Focus on the Bible Commentaries Upgrade (6 vols.)

Acts is an exciting story of church growth despite inner problems and outward conflict. The Book of Acts describes the spread of the gospel throughout the known world of the first century and the establishment of Christian churches in many different places. As the gospel entered new places, its preachers often faced opposition from followers of other religions, and sometimes this opposition extended to include political persecution. Nevertheless, within a generation, the gospel had spread from Jerusalem to Rome and beyond. While Luke, the writer of Acts was a historian, Acts is not merely historical, but also provides principles and lessons for contemporary churches to imitate as they continue to spread the apostolic gospel today.

The glorious doctrine of justification by faith far exceeds even the great charters of freedom and liberty which we have seen throughout history. This doctrine is expounded by the apostle Paul in Galatians, and in it we see the key themes of his theology expounded. Joseph Pipa, an able Biblical expositor committed to the inerrancy of Scripture, brings us this important letter with practical lessons for the church.

Ephesians is a letter to a church very much like yours. Paul is obviously commended that this young church gets its foundations right. It is intriguing that later, when writing to Timothy, he says that there are some in the church promoting "false doctrines." The leadership was in revolt! Yet in the Revelation given to John, Jesus commends the Ephesian church that they have thrown out the false teachers and are a congregation who has staying power despite their setbacks. The church of Ephesus had been through the mill but back out the other side! What was their secret? You will find out as you explore this letter to the church, ably expounded by Paul Gardner.

The church at Philippi evidently had a lot going for it. Paul was full of joy because of what was happening there; they were energetic in evangelism and demonstrated the power of the gospel through their lives. However, like all churches and indeed all Christians, it was not perfect—needing among other things to be challenged, warned, and prayed for. For Christians today, there is a lot to be learned from the people in Philippi, particularly with regard to the enjoyment they had in living and proclaiming their faith. The challenges set them by Paul and the encouragement he gave them are both areas where Christians today can and should learn from.

Hebrews was written to challenge and encourage professing Jewish believers who were considering abandoning the Christian faith and returning to the Jewish religion. Throughout his work, the unknown author shows how Christ is superior to all that the Old Testament offered, including the prophets, High Priest, Levitical sacrificial system and Old Covenant. In Christ, all believers have Jesus to be the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, who gives to them all the blessing of the new covenant. At the same time as showing that Christ is superior to the Old Testament system, the author also shows that, in fact, the prophets and other men of faith in the Old Testament are actually united to Christians and not to followers of the Jewish faith.

The epistle of James is one of the most controversial included in the canon of the New Testament. Why the controversy? James (almost certainly Jesus' brother) sets out in his letter to deal with the problem of a church that does church—yet really does nothing! James is forthright in spelling out some home truths to his readers.