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| Expository Thoughts on Luke: Volume 1 (1858, 1986) by J.C. Ryle |
Bishop Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels complete set is not like academic (yet informative), critical (yet serious), or comprehensive (yet concise) Bible commentaries. If I was to categorize it, I would put them under 'light devotional commentaries.' Initially, they were written especially for his local congregation to get acquainted with the gospel narratives and as a great stimulus to the reading of the Bible in general. Then about a century later after the first publication, they become very popular and read by many people around the world. Luke Volume 1 covers chapters 1 to 10. Each chapter is divided into short portions of Scripture which usually have three observations with practical insights for Christian living and believing.
I have read two volumes of Matthew and Mark. The obvious difference between this volume from the two is that there are extra explanatory notes in each portion of Scripture expounded. The last part of Ryle's preface for this volume written in August 1858 (that was 165 years ago!) is worth reminding: "I have a strong conviction that we want more reverent, a deep-searching study of the Scripture in the present day. Most Christians see nothing beyond the surface of the Bible when they read it. We want a more clear knowledge of Christ, as a living Person, a living Priest, a living Physician, a living Friend, a living Advocate at the right hand of God, and a living Savior soon about to come again. Most Christians know little of Christianity but only skeletons of doctrines... If I can do anything to make Christ and the Bible more honorable in these latter days, I shall be truly thankful and content."
Ryle observed the same problem and had the same concern and desire as I have today although my knowledge, capacity, influence, sacrifice, humility, faithfulness, and holiness are far behind his'. This is probably why I admire the men and women of God of the past. In their imperfection, they show great devotion to Christ. If you want to grow, you need to have role models that are better than you. Find one or two and study them and their writings or writings about them. For me, John C. Ryle is on the list.
Read my other book reviews by J.C. Ryle, CLICK HERE
#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ExpositoryThoughtsOnLuke #PreachTheWord #JCRyle #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain
THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.
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