Romans 2
v1-2. But what of the Jew, who stands in judgment as he looks on the rest of the world? One who thinks he is, by race, above the Gentiles, whose attitude may be expressed thus: “Yes, this is true of the Gentile world, but I am thankful that I am not like other men”. He has forgotten…
Romans 1–5: A Paraphrase by Brother John Martin (2) Read More »
Five women are mentioned in the royal genealogy of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 1. Four of these women are specifically named, three are Gentiles (Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth), two likely were alive at the same time (Rahab and Ruth), and one has an Old Testament book bearing her name.
Ruth’s mention i…
Introduction and Context Read More »
Our introductory article explained the purpose of the book of Chronicles. This is identified by the Septuagint title for the book, “the acts left out”, alerting us to the fact that it is a selective history. By the omission of some details and the insertion of others not found in the book of Ki…
Chronicles – The Acts Left Out (2) Read More »
At first glance, the books of Chronicles appear to be merely a long series of unpronounceable names with no purpose or design. As we arrive at these books annually in our readings we may struggle to find the reason for their inclusion in Holy Writ. We might feel tempted to disregard this portio…
Chronicles: The Acts Left Out (1) Read More »
Romans 1
v1. Paul, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle…that I may be a manifestation of Christ to demonstrate the good news that God has entered into the affairs of humankind. He promised to do this out of necessity because man could not extricate himself from the sin in which…
Romans 1-5: A Paraphrase by Brother John Martin (1) Read More »
It is possible to read over the verses of the Passover institution and miss some of the important details that have been left on record. For example, we read in Luke’s account that the Lord said, “With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). The …
Christ Our Passover Read More »
Concluding the book, this song is a powerful plea to Yahweh to look down from His dwelling place, see their suffering and bring about national renewal and forgiveness. Chapter 3 described the “man that hath seen affliction” and his perspective on the suffering of the nation. In verses 40-41, “the man” encourages the nation to lift their hearts to God and join him in prayer. It seems as if chapter 5 is the outworking of this, as the chorus at the end of the book, perhaps led by the man himself.
Brother Thomas wrote, “God manifestation not human salvation was the great purpose of the Eternal Spirit”. Unfortunately, today the subject is not discussed to the degree that it was one 100 years ago; and yet, it is the cornerstone of our understanding of the Deity. In this article we hope…
Yahweh Mekaddishkem – The LORD that Sanctifieth Read More »
Standing near the shores of the Red Sea, Moses, the servant of God, sang the first recorded national song in Scripture. With him stood the whole nation of Israel, sharing in heartfelt praise:
“Yahweh is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepar…
The Purpose of the Exodus (2) Read More »
Introduction to Lamentations 4
After the glimmer of hope in chapter 3, the fourth song dives back down to the depths of Jerusalem’s suffering. A suggested break-down is as follows:
4:1-12 – The precious sons of Zion are smashed
4:13-16 – They have polluted themselves with blood
4…
