Bible Characters for Your Weekly Bible Study s1

Weekly Bible Study Resources Bible Characters for Your Weekly Bible Study

Compiled by Lt Gen C. Norman Wood, USAF (Ret), Burke, VA 22015

For week of April 25 – May 1, 2011

SUBJECT: EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT

Knott, Mrs. Annie MacMillan (CSD, Lecturer, Assistant Editor, Associate Editor, Trustee, Bible Lesson Committee, and Director), "'Everlasting Punishment,'" EDITORIAL, Sentinel, Vol. 19 (25 November 1916), p. 251.

--The Master himself was responsible for the term "everlasting punishment," but as it appears in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew we find in close connection therewith a promise of eternal life, and this does not mean an endless duration of misery but eternal unfoldment of the true consciousness of Life. --The student of Christian Science soon learns that with the true understanding of cause and effect he must constantly keep in view divine realty, proceeding from God and giving eternal life to man as His idea, and at the same time he must remember the words of Scripture, "Whatsover a man soweth, that shall he also reap." --The one enlightened by spiritual understanding rises above the dreary belief in the everlasting punishment which comes from day to day because of ignorance of divine law or disobedience thereto, and instead finds in the Scriptures the Master’s glorious promise of everlasting life, which are echoed by the apostles one after another, and thus one gains new strength and courage each day to lay hold upon all that divine Love so freely provides for us.

SECTION I: King Manasseh of Judah brings back idolatry, and repents while a captive in Babylon (II Chron 33: 1, 2, 6 [to 2nd :], 7, 9, 10, 12, 13) RELATED SCRIPTURE: Lev 18: 21; 20: 2-5; Deut 18: 10; II Kings 21: 1-18; 23: 25, 26; Ps 106: 37 TIME LINE AND AUTHOR: "Jewish tradition strongly favors Ezra the priest…as 'the chronicler'. These records were most likely recorded c. 450-430 B.C." (MacArthur Bible Commentary) The event took place 695-642 BC.

“Manasseh, who is historically regarded as having been an exceptionally skilful ruler, remained on David’s throne [was a direct descendent of David] longer than any other king, for 55 years.” (Oxford Bible Dictionary)

“It is appropriate to divide the treatment of Manasseh into two parts because of the extraordinary transformation of his character which is described. In II Kings Manasseh is the paradigm wicked king, the sins of whose reign were so great that no subsequent amendment could prevent divine punishment (II Kings 23:25,26). There is no hint in that account that Manasseh changed his ways. In Chronicles, however…a remarkable change took place.” (Eerdmans Commentary)

"This valley [v.6 of the son of Hinnon] to the south and east of the temple was where the worship of Molech involved burning children to death (Ps 106:37). This was forbidden in Leviticus 18:21; 20: 2-5; Deuteronomy 18:10." (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 1 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 "This king was very wicked and idolatrous, a murderer of his children, and a desecrater of the temple [v.13 Manasseh knew]. God graciously forgave this 'chief of sinners' (cf. I Tim 1:15) when he repented." (Ibid)

King Manasseh of Judah [Muh nass’uh] (“causing to forget”)

(Abbreviated) The only son and successor of Hezekiah on the throne of Judah. He was twelve years old when he began to reign ( II Kings 21:1), and he reigned fifty-five years (B.C. 698-643). Though he reigned so long, yet comparatively little is known of this king. His reign was a continuation of that of Ahaz (his grandfather), both in religion and national polity. He early fell under the influence of the heathen court circle, and his reign was characterized by a sad relapse into idolatry with all its vices, showing that the reformation under his father had been to a large extent only superficial (Isaiah 7:10; II Kings 21:10-15). A systematic and persistent attempt was made, and all too successfully, to banish the worship of Jehovah out of the land. Amid this wide-spread idolatry there were not wanting, however, faithful prophets (Isaiah, Micah) who lifted up their voice in reproof and in warning. But their fidelity only aroused bitter hatred, and a period of cruel persecution against all the friends of the old religion began. There is an old Jewish tradition that Isaiah was put to death at this time ( II Kings 21:16; 24:3,4; Jeremiah 2:30), having been sawn asunder in the trunk of a tree. Psalms 49,73,77,140, and 141 seem to express the feelings of the pious amid the fiery trials of this great persecution. Manasseh has been called the "Nero of Palestine."

“Chronicles includes a fascinating account of exile and repentance. 2 Chr. 33 asserts that Yahweh was so angry with Manasseh that he was given over to the Assyrians and taken captive to Babylon.” (Eerdmans Dictionary)….

The severity of Manasseh's imprisonment brought him to repentance. God heard his cry, and he was restored to his kingdom ( II Chronicles 33:11-13). He abandoned his idolatrous ways, and enjoined the people to worship Jehovah; but there was no thorough reformation. [Note: HarperCollins Dictionary takes a different view: "The story of Manasseh's repentance in 2 Chron. 33:10-16 is evidently historical fiction, for, if true, it obviates the need for the reform of King Josiah (2 Kings 22- 23; 2 Chron 34-35)."]….

“wizards”

“Divination by means of communication with the spirit of the dead (necromancy) was known and practiced in the ancient Near East.” (Interpreters Dictionary)

A wizard was "a professed possessor of supernatural knowledge derived, in the form of wizardry referred to in the Bible, from the pretended ability to converse with the spirits of the dead." (Westminster Dictionary of the Bible)

"Interpreters are uncertain about the precise understanding of the term…in the OT….Most interpreters simply admit the ambiguity of the term and acknowledge that it refers to several different but related objects—a ritual pit used by a necromancer, a spirit called up by a necromancer, and/or the necromancer himself or herself (cf. I Sam 28)." (Anchor Bible Dictionary)

"In the OT necromancy and other mantic arts were strongly polemized and listed among the abhorrent practices of…nations." (Eerdmans Dictionary) Howe, Marion Stuart, “Babylon (The Gate of God),” POEM, Sentinel, Vol. 32 (31 May 1930), p. 769.

CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 2 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 Oh, weary ones who sit by rivers full of memories past, Your gladness fled, your hopes seem dead, your tears are flowing fast, Why is it that your harps are mute, on weeping willows hung? Why is it that you cannot sing the songs you oft have sung?

No strange unfriendly land is here, His children God will keep, Be with you on the mountain top, or in the valley deep. Your home is Zion city fair, your Father’s kingdom here; Your songs of grateful praises they will free from doubt or fear.

No yesterday in Love has been that is not now, to-day; The thorn road must be traveled, but ‘twill blossom all the way. For Love is there before us, at the end the vision won, And the Father’s voice to greet us, My child, it is well done.

So lift your eyes and see the light, and hear the message sweet, That bids you rise in Spirit strong, and walk with willing feet The path that leads you Zion-wards, your home of love and peace, And all the way make melody, with songs that never cease.

“Extracts from the History of the Reformation,” Journal, Vol. 11 (September 1893), p. 262.

--THE following extracts from "D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation " may not be uninteresting to Scientists. Speaking of Luther while yet a monk in the cloister, our historian says: — --In one of his discourses at Wittenberg, Luther, preaching from the text "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," said: — --All the sons of Adam are idolators, and guilty of violating this first Commandment. • There are two kinds of idolatry, the one without, the other within. The one without is, when man worships wood and stone, beasts and stars. The one within is, when man, fearing punishment or seeking his ease, does not give worship to the creature, but loves it internally, and confides in it. --Luther afterwards directs his discourse against the superstitions with which Christendom then abounded, against signs and mysterious characters, observations of certain days and certain months, familiar demons, ghosts, the influence of the stars and wizards, metamorphoses, the patronage of saints, etc. He attacks these idols one after another, and vigorously casts down these false gods.

“Under a Spell?,” Monitor (15 January 1998), p. 17.

--The belief in dark or hidden powers has confronted each generation anew. • Mystical spells, necromancy, hypnotism, occultism, horoscopy, astrology, witchcraft, reincarnation, spiritualism, and theosophy all involve ancient arts and beliefs. ---Perhaps the question we should ask is not so much “how?” or “why?” but “what?” • What perpetuates these practices? And can we keep ourselves from being harmed by them? --Yes, by calling on the power of God. • The power of God is good, and it is infinite. ---This renders any other so-called power null and void. --The Christian Science textbook says, “Mankind must learn that evil is not power” (Mary Baker Eddy, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Pg. 102).

SECTION II: The rebellion and return of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-20) RELATED SCRIPTURE: Gen 4: 1-16; Gen 16; Gen 21; Gen 25-27; Gen 37; Acts 17: 28 TIME LINE: The last months of Jesus’ ministry, 30 AD.

CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 3 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 "This might be called the pearl and crown of all parables of Scripture; one containing within itself such a circle of doctrine as abundantly to justify the title sometimes given it of Evangelium in Evangelio, The Gospel within the Gospel." (Trench Notes on a Parable) “The parable of the dissolute, sinful son, is related both to other Bible stories, for example, that of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-36) and of Joseph and his older brothers (Genesis 37-50), and to stories in the Greco-Roman tradition, for example, to the one told by Terence, The Brothers….As Jesus told it, the story was a parabolic metaphor that breaks through and contradicts domestic order.” (Eerdmans Commentary)

The “prodigal son” was the younger son, who wastes his inheritance in Jesus’ parable in Luke. He experiences his father’s forgiveness while his dutiful older brother protests the father’s actions. This parable declares God’s welcome to the outcasts and, by implication, the Gentiles, and the recalcitrant attitude of the Jews. “Its significance has been variously assessed, depending upon which character is thought to be the central means of giving expression to it.” (Oxford Commentary)

"To the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin Luke joins the story of the lost son. Traditionally called the parable of the prodigal son, the story displays mastery of this figure of speech." (Peake's Commentary) “This parable…is intended to show what joy there is in heaven at the conversion of sinners, and, therefore, how wrong the Pharisees were to murmur, because [Jesus] consorted with sinners to convert them. The father is God; the elder son is just persons, or rather those who think themselves and are thought by others to be such, here, in particular, the Pharisees…. The younger son is all penitent sinners, here, in particular, the publicans and sinners of vv. 1, 2. The portion of goods [v.12] is the whole of a man’s faculties and powers, which he ought to exercise and enjoy in his father’s house, i.e. in dependence upon God and in His service, but which the prodigal son demands to have under his own control, to use according to his own pleasure. The lack of love and apostasy of heart shown in this demand is soon followed by apostasy of life, for not many days after (v.13), he gathers all together, i.e. deliberately resolves to devote his whole fortune and all his powers to the pursuit of pleasure, and journeys into a far country, i.e. into the world of sin where God is not, or rather where he is forgotten, and wastes his substance in riotous living, i.e. throws off even the semblance of piety and responsibility, and ruins not only his soul, but his health and fortune in extravagance and debauchery.” (Dummelow Commentary)

He began to be in want, v. 14: A state of want is likely something this young man had never before experienced as it appears he had been born into a well-to-do family.

“This self-centered life is not his true self, and the young man realizes it.” [when he came to himself, v.17] (People’s NT Commentary)

“Clearly, the father had been waiting and looking for his son’s return [his father saw him coming, v.20].” (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

"a certain man had two sons"

“In the setting of Jesus’ ministry the story is a this-worldly secular story of family life, but it is clear that Luke understands the father to represent God….” (Theological Bible Commentary)

“The father’s part pictures God’s love for lost sinners. He is kind, waits for the son, goes to meet him, perhaps to save him the deserved punishment he might have received from others for disgracing his family and village, and forgets his past life.” (King James Bible Commentary)

“the younger of them” CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 4 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011

The younger son “is often the favored one in biblical stories (see Cain and Abel [Gen 4:1-16]; Ishmael and Isaac [Gen 16:21]; Jacob and Esau [Gen 25-27]; Joseph and his older brothers (Gen 37]).” (Peoples NT Commentary)

"PRODIGAL SON [is a] popular term used to identify Jesus' parable in Luke 15:11-32. English translations do not use the term prodigal meaning, 'reckless' or "wasteful,' though they speak of the younger son's wasting or squandering his property (15:13)." (Holman Bible Dictionary)

“According to Jewish custom, a younger son received one-third of the inheritance.” (HarperCollins Bible Commentary) "The portion [he requested], according to the Jewish law, would be the half of what the elder brother would receive (Deut. xxi.17)." (Trench Notes on the Parables)

"Some interpreters have seen this story principally as a story of repentance and restoration for the younger son who left home." (Mysteries of the Bible)

“Sensualism has no power to overpower you,” Monitor (4 November 1988), p. 19.

--Have you ever noticed what this story [the prodigal son] defines as the intent of sin? • If you’ve ever needed to talk about moral issues with a young person, a friend, a spouse, (or a parent for that matter), have you ever clearly said that the intent of sin is sorrow and death—the death of love; the death of all that is satisfying and meaningful; the death of dignity, integrity, self-esteem; the death of life itself? --The fact is, each of us possesses a spiritual nature that, once discovered, fills our life with a richness no material circumstance can match. • We’re free to discover our spiritual individuality at any time. ---It’s who we really are, because God created man, as the pure, satisfied reflection of His nature.

Lockwood, Ida Nelson, “The Father of the Prodigal Son,” Sentinel, Vol. 31 (3 August 1929), p. 963.

--In…human experiences it is not unusual for the parent to suffer far more keenly than does the child. • Here we find the father patiently permitting the son to choose his own course and learn for himself that good can never be found in evil. ---Then we find him tenderly expecting and awaiting the return of the wayward one. • There was no note of disappointment, anger, resentment, hardness, or despair on the part of the father. --This parable reveals that it is not inevitable that the father suffer with the child; moreover, it implies that the attitude of the father is instrumental in bringing the child back to a wholesome state of right thinking. --We cannot always immediately and entirely heal a situation that involves another, but we can and should always master it in so far as it claims to disturb our own harmony.

Reynolds, Mary C., “The Prodigal Son’s Return,” POEM, Journal, Vol. 63 (March 1945), p. 143.

I have come home again unto my Father’s house—at last Returned to be a son! I have repented of the past— The squandered years, the paltry husks of joys meant but for swine; And now I humbly come to claim the glory that is mine.

I have come home, O Father, for the dream of sinful sense Has vanished at the healing touch of Mind’s omnipotence. Thine all-enfolding love I feel; I am at peace once more; CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 5 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 And clad in robes of righteousness I worship and adore.

I have come home—come home again! And it is heaven indeed To see the radiant light of Truth, on bread of Life to feed. I drop the burden of the past, for I can hear Love say, “Rejoice, O son, for in my sight you have not been away!”

“When we feel our life has been wasted,” Sentinel, Vol. 93 (28 January 1991), p. 7. [Reprinted from The Christian Science Monitor]

--“I realize now my life has been wasted,” a friend tearfully told me. --He grieved that he’d spent his whole life accumulating money, instead of pursuing a genuine talent he had in art. • And now, facing the twilight of his life, he despaired. --So many people have desperate lives, without any real light or hope. --Do you feel that your life is basically over or that it has been a waste so far? • Today a new life can begin for anyone willing to discover who he or she really is. ---What have you got to lose but the sorrow and misery that material life gives? • And what have you got to gain but the joy and goodness that are rightfully yours as a child of God?

SECTION VI: Jesus heals the “man…which had an infirmity” at the pool of Bethesda (John 5: 2, 5, 6, 8 Rise, 9 [to :], 14) TIME LINE: The Year of Popularity and Fundamental Principles (Jesus’ 2nd year of ministry), in Jerusalem, March, 28 AD.

“a certain man…which had an infirmity”

“The scene shifts back again to Jerusalem (5:1), and we enter a new period of Jesus’ ministry. Although a Jewish festival is mentioned, it is not specified which is in mind, nor that its attendance was the primary purpose of Jesus’ return to the city. Instead the reader later discovers that the focus of the whole passage lies on the Sabbath rather than on any particular feast.” (Eerdmans Commentary)

In v.2 the reference to the sheep market is "most likely…to the gate [rather than a market] identified in Nehemiah 3:1,32; 12:39. It was a small opening in the north wall of the city, just west of the northeast corner." (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

“v.3, the Greek xē roi designates those who have malformed limbs, or who are ‘paralysed’, whereas chō loi are those who are lame (in one foot or both feet).” (Oxford Bible Commentary) "John included the figure [thirty-eight years, v.5] to emphasize the gravity of the debilitating disease that afflicted the individual." (MacArthur Bible Commentary))

“Jesus takes the initiative and speaks first [Wilt thou be made whole, v.6]; the sovereign Jesus… acts unilaterally.” (People’s NT Commentary)

“Jesus’ admonition [Rise, take up thy bed, and walk, v.8] is nearly identical with that of Mk 2:9,11, one of the many indications that the author of the Fourth Gospel had a direct knowledge of Mark.” (Oxford Bible Commentary)

Immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked, v. 9a. “Obedience brought complete and instantaneous healing.” (King James Bible Commentary)

CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 6 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 “The man’s problem getting into the pool in time (v.7) was explained by the addition of v.4 in earlier manuscripts. Typically, Jesus does not deal with that problem at all, but gives a sharp command (v.8; cf. Mark 2: 9,11).” (HarperCollins Bible Commentary)

“This miracle may be regarded as a parable illustrating the deadly effects of sin, and the power of the Saviour to deal with the most hopeless cases. This poor man in his youth had shattered his nervous system by a life of sensual indulgence (v. 14) and had lain for thirty-eight years a hopeless paralytic (v. 5). This being an extreme case, the usual order of Christ’s miracles is reversed. Instead of being wrought as a reward of faith (see v. 13), the miracle is wrought to produce faith. The man was too much broken down in mind and body to believe, until some signal mercy had been vouchsafed to him. The mercy was vouchsafed, and repentance and faith followed (v. 14).” (Dummelow Commentary)

Newton, Maude de Verse, “Bethesda Pool,” POEM, (28 October 1933), p. 168.

Many seasons beside the pool I sought the troubled waters first in line, But ever as I strove to go Another’s step was swifter than was mine.

Bowed in spirit I lay and wept, When softly through my blinding grief there came The kindest voice men ever heard, And he who spake was Jesus called by name….

Looked he within my very soul, And wetly then as balm of Gilead I felt such wondrous, healing grace As left me purged and humbled as a lad.

Countless questions men asked of me, But scarcely could I utter what befell; Behold me clean and strong and true— That man of God the truth of it can tell.

Wiegand, Kathleen J (CS; O’Fallon, MO)., “’Wilt thou be made whole,’” Journal, Vol. 115 (June 1997), p. 24.

--When Christ Jesus encountered a man with “an infirmity” at the pool of Bethesda, he asked, “Wilt thou be made whole?” [John 5:5,6] • This question might see startling in view of the man’s physical condition and the duration of it, which the Bible tells us was thirty-eight years. ---Under such circumstances, who wouldn’t want to be made whole? • Yet instead of giving an affirmative reply to Jesus’ question, the man told the Master why he hadn’t been healed. --Jesus clearly recognized only one creation, the spiritual. --The rewards of laying aside all that is unlike God are unspeakably beautiful and lasting. • Who doesn’t yearn to know the wholeness of joy, harmony, assurance, peace, health—the kingdom of heaven?

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 7 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 Bible Translations

King James Version (KJV). Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK, 1611 (1955 ed.)

Metzger, Bruce M. and Roland E. Murphy (eds.), The New Oxford Annotated Bible (NRSV). Oxford University Press: New York, NY, 1991.

Moffatt, James, A New Translation of the Bible. Harper & Brothers Publishers: New York, NY, 1922 (1954 ed.)

New English Bible, The (NEB). Oxford University Press: New York, NY, 1961 (1972 ed.).

New International Version (NIV): Student Bible. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 1986 (2002 ed.).

Schuller, Robert H. (ex.ed.), Possibility Thinkers Bible: The New King James Version (NKJV). Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nashville, TN, 1984.

Scofield, Rev. C.I., D.D., The Scofield Reference Bible (KJV). Oxford University Press: New York, NY, 1909 (1945 ed.)

Thompson, Frank Charles (ed.), The New Chain-Reference Bible (KJV). B.B. Kirkbride Bible Co: Indianapolis, IN, 1964.

Today’s Parallel Bible (KJV, NIV, NASB, NLT). Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 2000.

Bible Paraphrased Interpretations

Peterson, Eugene H., The Message. NavPress: Colorado Springs, CO, 1993 (2002 ed.)

Phillips, J.B., The New Testament in Modern English. Macmillan Publishing Co.: New York, NY, 1958 (1973 edition). Commentaries

Achtemeier, Elizabeth., Nahum--Malachi: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1986.

Achtemeier, Paul J., Romans: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1985.

Barton, John and John Muddiman (ed.), The Oxford Bible Commentary. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK, 2001.

Bechtel, Carol M., Esther: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2002.

Best, Ernest, II Corinthians: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1987.

Black, Matthew and H.H. Rowley (eds.), Peake’s Commentary on the Bible. Van Nostrand Reinhold (UK) Co., Ltd: London, ENG, 1962.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph, Ezekiel: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1990. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 8 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011

Boring, M. Eugene, Revelation: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1989.

Boring, M. Eugene and Fred B. Craddock, The People's New Testament Commentary. Westminster John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2004.

Brueggemann, Walter, First and Second Samuel: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1990.

______, Genesis: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1982.

Buttrick, George Arthur (comm.ed., et al), The Interpreter’s Bible. Abingdon Press: New York, NY, 1953.

Clements, R.E., Jeremiah: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1988.

Cousar, Charles B., Galatians: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1982.

Craddock, Fred B., Luke: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1990.

______, Philippians: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1985.

Creach, Jerome F.D., Joshua: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2003.

Davies, G. Henton, et.al. (ed.), The Twentieth Century Bible Commentary. Harper & Brothers, Publisher: New York, NY, 1932 (1955 ed.)

Dobson, Edward G. (cont. et al), King James Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nashville, TN, 1999.

Dobbs-Alsop, F.W., Lamentations: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2002.

Dummelow, The Rev J.R. (ed.), A Commentary on the Holy Bible. MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc: New York, NY, 1908 (1975 ed.).

Dunn, James D.G. (gen.ed.), Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.: Grand Rapids, MI, 2003.

Eiselen, Frederick C. (ed.), The Abingdon Bible Commentary. Abingdon Press: New York, NY, 1929.

Fretheim, Terence E., Exodus: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1991.

Gaventa, Beverly Roberts, First and Second Thessalonians: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1998. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 9 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011

Gore, Charles, Henry Leighton Goude, and Alfred Guillaume (eds.), A New Commentary on Holy Scripture. The Macmillan Company: New York, NY, 1928.

Hare, Douglas R.A., Matthew: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1993.

Hays, Richard B., I Corinthians: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1997.

Henry, Matthew, Commentary on the Holy Bible (in six volumes), 1706. Reprinted by MacDonald Publishing Co.: McLean, VA.

Jenson, Robert W., Song of Songs: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2005.

Laymon, Charles M. (ed.), The Interpreter’s One-volume Commentary on the Bible. Abingdon Press: Nashville, TN, 1971.

Limburg, James, Hosea--Micah: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1998.

Long, Thomas G., Hebrews: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1997.

May, James L., Psalms: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1994.

McCann, J. Clinton., Judges: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2002.

Miller, Patrick D., Deuteronomy: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1990.

Nickelson, Ronald L. (ed.), KJV Standard Lesson Commentary: International Sunday School Lessons, 2007-2008. Standard Publishing: Cincinnati, OH, 2007.

MacArthur, John, The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nashville, TN, 2005.

Martin, Ralph P., Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1991.

Matera, Frank J., II Corinthians: The New Testament Library. Westminster John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2003.

Mays, James L. (gen ed.), HarperCollins Bible Commentary. Harper: San Francisco, CA, 2000.

McKenna, Megan, On Your Mark. Orbis Books: Maryknoll, NY, 2006.

Nelson, Richard., First and Second Kings: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1987.

CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 10 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 Newsom, Carol A. and Sharon H. Ringe (eds.), Women’s Bible Commentary. Westminster John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1998.

O’Day, Gail R. and David L. Petersen (eds.), Theological Bible Commentary. Westminster John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2009..

Oden, Thomas C., First and Second Timothy and Titus: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1989.

Olson, Dennis T., Numbers: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1996.

Perdue, Leo G., Proverbs: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2000.

Perkins, Pheme, First and Second Peter, James, and Jude: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1995.

Sakenfeld, Katherine Doob, Ruth: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1999.

Seitz, Christopher R., Isaiah 1-39: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1993.

Sloyan, Gerard S, John: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1988.

Smith, D. Moody, First, Second, and Third John: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1991.

Throntveit, Mark A., Ezra-Nehemiah: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1992.

Towner, W. Sibley, Daniel: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1984.

Tuell, Steven S., First and Second Chronicles: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2001.

Weiser, Artur, The Psalms: The Old Testament Library. Westminster Press: Philadelphia, PA, 1962.

Whiston, William (tr.), Josephus: The Complete Works. Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nashville, TN, 1998 (reprinted). [100 AD]

Williamson, Lamar, Jr., Mark: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1983.

Willimon, William H., Acts: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 1988.

Dictionaries

Achtemeier, Paul J. (ed.), The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. Harper: San Francisco, 1996. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 11 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011

Brownrigg, Ronald, Who’s Who in the Bible. The New Testament. Bonanza Books: New York, NY, 1980.

Beebe, Mary Jo; Olene E. Carroll, and Nancy H. Fischer, New Testament Healings: Peter, Paul, and Friends. General Publications Bible Products, CSPS: Boston, MA, 2003.

Butler, Trent C., Ph.D. (gen.ed.), Holmon Bible Dictionary. Holman Bible Publishers: Nashville, TN, 1991.

Buttrick, George Arthur (ed.), The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (in four volumes). Abingdon Press: Nashville, TN, 1962.

Comay, Joan, Who’s Who in the Bible: The Old Testament. Bonanza Books: New York, NY, 1980.

Evans, Craig A. & Stanley E. Porter (eds.), Dictionary of New Testament Background. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, IL, 2000.

Freedman, David Noel (editor-in-chief), The Anchor Bible Dictionary. Doubleday: New York, NY, 1992.

______, Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, MI, 2000.

Gehman, Henry Snyder (ed.), The New Westminster Dictionary of the Bible. The Westminster Press: Philadelphia, PA, 1970.

Green, Joel B. and Scot McKnight (eds.), Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, IL, 1992.

Jacobus, Melancthon, D.D,, et.al (eds.), Funk and Wagnalls New Standrad Bible Dictionary. Funk and Wagnalls Co.: New York, NY, 1936 (Third Revised Ed.)

Losch, Richard R., All the People in the Bible. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.: Grand Rapids, MI, 2008.

Metzger, Bruce and Michael D. Coogan (eds.), The Oxford Guide to Ideas & Issues of the Bible. Oxford University Press: New York, NY, 2001.

______, The Oxford Guide to People & Places of the Bible. Oxford University Press: New York, NY, 2001.

Meyers, Carol (gen.ed.), Women in Scripture. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.: Grand Rapids, MI, 2001.

Peloubet, F.N., Peloubet’s Bible Dictionary. The John C. Winston Co: Philadelphia, PA, 1947.

Smith, William, LLD, A Dictionary of the Bible. American Baptist Publication Society: Philadelphia, PA, 1893.

Who Was Who in the Bible. Thomas Nelson: Nashville, TN, 1999. www.crosswalk.com, Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 12 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011 www.crosswalk.com, Easton’s Bible Dictionary.

Handbooks

Blair, Edward P., Abingdon Bible Handbook. Abingdon Press: Nashville, TN, 1975.

Bowker, John (ed.), The Complete Bible Handbook. DK Publishing, Inc: London, UK, 1998.

Halley, Henry H., Halley’s Bible Handbook. Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapid, MI, 1927 (1965 ed.)

Unger, Merrill F., Unger’s Bible Handbook. Moody Press: Chicago, IL, 1967.

Atlases, Maps, and Geography

DeVries, LaMoine F., Cities of the Biblical World. Hendrickson Publishers: Peabody, MA, 1997 (2nd Printing Aug 1998).

Frank, Harry Thomas (ed.), Atlas of the Bible Lands. Hammond Inc.: Maplewood, NJ, 1990.

Isbouts, Jean-Pierre, The Biblical World: an illustrated atlas. National Geographic: Washington, DC, 2007.

Nelson’s Complete Book of Maps & Charts. Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nashville, TV, 1996.

Then and Now Bible Map Book. Rose Publishing: Torrance, CA, 1997.

Webster’s Geographical Dictionary. G. & C. Merriam co.: Springfield, MA, 1949 (1963 ed.).

Whitney, Rev. George H., D.D., Hand-Book of Bible Geography. Phillips & Hunt: New York, NY, 1879.

Wright, Paul H., Holmon Quick Source Bible Atlas. Holmon Bible Publishers: Nashville, TN, 2005.

Time Lines

Bible Time-Line. Christian Science Publishing Society: Boston, MA, 1993.

Bible Time Line. Rose Publishing Inc.: Torrance, CA, 2001.

Grun, Bernard, The Timetables of History. Simon & Schuster: New York, NY, 1975 (3rd ed.)

Miscellaneous

Andruss, Bessie Edmond, Bible Stories as Told To Very Little Children. Coward-McCann, Inc.: New York, NY, 1937.

Asimov, Isaac, Asimov’s Guide to the Bible: Two Volumes in One. Wings Books: New York, NY, 1969.

Baker, Mark (ed.), The Baker Encyclopedia of Bible People. Baker Books: Grand Rapids, MI, 2006. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 13 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011

Barber, Wayne, Eddie Rasnake, and Richard Shepherd, Following God: Learning Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book One. AMG Publishers: Chattanooga, TN, 2006 (13th printing)

Beebe, Mary Jo; Olene E. Carroll, and Nancy H. Fischer, Jesus’ Healings, Part 1. General Publications Bible Products, CSPS: Boston, MA, 2002

______, Jesus’ Healings, Part 2. General Publications Bible Products, CSPS: Boston, MA, 2002.

______, Jesus’ Healings, Part 3. General Publications Bible Products, CSPS: Boston, MA, 2002.

Begbie, Harold (ed.), The Children's Story Bible. The Grolier Society: New York, NY, 1948. Bible Through the Ages, The. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.: Pleasantville, NY, 1996.

Children's Bible, The. Golden Press: New York, NY, 1965.

Click, E. Dale, The Inner Circle. CSS Publishing Company, Inc.: Lima, OH, 2000.

Crossan, John Dominic, The Birth of Christianity. HarperCollins Publishing: San Francisco, CA, 1998.

Deem, Edith, All of the Women of the Bible. HarperCollins: San Francisco, CA, 1955.

Dewey, David, A User's Guide to Bible Translations. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, IL, 2004.

Essex, Barbara J., Bad Boys of the New Testament. The Pilgrim Press: Cleveland, OH, 2005.

Feiler, Bruce, Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths. William Morrow (HarperCollins Publishers Inc): New York, NY, 2002.

Getty-Sullivan, Mary Ann, Women in the New Testament. The Liturgical Press: Collegeville, MN, 2001.

Great People of the Bible and How They Lived. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.: Pleasantville, NY, 1974 (3rd Printing).

Guignebert, Charles, The Jewish World in the Time of Jesus. University Books: New Hyde Park, NY, 1959.

Haag, Herbert and Dorothee Soelle et.al., Great Couples of the Bible. Fortress Press: Minneapolis, MN, 2004 (English Translation, 2006)

Hill, Craig C., Hellenists and Hebrews. Fortress Press: Minneapolis, MN, 1992.

Howell, James C., The Beatitudes for Today. Westminster John Knox Press: Louisville, KY, 2006.

Kee, Howard Clark, et al, The Cambridge Companion to the Bible. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK, 1997.

Keller, Werner, The Bible as History. William Morrow and Co.: New York, NY, 1964 (revised).

Kirsch, Jonathan, The Harlot by the Side of the Road: Forbidden Tales of the Bible. Ballantine Books: New York, NY, 1997. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 14 Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — April 25 – May 1, 2011

Landis, Benson Y., An Outline of the Bible Book by Book. Barnes & Noble Books: New York, NY, 1963.

Lockyer, Herbert, All the Women of the Bible. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 1967.

McBirnie, William Steuart, Ph.D., The Search for the Twelve Apostles. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.: Carol Stream, IL, 1973.

Miller, Madeleine S. and J. Lane, Harper’s Encyclopedia of Bible Life. Harper & Row Publishers: San Francisco, CA, 1978.

Murphy, Kathleen, The Women of the Passion. Liguori Publications: Liguori, MO, 2005.

Mysteries of the Bible. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.: Pleasantville, NY, 1988.

Saldarini, Anthony J., Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees in Palestinian Society. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co: Grand Rapids, MI, 2001.

Schmithals, Walter, The Office of the Apostle in the Early Church. Abingdon Press: Nashville, TN, 1969.

Smith, Wilbur M., D.D. (ed.), Peloubet’s Select Notes on the International Sunday School Lessons. W.A. Wilde Co.: Boston, MA, 1943.

Snipes, Joan Koelle, Bible Study for Children. Bible Teaching Press: Shepherdstown, WV, 1999.

Tosto, Peter (ed.), Found Volumes, Version 2009 (software). www.foundvolumes.com: Marietta, GA, 2009.

Trammell, Mary Metzner & William G. Dawley, The Reforming Power of the Scriptures: A Biography of the English Bible. The Christian Science Publishing Society: Boston, MA, 1996.

Trench, R.C., Notes on the Parables of Our Lord. Baker Book House: Grand Rapids, MI, 1948.

Van Harn, Roger E. (ed.), The Ten Commandments for Jews, Christians, and Others. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, MI, 2007.

Walker, Peter, In the Steps of Paul. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 2008.

Willmington, Harold L., The Outline Bible. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.: Carol Stream, IL, 1999.

Zondervan Bible Study Library 5.0., Family Edition (software). Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 2003.

*The weekly Bible Lessons are made up of selections from the King James Version of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

The Golden Text this week is from the New King James Version.

CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 15