Mentor Commentary – serie

The book of Ecclesiastes, part of the wisdom literature of the Bible, can be a perplexing maze to interpret and teach. Full of apparent contradictions and much–debated Hebrew, the theme focuses on the gritty realities of life ‘under the sun’. Richard Belcher approaches this book with the depth and care it needs, presenting solid guidance on the intricacies of interpretation – alongside continual comments on the practicalities of preaching.

New Testament professor Robert J. Cara’s addition to the Mentor Commentary series highlights the timely message of Hebrews to persevere in Christ.Bringing a particularly Reformed viewpoint, Robert J. Cara underscores the presentation of Jesus as the Son and high priest. In a letter written to encourage and exhort the believers, Cara uncovers how the superior person and superior work of Jesus is broadcast loud and clear to draw back hearts tempted to drift from this glorious reality.Cara’s love for studying God’s word shines through this comprehensive and clarifying commentary. He connects God’s word to God’s world and brings each section to a close by culminating with a personal reflection that encourages us to delight in and absorb the glorious truth on display.An essential guide to understanding, enjoying and applying Hebrews; rediscover the supremacy of Christ and respond with rekindled affection.

Leviticus recieved its English title from the Greek Levitikon, which means pertaining to Levites. Probably, Jewish scribes [who called Leviticus the Priest’s Manual] influenced the title in the Tannaitic Period (200 B.C. – 200 A.D.). While the title is appropriate for certain sections it fails to point out that most of the book is directed to all the epeople of Israel. The priesthood of Israel was not meant to be a secret society with mysterious practices known only to them. Sadly, it appears, the book of Leviticus has been retired to a secondary status in the Church today. Christians have largely relegated the punctillious details about such things as sacrifices and purity laws to a bygone era. There, is of course, some good reason for that. While rabinnic commentary teaches that this is the first book of Scripture that Children should learn (age 5), modern readers often view Leviticus as tedious and dull. Reading Leviticus was in the word of a Third century church scholar, like having to eat unfit food. The practices in Leviticus may seem distant and mysterious to the modern western world yet there are fundamental elements in the book of Leviticus that are both universal and relevant to the contemporary scene. What Christian would say that love your neighbour as yourself, the second greatest commandment, should be relegated to the past? Here is one the most oft cited verses in the New Testament Scripture is a commands that first appears in the book of Leviticus. But it doesn’t stop there. Hebrews particularly expounds on Leviticus; it is close to impossible to comprehend parts of Hebrews without reference to Leviticus. This can be said with regard to passages in the gospel as well.

Through these fascinating Old Testament books, Ezra and Nehemiah you will discover a God who is in control of history and the hearts of his people. It is a real encouragement to be reminded how Yahweh can even work through the lives of secular leaders, just as he did with the Persian Kings, Cyrus and Artaxerxes.

Psalms 1 to 72 Psalms contain the praises of the people. This is the people of Israel's creed. But more than that, they display historical accounts which demonstrate how the people are to put their trust in God. They display the character of God who is majestic, compassionate and our Creator God. Mentor Commentaries retains a high view of Scripture whilst interacting with other research from different theological viewpoints.

Ezekiel was a prophet during the dark days of the exile of his people in Babylon, both before and after the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. Speaking to a people who had lost everything, Ezekiel nevertheless had the difficult task of making Judah aware of their rebellion against God – and of its consequences. Through all the unusual and confusing turns of Ezekiel’s account, John L. Mackay provides a scholarly treatment of the Old Testament prophet, without losing a sense of reverence and devotion towards the God Ezekiel served. Offering great depths of exegesis and great warmth of pastoral insight, these two exhaustive volumes are aimed at the pastor and student.

There are many academic commentaries, but very few hold to an inerrant view of Scripture as Mentor commentaries do. This series of expositions of Scripture successful refute wilder departures from orthodoxy whilst appreciating and learning from latest theological research. This expanding series includes commentaries on the Old and New Testament.Isaiah is a book of literary, historical, theological and ecclesial riches. Paul R.House contends that Isaiah wrote the whole book during his long ministry.Predicts the coming of the Messiah. Strives to treat Isaiah as a prophetic book, as a work that highlights major themes such as creation, sin in its many manifestations (e.g. covenant breaking), proper ethical behaviour, approaching judgement often described as ‘the day of Yahweh’, and renewal effected by Yahweh’s redeeming work. Yahweh displays indomitable determination to redeem in Isaiah. The creator will redeem his people. He will give them a permanent home in a new heavens and earth, a perfect Zion, and a safe place. The redeemedwill come from many nations, and theywill serve him in their lifetimes and beyond. Sin and death cannot stop this plan. All Yahweh’s covenants will be kept, the dead shall rise, justice will prevail, and the Davidic messiah will play the key role in this inexorable victory.

Christians throughout the centuries have loved Paul's letter to the Philippians for its call to rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ regardless of life's circumstances. But our familiarity with the letter can cause us to neglect or overlook Paul's message to the Philippians. Dr Matthew Harmon in this uplifting and inspiring work brings context and application to this wonderful book.Matthew Harmons excellent commentary on Philippians secured The Gospel Coalition Book of the Year 2015 (Bible and Theology Category).

The escalating growth of our technological knowledge in the last century has been nothing short of breathtaking – but has it rendered us wiser? Or godlier?  We have lost something priceless, and seem to be trying to replace it with more and more ‘information’. We need wisdom! Communications technology leaves us no rest to work things out: mostly we just react, and worry, and fail – and react again. We make business decisions; ethical decisions; relationship decisions; against a continuously moving landscape that doesn’t allow them to be satisfying… consistent… dependable.  To cope we must have wisdom! There is no better starting point than the Book of Proverbs. Its purpose is to impart wisdom to those who want it. From its pages God promises to set us on ‘The path of life’ (Prov. 15:24).  ‘You don’t understand! I don’t have time!  ‘You do…because, after years of painstaking study, John Kitchen has produced a work that is authoritative, comprehensive and insightful. He examines the chronology, authorship, composition, structure and context of Proverbs and does the hard work of providing cross–references alerting the reader to rich veins running beneath the surface of Proverbs and other Biblical books.  You want wisdom to help run your life? Think you are running out of time? Then this is a priceless, timeless book that will reward your investment as you seek to gain wisdom, rather than knowledge.