The City of Corinth was a thriving metropolis filled with a pluralistic society and many cult religions. It also had a synagogue and a large contingency of Jews. The city’s moral depravity was legendary, and it was filed with every sin and immorality imaginable. In the midst of this cesspool, Christians assembled together in their faith and practice of following Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, these assembled Christians became divided over misconceptions regarding the nature of the body of Christ, the message of the gospel, and the nature of the ministry. Paul responded to their questioning letters and reports of dissent by writing the assembled at Corinth to put a stop to the division, and to instruct, correct, rebuke and edify where it was needed. Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks on the need for discipline and submission to the authority of Christ, as he uses words such as knowledge, wisdom, discern, love, holy and sanctify often in his epistle.
1 Corinthians 1
1:1-9 Introduction and greeting 1:10-12 The Corinthian problem: divisions 1:13-31 Paul speaks against divisions
1 Corinthians 2
2:1-16 Wisdom is God’s gift
1 Corinthians 3
3:1-4 Carnal minds hinder the growth of the spirit 3:5-10 Christians are co-laborers 3:11-15 Jesus Christ the only foundation 3:16-23 You are God’s temple
1 Corinthians 4
4:1-5 Real judgment 4:6-21 The authority of the apostles
1 Corinthians 5
5:1-13 Moral standards
1 Corinthians 6
6:1-8 Christians and the civil law 6:9-20 Purity among believers
1 Corinthians 7
7:1-40 Problems of the married and the unmarried
1 Corinthians 8
8:1-13 Christian freedom and brotherly obligations
1 Corinthians 9
9:1-6 Paul’s apostleship 9:7-18 Apostolic rights and obligations 9:19-27 All things to all men
1 Corinthians 10
10:1-13 Israel: a warning example 10:14-22 Flee from idolatry 10:23-33 Do all to the glory of God
1 Corinthians 11
11:1-16 The veiling of women 11:17-34 Concerning the Lord’s supper
1 Corinthians 12
12:1-11 Spiritual gifts 12:12-26 The body and it’s many members 12:27-31 Ye are the body of Christ
1 Corinthians 13
13:1-13 The wave of love
1 Corinthians 14
14:1-25 Prophecy superior to tongues 14:26-40 Order in worship
1 Corinthians 15
15:1-19 The resurrection of Christ 15:20-34 The assurance of the believer 15:35-58 The spiritual body
1 Corinthians 16
16:1-4 The contribution of the saints 16:5-12 Personal plans 16:13-20 Exhortations 16:21-24 Salutation and benediction
Romans has been called “The Constitution of Christianity,” “The Christian Manifesto,” and “The Cathedral of the Christian Faith.” It is known as the most complete collection of Christian doctrine. The Epistle of Romans was written by Paul during his third missionary journey to Corinth. Paul was intending on making a fourth missionary journey to the western extremity of the Roman Empire. He wanted the Roman church to assist him with making that journey and wrote this epistle to establish contact with the Roman church in preparation for the anticipated visit. The church at Rome was primarily made up of Gentiles and had very little central organization or local church government. Small groups of believers met all over the city, and this is the reason that Paul addressed his epistle to the “saints” rather than to the “church”.
Romans 1
1:1-7 Greetings 1:8-15 Paul’s affection for the Roman Christians 1:16 The power of the gospel 1:17-32 The guilt of mankind
Romans 2
2:1-9 To judge others is to condemn self 2:10-16 God is no respecter of persons 2:17-29 The Jew and the law
Romans 3
3:1-8 What advantage has the Jew? 3:9-20 There is none righteous 3:21-31 Righteousness through faith
Romans 4
4:1-12 Abraham’s justification 4:13-25 The promise realized through faith
Romans 5
5:1-11 Results of justification 5:12-21 Sin through Adam-Salvation through Christ
Romans 6
6:1-13 Freedom from sin’s power 6:14-23 Christians are under grace, the Spirit’s law
Romans 7
7:1-6 The law and sin 7:7-12 The problem of indwelling sin 7:13-25 The struggle of two natures
Romans 8
8:1-27 Life in the Spirit 8:28-39 More than conquerors
Romans 9
9:1-33 The Jew and the Gospel
Romans 10
10:1-5 Zeal but no righteousness 10:6-21 Righteousness is by faith in Christ
Romans 11
11:1-10 The remnant of Israel 11:11-12 Salvation is come to the Gentiles 11:13-24 The Gentiles are warned 11:25-33 The restoration of Israel 11:34-36 The almighty God
Romans 12
12:1-2 Living sacrifices to God 12:3-21 The service of love to all
Romans 13
13:1-7 Honor authority 13:8-14 Walk in love
Romans 14
14:1-8 Let every man be fully persuaded in his mind 14:9-23 Christ is the only Judge
Romans 15
15:1-6 Unity in Christ 15:7-13 The Gospel to the Gentiles 15:14-21 Paul speaks of his ministry 15:22-33 Paul hopes to visit Rome
Romans 16
16:1-24 Personal greetings 16:25-27 Concluding doxology
The Acts of the Apostles in the King James Bible presents an extensive view of early church life and history. It’s focus is primarily on the acts of two apostles, Peter and Paul. It’s purpose is to show the continuation of works through the teachings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the establishment of the church. The author is the same as the author of Luke, with the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts forming a single, two-volume work. Luke wrote to convince Theophilus, probably a Gentile official, of the certainty of the Things of Jesus Christ that had been told to him. He also wrote to provide a unity between Christ’s works in the Gospels and the apostles’ labors after His ascension. And finally, Luke wrote to show the Roman world that Christianity is not a subversive political movement. Few biblical books are as misused as the Book of Acts, and some denominations have created distinctive and divisive teachings from their interpretations.
Acts 1
1:1-5 The continuing ministry of Christ 1:6-11 The Ascension 1:12-14 The upper room 1:15-26 The selection of Matthias
Acts 2
2:1-13 The coming of the Holy Spirit 2:14-42 Peter’s address at Pentecost 2:43-47 Life among the believers
Acts 3
3:1-11 The lame man healed 3:12-26 Peter appeals to the Jews to repent
Acts 4
4:1-4 Peter and John imprisoned 4:5-12 Peter before the high priest 4:13-22 Threatened and released 4:23-37 Unite in praise and prayer
Acts 5
5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira 5:12-16 Many signs and wonders 5:17-32 The apostles imprisoned and liberated 5:33-42 Gamaliel’s advice
Acts 6
6:1-7 Provision is used for the widows 6:8-15 Stephen is arrested
Acts 7
7:1-53 Stephen’s defense 7:54-60 The martyrdom of Stephen
Acts 8
8:1-4 Saul persecutes the church 8:5-25 The Gospel preached in Samaria 8:26-40 Philip and the eunuch
Acts 9
9:1-18 The conversion of Saul 9:19-22 Saul testifies in Damascus 9:23-31 Saul escapes to Jerusalem 9:32-35 Aeneas healed 9:36-43 Dorcas restored to life
Acts 10
10:1-8 The vision of Cornelius 10:9-23 The vision of Peter 10:24-33 Peter meets Cornelius in Caesarea 10:34-43 Peter preaches to the Gentiles 10:44-48 The Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit
Acts 11
11:1-18 Peter is rebuked by the Jewish Christians 11:19-30 The church in Antioch
Acts 12
12:1-19 Herod kills James and imprisons Peter 12:20-25 The death of Herod
Acts 13
13:1-3 Paul’s first missionary journey 13:4-13 Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus 13:14-43 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch of Pisidia 13:44-52 Opposition by the Jews
Acts 14
14:1-7 Paul and Barnabas at Iconium 14:8-23 Paul stoned in Lystra 14:24-28 Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch
Acts 15
15:1-35 The council at Jerusalem 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas part company
Acts 16
16:1-10 Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy 16:11-18 Lydia is led to believe 16:19-24 The imprisonment at Philippi 16:25-40 The conversion of the Philippian jailer
Acts 17
17:1-9 The uproar in Thessalonica 17:10-15 Paul and Silas at Berea 17:16-21 Paul at Athens 17:22-34 Paul on Mars’ Hill
Acts 18
18:1-22 Paul at Corinth and Ephesus 18:23 Paul begins his third missionary journey 18:24-28 Apollos at Ephesus
Acts 19
19:1-23 Paul at Ephesus 19:24-41 Demetrius causes trouble at Ephesus
Acts 20
20:1-5 Paul goes to Macedonia and Greece 20:6-12 Paul at Troas 20:13-16 Paul’s voyage to Miletus 20:17-38 Paul address the Ephesian elders
Acts 21
21:1-26 Paul warned about returning to Jerusalem 21:27-36 Paul seized by the Jews 21:37-40 Paul’s defense before the people
Acts 22
22:1-5 Paul’s defense before the people (continued) 22:6-16 Paul tells of his conversion 22:17-29 Paul’s call to the Gentiles 22:30 Paul before the council
Acts 23
23:1-11 Paul before the council (continued) 23:12-22 The Jews vow to kill Paul 23:23-35 Paul sent to Felix the governor
Acts 24
24:1-27 Paul before Felix
Acts 25
25:1-9 Paul before Festus 25:10-12 Paul appeals to Caesar 25:13-27 Paul before Agrippa and Festus
Acts 26
26:1-11 Paul before Agrippa 26:12-26 Paul testifies of his conversion 26:27-32 Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian
Acts 27
27:1-13 Paul sails for Rome 27:14-38 The storm at sea 27:39-44 The shipwreck
John, the son of Zebedee, and one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ is thought to have been the author of this book. His gospel is different by nature from the other three. It is an interpretation of the facts of Jesus’ life rather than a presentation of its facts in historical sequence. His purpose in writing is unique, as is his interpretation of the life of Jesus. He emphasizes the deity of Jesus, as well as focuses on the words “signs” (miracles), “believe”, and “life”. John’s gospel is evangelistic and written so others might believe. He also writes for the believers that they may be sanctified, as he speaks of the promise of the Holy Spirit, the truth that Jesus is the True Vine, and Simon Peter’s denial and restoration. Most think this was the last gospel to be written, perhaps while the “beloved disciple” of Jesus Christ was at Ephesus about A.D. 85.
John 1
1:1-5 The Word 1:6-18 The true light 1:19-34 The testimony of John the Baptist 1:35-51 The first disciples
John 2
2:1-12 The miracle at Cana 2:13-25 Christ cleanses the temple
John 3
3:1-21 The new birth 3:22-36 John the Baptist testifies of Christ
John 4
4:1-23 The Samaritan women at the well 4:24-42 “God is a Spirit” 4:43-54 Christ heals a nobleman’s son
John 5
5:1-16 The pool of Bethesda 5:17-38 The Son’s relationship with the Father 5:39-47 “Search the scriptures”
John 6
6:1-14 Jesus feeds five thousand 6:15-21 Christ walks on the water 6:22-30 Teaching in Capernaum 6:31-65 “I am the bread of life” 6:66-71 Peter’s confession
John 7
7:1-53 Christ causes division
John 8
8:1-11 Jesus forgives an adulteress 8:12-30 “I am the light of the world” 8:31-47 Abraham’s true descendants 8:48-59 “Before Abraham was, I am”
John 9
9:1-41 Jesus heals one blind from birth John 1010:1-21 “I am the good shepherd” 10:22-42 “I and my Father are one”
John 11
11:1-16 Jesus raises Lazarus 11:17-46 “I am the resurrection, and the life” 11:47-57 The Pharisees fear Christ
John 12
12:1-11 Mary anoints Jesus 12:12-19 Christ enters Jerusalem 12:20-50 We would see Jesus
John 13
13:1-20 Jesus washes his disciples’ feet 13:21-30 Christ foretells his betrayal 13:31-35 The new commandment 13:36-38 Peter’s denial foretold
John 14
14:1-14 Jesus the way to the Father 14:15-31 The promise of the Holy Spirit
John 15
15:1-17 The vine and the branches 15:18-27 The hatred of the world
John 16
16:1-3 Jesus warns of persecution 16:4-15 Jesus speaks of leaving and coming Comforter 16:16-24 Sorrow to turn into joy 16:25-33 “I have overcome the world”
John 17
17:1-26 Jesus prays for his own
John 18
18:1-14 The betrayal and arrest of Jesus 18:15-18 Peter denies Christ 18:19-27 Christ before the high priest 18:28-37 Christ before Pilate 18:38-40 Christ sentenced to die
John 19
19:1-15 Crucify him! 19:16-30 The crucifixion 19:31-37 Jesus’ side pierced 19:38-42 The burial of Jesus Christ
John 20
20:1-10 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
20:11-18 Christ appears to Mary Magdalene 20:19-23 Christ appears to his disciples 20:24-31 The unbelief of Thomas
John 21
21:1-14 Jesus appears to seven disciples 21:15-19 “Feed my sheep” 21:20-25 The beloved disciples
Luke was Paul’s physician and one of his missionaries and the author of one of the four Gospels contained within the Word of God. He writes with the Greek mentality in his view points. His writings are distinct and specific in the recording of events, and he is thought of by many as a true historian of his time. Although he was not an eyewitness to the gospel events, he had access to both the actual eyewitnesses and the writings concerning the things of Jesus Christ. He expertly recorded and preserved the facts of Christ, as he laid the factual ground and gave meaning to these events. Luke stresses the perfect plan of the LORD GOD and the connection between Israel, Christ and the church. He puts special emphasis on the salvation of the faithful, and he gives special attention to women, children, the poor and the disreputable. He stresses the Holy Spirit, both in the life of Jesus and the early church. In his exact and commanding way, Luke covers the suffering and death of Jesus Christ in detailed writings, and presents God’s saving Will and Works to the “Gentiles” and “Greeks” of the world.
Luke 1
1:1-4 Introduction 1:5-38 The birth of John the Baptist foretold 1:39-45 Mary visits Elisabeth 1:46-56 The Magnificat 1:57-66 The birth of John the Baptist 1:67-80 Zechariah’s prophecy
Luke 2
2:1-7 The birth of Jesus 2:8-20 The shepherds and the angels 2:21-24 The presentation in the temple 2:25-40 Simeon and Anna give praise 2:41-52 The boy Jesus in the temple
Luke 3
3:1-20 The preaching of John the Baptist 3:21-22 John baptizes Jesus 3:23-38 The genealogy of Jesus
Luke 4
4:1-15 The temptation of Jesus 4:16-30 Jesus teaches in Nazareth 4:31-44 Jesus heals many in Capernaum
Luke 5
5:1-11 The miracle of the fishes 5:12-15 Jesus heals a leper 5:16-26 Who can forgive sins? 5:27-29 Jesus calls Levi 5:30-39 The scribes and the Pharisees question Jesus
Luke 6
6:1-11 Jesus and the Sabbath 6:12-19 Jesus chooses the twelve 6:20-26 The Beatitudes 6:27-36 Love for enemies 6:37-42 Judging others 6:43-45 A tree is known by it’s fruit 6:46-49 The house built on a rock
Luke 7
7:1-10 Jesus heals a centurion’s servant 7:11-18 Jesus raises a widow’s son 7:19-35 John the Baptist asks about Jesus 7:36-40 Jesus is anointed by a sinner 7:41-50 The parable of the creditor
Luke 8
8:1-3 Jesus ministers widely 8:4-15 The parable of the sower 8:16-18 The parable of the candle 8:19-21 Christ’s true kin 8:22-25 Christ quiets a storm 8:26-40 Christ casts out demons in Gadara 8:41-56 Christ raises Jairus’ daughter, heals a woman
Luke 9
9:1-6 The twelve are to preach and to heal 9:7-9 The death of John the Baptist 9:10-17 Christ feeds a multitude 9:18-22 Peter’s great confession 9:23-27 The terms of discipleship 9:28-36 The transfiguration 9:37-56 Lessons for the disciples 9:57-62 Tests of discipleship
Luke 10 10:1-16 Jesus sends forth the seventy 10:17-24 The return of the seventy 10:25-37 The parable of the good Samaritan 10:38-42 Martha and Mary
Luke 11
11:1-13 Jesus teaches about prayer 11:14-28 A divided house cannot stand 11:29-36 Greater than Jonah 11:37-54 Christ denounces the Pharisees
Luke 12
12:1-12 Whom to fear? 12:13-21 The parable of the rich fool 12:22-30 Care and anxiety 12:31-40 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” 12:41-48 The unfaithful servant 12:49-59 Peace or division?
Luke 13 13:1-5 Repent or Perish 13:6-10 The parable of the barren fig tree 13:11-17 Christ heals a woman on the Sabbath 13:18-19 The parable of the mustard seed 13:20-30 The parable of the leaven 13:31-35 Christ laments over Jerusalem
Luke 14
14:1-6 Jesus heals a man with dropsy 14:7-14 Christ teaches humility 14:15-24 The parable of the great supper 14:25-35 Counting the cost
Luke 15
15:1-7 The parable of the lost sheep 15:8-10 The parable of the lost coin 15:11-32 The parable of the lost son
Luke 16
16:1-18 The parable of the dishonest steward 16:19-31 The rich man and Lazarus
Luke 17
17:1-6 Jesus teaches forgiveness 17:7-10 The servant’s duty 17:11-19 Christ heals ten lepers 17:20-37 When will the kingdom come?
Luke 18
18:1-8 When will the kingdom come? (continued) 18:9-14 The parable of the Pharisee and the publican 18:15-17 Jesus receives children 18:18-30 The rich young ruler 18:31-34 Christ foretells his passion 18:35-43 Christ heals a blind man
Luke 19
19:1-10 Jesus and Zaccheus 19:11-27 The parable of the ten pounds 19:28-40 Christ enters Jerusalem 19:41-44 Christ weeps over Jerusalem 19:45-48 The cleansing of the temple
Luke 20
20:1-8 The question of Jesus’ authority 20:9-18 The parable of the wicked husbandman 20:19-26 The question of the tribute money 20:27-38 The question of the resurrection 20:39-47 The question of David’s son
Luke 21
21:1-4 The widow’s two mites 21:5-24 Signs of the end 21:25-28 The coming of the Son of man 21:29-33 The parable of the fig tree 21:34-38 Watch and pray
Luke 22
22:1-6 The plot against Jesus 22:7-23 The last supper 22:24-30 Who is great? 22:31-38 Christ foretells Peter’s denial 22:39-46 Christ prays in the garden 22:47-53 Jesus Christ is betrayed and arrested 22:54-65 Peter denies Christ 22:66-71 Christ before the council
Luke 23
23:1-12 Jesus before Pilate and Herod 23:13-25 Jesus Christ sentenced to die 23:26-49 The crucifixion 23:50-56 The burial of Jesus
Luke 24
24:1-12 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ 24:13-35 On the road to Emmaus 24:36-48 Jesus Christ appears to his disciples 24:49-53 The ascension
Mark was the traveling companion of both Paul and Peter, and wrote this Gospel from the Roman perspective. He was a seasoned veteran of the Christian walk, well versed in apostolic teaching, and had extensive missionary experience under wise guides. He was the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) and participated in early stages of Paul’s first missionary journey. For some reason he did not finish the journey, but went back to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Later on, Paul would not have Mark on his mission team because of this desertion (Acts 15:38). Yet in later years he and Paul were reconciled (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24). Paul regarded him as one of the few who were faithful to his ministry to the end (2 Timothy 4:11). There is good evidence that this gospel reflects Peter’s contributions, and that they had close ties (1 Peter 5:13). Tradition holds that Mark wrote primarily for a largely Gentile audience resident in Rome, as he seeks to encourage them to follow and keep following Jesus Christ.
Mark 1
1:1-8 John the Baptist prepares the way 1:9-11 The baptism of Jesus 1:12-13 The temptation of Jesus 1:14-20 Jesus calls four fisherman 1:21-28 Jesus casts out demons 1:29-34 Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law 1:35-39 Jesus on preaching tour 1:40-45 Jesus cleanses a leper
Mark 2
2:1-12 Jesus heals a palsied man 2:13-14 Jesus calls Levi 2:15-17 Jesus eats with sinners 2:18-22 The question about fasting 2:23-28 The purpose of the Sabbath
Mark 3
3:1-6 Jesus heals on the Sabbath 3:7-12 Many healed at the seaside 3:13-21 Jesus chooses his disciples 3:22-30 The unpardonable sin 3:31-35 Jesus’ true kin
Mark 4
4:1-20 The parable of the sower 4:21-25 A candle under a bushel 4:26-29 The parable of the seed 4:30-32 The parable of the mustard seed 4:33-34 Jesus’ use of parables 4:35-41 Jesus quiets the sea
Mark 5
5:1-20 The Gadarene demoniac healed 5:21-43 Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter and heals a woman
Mark 6
6:1-6 Unbelief in Nazareth 6:7-13 Jesus sends the twelve to preach and to heal 6:14-29 John the Baptist is beheaded 6:30-44 Jesus feeds five thousand 6:45-52 Jesus walks on the sea 6:53-56 Jesus heals many at Gennesaret
Mark 7
7:1-23 Jesus explains what defiles 7:24-30 The Syrophoenician woman’s faith 7:31-37 Christ heals a deaf and dumb man
Mark 8
8:1-10 Jesus feeds four thousand 8:11-13 The demand for a sign 8:14-21 The leaven of the Pharisees 8:22-26 Christ heals a blind man 8:27-30 Peter’s confession 8:31-38 Christ foretells his death Mark 9
9:1-13 The transfiguration 9:14-29 The powerlessness of the disciples 9:30-32 Christ again speaks of his death 9:33-41 Who is the greatest? 9:42-50 Temptations to sin
Mark 10
10:1-12 Jesus on divorce 10:13-16 Christ blesses children 10:17-31 The rich young ruler 10:32-34 Christ again speaks of his death 10:35-45 The request of James and John 10:46-52 Blind Bartimeus receives sight
Mark 11
11:1-11 The triumphal entry into Jerusalem 11:12-14 Christ curses a fig tree 11:15-19 Christ cleanses the temple 11:20-26 The lesson from the withered fig tree 11:27-33 Christ’s authority questioned
Mark 12
12:1-12 The parable of the wicked husbandmen 12:13-17 The question of tribute to Caesar 12:18-27 The question about the resurrection 12:28-34 The great commandment 12:35-37 The question of David’s son 12:38-40 Christ denounces the scribes 12:41-44 The widow’s offering
Mark 13
13:1-23 Signs of the end 13:24-37 The coming of the Son of man
Mark 14
14:1-2 The chief priests plot against Jesus 14:3-9 Christ anointed at Bethany 14:10-11 The conspiracy of Judas 14:12-25 Jesus Christ eats the passover with his disciples 14:26-31 Peter’s denial foretold 14:32-42 Gethsemane 14:43-52 The betrayal and arrest of Christ 14:53-65 Christ before the high priest 14:66-72 Peter denies Jesus
Mark 15
15:1-5 Jesus Christ before Pilate 15:6-19 Christ sentenced to die 15:20-41 The crucifixion 15:42-47 The burial of Jesus
Mark 16
16:1-8 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ 16:9-13 Christ appears to his disciples 16:14-18 Christ commissions the eleven 16:19-20 The ascension
Dr. Christopher J.H. Wright introduces the importance of the Old Testament to New Testament Christians by presenting the unfolding prophetic events that accompany the arrival of the Son of God that are fulfilled perfectly, but in a manner that Israel does not fully understand. The reader is introduced to the mindset of Jesus Christ whose spiritual growth and understanding to His identity, purpose, and destiny unfolds through His reflection and revelation of the Old Testament. Christ is prophetically expressed as the promised Messiah, and according to the author, fulfills Israel’s covenants through the establishment of His church.
Summarization of the Book
The author presents the need to examine the self-understanding of Christ through His connection with Old Testament exegesis that He fully interprets as His self-identity is revealed to Himself and Believers. Wright develops his major theme of the absolute need to understand the Old Testament connection with the Lord Jesus Christ to understand Christ fully. The Lord’s teachings in relationship to Old Testament Scripture are expounded, and His New Testament instructions are shown to be the fulfillment of Law, rather than a new faith requirement separate from the older Testament. He also stresses that the fulfillment of some prophesy associated with Israel should not be interpreted literally, but rather, understood as an unfolding of events leading to the coming of Christ in ways not understood by the initial receivers of the promises made by God. Consistent throughout the book is the idea that Israel is replaced by the Church through the full development of the Covenant that is difficult for the original holders of the promises to understand.
The Lord Jesus Christ is presented in humanistic terms with a focus upon discoveries of His fulfillment of Old Testament promises,[1] His self-identity discoveries, [2] His Old Testament mission carried forth to the New Testament,[3] and the development of His Old Testament Values.[4] Wright constructs his arguments for Christ’s human revelations with the backdrop of specific Scriptures within the Old Testament that plausibly influence His development as the Son of Man; he also lists specific examples used by Christ to teach Believers the will of His Father. Dr. Wright also carefully constructs a covenant line that shows his belief of the fulfillment of the promises given to Israel but realized and completed through Christ’s church.
Dr. Wright’s major thesis is that “the Old Testament tells the story which Jesus completes,”[5] Christ is the climax of the unfolding Old Testament story,[6] and it is His deep spiritual roots in handling the Hebrew scriptures that is the “most essential key to understanding who he was, why he came and what he taught.”[7] The thesis of Jesus Christ’s humanness is woven throughout Wright’s writings, with the declaration that in Christ is the end time climax of Old Testament promise and the reason for the words of the Old Testament from the beginning.
Critical Interaction
Dr. Wright’s position reflects Replacement Theology, declaring the Church as the replacement to Israel, which is a popular view of the early church that predates Covenant Theology,[8] but also continues from the middle of the second century A.D. to today as a consensus among many churches.[9] Also, prominent theological concepts of salvation, redemption, and the choosing by God are addressed with both the Old Testament and New Testament promises.
Wright leans toward Replacement Theology, also known as Supersessionist Theology; this is the teaching of both the Roman Catholic Church and Martin Luther, who said “The Jews have lost this promise, no matter how much they boast of their father Abraham….They are no longer the people of God.”[10] While he is not as blatant in his statements, his position reflects his belief that Christ chose the Gentiles as His people, arguing against the idea that the Jew remains the Chosen People separated from Christians by their Covenant with the LORD God.
Wright rejects the literal two-covenant system where the Jews have one promise through their Covenant and the Gentiles another through Christ; instead, he believes that Jews can only be saved through acceptance of Christ as their Messiah and Lord, with the resulting salvation through faith required by all those who desire redemption and eternal life.[11]
Dr. Wright effectively presents his views, and develops an understandable progress of Christ as fulfillment of Israel’s covenants with His arrival. While Wright avoids the terminology that is familiar to the Replacement Theologists, his end conclusions do not fully support Christ’s intentions with Israel as recorded in the Word of God. Thus, his argument is presented soundly, but it has flaws that need to be defended further through solid Scripture exegesis.
Also, footnotes were deliberately omitted by Dr. Wright in his authorship of this book. The lack of references was glaringly apparent when a deeper theological examination became necessary; this forces readers to refer to the Bibliography and try to guess where many of these opinions originated.
Critical Weaknesses of Wright’s Views
One factor in applying a Replacement Theology removes the original promises and covenants that the LORD God made with Israel, and reapplying those covenants to Christian believers. Matthew 21:43 is an important verse for the replacement system, because theorists claim this proves that Christ invoked a transfer of the Chosen people of God from Israel to the church.[12] It is critical for proof of this position to prove that a permanent rejection of Israel is the meaning of this verse, and that this “nation” will be given to the church, not the Jews. While most Theologists agree that a rejection of Israel is made by Christ, there is vast disagreement of the length of time this will occur; those who believe it is only a temporary rejection leave open the chance for future restoration.[13]
Also, Christ believes in a future restoration of Israel; Matthew 19:28 shows Christ speaking to His disciples about the thrones from which they would occupy in their judgment of the twelve tribes of Israel.[14] When these two criteria are applied, Wright’s position of the replacement of Israel does not conform fully to Christ’s stated view from the Word of God. Matthew 23:37-39 shows Christ looking toward the future restoration of Israel using the word “until” that shows Israel will one day come to Him for blessings. Stanley D. Toussaint writes, “It is extremely important for one to note that Christ’s rejection of Israel is not an eternal one. The word ‘until’ of verse thirty-nine together with the following statement affirms that Christ will come again to a repentant nation to establish the promised millennial kingdom.” [15]
Summary of other Reviews
The most scholarly of three discoverable full-text reviews of Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament contrasts Wright’s writings with two other books concerning this subject. Frank Thielman points out that Wright believes “Jesus is God’s Son in the Gospels in the same way that Israel is God’s son in the Old Testament, with the crucial difference that whereas Israel rebelled against its Father, Jesus was obedient.”[16] Stanley Horton identifies the theology of Wright as reflecting a replacement theology in the expression of his belief in the relationship of Jesus with the Old Testament.[17] Also, Long believes strongly that Wright accomplished his thesis to prove the Old Testament reflective of the heart of Jesus.[18]
Author David E. Holwerda wrote Jesus and Israel: One Covenant or Two? (Eerdmans, 193 pp.). This book identifies Israel as Jesus fulfilled, but stresses that there still remains ethnic differences between Christians and Jews. Holwerda believes that unbelieving Jews continue to hold a special place in God’s saving works. [19] The Messiah in the Old Testament, by Walter C. Kaiser Jr. (Zondervan, 235 pp.) finds references to the Messiah in numerous Scripture of the Old Testament, and charges that Israel would not understand these references because they were like the two on the Emmaus road, “ignorant and slow in heart to believe everything the prophets spoke” (Luke 24:25).[20] All three books enlighten believers substantially in the fulfillment of Christ that is fully reflected in the first and oldest Testament.
Students, scholars, laymen, pastors, and believers would do well in both reading Wright’s book, and analyzing its contents. From a scholar’s perspective, Wright’s work is not complete; however, the general ideas expressed about Jesus as reflected in the Old Testament are worthy for contemplation and application. Pastors would benefit by forming a discourse of many of the concepts within this book, especially those that bring Christ’s human being in fuller light. Scholars must surely start with the thesis of this book, to form a beginning place of meeting Christ in the places He dwelled, both spiritually and mentally. Care should be taken, however, that exegesis of the concepts of Israel replacement by the Church is expressed with Biblical soundness.
Conclusion
Dr. Wright says that Christians cannot fully know the Lord Jesus Christ unless they examine the Old Testament influence upon Him. He effectively presents the need for Christians to connect the Old Testament with the New Testament and realize the necessary symbiosis between the two as a requirement for the Messiah and Lord Jesus Christ to come forth. However, his replacement theology, though seemingly more politically correct than most, is flawed when examined by Scripture; Christ’s words reflecting the future restoration of Israel in Matthew 23 disagree with the thesis development of Wright. While Christ may well be the fulfillment of Israel’s covenants, the author needs to contrast his views with the views of Replacement Theologists, and explain his position with scholarly reference that can be integrated fully with the Truth of the Word of God.
Dr. Christopher J.H. Wright received his Ph.D. from Cambridge; he is a mature biblical scholar who has a great deal of classroom experience in teaching critical theological issues.[21] He is the director of John Stott Ministries (Langham Partnership International). He is also the author of Old Testament Ethics for the People of God.
Footnotes
[1] Christopher J.H. Wright, Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament (InterVarsity Press, 1992), 55-101.
[2] Ibid., 103-129.
[3] Ibid., 136-179.
[4] Ibid., 181-248.
[5] Ibid., 2.
[6] Ibid., 7.
[7] Ibid., 3.
[8] H. Wayne House, “The Future of National Israel,” in Bibliotheca Sacra(Dallas, TX: Dallas Theological Seminary, 2009), 467-468.
[9] Michael J. Vlach, “Has the Church Replaced Israel in God’s Plan?,” in Conservative Theological Journal(Fort Worth, TX: Tyndale Theological Seminary, 2000), 7-8.
[10] House, 467-468.
[11] Wright, 176-177.
[12] Vlach, 18.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Stanley D. Toussaint, Behold the King: A Study of Matthew (Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1980), 265-266.
[16] Frank Thielman, “Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament,” Christianity Today 40, no. 3 (1996): 61.
[17] Stanley M Horton, “Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 40, no. 2 (1997): 287-22.
[18] V Philips Long, “Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament,” Presbyterian 19, no. 1 (1993): 61-62.
Matthew is one of four Gospels that records the life of Jesus Christ. His emphasis on the Old Testament preparation for the Gospel makes it an ideal “bridge” from the Old to the New Testament. Matthew, the Hebrew tax collector, writes for the Hebrew mind. He presents a portrait of Jesus with his own characteristic focus, that gives comparison to the other three books, Mark, Luke and John, that form the Gospel of the Word of God. Although the book of Matthew is anonymous, most Faithful and tradition believe that Matthew, the disciple of Jesus, is the author. Matthew presents the Good News of our Redeemer and Savior, as well as the arrival of the Messiah of Israel, the Son of God and the Savior of the world. It was written so readers would come to believe in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life according to the perfect plan of the Will and Grace of the LORD God.
Matthew 1
1:1-17 The genealogy of Jesus Christ 1:18-25 The angel appears to Joseph
Matthew 2
2:1-12 The visit of the wise men 2:13-23 The flight into Egypt
Matthew 3
3:1-12 The preaching of John the Baptist 3:13-17 The baptism of Jesus
Matthew 4
4:1-11 The temptation of Jesus 4:12-17 Jesus begins his ministry 4:18-22 Jesus calls four fisherman 4:23-25 The fame of Jesus spreads
Matthew 5
5:1-12 The Sermon on the Mount : The Beatitudes 5:13 The salt of the earth 5:14-16 The light of the world 5:17-20 Christ on the law 5:21-26 Jesus and anger 5:27-30 Jesus’ teaching on adultery 5:31-32 On divorce 5:33-37 On oaths 5:38-48 Love for enemies
Matthew 6
6:1-4 Jesus’ teaching on almsgiving 6:5-15 Jesus’ teaching on prayer 6:16-18 Jesus’ teaching on fasting 6:19-21 Treasures in heaven 6:22-23 The light of the body 6:24-34 Trusting one master
Matthew 7
7:1-11 Judge not 7:12 The golden rule 7:13-14 The strait gate 7:15-20 False prophets 7:21-23 I never knew you 7:24-29 The two foundations
Matthew 8
8:1-4 Jesus heals a leper 8:5-13 A centurion’s servant healed 8:14-17 Peter’s mother-in-law healed 8:18-22 Some tests of discipleship 8:23-27 Jesus quiets a storm 8:28-34 The Gergesene demoniacs Matthew 9
9:1-8 Jesus heals a paralyzed man 9:9-13 Jesus calls Matthew 9:14-17 The question about fasting 9:18-19 The ruler’s daughter 9:20-26 The woman touching his garment 9:27-31 Two blind men receive sight 9:32-35 A dumb man speaks 9:36-38 Few laborers for the task
Matthew 10
10:1-4 Jesus chooses the twelve 10:5-15 The mission of the twelve 10:16-23 Warning of persecutions 10:24-33 More instructions for the disciples 10:34-39 Not peace, but a sword 10:40-42 Rewards
Matthew 11
11:1-19 John the Baptist asks about Jesus 11:20-24 Jesus foretells judgment 11:25-27 Who is wise? 11:28-30 The great invitation
Matthew 12
12:1-8 Jesus on the Sabbath 12:9-14 The man with the withered hand 12:15-21 The chosen servant 12:22-32 A house divided cannot stand 12:33-37 Good and corrupt fruit 12:38-45 The sign of Jonah 12:46-50 Jesus ‘ true kin
Matthew 13
13:1-9 The parable of the sower 13:10-17 Jesus explains the purpose of the parables 13:18-23 Jesus explains the parable of the sower 13:24-30 The parable of the wheat and the tares 13:31-32 The parable of the mustard seed 13:33 The parable of the leaven 13:34-35 Jesus’ use of parables 13:36-43 The parable of the wheat and tares explained 13:44 The parable of the hidden treasure 13:45-46 The parable of the pearl of great price 13:47-50 The parable of the net 13:51-52 Treasures new and old 13:53-58 Christ rejected at Nazareth Matthew 14
14:1-14 John the Baptist beheaded 14:15-21 Christ feeds five thousand 14:22-33 Christ walks on the water 14:34-36 The sick in Gennesaret
Matthew 15
15:1-20 The things that defile 15:21-28 The Canaanite woman’s faith 15:29-31 Many people are healed 15:32-39 Christ feeds four thousand
Matthew 16
16:1-20 The leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees 16:21-28 Christ foretells his passion
Matthew 17
17:1-13 The transfiguration 17:14-23 The disciples’ unbelief 17:24-27 The question of the tribute money
Matthew 18
18:1-5 Jesus explains greatness 18:6-10 Temptations to sin 18:11-20 The lost sheep 18:21-35 Christ speaks of forgiveness
Matthew 19
19:1-12 Christ on divorce 19:13-15 Christ and children 19:16-30 The rich young ruler
Matthew 20
20:1-16 Workers in the vineyard 20:17-19 Jesus again foretells his passion 20:20-29 A mother asks greatness for her sons 20:30-34 Christ heals two blind men
Matthew 21
21:1-11 The triumphal entry into Jerusalem 21:12-16 The cleansing of the temple 21:17-22 The cursing of the fig tree 21:23-27 Christ establishes his authority 21:28-32 The parable of the two sons 21:33-46 The wicked husbandmen
Matthew 22
22:1-14 The parable of the marriage feast 22:15-22 God and Caesar 22:23-33 The question about the resurrection 22:34-40 The great commandment 22:41-46 The question about David’s son
Matthew 23
23:1-36 Jesus denounces the scribes and the Pharisees 23:37-39 Christ mourns over Jerusalem
Matthew 24
24:1-28 The destruction of temple and signs before end 24:29-31 The coming of the son of man 24:32-35 The parable of the fig tree 24:36-44 No man knows the day 24:45-51 The unfaithful servant
Matthew 25
25:1-13 The parable of the ten virgins 25:14-46 The parable of the talents
Matthew 26
26:1-5 The plot to kill Christ 26:6-13 Christ anointed at Bethany 26:14-16 Judas Iscariot betrays Christ 26:17-30 The last supper 26:31-35 The denial of Peter foretold 26:36-46 Christ in the garden of Gethsemane 26:47-56 The betrayal and arrest of Jesus 26:57-68 Christ before the high priest 26:69-75 Peter denies Christ
Matthew 27
27:1-2 The chief priests take Jesus to Pilate 27:3-10 Judas kills himself 27:11-14 Christ stands before Pilate 27:15-21 Barabbas’ release 27:22-31 Jesus sentenced to be crucified 27:32-56 The crucifixion 27:57-61 The burial of Jesus 27:62-66 Sepulcher made sure
Matthew 28
28:1-10 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ 28:11-15 Tomb guards bribed 28:16-17 Eleven disciples witness Resurrected Christ 28:18-20 Christ commissions His disciples
The prophecy of Malachi delivers stern rebukes to the people and priests to call them to repentance, and to promise future blessing. His theme is God’s love for Israel in spite of the sins of the priests and the people, and is testimony to the graciousness of the LORD God in condescending to answer man’s foolish and childish statements.
Malachi 1
1:1-5 The Lord’s love for Jacob 1:6-14 The Lord rebukes the priests
Malachi 2
2:1-17 Israel’s unfaithfulness rebuked
Malachi 3
3:1-5 The approach of the day of judgment 3:6-15 The payment of tithes 3:16-18 The final lot of the righteous and the wicked
Zechariah is a messianic prophet with frequent mention of both the first and second advents of Messiah. He dwells completely on the person and work of Christ, and his prophecies contain apocalyptic proclamations as well giving prominence to the Angel of the Lord. The tone of his prophecy is one of encouragement, and focuses the attention of God’s people to His Glory.
Zechariah 1
1:1-6 A call to return to the Lord 1:7-17 The vision of the horses 1:18-21 The horns and the carpenters
Zechariah 2
2:1-13 The man with the measuring line
Zechariah 3
3:1-10 Joshua vindicated
Zechariah 4
4:1-14 The candlestick and the olive trees
Zechariah 5
5:1-4 The flying roll 5:5-11 The woman in the ephah
Zechariah 6
6:1-8 The four chariots 6:9-15 Joshua – a symbol of the priest-king
Zechariah 7
7:1-7 Insincere fasts reproved 7:8-14 Disobedience the cause of captivity
Zechariah 8
8:1-23 The restoration of Jerusalem promised
Zechariah 9
9:1-8 The judgment on the neighboring nations 9:9-17 Zion’s future king
Zechariah 10
10:1-12 The Lord’s redemption of his people
Zechariah 11
11:1-3 The Lord’s redemption of his people (continued) 11:4-17 The foolish shepherds
Zechariah 12
12:1-14 The future deliverance of Jerusalem
Zechariah 13
13:1-6 The cleansing of Jerusalem 13:7-9 Smiting of the Lord’s shepherd
