Mark
1:1-13
Lesson 63
1:1-13
Lesson 63
The Gospel According to St. Mark:
"Christ, the Servant."
Authorship:
"The Gospel According to St. Mark," the second and shortest of the four Gospels, was written in Rome by Mark circa AD 66.
Mark, also called John Mark or Marcus, was from Jerusalem. He was a converted Jew and Barnabas' cousin (Colossians 4:10). His widowed mother Mary (one of seven Mary's in the New Testament) must have been an influential member of the Jerusalem church. She turned her house into a Christian meeting place (Acts 12:12) and the apostle Peter rushed to her home after being freed from prison by the angel (Acts 12:11-12). We do not know who Mary's husband was. Although Mark was not one of the original twelve disciples, he almost certainly knew Jesus personally. Some Bible scholars believe he was the naked young man who fled Gethsemane Garden as Jesus was being arrested (Mark 14:51-52).
Mark joined Paul and Barnabus on the first missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:5). However, Mark fell out of favor with Paul when he left the mission early in Perga and returned home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul's disappointment in Mark created a rift with Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40). Later, about AD 50, Mark travelled to Cyprus with cousin Barnabus (Acts 15:38-49). Mark eventually regained Paul's confidence (Philemon 1:23-24), and Paul sent for him shortly before he was executed (2 Timothy 4:11).
Mark visited numerous countries witnessing and probably wrote "The Gospel According to St. Mark," while in Rome when the persecution of Christians was on the rise. He also traveled with and was like a son to the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Mark was with Peter when he wrote "The First Epistle General of St. Peter" and many scholars believe he was Peter's interpreter. Mark was thought to be a Roman citizen and founded the church in Alexandra, where he died during the eighth year of the Roman Emperor Nero's reign (circa AD 62).
Purpose and Theme:
"The Gospel According to St. Mark" concentrates on Jesus' Galilean ministry (as does Matthew and Luke) and was written to show a skeptical world that Jesus was the true Messiah and mankind's servant. Jesus didn't come to be served. He came to be a servant freeing mankind from their sins with His blood. Perhaps Mark 10:45 sums up the theme of Mark's entire gospel.
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
While the "Gospel According to St. Matthew" was written for an immediate audience of Jews, Mark was written for Gentiles. This is repeatedly demonstrated in verses 3:17; 5:41; 7:3-4; 7:11; 7:34; 14:36; 15:22; 15:34 and 15:42 when Mark translates Aramaic for his readers or explains Hebrew terms and customs. Something he wouldn't have to do for Jewish readers. "The Gospel According to St. Mark" is a fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry hitting on the highlights. Mark skips the entire birth of Christ and starts with His baptism. Unlike the book of Matthew, there is no genealogy and few parables in Mark. As you read, notice that the focus of Mark's Gospel is on the actions of Jesus more than His words. His mighty deeds prove His deity.
"The Gospel According to St. Mark," the second and shortest of the four Gospels, was written in Rome by Mark circa AD 66.
Mark, also called John Mark or Marcus, was from Jerusalem. He was a converted Jew and Barnabas' cousin (Colossians 4:10). His widowed mother Mary (one of seven Mary's in the New Testament) must have been an influential member of the Jerusalem church. She turned her house into a Christian meeting place (Acts 12:12) and the apostle Peter rushed to her home after being freed from prison by the angel (Acts 12:11-12). We do not know who Mary's husband was. Although Mark was not one of the original twelve disciples, he almost certainly knew Jesus personally. Some Bible scholars believe he was the naked young man who fled Gethsemane Garden as Jesus was being arrested (Mark 14:51-52).
Mark joined Paul and Barnabus on the first missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:5). However, Mark fell out of favor with Paul when he left the mission early in Perga and returned home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul's disappointment in Mark created a rift with Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40). Later, about AD 50, Mark travelled to Cyprus with cousin Barnabus (Acts 15:38-49). Mark eventually regained Paul's confidence (Philemon 1:23-24), and Paul sent for him shortly before he was executed (2 Timothy 4:11).
Mark visited numerous countries witnessing and probably wrote "The Gospel According to St. Mark," while in Rome when the persecution of Christians was on the rise. He also traveled with and was like a son to the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Mark was with Peter when he wrote "The First Epistle General of St. Peter" and many scholars believe he was Peter's interpreter. Mark was thought to be a Roman citizen and founded the church in Alexandra, where he died during the eighth year of the Roman Emperor Nero's reign (circa AD 62).
Purpose and Theme:
"The Gospel According to St. Mark" concentrates on Jesus' Galilean ministry (as does Matthew and Luke) and was written to show a skeptical world that Jesus was the true Messiah and mankind's servant. Jesus didn't come to be served. He came to be a servant freeing mankind from their sins with His blood. Perhaps Mark 10:45 sums up the theme of Mark's entire gospel.
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
While the "Gospel According to St. Matthew" was written for an immediate audience of Jews, Mark was written for Gentiles. This is repeatedly demonstrated in verses 3:17; 5:41; 7:3-4; 7:11; 7:34; 14:36; 15:22; 15:34 and 15:42 when Mark translates Aramaic for his readers or explains Hebrew terms and customs. Something he wouldn't have to do for Jewish readers. "The Gospel According to St. Mark" is a fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry hitting on the highlights. Mark skips the entire birth of Christ and starts with His baptism. Unlike the book of Matthew, there is no genealogy and few parables in Mark. As you read, notice that the focus of Mark's Gospel is on the actions of Jesus more than His words. His mighty deeds prove His deity.
Mark is broken down into three parts:
1) Introduction of Jesus, the servant (1:1-9:1) - John the Baptist (1:1-11); Forty days in the wilderness (1:12-13); The Galilean ministry begins (1:14); The ministry to Jews; The ministry to Gentiles.
2) Jesus the sacrifice (9:2-15:47) - The Transfiguration (9:2-13); Final trip to Jerusalem (10:1-52); The arrest, trial, and crucifixion (14:1-15:47).
3) Jesus the victor (16:1-20) - The resurrection; Conclusion.
1) Introduction of Jesus, the servant (1:1-9:1) - John the Baptist (1:1-11); Forty days in the wilderness (1:12-13); The Galilean ministry begins (1:14); The ministry to Jews; The ministry to Gentiles.
2) Jesus the sacrifice (9:2-15:47) - The Transfiguration (9:2-13); Final trip to Jerusalem (10:1-52); The arrest, trial, and crucifixion (14:1-15:47).
3) Jesus the victor (16:1-20) - The resurrection; Conclusion.
Study Tip:
Think of ways to apply each biblical teaching to your life.
Think of ways to apply each biblical teaching to your life.
Who was -
John the Baptist -
John the Baptist was from Judea. He was the son of the Jewish priest Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1:8-13; 3:2). Elizabeth was the Virgin Mary's cousin (Luke 1:34-36), making Jesus and John distant cousins. John was the last prophet of the Old Covenant and the first in over 400 years. That 400-year interval between prophets is known as "the years of silence." John was sent by God to preach repentance (Matthew 3:2), bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments, and to prepare "the way" for the Messiah's arrival (Luke 1:17; 1:76-77), a mission so important it is mentioned in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:1-17; Mark 1:2-5; Luke 3:4-11; John 1:19-27). John's message worried King Herod Antipas and was of special concern to the Jewish religious leaders. His ministry was primarily in Perea, on the eastern shore of the Jordan River and Jesus said there was never a person greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28). John was a lifetime Nazarite (Luke 1:15). To honor God, Nazarite Jews made religious offerings, took periodic vows not to cut their hair, drink alcohol, and to avoid contact with the dead. These vows lasted anywhere from thirty to one hundred days. Only three men were under lifetime Nazarite vows; Samson (Judges 13:2-7), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John (Luke 1:15). All three were set aside by God to complete extraordinary missions. John's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus, as prophesied in Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, and 4:5-6. After John finished his mission, King Herod Antipas arrested and then beheaded him for denouncing Herod's incestuous marriage to his niece and brother's ex-wife, Herodias, and other "evils" (Luke 3:19-20). To learn more about Nazarite vows, read Numbers 6:1-21.
Satan -
The name Satan means "adversary." Satan is an actual figure. He is a fallen angel who roams the earth (Job 2:2) continuously working against humanity (Ephesians 6:12). It was Satan who tested Job's faith (Job 1:6-12) in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, he tested Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus denounced Satan as "a murderer" and called him "the wicked one" (Matthew 13:19) who lives "not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.... He is a liar" (John 8:44). Satan is the lord of evil, "the prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30), and "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). He is "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2), "the tempter" (1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and the enemy of mankind (Luke 22:31; 1 Peter 5:8). Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to eat from the forbidden fruit, convinced Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:26-27), and constantly tries to lead us astray (2 Corinthians 2:11).
John the Baptist -
John the Baptist was from Judea. He was the son of the Jewish priest Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1:8-13; 3:2). Elizabeth was the Virgin Mary's cousin (Luke 1:34-36), making Jesus and John distant cousins. John was the last prophet of the Old Covenant and the first in over 400 years. That 400-year interval between prophets is known as "the years of silence." John was sent by God to preach repentance (Matthew 3:2), bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments, and to prepare "the way" for the Messiah's arrival (Luke 1:17; 1:76-77), a mission so important it is mentioned in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:1-17; Mark 1:2-5; Luke 3:4-11; John 1:19-27). John's message worried King Herod Antipas and was of special concern to the Jewish religious leaders. His ministry was primarily in Perea, on the eastern shore of the Jordan River and Jesus said there was never a person greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28). John was a lifetime Nazarite (Luke 1:15). To honor God, Nazarite Jews made religious offerings, took periodic vows not to cut their hair, drink alcohol, and to avoid contact with the dead. These vows lasted anywhere from thirty to one hundred days. Only three men were under lifetime Nazarite vows; Samson (Judges 13:2-7), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John (Luke 1:15). All three were set aside by God to complete extraordinary missions. John's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus, as prophesied in Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, and 4:5-6. After John finished his mission, King Herod Antipas arrested and then beheaded him for denouncing Herod's incestuous marriage to his niece and brother's ex-wife, Herodias, and other "evils" (Luke 3:19-20). To learn more about Nazarite vows, read Numbers 6:1-21.
Satan -
The name Satan means "adversary." Satan is an actual figure. He is a fallen angel who roams the earth (Job 2:2) continuously working against humanity (Ephesians 6:12). It was Satan who tested Job's faith (Job 1:6-12) in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, he tested Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus denounced Satan as "a murderer" and called him "the wicked one" (Matthew 13:19) who lives "not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.... He is a liar" (John 8:44). Satan is the lord of evil, "the prince of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30), and "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). He is "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2), "the tempter" (1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and the enemy of mankind (Luke 22:31; 1 Peter 5:8). Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to eat from the forbidden fruit, convinced Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:26-27), and constantly tries to lead us astray (2 Corinthians 2:11).
The Gospel According to St. Mark
The King James Bible
|
Mark: 1:1-13
Jesus is baptized and tested 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets*, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. * Verse 2. Some early manuscripts read, "Isaiah the prophet." |
Margin notes:
"The gospel of Jesus Christ." (1:1) - Means "the good news of Jesus Christ." "Christ." (1:1) - From the Greek word Christos meaning "Messiah" or "anointed one." "I send my messenger before thy face." (1:2) - This is a paraphrase from Malachi 3:1, meaning, "I send my messenger ahead of you." As stated in "Who was" above, the prophesied messenger was John the Baptist. His mission was to announce the coming of the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ. "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (1:3) - This is a paraphrase from Isaiah 40:3, written almost seven hundred years before the birth of Christ. The second half of the book of Isaiah (including this verse) speaks of God's promise of salvation and predicts the coming of John the Baptist and the Messiah. To "make his paths straight" is a call for people to repent. "John did baptize." (1:4) - As prophesized by John's father, Zacharias (Luke 1:76-77). "For the remission of sins." (1:4) - "For the forgiveness of sins." "Judaea." (1:5) - Also spelled Judea, it is the southern part of Palestine and covers approximately two thousand square miles. Judea reaches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River and is almost fifty percent desert. Jerusalem and Bethlehem were part of Judaea. Christianity began in Judaea, it is where Jesus was born, lived, taught, and died. "Jerusalem." (1:5) - Jerusalem is Hebrew for "foundation of Shalem (peace)." It is fourteen miles west of the Dead Sea and thirty-three miles east of the Mediterranean. It sits in the Judaean Mountains, approximately 2,500 feet above sea level. Surrounded by valleys on three sides, Jerusalem dominated the area and in Jesus' time it was the epicenter of Jewish life, government, and religion. Jerusalem is also called Mount Zion, David's city, Ariel (Isaiah 29:1), Salem, Jebus (Judges 19:10, 1 Chronicles 11:4-5), and the Holy City. The ancestral home of Israel's King David, ancient Egyptian texts cite Jerusalem as far back as the 19th century BC. It was first mentioned in the Bible under the name Salem (Genesis 14:18) and was first called Jerusalem in Joshua 10:1. Originally, the city covered about eight acres but was continually rebuilt and expanded. King Solomon enlarged the city to over 30 acres, built a palace, and the first Temple. In Jesus' time, Jerusalem was the epicenter of Jewish life, government, and religion. After the crucifixion, many Christians were forced to flee Jerusalem and Jewish persecution. Throughout the centuries, Jerusalem has been occupied by Assyria, Egypt, Babylon (2 Kings 25), Persia, Greece, and Rome. A Jewish revolt against Rome began in AD 68. The Roman army, under General Titus, surrounded Jerusalem on Passover AD 70 with orders to smash the rebellion. Eighty thousand Roman soldiers laid siege to the city. In five months, Jerusalem fell and Titus murdered its citizens. The Romans killed an estimated 1,000,000 Jews throughout Israel during the revolt and took tens of thousands captive. Rome rebuilt Jerusalem, renamed it Colonia Aelia Capitolina, banned Jews, and constructed a temple to their pagan god Jupiter. In AD 614, the Persians captured the city, and again, Jerusalem's citizens were killed. The European Crusaders occupied Jerusalem in 1099, and later the Turks. "For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation: 'This is my resting place for ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.'" These verses from Psalms clearly underline the unique and powerful role that the city of Jerusalem played in the religious life of ancient Israel." ("Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Readers Digest, Pleasantville, New York; page 106). Today, Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and holds religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. "The river of Jordan." (1:5) - The Jordan River lies approximately twenty miles east of Jerusalem and is about seventy miles long. It flows from the Sea of Galilee south to the Dead Sea. "John was clothed with camel's hair." (1:6) - John dressed as a poor person, similar to the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). "A girdle of a skin about his loins." (1:6) - "A leather belt around his waist." "Nazareth." (1:9) - Jesus was born in Bethlehem but raised in Nazareth. Nazareth was a small village (population 700) of lower Galilee (Luke 1:26) in northern Israel. It is approximately seventy-five miles north of Jerusalem and fourteen miles west of the Sea of Galilee along the southern ridges of Lebanon. Nazareth lay in a mountain basin and enjoyed mild temperatures and ample rainfall. Although Galilee was mostly Gentile, Nazareth was predominately Jewish. There was an active synagogue that Jesus probably attended. The main road between Egypt and Asia passed by Nazareth and brought many travelers and tradesmen. In Jesus' day, the people of Nazareth were looked down on and considered second-class citizens (John 1:46). Although Jesus was raised in Nazareth (Matthew 2:21-23; Mark 1:9), His fellow citizens rejected Him when He returned home to teach (Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-4). They tried to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:22-30). Little remains of the original village. Nazareth was destroyed by a Muslim army in medieval times. It was rebuilt close to its original location and today boasts a population of 80,000. "Straightway coming up out of the water." (1:10) - "Immediately coming out of the water." "The spirit driveth him into the wilderness." (1:12) - "The spirit led him into the wilderness." Jesus was led by the Spirit of God. "Tempted of Satan." (1:13) - "Tested by Satan." To learn how Satan tested Jesus, read Matthew 4:1-11. "The angels ministered unto him." (1:13) - "The angels helped Him." |
Learn more about the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:1-17 (lesson four); Luke 3:1-22; and John 1:19-34.
New Living Translation
Mark: 1:1-13
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
2 It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:
"Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming!
Clear the road for him!'"
4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 John announced: "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am-so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!"
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.
10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11 And a voice from heaven said, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy."
12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness,
13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
2 It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:
"Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming!
Clear the road for him!'"
4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 John announced: "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am-so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!"
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.
10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11 And a voice from heaven said, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy."
12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness,
13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Today's Question:
1. Did Jesus need to be baptized? (1:9)
Read your Bible daily to strengthen your relationship with God.
1. Did Jesus need to be baptized? (1:9)
Read your Bible daily to strengthen your relationship with God.
Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. No, being the Son of God, Jesus was without sin and had no reason to repent or ask for forgiveness. The Holy Spirit was already in Jesus. But by being baptized, Jesus made a connection with sinful mankind as He began His mission on earth. It was the perfect way to open His message of salvation. Also, by being baptized, Jesus fulfilled God's plan (Matthew 3:15).
Gospel stories unique to Mark:
The parable of the growing seed.............................4:26-29
A deaf man with a speech impediment is healed...7:31-37
A blind man sees.......................................................8:22-26
The parable of the absent householder..................13:32-37
Application thought for the day:
Re-read the first verse of Mark (1:1). Notice the words "the gospel" of " Jesus Christ" and "the Son of God." The Gospel (the good news) of Jesus Christ (anointed one), the Son of God (the Messiah, the Savior). Spend the day thinking about the meaning and truth packed into these few words.
1. No, being the Son of God, Jesus was without sin and had no reason to repent or ask for forgiveness. The Holy Spirit was already in Jesus. But by being baptized, Jesus made a connection with sinful mankind as He began His mission on earth. It was the perfect way to open His message of salvation. Also, by being baptized, Jesus fulfilled God's plan (Matthew 3:15).
Gospel stories unique to Mark:
The parable of the growing seed.............................4:26-29
A deaf man with a speech impediment is healed...7:31-37
A blind man sees.......................................................8:22-26
The parable of the absent householder..................13:32-37
Application thought for the day:
Re-read the first verse of Mark (1:1). Notice the words "the gospel" of " Jesus Christ" and "the Son of God." The Gospel (the good news) of Jesus Christ (anointed one), the Son of God (the Messiah, the Savior). Spend the day thinking about the meaning and truth packed into these few words.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen, published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series," published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Readers Digest, Pleasantville, New York; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible," published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The New Testament" Recovery Version, published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, California; "The Living New Testament," published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation," published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; the "Life Application Study Bible," published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible," published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The New Scofield Reference Bible," published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke