Amos: An Ordinary Man with an Extraordinary Message
Overview
For each section of the Bible, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries summarize the passage of Scripture, including the intentions of the authors, the historical and cultural environment, and the questions and issues raised by a particular passage. But most importantly, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries brings you into the heart of the Bible, by explaining Scripture in an accessible way that makes sense for daily Christian living.
Amos had no claim to fame. He was not even a son of a prophet. Neither had he had any formal training to be a prophet. Yet God called him out from a career of being a herdsman. He was sent out from the south to bring the Lord's message to Samaria in the Northern Kingdom. Amos was called to speak at the time of national disunity, military superiority, economic prosperity, and religious activity. Amos brings home the idea of a famine. However it is not food the people lack like we might expect, but there is a famine of the Word of God. Through this study you will be reminded of the importance of the Word of God in your lives.
What’s more, with the Logos edition, Scripture passages are linked to your favorite English translation for quick reference, or to your Greek and Hebrew texts for original-language study! That gives you quick access to the message of the Bible as you study it! You can also read the Amos: An Ordinary Man with an Extraordinary Message along with your Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the wealth of other Bible study tools in your digital library. This commentary will serve as a vital aid for sermon preparation, for personal and group Bible study, and for anyone looking to apply the text of Scripture to practical Christian life.
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- Chapter-by-chapter commentary
- Accessible and readable exposition
- Eminently useful for preaching, teaching, and both personal and group Bible study
Top Highlights
“Sixth, these pronouncements demonstrate God’s patience with sinners.” (Page 21)
“Seventh, these pronouncements of judgment upon Israel’s neighbors reveal God’s concern for how people treat others, especially those who are weak and defenceless.” (Page 22)
“Fourth, God expects His people to worship Him with faithful hearts” (Page 193)
“First, God sometimes uses unlikely people to be His messengers.” (Page 193)
“Eighth, Amos declared that someday in the future God will restore Israel through the Messiah” (Page 194)
Books on the Old Testament tend to be either technical and tedious or superficial and moralistic. Once in a while we discover one that breaks the mould. T. J. Betts has done it! He tells us not only what Amos means but also why it matters. He proves again that the expositor's task is not to make the Bible relevant, but to simply show how relevant it is!
—Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
What a wonderful gift to the pastor who wants to allow the text of Scripture to drive his sermon. T. J. Betts' commentary will be ready at hand when I prepare to teach from the prophet Amos. It is a treasure trove for the serious expositor.
—Daniel L. Atkin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
T. J. Betts comes to the text of Amos with a scholarly mind and a pastoral heart. His judgments about the text are carefully considered and sound, and his prose is warm and direct. Pastors who have found the task of preaching from the prophets daunting will discover in this volume helpful material for historical background, theological interpretation, and homiletical application.
—Duane Garrett, John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"I have known T. J. Betts for a number of years. He was raised in a pastor's home, and he is a pastor/scholar who writes for the local church. Using personal illustrations and practical applications in this commentary, he shows how the writings of an eighth-century BC prophet still speak to the twenty-first century church.
—Chuck Lawless, Vice-President for Global Theological Advance, International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention
- Title: Amos: An Ordinary Man with an Extraordinary Message
- Author: T. J. Betts
- Publisher: Christian Focus
- Publication Date: 2011
- Pages: 208