Galatians

 Paul’s call against legalism-Meaning, Christians are free from restrictive Jewish laws[1]

Summary:
Paul writes this letter to several churches in Galatia as a strong rebuke against the “judiazers” (those Christian believers of Jewish background who insist that true believers must uphold Jewish laws, primarily circumcision; Gen. 17:10.  Remember that originally to be part of God’s covenant community one needed to be circumcised).  Paul is astonished that these believers are “deserting the one who called (them) by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-which is really no gospel at all” (Gal. 1:6-7).  Galatians is some times referred to as “Luther’s book,”[2] because this is where Martin Luther turned and the book of scripture that he relied on to defend his view of God’s grace alone that brings one salvation, during the time of the Reformation and the upheaval with the Catholic church. 

Some important points to understand about the book of Galatians:

• “Know that a man (or woman!) is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.  So we, too, have put our faith in Jesus Christ that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified” Gal. 2:16. 
• Key Verse: 2:19-21 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” 
• With Christ living in us, we are able to live a godly life, not by our own power in following particular laws, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
• You may wonder if the law is “bad.”  One of the purposes of God in giving the law was to make us aware of our sinful nature and the impossibility of any person to uphold the law completely.  As Gal 3:24-25 states, “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.  Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” 
• Some people take Paul’s message of freedom too far and use it as a “license or justification to sin.”   This was not Paul’s intent at all.  Consider that we are to live by the whole counsel of God which includes all of the Bible.  Many believe that the book of James balances the message in Galatians.  Mainly that a true believer in Christ will not be justified by “works” but will live a life that reflects their faith in Christ.  For “faith without works is dead.” James 2:26.

[2] The NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 1779.

1 & 2 Chronicles

King David’s reign is explained in a positive light (1 Chron), And the history of Israel from Solomon to the divided kingdom, ending with the exiled Jews returning home is detailed (2 Chron) 

Summary:
1 & 2 Chronicles was originally one book in the Hebrew, containing overlapping material from the Jewish history found in 2 Samuel to 2 Kings, but with a different perspective.  Second Samuel and Kings gives a political history, while Chronicles gives a religious history of the Davidic dynasty of Judah (the line of kings beginning with David that will eventually produce Messiah-Jesus Christ).  Much attention is given to priestly concerns such as the temple, the priesthood, the lineage of Messiah, and spiritual reforms.  Chronicles was written to those returning from Babylonian exile (God removed the Jews from the Promised Land because of their disobedience).  It was written to give them hope, revealing God’s faithfulness and His continuing purpose for His people.  Eventually the temple will be rebuilt by those returning to the Land.  Ultimately it is a reminder that God is still with them and He will be true to fulfilling the covenant He made with David (2 Sam 7 and repeated in Chronicles 7:11-14).  Despite their sin, they are still God’s special people, and God holds true to His promises.

Some important points to understand about the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles:

• The genealogies in 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9 cover the time of Adam to David, and chapters 10-29 focus on the thirty-three years of David’s rule over the united kingdoms of Israel and Judah (1004-971 B.C.).[1] Keep in mind that David’s son, Solomon will succeed him and the kingdom of Israel will split into two kingdoms after Solomon (Israel and Judah). 
• The genealogies in Chronicles are the most comprehensive in the Bible, although they are highly selective in manner.[2]  Remember that genealogies in the Bible are theological in nature and thus do not include every name in a genealogy, but rather names that further the story of God’s selection and preservation of a people for Himself from the beginning of history.[3]
• Chronicles relates a positive history of David and Solomon, omitting such embarrassing exploits such as David’s sin with Bathsheba, the ordered death of her husband Uriah, David’s son Absalom’s rebellion, the many wives of Solomon etc..
• The book of 2 Chronicles closely parallels 1 & 2 Kings, but leaves out mention of the northern kingdom of Israel because of its false worship, focusing instead on the southern kingdom of Judah and the lives and reigns of those kings who follow in the godly footsteps of David.  In scripture, David is considered the ideal or model good king to which all good kings will be compared.
• 2 Chronicles begins with the reign of Solomon and his building of the temple in Jerusalem and ends with Cyrus’ decree (538 B.C.) for the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple which has been completely destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.

[2] Ibid,103.

[3] Ibid.

1 & 2 Samuel

Samuel becomes the person of God To unite Israel’s twelve tribes under a king and David is portrayed as the ideal king, despite his flaws

Summary:
Samuel is both a judge and prophet (a mouthpiece for God).  1 Samuel describes the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings.  The three main characters in this book are Samuel the judge and first prophet; Saul who becomes the first king of Israel but never fully takes on the role of king because of his ambivalence; and David, the king-elect who is anointed by Samuel but not yet recognized as Saul’s successor until 2 Samuel. We see in 1 and 2 Samuel both, that God-Yahweh is sovereign (in control) over not only individuals, but over Israel as well as the surrounding nations.  We see a people asking for a king, so that they may be like all of the other nations.  Prior to this, Israel was under a theocracy, where God was their king.  In the Ancient Near East, a king held two primary roles.  He was to lead the people into battle and was to establish justice.  At this time in Israel’s history, her arch enemy was the Philistines.  Ultimately the true king would be the one to stand up to this fearsome people group and lead Israel into war against them.  Now we know why it is so significant that David, the shepherd boy, is the only one to stand up to the most infamous Philistine….Goliath.  Note that Saul never really engages the Philistines in battle.

Some important points to understand about the books of 1 & 2 Samuel:

• This book is a beautiful example of a righteous, barren woman, conceiving a son whom she dedicates to the Lord in return for His faithfulness in her life.  Her prayer (2:1-10) is similar in many ways to Mary’s prayer (Luke 1:46-55) or hymn of praise.
• David becomes king of Judah and rules in Hebron for seven years before becoming king over all twelve tribes (Israel) after the death of Saul’s son, Ishbosheth.  He rules as king for 40 years in all.
• 2 Samuel depicts David’s rise to power as well as his kingship.  2 Samuel 7 outlines the “Davidic Covenant” in which David desires to build a “house” (temple) for the LORD.  God does not allow David to do this, but God does promise David a “house” (dynasty) that would last forever.
•  The “Abrahamic Covenant is built on and expanded upon (God’s promise of Land, Seed-lit., and blessing).  Ultimately Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the line of David
• David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it the royal city and residence.  It is here where the future temple is built by his son Solomon
• Although David is the “ideal king,” we can relate to his human side in his notorious sin of adultery with Bathsheba (chs. 11-12).  Unfortunately he lives the rest of his life with the consequences of this poor choice.  Note the progression of sin and the many opportunities he had to change his direction.
• David is remembered throughout Scripture as “a man after God’s own heart” primarily because of two important qualities that ruled his life: He was very quick to repent whenever he had sinned, and he always gave God the glory for the successes in his life.  He is an example to us all.

1 & 2 Corinthians

Paul attacks problems of sin in the church at Corinth, And defends his apostleship and ministry

Summary:
In both of these books, the apostle Paul is addressing problems of sin and contention in a church that he founded.  The city of Corinth in Paul’s day had a population of approximately 650,000 people, two-thirds of which were slaves.  It was the leading commercial center of Southern Greece[1] with all of the trappings of big city living…including unbridled immorality.  Corinth contained at least 12 temples to foreign gods, complete with temple prostitutes.  The temple of Aphrodite at one point in time had 1,000 sacred prostitutes serving worshippers.[2] The church at Corinth was not immune to the outside influences of its culture, and it is to these issues that Paul writes (divisions, immorality, disorderly worship, abuse of the Lord’s Supper etc).   

 Some important points to understand about the books of 1&2 Corinthians:

• The books address a congregation that is both immature and unspiritual (1 Cor 3:1-4).  Paul encourages those believers to move beyond spiritual milk (he describes those still on milk as “worldly”).  They need to grow up in their faith and move beyond following the “world” to following “God.”
• Paul pens 2 Corinthians within a year of his first letter to the church.
• 1 Cor 12 speaks about spiritual gifting and how each individual in the church is an invaluable component for the body as a whole.  We are not to feel inferior because of our different giftings in the Spirit. Each has a place.
• Paul defends his apostleship in 2 Cor.  Although he was not one of the original “twelve,” he is indeed an apostle because of his amazing encounter with and conversion to the risen Christ, on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).
• Key Chapters: 1 Corin 13 and 15. Chapter 13 is an important chapter on the sacrificial nature of love.  The context for this verse refers to a much broader audience than married couples. Chapter 15 is the most significant chapter on the resurrection. 2 Corin 8-9 gives the most extensive description of the principles and practices of giving in the NT.  This is a good place to investigate when trying to determine how much money to give back to God from your income.
• One main theme that runs throughout these letters is the idea that the “Cross of Christ is a message that is designed to transform the lives of believers and make them different, as people and as a corporate body, from the surrounding world.”[3]  Do we look different as individuals and as a corporate body (PEPC) to the world?

[2] The NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985), 1732.

[3] Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa, Talk thru the Bible (USA: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2002), 383.

Judges

Israel goes through seven cycles of Sin or disobedience, suffering, and God’s deliverance

Summary:
The book of Judges follows the book of Joshua and describes the life of Israel in the promised land after the death of Joshua up until the time of the monarchy. In stark contrast to the book of Joshua where an obedient people conquer the land through obedience and trust in God, Judges displays a disobedient and outright rebellious people who are defeated by their enemies time and time again because of their rebellion towards God.[1] It is no wonder that this generation is rebellious towards God when we read 2:10-11 After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.  Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals (foreign gods). It is true for us as well that as we prosper and things go well, we tend to forget God and his faithfulness in our lives and start to follow after other gods (idols).

Throughout Judges we see seven distinct cycles of rebellion and idolatry by Israel, followed by oppression by their enemies (God’s judgment on them), a cry for help to God, and finally God providing a judge to deliver them militarily from their enemies.  The nation of Israel returns to “pure worship” at this time, but all too soon they “forget” the LORD and fall back into their cycle of worshiping other gods. 

Some important points to understand about the book of Judges:

• In this time period, the judges were military and civil leaders over a loose confederacy of tribes.  Note that one very successful judge was actually a woman-Deborah (4:1-5:31).  This was very unusual in a historically patriarchal society.
• Judges were leaders who acted as both rulers and saviors (spiritual and political).  They portrayed the role that Christ would fulfill as Savior-King of his people.[2]  We can imagine the need and desire of the people for a truly righteous king.
• Key verse:  In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit (or was right in his own eyes) 7:10; 21:25
• Chapters 19-21 illustrate one of the most disturbing tales of depravity in the Bible.  In helping us to understand these violent and difficult passages we must realize that the moral state of Israel was a direct result of her choosing to “do what was right in his/her own eyes.”  Morality was relative, meaning that each person deferred to their own morality.  There was no set standard….not too unlike the direction of morality in our Postmodern society.
• In the book of Judges we see a truth for then and for today: “Sin always leads to suffering, and repentance always leads to deliverance”[3]

[1]  Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa, Talk thru the Bible (USA: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2002), 58.

[2] Ibid, 61.

[3] Ibid, 60.

Romans
The Gospel’s good news is that, Sinners are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone

Summary:
Unlike the Gospels that narrate the works and works of Jesus Christ, the book of Romans details for us the significance of Christ’s sacrificial death. This book presents the most detailed and thorough explanation of the Gospel as found in the Bible. The apostle Paul is the author of this letter and at the writing of Romans had never visited the church. He is writing to the church at Rome to prepare them for his upcoming visit, to present a basic framework of the gospel (because this church had not received any teaching from an apostle before), and to explain the relationship between the Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. The church at Rome was primarily made up of Gentiles, but there was however a group of Jews who felt the need to continue to follow the food laws and celebration of sacred days.

Some important points to understand about the book of Romans:

• Romans is the longest of Paul’s epistles. Although it was not written first, it appears in scripture at the beginning of his other letters possibly because it is foundational regarding Christian doctrine or belief. His other letters are built off of this.
• Key chapters (6-8): It is in these chapters that we find all that is foundational to the spiritual life. Here are the answers to the questions on how to be delivered from sin, how to live a life under grace, and how to live a victorious Christian life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• While reading through this letter, note the key words righteousness, faith, law, all and sin. Each of these words appears sixty times or more. Words that appear numerous times in a text are “key words” and help us to understand what the author is stressing. They unlock the meaning to the text.
• Key verse: Romans 1: 16-17 I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Another key verse is 3:21-25.
• Salvation (Romans 1:16-17) means that “a believer is saved from the penalty of sin (past), the power of sin (present), and the presence of sin (future); and he is saved to a new position , a new life, and an entrance into God’s heavenly presence.

Joshua
The conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, Under Joshua’s leadership

Summary:
The book of Joshua follows the book of Deuteronomy both chronologically and historically. Deuteronomy closes with the death of Moses and Joshua begins, “After the death of Moses…” Moses along with an entire generation of Israelites who lived through slavery under Pharaoh and God’s hand of deliverance as he brought them through the Red Sea, have died. A new generation is being brought into the land that was promised to Abraham in his covenant with God back in Genesis. Joshua will be commissioned and empowered by God to lead the Israelites in pillaging and plundering the Canaanites. Although many people have a difficult time reading and understanding God’s character through this “bloody” book, it must be noted that this book and God’s command to “completely destroy” all living things that Israel encounters, is in keeping with God’s holiness. The Hebrew actually refers to “the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them.” Additionally, what we find in Joshua is the idea of “holy war.” Here everything that is not holy is to be destroyed. As we will see, Israel does not completely destroy what God tells her to destroy and it is due to their disobedience that they are eventually drawn to the worship of other gods.

Some important points to understand about the book of Joshua:

• Joshua was a message by God given to a particular people at a particular place geographically at a particular time historically. We cannot easily draw ethical parallels regarding modern warfare from this book.
• Joshua 1 begins with no less than four commands by God to “be strong and courageous.” Israel will be successful in taking the land in strength because God promises to be with them. Additionally, God promises success based on their obedience to the law…..a law they are to keep by meditating on it day and night.
• The first half of Joshua chronicles the seven-year conquest of Canaan (Chaps. 1-12). The second half records the dividing and settlement of the land by the twelve tribes (Chaps. 13-24).
• On a practical level, the book of Joshua teaches that blessing and victory come ultimately through obedience and trust in God. A faithful life leads one to be obedient to God and results in blessing (not necessarily material blessings as we in North America may believe).
• Key verse: Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD you God will be with you wherever you go.

Acts

Jesus ascends to heaven and the Holy Spirit is given.  The New Testament church begins and grows.

Summary:
Acts was most likely written by Luke as a follow up to his Gospel, making Luke/Acts a two-part volume.  The book of Acts connects the life of Jesus described in the four Gospels historically to the Epistles or letters that follow.  It records the early roots of the church.  Acts begins with the resurrected Christ ascending to heaven after forty-five days of appearances.  Ten days after his ascension, on the festival day of Pentecost, God sends his Holy Spirit and the church is born (Chap. 2).[1]  A small group of fearful men are empowered and move forward to fulfill the Great Commission. The book of Acts is foundational for the understanding of the roots and development of Christianity.[2]

 Some important points to understand about the book of Acts:

• This book traces the development of the body of Christ (the church) over one generation and shows its development from a primarily Jewish congregation to a Gentile one. 
• Key verse: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth  Acts 1:8 
• It is in this book that we are introduced to the first Christian martyr (someone killed for their faith), Stephen, who is stoned to death for blaming Jewish leaders for the death of Jesus (Chap. 7). This same chapter gives an accounting of God’s work of salvation beginning with his covenant with Abraham.  This is a great summary chapter of God’s work in the Old Testament. 
• Saul, is introduced as well in this book as a severe persecutor of Christians.  Acts 8:1 tells us that at the stoning of Stephen, “Saul was there, giving his approval to his death.”  Chapter nine records the amazing encounter of Saul with the resurrected Christ, in the form of a flash of light.  Saul converts to the faith and his name is changed to “Paul.” It is this Apostle Paul who will pen most of the New Testament Epistles. 
• There are twenty-four messages/sermons in twenty eight chapters, with the resurrected Christ as the central theme.[3]  It is in him alone that we are saved: Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved   Acts 4:12

[1]  Know Your Bible (Uhrichsiville, OH: Barbour Publishing, 2008), 68.

[2] Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa, Talk thru the Bible (USA: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2002), 354.

3 Ibid.

Deuteronomy

Moses’ farewell messages to the next, Generation of Israel, to prepare them to enter into the Promised Land 

Summary:
The nation of Israel has been wandering around in the desert for forty years trying to reach the land God has promised to them.  Their time in the desert has been a time of purification and judgment on a disobedient people.  In fact, none of the original generation (aside from Joshua and Caleb) who had experienced God’s mighty hand of deliverance from Pharaoh will be allowed to enter into the land. Sadly, Moses will not be allowed to enter either, but he does see the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo before his death.  The Hebrew title for this book is, “The Words” taken from the opening phrase, These are the words (1:1).  These are Moses parting words to the younger generation following the forty years of wandering to remind them of their national history as well as God’s commands.  It is a book of Remembrance. 

Some important points to understand about the book of Deuteronomy:

• The book is attributed to Moses (Deut. 31:9) although the end of the book records Moses’ death (Chap. 34), which was most likely penned by Joshua.
• Deuteronomy is thought of as a “second law.”  In reality, it adapts and expands on the Law given at Mt. Sinai.  This book is also considered a “Book of Remembrance.”[1]  God’s blessings are conditioned on obedience.
• There are close to 100 quotes or allusions to Deuteronomy found in the New Testament.[2] Deuteronomy is the most quoted OT book.  Hopefully some of the material will sound familiar to you.
• The book of Deuteronomy covers approximately one month in time and takes place exclusively on the plains of Moab (where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea).[3]
• Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the Shema (Hebrew for hear, obey, listen) has become very important to Jewish believers as a confessional of their faith.  It is recited daily (even now) by those who are devout.
• Key verse: And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?  Deut. 10:12-13 

[2] The NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985), 243.

[3] Ibid.

A great question this week from our reading in the book of Numbers.  What about the test for adultery administered to women in Numbers, chapter five?

Q: First of all, why wasn’t it given also to the man?

A: One must always take into account the cultural context of the passage in question. In this particular passage, we are talking about an Israelite culture where the man was the undisputed head of the household and his wife was not even considered a “person” per se but rather a part of his property.  Therefore, if there was a case of adultery or even suspected adultery, it was fully within the purview of the man to demand this test from his wife.  She was not afforded the same rights and privileges since she was not considered an equal partner.  Having said all that, most scholars believe that the law given to the Israelites was incredibly progressive for its time.  For example, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” placed a limit on reciprocity.  The punishment must fit the crime and be proportional in response.  In other Middle Eastern cultures of the day, revenge and punishment were often far more brutal and frequently got out of hand.  In the same way, the fact that there are protections built into the law for women and children is incredibly important distinctive of Israelite law when compared again to the laws of those cultures around them.

Q: How do we know when one law is cultural and one law eternal?

A: Underlying all readings of Leviticus and Numbers is the question of how much still applies today to our lives.  It is a well-known principle within Biblical interpretation that Jesus Christ fulfilled the law.  In so doing, he actually does away with the “ceremonial” laws (i.e. those laws governing the specifics of day to day interactions in Israelite society, including Temple sacrifices, etc.) while leaving the “moral” law in force (i.e. the Ten Commandments).  In the case of Numbers 5:11-31, we have a law that is clearly ceremonial and therefore while of historical note, is no longer binding today.