The Book of Nehemiah offers a first-hand telling of how ancient Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt in the face of great odds after the Babylonian exile - an act that represented the renewal of the people's faith and the reforming of their conduct. In The Message of Nehemiah, Raymond Brown explores this powerful story and the striking relevance of this themes for Christians living today. Vividly drawing out Nehemiah's historical and social milieu, Brown demonstrates that Nehemiah is one of the most inventive and resilient personalities in the Old Testament. His doctrine of God, his passion for Scripture, his experience of prayer and his example in leadership all provide valuable lessons that can be applied to how we live our faith every day. A revised volume in the trusted the Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of Nehemiah offers a compelling exposition of the Biblical text, unpacking its meaning for both the original audience it was written for and for Christians in the twenty-first century. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students and preachers who want to delve more deeply into the riches of Scripture and better understand how it can be applied to modern life. This beautifully redesigned edition has been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NIV Bible text. The Message of Nehemiah is perfect for anyone looking for accessible commentaries on Nehemiah that will help broaden their knowledge and understanding of the this fascinating book of the Old Testament.

The unique feature of this scholarly and very readable work is that it examines the way those persecuted responded to hardship: their faith, their worship, their perseverance. With marvellous warmth Raymond Brown shows us the spirituality of these men and women- spirituality centred on Jesus Christ and the Father's love, even in such times. 'Brown dives into the writings of those persecuted and demonstrates the rich theology that could only be written with such depth by those who lived in suffering and found God faithful and satisfying. I highly recommend this book to scholars as well as common sufferers looking for solace in God.' Larry Siekawitch, pastor and author of Balancing Head and Heart in Seventeenth Century Puritanism (Paternoster, 2012) 'At a time when Evangelicals interested in the study of spirituality often overlook the immense resources of their own antecedents, I hope that this book will help to redress the balance.' Timothy Grass, church historian, author and associate editor for the Ecclesiastical History Society

Times were hard for the first readers of the letter to the Hebrews. Many had been exposed to fierce persecution. They had been assaulted, their homes had been plundered, and some had been cast into prison. To such people this letter came as an encouragement. The writer of the letter turns their eyes to Christ, and shows how he fulfils the hope expressed in the Old Testament sacrifices. He calls his readers to a steadfast faith that will take them through the hard times they now face. Such encouragement and challenge is never without relevance to Christians. Raymond Brown demonstrates this clearly in his passage-by-passage exposition.

Classic IVP series now rejacketed and retypeset

Classic IVP series now rejacketed and retypeset

This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.

This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.

In "Christ in the Gospels of the Ordinary Sundays," Father Brown discusses the Gospels as they are used in the Ordinary Time." It is the time the Church treats the Gospels consecutively and in detail, with Year A of the three-year cycle taking its readings from Matthew; Year B from Mark; and Year C from Luke.

Father Brown discusses how a Gospel was formed and explains what is distinctive about each of the four Gospels. Then he fits the Sunday readings, one by one, into an overall picture of each Gospel, showing how the Gospel shapes the narrative, its theological emphases, and what it says to readers. With such an overview, the Sunday selections may be read in context and interpreted in their original sequence.

During Ordinary time people turn from reflecting on the mystery of Christ to considering how that mystery affects their lives. In "Christ in the Gospels of the Ordinary Sundays," Father Brown provides an overview of the meaning of the Gospels during the many weeks of Ordinary Time.

Chapters are "Understanding How Gospels Were Written and Their Use in the Sunday Liturgy," "The Gospel According to Matthew," "The Gospel According to Mark," "The Gospel According to Luke," and "The Gospel According to John."

The late Raymond E. Brown, SS, was Auburn Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) of Biblical Studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He wrote over twenty-five books on the Bible and was past president of three of the most important biblical societies in the world by appointment of two popes (Pope Paul VI and John Paul II), he was also a member of the Roman Pontifical Biblical Commission. The Liturgical Press has published his "A Coming Christ in Advent, An Adult Christ at Christmas, A Crucified Christ in Holy Week, A Risen Christ in Eastertime, A Once-and-Coming Spirit at Pentecost, The Gospels and Epistles of John: A Concise Commentary, Recent Discoveries and the Biblical World," and "The New Jerome Bible Handbook.""