This chapter provides an exposition of 1 John 1:1-4.

This chapter provides an exposition of Ecclesiastes 1:3-11.

This chapter provides an exposition of Ecclesiastes 1:1-2.

This chapter provides an exposition of Jonah 1:1-3. The main theme of these verses is Jonah as messenger of God’s grace.

This chapter provides an exposition of 1 Samuel 1:1-8. The main theme of the chapter is the barren mother.

The emphasis of Chapter 1 is that prayer may be uttered in confidence, because God as Father of his children want to hear their prayers.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the basics of apologetics and in particular presuppositional apologetics associated with Cornelius van Til.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the story of Naaman’s slave girl in 2 Kings 5. It gives an overview of the story and notes the theme (seen as reconciliation) and focus of the story.

Chapter 2 is an introduction to the book of Hosea. Aspects considered are the date and world in which Hosea lived.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book of Hosea. The focus in this chapter is on the person and calling of the prophet, and the structure of his book.

Chapter 1 is a commentary on Nahum 1:1-2. These first two verses give insight into the character of God as one who is jealous.

Chapter 1 is a study of the significance of John Calvin’s understanding of the doctrine of providence. In the second part of the chapter, Hart considers the implications for a Christian approach to history, and the limits in seeking meaning in history.

Chapter 2 is an exposition of Zechariah 1:1-10. Gregory explores the significance of the call of the prophet for the Lord’s people who lived in great discouragement but who needed to repent.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book of Zechariah. Aspects that are considered include reading the book in its historical and literary context, and relating it to our present context.

The dynasty of David is central to the Bible's message of salvation. In Chapter 2 the author focuses on the book of Ruth to demonstrate God’s faithfulness in preserving the house of David in order to fulfill his promises to Abraham.

The house of David is central to the Bible's message of salvation. Boda explores in Chapter 1 the theological theme of David and his household. He starts with David and New Testament theology, and proceeds to trace in the Old Testament the relationship between King David and God as king. Relevant passages considered are 1 Samuel 8, Romans 1:3, and 2 Corinthians 6:18.

Chapter 2 is a commentary on Jonah 1:1-3. Jonah the prophet is considered as representative of Israel.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book of Jonah. Aspects considered are the date and composition of the book, Israel’s distinctiveness and their covenant infidelity, and the message of the book. Questions for further reflection are at the end of the chapter.

This volume is about Christian hope. Part of the Christian hope is heaven. The promise of an afterlife in heaven places our lives in a larger context, to fix us to a firm foundation. Bierma takes a look at the reasons why hope for the afterlife is not a heartfelt reality in our daily walk. Part of the answer can be found in misrepresentations people have about heaven and afterlife and Christ’s return, like the rapture.

Chapter 1 introduces the book of Judges. The focus is on the historical context and circumstances as well as the chronology of the judges.

How does the book of Ecclesiastes function? Chapter 1 wants to answer this question. It notes the wisdom aspects of the book and considers its authorship.

The book of Esther is a good story. At the same time it is also a distinctively theological work. Chapter 1 of this book wants to help readers to understand the contribution Esther makes to the whole witness of Scripture. It notes how the book fits into the redemptive storyline that culminates in the person and work of Christ. The author believes that this provides the proper framework for a profitable reading of the book.

Chapter 2 gives an exposition of Ruth 1. The focus of the chapter is on how the Lord acted to accomplish his purpose through one family.

Chapter 1 is a popular exposition of the background of the book of Ruth. The main theme addressed is the futility of life. At the end of the chapter are a number of study questions.

The goal of this volume is to present the worldview characteristic of different periods of Western thought. Chapter 8 explores the life and worldview of the 18th century Enlightenment as it took shape in various countries accompanied by spiritual awakenings.

The goal of this volume is to present the worldview characteristic of different periods of Western thought. Chapter 5 explores the life and worldview of the Middle Ages in Christian Europe. This culture was united by a single worldview infused with Christianity.

The goal of this volume is to present the worldview characteristic of different periods of Western thought. Chapter 2 explores the life and worldview of the Hebrew people of the Old Testament. The main aspect of this worldview is the belief that God revealed himself to his elect people.

The goal of this volume is to present the worldview characteristic of different periods of Western thought. In Chapter 1 Frame explores the ancient Greek worldview and evaluates it in the light of the gospel.

This chapter is an exploration of the significance of the Mosaic covenant. Chapter 1 is a historical-theological comparison of two important Reformed theologians, John Calvin and Herman Witsius. Witsius is known for his Economy of the Covenants between God and Man (1677).

Chapter 1 is an exposition of Ephesians 1:1-2. The author explores Paul’s apostleship, and the significance of peace with God and receiving grace from God.

Chapter 1 is a commentary on 1 Thessalonians 1:1. Themes touched upon are Christian encouragement, the significance of the church as being in God and in Christ, and the peace that the gospel brings.

Chapter 1 is an exposition of Hebrews 1:1-2. The main theme of these verses is the supremacy of Jesus Christ as God’s final Word to man.

Chapter 1 is an exposition and application of John 1:1-3.

This chapter is a general introduction to the Gospel of Matthew. The author takes a look at authorship, date, place of origin, the intended audience, the structure of the book, and Matthew’s purpose with the book.

This chapter introduces the Gospel of John and focuses on John's reasons for writing his gospel. Peterson notes at least three purposes: to bring people to faith, to strengthen believers in their faith, and to defend the faith. At the end are review questions and questions for discussion.

Chapter 2 considers the genre of Daniel. The nature of narrative and apocalyptic is reflected upon.

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book of Daniel. The author considers the book's composition, dating, and message. At the end are a few questions to facilitate further reflection.

Chapter 1 deals with matters of introduction to the book of Job. The book's nature, setting, and place in history are considered. At the end of the chapter are a number of questions for further reflection.

The author wants to explore how the doctrine of Christ functioned as wisdom for the early church. He begins by considering a few introductory matters, including reasons to study Christology, and the focus on Christ as wisdom. The author also reflects on the nature and function of Jewish wisdom literature, and how wisdom is reconfigured in Christ.

Elijah’s story begins in 1 Kings 17:1-6 and demonstrates that the Lord, not Baal, is the provider for his people. Dillard explores this theme in the first scene in 1 Kings 17.

In Chapter 1 the author wants to encourage Christians to read the Old Testament as part of their heritage. To facilitate the reading and understanding of the Elijah and Elisha narratives, he encourage his readers to take note of at least three different historical horizons that intersect in these narratives. The first horizon is the historical background of the incidents. The next horizon is the historical background of the author. A third horizon is later biblical interpretation (e.g., Matthew 11:14.

The author says that the ten commandments are a treaty document, and as such were written to define and secure the nature, character, and calling of Israel as the people of God. He reflects on the way the Lord went with his people throughout the Old Testament, and how in the end the law reaches its fulfilment in Christ. Clowney considers the significance of this fulfilment in Christ.

In this chapter John Frame argues for a limited use of Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) or Contemporary Worship Music (CWM) in the worship of the church. Frame seeks to define CWM and wants to place it in the context of its relationship to the broader phenomenon of Contemporary Worship (CW).

We find the first song in the Old Testament in Exodus 15. Its focus and purpose is the magnification of God and his work. This chapter considers the theology and message of this Song of Moses as Moses led the people of the Lord God in worship. This song is again sung in Revelation 15 by those who conquered the Beast.

This chapter considers the character of church music or worship music. Gordon argues that contemporary pop music and pop culture have impoverished the worship music of many churches.

Did the theological heirs of John Calvin deviate from their heritage? Was Calvin’s dynamic biblical theology lost by his successors? Was the philosophical methodology of Aristotle introduced into Reformed theology by Theodore Beza and Zacharias Ursinus? This chapter considers these criticisms as they were applied in particular to the tradition of the Westminster Standards. T. F.

In Chapter 1 Burns discusses the subject of the presence of God in John 1:1-18. The focus of the chapter is verse 14.

What do people do when they gather for worship? What does it mean that worshippers gather as the people of God? Chapter 1 considers the fact that God is gathering a people for himself throughout history and that they meet for worship and to receive God’s blessing.

Very often the book of Psalms is seen as a random collection of individual poems on a variety of topics. This framework assures very little to no awareness exists of a comprehension of the book’s total message, specific emphases, or any flow of the book’s structure and theology. Taking into account the structure of the book of Psalms as a whole makes significant contributions to the interpretive process. In the Introduction these points are expanded upon by Robertson.

This book’s concern is with what has become known as the New Perspective on Paul, which is concerned with Paul's understanding of the law, works of the law, righteousness, and other related issues. This chapter starts with a history of the study of Paul covering the period from Martin Luther to Albert Schweitzer.

This is a volume on believers’ union with Christ. Letham argues that union with God is founded in the very being of God as Trinity and relational. Man being made in the image of God reflects this characteristic. First Letham looks at the Trinitarian basis of creation. Next he notes the role of the Son of God as the mediator of creation. Man as one created in Christ is to be recognized as image of God.

Fear is a powerful emotion. Many Christians are controlled by fear. This chapter deals with the reality of fear in the life of Christians, as well as with the reason to take courage. The main antidote against sinful fear is given in 2 Timothy 1:7, that it is the Spirit of God who gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Edgar introduces his readers to the apologetics of Cornelius van Til, who was one of the original apologists of the twentieth century. His approach to apologetics has become known as presuppositionalism. Edgar further provides an overview of the most prominent characteristics of Van Til’s method of apologetics.

A place of worship between the fall and the exodus is called an altar. Chapter 2 gives an overview of how these altars functioned as places of God’s presence. Longman reflects on the altar law of Exodus 20: 24-26, the significance of the altars of Noah and the patriarchs (Genesis 12), and God’s special presence at these altars.

Chapter 1 gives an overview of theological motifs in Genesis 2 and Genesis 3: man as image of God, sacred space, the Garden of Eden, evil, and sin. A text to be noted in particular is Ezekiel 31:8. The chapter ends with questions for further reflection.

In Chapter 1 the author wants to ascertain what an Old Testament prophet was not. Scripture informs us of prohibitions on the function of a prophet. The author explores these prohibitions first in Deuteronomy. He considers Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and Deuteronomy 18:9-13.

Chapter 1 wrestles with the question why there is suffering at all. It first reflects on what suffering is. Next it unfolds the origin of human suffering by expounding on Genesis 3 and throwing light on the different contexts in which suffering is experienced. The chapter ends with questions for further reflection.

This chapter is about the mystery of suffering. In the Introduction the problem is stated, but not answered.

Chapter 1 explores three different views as to what is true about the nature of disability and about the nature of our world at large: the historical view (disability is an abnormal part of life in a normal world), the postmodern view (disability is a normal part of life in a normal world), and the biblical view (disability is a normal part of life in an abnormal world).

The volume is a study of hermeneutics. In Chapter 1 the foundation is laid for a proper understanding of the task of interpretation of Scripture by spelling out the presuppositions of responsible interpretation.

The concern of Chapter 1 is the spread of John Calvin’s theology in the world. It provides a survey of Calvin’s and his successors’ influence on the development of modern culture.

In Chapter 1 the author wants to address the isolation or marginalization of mission from theological training, theology from mission, and the church from the world. Conn offers possible reasons for this separation. He further suggests modifications that are currently being employed, and ends with some practical suggestions to encourage the process of modification.

In this study Duguid unfolds the story of God's grace through the lives of Jacob and Rebekah in Genesis 25:19-34.

This chapter is about retribution. The author first considers the matter of blessing on the righteous and curses on the wicked, and whether the Bible supports the idea of reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.

Gaffin reflects in Chapter 11 on John Calvin’s view of justification and union with Christ in Book 3 of his Institutes of the Christian Religion. Gaffin gives a brief overview of the treatment of justification in successive editions of the Institutes from 1536 to 1559. Next, he considers what Calvin mean by the “double grace” (duplex gratia) that believers receive by union with Christ.

What is Reformed theology? What does it mean to adhere to the Reformed faith? Do Reformed theologians claim that there is one all-encompassing summary of the Reformed faith? In Chapter 1 William Edgar claims that part of the task of ordering our theological ideas is to assign a centre and then move toward the periphery. At the heart of Reformed theology is the desire to credit all good things to God. Chapter 1 is a reflection on the significance of this desire and claim.

Duguid depicts Genesis 11:27-32 as “the preparation of Abraham and Sarah.” He offers an exposition on this passage that helps readers to apply it to their own lives.

Crowe explores in Chapter 1 the significance of salvation in 1 Peter. He reflects on the meaning of the believers being called exiles/aliens/sojourners in 1 Peter and Scripture generally. Next he discusses the blessings of salvation. At the end of the chapter he provides some questions for reflection and discussion.

In Chapter 1 Duguid unfolds the significance of the characterizing of Jesus’ disciples in Matthew 5:3 as “poor in spirit.” He takes it to mean that we ought to know that we don’t have any resources within ourselves, and therefore we have to look to God for help.

Chapter 1 is an expository commentary on Esther 1:1-22.

This chapter is a character study of Joseph, his brothers, and their father Jacob in Genesis 37:1-11. The authors reflect on the hope of the gospel as portrayed in this passage. Questions for further reflection are added at the chapter's end.

Why do so many people struggle to understand Revelation? The author encourages readers to see it as a picture book, not a puzzle book. The Introduction wants to provide readers with a basic approach to the reading and understanding of Revelation.

In the Introduction John Calvin is considered as one who made one of his most enduring contributions as he paved the way for modern, market-based business practices. The authors argue that Calvin both witnessed and contributed to a change in the world’s economy.

For John Calvin the subjects of money, wealth, and business are all created entities. Money is a creation, and as such it should not be worshipped, overemphasized, or ignored. Like the rest of creation, it has a place and is useful. In the section of Chapter 1 presented here, the creaturely character of the economy is considered.

Chapter 1 is an exposition of Q&A 2 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It considers the rule that God has given man to direct man on how to glorify God: all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Chapter 1 is an exposition of Q&A 1 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It considers the reason for the existence of human beings: to glorify God.

The first two questions and answers of the Heidelberg Catechism are introductory. Chapter 1 deals with these introductory questions and answers.

Chapter 1 is a discussion of five different dimensions or aspects of ethical decision-making. These dimensions include specific cases and issues (casuistry), the use of Scripture, empirical and deliberative elements, specific cases of conflicting obligation, and Christian ethics and law in a pluralistic society.

In Chapter 1 Vos puts forward his understanding of biblical theology as a theological discipline. He emphasizes the historical character of biblical revelation. The Bible was for Vos far from a series of isolated proof texts; it was for him an organism with a rich diversity that gives unanimous expression to its message of redemption.

What is redemptive-historical hermeneutics? Johnson argues that it means simply that every part of the Bible teaches Christ. The significance of this interpretation is illustrated by the change that took place in Jesus’ disciples’ understanding of Scripture from before to after Jesus’ resurrection. He further expounds the way the risen Lord read the Scriptures (cf. Luke 24:16-26).

Robertson surveys the origin of prophecy in ancient Israel. He first notes the prophets’ self-testimony regarding their origin. The nature of the prophecy is characterized according to the understanding of their origins.

Chapter 1 tries to answer the usual introductory questions asked in a study of a biblical document: Who is the author of epistle of James? To whom, when and with what purpose was it written? Does it have a specific literary style, form, and structure?

What does it mean that Scripture is fulfilled in Jesus Christ? Wherein lies the unity of the Bible? Chapter 1 is an exercise in a redemptive-historical approach to an understanding of Scripture in which the stated questions are answered. The author reflects on the significance of Jesus being the image of God in the light of Adam who was first made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27).

The author provides in Chapter 1 an expository Bible study of Revelation 1.

This Introduction considers the usual introductory questions and aspects of the Book of Revelation. It considers the date of writing, the purpose, author, genre, the historical interpretation, how readers should interpret the symbolism, the use of the Old Testament, the structure, and an outline of Revelation.

Chapter 1 is about love as an attribute of God. The author directs his readers to consider how this love is manifested in the Trinity, and how the glory of this love is seen in Jesus Christ and the salvation of man.

What is the relation between faith and reason? Through giving an answer to this and other questions, Oliphint wants to provide a biblical foundation for apologetics. A discussion of John Calvin’s understanding of the twofold knowledge of God (Lat. duplex cognitio Dei) and awareness of divinity (Lat.

Defending the faith (apologetics) has become a largely philosophical discipline. The Introduction wants to state a clear case for the role of revelation and Scripture in a Christian defence of the faith.

Chapter 1 considers the problem of authority. The focus of the problem may change in different periods of history, but the basic question is always the same: To whom or what should I ultimately submit? How can I know what is true and what is not? Different sources of authority are noted. The chapter is an unfolding of the authority of the Son of God as it is portrayed in the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Chapter 1 traces the work of the Holy Spirit empowering the leaders of Israel in the Old Testament. Leaders noted are Joseph (Genesis 39:1ff.), Bezalel (Exodus 35:1–39:43), Moses and the seventy elders (Numbers 11:1–35), Joshua (Numbers 27:15–23), Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson (Judges 3:1–16:31), Saul (1 Samuel 9:1–16:23), and David (1 Chronicles).

Chapter 1 is a reflection upon the seriousness of sin.

Chapter 1 is a reminder of the way our conscience functions and how it is subject to the Word of God. The author does it through an exploration of five features of the conscience.

This volume is an anthology of writings representing a high view of Scripture and reflecting the historic Reformed theological and confessional tradition. It offers a selection of texts on the doctrine of Scripture.

What is the relationship between revelation and reason in apologetics? What is the role of revelation when biblical veracity itself is under attack? These concerns are major aspects of this chapter. The basic argument of this chapter is that the apostle Paul’s gospel of the resurrection functions as proof of final judgment in Acts 17:31. Paul’s argument depends on revealed categories derived from redemptive history.

In Chapter 1 the author introduces the main contention of this volume on the doctrine of the Word of God, that the speech of God to man is real speech. God’s speech can be understood and man can be held accountable to respond appropriately. Frame’s thesis is that God’s Word is a personal communication from him to us.

In Chapter 1 the author explores what it means to know God. Knowing God is portrayed as the supreme gift of God’s grace, and the Bible is the means for knowing God.

This volume emerges in a context where the church’s belief in the truthfulness and trustworthiness of Scripture as God’s written Word is being assaulted. Chapter 1 tries to relate the doctrine of Scripture and the first chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith. Oliphint first reflects on why the confession starts with the doctrine of Scripture. He next set out a few highlights from the Confession.

In this Introduction the author deals with a shift in studies on Paul in the second part of the twentieth century. The shift is from a focus on categories of personal salvation and the order of salvation (ordo salutis) to a new emphasis on redemptive-historical categories.

Chapter 1 familiarizes readers with the major trends and personalities in the development of the doctrine of justification by faith. Fesko surveys the history of the development of the doctrine. The section we present here covers the Patristic Era (AD 100–600) and the Middle Ages (600–1500).

In this Introduction the author reflects on the current debates regarding the doctrine of justification by faith.