Joshua to the rule of Eli. + +Name. From the principal character. + +Contents. It is properly a continuation of Judges, showing the life of +the times in its greatest simplicity. It is also especially important +because it shows the lineage of David through the whole history of +Israel and thereby is a link in the genealogy of Christ. + +Typical Matters. (1) Ruth is a type of Christ's Gentile bride and her +experience is similar to that of any devout Christian. (2) Boaz the +rich Bethlehemite accepting this strange woman in an illustration of +the redemptive work of Jesus. + +The Key-words are love and faith. + +Analysis. + + I. The Sojourn at Moab, 1:1-5. + + II. The Return to Jerusalem, 1:6-22. + +III. Ruth and Boaz, Chs. 2-4. + + 1. Gleaning the fields of Boaz, Ch. 2. + + 2. Ruth married to Boaz, Chs. 3-4. + + A. A bold act, Ch. 3. + + B. Redemption of Naomi's inheritance, 4:1-12. + + C. Becomes wife of Boaz, 4:13-17. + + D. Genealogy of David, 4:18-22. + +Some one has said that Ch. 1 is Ruth deciding, Ch. 2 is Ruth serving, +Ch. 3 is Ruth resting, Ch. 4 is Ruth rewarded. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Each of the characters of the book. (2) +The whole story of Ruth in comparison with the stories of Judges (Chs. +17-21) to get a view of the best and worst in their social conditions. +(3) The value of a trusting soul (Ruth). + + + * * * * * + +Chapter VIII. First and Second Samuel. + +Name. The name is taken from the history of the life of Samuel +recorded in the early part of the book. It means "asked of God." The +two were formerly one book and called the "First Book of Kings," the +two books of Kings being one book and called Second Kings. Samuel and +Kings form a continuous story, and give us a record of the rise, glory +and fall of the Jewish Monarchy. + +First Samuel. + +Contents. This book begins with the story of Eli. the aged priest, +judge and leader of the people. It records the birth and childhood of +Samuel, who later becomes priest and prophet of the people. It tells +of Saul's elevation to the throne and of his final downfall. Along +with this is also given the growing power of David, who is to succeed +Saul as king. + +The Prophets. Samuel was not only both judge and priest and prophet, +but as prophet he performed conspicuous services in several +directions. Probably the most notable of all his work was the +establishment of schools of prophets, which greatly dignified the work +of the prophets. After this time, the prophet and not the priest was +the medium of communication between God and his people. + +Saul. As king, Saul began well and under favorable circumstances. He +gave himself to military exploits and neglected the finer spiritual +matters and soon made a complete break with Samuel, who represented +the religious-national class-and thereby lost the support of +the best elements of the nation. He then became morose and melancholy +and insanely jealous in conduct and could not, therefore, understand +the higher religious experiences that were necessary as a +representative of Jehovah on the throne of Israel. + +Analysis. + + I. Career of Samuel, Chs. 1-7. + + 1. His birth and call, Chs. 1-3. + + 2. His conflict with the Philistines, Chs. 4-7. + + II. Career of Saul to his rejection, Chs. 8-15. + + 1. Chosen as King, Chs. 8-10. + + 2. Wars with Philistines, Chs. 11-14. + + 3. He is rejected, Chs. 15. + +III. Career of Saul after his rejection. Chs. 16-31. + + 1. While David is at his court, Chs. 16-20. + + 2. While David is a refugee in Judah. Chs. 21-26. + + 3. While David is a refugee in Philistia. Chs. 27-31. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The story of Eli and his sons. (2) The +birth and call of Samuel. (3) The anointing of Saul. (4) The anointing +of David. (5) The evils of jealousy as seen in Saul. (6) The +importance of respect for existing forms of government-see David's +attitude toward Saul. (7) How a man's attitude toward God and his +servants can make or mar his destiny. (8) Examples of how God uses +both good and bad carrying forward his purposes. + +Second Samuel. + +In this book, there is given the story of the career of David while +king of Israel. He was the strongest king Israel ever had and was +characterized as a fine executive, a skillful soldier and of a deeply +religious disposition. He was not without his faults, but in spite of +them developed a great empire. + +Analysis. + + I. His Reign Over Judah a Hebren, Chs. 1-4. + + II. His reign Over All Israel, Chs. 5-10. + +III. His Great Sin and Its Results, Chs. 11-20. + + IV. An Appendix, Chs. 21-34. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) How David became king. (2) His victories +in war. (3) His great sin and some of its consequences. (4) His +kindness toward his enemies (see also his attitude toward Saul +recorded in First Samuel). (5) The kindness of God as illustrated by +the story of David's kindness to Mephibosheth, Ch. 9. (6) David's +psalm of praise, Chs. 22-23. (7) The different occasions when David +showed a penitent spirit (8) The great pestilence. Ch. 24. + + * * * * * + +Chapter IX. + +First and Second Kings. + +Name. The name is taken from the Kings whose deeds they narrate. + +Contents. It takes up the history of Israel where Second Samuel left +off and gives the account of the death of David, the reign of Solomon, +the Divided Kingdom, and the captivity. + +Purpose. The political changes of Israel are given in order to show +the religious condition. Everywhere there is a conflict between faith +and unbelief, between the worship of Jehovah and the worship of Baal. +We see wicked kings who introduce false worship and righteous kings +who bring about reforms and try to overthrow false worship. Israel +yields to evil and is finally cut off, but Judah repents and is +restored to perpetuate the kingdom and to be the medium through +which Jesus came. + +The Kingdom of Solomon. Solomon began in glory, flourished a while and +then ended in disgrace. He sacrificed the most sacred principles of +the nation in order to form alliances with other nations. He attempted +to concentrate all worship on Mount Moriah, probably hoping that in +this way he might control all nations. He finally became a tyrant and +robbed the people of their liberty. + +The Two Kingdoms. This is a sad story of dissension and war and +defeat. Israel or the northern kingdom was always jealous of Judah. It +was by far the stronger and possessed a much larger and more fertile +land. There were nineteen king, from Jeroboam to Hoshea, whose names +and the number of years they reigned should be learned together with +the amount of scripture included in the story of each. Judah or the +southern kingdom was always a little more faithful to the true +worship. There were twenty kings, from Rehoboam to Zedekiah, whose +lives with the number of years they reigned and the scripture passages +describing each, should be tabulated and learned. + +The Captivity. It is made clear that the captivity is because of sin. +God having spared them for a long time. (1) Israel was taken captivity +by the Assyrian Empire, whose capital was Nineveh. This marks the end +of the northern tribes. (2) Judah was captured by the Babylonian +Empire, but after a period of seventy years, the people were restored +to their own land. + +Analysis of First Kings. + + I. The Reign of Solomon, Chs. 1-11. + + 1. His accession, Chs. 1-4. + + 2. Building the Temple, Chs. 5-8. + + 3. His greatness and sin, Chs. 9-11. + + II. The Revolt and Sin of The Ten Tribes. Chs. 12-16. + +III. The Reign of Ahab and the Career of Elijah, Chs. 17-22. + +Analysis of Second Kings. + + I. The last days of Elijah, Chs. 1-2. + + II. The career of Elisha, Chs. 3-8. + +III. The dynasty of Jehu, Chs. 9-14. + + IV. The fall of Israel, Chs. 15-17. + + V. The Kingdom of Judah, Chs. 18-25. + +For Study and Discussion (1) Contrast the character of David with that +of Solomon. Give the ideal elements and the defects of each. Also +compare them as rulers. (2) Contrast the character of Elijah with that +of Elisha. Point out the elements of strength and weakness in each. +Compare the great moral and religious truth taught by each as well as +the great deeds performed by them. (3) Study this as the cradle of +liberty. Note Elijah's resistance of tyrants and Ahab in the vineyard +of Naboth. Look for other instances. (4) Consider the place of the +prophets. Note their activity in the affairs of government. Glance +through these books and make a list of all prophets who are named and +note the character of their message and the king or nation to whom +each spoke. (5) Make a list of the kings of Israel and learn the story +of Jeroboam I, Omri, Ahab, Jehu, Jeroboam II and Hoshea. (6) Make a +list of the kings of Judah and learn the principal events and the +general character of the reign of Rehoboam, Jehoshaphat, Joash, +Uzziah, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah and Zedekiah. (7) The fall of +Judah. (8) The failure of human governments, (a) the cause, (b) the +manifestation and result. + + * * * * * + +Chapter X. + +First and Second Chronicles. + +Name. The name Chronicles was given by Jerome. They were the "words of +days" and the translators of the Septuagint named them the "things +omitted." They were originally one book. + +Contents. Beginning with Adam the history of Israel is rewritten down +to the return of Judah from captivity. + +Relation to Former Books. It covers the same field as all the others. +To this time the books have fitted one into another and formed a +continuous history. Here we double back and review the whole history, +beginning with Adam, and coming down to the edict of Cyrus which +permitted the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem. + +Religious Purpose of the Narratives. Several things show these books +to have a religious purpose. (1) God's care of his people and his +purpose to save them is given special emphasis. (2) The building of +the temple is given much prominence. (3) The kings who served God and +destroyed idols are given the most conspicuous place. (4) He follows +the line of Judah. only mentioning Israel where it seemed necessary. +In this way he was following the Messianic line through David. (5) The +priestly spirit permeates these books instead of the prophetic +elements as in the earlier historical books. The aim, therefore, +seems to be to teach rather than to narrate. He seems to teach that +virtue and vice, in private or in national affairs, will surely +receive their dues-that God must be taken into account in the life of +individuals and of nations. + +Analysis of First Chronicles. + + I. The Genealogies, Chs. 1-9. + +II. The Reign of David, Chs. 10-29. + + 1. Accession and great men, Chs.10-12. + + 2. Zeal for Jehovah's house, Chs. 13-17. + + 3. His victories, Chs. 18-20. + + 4. The numbering of the people, Chs. 21. + + 5. Provision for the temple, Chs. 22-29. + +Analysis of Second Chronicles. + + I. The Reign of Solomon, Chs. 1-9. + + 1. Building of the temple, Cha. 1-4. + + 2. Dedication of the temple, Chs. 5-7. + + 3. Solomon's greatness and wealth, Chs. 8-9. + +II. Judah After the Revolt of the Ten Tribes, Chs. 10-36. + + 1. Reign of Rehoboam, Chs. 10-12. + + 2. Victory of Abijah, Chs. 13. + + 3. Reign of Asa, Chs. 14-16. + + 4. Reign of Jehoshaphat, Chs. 21-28. + + 5. Reign of Hezekiah, Chs. 29-32. + + 6. Reign of Manasseh and Amon, Ch. 33. + + 7. Reign of Josiah, Chs. 34-35. + + 8. The captivity, Ch, 36. +For Study and Discussion. (1) The great men of David. (2) The +different victories won by David. (3) The dedication of the temple, +especially the prayer. (4) The wealth and follies of Solomon. (5) The +scripture and God's house as a means and source of all information, +see: (a) Asa's restoration of the altar and its vessels, (b) +Jehoshaphat's teaching the people God's law, (c) Joash and God's +restored house, (d) The reforms Of Josiah. (6) The reign of Manasseh. +(7) The nature of the worship of Judah. (8) The captivity. (9) The +value of true religion to a nation. (10) The evil results of idolatry. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XI. + +Ezra, Nehemiah and Ester. + +Ezra and Nehemiah. + +Name. Ezra and Nehemiah were formerly counted as one book and contain +the account of the restoration of the exiles to Jerusalem and the re- +establishment of their worship. They soon came to be called First and +Second Ezra. Jerome first called the second book Nehemiah. Wycliffe +called them the first and second Esdras and later they were called the +books of Esdras otherwise the Nehemiahs. The present names were first +given in the Geneva Bible (1560). Ezra is so called from the author +and principal character, the name meaning "help". Nehemiah is so +called from the principal character, whose name means "Jehovah +comforts." + +Other Books. Three other books should be read in connection with this +study. (1) The book of Esther, which relates to this time and should +be read between chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra. (2) The books of +Haggai and Zechariah. These two prophets were associated with the +first return of Zerubbabel and their words incited the Jews to +complete the temple in spite of opposition. + + +The Return from Captivity. The return consisted of three expeditions +led respectively by Zerubbabel. Ezra and Nehemiah. The time covered +can not be accurately calculated. It is probably not fewer than ninety +years. Some think it may have been as many as one hundred and ten +years. + +Analysis of Ezra. + + I. The Rebuilding of the Temple, Chs. 1-6. + + 1. The proclamation of Cyrus, 1. + + 2. Those who returned, 2. + + 3. The foundation laid, 3. + + 4. The work hindered, 4. + + 5. The work finished, 5-6. + + II. The Reforms of Ezra, Chs. 7-10. + + 1. Ezra's Journey, 7-8 + + 2. The confession of sin, 9. + + 3. The covenant to keep the law. 10. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The traits of character displayed +by Ezra. (2) The reforms of Ezra. (a) What were they? (b) Parallel +conditions of today. (3) The adversaries of Judah. (a) Who were they? +(b) The nature of their opposition. (4) The decree of Cyrus. (5) The +expedition of Zerubbabel and Ezra. (6) Ezra's commission and the +king's orders 7:1-26. (7) God's use of friends and enemies in +forwarding his purposes. + +Analysis of Nehemiah. + + I. The Rebuilding of the Wall, Chs. 1-7. + + 1. Nehemiah permitted to go to Jerusalem, 1-2. + + 2. The work on the walls and its hindrance, 3-7. + + II. The Covenant to Keep the Law, Chs. 8-10. + + 1. The law read, 8. + + 2. Confession made, 9. + + 3. The covenant made, 10. + +III. The Walls Dedicated and Nehemiah's Reform, Chs. 11-13. + + 1. Those who dwelt in the city, 11:1-12:26. + + 2. The walls dedicated, 12:27-47 end. + + 3. Evils corrected, Ch. 13. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Point out elements of strength in the +character and work of Nehemiah. (2) The greatness and difficulty of +Nehemiah's task, (a) the rubbish, (b) the size and length of the wall, +(c) the strength of their enemies. (3) The reforms of Nehemiah, (a) +religious, (b) moral, (c) political. (4) The public meeting and new +festival, 8:1-18. (5) The covenant 9:1-10:39. (6) The repeopling of +Jerusalem, Chs. 11-12. + +Name. This is taken from its principal character, a Jewish maiden +became queen of a Persian King. + +Purpose. To explain the origin of the feast of Purim work of +providence for God's people. + +Time. The events narrated are thought to have occurred about 56 years +after the first return of Zerubbabel in 536 B. C. The King then would +be Xerxes the Great, and the drunken feast may have been preparatory +to the invasion of Greece in the third year of his reign. +Connection with Other Books. There is no connection between Esther and +the other books of the Bible. While it is a story of the time when the +Jews were returning to Jerusalem, and very likely should come between +the first and second return, and, therefore, between the sixth and +seventh chapters of Ezra, the incident stands alone. Without it we +would lose much of our knowledge of that period. + +The Story. While Esther stands out as the principal character, the +whole story turns on the refusal of Mordecai to bow down to Haman, +which would have been to show him divine honor. He did not hate Haman +but, as a Jew could not worship any other than God. He dared to stand +for principle at the risk of his life. + +The Name of God. One of the peculiarities of the book is that it +nowhere mentions the name of God, or makes any reference to him. +This may be because his name was held secret and sacred at that time. +However, God's power and His care of His people are everywhere implied +in the book. + +Analysis + + I. Esther Made Queen, Chs. 1-2. + + 1. Queen Vashti dethroned. Ch. 1. + + 2. Esther made queen. Ch. 2. + + II. Haman's Plot and its Defeat. Chs. 3-8. + + 1. Haman plots the destruction of the Jews. Ch. 3. + + 2. The Jews' mourning and Mordecai's plea to Esther. Ch. 4. + + 3. Esther banquets Haman and the King, Ch. 5. + + 4. Mordecai highly honored for former service. Ch. 6. + + 5. Esther's plea granted and Haman hanged, Ch. 7, + + 6. The Jews allowed defense and Mordecai advanced, Ch. 8. + +III. The Jews' Deliverance, Chs. 9-10. + + 1. Their enemies slain, 9:1-16. + + 2. A memorial feast is established. 9:17-32 end. + + 3. Mordecai made great, Ch. 10. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The character of the king, Vashti, +Mordecai, Esther and Haman. (2) Mordecai's plea to Esther. (3) The +honor of Mordecai and humiliation of Haman, Ch. 6. (4) The destruction +of their enemies. (5) The feast of Purim, 9:17-32. (6) Truth about God +seen in this book. (7) Why not name the book Mordecai or Vashti-are +they not as heroic as Esther? (8) The race devotion of the Jews, then +and now. (9) Persian life as seen in the book. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XII. + +Job. + +Name. Job, from its chief character, or hero, and mean "Persecuted." + +Date. Neither the date nor the author can be determined with +certainty. I incline to the theory of the Job authorship. + +Connection with Other Books. It stands alone, being one of the so- +called wisdom books of the Bible. It nowhere alludes to the Mosaic law +or the history of Israel. + +Literary Characteristics. Chapters one and two and parts of chapter +forty-two are prose. All the rest is poetry. The different speakers +may have been real speakers, or characters created by one writer to +make the story. There is, however, little doubt that the story is +founded on historical facts. + +The Problems of the Book. This book raises several great questions, +that are common to the race, and directly or indirectly discusses +them. Among those questions the following are the most important. (1) +Is there any goodness without reward? "Doth Job serve God or naught"? +(2) Why do the righteous suffer and why does sin go unpunished? (3) +Does God really care for and protect his people who fear him? (4) Is +adversity and affliction a sign that the sufferer is wicked? (5) Is +God a God of pity and mercy! + +The Argument. The argument proceeds as follows: (1) There is a +conference between God and Satan and the consequent affliction of Job. +(2) The first cycle of discussion with his three friends in which they +charge Job with sin and he denies the charge. (3) The second cycle of +discussion. In this Job's friends argue that his claim of innocence is +a further evidence of his guilt and impending danger. (4) The third +cycle. In this cycle Job's friends argue that his afflictions are just +the kind that would come to one who yielded to temptations such as +those to which he is subject. In each of the three cycles of +discussion with his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, each argues +with Job except that Zophar remains silent in the third cycle. They +speak in the same order each time. (5) Elihu shows how Job accuses God +wrongly while vindicating himself and asserts that suffering instructs +us in righteousness and prevents us from sinning. (6) God intervenes +and in two addresses instructs Job. In the first address, Job is shown +the creative power of the Almighty and his own folly in answering God +whom animals by instinct fear. In the second address, Job is shown +that one should know how to rule the world and correct its evils +before one complains at or accuses God. (7) Job prays and is restored. + +Purpose. The purpose of the book, then, is to justify the wisdom and +goodness of God in matters of human suffering and especially to show +that all suffering is not punitive. + +Job's temptation. Job's temptation came by stages and consisted +largely in a series of losses as follows: (1) His property, (2) His +children, (3) His health, (4) His wife's confidence-she would have him +curse God and die. (5) His friends who now think him a sinner, (6) The +joy of life-he cursed the day of his birth, (7) His confidence in the +goodness of God-he said to God, "Why hast thou set me as a mark for +thee?" In his reply to Elihu he doubts the justice if not the very +existence of God. + +Analysis. + + I. Job's Wealth and Affliction. Chs. 1-2. + + II. The Discussion of Job and His Three Friends. Cha. 3-31. + + + 1. The first cycle, 3-14. + + + 2. The second cycle, Chs. 15-21. + + 3. The third cycle, Chs. 22-31. + +III. The Speech of Elihu, Chs. 32-37. + + IV. The Addresses of God, Chs. 38-41. + + 1. The first address, 38-39. + + 2. The second address, 40-41. + + V. Job's Restoration, Ch. 42. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The personality and malice of Satan. +Point out his false accusations against Job and God, also the signs of +his power. (2) Concerning man look for evidence of: (a) The folly of +self-righteousness, (b) The vileness of the most perfect man in God's +sight, (c) The impossibility of man, by wisdom, apart from grace, +finding God. (3) Concerning God, gather evidence of his wisdom, +perfection and goodness. (4) Job's disappointment in his friends. (5) +Elements of truth and falsehood in the theory of Job's friends. (6) +Job's despair of the present, his view of Sheol and his view of the +future. Does he believe in a future life or think all ends with the +grave? (7) Does the book really explain why the righteous are allowed +to suffer? (8) Make a list of the striking passages especially worthy +of remembering. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XIII. + +Psalms and Proverbs. + +Psalms. + +Name. The Hebrew word means praises or hymns, while the Greek word +means psalms. It may well be called the "Hebrew Prayer and Praise +Book." The prevailing note is one of praise, though some are sad and +plaintive while others are philosophical. + +Authors. Of the 150 Psalms, there is no means of determining the +authorship of 50. The authors named for others are David, Asaph, the +sons of Korah, Herman, Ethan, Moses and Solomon. Of the 100 whose +authorship is indicated, David is credited with 73, and in the New +Testament he alone is referred to as the author of them. Lu. 20:42. + +Relation to the Other Old Testament Books. It has been called the +heart of the entire Bible, but its relation to the Old Testament is +especially intimate. All divine manifestations are viewed in regard to +their bearing on the inner experience. History is interpreted in the +light of a passion for truth and righteousness and as showing forth +the nearness of our relation to God. + +The Subjects of the Psalms. It is very difficult to make any sort of +classification of the Psalms and any classification is open to +criticism. For this reason many groupings have been suggested. The +following, taken from different sources, may be of help. (1) Hymns of +praise, 8, 18, 19, 104, 145, 147, etc. (2) National hymns, 105, 106, +114, etc. (3) Temple hymns or hymns for public worship, 15, 24, 87, +etc. (4) Hymns relating to trial and calamity, 9, 22, 55, 56, 109, +etc. (5) Messianic Psalms, 2,16, 40, 72, 110, etc. (6) Hymns of +general religious character, 89, 90, 91, 121, 127, etc. + +The following classification has been given in the hope of suggesting +the most prominent religious characteristics of the Psalms. (1) Those +that recognize the one infinite, all-wise and omnipotent God. (2) +Those that recognize the universality of his love and providence and +goodness. (3) Those showing abhorrence of all idols and the rejection +of all subordinate deities. (4) Those giving prophetic glimpses of the +Divine Son and of his redeeming work on earth. (5) Those showing the +terrible nature of sin, the divine hatred of it and judgment of God +upon sinners. (6) Those teaching the doctrines of forgiveness, divine +mercy, and the duty of repentance. (7) Those emphasizing the beauty of +holiness, the importance of faith and the soul's privilege of +communion with God. + +Analysis. + +1. Davidic Psalms. 1-41. These are not only ascribed to him but +reflect much of his life and faith. + +2. Historical Psalms. 42-72. +These are ascribed to several authors, those of the sons of Korah +being prominent and are especially full of historical facts. + +3. Liturgical or Ritualistic Psalms. 73-89. +Most of them are ascribed to Asaph and, besides being specially +prescribed for worship, they are strongly historical. + +4. Other Pre-Captivity Psalms. 90-106. +Ten are anonymous, one is Moses' (Ps. 90) and the rest David's. They +reflect much of the pre-captivity sentiment and history. + +5. Psalms of the Captivity and Return. 107-150. Matters pertaining to +the captivity and return to Jerusalem. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) On what occasion were the following +Palms probably composed: (a) Psalm 3 (2 Sam. 15). (b) Psalm 24 (2 Sam. +6:12-17). (c) Psalm 56 (1 Sam. 21:10-15). (d) Psalms 75 and 76 (2 +Kings 19:32-37). (e) Psalm 109 (1 Sam. 22:9-23). (f) Psalm 74 (2 Kings +25:2-18). (g) Psalm 60 (1 Chron. 18:11-13). (2) What is the subject of +Psalms 23, 84, 103,133 and 137? (3) What doctrine of the divine +character is taught in each of the following Psalms; 8, 19, 33, 46, +93, 115 and 139? + + +Proverbs. + +Practical Value of the Book of Proverbs. The proverbs emphasize the +external religious life. They teach how to practice religion and +overcome the daily temptations. They express a belief in God and his +rule over the universe and, therefore, seek to make his religion the +controlling motive in life and conduct. They breathe a profound +religious spirit and a lofty religious conception, but put most stress +upon the doing of religion in all the relations of life. Davison says: +"For the writers of Proverbs religion means good sense, religion means +mastery of affairs, religion means strength and manliness and success, +religion means a well furnished intellect employing the best means to +accomplish the highest ends." This statement is correct as far as the +side of duty emphasized is concerned. + +Nature of Proverbs. (1) There is a voice of wisdom which speaks words +of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, prudence, subtility, instruction, +discretion and the fear of Jehovah, and furnishes us with good advice +for every condition of life. (2) There is a voice of folly, which +speaks words of folly, simplicity, stupidity, ignorance, brutishness +and villainy, and lifts her voice wherever wisdom speaks. (3) Wisdom +is contrasted with folly, which often issues in simplicity and +scorning. (4) Wisdom is personified, as if it were God speaking about +the practical, moral, intellectual and religious duties of men. (5) +Christ finds Himself in the book, Lu. 24:27, and if Christ be +substituted for wisdom, where it is found, a new and wonderful power +will be seen in the book. + +Scheme of the Considerations Found in Proverbs. The first sphere-the +home, father and children, 1:8-9 and Chs. 2-7. Key-word here is "my +son." The second sphere-friendship; companions is the important word. +1:10-19. The third sphere-the world beyond. + +Analysis. + + I. Praise of Wisdom. Chs. 1-9. This is shown by contrast with folly. + + 1. The design and some fundamental maxims, 1:1-19. + + 2. Wisdom's warnings, 1:20 end. + + 3. Wisdom will reveal God and righteousness and save one from +wicked men and strange women, Ch. 2. + + 4. Description of the life of wisdom, Ch. 3. + + 5. Wisdom the best way, Ch. 4. + + 6. The strange woman, Ch. 5. + + 7. Against various evils, Ch. 6. + + 8. Wisdom's warnings against the seductions of an adulterous, Ch. +7. + + 9. Wisdom makes an appeal, Ch. 8. + + 10. Wisdom gives her invitations, Ch. 9. + + II. Practical Proverbs of Solomon. 10:1-22:16. These are separate and +cannot be classified. + +III. Words of the Wise. 22:17-24 end. Sometimes called commendations +of justice. There are several authors, but no common topic. + + IV. Proverbs of Solomon, copied by the scribes of Hezekiah, Chs. 25- +29. + + V. Words of Agur. Ch. 30. +From one who has tried "to find out God unto perfection and found the +task above him." + + VI. Words of Lemuel, Ch. 31. + + 1. The duty of Kings, 1-9. + + 2. The praise of a virtuous woman or good wife, 10-31. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Collect passages that tell of the +rewards of virtue and piety. (2) Cite passages that show the evils of: +sloth or indolence, of wine-drinking and drunkenness, of tale-bearing, +of family contentions. (3) Make a list of the chief thoughts of the +book concerning God, man, and other great religious teachings of our +day. (4) What is said of a man who rules his own spirit, of a good +name, of obedience to parents, of fitly spoken words, of a beautiful +woman who lacks discretion, of a liberal soul, of a false balance, of +a soft answer, of a wise son. Find where the answers are found (5) The +Peril of following an unchaste love (woman), chapter 5. (6) Folly of +yielding to the wiles of an harlot, chapter 7. (7) The description of +a worthy woman, 31:10 end. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XIV. + +Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. + +Ecclesiastes. +Name. The Hebrew word means preacher and refers to or signifies one +who calls together and addresses assemblies. + +The Personal or Human Element. Such expressions as "I perceived," "I +said in my heart," "I saw," etc., indicate that it is not the will of +God that is developed but a man is telling of his own ventures and +utter failure. + +The General View or Key-phrase is "under the sun," with the sad +refrain, "vanity of vanities, all is vanity", and shows how a man +under the best possible conditions sought for joy and peace, trying at +its best every human resource. He had the best that could be gotten, +from human wisdom, from wealth, from worldly pleasure, from worldly +honor, only to find that all was "vanity and vexation of spirit." It +is what a man, with the knowledge of a holy God, and that He will +bring all into judgment, has learned of the emptiness of things "under +the sun" and of the whole duty of man to "fear God and keep his +commandments." + +Purpose of the Book. The purpose, then, is not to express the doubts +or skepticism of the writer, not to record the complaining of a bitter +spirit. It is not the story of a pessimist or of an evil man turned +moralist. But it is intended to show that, if one should realize all +the aims, hopes and aspirations of life, they would not bring +satisfaction to the heart. His experience is used to show the result +of successful worldliness and self-gratification in contrast with the +outcome of the higher wisdom of the Godly life. We are shown that man +was not made for this world alone and not for selfish achievement or +gratification, but to fulfill some great plan of God for him which he +will accomplish through obedience and Divine service. + +The Date and Authorship. The opening verse and certain other passages +such as some of the conditions as well as the characters of the +persons represented in the book give the impression that Solomon wrote +it, but there are other evidences that point to some other author. +Neither the author nor the date of writing has been definitely +determined. + +Analysis. + + I. The Vanities of Life. Chs. 1-4. seen in both experience and +observation. + + 1. The Vanity of what he has experienced, 1-2. + + 2. The Vanity of what he has observed, 3-4. + + II. Practical Wisdom, Chs. 5-7. + + 1. Some prudential maxims, Chs. 5. + + 2. Some Vanities, Ch. 6. + + 3. The best way to get along in life, Ch. 7. + +III. Rules for a Happy Life, Chs. 8-11. + + IV. Conclusion of the Whole Matter, Ch. 13. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the different things +enumerated as a failure or vanity. (2) Make a list of the different +things coming to us as God's gift of providence. (3) Make a list of +prudential maxims or rules which teach how to live rightly and to lift +us above the tribulations and defeat of life. (4) Does the author +think seeking pleasure is the real business of life? (5) Does he deny +the value of altruistic service? (6) Does he believe in the future +life and in future rewards? + +Song of Solomon. + +Name. Song of Songs which is Solomon's. It is also called Canticles, +meaning Song of Songs and is so-called, perhaps, because of its very +great beauty. + +The Subject. The subject is faithful love, seen in a woman who though +subjected to the temptations of an oriental court, remains faithful to +her old lover. She, a country girl of the north, attracts the +attention of the king who brings her to Jerusalem and offers her every +inducement to become the wife of the king. But upon final refusal she +is allowed to return home to her lover, a country shepherd lad. + +Meaning of the Story. (1) To the Jews of that time it was a call to +purity of life, for a return to those relations which God had ordained +between man and woman. It was a protest against polygamy which had +become almost universal. Indeed, they regarded it as setting forth the +whole history of Israel. (2) To the Christian it sets forth in +allegory, Christ and his church as Bridegroom and Bride and the +fullness of love which unites the believer and his Savior. (3) To all +the world there is shown the purity and constancy of a woman's love +and devotion to her ideals. It furnishes ideal which, if properly held +up, would cast out of human society all those monstrous practices that +come from unworthy ideals. + +The Style. It is part dialogue and part monologue. Their love on both +sides is expressed in that sensuous way common among the oriental +peoples. Many of the allusions give rise to the belief that it was +written to celebrate the nuptials of Solomon and the daughter of +Pharaoh. + +Analysis. + + I. The King's first attempt to win the Virgin's love. 1:1-2:7. + + 1. She converses with the ladies of the court, 1:1-8. + + 2. The King's first attempt fails to win her, 1:9-2:7. + + II. The King's second effort to win her love, 2:8-5:8. + + 1. The virgin recalls her former happiness when with her lover at +home, 2:8-17. + + 2. In a dream she goes in search of him, 3:1-5. + + 3. The King shows her his glory and greatness, 3:6-11. + + 4. She again rejects his love in spite of his praise of her beauty, +4:1-7. + + 5. She longs for her absent lover, 4:8-5:1. + + 6. She dreams of seeking in vain for him, 5:2-8. + +III. The King's third attempt to win her, 5:9-8:4. + + 1. The ladies of the court cannot understand her faithfulness to +her old lover. 5:9-6:3. + + 2. The King's third effort to win her is met with the declaration +of her purpose to remain true to her absent lover, 6:4-8:4. + + VI. The Triumph of the Maiden, 8:5-14. +She returns to her home among the hills of the north and is reunited +with her shepherd lover. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the passages by which the +woman's beauty is described. (2) Passages that suggest the relation of +the saved soul to Christ. (3) Passages that suggest the glory of the +church. (4) Some of the passages by which the love of the woman and of +the king is expressed. (5) The basis of human love. 2:2-3. (6) The +strength of human lover, 8:6-7. (7) The interpretation of human love +in terms of divine love. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XV. + +Isaiah. + +Prophet. In the study of the messages of the prophets we should +understand that the meaning of the term prophets may be: (1) A person +employed in the public utterance of religious discourse, very much as +the preacher of today. This was the most common function of the +prophet. Some were reformers while others were evangelists or +revivalists. (2) One who performed the function of the scribes and +wrote the history and biography and annals of their nations. In this +capacity they compiled or wrote large portions of the books of the Old +Testament. (3) One who was able to discern the future and foretell +events which would transpire afterward. + +The Prophetical Books. All take their name from the Prophets whose +messages they bear. They are written largely in the poetic style and +are usually divided into two divisions. (1) The major prophets which +include Isaiah. Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel and Daniel. (2) The +minor prophets, including the other twelve. This division is based on +the bulk of material in the books and is unscientific and misleading, +since it suggests that some are more important than others. +They are more appropriately divided according to their place in the +prophetic order or the period of Israel's history when they +prophesied, somewhat as follows: 1. _The Pre-exilic prophets_, or +those who prophesied before the exile. These are, (1) Jonah, Amos and +Hosea, prophets of Israel. (2) Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, +Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah, prophets of Judah. 2. _The exilic +prophets_, Ezekiel and Daniel. 3. _The Post-exilic prophets_, prophets +who prophesied after the captivity. All are of Judah and are Haggai, +Zechariah and Malachi. + +Jeremiah's ministry perhaps extended into the period of the captivity. +There is great uncertainty about the chronology of Obadiah, Joel and +Jonah. There is differences of opinion as to whether certain of the +prophets belong to Judah or Israel. Micah is an example. The teacher +will be able to give reasons for this difference. + +The Study of the Prophets. The student should hold in mind that the +prophet deals primarily with the moral and religious conditions of his +own people at the time of his ministry. His denunciations, warnings +and exhortations are, therefore, not abstract principles, but are +local and for Israel. The prophet was then first of all a Jewish +patriot and revivalist filled with the Holy Ghost and with zeal for +Israel. + +The predictive elements of the prophetic books must be interpreted in +the light, (1) of a nearby or local fulfillment, such as of the +dispersion and restoration, and (2) of a far off and greater +fulfillment of which the first is only a forerunner, such as the +advent of the Messiah and his glorious reign over the whole earth. The +interpretation of prophecy should generally be in the literal, natural +and unforced meaning of the words. The following passages will show +how prophecy, already fulfilled, has been fulfilled literally and not +allegorically. Gen. 15:13-16; 16:11-12; Dt. 28:62-67; Ps. 22:1, 7, 8, +15-18; Is. 7:14; 53:2-9; Hos. 3:4; Joel 2:28-29: Mic. 5:2; Acts 2:16- +18; Matt. 21:4-5; Lu. 1:20, 31; Acts 1:5; Matt. 2:4-6; Lu. 21:16.17, +24; Acts 21:10-11. + +In a given book of prophecy, the book should be read carefully and all +the different subjects treated, noted. This should be followed by a +careful study to find what is said about the several topics already +found. To illustrate, the prophet may mention himself, Jerusalem, +Israel, Judah, Babylon or Egypt, etc. One should learn what is said of +each. This will make necessary the student's learning all he can of +the history of the different subjects mentioned that he may understand +the prophecy about it. + +The Prophet Isaiah. Several things are known of him. (1) He was called +to his work the last year of the reign of Uzziah. (2) He lived at +Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, and +most of his life seems to have been spent as a sort of court preacher +or chaplain to the king. (3) He is the most renowned of all the Old +Testament prophets, his visions not being restricted to his own +country and times. He spoke for all nations and for all times, being +restricted to his own country and times. "He was a man of powerful +intellect, great integrity and remarkable force of character." (4) He +is quoted more in the New Testament than any of the other prophets +and, because of the relation of his teaching to New Testament times +and teachings, his prophesies have been called the "Bridge between the +old and new covenants." (5) He married and had two sons. + +The Nature of His Teachings. In his inaugural vision recorded in the +sixth chapter Isaiah has impressed upon him some truths that shaped +his whole career. He saw: (1) The holiness and majesty of God; (2) The +corruption of those about him; (3) The certainty of awful judgment +upon the wicked; (4) The blessing of those whose lives are approved of +God; and (5) The salvation of a remnant that was to be the seed of a +new Israel. With these truths burning in his soul he pressed the +battle of righteousness into every sphere of life. He strove to +regenerate the entire national life. He tried to make not only +religious worship, but commerce and politics so pure that it could all +become a service acceptable to God. He, therefore, became a religious +teacher, preacher, social reformer, statesman and seer. + +Conditions of Israel (The Northern Kingdom). Isaiah began to prophecy +when it was outwardly rich and prosperous under the rule of Jereboam +IL Inwardly it was very corrupt. It soon went to pieces, however (621 +B. C.), being conquered and carried into captivity by the Assyrians. + +Conditions of Judah (The Southern Kingdom). During the reigns of Ahaz, +Jotham and Uzziah, oppression, wickedness and idolatry existed +everywhere. Ahaz made an alliance with Assyria, which finally brought +destruction to Israel, but Hezekiah listened to Isaiah and made +reforms, and God destroyed the Assyrian army before Jerusalem was +destroyed. + +Nature of the Contents of the Book. The contents of the Book have been +said to include: (1) Warnings and threats against his own people +because of their sins. (2) Sketches of the history of his times. (3) +Prophesies of the return of Israel from captivity. (4) Prophesies +concerning the coming of the Messiah. (S) Predictions of the judgment +of God on other nations. (6) Discourses that urge upon Israel moral +and religious reformation. (7) Visions of the future glory and +prosperity of the church. (8) Expressions of thanksgiving and praise. + +The Center of Interest. The prophet deals primarily with the nation +and not with the individual. He speaks primarily of the present and +not of the future. These two facts must be kept constantly in mind as +we read and interpret the book. + +Analysis. + + I. Discourses Concerning Judah and Israel, Chs. 1-12. + + 1. Some promises and rebukes, Chs. 1-6. + + 2. The book of Immanuel, Chs. 7-12. + + II. Prophesies against Foreign Nations, Chs. 13-23. +III. The Judgment of the World and the Triumph of God's People, Chs. +24-27. + + 1. The judgments. Ch. 24. + + 2. The triumph. Chs. 25-27. + + IV. Judah's Relation to Egypt and Assyria, Chs. 38-32. + + V. The Great Deliverance of Jerusalem, Chs. 33-39. + + VI. The Book of Consolation, Chs. 40-66. + + 1. God's preparation for certain deliverance, Chs. 40-48. + + 2. Jehovah's servant, the Messiah, will bring this deliverance. +Chs. 49-57. + + 3. The restoration of Zion and the Messianic Kingdom, with promises +and warnings for the future. Chs. 58-66. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The sins of Israel and Judah that he +rebukes. (2) Other nations against which he makes predictions and what +he said of each. (3) Isaiah's call. Ch. 6. (4) Isaiah's errand to +Ahaz, Ch. 7. (5) The way in which Isaiah rests the sole deity of +Jehovah upon his ability to predict a future, Ch. 41. Give other +illustrations. (6) The express predictions of the Messiah as we find +them fulfilled in Jesus. (7) Point out the passages portraying the +future glory of the church and the spiritual prosperity of the race. +(8) Passages predicting the restoration of the Jews from captivity. +(9) Some predictions already fulfilled: (a) God's judgments on the +kings of Israel and the nation of Israel, Ch. 7. (b) The overthrow of +Sennacherib, Chs. 13 and 37. (c) Disasters which should overtake +Babylon, Damascus, Egypt, Moab and Idumea, Chs. 13, 15, 18, 19 and 34. +(d) Vivid and marvelous descriptions of the final fate of Babylon and +Idumea, 13:19-22; 34:10-17. (10) The theology of Isaiah or his views +on such subjects as the moral condition of man, the need of a +redeemer, the consequences of redemption, Divine Providence, the +majesty and holiness of God, the future life, etc. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XVI. + +Jeremiah and Lamentations. + +The Author. (1) His name means "Exalted of Jehovah," and he is ranked +second among the great Old Testament writers. (2) He lived the last of +the sixth and the first of the fifth centuries before Christ. His +ministry began in 626 B. C., the thirteenth year of Josiah (1:2), and +lasted about forty years. He probably died in Babylon during the early +years of the captivity. (3) He was of a sensitive nature, mild, timid, +and inclined to melancholy. He was devoutly religious and naturally +shrank from giving pain to others. (4) He was uncommonly bold and +courageous in declaring the message of God, it was unpopular and +subjected him to hatred and even to suffering wrong. He was unsparing +in the denunciations and rebukes administered to his nation, not even +sparing the prince. (5) He is called the weeping prophet. He was +distressed both by the disobedience and apostasy of Israel and by the +evil which he foresaw. Being very devoutly religious, he was pained by +the impiety of his time. + +Condition of the Nations. (1) Israel, the northern kingdom, had been +carried into captivity and Judah stood alone against her enemies. (2) +Judah had fallen into a bad state, but Josiah, who reigned when +Jeremiah began his ministry, attempted to bring about reforms and +restore the old order. After his death, however, wickedness grew more +and more until, in the later part of the life of Jeremiah, Jerusalem +and the temple were destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and Judah was led away +in captivity. (3) The world powers of the time of Jeremiah's birth +were Assyria and Egypt. They were contending for supremacy. But +Jeremiah lived to see both of them subdued and Babylon mistress of the +world. He foresaw also how Babylon would fall and how a kingdom +greater than all would rise wherein there would be righteousness and +peace. + +Jeremiah. + +The book of Jeremiah is composed principally of sketches of biography, +history and prophecy, but the events and chapters are not in +chronological order. It closes the period of the monarchy and marks +the destruction of the holy city and of the sanctuary and tells of the +death agony of the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. But he saw +far beyond the judgments of the near future to a brighter day when the +eternal purpose of divine grace would be realized. The book, +therefore, emphasizes the future glory of the kingdom of God which +must endure though Israel does perish. He made two special +contributions to the truth as understood in his time. (1) The +spirituality of religion. He saw the coming overthrow of their +national and formal religion and realized that, to survive that +crisis, religion must not be national, but individual and spiritual. +(2) Personal responsibility (31:29-30). If religion was to be a +spiritual condition of the individual, the doctrine of personal +responsibility was a logical necessity. These two teachings constitute +a great step forward. + +Analysis. + + I. The Prophet's Call and Assurance, Ch. 1. + + II. Judah Called to Repentance, Chs. 2-22. + + 1. Her sins set forth, Chs. 2-6 + + 2. The call to repentance, Chs. 7-10. + + 3. The appeal to the covenant, Chs. 11-13. + + 4. Rejection and captivity foretold, Chs. 14-22. + +III. The Book of Consolation, Chs. 23-33. + + 1. The restoration of the remnant, Chs. 22-29. + + 2. The complete restoration, Chs. 30-33. + + IV. The Doom of Jerusalem Due to the People's Wickedness, Chs. 34-36. + + V. The History of Jeremiah and His Times, Chs. 37-45. + + VI. Prophecies Against Foreign Nations, Chs, 46-51. + +VII. Historical Appendix, Ch. 52. + +Lamentations. + +The name means elegies or mournful or plaintive poems. It was formerly +a part of Jeremiah and represents the sorrows of Jeremiah when the +calamities which he had predicted befell his people, who had often +despised and rejected him for his messages. He chose to live with them +in their suffering and out of his weeping pointed them to a star of +hope. There are five independent poems in as many chapters. Chapters +1, 2, 4 and 5 have each 22 verses or just the number of the Hebrew +alphabet. Chapter 3 has 66 verses or just three times the number of +the alphabet. The first four chapters are acrostic, that is each verse +begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In chapter three, each +letter is used in order and is three times repeated as the initial +letter of three successive lines. + +Analysis. + + I. The Misery of Jerusalem, Ch. 1. + + II. The Cause of the People's Suffering, Ch. 2. + +III. The Basis of Hope, Ch. 3. + + IV. The Past and Present of Israel, Ch. 4. + + V. The Final Appeal for Restoration, Ch. 5. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the evils predicted +against the people because of their sins. (Example 19:7-9). (2) Make a +list of the different sins and vices of which Jeremiah accuses Israel. +(Example 2:12; 3:20, etc.) (3) Point out all the prophesies of Divine +judgment against other nations and analyze the punishment foretold. +(Example 5:18-25). (4) Study the case of fidelity to parents given in +Ch. 35. (5) Collect all passages in both books which tell of the +Messiah and of Messianic times and make a study of each (as 23:5-6). +(6) Select a few of the striking passages of Lamentations and show how +they apply to the facts of history. (6) The sign and type of the +destruction of the land. Chs. 13-14. (8) The potter an illustration of +God's power over nations, Chs. 18-19. (9) The illustration of the +return, seen in the figs, Ch. 24. (10) Jeremiah's letter to the +captive, Ch. 29. (11) Jeremiah's love for Judah-it saw their faults, +rebuked them for their sins, but did not desert them when they were in +suffering, because they despised his advice. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XVII. + +Ezekiel and Daniel. + +Ezekiel. + +The Prophet. His name means "God will strengthen". He was a priest and +was carried into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. B. C. 597. He had a home +on the river Chebar where the Elders of Judah were accustomed to meet. +His wife died in the ninth year of his captivity. He was a man of very +powerful intellect and apparently from the better classes of those +carried into captivity. He is less attractive than Isaiah and less +constant in the flow of his thought than Jeremiah. He is not so timid +or sensitive as Jeremiah but has all his horror for sin and all of his +grief, occasioned by the wickedness of his people and the suffering +which they endured. In his boldness of utterance he was not surpassed +by his predecessors. + +Nature of the Prophecy. The nature of the prophecy or the methods by +which he exercised or manifests his prophetic gift differs from that +of the other prophets. He does not so much predict as see visions of +them. Allegories, parables, similitudes and visions abound, some of +them symbolic of the future and others of existing facts and +conditions. The prophet remains on the banks of Chebar and in spirit +is transported to Jerusalem and the temple. Much of the book is in +character similar to Revelation and while the general subjects are +very plain, much of the meaning of the symbols is obscure. There are, +however, powerful addresses and eloquent predictions of Divine +judgments on the nations. It was probably due to the services of +Ezekiel that Israel's religion was preserved during the exile. + +The Main Aspects of his Teaching. (1) Denunciation of Judah's sins and +the downfall of Jerusalem, Chs. 1-24. (2) Judgments upon foreign +nations, Chs. 25-32. (3) Repentance as a condition of salvation, +18:30-32. (4) The glorious restoration of Israel, li:16ff; 16:60ff; +27:22-24; 20:40ff; Chs. 33-48. (5) The freedom and responsibility of +the individual soul before God. 18:20-32. (6) The necessity of a new +heart and a new spirit, 11:19: 18:31; 36:26. + +Condition of the Jews. (1) _Political and social condition_. They are +captives living in Babylon but are treated as colonists and not as +slaves. They increased in numbers and accumulated great wealth and +some of them rose to the highest offices. (2) _The religious condition +or outlook_. They had religious freedom and in this period they +forever gave up their idolatry. They sought out the books of the law, +revised the cannon, wrote some new books and perhaps inaugurated the +synagogue worship which became so powerful afterward. + +Analysis. + + I. Ezekiel's Call, Chs. 1-3. + + 1. Preliminary vision, Ch. 1. + + 2. The call, Chs. 2-3. + + II. The Destruction of Jerusalem, Chs. 4-24. + + 1. The siege and certain judgment of the city, Chs. 4-7, + + 2. The condition of the city and the sins of the people, Chs. 8-19. + + 3. Renewed proofs and predictions of the doom of Judah and +Jerusalem, Chs. 20-24. + +III. Predictions against Foreign Nations and Cities. Chs. 25-32. + + IV. Prophecies concerning the Restoration, Chs. 33-48. + + 1. The restoration of Judah to the promised land, Chs. 33-39. + + 2. The Messianic times, Chs. 40-48. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The condition, the particular sin and +the judgment promised upon each of the nations mentioned-has the +prediction been fulfilled? (2) The duties and responsibilities of a +preacher as illustrated by Ezekiel's watchman, Ch. 33. (3) The vision +of dry bones. Ch 37. (4) Judah and Israel under the figure of an evil +woman, Ch. 23. (5) The healing river, 47:1-12. (6) The teachings about +the Restoration, in the following passages: 36:8, 9, 29, 30, 34, 35, +25-27; 37:1-14; 24:11-24; 37:22; 26,27; 43:11-12. (7) The symbols and +types of the book. + +Daniel. + +Name. The name is taken from its leading character, Daniel, which +means "God is my Judge." + +Author. It was very probably Daniel, though some think it may have +been one of his companions, and still others think the history may +have been gotten together and written about 166 B. C. + +The Date. The date then would have been between the captivity, 605 B. +C., and the death of Daniel, 533 B. C., perhaps late in his life, or +if by some other (which I do not think likely) about 166 B. C. + +The Prophet. He was probably born in Jerusalem and was one of the +noble young captives first carried into captivity by King +Nebuchadnezzar. He was educated by order of the king and soon rose to +great favor and was chosen to stand before the king in one of the +highest government positions under the Chaldean, Median and Persian +dynasties. He lived through the whole period of the captivity and +probably died in Babylon. It is said that not one imperfection of his +life is recorded. The angel repeatedly calls him "greatly beloved." + +World Empires of the Book. (1) _The Babylonian Empire_ (625-536 B. C.) +with Nebuchadnezzar as the leading king and the one who carried Israel +captive. (2) _The Persian Empire_ (536-330 B. C.) which became a world +power through Cyrus, under whom the Jews returned to Jerusalem. (3) +_The Grecian Empire_, which, under the leadership of Alexander the +Great, subdued the entire Persian world. (4) _The Roman Empire_, which +was anticipated by and grew out of the Syrian Empire. + +Purpose of the Book. The purpose of the book seems to be: (1) To +magnify Jehovah, who delivers his servants, who is God of all nations, +and who will punish idolatry, who is pure, righteous, etc. (2) To +encourage his countrymen to resist the forces that threaten the +foundation of their faith. This was done by the example of Daniel and +his companions whom Jehovah saved. (3) To give a prophecy or vision of +all times from the day of Daniel to the Messianic period. (4) To +outline the religious philosophy of history which would issue in a +great world state, which the Messianic King would rule by principles +of justice and right, and which would subdue all kingdoms and have +everlasting dominion. The main idea is the ultimate triumph of the +kingdom of God. As compared with former prophetic books there are two +new teachings. (1) Concerning angels. (2) Concerning a resurrection +from the dead. + +Analysis. + + I. Daniel's History, Chs. 1-6. + + 1. His youth and education, Ch. 1. + + 2. Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's image dream. Ch. 2. + + 3. In the fiery furnace. Ch. 3. + + 4. Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's tree dream, Ch. 4. + + 5. Interpretation of the hand-writing on the wall for Belshazzar, +Ch. 5. + + 6. In the Lion's den, Ch. 6. + + II. Daniel's Vision of the Kingdom, Chs. 7-12. + + 1. The four beasts, Ch. 7. + + 2. The ram and the he-goat, Ch. 8. + + 3. The seventy weeks, Ch. 9. + + 4. The final vision, Chs. 10-12. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the various visions of +Daniel and become familiar with the contents of each. (2) Make a list +of all the passages that refer to the fact of Daniel's praying and +point out some of the specific prayers with their answers. (3) Point +out the different attempts to overthrow or kill Daniel and tell the +cause, by whom he was opposed and how he escaped. (4) Make a list of +the different symbols such as the lion and learn the description given +of each symbolic animal. (5) Point out the several decrees made by the +different kings and learn what led to the decree, how it affected +Daniel, how it bore upon the worship of the people of his nation, how +it affected the worship of Jehovah, etc. (6) The difficulty and +possibility of right living in bad surroundings. (7) The openness of +Daniel's conduct. (8) The elements of strength of character displayed +by Daniel. (9) The inevitable conflict between good and evil. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XVIII. + +Hosea and Joel. + +Hosea. + +The Prophet. He is called the "Prophet of Divine Love." His name, +Hosea, means "Deliverance." He was a native and citizen of Israel and +followed Amos whom he may have heard in Bethel. He was a contemporary +with Isaiah and bore faithful testimony to corrupt Israel in the North +while Isaiah prophesied at Jerusalem and was to Israel what Jeremiah +became to Judah. He was prepared for his work through the lessons +which he learned from the sins of his unfaithful wife. (1) Through the +suffering which he endured because of her sins, he understood how God +was grieved at the wickedness of Israel and how her sins were not only +against God's law but an insult to divine love. (2) In love and at +great cost he restored his wayward wife and in that act saw a hope of +the restoration and forgiveness of Israel. His ministry extended over +more than sixty years and was perhaps the longest of any on record. It +continued 786-726 B. C., covering the last few years of the reign of +Jereboam II, to which Chs. 1-3 belong and the period of anarchy +following. + +The Style and Method. His style is "abrupt, uneven, inelegant," but +also poetical, figurative and abounding in metaphors. His writings +must be interpreted with great care to get what is meant by his +symbolic speech. He reminds one of modern reformers and revivalists. +Through all the anger which the book reveals we see also the +surpassing beauty of reconciling love. One sees everywhere that the +supreme goal to which Hosea moves is the re-establishment of Israel's +fellowship of life and love with Jehovah. + +Conditions of Israel. _Outwardly_ there was prosperity. Syria and Moab +had been conquered; commerce had greatly increased; the borders of the +land had been extended and the temple offerings were ample. _Inwardly_ +there was decay. Gross immoralities were being introduced; worship was +being polluted and the masses of the people crushed, while the +Assyrian Empire was advancing and ready to crush Israel, whom, because +of her sins, God had abandoned to her fate. + +They countenanced oppression, murder, lying, stealing, swearing, etc. +They had forgotten the law and their covenant to keep it and had +substituted the worship of Baal for that of Jehovah, thereby becoming +idolaters. They no longer looked to God in their distress but turned +to Egypt and Assyria for help, and thereby put security and prosperity +on a basis of human strength and wisdom instead of resting them upon a +hope of divine favor. + + +Analysis. + +I. Israel's Sin. illustrated by the tragedy of Hosea's unfortunate +marriage, Chs. 1-3. + + 1. His evil wife and their children, Ch. 1. + + 2. Israel's unfaithfulness and return to God seen in the evil +women, Ch. 2. + + 3. God's love restores Israel as Hosea does his wife, Ch. 3. + + II. The Prophetic Discourses, Chs. 4-14. + + 1. Israel's sin, Chs. 4-8. + + 2. Israel's coming punishment, Chs. 9-11. + + + 3. Israel's repentance and restoration, Chs. 12-14. +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the +exhortations to penitence and reformation and study them. (2) Point +out the different utterances of judgment upon the people. (3) Make a +list of all the different sins condemned. (4) Make a list of the +expressions of tender love for the wayward and backsliding one. (5) +Make a list of all passages indicating grief and suffering because of +the sin and danger of the one loved. (6) Political and religious +apostacy. (7) Sin as infidelity to love-as spiritual adultery. (8) The +invitations of the book. + +Joel. + + +The Prophet. His name means "Jehovah is God," but his birth-place and +conditions of life are unknown. He very probably prophesied in Judah +(2:15-17) and the time of his ministry is commonly thought to have +been during the reign of Joash, king of Israel, and Amaziah, king of +Judah. It seems certain his is one of the earliest (some think the +very earliest) of the prophetic books, and his references to the +temple and its services have caused some to conclude he was a priest. + +The Prophecy. (1) The occasion of the prophecy was four successive +plagues of insects, particularly the locusts (2:25) and a drouth +(2:23) which had been unprecedented. These calamities the prophet +declares are the results of their sins and should call them to +repentance, that God may bless instead of curse their land. (2) The +people repent and the calamity is removed. This is used by the prophet +to foreshadow the coming destruction and restoration of Israel and +this restoration is also doubtless used to prefigure Christian church +and its triumph on earth. (3) The great subject is the terrible +judgments of God which were to come upon the people because of their +sins. (4) His great distinctive prophecy is 2;28-32 which was +fulfilled on the day of pentecost, Acts 2:16-21. (B) In it all, he is +emphasizing the rewards of the righteous and certain punishment of the +wicked and thus he appealed to both the hopes and the fears of men. +But the relief value of the book is its optimism. There was victory +ahead, the righteous would finally triumph and be saved and God's +enemies will be destroyed. The conflict of good and evil and of +Israel and her enemies will end in entire and glorious triumph for +Israel and right. + +Analysis. + + I. The Call to Repentance, Chs. 1:1-2:17. + + 1. By the past scourge of locusts and drought, Ch. 1. + + 2. By the scourge to come, 2:1-17. + + II. Israel's Repentance and Jehovah's Promised Blessing, 2:18-3:21. + + 1. Material blessing, 2:18-27. + + 2. In the world Judgment, Ch. 3. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Point out the different statements about +the drouth and locusts that indicate their severity and ruinous +effects. (2) Collect the passages referring to the Messianic age and +try to see how or what each foretells of that age. (3) Point out all +references to the sins of Israel. (4) Collect evidences of the divine +control of the universe as seen in the book. + + * * * * * +Chapter XIX. + +Amos and Obadiah. + +Amos. + +The Prophet. His name means "Burden," and he is called the prophet of +righteousness. His home was at Tokea, a small town of Judea about +twelve miles south of Jerusalem, where he acted as herdsman and as +dresser of sycamore trees. He was very humble, not being of the +prophetic line, nor educated in the schools of the prophets for the +prophetic office. God called him to go out from Judah, his native +country, as a prophet to Israel, the Northern Kingdom. In obedience to +this call he went to Bethel, where the sanctuary was, and delivered +his bold prophecy. His bold preaching against the land Of Israel while +at Bethel aroused Amaziah the leading idolatrous priest, who +complained of him to the king. He was expelled from the kingdom, after +he had denounced Amaziah who had perhaps accused him of preaching as a +trade, 7:10-14, but we know nothing more of him except what is in this +book, which he perhaps wrote after he returned from Tekoa. + +The Time of the Prophecy. It was during the reign of Uzziah, king of +Judah and of Jereboam II, king of Israel, and was outwardly a very +prosperous time in Northern Israel. But social evils were everywhere +manifest, especially the sins that grow out of a separation between +the rich and poor, 2:6-8, etc. Religion was of a low and formal kind, +very much of the heathen worship having been adopted. + +The Significance of the Prophecy. One need but read the book of Amos +to see that he expects doom to come upon foreign nations, that he +foretells the wickedness of the Jews and their coming doom, showing +how the nation is to be dissolved and sold into captivity and that he +predicts the glory and greatness of the Messianic kingdom. He thinks +of Jehovah as the one true God, an all wise, all-powerful, +omnipresent, merciful and righteous person whose favor can only be +secured by a life of righteousness. He sees that justice between men +is the foundation of society, that men are responsible for their +acts, that punishment will follow failure to measure up to our +responsibility, that worship is an insult to God, unless the worshiper +tries to conform to divine demands. + + + I. The Condemnation of the Nations. Chs. 1-2. + + 1. Introduction, 1:1-2. + 2. Israel's neighbors shall be punished for their sins. 1:3-2:5. + + 3. Israel's sins shall he punished, 2:6-16. + + II. The Condemnation of Israel, Chs. 3-6. + + 1. For civil iniquities, Ch. 3. + + 2. For oppression of the poor and for idolatry, Ch. 4. + + 3. Repeated announcements of judgment with appeals to return and +do good, Chs. 5-6. + +III. Five Visions Concerning Israel, Chs. 7:1-9:10. + + 1. The locusts, 7:1-3. + + + 2. The fire, 7:4-6. + + 3. The plumb line (a testing), 7:7-9, a historical interlude (the +conflict with Amaziah), 7:10-17. + + 4. A basket of summer fruit (iniquity ripe for punishment), Ch. 8. + + 5. The destruction of the altar (No more services), 9:1-10. + + IV. Promised Restoration and Messianic Kingdom, 9;11-15. + +For Study mid Discussion, (1) Gather from the book a list of +illustrations, sayings, etc., that are taken from the rustic or +agricultural usages. (2) Make a list of the different nations against +which he prophesies and point out the sin of each and the nature of +the punishment threatened. (3) Make a list of the different +illustrations used to show the greatness and power of God. (4) The sin +of wrong inter-relation of nations. (5) The responsibility of national +enlightenment. (6) Repentance as seen in this book. (7) The book's +evidence of the luxury of the time. + +Obadiah. + +The Prophet. His name means "servant of the Lord," but we know nothing +of him except what we can gather from his prophecy. + +The Time. It was doubtless written after the fall of Jerusalem under +Nebuchadnezzar, 587 B. C. and before the destruction of Edom, five +years later, which would make the date about 585 B. C. This would make +him a contemporary of Jeremiah. + +The Occasion of the prophecy is the cruelty of the Edomites in +rejoicing over the fall of Judah. + +The Jews. It is said to be a favorite book with the Jews because of +the vengeance which it pronounces upon Edom, their brother. Its chief +importance lies in its predictions of doom upon Edom the descendants +of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob and the type of the unchangeable +hostility of the flesh to that which is born of the spirit. + +The Teachings. (1) Jehovah is especially interested in Israel. (2) He +will establish a new kingdom, with Judea and Jerusalem as the center +and with holiness as the chief characteristic. + +Analysis. + + I. Edom's punishment, 1-9. + + + 1. She must fall, 1-4. + + 2. Her allies will desert her, 5-7. + + 3. Her wisdom will fail her, 8-9. + II. Edom's sin, 10-14 + +III. Guilt of the nations, 15-16. + + IV. Judah shall be restored, + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The sin of pride. (2) The sin of +rejoicing in another's misfortune. (3) Punishment according to our sin +and of the same kind as was our sin. + +* * * * * + +Chapter XX. + +Jonah and Micah. + +Jonah. + +The Prophet. His name means "done," and he is the son of Amittai. His +home was Gath-hepher, a village of Zebulun, and he, therefore, +belonged to the ten tribes and not to Judah. He is first mentioned in +2 Kings 14:28, where he prophesied the success of Jeroboam II, in his +war with Syria, by which he would restore the territory that other +nations had wrested from Israel. He very likely prophesied at an early +date, though all attempts to determine the time of his prophecy or the +time and place of his death have failed. + + +The Prophecy. It differs from all the other prophecies in that it is a +narrative and more "the history of a prophecy than prophecy itself". +All the others are taken up chiefly with prophetic utterances, while +this book records the experiences and work of Jonah, but tells us +little of his utterances. The story of Jonah has been compared to +those of Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17-19, and 2 Kings 4-6). + +Although full of the miraculous element, the evident purpose is to +teach great moral and spiritual lessons, and it is unfortunate that +its supernatural element has made this book the subject of infidel +attack. But the facts, though extraordinary, are in no way +contradictory or inconsistent. Indeed, Mr. Driver has well said that +"no doubt the outlines of the narrative are historical." Christ spoke +of Jonah and accredited it by likening his own death for three days to +Jonah's three days in the fish's belly. + + +It is the most "Christian" of all the Old Testament books, its +central truth being the universality of the divine plan of redemption. +Nowhere else in the Old Testament is such stress laid upon the love of +God as embracing in its scope the whole human race. + +Analysis. + + I. Jonah's First Call and Flight from Duty, Chs. 1-2. + + 1. The call, flight and punishment, 1:1-16. + + 2. The repentance and rescue, 1:17-2:10 (end). + + II. Jonah's Second Call and Preaching at Nineveh, Ch. 3. + + 1. His second call. 1-2. + + 2. His preaching against Nineveh. 2-4. + + 3. Nineveh repents, 5-9. + + 4. Nineveh is spared, 10. +III. Jonah's Anger and God's Mercy, Ch. 4. + + 1. Jonah's anger, 1-4. + + 2. The lessons of the gourd. 5-11. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The different elements of character +noticeable in Jonah. (2) The dangers of disobedience, to self and to +others. (3) The possibilities of influence for the man commissioned of +God. Jonah's influence on the sailors and on Nineveh. (4) God's care +for heathen nations (4-11), and its bearing upon the Foreign Mission +enterprise. (5) The nature of true repentance and God's forgiveness. +(6) The prophet, or preacher-his call, his message and place of +service. + +Micah. + +The Prophet. His name means "who is the Lord?" and he was Moresheth. a +small town of Gath. He was a younger contemporary of Isaiah and +prophesied to both Israel and Judah during the time of Jotham, Ahaz +and Hezekiah, kings of Judah; and of Pekah and Hoshea, the last two +kings of Israel. He sympathized deeply with the common people, being +moved by the social wrongs of his time (Ch. 2-3), and became the +people's advocate and defender as well as their accuser. He clearly +sets forth the wickedness of Judah and Israel, their punishment, their +restoration and the coming Christ. As compared with Isaiah, he was a +simple countryman, born of obscure parentage and recognized as one of +the peasant classes, while Isaiah was a city prophet of high social +standing and a counselor of kings. + +The Great Truths of the Prophecy Are: (1) The destruction of Israel +(1:6-7) (2) The desolation of Jerusalem and the temple (3:12 and +7:13). (3) The carrying off of the Jews to Babylon (4:10). (4) The +return from captivity with peace and prosperity and with spiritual +blessing (4:1-8 and 7:11-17). (5) The ruler in Zion (Messiah) (4:8). +(6) Where and when he should be born (5:2). This is his great prophecy +and is accepted as final in the announcement to Herod. + + + I. The Impending Calamity, Ch. 1. + + II. The Sins That Have Brought on This Calamity. Chs. 2-3. + + 1. In their wickedness they refuse to hear the prophets and are led +into captivity, 2:1-11. + + 2. The promised restoration, 2:12-13. + + 3. The sins of the rich and of those in authority. Ch. 3. + +III. The Promised Restoration and Glory, Chs. 4-5. + + 1. The promised restoration of the city Zion, 4:1-5. + + 2. The restoration and glory of Israel, 4:6-13 (end). + 3. The mighty messianic king to be given, Ch. 5. + + IV. God's Controversy With Israel. Chs. 6-7. + + 1. God's charge and threat against them, Ch. 6. + + 2. In lamentation and patience the righteous must wait for a better +time, 7:1-13. + + 3. God will have mercy and restore, 7:14-20. + +For Study and discussion. (1) The several accusations and threatenings +against Israel and Judah. (2) The different things mentioned to +describe the coming prosperity of Israel and of the Messianic period. +(3) The false authority of civil rulers, of moral leaders, of +spiritual teachers. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXI. + +Nahum and Habakkuk. + +Nahum. + +The Prophet. His name means "consolation", and he was a native of +Elkosh, a small town of Galilee. We do not know where he uttered his +prophecy, whether from Philistia or at Nineveh. It is thought that he +escaped into Judah when the Captivity of the Ten Tribe began and that +he was at Jerusalem at the time of the Assyrian invasion. + +The Prophecy. The date, if the above conclusions are to be relied +upon, would be in the reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah, which would be +between 720 and 698 B. C. Others put it between the destruction of +Thebes, 664 B. C. and the fall of Nineveh, 607 B. C. claiming that it +might be either during the reign of Josiah, 640-625 B. C. or in the +reign of Manasseh, 660 B. C. The theme of the book is the approaching +fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which held sway for centuries +and has been regarded as the most brutal of the ancient heathen +nations. The purpose, in keeping with the name of the author, was to +comfort his people, so long harassed by Assyria, which was soon to +fall and trouble them no more. The style is bold and fervid and +eloquent and differs from all the prophetic books so far studied in +that it is silent concerning the sins of Judah. It is a sort of +outburst of exultation over the distress of a cruel foe, a shout of +triumph over the downfall of an enemy that has prevented the +exaltation of the people of Jehovah. + +Analysis. + + I. The Doom of Nineveh Pronounced, Ch. 1. + + II. the Siege and Fall of Nineveh, Ch. 2. + +III. The Sins Which Will Cause Nineveh's Ruin, Ch. 3. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The striking features of the Divine +character seen in the book. How many in 1:2-3? (2) The description of +Nineveh-not only her wickedness, but her energy and enterprise. (3) +The doom predicted for Nineveh-analyze the predictions to the +different things to which she is doomed. (4) Pride as a God-ward sin +and its punishment. (5) Cruelty, The man-ward sin and its punishment. + + +Habakkuk. + +The Prophet. His name means "embracing," and he very likely was a +contemporary of Jeremiah and prophesied between 608 B. C. and 638 B. +C. at a time of political and moral crisis. He may have been a Levite +connected with the Temple music. + + +The Prophecy. As Nahum prophesied the fall of Assyria for its +oppression of Israel, Habakkuk tells of God's judgments upon the +Chaldeans because of their oppression. The style is poetical and +displays a very fine imagery. (1) There is a dialogue between the +prophet and the Divine ruler. (2) There is a prayer or psalm which is +said not to be excelled in any language in the grandeur of its +poetical conceptions and sublimity of expression. + +Its purpose grew out of the fact that they were no better off under +the rule of Babylon (Chaldeans) which had overthrown Assyria than they +were formerly while Assyria ruled over them. It intended to answer the +questions: (1) How could God use such a wicked instrument as the +Chaldeans (Barbarians) to execute his purposes? (2) Could the Divine +purpose be justified in such events? God's righteousness needed +vindicating to the people. (3) Why does wickedness seem to triumph +while the righteous suffer? This is the question of Job, applied to +the nation. + + +Analysis. + + + I. The Problem of the Apparent Triumph of Sin, Ch. 1. + + 1. Why does sin go unpunished? 1-4. + + 2. God says he has used the Chaldeans to punish sin, 5-11. + + 3. Are they confined to evil forever, 12-17. + + II. The Impending Punishment of the Chaldeans, Oh. 2. + + 1. Waiting for the vision, 1-3. + + 2. Vision of five destructive woes, 4-20. + +III. An Age of Confidence in God, Ch.3. + + 1. Prayer of the disquieted prophet, 1-2. + + 2. Past history has shown that God will finally destroy Israel's +enemies, 3-15. + + + 3. The prophet must joyously trust God and wait when in +perplexity, 16-19. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The morals of the people. (2) The +character and deeds of the Chaldeans. (3) The Universal supremacy of +Jehovah. (4) The proper attitude amid perplexing problem. (5) Faith +and faithfulness as a guarantee of supremacy and life. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXII. + +Zephaniah and Haggai. + +Zephaniah. + +The Prophet. He is a son of Cushi, a descendant of Hezekiah, and +prophesied about 630 B. C. during the reign of Josiah. His prophesies +may have aided in inaugurating and in carrying to success the reforms +of Josiah. His name means "hid of the Lord" in he is supposed to have +been a contemporary of Habakkuk. + +The Prophecy. The prophecy seems to be based upon the ravages of the +Scythians, whom the nations had come to fear and whom Egypt had +bribed, and looks to the judgment of the Lord which cannot be +escaped. Its theme, therefore, is "The great day of the Lord" in which +suffering will come upon all nations with which the prophet is +familiar, Jerusalem and all Judea included. Converts would be won from +all parts of the world and these could worship Jehovah, "every one +from his place". + +Analysis. + + I. The Coming Day of Wrath. Ch. 1. + + 1. The destruction of all things, 1-6. + + 2. The severe punishment of Judah, 7-18. + + II. Judgment Upon Evil Nations, 2:1-3:7. + + 1. A plea for repentance, 2:1-3. + + 2. The doom that shall engulf the nations, 2:4-end. + + 3. Judah's obstinacy in sin, 3:1-7. + +III. Promised Blessing for the Faithful Remnant, 3:8-20. + + 1. Because of Israel's sin, the nation will be cleansed by +punishment and converted to God, 3:3-10. + + 2. Purified Israel shall be honored in all the earth, 3:11-20. + + +For Study and Discussion, (1) Gather a list of all that is said to +induce repentance or the turning away from evil. (2) What sins are +condemned in Judah and other nations. Make a list of them. (3) Name +the special classes that are condemned, as princes. (4) Make a list of +the blessings promised for the coming Messianic days. (5) The purpose +of the Lord's judgments. + +Haggai. + +The Prophet. Haggai was born in Babylon and was one of those who +returned from captivity, under Zerrubbabel, according to the decree of +Cyrus. He prophesied during the period of the rebuilding of the +temple, as recorded in Ezra and he was the first prophet called to +prophesy after the Jews returned from the captivity in Babylon. He +began his teaching sixteen years after the return of the first band to +Jerusalem. + +The Conditions Out of Which Grew the Prophecy. Under the decree of +Cyrus. King of Persia, Zerrubbabel, a descendant of King David, had +led a company of captives back to Jerusalem. They had set up the altar +and work on the temple had been begun, but the work had been +interrupted by the hostile Samaritans and others and for about +fourteen years almost nothing had been done. These years of inactivity +had dulled their zeal and they were rapidly becoming reconciled to the +situation and by reason of their weakness, compared with the great +task before them, they were beginning to despair of seeing their +people and beloved city and Temple restored to that glory pictured by +former prophets. + +The Prophecy. Its purpose was to restore the hope of the people and to +give them zeal for the cause of God. This was accomplished by means of +four distinct visions, each of which shows their folly in not +completing the work, mid promises divine blessing. They hear God say, +"I am with you, and will bless you." The result is seen in that they +are enabled, in spite of opposition, to finish and dedicate it in +about four years. + +Analysis. + + I. The Appeal to Rebuild the Temple, Ch. 1. + + 1. The appeal, 1:11. + + 2. The preparations to build, 12-15. + + II. The New Temple, 2:1-19. + + 1. The superior glories of it, 2:1-9. + + 2. The blessing of its holy service, 2:10-19. + +III. The Messianic Kingdom, 2:10-23. + +For Study and Discussion, (1) The rebukes uttered by the prophet. (2) +The encouragements he offers. (3) The historical confirmation of the +facts of this book found in Ezra. (4) False content and discontent. +(5) Basing conclusions upon the comparative strength of the friends +and enemies of a proposition, while leaving God out of the count. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXIII. + +Zechariah and Malachi. + +Zechariah. + +The Prophet. His name means "Remembered of the Lord" and like Haggai +he appears to have been among the captives who returned from Babylon +with Zerubbabel. He was a co-laborer with Haggai, beginning his work +two mouths later and continuing into the second year following him. +The conditions of the times were the same as those described in +Haggai. + +The Prophecy. The purpose is the same as that of Haggai. The time of +the first eight chapters is that of the rebuilding of the temple while +the remaining chapters, 9-14, are thought to have been written thirty +years later. It is distinguished for: (1) The symbolic character of +its visions. (2) The richness of his Messianic predictions found in +the second part. (3) The large place given to angelic mediation in the +intercourse with Jehovah. + +The Contents. The contents have been said to contain: (1) +Encouragements to lead the people to repent and reform; (2) +Discussions about keeping up the days of fasting and humiliation +observed during the captivity; (3) Reflections of a moral and +spiritual nature; (4) Denunciations against some contemporary nations; +(5) Promises of the prosperity of God's people; (6) Various +predictions concerning Christ and his kingdom. + + I. Eight Visions Encouraging the Rebuilding of the Temple, Chs. 1-6. +Introduction, 1:1-6. + + 1. The horseman among the myrtle trees, 1:7-17. + + 2. The four horns and four carpenters, 1:18-21. + 3. The man with the measuring line, Ch. 2. + + 4. Joshua, the High Priest, and Satan, Ch. 3. + + 5. The Golden Candlestick, Ch. 4. + + 6. The Flying Roll 5:1-4. + + 7. The woman and ephah, 5:5-11 end. + + 8. The four war chariots, 6:1-8. + + Appendix: Joshua crowned as a type of Christ, 6:9-15. + + II. Requirement of the Law and the Restoration and Enlargement +of Israel, Chs. 7-8. + + 1. Obedience better than fasting. 7:1-7. + + 2. Disobedience the source of all their past misery, 7:8-14 end. + + 3. The restoration and enlargement which prefigure Christ "The +Jew," Ch.8. + +III. Visions of the Messianic Kingdom. Chs. 9-14. + + 1. The Messianic King, Ch. 9-10. + + 2. The rejected Shepherd. Ch. 11, + + 3. The restored and penitent people, Chs. 12-13. + + 4. The divine sovereignty, Ch. 14. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The symbols and figures used in the +several visions. (2) The different ways of expressing or planning the +success of God's people and the overthrow of their enemies. (3) The +discussion of fasting, should they keep it up? What is superior to it? +etc. (4) The promises of these prophesies. (5) The denunciations and +judgments found in the book. + +Malachi. + +The Prophet. His name means "Messenger of the Lord." or "My +Messenger". He was connected with the reform movement of Nehemiah and +Ezra and condemned the same sins which they condemned. He must, +therefore, have lived about 100 years after Haggai and Zechariah, or +about 430-420 B. C. He was the last of the Old Testament inspired +prophets. + + + + +The Condition of the Time. The people had been restored to Jerusalem +and the temple and walls rebuilt. They had become sensual and selfish +and had grown careless and neglectful of their duty. Their +interpretation of the glowing prophecies of the exilic and pre-exilic +prophets had led them to expect to realize the Messianic kingdom +immediately upon their return. They were, therefore, discouraged and +grew skeptical (2:17) because of the inequalities of life seen +everywhere. This doubt of divine justice had caused them to neglect +vital religion and true piety had given place to mere formality. They +had not relapsed into idolatry but a spirit of worldliness had crept +in and they were guilty of many vices such as we see today in +professedly Christian communities. + +The Prophecy. The purpose of this prophecy was to rebuke the people +for departing from the worship of the law of God, to call the people +back to Jehovah and to revive their national spirit. There are in it: +(1) Unsparing denunciations of social evils and of the people of +Israel. (2) Severe rebukes for the indifference and hypocrisy of the +priests. (3) Prophecies of the coming of the Messiah and the +characteristics and manner of his coming. (4) Prophecies concerning +the forerunner of the Messiah. + +Analysis. + +Introduction: Jehovah's love of Israel. 1:1-5. This is seen in the +contrast between Israeli and Egypt. + + I. Israel's Lack of Love of God, 1:6-2:16. It is proved. + + 1. By their polluted offerings, 1:6 end. + + 2. By the sins of the priests. 2:1-9. + + 3. By their heathen marriages and by their divorces, 2:10-16. + + II. God Will Come and Judge His People, 2:17-4:6 end. + + 1. His messenger will separate the righteous from the wicked, 2:17- +4:6. + + 2. This is seen in the effect of their withholding or paying +tithes. 3:7-12. + + 3. Faithful services will be rewarded. 3:13-4:6 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the particular sins +rebuked. (2) Make a list of all the different things said about the +Messiah and his mission and also that of the forerunner. (3) Analyze +and study each of the seven controversies. 1:2, 7; 2:13, 14, 17; 3:7, +8, 14. (4) Compare the future destinies of the righteous and wicked as +revealed in this book, making a list of all that is said of each. (5) +Make a list of all the promises of the book. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXIV. + +Matthew. + +Each Gospel was written with a view to creating a definite result and +written to a particular people and they differ accordingly. In this +book, therefore, each Gospel is discussed with the hope of so +outlining its purpose and consequent peculiarities as to stimulate a +thorough study of the questions raised. + +Date. Written about 60 A. D., but after Mark. + +The Author. The Author always speaks of himself as "the publican," +which may indicate his sense of humility, felt in having been exalted +from so low an estate to that of an apostle. He was the son of Alpheus +(Mar. 2:14; Lu. 5:27), and was called Levi until Jesus called him and +gave him the name Matthew, which means "Gift of God." We know nothing +of his work except his call and farewell feast (9:9-10), and that he +was with the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Thus silent and +observant and qualified by former occupation, he could well undertake +the writing of this book. It might be possible that he was chosen by +the others for this great task. We know nothing of his death. +Characteristics and Purpose. + +1. It is not a Chronological but a Systematic and Topical Gospel. +There is order in the arrangement of materials so that a definite +result may be produced. Materials are treated in groups, as the +miracles in chapters eight and nine and the parables of chapter +thirteen. There is order and purpose also in the arrangement of these +groups of miracles and parables. The first miracle is the cure of +leprosy, and is a type of sin; while the last one is the withering of +the fig tree, which is a symbol of judgment. The first parable is that +of the seed of the kingdom, which is a symbol of the beginning or +planting of the kingdom; the last is that of the talents and +prophesies the final adjudication at the last day. This same orderly +arrangement is also observed in the two great sections of the book. +The first great section 4:17-16:20, especially sets forth the person +and nature of Jesus, while the second section, 16:20 end, narrates his +great work for others as seen in his death and resurrection. + +2. It Is a Didactic or Teaching Gospel. While giving the account of a +number of miracles, the book is marked by several discourses of +considerable length, as The sermon on the Mount, chapters 3-7, the +denunciation of the Pharisees, chapter 23, the prophecy of the +destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world, chapters 24-25, the +address to the apostles, chapter 10; and the doctrines of the +kingdom, 17:24-20:16. These portions and the parables noted above will +indicate how large a portion of the book is taken up in discourses. +The student can make lists of other and shorter sections of teaching. + +3. It Is a Gospel of Gloom and Despondency. There are no songs of joy +like those of Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon, Anna and the Angels, +recorded in Luke. Nor do we see him popular and wise at the age of +twelve. Instead, we have his mother almost repudiated and left in +disgrace by Joseph and only saved by divine intervention. Jerusalem is +in trouble, the male children are killed and mothers are weeping for +them. The child Jesus is saved only by the flight into Egypt, his +whole life after the return from Egypt is covered in oblivion and he +is a despised Nazarite. The cross is one of desolation with no +penitent thief nor sympathy from any one, with his enemies reviling, +smiting their breasts and passing by. Nor is there much optimism or +expectation of success. The disciples are to be rejected and +persecuted even as their Lord; many are to be called and but few are +chosen; only a few are to find the narrow way; many are to claim +entrance into the Kingdom because they have prophesied in His name and +be denied. Even Matthew himself is a despised and rejected publican. + +4. It Is a Kingly Gospel. The genealogy shows the royal descent of +Jesus. The Magi came seeking him that was "born king of the Jews," and +John the Baptist preaches that the "Kingdom of heaven is at hand." +Here we have the parables of the kingdom, beginning with "the Kingdom +of heaven," etc. In Luke a certain man made a great supper and had two +sons, while in Matthew it was a certain king. In the other evangelists +we always have the term gospel while, with one exception, Matthew +always puts it "the gospel of the Kingdom". The "keys of the kingdom" +are given to Peter. All the nations shall gather before him as he sits +on the throne and "the king say" unto them, and the "king shall +answer," etc. (Matt. 25:34, 40). + +5. It Is an Official and an Organic Gospel. This is suggested in that +Matthew represents Satan as head of a kingdom; also, in that those +connected with Jesus' birth are official persons and most of the acts +are official in their nature. Pilate, the judge, washed his hands of +the blood of Jesus, the Roman guard pronounces him the Christ, and the +guards say he could not be kept in the tomb, Jesus denounces the +officials and calls his own disciples by official names. It is Peter, +not Simon, and Matthew, the apostolic name, and not Levi as in Luke. +Jesus indicates his official capacity in his rejection of the Jews, +telling them that the kingdom is taken away from them (21:43). He +makes ready for the establishing of his own kingdom and tells them who +is to wield the keys of the kingdom which is not to be bound by time +or national relations as was the former kingdom. In Matthew alone do +we find full instructions as to the membership, discipline and +ordinances of the church. Here alone are we given in the gospels the +command to baptize to administer the communion and the beautiful +formula for baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and +here we have his official command to "Go" backed by all the authority +of heaven and earth. + +In the further pursuit of this official work, we find Jesus giving +especial recognition to the Gentile believers-giving them full place +in his kingdom. The genealogy through grace and faith includes +Gentiles; the second chapter shows how the Gentile Magi do him honor; +the Roman centurion displays a faith superior to any Israelite; the +great faith of the Canaanite woman led him to heal her daughter, and +the Gentile wife of Pilate because of her dreams sends a warning that +he have "nothing to do" with him. All this tended to show the official +and organic way in which Jesus worked. + +6. It Is a Gospel of Jewish Antagonism and Rejection. On the one hand +the Jews antagonize and reject Jesus. On the other the Jews, +especially the scribes and Pharisees, are exposed and rejected by +Jesus. The Pharisees plotted against Jesus and resented his violation +of their regulations and customs concerning the Sabbath and their +ceremonies about eating and washing and his associations with +publicans and sinners. Their opposition culminated in their putting +him to death. On the other hand Jesus also rejects the Jews. John +calls them a generation of vipers and Jesus designated them with such +terms as hypocrites, blind guides and whited sepulchers, the climax +being reached in chapter 23. It is here that in their wickedness they +are unable to discern between the work of God and of Beelzebub. They +are told of the application of Isaiah's prophecy, that they have ears +and hear not and that on account of their unworthiness, the kingdom is +taken from them. The blasting of the fig tree with which the miracles +of Matthew ends shows what is to be the fate of the Jewish nation. + +7. It Is a Jewish Gospel. This is seen in his use of Jewish symbols, +terms and numbers without explanation. He never explained the meaning +of a Jewish word, such as Corban, nor of a custom, such as to say that +the Jews eat not except they wash. The other evangelists do. He calls +Jerusalem by the Jewish terms, "City of the great king," and "Holy +City," and Christ the "Son of David" and the "Son of Abraham." He +speaks of the Jewish temple as the temple of God, the dwelling place +of God and the holy place. The genealogy is traced to Abraham by three +great Jewish events of history. All this would be calculated to win +the Jews, but, much more, the sixty-five quotations from the Old +Testament and the oft repeated attempt to show that deeds and sayings +recorded were that the "Scripture (or saying) might be fulfilled." +And, while not seeing as much in the numbers as Plummer and others, +one can hardly believe that all numbers, so characteristic of Jews, +are accidental here. The genealogy has three fourteens being multiples +of seven. There are fourteen parables, seven in one place and seven in +another. There are seven woes in chapter 23. There are twenty miracles +separated into two tens. The number seven usually, if not always, +divides into four and three, the human and the divine. Of the seven +parables in chapter 13, four touch the human or natural while three +refer to the divine or spiritual side of his kingdom. There are seven +petitions in the Lord's prayer, the first three relating to God and +the last four to man. A like division is perhaps true in the +beatitudes. + +Subject. The Kingdom of God or of Heaven. + +Analysis. + + I. The Beginning of the Kingdom, 1:1-4:16. + + 1. Jesus, the King, is the Old Testament Messiah, chs. 1-2. + + + 2. Jesus, the King, is prepared for his work, 3:1-4:16. + + II. The Proclamation of the Kingdom, 4:17-16:20. + + 1. The beginning of the proclamation, 4:17 end. + + 2. By the Sermon on the Mount, chs. 5-7. + + 3. By the miracles and connected teachings, chs. 8-9. + + 4. By the sending of the Twelve and subsequent teachings and +miracles, chs. 10-12. + + 5. By the seven parables and subsequent miracles, chs. 13-14. + + 6. By the denunciation of the Pharisees with attendant miracles +and teachings, 15:1-16:12. + + 7. By the Great Confession, 16:12-20. + +III. The Passion of the Kingdom, 6:21-27 end. + + 1. Four predictions of the passion with intervening discourses and +miracles, 16:21-26:2. + + (A) At Caesarea Philippi, 16:21-17:21. + + (B) In Galilee near Capernaum, 17:22-20:16. + + (C) Near Jerusalem, 20:17-22 end. + + (D) At Jerusalem, 23:1-26:2. + + 2. The events of the Passion, 26:3-27 end. + + IV. The Triumph of the Kingdom, Ch. 28. + + 1. The resurrection of the King, 1-15. + + 2. Provision for the propagation of the Kingdom, 16-20. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Some events of Christ's childhood, (a) +The story of the Magi. (b) The massacre of the infants, (c) The flight +to Egypt, (d) The return to Nazareth. (2) Two miracles, (a) Cure of +the blind man, 9:27-31. (b) Fish with money in its mouth, 17:24-27. +(3) Ten Parables, (a) The Tares, 13:24-30. (b) The draw net, 13:47-50. +(c) The unmerciful servant. 18:23-25. (d) The laborers in the +vineyard, 20:1-16. (e) The two sons, 21:28-32. (f) The marriage of the +king's son, 22:1-14. (g) The hidden treasure. 24:44. (h) The pearl, +24:45-46. (i) The ten virgins. 25:1-13. (j) The talents, 25:14-30. (4) +Ten passages in Christ's discourses: (a) Parts of the Sermon on the +Mount, chs. 5-7. (b) Revelation to babes, 11:25-27. (c) Invitations to +the weary, 11:28-30. (d) About idle words, 12:36-37. (e) Prophecy to +Peter, 16:17-19. (f) Humility and forgiveness, 18:14-35. (g) Rejection +of the Jews, 21:43. (h) The great denunciation, ch. 23. (i) The +judgment scene, 23:31-46. (j) The great commission and promise, 28:16- +20. (5) Some terms by which Jesus is designated in Matthew should be +studied. Let the student make a list of the different places where +each of the following terms are used and from a study of the passages +compared with any others form opinions as to the significance of the +term, (a) Son of Abraham, (b) Son of David, (c) Son of man, (d) Son of +God, (e) Christ, the Christ, (f) Jesus, (g) Lord, (h) Kingdom of +heaven or Kingdom of God. (6) Make a list of all the places where the +expression "That the saying (or scripture) might be fulfilled" and +tabulate all the things fulfilled. (7) Show how many times and where +the phrase "The Kingdom of Heaven" (or of God) occurs and from a study +of these passages tabulate in list the nature, characteristics and +purpose of the Kingdom. (8) Make a list of all the places mentioned +and become familiar with the history and geography of each and +memorize the leading events connected with each. + + * * * * * +Chapter XXV. + +Mark. + +Date. Probably written about A. D. 60, and before Matthew. + +The Author. He was not an apostle and was variously designated as +follows; (1) John, whose surname was Mark, Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37; (2) +John only, Acts 13:5. 13; (3) Mark only, Acts 15:39; (4) always Mark +after this, Col. 4:10, Philemon 24, 2 Tim. 4:11, 1 Pet. 5:13. He was a +son of Mary, a woman of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). Her home was the +gathering place of the disciples, whither Peter went after he was +delivered from prison. On this or some other visit Mark may have been +converted through the preaching of Peter, and this may have been the +cause of Peter calling him "his son" (1 Pet. 5:13), which doubtless +means son in the ministry. He returns with Paul and Barnabas from +Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 12:25), and accompanies them, as minister +(Acts 13:5) on the first great missionary journey as far as Perga +(Acts 13:13). There he left them and returned home. On the second +missionary tour Paul declined to take him and separated from Barnabas, +Mark's cousin (Col. 4:10), who chose Mark for his companion (Acts +15:37-39). Ten years later he seems to be with Paul in his +imprisonment at Rome and was certainly counted a fellow worker by Paul +(Col. 4:10, Philemon 24). Paul found him useful and asked Timothy to +bring him to him in his last imprisonment (2 Tim. 4:11). He was with +Peter when he wrote his first epistle (1 Peter 5:13). + +What he knew of the work of Jesus directly we do not know, probably +not much. The early Christian writers universally say that he was the +interpreter of Peter and that he based his gospel upon information +gained from him. + +Characteristics and Purpose. + +1. It Is a Gospel of Vividness and Details. He shows the effect of awe +and wonder produced upon those present by the works and teaching of +Jesus. He tells the details of the actions of Jesus and his disciples +and the multitudes. Jesus "looks around," "sat down," "went before". +He is grieved, hungry, angry, indignant, wonders, sleeps, rests and is +moved with pity. The cock crows twice: "it is the hour", "a great +while before day," or "eventide," "there are two thousand swine", the +disciples and Jesus are on the sea, on Olivet, or in the court yard or +in the porch. Everything is portrayed in detail. + +2. It Is a Gospel of Activity and Energy. There is no story of his +infancy, but he starts with "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus +Christ". He portrays the active career of Jesus on earth. He, +however, lays emphasis upon the works rather than the words of Jesus. +Few discourses of any length and only four of the fifteen parables of +Matthew are given and those in the briefest form, while eighteen of +the miracles are given in rapid review. The rapid succession is +indicated by one Greek word, translated by the seven words +"immediately", "anon", "forthwith", "by and by", "as soon as", +"shortly", and "straightway", which occur forty-one times in this +gospel. The last meaning, straightway, is truest to the Greek idea and +may be called Mark's characteristic word. It indicates how with the +speed of a racer he rushed along and thereby furnishes us a breathless +narrative which Farrar says makes us "feel like the apostles who, +among the press of the people coming and going, were twice made to say +they 'had no leisure so much as to eat'." It moves as the scenes of a +moving picture show. + +3. It Is a Gospel of Power Over Devils. Here as in no other gospel the +devils are made subject to Jesus. They recognize him as the "Son of +God" and acknowledge their subordination to him by pleading with him +as to what shall be done with them (5:7, 12). + +4. It Is a Gospel of Wonder. Everywhere Jesus is a man of wonder that +strikes awe and terror and causes to wonder those who see and hear +him. Some of these may be studied, especially in the Greek, in 1:27; +2:13; 4:41; 5:28 6:50; 51; 7:37. As Archbishop Thompson puts it, "The +wonder-working Son of God sweeps over his Kingdom swiftly and meteor- +like" and thus strikes awe into the hearts of the on-lookers. He is "a +man heroic and mysterious, who inspires not only a passionate devotion +but also amazement and adoration". + +5. It Is a Gospel for the Romans. The Romans were men of great power, +mighty workers who left behind them great accomplishments for the +blessing of humanity. So that Mark would especially appeal to them by +recording of Jesus his mighty deeds. He lets them see one who has +power to still the storm, to control disease and death, and even power +to control the unseen world of spirits. The Roman, who found deity in +a Caesar as head of a mighty Kingdom, would bow to one who had shown +himself King in every realm and whose kingdom was both omnipotent and +everlasting, both visible and unseen, both temporal and spiritual. + +Then, too, the Roman cared nothing for Jewish Scripture or prophecy +and so he omits all reference to the Jewish law, the word law not +being found in the entire book. He only once or twice refers in any +way to the Jewish scriptures. He omits the genealogy of Jesus which +could have no value to a Roman. Then, too, he explains all doubtful +Jewish words, such as "Boanerges" (3:17), "Tabitha cumi" (5:41), +"corban" (7:11), "alba" (15:36). He reduced Jewish money to Roman +currency (12:42). He explains Jewish customs as not being understood +by them. (See 7:3; 13:3; 14:12; 15:42). + +And once more by the use of terms familiar to him such as centurion, +contend, etc. "Mark showed the Roman a man who was a man indeed". He +showed them manhood crowned with glory and power; Jesus of Nazareth, +the Son of God; a man but a Man Divine and sinless, among sinful and +suffering men. Him, the God-man, no humiliation could degrade, no +death defeat. Not even on the cross could he seem less than the King, +the Hero, the only Son. And as he gazed on such a picture how could +any Roman refrain from exclaiming with the awe-struck Centurion, +"Truly this was the Son of God". + +Subject. Jesus the Almighty King. + +Analysis. + + I. The Almighty King is Exhibited as the Son of God, 1:1-13. + + 1. In the baptism and teaching of John, 1-8. + + 2. In the baptism of Jesus, 9-11. + + 3. In the temptation, 12-13. + + II. The Almighty King at Work in Galilee, 1:14-9 end. + + 1. Begins his work, 1:14 end. + + 2. Reveals his Kingdom, Chs. 2-5. + + 3. Meets opposition, 6:1-8:26. + + 4. Prepares his disciples for the end, 8:27-9 end. + +III. The Almighty King Prepares for Death 10:1-14:31. + + 1. He goes to Jerusalem, 10:1-11:11. + + 2. In Jerusalem and vicinity, 11:12-14:31. + + IV. The Almighty King Suffers at the Hands of His Enemies. 14:32- +15:46. + + 1. Agony of Gethsemane, 14:32-42. + + 2. Arrest, 14:43-52. + + 3. Jewish trial and denial of Peter, 14:53 end. + + 4. Trial before Pilate. 15:1-15. + + 5. The Crucifixion. 15:16-41. + + 6. The Burial, 15:42 end. + + V. The Almighty King Triumphs Over His Enemies, Ch.16. + + 1. The resurrection, 1-8. + + 2. The appearances, 9-18. + 3. The ascension, 19-20. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Sections peculiar to Mark, (a) Growth of +the seed, 4:26-29. (b) Jesus' compassion on the multitudes, 7:32-37. +(c) The blind men healed gradually, 8;22-26. (d) Details about the +ass, etc., 11:1-14. (e) Concerning watching, 13:33-37. (f) Details +concerning Christ's appearances. 16:6-11. (2) The spiritual condition +of those affected by Jesus' miracles. Keeping in mind their condition +before and after the miracle: (a) Were they saved as well as well as +healed? (b) Did they or their friends exercise faith, or did Jesus act +voluntarily without any expression of faith? (3) What did Jesus do in +performing the miracle? (a) Did he use the touch? (b) Was he touched? +(c) Did he simply give command, etc? (4) From the following +scriptures 2:35; 1:45; 3:7-12; 6:6; 6:21-32; 6:46; 7:34-25; 8:27; 9:2; +11:11; 11:19; 14:1-12, make a list of the different places to which +Jesus retired and in connection with each indicate (in writing): (a) +Was it before or after a victory or conflict? (b) Was it in +preparation for or rest after the performance of a great work? (c) +Indicate in each case whether he went alone or was accompanied and, if +accompanied, by whom? (e) In each case also tell what Jesus did during +the period of retirement. Did he pray, teach, perform miracles or +what? (5) List the phrases "Son of man" and "Kingdom of God" and point +out the appropriateness and meaning of each. (6) List all references +to demons and to demon possessed people and study their nature, the +nature of their work, their power, wisdom, etc. (7) The facts +concerning the death of Jesus. 14:1-15:14. List them. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXVI. + +Luke. + +Date. It was probably written about A. D. 60 or 63, certainly before +the fall of Jerusalem, A. D. 70, and likely while Luke was with Paul +in Rome or during the two years at Caesarea. + +Author. The author is Luke, who also wrote Acts, and was a companion +of Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). He rejoins +Paul at Philippi (Acts 20:1-7) on the return from the third missionary +journey, remaining with him at Caesarea and on the way to Rome (Acts +Chs. 20-28), He is called the "Beloved physician" (Col. 4:14) and +Paul's "fellow laborer" (Philemon 24). + +From the context of Col. 4:4 we learn that he was "not of the +circumcision" and, therefore, a Gentile. From his preface (Lu. 1:1) we +learn that he was not an eye witness of what he wrote. He is thought +to be "the brother" whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the +churches (2 Cor. 8:18), and, by tradition, is always declared to be a +Gentile and proselyte. As is indicated by the gospel itself, he was +the most cultured of all the gospel writers. + +Characteristics and Purpose. + +1. It Is a Gospel of Song and Praise. There are a number of songs such +as the song of Mary (1:46-55), the song of Zacharias (1:68-79), the +song of the angels (2:14) and the song of Simeon (2:29-33). There are +many expressions of praise such as (2:2; 5:29; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; +18:43; 23:47). + +2. It Is a Gospel of Prayer. Jesus prays at his baptism, (3:21), after +cleansing the leper (5:16), before calling the twelve (6:12), at his +transfiguration (9:28), before teaching the disciples to pray (11:1), +for his murderers as he was on the cross (23:34), with his last breath +(23:46). Luke gives us Christ's command to pray (21:36) and two +parables, the midnight friend (11:5-13) and the unjust judge (18:1-8) +to show the certain and blessed results of continued prayer. + +3. It Is a Gospel of Womanhood. No other gospel gives her anything +like so large a place as Luke. Indeed, all of the first three chapters +or a greater part of their contents may have been given him, as he +"traced out accurately from the first" (1:3), by Mary and Elizabeth. +He gives us the praise and prophecy of Elizabeth (1:42-42), the song +of Mary (1:46-55). Anna and her worship (2:36-38), sympathy for the +widow of Nain (7:12-15), Mary Magdella the sinner (7:36-50), the woman +associates of Jesus (8:1-3), tender words to the woman with an issue +of blood (8:48), Mary and Martha and their disposition (10:38-42). +sympathy and help for the "daughter" of Abraham (13:16), the +consolation of the daughters of Jerusalem (23:28). These references +have been collected by others and are the most conspicuous ones and +serve to show how large a place woman is given in this gospel. + +4. It Is a Gospel of the Poor and Outcast. More than any other of the +evangelists Luke reports those teachings and incidents in the life of +our Savior which show how his work is to bless the poor and neglected +and vicious. Among the more striking passages of this character are +the oft repeated references to the publicans (3:12; 5:27, 29, 30, +etc.), Mary Magdella, who was a sinner (7:36-50), the woman with an +issue of blood (8:43-48), the harlots (15:30), the prodigal son +(13:11-32), Lazarus, the beggar (16:13-31), the poor, maimed, halt and +blind invited to the supper (14:7-24). the Story of Zacchaeus (19:1- +9), the Savior's business declared to be to seek and save the lost +(8:10), the dying robber saved (23:39-43). + +5. It Is a Gentile Gospel. The book is everywhere filled with a world +wide purpose not so fully expressed in the other evangelists. Here we +have the angels, announcement of great joy which shall be to all +people (2:10) and the song about Jesus as "a light for revelation to +the Gentiles" (2:32). The genealogy traces Christ's lineage back to +Adam (2:38) and thus connects him not with Abraham as a representative +of humanity. The fuller account of the sending out of the seventy +(10:1-24). the very number of whom signified the supposed number of +the heathen nations, who were to go, not as the twelve to the lost +sheep of the house of Israel, but to all those cities whither Jesus +himself would come, is suggestive of this broader purpose of Luke. The +good Samaritan (10:25-37) is Christ's illustration of a true neighbor +and in some way also intends to show the nature of Christ's work which +was to be without nationality. Of the ten lepers healed (17:11-19) +only one, a Samaritan, returned to render him praise, thus showing how +others than the Jews would not only be blessed by him but would do +worthy service for him. The Perean ministry, across the Jordan (9:51- +18:4, probably 9:51-19:28). is a ministry to the Gentiles and shows +how large a place Luke would give the Gentiles in the work and +blessings of Jesus. + +6. It Is a Gospel for the Greeks. If Matthew wrote for Jews and Mark +for Romans, it is but natural that some one should write in such a way +as to appeal, specially, to the Greeks as the other representative +race. And, such the Christian writers of the first centuries thought +to be Luke's purpose. The Greek was the representative of reason and +humanity and felt that his mission was to perfect humanity. "The full +grown Greek would be a perfect world man", able to meet all men on the +common plane of the race. All the Greek gods were, therefore, images +of some form of perfect humanity. The Hindu might worship an emblem of +physical force, the Roman deify the Emperor and the Egyptian any and +all forms of life, but the Greek adored man with his thought and +beauty and speech, and, in this, had most nearly approached the true +conception of God. The Jew would value men as the descendants of +Abraham; the Roman according as they wielded empires, but the Greek on +the basis of man as such. + +The gospel for the Greek must, therefore, present the perfect man, and +so Luke wrote about the Divine Man as the Savior of all men. Christ +touched man at every point and is interested in him as man whether low +and vile or high and noble. By his life he shows the folly of sin and +the beauty of holiness. He brings God near enough to meet the longings +of the Greek soul and thereby furnish him a pattern and brother suited +for all ages and all people. The deeds of Jesus are kept to the +background while much is made of the songs of others and the +discourses of Jesus as they were calculated to appeal to the cultured +Greek. If the Greek thinks he has a mission to humanity, Luke opens a +mission ground enough for the present and offers him an immortality +which will satisfy in the future. + +7. It Is an Artistic Gospel. Renan calls Luke the most beautiful book +in the world, while Dr, Robertson says "the charm of style and the +skill in the use of facts place it above all praise". The delicacy and +accuracy, picturesqueness and precision with which he sets forth the +different incidents is manifestly the work of a trained historian. His +is the most beautiful Greek and shows the highest touches of culture +of all of the gospels. + +Subject. Jesus the World's Savior. + +Analysis. + +Introduction. The dedication of the gospel, 1:1-4. + + I. The Savior's Manifestation, 1:5-4:13. + + 1. The announcement of the Forerunner, 1:5-25. + + 2. The announcement of the Savior. 1:26-38. + + 3. Thanksgiving of Mary and Elizabeth, 1:29-56. + + 4. The birth and childhood of the Forerunner, 1:37 end. + + 5. The birth of the Savior, 2:1-20. + + 6. The childhood of the Savior. 3:1-4:13. + + II. The Savior's Work and Teaching in Galilee, 4:14-9:50. + 1. He preaches in the synagogue at Nazareth. 4:14-30. + + 2. He works in and around Capernaum, 4:31-6:11. + + 3. Work while touring Galilee, 6:12-9:50. + +III. The Savior's Work and Teaching After Leaving Galilee Up to the +Entrance Into Jerusalem, 9:31-19:27. + + 1. He journeys to Jerusalem, 9:51 end. + + 2. The mission of the Seventy and subsequent matters, 10:1-11:13. + + 3. He exposes the experience and practice of the day, 11:14-12 end. + + 4. Teachings, miracles warnings and parables, 13:1-18:30. 5. +Incidents connected with his final approach to Jerusalem, 18:31- +19:27. + + IV. The Savior's Work and Teaching in Jerusalem, 19:28-22:38. + 1. The entrance to Jerusalem, 19:28 end. + + 2. Questions and answers. Ch. 20. + + 3. The widow's mites, 21:1-4. + 4. Preparation for the end, 21:5-22:38. + + V. The Savior Suffers for the World, 22:39-23 end. + + 1. The agony in the garden, 22:39-46. + + 2. The betrayal and arrest, 22:47-53. + + 3. The trial. 22:54-23:26. + + 4. The cross, 23:27-49. + + 5. The burial, 23:30 end. + + VI. The Savior is Glorified, Ch. 24. + + 1. The resurrection, 1-12. + + 2. The appearance and teachings, 13-49. + + 3. The ascension, 50 end. + +For Study and Discussion, 1. Six miracles peculiar to Luke. (1) The +draught of fishes, 5:4-11. (2) The raising of the widow's son, 7:11- +18. (3) The woman with the spirit of infirmity, 13:11-17. (4) The man +with the dropsy, 14:1-6. (5) The ten lepers, 17:11-19. (6) The healing +of Malchus' ear. 22:50-51. + +2. Eleven parables, peculiar to Luke. (I) The two debtors, 7:41-43. +(2) The good Samaritan, 10:25-37. (3) The importunate friend, 11:5-8. +(4) The rich fool, 12:16-19. (5) The barren fig-tree, 13:6-9. (6) The +lost piece of silver, 15:8-10. (7) The prodigal son, 15:11-32. (8) The +unjust steward, 16:1-13. (9) The rich man and Lazarus, 18:19-31. (10) +The unjust judge, 18:1-8. (11) The Pharisee and publican, 18:9-14. + +3. Some other passages mainly peculiar to Luke. (1) Chs. 1-2 and 9:51- +18:14 are mainly peculiar to Luke. (2) John the Baptist's answer to +the people. 3:10-14. (3) The conversation with Moses and Elias, 9:30- +31. (4) The weeping over Jerusalem, 19:41-44. (5) The bloody sweat, +22:44. (6) The sending of Jesus to Herod, 23:7-12. (7) The address to +the daughters of Jerusalem, 23:27-31. (8) "Father forgive them", +23:34. (9) The penitent robber, 23:40-43. (10) The disciples at +Emmaus, 24:13-31; (11) Particulars about the ascension. 24:50-53. + +4. The following words and phrases should be studied, making a list +of the references where each occurs and a study of each passage in +which they occur with a view of getting Luke's conception of the term. +(1) The "son of man" (23 times). (2) The "son of God" (7 times). (3) +The "kingdom of God" (32 times). (4) References to law, lawyer, lawful +(18 times). (5) Publican (11 times). (6) Sinner and sinners (16 +times). Mr. Stroud estimates that 59 percent of Luke is peculiar to +himself and Mr. Weiss figures that 541 have no incidences in the other +gospels. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXVII. + +John. + +The Author. From the evidence found in the gospel, we may learn +several things about the author. (1) _That he was a Jew_. This is seen +in his evident knowledge of Jewish opinions concerning such subjects +as the Messiah, and his knowledge of their customs, such as the +purification. (2) _He was an eye-witness to most of what he relates_. +This is seen in his exact knowledge of time, as to the hour or time of +day a thing occurred; in his knowledge of the number of persons or +things present, as the division of his garments into four parts; in +the vividness of the narrative which he could hardly have had without +first having seen it all. (3) _He was an apostle_. This is seen in his +knowledge of the thoughts of the disciples (2:11, 17); in his +knowledge of the private words of the disciples to Jesus and among +themselves (4:31, 33, etc.); in his knowledge of the private resorts +of the disciples (11:54. etc.); and in his knowledge of the Lord's +motives, etc. (2:24-25, etc.); and in his knowledge of Christ's +feelings (11:33). (4) _He was the son of Zebedee_ (Mar. 1:19-20), and +was probably one of John's two disciples whom he turned to Jesus (1- +40). (5) _He is one of the three most prominent of the apostles_, +being several times especially honored (Matt. 17:1-3. etc.), and is +prominent in the work of the church after Christ's ascension, as well +as in all their work before his death: (6) _He also wrote three +epistles and Revelation_. He outlived all the other apostles and is +supposed to have died on the Isle of Patmos as an exile about 100 A.D. + +The Times and Circumstances of the Writings. These are so different +from those which influenced the other evangelists that one can hardly +escape the feeling that John's gospel is colored accordingly. The +gospel had been preached in all the Roman empire and Christianity was +no longer considered a Jewish sect, attached to the Synagogue. +Jerusalem had been overthrown and the temple destroyed. Christians had +been sorely persecuted, but had achieved great triumphs in many +lands. All the rest of the New Testament except Revelation had been +written. Some had arisen, who disputed the deity of Jesus and while +the gospel is not a mere polemic against that false teaching, it +does, by establishing the true teaching thoroughly undermine the +false. He perhaps wrote to Christians of all nationalities, whose +history had by this time been enriched by the blood of martyrs for the +faith. Instead of the Messiah in whom Jews would find a Savior or the +mighty worker in whom the Roman would find him, or the Ideal Man in +whom the Greeks would find him. John wrote concerning the eternal, +Incarnate Word in whose Spiritual Kingdom each, having lost his +narrowness and racial prejudice, could be forever united. + +The Style and the Plan. This gospel differs from the others in +language and plan. It is both profound and simple and has several +elements of style as follows: (1) Simplicity. The sentences are short +and connected by coordinate conjunctions. There are but few direct +quotations, and but few dependent sentences, and most of them show the +sequence of things, either as a cause or a purpose. (2) Sameness. This +arises from the method of treating each step in the narrative as if +isolated and separate from all the rest rather than merging it into +the complete whole. (3) Repetition, whether in the narrative proper or +in the quoted words of the Lord, is very frequent. The following +examples will illustrate this: "In the beginning was the word and the +word was with God and the word was God." "The light shineth in +darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not." "I am the Good +Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth his life." "Jesus then, when he saw +her weeping and the Jews that were weeping with her." "If I bear +witness of myself my witness is not true. There is another that +beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth +of me is true." Let the student gather a list of all such repetitions. +(4) _Parallelism_, or statements expressing the same or similar +truths, such as the following are common. "Peace I leave with you, my +peace I give unto you"; "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let +it be afraid"; "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never +perish." This parallelism, which at the same time becomes repetition, +is seen in the way a subject or conclusion is stated and, after +elaboration, restated in a new and enlarged view, thus teaching the +truth in a gradually unfolding beauty and force. An illustration is +found in the statement, "I will raise him up in the last day," 6, 39, +70, 44. (5) _Contrasts_. The plan is more simple and more easily seen +all along than is that of any other of the Evangelists. On the one +hand, he shows how love and faith are developed in the believer until, +in the end, Thomas, who was the most doubtful of all, could exclaim, +"My Lord and my God." On the other hand, he shows the unbeliever +advanced from mere indifference to a positive hatred that culminated +in the crucifixion. This purpose is carried out by a process of +contrasting and separating things that are opposites, such as (a) +Light and darkness, (b) _Truth_ and falsehood, (c) Good and evil, (d) +Life and death, (e) God and Satan. In all of these he is convincing +his reader that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. + +Characteristics and Purpose. + +1. It Is a Gospel of the Feasts. Indeed, if subtract from it those +miracles and teachings and other works performed in connection with +the feasts, we should have only a few fragments left. The value of the +book would be destroyed and the most beautiful and the profoundest +teachings of the gospel lost. + +The student will do well from the following list of feasts to endeavor +to group around each all that John records as occurring in connection +with it. (1) The Feast of the Passover (2:13, 23), First Passover, A. +D. 27. (2) A Feast of the Jews (5:1), probably Purim. (3) Passover a +Feast of the Jews (6:4), Second Passover, A. D. 28. (4) Feast of the +Tabernacles (7:2). (5) Feast of the Dedication (10:22). (6) Passover +(11:55-56; 12:1, 12, 20; 13:29; 18:28). Third Passover, A. D. 29. + +2. It Is a Gospel of Testimony. John writes to prove that Jesus is +the Christ. He assumes the attitude of a lawyer before a jury and +introduces testimony until he fells certain of his case and then +closes the testimony with the assurance that much more could be +offered if it seemed necessary. There are seven lines of testimony. +(1) The testimony of John the Baptist. (2) The testimony of certain +other individuals. (3) The testimony of Jesus' works. (4) The +testimony of Jesus himself (see the I am's). (5) The testimony of the +scripture. (6) The testimony of the Father. (7) The testimony of the +Holy Spirit. + +3. It Is of Gospel of Belief. The purpose being to produce belief +there are given: numerous examples of belief, showing the growth of +faith; the secret of faith, such as hearing or receiving the word; the +results of faith, such as eternal life, freedom, peace, power, etc. + +4. It Is a Spiritual Gospel. It represents the deeper mediations of +John, which are shaped so as to establish a great doctrine which, +instead of history, became his great impulse. To John "history is +doctrine" and he reviews it in the light of its spiritual +interpretation. It furnished a great bulwark against the Gnostic +teachers, who had come to deny the diety of Jesus. He also emphasized +and elaborated the humanity of Jesus. His whole purpose is "not so +much the historic record of the facts as the development of their +inmost meaning." + +5. It Is a Gospel of Symbolism. John was a mystic and delighted in +mystic symbols. The whole book speaks in the language of symbols. The +mystic numbers three and seven prevail throughout the book not only in +the things and sayings recorded but in the arrangement of topics. Each +of the Eight Miracles is used for a "sign" or symbol, as the feeding +of the five thousand in which Jesus appears as the bread or support of +life. The great allegories of the Good-Shepherd, the sheep-fold and +the vine; the names used to designate Jesus as the Word, Light, the +Way, the Truth, the Life, etc., all show how the whole gospel is +penetrated with a spirit of symbolic representation. + +6. It Is the Gospel of the Incarnation. "Matthew explains his +messianic function; Mark his active works and Luke his character as +Savior." John magnifies his person and everywhere makes us see "the +word made flesh." God is at no great distance form us. He has become +flesh. The word has come as the Incarnate Man. Jesus, this Incarnate +Man, is God and as such fills the whole book, but he, nevertheless, +hungers and thirsts and knows human experience. God has come down to +man to enable him to rise up to God. + +Subject: Jesus, the Christ, God's Son. + +Analysis. + +Introduction or prologue, 1:1-18. + +(1) The divine nature of the word. 1-5. + +(2) The manifestation of the word as the world's Savior, 6-18. + + I. The Testimony of His Great Public Ministry, 1:19-12 end. + + 1. He is revealed, 1:19-2:12. + + 2. He is recognized, 2:13-3 end. + + 3. He is antagonized, Chs. 5-11. + + 4. He is honored, Ch. 12. + + II. The Testimony of His Private Ministry with His Disciples, Chs. +13-17. + + 1. He teaches and comforts his disciples, Chs. 13-16. + + 2. He prays for his disciples, Ch. 17. + +III. The Testimony of His Passion. Chs. 18-19. + + 1. His betrayal, 18:1-11. + + 2. The Jewish or ecclesiastical trial, 18:12-27. + + 3. The Roman or civil trial, 18:28-19:16. + + 4. His death and burial, 19:17 end. + +IV. The Testimony of His Resurrection and Manifestation, Chs. 20-21. + + 1. His resurrection and manifestation to his disciples, Ch. 20. + + 2. Further manifestations and instructions to his disciples, Ch. +21. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The events and discourses connected with +each feast mentioned above. (2) The seven lines of testimony mentioned +above. List examples of each. (3) The following miracles as "signs," +pointing out what they symbolize about Jesus: (a) The Cana miracle, +2:1-11; (b) The nobleman's son, 4:48-54; (c) The impotent man, 5:1-16; +(d) Feeding five thousand, 6:3-14; (e) Walking on the sea, 6:16-20; +(f) Healing the blind man, 9:1-16; read all the chapter; (g) Raising +Lazarus, Ch. 11; (h) The draft of fishes, 21:1-11. (4) The following +discourses: (a) The conversation with Nicodemus, Ch. 3; (b) The +conversation with the woman at the well, Ch. 4; (c) The discourse on +the shepherd and the sheep, Ch. 10; (d) The discussions of chapter 13; +(e) The discourse on the vine, Ch. 15; (f) The Lord's prayer, Ch. 17. +(5) From the following passages find the cause or explanation of +unbelief, 1:45; 3:11, 19, 20; 5:16, 40, 42, 44; 6:42, 52; 7:41, 42, +48; 8:13, 14, 45; 12:26, 44; 20:9. (6) From the following study the +results of unbelief, 3:18, 20, 36; 4:13, 14; 6:35, 53, 58; 8:19, 34, +55; 14:1, 28; 15:5; 16:6, 9. (7) Make a list of all the night scenes +of the book and study them. (8) Study each instance of someone +worshiping Jesus. (9) Name each chapter of the book so as to indicate +some important event in it-as the vine chapter or Good Shepherd +chapter. (10) Find where and how many times each of the following +words and phrases occurs and study them as time will admit. (1) +Eternal life, 17 times, only 18 in all the other gospels, (2) believe, +(3) believe on, (4) sent, (5) life, (6) sign or signs (Revised +version), (7) work or works, (8) John the Baptist, (9) verily, always +double and used by Jesus, (10) receive, received, etc., (11) witness, +or testify, testimony, etc.. (12) truth, (13) manifest, manifested, +(14) "I am" (spoken by Jesus). + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXVIII. + +Acts. + +The Author. The author is Luke who wrote the gospel of Luke. Facts +concerning him may be found in chapter twenty-seven. He wrote this +book about A. D. 63 or 64. + +The Purpose. It was addressed to an individual as a sort of +continuation of the former thesis and aims to chronicle the growth and +development of the movement inaugurated by Jesus as it was carried on +by the apostles after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. It is +taken up largely with the history of Christian work among the Gentiles +and only gives enough of the history of the Jerusalem church to +authenticate the work among the Gentiles. The chief purpose, +therefore, seems to be to give an account of the spread of +Christianity among the Gentiles. This view is further strengthened in +the fact that Luke himself was a gentile (Col. 4:10) and that he was a +companion of Paul (Col. 4:14) and the "we" section of Acts. The book +does not, therefore, claim to be a complete account of the labors of +the early apostles. But it does give in a simple, definite and +impressive manner an account of how the religion of Jesus was +propagated after his death and of how it was received by those to whom +it was first preached. + +The Spirituality. In the Old Testament God the Father was the active +agent. In the gospels God the Son (Jesus) was the active agent. In +Acts (and ever after) God the Holy Spirit is the active agent. He is +mentioned about seventy times in Acts. The Savior had told the +apostles to wait at Jerusalem for the power of the Holy Ghost. Until +they were endued with His power they were very ordinary men. Afterward +they were pure in their purpose and ideals and were always triumphant +in their cause. The book is a record of mighty spiritual power seen in +action everywhere. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-3. + + I. The Church Witnessing in Jerusalem, 1:4-8:11. + + 1. Preparation for witnessing, 1:4-2:4. + + 2. First witnessing, 2:4-47 end. + + 3. First persecution, 3:1-4:31. + + 4. Blessed state of the church, 4:32-5:42. + + 5. First deacons, 6:1-7. + + 6. The first martyr, 6:8-8:1. + + II. The Church Witnessing in Palestine, 8:2-12:25. + + 1. The witnesses are scattered abroad, 8:2-4. + + 2. Philip witnesses in Samaria and Judea, 8:5-40. + + 3. The Lord wins new witnesses, 9:1-11:18. + + 4. Center of labor changed to Antioch, 11:19-30. + + 5. The witnesses triumph over Herod's persecution, 12:1-25. + +III. The Church Witnessing lo the Gentile World, 13:1-28:31. + + 1. Witnessing in Asia, Chs. 13-14. Paul's First Missionary Journey. + + 2. The first church council, 15:1-35. + + 3. Witnessing in Europe, 15:36-18:22. Paul's Second Missionary +Journey. + + 4. Further witnessing in Asia and Europe, 18:23-21:17. Paul's Third +Missionary Journey. + + 5. Paul, the witness, rejected and attacked by the Jews at +Jerusalem, 21:18-23:35. + + 6. Two years imprisonment at Caesarea, Chs. 24-26. + + 7. Paul, the witness, carried to Rome, 27:1-28:15. + + 8. Paul, the witness, at Rome, 28:16-31. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The first church conference for +business, 1:15-26. (2) The coming of the Holy Spirit, 2:1-4. (3) +Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, 2:5-47. (4) The first miracle, +ch. 3. (5) The first persecution, 4:1-31. (6) Death of Annanias and +Sapphira, 5:1-11. (7) The first deacons, 6:1-7. (8) The first martyr, +ch.7. (9) Philip's work in Samaria, 8:5-40. (10) Conversion of Saul, +9:1-31. (11) Conversion of Cornelius, 10:1-11:18. (12) List the +principal churches of the book, their location and what makes them +notable. (13) List the principal preachers of the book and note the +sermons or miracles, etc., that make them prominent. (14)The +sermons and addresses of the book, to whom each was delivered, its +purpose, etc.(15) The chief elements of power of these early +disciples. (16) The growth of Christianity and the hindrances it had +to overcome. (17) The great outstanding teachings of these early +Christians. (18) The tact and adaptation of the apostles (give +examples). (19) The different plans to kill Paul and the way by which +he escaped each. (20) The missionary journeys of Paul and his journey +to Rome as a prisoner. + +* * * * * +Chapter XXIX. + +Romans. + +The Author. Paul, the author, was a Hebrew by descent, a native of +Tarsus in Cilicia, and educated by Gamaliel, the great Pharisaic +teacher. He was one of the most unmerciful persecutors of the early +Christians, but was converted by the sudden appearance to him of the +risen Lord. He began preaching at Damascus, but on account of +persecution went into Arabia. Returning from Arabia he visited +Jerusalem and Damascus, and then went to Cilicia, where he doubtless +did evangelistic work until Barnabas sought him at Tarsus and brought +him to Antioch, where he worked a year with Barnabas. After this they +went up to Jerusalem with contributions for the brethren. Upon return +to Antioch he was called by the Holy Ghost to mission work in which he +continued till his death, making at least three great missionary +journeys, during which and afterward he suffered "one long martyrdom" +till his death. + +Paul's Epistles. Paul's epistles are commonly put into four groups as +follows: (1) _The Eschatological group_, or those dealing with the +second coming of Christ. These are I. and II. Thessalonians and were +written from Corinth about 62 to 63 A. D. (2) _The Anti-Judaic group_, +or those growing out of controversy with Judaistic teachers. They are +I. Corinthians. II. Corinthians, Galatians and Romans, written during +the third Missionary journey, probably at Ephesus, Philippi, and +Corinth. (3) _The Christological group_, which center their teachings +around the character and work of Jesus, and were written during the +imprisonment at Rome. They are Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, +Ephesians, and Hebrews (many think Paul did not write Hebrews). (4) +_The Pastoral Group_, or those written to young preachers touching +matters of church organization and government and practical +instructions concerning evangelists, pastors, and other Christian +workers. They are 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus. + +All of Paul's epistles, unless it be Hebrews, fall very naturally into +five sections, as follows: (1) An introduction, which may contain a +salutation, usually including the subject of the epistle and the name +of those with Paul as co-laborers at the time of the writing, and a +thanksgiving for the good character or conduct of those whom he +addresses. (2) A Doctrinal Section, in which he discusses some great +Christian teaching, which needs special emphasis as the case of the +church or individual addressed. (3) A Practical Section, in which he +sets forth the practical application of the principles discussed in +the doctrinal section to the life of those addressed. (4) A Personal +Section, in which are personal messages and salutations sent to and by +various friends. (5) A Conclusion, in which may be found a benediction +or autograph conclusion to authenticate the letter, maybe both, with +other closing words. + +The Occasion of the Roman Epistle. (1) Paul longed to go to Rome (Acts +19:21) and now hoped soon to do so (Romans 15:24-33). He may, +therefore, have wished them to know of his doctrine before his +arrival, especially as they had perhaps heard some false reports of +it. (2) It was just after he wrote Galatians and Paul's mind was full +of the doctrine of justification, and he may have desired to write +further upon the subject, giving special emphasis to the Divine side +of the doctrine as he had given to the human side of it in Galatians. +(3) Then, too, he may have been misunderstood in Galatians and desired +to enlarge upon his teaching. In Galatians man is justified by +believing, in Romans God gives his own righteousness to the believer +for his justification. (4) Phoebe, a woman of influence and Christian +character, a friend of Paul, was about to go to Rome from the coasts +of Corinth, and Paul not only had a good opportunity to send the +letter, but could do her a service by way of introducing her (16:1-2). + +The Church at Rome. It was doubtless in a very prosperous condition +the time of Paul's writing. It was perhaps organized by some Jews +heard and believed while at Jerusalem, probably on the day of +Pentecost. While its membership included both Jews and Gentiles (1:6- +13; 7:1), it was regarded by Paul as especially a Gentile church (1:3- +7; 13-15). + +Some Errors of Doctrine and Practice Had Crept in Which Needed +Correction. (1) They seem to have misunderstood Paul's teachings and +to have charged that he taught that the greater the sin the greater +the glory of God (3:8). (2) They may have thought him to teach that we +should sin in order to get more grace (6:1) and, therefore, may have +made his teaching of justification by faith an excuse for immoral +conduct. (3) The Jews would not recognize the Gentile Christians as +equal with them in Christ's Kingdom (1:9, 29, etc.). (4) Some of the +Gentile brethren, on the other hand, looked with contempt upon their +narrow and prejudiced and bigoted Jewish brethren (14:3). (5) Paul, +therefore, aimed to win the Jews to Christian truth and the Gentiles +to Christian love. + +Paul's Connection With the Church. He had never been there up to this +time (1:11, 13, 15) and it is not likely that any other apostles had +been there. For then Paul would have not have been planning to go +since his rule was not to go where another had worked (15:20; 2 Cor. +10:14-16). This strikes a heavy blow at Catholicism, claiming that +Peter was first bishop of Rome. If Paul would not have followed him, +then Peter had not been there, and the most important test of papacy +is overthrown. Paul had, however, many intimate friends and +acquaintances at Rome, many of whom were mentioned in chapter 16. +Among them were his old friends, Aquila and Priscilia. + +The Argument of the Book. The doctrines of the book are considered and +discussed under four main propositions: (1) All men are guilty before +God (Jews and Gentiles alike). (2) All men need a Savior. (3) Christ +died for all men. (4) We all, through faith, are one body in Christ. + +Date. Probably from Corinth, about A. D. 58. + +Theme. The gift of the righteousness of God as our justification which +is received through faith in Christ, or justification by faith. + + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-17. + + I. All Men Need of Righteousness, 1:18-3:20. + + II. All Men May Have Righteousness by Faith in Christ (justification) +3:21-4 end. + +III. All Who Are Thus Justified Will Be Finally Sanctified, Chs. 5-8. +The believer's final redemption is thus guaranteed. + + 1. By the new relation to God which this righteousness gives. Ch. +5. + + 2. By the new realms of grace into which it brings him, Ch. 6 (no +death in this realm). + + 3. By the nature given him, Ch. 7. This wars against the old nature +and will win. + + 4. By the new possession (the Holy Spirit) which it gives, Ch. 8:1- +27. + + 5. By the foreordained purpose of God for them, 8:28-39. + + IV. This Doctrine as Related to the Rejection of the Jews, chs. 9-11. + + 1. The justice of their rejection, 9:1-29. + + 2. The cause of their rejection, 9:30-10 end. + + 3. The limitations of their rejection, ch. 11. + + V. The Application of This Doctrine to Christian Life, 12:1-15:13. + + 1. Duty to God-consecration, 12-12. + + 2. Duty to self-a holy life, 12:3 end. + + 3. Duty to state authorities-honor, 13:1-7. + + 4. Duty to society-love all, 13:8-10. + + 5. Duty as to the Lord's return-watchfulness, 13:11-14. + + 6. Duty to the weak -helpfulness and forbearance, 14:1-15:13. + + Conclusion. 15:14-16 end. (1) Personal matters, 14:14 end. (2) +Farewell greetings and warnings, ch. 16. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The greeting (1:1-7). What does it +reveal about, (a) The call, duty and standing of an apostle or +preacher? (b) The standing, privileges and duties of a church, or +individual Christian? (c) The relation of the old dispensation to the +new? (d) Christ's diety or his Messiahship in fulfillment of prophecy? +(e) The different persons of the Trinity? (2) Study sin as described +in 3:10-18, and what can be learned concerning: (a) The state of sin, +(b) The practice of sin, (c) The reason for sin. (3) Abraham as an +example of justification by faith, ch. 4. (4) The plan and method by +which God rescues men from sin, 5:6-11. (5) The contrast between Adam +and Christ. 5:12-31. Do we get more in Christ than we lost in Adam? +(6) Why a matter under grace should not continue in sin, 6:1-14. (7) A +converted man's relation to the law. 7:1-6. (8) The different things +done for us by the Holy Spirit, 8:1-27. (9) The practical duties of a +Christian, ch. 12. (10) Make a list of the following "key-words," +showing how many times and were each occurs, and outline form the +scripture references the teachings about each. Power, sin and +unrighteousness, righteousness, justification, faith and belief, +atonement, redemption, adoption, propitiation, election, +predestination. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXX. + +First and Second Corinthians. + + +The City of Corinth. It contained 400,000 inhabitants and was the +chief city of Greece when Paul visited it, being situated on a large +isthmus where the commerce of the world passed. The inhabitants were +Greeks, Jews, Italians and a mixed multitude from everywhere. Sailors, +merchants, adventurers and refugees from all the world crowded the +city, bringing with them the evils of every country, out of which grew +many forms of human degradation. Religion and philosopy had been +prostituted to low uses. Intellectual life was put above moral life, +and the future life was denied that they might enjoy the present life +without restraint. + +The Church at Corinth. It was founded by Paul on the second missionary +journey (Acts 18:1-18). His spirit in founding the church is seen in 1 +Cor. 2:1-2. While there Paul made his home with Aquila and Priscilla, +Jews who had been expelled from Rome (Acts 18:2-3), but who now became +members of the church. Apollos preached to this church and aided it in +Paul's absence (18:24-28; 19:1). Both Epistles are full of information +as to the condition of the church and the many problems which hit had +to face from time to time. It must be remembered that Corinth was one +of the most wicked cities of ancient times and that the church was +surrounded by heathen customs and practices. Many of its members had +but recently been converted from heathenism to Christianity and the +church was far from ideal. + +First Corinthians. + +The Occasion and Purpose of the Letter. Unfavorable news had come to +Paul concerning the Corinthian church and he had written them a letter +(5:9) which has been lost. In that letter he seems to have commanded +them to give up their evil practices and promised to visit them. In +the meantime, members of the household of Chloe(1:11) and other +friends (16:17) came to him at Ephesus and brought news of their +divisions and of the evil practices of certain of their members. +Finally, they wrote him a letter asking his advice on certain matters +(7:1). From all this we learn (1) that there were four factions among +them, 1:2; (2) that there was gross immorality in the church as in the +case of the incestuous person, Ch. 5; (3) that they went to law with +each other, Ch. 6; (4) that many practical matters troubled them. +Paul, therefore, wrote to correct all these errors in doctrine and +practice. + +Content. This letter contains some of the greatest passages in the New +Testament. It is, however, remarkable especially for the very +practical nature of its contents. It deals with many of the problems +of every day life and has been said not to discuss but one great +doctrine, that of the resurrection. + +Date. From Ephesus in the spring of A. D. 57. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-9. + + I. Concerning Divisions and the Party Spirit. 1:10-4. + + Divisions are prevented: + 1. By Christ as the center of Christianity, 1:10 end. + + 2. By spiritual mindedness, 2:1-3:4. + + 3. By a right view of preachers, 3:5-4 end. + +II. Correction of Moral Disorders, Chs. 5-6. + + 1. The incestuous person, Ch. 5. + + 2. Lawsuits, 6:1-11. + + 3. Sins of the body, 6;12 end. + +III. Answers to Questions and Cognate Matters, 7:1-16:4. + + 1. Concerning marriage and celibacy, Ch. 7. + + 2. Concerning things offered to idols. 8:1-11:1. + + 3. Concerning head dress, 11:2-16. + + 4. Concerning the Lord's supper, 11:17 end. + + 5. Concerning spiritual gifts, Chs. 12-14. + + 6. Concerning the resurrection, Ch. 15. + + 7. Concerning collections for the saints, 16:1-4. + + IV. Personal Matters and Conclusion, 16:5 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Earthly wisdom and heavenly foolishness, +1:18-25. (2) Spiritual wisdom, 2:7-16. (3) Paul's apostolic labors, +4:9-13. (4) The scripture estimate of the human body, 6:12-20. (5) +Marriages and divorce, 7:25-50, letting "virgin" mean any single +person, male or female. (6) Paul's practice in the matter of his +rights, 9:1-23. (7) The Christian race, 9:24-27. (8) Love and its +nature, Ch. 13. (a) Superior to other gifts, 1-3. (b) Its ten marks, +4-6. (c) Its power, 7. (d) Its permanence, 8-13. (9) Spiritual gifts, +Chs. 12-14. Name and describe them. (10) The resurrection, Ch. 15. (a) +Calamities to result, if there were none-or the other doctrines here +made to depend on the resurrection; (b) The nature of the resurrected +body. + +Second Corinthians. + +The Occasion and Purpose of the Letter. From suggestions found here +and there in these two epistles it appears that much communication +passed between Paul and the church and that the two letters that have +come down to us are only some of a series. He suffered much perplexity +and grief because of the conditions of the church. He met Titus in +Macedonia on the third missionary journey (he had hoped for him with +news from Corinth while he was at Troas). He wrote this letter in +response to the messages brought by Titus. He expresses solicitude for +them, defends himself against the charges of his enemies, warns them +against errors, instructs them in matters of duty and expresses joy +that they have heeded his former advice. + +The Character and Content. It is the least systematic of all Paul's +epistles. It abounds in emotion, showing mingled joy, grief and +indignation. It is intensely personal and from it we, therefore, learn +more of his life and character than from any other source. This makes +it of great value in any study of Paul himself. Section one has as its +great topic tribulation and consolation in tribulation, and has in it +an undercurrent of apology, darkened by a suppressed indignation. +Section two is colored by a sorrowful emotion. Section three +everywhere teems with a feeling of indignation. Through the whole +letter there runs an undercurrent of self-defense. The "key-note" of +this book, as well as of First Corinthians, is loyalty to Christ. + +Date. It was written from Macedonia (probably Philippi) fall of A.D. +57. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-7. + + I. Paul's Trials, Principles and Consolation as a Preacher, 1:8- +7:16. + + 1. His interest in the Corinthian church. 1:8-2:11. + + 2. His service both to God and men, 2:12 end. + + 3. His appointment by the Holy Spirit, Ch. 3. + + 4. His power given by God, Ch. 4. + + 5. His hope of future blessedness, 5:1-19. + + 6. His exhortation and appeal to the church. 5:20-7:4. + + 7. His joy at their reception of the word, 7:5 end. + + II. The Collection for the Poor Saints, Chs. 8-9. + + 1. The appeal for liberality, 8:1-15. + + 2. The sending of Titus and two other brethren, 8:16-9:5. + + 3. The Blessedness of liberality, 9:6 end. + +III. Paul's Apostolic Authority. 10:1-13:10. + + 1. He vindicates his apostolic authority, 10:1-12:13. + + 2. He warns them that his coming will be with apostolic authority, +12:14-13:10. + + Conclusion, 13:11 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's reasons for not going to Corinth, +1:15-2:4. (2) The glory of the gospel ministry, 4:1-6. (3) His +affectionate injunction, 6:11-18. (4) The grace of liberality, Chs. +8-9. Make a list of (a) ways of cultivating this grace, (b) the +blessings it will bring to the possessor, to others and to the whole +church. (5) Paul's boasting, 11:16-12:20. (a) Of what things did he +boast? (b) When is boasting justifiable? (6) Paul's self-defense? +When should we defend ourselves? (7) The vision of the third heaven, +12:1-4. (8) The thorn in the flesh, 12:7-9. (9) The personal attacks +on Paul. Note the hints in 2:17; 4:3; 5:3; 10:8; 10:10; 11:6. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXXI. + +Galatians and Ephesians. + +Galatians. +The Country. (1) _Politically_ it was the Roman province which +included Lycaonia, Isauria, and parts of Phrygia and Pisidia. (2) +Geographically it was the center of the Celtic tribes, and in this +sense it seems to be used in this epistle and in Acts (Gal. 1:1; Acts. +13:14; 14:6; 16:6). + +The Celtic People. They were descended from the Gauls who sacked Rome +in the fourth century B. C. and in the third century B. C. invaded +Asia Minor and northern Greece. A part of them remained in Galatia. +predominating in the mixed population formed out of the Greek, Roman +and Jewish people. They were quick-tempered, impulsive, hospitable and +fickle people. They were quick to receive impressions and equally +quick to give them up. They received Paul with enthusiastic joy, and +were then suddenly turned from him (Gal. 4:13-16). + +The Churches of Galatia. Just how and by whom these churches were +established we do not know. The great highway from the East to Europe +passed through this region, making it possible for some of those +present at Pentecost to have sown the seed of the gospel there. It +could have sprung up from work done by Paul while at Tarsus from the +time of his return from Arabia to his going to Antioch with Barnabas. +But the scripture gives us no word about this. + +On the second missionary journey Paul visited them (Acts 16:6) and +seems to have been taken sick while passing through and to have +preached to them while unable to travel (Gal. 4:14-15). They gladly +received his teaching, and churches seem to have sprung up. Paul also +visited them while on the third missionary journey (Acts 18:23) and +instructed and established them in the faith. The churches were +running well when Paul left them, but Judaizing teachers had now come +in and, acting upon their fickle and unstable nature, had greatly +corrupted the simplicity of their faith. + +The Occasion of the Epistle. (1) Judaizing teachers had gone among the +Galatians, claiming that the Jewish law was binding upon Christians, +admitting that Jesus was the Messiah, but claiming that salvation +must, nevertheless, be obtained by the works of the law. They +especially urged that all Gentiles be circumcised. (2) In order to +gain their point and turn the Galatians from their belief, they were +trying to weaken their confidence in Paul, their spiritual teacher. +They said he was not one of the twelve, and therefore, not one of the +apostles, and his teachings were not of binding authority. They +suggested that he had learned his doctrine from others, especially +from the apostles who were pillars of the church. + +The Purpose of the Epistle. The purpose of the epistle was to root out +the errors of doctrine introduced by the Judaizers and to hold the +Galatians to their earlier faith. To do this it was necessary to +establish his apostolic authority and the divine origin of his gospel. +He also desired to show the practical value or application of his +teaching. He especially shows the value of Christian freedom and at +the same time shows that it is not license. In fulfilling these +purposes he gave us an inspired classic upon the fundamental doctrine +of justification by faith and forever settled the disturbing question +of the relation of Christians to the Jewish law. + +Author and Date. It was written by Paul, probably from Corinth in A.D. +57. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-10. + + I. Authoritativeness of Paul's Gospel, 1:11-2 end. + + 1. It is independent of man, 1:11 end. + + 2. It is the gospel of an apostle, Ch. 2. + + II. Teaching of Paul's Gospel, Chs. 3-4. Justification by faith. + + 1. Their experience proves it, 3:1-5. + + 2. The example of Abraham attests it, 3:6-8. + + 3. The scripture teaches it, 3:10-12. + + 4. The work of Christ provides for it, 3:13-14. + + 5. Its superior results demonstrate it. 3:15-4:20. + + 6. The experiences of Sarah and Hagar and their sons illustrate it, +4:21 end. + +III. Application of Paul's Gospel to Faith and Conduct, 5:1-6:10. + + 1. He exhorts them to stand fast in the liberty of Christ; 5:1-12; +5:12. This liberty excludes Judaism. + + 2. He exhorts them not to abuse their liberty, 5:13-6:10. + + Conclusion, 6:11 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The dangers of fickleness (1:6; 4:9; +15:16). (2) The methods of false teachers: (a) Their chief method is +to attack men prominent in the movement, (b) They usually put forward +some one else for leader; They would supplant Paul with Peter, (c) One +may well consider how a man will often allow the influence of another +to be undermined if he is himself exalted. (3) The reasons Paul gives +to show that his teaching is not of man, 1:11 end. (4) The +confirmation of Paul's divine call, 2:1-10. (5) Difference between +one under law and under faith, 4:1-7. (6) The lusts of the flesh, sins +of body and mind are included, 5:19-21. (7) The fruits of the spirit, +5:22-23. (8) The words, liberty, lust, flesh, spirit, works of the +law, live and die, servant and bondage, justified, righteousness, +faith and believe. (9) For more advanced study list and study passages +in Galatians that coincide with or correspond to passages in Romans. + +Ephesians. + +The City. It was the capital of pro-consular Asia, being about a mile +from the sea coast, and was the great religious, commercial and +political center of Asia. It was noteworthy because of two notable +structures there. First, the great theatre which had a seating +capacity of 50,000 people, and second, the temple of Diana which was +one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was 342 feet long +and 164 feet wide, made of shining marble, supported by a forest of +columns 56 feet high, and was 220 years in building. This made it the +center of the influence of Diana worship, of which we read in Acts +19:23-41. The statue with its many breasts betokened the fertility of +nature. + +Next to Rome, Ephesus was the most important city visited by Paul. It +has been called the third capital of Christianity, it being the center +of work in Asia through which were founded all the churches of Asia, +especially the seven churches of Asia to which Jesus sent the messages +of Revelations. Jerusalem, the birth place of power, is the first, and +Antioch, the center of mission work, is the second capital. + +Paul's Work at Ephesus. (1) Revisited there on the return from the +second missionary journey (Acts 18:18-21). and left with them Aquila +and Priscilla. (2) On the third missionary journey he spent about +three years there, (Acts 20:31). (3) During this second visit he had +such influence as to check the worship of Diana to such an extent as +to arouse the opposition of her worshippers and make it necessary for +him to depart into Macedonia (Acts 20:1). (4) On the return from the +third missionary journey he stopped at Miletus, thirty miles away, and +sent for the elders of Ephesus to whom he delivered a farewell address +(Acts 20:16-38). + +The Epistle. The contents are much akin to those of Colossians, but +also differ greatly from them. (1) In each book half is doctrinal and +half practical. (2) Colossians discusses Christ-hood or Christ the +head of the church, while Ephesians discusses church-hood or the +church as the body of Christ. (3) In Colossians Christ is "All and in +all", in Ephesians the ascended Christ is seen in his church. (4) In +Colossians we have Paul in the heated arena of controversy; in +Ephesians he is quietly meditating upon a great theme. + +It has been said to contain the profoundest truth revealed to men, and +the church at Ephesus was, perhaps, better prepared than any other to +be the custodian of such truth, since Paul's long stay there had so +well prepared them to hear and understand it. It may have been written +as a circular letter to be sent in turn to several churches of which +the church at Ephesus was one. + +Date. By Paul, probably from Rome, A. D. 62 or 63. + +Theme. The church, Christ's mystical body. + +Analysis. + + Salutation, 1:1-2. + + I. The Spiritual Blessings of the Church. 1:3-14. + + 1. The origin of these blessings, v. 3. + + 2. The blessings enumerated, 4-14. + + II. Prayer for the Readers, 1:15 end. + + 1. That God may grant them the spirit of wisdom, the Holy Spirit, +15-17. + + 2. That they may know what they have in Christ, 18-33. + +III. The Great Work Done for Them, Ch. 2. Both Jews and Gentiles. + + 1. They were regenerated, 1:10. + + 2. They were organized, 11 end. + + IV. Paul's Mission and Prayer for Them, Ch. 3. + 1. His mission to preach the mystery of Christ. 1-13. + + 2. His prayer for them and doxology of praise to God, 14 end. + + V. The Duty of the Churches as the Body of Christ, 4:1-6:20. + + 1. Duty of individual members in relation to other members and to +the world. 4:1-5:21. + + 2. Duties of individuals in their home relations, 5:22-6:9. + + 3. Duties of individual members in their relation to the organized +efforts of the church. 6:10-20. + + Conclusion, 6:21 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The Christian's standing before God, +Chs. 1-2. Such words as sealed, chosen, quickened. (2) The blessings +of the church, make a list, 1:3-14. (3) The elements and +characteristics of the new life, 4:25-32. (4) The different things +done in an intelligent Christian life, 5:3-17. (5) The +exalted nature and office of Christ, 1:2-33; 2:13-22. (6) The eternal +purpose of God, 2:3-5; 2:4-7; 3:9-12. (7) Principles of Christian +sociology seen in the home relations such as husband and wife, child +and parents, and servant and master. (8) The Christian's relation to +Christ as seen in these relations. + +* * * * * + +Chapter XXXII. + + +Philippians and Colossians. + +Philippians. + + +The City. It belonged to Thrace until 358 B. C., when it was seized by +Philip, king of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great It was the +place where Marcus Antonius and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius +(42 B. C.). which defeat overthrew the Roman Oligarchy, and Augustus +(Octavius) was made Emperor. Is was on the great highway through which +all trade and traders going eastward and westward must pass, and was, +therefore, a fit center of evangelism for all Europe. It was the place +where the first church Of Europe was established by Paul on his second +missionary journey, A. D. 52. + +Paul's Connection with the Church. By a vision from God he went to +Philippi on the second missionary journey (Acts 16:9-12). He first +preached at a woman's prayer-meeting, where Lydia was converted. She +furnished him a home while he continued his work in the city. After +some time there arose great opposition to him and he and Silas were +beaten and put in prison, but through prayer they were released by an +earthquake which also resulted in the conversion of the jailer +(Acts ch. 16). He perhaps visited them again on his journey from +Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 20 2 Cor 2:12-13; 7:5-6). He spent the +Passover there (Acts 20:6) and received messages from them (Phil. +4:16). They also sent him assistance (Phil. 18) and he wrote them this +letter. + +The Character and Purpose of the Letter. It is an informal letter with +no logical plan or doctrinal arguments. It is the spontaneous +utterance of love and gratitude. It is a tender, warm-hearted, loving +friend and brother presenting the essential truths of the gospel in +terms of friendly intercourse. He found in them constant reasons for +rejoicing, and now that Epaphroditus who had brought their aid to him +was about to return from Rome to Philippi, he had an opportunity to +send them a letter of thanks (Phil. 4:18). It is remarkable for its +tenderness, warnings, entreaties and exhortations and should be read +often as a spiritual tonic. + +Date. It was written by Paul during his imprisonment at Rome, about A. +D. 62. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-11. + + I. Paul's Present Situation and Feeling. 1:12-26. + + II. Some Exhortations, 1:27-2:18. + +III. He Plans to Communicate with Them, 2:19 end. + + IV. Some Warnings, ch. 3. + + 1. Against Judaizers, 1-16. + + 2. Against false professors, 17 end. + + V. Final Exhortation. 4:1-9. + + VI. Gratitude for Their Gifts, 4:10-19. + + Conclusion, 4:20 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul as a good minister, 1:3-8. Paul's +prayer for the Philippians, 1:9-11. (3) The choice between life death, +1:19-26. (4) Humble-mindedness and its rewards as seen in Jesus 2:5- +11. (5) An upright Christian life, 2:12-18. (6) Paul's sense of +imperfection, 3:12-16. (7) Worthy meditations, 4:8-9. (8) Outline the +information the book gives concerning Paul's condition at the time of +the writing. (9) Point out all the teachings of the book on the +necessity of cultivating unselfishness and the blessing derived from +it. (10) The expression of joy and rejoicing. (11) The number of times +our Lord, under different names, is referred to. + +Colossians. + +The City. It was situated about 100 miles east of Ephesus, and was of +little importance at the time of this epistle, though it had once been +of considerable influence. It was one of a group of three cities, +Laodicia and Hierapolis being the Other two, situated on the Lycus +river near where it flows into the famous Meander. + +The Church of Colossae. It was perhaps founded by Epaphras (1:6-7; +4:12-13) who was directed by Paul in his work there "for us" "on our +behalf", (1:7). Paul though having a very vital connection with it. +had never visited the church (1:7; 2:1). He seems to have kept posted +about conditions in the church (1:3; 4, 9, 2:1), and to have approved +the work and discipline of the church (1:5-7, 23, 2:5-7; 4:12-13). He +was loved by them (1:8) and knew and loved some of them. See also +Phile 9. + +Condition of the Church and Occasion for the Epistle. False teachers +or a false teacher, had come among them and had greatly hindered the +prosperity of the church. The main source of all their false teaching +lay in an old eastern dogma, that all matter is evil and its source +also evil. If this were true, God, who is in no wise evil, could not +have created matter. And since our bodies are matters they are evil +and God could not have created them. From this notion that our bodies +are evil two extremes of error arose: (1) That only by various ascetic +practices, whereby we punish the body, can we hope to save it, 2:20- +23. (2) That since the body is evil, none of its deeds are to be +accounted for. License was, therefore, granted to evil conduct, and +evil passions were indulged at pleasure and without impunity (3:5-8). + +In seeking to find relief from this condition they formulated two +other false doctrines. (1) An esoteric and exclusive theory which was +a doctrine of secrets and initiation (2:2, 3, 8). By this doctrine +they declared that the remedy for man's condition was known to only a +few, and to learn this secret one must be initiated into their +company. (2) That since God could not have been creator of these +sinful bodies, they could not, therefore, come to him for blessing, +and so they formulated, in their theory, a series of intermediary +beings or Aeons, such as angels, that must have created us and whom we +must worship (2:18), especially as a means of finally reaching God. + + +All these false theories conspired to limit the greatness and +authority of Jesus Christ, and to limit the efficiency of redemption +in him (2:9-10). They are called by the one name, Gnosticism, and +present four aspects of error in this book. (1) Philosophic, 2:3, 4, +8. (2) Ritualistic, or Judaistic, 2:11, 14, 16-17. (3) Visionary, or +angel-worship, 1:16; 2:10, 15, 18. (4) Ascetic practices, 2:20-23. +There are three modern applications of the Colossian heresy. (1) +Ceremonialism, or ritualism. (2) Speculation. (3) Low standards of +righteousness. + +The Epistle. The news of these false teachings was brought to Paul +probably by Epaphras. 1:7-8, and he wrote to combat them. It is +polemic in spirit and argues that we have everything in Christ, that +he is the source and Lord of all creation and that he alone can +forgive sins and reconcile us to God. It, therefore, represents more +fully than any other of Paul's epistles his doctrine of the person and +preeminence of Christ. + +Analysis. + + I. Doctrinal Teachings, Ch. 1. + + 1. Introduction, 1-14. + + + 2. Christ in relation to creation, 15-17. + + + 3. Christ in relation to the church, 18 end. + + II. Polemic Against False Teachings, ch. 2. + + 1. Introduction, 1-7. + + 2. Polemic against the general false teachings, 8-15, + + 3. Polemic against the particular claims of the false teachers, 16 +end. + +III. Hortatory Section, 3:1-4:6. + + 1. To a lofty Christian life, 3:1-4. + + 2. To exchange the old vices for the Christian graces, 3:5-14. + + 3. To make Christ sovereign over the whole of life, 3:15-17. + + 4. To the Christian discharge of relative duties, 3:18-4:1. + + 3. To a proper prayer life, 4:2-6. + + IV. Personal Section, 4:7 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's prayer for them, 1:9-14. (2) The +preeminence of the Savior,1:5-20. (3) The false and true philosophy of +religion, 2:8-15. (4) The worldly vices, 3:5-8. (5) The Christian +graces, 3:9-14. (6) The lofty Christian life, 3:15-17. (7) All +references to the false teachings as in the words mystery, head, body, +Lord, fullness, etc. Note 2:3, 8, 11, 16, 18, and many others. (8) +Paul's view of Jesus. Study every reference to him. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXXIII. + +First and Second Thessalonians. + +The City of Thessalonica. It was founded by Cassander, King of Macedon +315 B. C., and was about a hundred miles west of Philippi. It was a +great commercial center of Paul's time, the inhabitants being Greeks, +Romans and Jews. It still exists under the name of Saloniki, and has a +population of from 75,000 to 85,000 about half of whom are Jews. + +The Church of Thessalonica. Upon being delivered from prison at +Philippi. Paul continued his second missionary journey to +Thessalonica, having also Silas and Timothy with him (Acts 17:1-5). He +spent three Sabbaths there, but on account of the persecution of the +Jews, went from there to Berea, then to Athens, and then to Corinth +where he spent 18 months. The first letter bears testimony to the +splendid Christian character of these new converts from heathenism. +First Thessalonians. + +This is probably the first epistle written by Paul and perhaps the +first written document of the Christian religion. It is not doctrinal, +has no element of controversy and is one of the most gentle and +affectionate of Paul's letters. It is notable for its special +salutations and refers to their expectations of the immediate return +of Jesus. Its main idea is _consolation_ (4:17-18), its keynote +_hope_ and its leading words _affliction and advent_. Its purpose was: +(1) to send affectionate greetings, (2) to console them in their +afflictions, (3) to correct their wrong, their mistaken views of +Christ's second coming, (4) to exhort then to proper living as against +certain immoral tendencies. + +Date. From Corinth A. D. 53. + +Analysis + + I. The Spiritual Condition of the Church, Ch. 1. + + 1. Introduction. 1. + + 2. Their faith, love and hope, 2-3. + + 3. The cause of these, 4-5. + + 4. The result of these, 6-10. + + II. Paul's Character and Conduct While With Them, 2:1-16. + + 1. How he brought them the gospel, 1-12. + + 2. How they received it, 13-16. + +III. Paul's Interest in the Church Since Leaving Them. 2:17-3 end. + + 1. Desired to visit them, 2:17 end. + + 2. He sent Timothy to them and rejoices in his report of them, 3:1- +10. + + 3. Benediction upon them, 3:11 end. + + IV. Exhortation for the Future, 4:1-5:11. + + 1. To purity, 4:1-8. + + 2. To brotherly love, 4:9-10. + + 3. To honest industry, 4:11-12. + + 4. To be comforted in the loss of their dead in Christ, 4:13-5:11. + + Conclusion, 5:12. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Things in the church for which Paul is +thankful, 1:2-6. (2) What is said about how the gospel was preached to +them, 2:1-16. (3) Paul's longing to know about them, 3:1-9. (4) The +duties enjoined, 4:1-12. (5) The second coming of Christ and the +resurrection, 4:13-18. (6) How we are prepared for the great day of +his coming, 5:3-10. (7) The several exhortations in 5:12-22. (8) The +human elements or explanation of Paul's power as a preacher Ch. 2. (9) +The deity of Jesus seen in the book. + +Second Thessalonians. + +This letter was also written from Corinth and during the same year. It +is the shortest letter Paul wrote to any church and is characterized +by its lack of special salutations and for its general idea of patient +waiting for our Lord. The occasion seems to be to correct their wrong +views of the second coming of Christ and the errors of life growing +out of it. It may be that they had misunderstood his own teaching to +be that the day of the Lord was already at hand (2:2). + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-2. + + I. Thanksgiving and Prayer for in View of The Second Coming of +Christ, 1:2 end. + + II. Warnings about Christ's Second Coming. 2:1-12. + +III. Their Escape at His Coming, 2:13 end. + + IV. Practical Matters, 3:1-15. + + 1. Their prayers for each other, 1-5. + + 2. Discipline for the disorderly, 6-15. + + Conclusion, 3:16 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Things commendable in the church, 13-14. +(2) Moral disorders of the church, 3:7-11. (3) How to deal with the +disorderly, 3:6, 14, 15. (4) How to deal with the idle, 3:12. (5)Facts +concerning Christ's second coming, from the whole book. (6) Facts +concerning the judgment of the wicked. + * * * * * + +Chapter XXXIV. + +First and Second Timothy. + +Timothy. + +He was a native of Lycaonia. His father was a Greek, but his mother +and grandmother were Jews, 2 Tim. 1:5. He was taught the scriptures +from his very youth, 2 Tim. 3:15, and was probably converted during +Paul's first visit to Lystra, Acts 14:8-20. He was ordained as an +evangelist 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6, and, after Paul's second visit to +Lystra. he spent most of his time with Paul, Acts 16:1. He did much +valuable service for Paul, and was greatly esteemed by him. Acts +17:14; 18:5; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10. His name is +associated with Paul in writing a number of letters, 2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. +1:1; Col. 1:1. He was pastor at Ephesus and while there received these +letters, 1 Tim. 1:3-4. Paul desired to have him with him when death +came, 2 Tim. 4:9; 13, 21. + +First Timothy. + +This epistle was written while Timothy was pastor at Ephesus, probably +between A. D. 64 and 66. Its purpose was to instruct Timothy with +regard to his pastoral duties. It, therefore, reflects the condition +of the church and especially the errors which he would correct or +against which he wished to warn his "true child in the faith." + +Analysis. + + Greeting, 1:1-2. + + I. The True Teachings of the Gospel, 1:3 end. + + 1. Gnostic teachings and the true purpose of the law, 3-11. + + 2. Paul's salvation. 12-17. + + 3. Further warnings against false teachers, 18 end. + + II. Public Worship. Ch. 2. + + 1. Prayer, 1-7. + + 2. Conduct of men and women in church assemblies, 8 end. + +III. Church Officers. Ch. 3. + + 1. A bishop or pastor, 1-7. + + 2. Deacons and deaconesses. 8-13. + + 3. A personal word, 14 end. + + IV. Pastoral Duties, 4:1-6:2. + + 1. As to the true doctrine, Ch. 4. + + 2. Toward the various classes of the church, 5:1-20. + + 3. Concerning himself, 5:21 end. + + 4. In teaching slaves and their masters, 6:1-2. + + + V. Final Warnings and Exhortations, 6:3 end. + 1. Against false teachers, 3-10. + + 2. To be truly godly, 11-16. + + 3. To teach the rich aright, 17-19. + + 4. To be true to his charge, 20 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) False teachings, 1:3-11; 4:1-8; 6:20-21. +(2) The kind of man a pastor should be, 4:12-5:2. (3) The kind of men +to select for church officers, 3:1-13. (Fifteen qualifications of a +pastor and seven of a deacon). (4) Church government and services of +worship, 2:1, 2, 8; 3:14, 15. (5) The word's doctrine or teaching, +godliness and faith meaning doctrine. + +Second Timothy. + +This letter was written from Rome just before his martyrdom A. D. 67. +It was written to further instruct Timothy and to explain his own +personal affairs. It is the last letter written by Paul, a sort of +last will and testimony and is of great importance as it tells as how +he fared just before his death. It is more personal in tone than First +Timothy and shows us how very pitiable was his plight in these last +days. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-5. + + I. Exhortations to Timothy. 1:6-2 end. + + 1. To steadfastness in the gospel. 1:6 end. + + 2. To patient endurance of suffering, 2:1-13. + + 3. To faithfulness as a pastor, 2:14-26 end. + + II. Warnings to Timothy. 3:1-4:5. + 1. Concerning the perilous, 3:1-13. + + 2. Concerning his duties in such times, 3:14-4:5. + +III. Paul's View of Death, 4:6-18. + + + 1. His satisfaction and hope at its approach, 6-8. + + + 2. His hope during this loneliness and need, 9-18. + Conclusion, 4:19 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Paul's condition when he wrote,1:17; +4:7, 13-16; 6:20. (2) The desire or appeal of 1:4; 3:8; 4:5, 9, 13, +21. (3) The exhortations to Timothy, 1:6, 7, 13, 14; 2:1-6, 15, 23; +3:14; 4:5. (4) perilous times to come, Ch. 3. (5) Paul's view of +death, 4:5-22. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXXV. + + +Titus and Philemon. + +Titus. + +The Author. We do not know much of the work of Titus. But from Gal. +2:1-5; 2 Cor. 2:12-13; 7:2-16, and Titus 1:5 and 3:12 we learn: (1) +that he was a Gentile whom Paul carried to Jerusalem, (2) that by the +liberty of the gospel the Jerusalem council did not require him to be +circumcised. (3) that he a capable and an energetic missionary, (4) +that Paul had left him in Crete to finish the work which he had begun +there. + +The Book. The book is written to counsel Titus concerning the work +Paul had left him to do (1:5). It contains: (1) the qualifications of +the presbyters to be selected; (2) the method of dealing with false +teachings; (3) instructions to the different classes of the church; +(4) exhortations to Titus himself. + +Date. Probably written from Macedonia, A. D. 66. + +Analysis. + + Greeting, 1:1-4. + + I. Qualifications and Duties of Bishops or Pastors, 1:5 end. + + 1. The qualifications and duties, 5-9. + + 2. Reasons for needing such officers, 10 end. + + II. Instruction in Practical Godliness, 2:1-3:11. + + 1. Proper conduct for the different classes and its basis, Ch. 2. + + 2. Proper conduct in the different life relations, 3:1-11. + + Conclusion. 3:12-15. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Qualifications of presbyters 1:5-10. +(2) Lofty moral ideals for all Christians 2:1-15. (3) Savior and +salvation used seven times. (4) Good works or good things, the keyword +of the epistles and used seven times. (5) Sound doctrine occurs seven +times in this form or as sound in the faith, uncorruption in doctrine, +sound speech or doctrine of God. (6) Sober-minded occurring six times, +at least in thought. These last three constitute the Epistle's idea of +real godliness. + +Philemon. + + +Philemon lived at Colossae and was probably a convert of Paul and +member of the Colossian church. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon who +had robbed his master (v 18) and fled to Rome where he had been +converted under Paul's preaching (v 10). It is the only individual or +private letter written by Paul and is written to tell Philemon of the +conversion of Onesimus and to make a plea for him. Through the +kindness shown Onesimus we have revealed to us the great kindness of +the Apostle's heart. He speaks to Philemon not as an apostle in +authority, but as a friend to a friend, thereby showing his great +courtesy. The letter is of inestimable value as showing the power of +the gospel to win and transform a poor slave and to soften the harsh +relations between the different classes of ancient society. + +Date, From Rome about A. D. 63. + +Analysis. + +1. Introduction, 1-7. + +2. The purpose of the letter-an appeal to Onesimus, 8-21. + +3. Closing matters, 22 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) How Christianity deals with slaves. (2) +The effectiveness of the Christian religion in a life: (a) Even a +fugitive slave would confess his guilt, as, no doubt, Onesimus had +done to Paul; (b) It will make one desire to correct any wrongs one +has done, and willing, as was Onesimus, to go to the one wronged and +make confession; (c) It often raises one from worthlessness to great +usefulness (v 11); (d) It will not only make one useful to others in +temporal matters, but will make one profitable in things spiritual (v +13). (3) Concerning a real Christian helper, we may learn that, like +Paul: (a) He wilt not try to hide or cover up a man's past faults; (b) +He will sympathize with the poor fellow who has a bad record behind +him; (c) He will make it as easy as possible for such a convert to +right the past; (d) He will gladly use the very humblest Christian (v +13); (e) He will be courteous and recognize the rights of others, as +in the case of Philemon; (f) He will not force a man to do his duty, +but will use love and persuasion to bring him to it. (4) Make a list +of all the persons named and learn something of each. + +* * * * * + +Chapter XXXVI. + +Hebrews and James. + +Hebrews. + +The Author. The writer nowhere indicates his name, and there is +difference of opinion as to who wrote it. I am personally inclined to +the view of those who regard Paul as the author, which for a long time +was the common view. The main points against his authorship are that +the language and style are dissimilar to Paul's and that it is less +like an epistle than any other book that bears his name. It seems +clear, however, that the thoughts and course of reasoning are Pauline +and the differences otherwise may be explained by the difference of +purpose and spirit in writing. For the arguments for and against his +authorship the student is referred to the larger commentaries and +introductions to the New Testament literature. + + +Those To Whom It Was Written. It was, no doubt, addressed to Hebrew +Christians, but whether to a special church or to those in a special +locality, is a matter of dispute. Several things, however, may be +learned about them. (1) They had steadfastly endured persecution and +the loss of property. (2) They had shown sympathy with other +Christians, 6:10; 10:32-34. (3) They had been Christians some time, +5:12. (4) They knew the writer whom they are, by their prayers, to +help restore to themselves, 13:19. (5) They knew Timothy who was to +visit them, 13:23. (6) They were now in danger of apostacy to Judaism +but had not yet resisted to blood, 12:3-4; 5:11; 6:9. Their danger of +going back to Judaism might arise from several sources. (1) There was +a tendency to disbelieve Christ and his claims, 3:12. (2) The +elaborate worship of the Temple compared with the simple worship of +the Christian church. (3) The Jews branded them as traitors and +taunted them for turning against the law, which was given by prophets, +angels, and Moses, and from the sanctuary ministered to by the priests +of God. (4) They were suffering persecution. + +Purpose and Contents. The purpose was to prevent apostacy from +Christianity to Judaism and incidentally to comfort them in their +suffering and persecution. To accomplish this purpose the author +shows, by a series of comparisons, that the religion of Christ is +superior to that which preceded it. "Better" is the key-word, which +along with other terms of comparison such as "more excellent" is +constantly used to show the superiority of Christianity. It is very +much like a sermon, the author often turning aside to exhort, then +returning to the theme. + +Date. It was written from Jerusalem, Alexandria or Rome some time +before A. D. 70, since the temple was still standing, 9:6-7; 10:1. + +Analysis. + + + I. Christianity is Superior to Judaism because Christ through Whom +it was Introduced is Superior to the Messengers of Judaism, chs. 1-6. + + 1. He is superior to prophets, 1:1-3. + + 2. He is superior to angels. 1:4-2 end. + + 3. He is superior to Moses, including Joshua, chs. 3-6. + + Three points in each of these comparisons are the same. + + 1. He is God's son. + + 2. He is man's Savior. + + 3. He is man's high priest. + + Neither prophets nor angels nor Moses equal Jesus in these points. + There are two notable exhortations, (a) 2:1-4; (b) 5:11-6 end. + + II. Christianity in Superior to Judaism because Its Priesthood is +Superior to that of Judaism, 7:1-10:18. + + 1. Christ its priest is superior to the priests of Judaism, 7:1- +8:6. + + 2. Its covenant is superior to that of Judaism, 8:7 end. + + 3. Its tabernacle is superior to that of Judaism, ch. 9. + + 4. Its sacrifice is superior to those of Judaism, 10:1-18. + +III. Christianity is Superior to Judaism, because the Blessings it +Confers are Superior to those of Judaism. 10:19-11 end. + + 1. In the liberty of approach to God, 10:19 end. + + 2. In the superior ground of faith, 11:1-12:17. + + 3. In our coming to Mount Zion instead of Mount Sinai, 12:18 end. + + IV. Practical Conclusion, ch. 13. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Description of Christ. 1:1-3. (2) +Christ's superiority to angels. 1:3-14. (3) Christ's humiliation for +our salvation, 2:9-18. (4) How is Christ superior to Aaronic priests, +3:14, 15; 5:1-7, 9; 7:28. (5) The two covenants, 8:6-12. (6) Typical +character of the old ordinances. 9:1-10:4. (7) Our assurance and hope, +6:13-20. (8) The danger of rejecting Christ, 10:26-31. (9) The benefit +of affliction, 12:4-11. (10) The comparisons of 12:18-29. (11) The +warning of 13.-8-15, (12) The exhortations of the book, as 2:1-4. Make +a list. (13) All the terms of comparison, as better and more +excellent. Make a list. (14) Every reference to Christ as high +priest. (15) Every reference to the Holy Spirit-What are his works and +where in the book is it taught? + +James. + +The Author. Three persons called James are mentioned in the New +Testament. One of these is James, the Lord's brother (Matt. 13:55), +who did not believe on Jesus until after the resurrection, Jno. 7:2-9; +Mar. 3:21, 31; Acts 1:13-14. This James occupies and important place +as pastor at Jerusalem, and made an important speech at the council of +the Apostles, Acts 15: 13-21. He is mentioned elsewhere, in Acts, +12:17; Gal. 1:19; 2:9-12. Josephus tells us that he was stoned to +death about 62 A. D. on a charge of departing from the Jewish law. +This James, the Lord's brother, is supposed to be the author of this +epistle. + +To Whom Written. This letter was written to the Jews scattered +everywhere, 1:1, and evidently to Christian Jews, 2:1. Some of them +were rich, some poor, 2:1-10. They were lustful, greedy, and proud, +4:1-12, and were omitting to do the Lord's work as they should. 1:22- +27. + +The Epistle. The chief characteristic of style is abruptness. Change +is made from one subject to another with no effort to connect them. +There is, therefore, no general subject, and a lack of close +connection between the points of analysis. "Faith without works is +dead" flashes in every section as a sort of bond of unity. It is +eloquent, stern and sincere, and has a distinct Jewish tone. It lacks +the doctrinal emphasis found in Paul and states the Christian faith in +terms of moral excellence and instructs them in the subject of +Christian morals. It is notable for its omissions. It does not have +the resurrection or ascension and only mentions Christ's name twice. +Date and Place of Writing. It was no doubt written from Jerusalem +where he was pastor, but the date is much disputed. Some put it as +early as A. D. 40. Others among whom is Dr. Robertson say it was +written not later than A. D. 50. Still others put it about A. D. 61 or +62, just before the martyrdom of James. It is probably safe to say +that it was one of the very earliest of the New Testament books. + +Analysis. + + Salutation, 1:1. + + I. Proper Attitude Toward Trials. 1:2-18. + + II. Proper Altitude Toward God's Word, 1:19-27 end. + +III. Various Warnings. 2:1-4:12. + + 1. Against respect of persons, 2:1-13. + + 2. Against barren professions of faith, 2:14-26. + + 3. Against the dangers of the tongue, 3:1-12. + + 4. Against false wisdom, 3:13-18. + + 5. Against quarrels, greed and pride. 4:1-12. + + IV. Various Denunciations, 4:13-5:6. + + V. Various Exhortations, 5:7-20 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) From the following scriptures make a +list of all the things James advises us not to do: 1;6, 13, 16, 22; +2:1, 14; 3:1. 10; 4:1, 11, 13; 5:9, 12. (2) From the following +scriptures make a list of all the things James advises us to do; 1:2, +4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 22, 26; 2:8, 12; 3:13; 4:8. 5:7, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19. +(3) Make a sketch of heavenly wisdom, showing the different things +said about it, studying especially, 1:5-8 and 3:13-18. (4) Study the +ethics of speech and of the tongue, 1:19-21 and 3:1-12. (5) Life's +trial and temptations, 1:2-4, 12-15. (6) Make a list of ail the +figures of speech, especially similes and metaphors as "a doubter is +like a surge of the sea," 1:6. (7) James' rebuke of selfishness, 5:1- +6. (8) The utility and power of prayer, 5:13-18. + +* * * * * +Chapter XXXVII. + +First and Second Peter. + +The Author. The author was the Apostle Peter, whose name before he +became a disciple, was Simon. He was born in Bethsaida and lived in +Capernaum where he followed the occupation of fishing. He was brought +to Jesus by Andrew, his brother, and became one of the leaders of the +Apostles, both before and after Christ's death. His career should be +studied as it is found in Acts. He was impetuous, brave and energetic, +and after the ascension performed many miracles. + +First Peter. + +Those Addressed. The sojourn of the dispersion (1:1) points to Jewish +Christians. They were strangers (sojourners) 1:1, 17; 2:11, who were +persecuted, 3:17; 4:12-19, but whose persecution came, not from the +Jews, but from pagans, 4:3-4. They had certain faults and wrong +tendencies, 2:1, 11, 12, 16; 8:8-12; 4:9; 5:2-3. + +Purpose. To console them in their suffering, and to exhort them to +faithfulness and duty. + +Date. Probably about 64-68 A. D. Certainly not after 70 A. D., as he +was not doubt put to death before then. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-2. + + I. Thanksgiving for the Blessing of Grace, 1:3-12. + + 1. For a living hope and an abiding inheritance, 3-5. + + 2. For joyful faith during trials, 6-9. + + 3. For salvation, 10-12. + + II. Obligations Growing out of the Blessings of Grace, 1:13-4:19. + + 1. A right relation of the heart toward God and man, 1:13-2:10. + + 2. Right conduct in life relations, 2:11-3:12. + + 3. Right attitude toward suffering, 3:13-4:19 end. + +III. Exhortations to Particular Classes, 5:1-9. + + Conclusion 5:10 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Peter's loyalty to Christ. (a) He makes +everything depend on Christ, his cross (1:18-19; 2:24; 3:18), his +suffering (2:21; 3:18; 4:13), his resurrection (1:3), his +manifestation (1:7-13), his exaltation (3:22; 4:11; 5:10). (b) He +calls Christ a living stone, 2:4-8. (c) He clings to Christ's +teaching, submission to rightful authority (2:13-16), forgiveness of +others (4:8; Matt. 18:22), humility (5:5). (2) The mercy of God our +hope 1:3-7. From this passage list what is said of spiritual +inheritors and their inheritance. (3) How to obtain the Christian +ideal, 1:13-21. (4) Spiritual development. 2:1-10. (5) Various deities +of society, 2:13-17; of domestic life 2:18; 3:1, 7; of Christian +brotherhood, 1:22, 2:1-5; 3:8-9; 4:8-11; 5:1-5. (6) The work of the +different persons of the Trinity. (7) The words precious, joy and +rejoicing, mercy, love and faith. + +Second Peter. + +The Occasion. The occasion of the epistle is found in the harm being +done to the church by false teachers, who were of two classes, the +libertines and the mockers about whom he warns. + +Purpose. Its purpose was to exhort them to Christian growth and to +warn them against false teachers. + +Comparison with First Peter. It has no reference to Christ's death, +suffering, resurrection and ascension. Glance through 1 Peter again to +see how often these are mentioned. The spirit manifested is one of +anxiety, severity, and denunciation, white in 1 Peter it is one of +mildness, sweetness and fatherly dignity. It connects the second +coming of Christ with the punishment of the wicked, while 1 Peter +connects it with the glorification of the saints. Its key-note is +knowledge, while that of 1 Peter is hope. + +Some Teachings. (1) To be holy, not to secure an inheritance, but +because we already have it. (2) To love the brethren, not to purify +our soul, but because it is pure. (3) That we sacrifice, not as +penance, but as an expression of praise. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1:1-2. + + I. Progress in the Christian Life, 1:3-21 end. + + 1. An exhortation to growth, 3-11. + + 2. Reasons for these exhortations, 12-21. + + II. False Teachers, Ch. 2. + + 1. The evil teachers and their followers, 1-3. + + 2. Their punishment, 5-10. + + 3. Their character, evil ways and end, 11-32. + +III. The Second Coming of Christ, 3:1-13. He will bring both blessings +and destruction. + + Conclusion, 3:14-18. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) What our salvation involves, 1:5-11. (2) +The characteristics of the false teachers, 2:1-3, 10, 12-14. (3) The +certain punishment of these false teachers, 2:4-6, 15, 16, 21, 22. (4) +The exhortations of the book such as to sobriety, 1:13. (5) The +predictions of the book. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXXVIII. + +First, Second and Third John and Jude. + +First John. + +Author and Date. It was probably written from Ephesus, 80 or 85 A. D. +though some put it as early as A. D. 69, while others put it as late +as A. D. 95. The author nowhere indicates his name, but through all +the centuries it has been attributed to John, the beloved disciple. +For information concerning him see lesson twenty-eight. + +The Readers. It was doubtless written primarily to the churches of +Asia Minor in which John by reason of his work at Ephesus had a +special interest. It is evident that those addressed were of all ages +and were hated of the world. They were inclined to worldliness and to +the danger of looking too lightly upon sin. They were also in danger +of being led into doubt by those who denied the deity of Jesus. + +The Style. It is more in the form of a sermon or pastoral address than +of an epistle. It is written with a tone of conscious authority. The +thought is profound and mystical, but the language is simple both in +words and in sentences. The arguments are by immediate inference. +Their are many contrasts, parallelisms and repetitions with no figures +of speech except perhaps the words light and darkness. + +The Purpose. The chief purpose was to tell them how they might know +that they had eternal life, 5:13. The accomplishment of this purpose +would also assure the fulfillment of the secondary purpose stated in +1:3, 4. + +Theme. The evidence of eternal life. + +Analysis + + Introduction, 1:1-4. + + I. How Those Who Possess Eternal Life will Live, 1:5-5:12. + + 1. They will dwell in the light, 1:5-2:28. + + 2. They will do righteousness, 2:29-4:6. + + 3. They will live a life of love, 4:7-5:3. + + 4. They will walk by faith, 5:4-12. + + II. What Those who Live such Lives may Know, 5:13-20. + + 1. That they have eternal life. 13. + + 2. That their prayers are answered, 14-17. + + 3. That God's people do not live in sin, 18. + + 4. Their true relation to God and to Christ, 19-20. + + Conclusion, 5:21. + + The following analysis made with the idea of the theme being +"Fellowship with God" (1:3-4) is very suggestive. + + Introduction, 1:1-4. + + I. God is Light and our fellowship with him depends upon our walking +in the light, 1:5-2:28. + + II. God la Righteous and our fellowship with him depends upon our +doing righteousness, 2-29, 4:6. + +III. God is Love and our fellowship with him depends upon our having +and manifesting a spirit of love, 4:7-5:3. + + IV. God Is Faithful and our fellowship with him depends upon our +exercising faith in him, 5:4-12. + + Conclusion. 5:13-21 end. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The different things we may know and how +we may know them. Make a list giving reference, as, "know Him if we +keep His commandments" (2:3). (2) Make a list of the things defined in +the following scriptures, and give the definition in each case: 1:5; +2:25; 3:11, 3:23; 5:3; 5:4; 5:11; 5:14. (3) The several figures and +attributes of God, as light, righteousness and love. (4) The +requirements of deeds of righteousness, 1:6, 7; 2:9-11; 3:17-23. (5) +God's love for his children, 3:1-2; 4:8-11, 16, 19. (6) Christians' +duty to love one another, 2:10; 3:10-24; 4:7-21; 5:1-2. (7) The +propitiatory death of Jesus Christ, 1:7; 2:1-2; 4:10. (8) Difference +between Christians and non-Christians, 3:4-10. How many times do each +of the following words occur? Love, light, life, know, darkness, hate, +righteousness, sin, liar and lie, true and truth. + +Second John. + +It is a friendly, personal letter, written some time after the first +letter, to the "elect lady" who, as I think, was John's friend, and +not a church or some nation as has sometimes been argued. The aim is +evidently to warn his friend against certain false teachers. + +Analysis. + +1. Greeting, 1-3. + +2. Thanksgiving, 4. + +3. Exhortation to obedience. 5-6. + +4. Warning against anti-Christs, 7-9. + +5. How to deal with false teachers, 10-11. + +6. Conclusion, 12-13. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The character of the children of the +elect lady. (2) Evidence of real discipleship. (3) How to deal with +false teachers. + +This also is a private letter written, some time after First John, to +his personal friend, Gaius. There was some confusion about receiving +certain evangelists. Gaius had received them while Diotrephes had +opposed their reception. He commends Gaius for his Christian +hospitality and character. + +Analysis. + +1. Greeting, 1. + +2. Prayer for his posterity, 2. + +3. Commends his godly walk, 3-4. + +4. Commends his hospitality, 5-8. + +5. Complaint against Diotrephes, 9-10. + +6. Test of relation to God, and worth of Demetrius, 11-12. + +7. Conclusion, 13-14. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The character of Gaius and Diotrephes. +(2) Christian hospitality. (3) Such words as truth, sincerity and +reality. + +Jude. + +The author is named as Jude, the brother of James. He probably means +the James wrote the epistle of that name and is, therefore, the Lord's +brother. + +Purpose. False teachers were boldly teaching their heresies in the +meetings of the congregation. These men were also very immoral in +conduct and the epistle is written to expose their errors and to +exhort his readers to contend for the true faith and to live worthy +lives. In many points it is very similar to the second letter of +Peter. + +Date. It was probably written about A. D. 66. At any rate it must have +been written before A. D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed, as Jude +would hardly have failed to mention that event along with other +examples of punishment, 5-7. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1-4. + + I. The Fate of Wicked Disturbers, 5-16. + + 1. God punishes the wicked, 5-7. + + 2. He will destroy these men, 8-16. + + II. How to Contend For the Faith, 17-23. + + 1. Be mindful of the enemies, 17-19. + + 2. Be strong (built up in the faith), 20-21. + + 3. Maintain an evangelistic spirit, 22-23. + + Conclusion, 24-25. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the words and phrases +occurring in threes, as mercy, love, peace, or Cain, Baalam, Korah. +(2) Make a list of all the different things taught about the evil +workers mentioned, 8-10, 12, 13. 16, 19. (3) What the apostles had +foretold concerning them. + + * * * * * + +Chapter XXXIX. + +Revelation. + +Author. John, the Apostle, while in exile on the Isle of Patmos, 1:1, +4, 9; 22:8. + +Date. About 95 or 96 A. D. + +The Book. (1) It is a book of symbols and imagery, and constantly +creates excitement and wonder. (2) It is a book of wars, but war +always ends in peace. The word war occurs seven times in Revelation, +and only seven times in all the rest of the New Testament. (3) It is a +book of thunder, but the thunder and earthquake die away and are +followed by liturgies and psalms. (4) It is a book of the rewards of +the righteous. This is seen in the letters to the seven churches, and +in the victories of the right in all conflicts and wars of the book. +(5) It is, therefore, a book of optimism. Everywhere God overcomes +Satan, the Lamb triumphs, Babylon falls, etc. + +Its Interpretation. There are several classes of interpreters, as +follows (1) _The Praeterist_, who thinks it has been fulfilled in its +primary sense. He makes all the prophesies and visions refer to Jewish +history down to the fall of Jerusalem, and to the history of Pagan +Rome. (2) _The Futurist_, who interprets literally and thinks all the +events of the book are to come just before or just after the second +coming of Christ. (3) _The Historical or Continuous School_. These +think some have been fulfilled, some are now being fulfilled, and some +will be fulfilled in the future. (4) _The Spiritualist_, who objects +to the other three classes of interpreters because they make so much +of the time element. He lays stress upon the moral and spiritual +element of the book and reads the book "as a representation of ideas +rather than of events." + +Value. The chief value of the book seems to lie in its testimony to +the faith and hope of persecuted Christians and in the comfort and +inspiration it has brought to sorrowing and oppressed souls of every +age. It points outthat there will be an end of conflict, that God and +the Lamb will triumph that the enemies of our souls will be punished +and that the followers of God will be rewarded with eternal reward. + +Analysis. + + Introduction, 1-8. + + I. The Seven Churches, 1:9-3 end, + + 1. A preparatory vision of Christ, 1:9 end. + + 2. The addresses to the churches, Chs. 2-3. + + II. The Seven Seals, 4:1-8:1. + + 1. A preparatory vision of the throne, Chs. 4-5. + + 2. Six seals opened in order, Ch. 6. + + 3. An episode-sealing God's servants, Ch, 7. + + 4. The seventh seal opened, 8:1. + +III. The Seven Trumpets, 8:1l end. + + 1. A preparatory vision, 8:2-6. + + 2. Six trumpets sounded in order, 8:7-9 end. + + 3. An episode-Little book, measuring the temple and two witnesses, +10:1-11:14 + + 4. The seventh trumpet sounded, 11:15 end. + + IV. The Seven Mystic Figures. Chs. 12-14. + + 1. The sun-clothed woman, Ch. 12. + + 2. The red dragon, Ch, 12. + + 3. The man-child, Ch. 12. + + 4. The beast from the sea, 13:1-10. + + 5. The beast from the earth, 13:11-18. + + 6. The Lamb on Mount Sion, 14:1-13. Three angels. + + 7. The son of man on the cloud, 14:14-20. Three angels. + + V. The Seven Vials, Chs. 15-16. + + 1. The preliminary vision, Ch. 15-a song of victory. + 2. Six vials poured out in order, 16:1-12. + + 3. An episode, 16:13-16. The spirits of the devil gather the kings +of the earth to the battle of Armageddon. + + 4. The seventh vial poured out, 16:17-21 (end). + + VI. Three Final Conflicts and Triumphs, 17:1-22:5. + + 1. The first conflict and triumph, 17:1-19:10. + + 2. The second conflict and triumph, 19:11-20:6. + + 3. The third conflict and triumph, 20:7-22:5. + +VII. The Epilogue Conclusion, 22:6-21 end. + + 1. Three-fold testimony to the truth of the vision. Angel, Jesus. +John, 6-8. + + 2. Directions of the angels concerning the prophecy, 9-10. + + 3. The moral of the book, 11-17. + + 4. John's attestation and salutation, 18-21. + +For Study and Discussion. (1) The vision of Jesus, 1:9 end. (2) +The letters to the seven churches: (a) Which churches are given noting +but praise? (b) Which nothing but blame? (c) Which both praise and +blame? (d) What is commended and what condemned in each. (3) The +twenty-four elders, four living creatures, sealed book and the Lamb, +Chs. 4-5. (4) The sealing of God's servants, Ch. 7. (5) The little +book, Ch. 10. (6) The measuring rod and two witnesses; 11:1-14. (7) +Each of the seven mystic figures, Chs. 12-14. Describe each. (8) +Mystery Babylon, Ch. 17. (9) Song of triumph over Babylon, 19:1-10. +(10) The judgment of Satan, 20:1-10. (11) The description of the +general resurrection and judgment, 20:11-15; 22:10-15. (12) The +description of heaven, Chs. 21-22. (13) Verify the following points of +similarity in the seven seals, seven trumpets and seven vials, (a) +that heaven is opened and a preliminary vision before each series, (b) +that the first four in each series refer especially to the present +natural world, while the last three in each series refer more +particularly to the future or spiritual world, (c) that in each series +there is an episode after the sixth which is either an elaboration of +the sixth or an introduction to the seventh. (14) Compare these three +series again and note, (a) that they portray the same events in +similar language, (b) that the victory of the righteous and the +destruction of the wicked are portrayed in each, (c) that the victory +of the redeemed predominates in the first (seals) while the +destruction of the wicked predominates in the last (vials). (15) In +the series note the progress in the severity of punishment, (a) one- +fourth afflicted in the first (seals), (b) one-third afflicted in the +second (trumpets), (c) all are destroyed in the third (vials). (16) +From the following scriptures make a list allowing how nearly the same +thing is affected in each of the seven trumpets and vials, (a) 8:7 and +16:2, (b) 8:8 and 16:3, (c) 8:10-11 and 16:4-7, (d) 8:12 and 16:8-9, +(e) 9:9-11 and 16:10-11, (f) 9:13-21 and 16:12-16, (g) 11:15-18 and +16:17-21. (17) The contrasts and resemblances of the trumpets and +vials. + +Trumpets. 1. Hail, fire blood cast on earth, one-third of the trees +burned. + +Vails. 1. The Vial poured out on the earth, affliction upon the +followers of the beast. + +Trumpets. 2. One-third of the sea made blood, one-third of its +creatures and of its ships destroyed. + +Vails. 2. The whole sea made blood, and every soul therein destroyed. + +Trumpets. 3. One-third of the rivers made bitter, many men destroyed + +Vials. 3. All the rivers made blood and vengeance upon all men. + +Trumpets. 4. One-third of the sun, etc., smitten, one-third of the day +darkened. + +Vials. 4. The whole sun smitten, men are scorched, they blaspheme and +repent not. + +Trumpets. 5. The stars of heaven fall into the pit; locusts sent +forth; men seek death. + +Vials. 5. The throne and kingdom of the beast smitten, men suffer and +blaspheme and repent not. + +Trumpets. 6. One-third of the men destroyed by the armies of the +Euphrates; men do not repent. Episode: God's two witnesses witness for +Him and work miracles. War against them by the beasts. + +Vials. 6. A way prepared for the kings beyond the Euphrates. Episode: +The dragon's three unclean spirits witness for him and work miracles. +War by the world at Armageddon. + +Trumpets. 7. Voices in heaven, judgment, earthquake, hail, etc. + +Vials. 7, Voice in heaven, fall of Babylon, earthquake, hail, etc. + +(18) The benedictions and doxologies of the book. (19) Things taught +about Jesus. (20) Things taught about Satan. + +END. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Bible Book by Book, by Josiah Blake Tidwell + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BIBLE BOOK BY BOOK *** + +***** This file should be named 16290.txt or 16290.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/2/9/16290/ + +Produced by Fredric Lozo + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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