Study Commentaries

Oxford mathematician and author John Lennox takes a closer look at Hawking's logic regarding what brought the universe into being. In lively, layman's terms, Lennox guides us through the key points in Hawking's arguments - with clear explanations of the latest scientific and philosophical methods and theories - and demonstrates that far from disproving a creator God, they make his existence seem all the more probable.

This classic work of spirituality from the author of A Wrinkle in Time offers life-transforming insights on the rich heritage of the Bible and shows how the characters of this ancient text are relevant for living the good life now. In the first book of her Genesis Trilogy, beloved author Madeleine L'Engle casts long, loving, and perceptive glances not only at the created universe but also at its Creator.

Ostensibly written by an English knight, The Book of Marvels and Travels claim to recount his experiences in Egypt, the Levant, India, and China. It describes a journey from Europe to Jerusalem and further into Asia, and the many weird and wonderful peoples and practices of the East. The author claims to have traveled in land populated by Amazons, dog-headed people, cannibals, one-footed tribes, and Pygmies.

Experience the vivid reimagining of the gospel of Matthew through N. T. Wright's updated, accessible translation and enlightening commentary. In Matthew's portrayal, Jesus takes on multiple roles: the anticipated Messiah and the King of Israel, a teacher surpassing even Moses, and the compassionate Son of Man who sacrifices for all. With a step-by-step approach, Matthew invites us to grasp Jesus's wisdom and the transformative way of life he imparts.

The gospel of John comes alive in N. T. Wright's updated, listener-friendly translation and insightful commentary. He guides the listener through the world of the New Testament, explaining the ideas and events that shaped the gospel writer's account of the life of Jesus. Breaking down the gospel of John into brief, easy-to-study segments, Wright shows how the message of this ancient book speaks powerfully to the spiritual longings of contemporary listeners. New Christians and longtime followers of Jesus alike will find inspiration and practical wisdom for their journey within this book.

Andrew Sullivan, “one of the most influential journalists of the last three decades” (The New York Times) and founding editor of The Daily Dish presents a collection of 60 his most iconic and powerful essays of social and political commentary from The New Republic, The Atlantic, The New York Times Magazine, New York magazine, and more.

In Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by C. I. (Cyrus Ingerson) Scofield, the author describes the distinction between many facts in the scriptures. This rendition is beautifully narrated by Bryan Nyman.

Of John's five New Testament books, these three include a sermon and two personal letters, one of which may have been written to Mary, the mother of our Lord. His Gospel deals with our past: salvation. Revelation deals with our future. John's First Epistle deals with our present: sanctification. It has been called the New Testament sanctum sanctorum. This study contains eight hours of verse-by-verse teachings.

The Book of Enoch: A Complete Guide and Reference is the ultimate reference and guide to the book of 1 Enoch (The Ethiopic Book of Enoch). This guide and reference contains the author's notes and insights on the ancient text, as well as commentary, parallel Bible verses, references to 2 Enoch and 3 Enoch, history, prophecy, and the Calendar of Enoch. The author has included an amazing section on the application of the Calendar of Enoch to the prophecy of Daniel and "Daniel's Week of Years."

“What a delightful, enriching read!” —Rabbi Tzvi Goldstein Step into the world of Rabbi Jacob Kranz, known as the Maggid of Dubno—a beloved storyteller whose parables still echo with timeless wisdom and wit. In this delightful collection, you’ll find 97 stories that bring the teachings of the Torah to life with humor, heart, and unexpected insights. Whether exploring the weekly Torah portion or the lessons of the Jewish holidays, the Maggid's tales make profound truths accessible and relatable. Written in a light, humorous tone, these parables showcase his unique ability to turn ...

We can endure just about anything if we know our future hope is certain. Paul had used a letter to stabilize the Thessalonians concerning their hope of being “caught up,” the enemy then used a forged letter to destabilize them. The truth in this book will comfort our hearts and stabilize our minds. Features: Three steps to understanding the Rapture. The Rapture versus the Second Coming. The difference between prophecy and mystery. Verse-by-verse commentary on First and Second Thessalonians. Why God kept the mystery a secret. Several helpful maps. An abbreviated history of the Paulicians...

Nick Neely chronicles his 650-mile trek on foot from San Diego to San Francisco, following the route of the first overland Spanish expedition into what was soon called Alta California. Led by Gaspar de Portolá in 1769, the expedition sketched a route that would become, in part, the famous El Camino Real. It laid the foundation for the Golden State we know today, a place that remains as mythical and captivating as any in the world.

God loves people, but the people do not love him. He devises a plan, sends his son on earth to redeem the people. To save their souls. The son is an edgy person who moves around Jerusalem like he owns the place. He chooses twelve disciples, gives them power to cast out demons and heal the sick. But one of them, Judas Iscariot, his close friend, connives with the enemies of Jesus to murder him. The plot starts in the garden of Gethsemane...

Between 1927 and 1979, more than 8,000 people were involuntarily sterilized in five hospitals across the state of Virginia. From this plain and terrible fact springs Elizabeth Catte's Pure America, a sweeping, unsparing history of eugenics in Virginia, and by extension the United States.

In January 2012, having covered a Somali pirate trial in Hamburg for Spiegel Online International, Michael Scott Moore traveled to the Horn of Africa to write about piracy and ways to end it. In a terrible twist of fate, Moore himself was kidnapped and subsequently held captive by Somali pirates for 977 days. Yet Moore’s own struggle is only part of the story: The Desert and the Sea falls at the intersection of reportage, memoir, and history.

Mahatma Gandhi took on a challenge to read his Bible. When he reached the book of Leviticus, he gave up. Most people determined to read their Bible give up when they reach this book. In this book, H.K. Holland breaks down the main concepts Moses addressed in the book of Leviticus. He walks you through the sacrifices, the priests, and the meaning of some purity and impurity laws. He shows you how the sacrifices were all pointing to the Great Sacrifice, the Lord Jesus Christ.

A verse by verse commentary on the book of Isaiah (chapters 1-39), taking special care to notice the local circumstances surrounding the writing (the threat of Assyria, the growth of Babylon, the sins of Judah), while allowing the many references to the coming-Christ serve as the sizzle to the steak of the letter.

The Walter Brueggemann Library brings together the wide-ranging and enlivening thought of popular biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann over his storied career. Each volume collects previously published work on a biblical theme that has deeply informed Brueggemann's scholarship.

This second volume on the Gospel of John shows how Jesus dealt with the hostility that began to arise among the religious leaders in regard to various practices of faith and how he didn’t allow their hostility to deter him from his path. In so doing, Christ provided the ultimate example for living in the Father’s name.

N. T. Wright explores Acts, illuminating the early Christians' zeal in spreading Jesus's message. The book of Acts brims with early Christians' zeal, global evangelism, and the real-life challenges faced by churches. It's a dynamic narrative of journeys, trials, and triumphs, offering inspiration for our spiritual journeys. Acts for Everyone, Part 2 follows Paul's ministry, concluding with his arrival in Rome in Acts 28.