Study
Guide Answers
Matthew Henry
Chapter 1
1.
Why
is the term “testament” or “covenant” used to describe the Bible? Answer: This is called a testament, or covenant (Diatheke)(NT:1242), because it
was a settled declaration of the will of God concerning man in a federal way,
and had its force from the designed death of the great testator, the Lamb slain
from the foundation of the world, Rev 8:8.
2.
What does the word “Pentateuch” refer to? Answer: The first five books
of the Bible.
3.
List
the threefold description of the Scriptures according to Jesus. Answer: Law, Prophets, and Psalms.
4.
When
was Genesis written? Answer: While some think, when Moses was in Midian,
for the instruction and comfort of his suffering brethren in Egypt: it is
probable that he wrote it in the
wilderness, after he had been in the mount with God.
5.
List
six things the book of Genesis introduces.
Answer: (1) Creation of the world (2)
The entrance of sin (3) The entrance of death (4) The invention of the arts (5)
The rise of nations and (6) The beginning of the Church.
Exodus
1.
In
what two ways was Moses a servant of the Lord? Answer: Moses
used his pen to serve the Lord by recording history and his used his rod of
authority to guide the people of God.
2.
What does the term “exodus” mean?” Answer:
A departure, or going out.
3.
Give the spiritual significance of the term “exodus.” Answer: No sooner have we made our entrance into the world than we must think
of making our exit, and going out of the world. When we begin to live we begin
to die.
4.
State the two major divisions of the book. Answer: I.
The accomplishment of the promises made before to Abraham (chapters 1-19). II.
The establishment of the ordinances which were afterwards observed by Israel
(chapters 20-40).
5.
What
New Testament passage states that Moses wrote of Christ? Answer: John
5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
Leviticus
1.
What
three historical accounts are recalled in Leviticus? Answer: (1) The consecration
of the priesthood (chapters 8-9). (2) The punishment of Nadab and Abihu
(chapter 10). (3) The ecclesiastical laws of God.
2.
What
do the ecclesiastical laws regulate?
Answer: These laws regulated the
sacrifices and offerings of Israel.
3.
Where
does the term “Leviticus” come from and what does it mean? Answer: The term comes from
the Septuagint and refers to the priestly tribe of Levi.
4.
Does
Leviticus suggest that there is a proper way to worship the Lord? Explain. Answer: In the divine appointments with God there are particular forms to
follow.
5.
How
might a New Testament believer apply the teachings found in Leviticus? Answer: While the New Testament Christian is freed from the yoke of ceremonial
law, the ancient laws strengthen faith in Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4
1.
What
is the origin of the title of the book and why is it so named? Answer: While the other titles for the books of the Old Testament come from
the Septuagint, this title comes from the English. The title comes because of
the numbers of the children of Israel which are so often mentioned.
2.
How
many times was the Exodus Generation numbered and where? Answer: (1) At Mt. Sinai
(chapter 1) and (2) on the plains of Moab thirty nine years later (chapter 26).
3.
What
is contained in the historical part of the book? Answer: (1) The numberig and
organization of the tribes (chapters 1-4). (2) The dedication of the altar and
Levites (chapter 7-8). (3) The travels of the nation (chapter 9-10). (4) The
murmuring and unbelief, for which they were sentenced to wander for forty years
in the wilderness (chapter 11-14). (5) The rebellion of Korah (chapters 16,17).
(6) The history of the last year of the forty (chapter 20-26) (7) The conquest
of Midian, and the settlement of the two tribes (chapter 31, 32). (8) An
account of their journeys (chapter 33).
4.
What
did the laws set forth in Numbers regulate? Answer: (1) Laws about the
Nazarites, etc (chapter 5,6). (2) Laws about the priests’ charge, etc. (chapter
18,19). (3) The feasts (chapter 28, 29). (4) The vows (chapter 30). (5) Their
settlement in Canaan (chapter 27, 34, 35,36).
5.
Give
the spiritual application of this book to Christians today. Answer: Hebrews 4:1 provides an application of the book to ourselves. Let us
fear lest we seem to come short.
Deuteronomy
1.
What
major event is recorded in the last chapter of this book? Answer: The death of Moses.
2.
What
does the word “Deuteronomy” signify? Answer:
Literally, the Second Law or the second
time the Law was given.
3.
Why
was the Law repeated? Answer: The men of the Exodus generation to which
the law was first given were all dead, and a new generation had sprung up.
4.
State
one attribute of God manifested by the giving of the Law. Answer: In compassion to the
infirmities of the people, the laws of more common concern are delivered a
second time.
5.
State
one spiritual application of Deuteronomy. Answer:
What God has spoken once we have need
to hear twice, to hear many times, and it is well if, after all, it be duly
perceived and regarded.
6.
List three ways the book was to be magnified and
honored. Answer: (1) The king was to write a copy of it with his own hand,
and to read therein all the days of his life, ch. 17, 18, 19. 2 (2) It was to be written upon great stones
plastered, at their passing over Jordan, Deut 27:2-3. (3) It was to be read
publicly every seventh year, at the feast of tabernacles, by the priests, in
the audience of all Israel, Deut 31:9, etc.
7.
In which chapter is a song sung? Answer:
Chapter 32.
8.
How
much time is covered in the book? Answer:
Two months.
9.
How
should the last words of a person be treated? Answer: With great respect.
10.
How
did Jesus use this book of the Bible? Answer: The Lord answered the devil’s temptations
with direct quotations from Deuteronomy.
Joshua
Chapter 6
1.
List
some of the “lost” books of the Bible. Answer:
(1) The Book of Jasher (2) The Chronicles
of the Kings of Israel and Judah (3) The Book of Gad (4) The Book of Nathan and
(5) The Book of Iddo.
2.
Who
might be the author of Joshua? Answer: Ezra the scribe.
3.
In
what three ways is Joshua shown to be the leader of Israel? Answer: (1) He led the
people of Israel into Canaan. (2) He led the people in the conquest of Canaan.
(3) He led the people in the distribution of the land that was conquered.
4.
How
is the providence of God revealed?
Answer: (1) In the kingdom of nature,
(2) in punishing the Canaanites when the measure of their iniquity was full,
(3) by His faithfulness to His covenant with the patriarchs, and (4) by His
kindness to His people Israel, notwithstanding their provocations. (5) We may
see him as the Lord of Hosts determining the issues of war, and (6) as the
director of the lot, determining the bounds of men's habitations
5.
How
is Joshua a type of Christ? Answer: He bore our Savior’s name and serverd as a
high priest (Acts 7:45; Heb. 4:8; Zech.
6:11-12). Joshua saves God’s people from the Canaanites as Jesus promised to
save His people from their sins. Christ, as Joshua, is the captain of our
salvation, a leader of commander of the people, to tread Satan under their
feet, to put them in possession of the heavenly Canaan, and to give them rest,
which (it is said, Heb. 4:8), Joshua did not.
Judges
Chapter 7
1.
How
many years are covered in Judges?
Answer: Two hundred and ninety nine
years.
2.
List
12 of the Judges of Israel. Answer:
(1)
Othniel
of Judah
(2)
Ehud
of Benjamin
(3)
Barak
of Naphtali
(4)
Gideon
of Manasseh
(5)
Abimelech
his son
(6)
Tola
of Issachar
(7)
Jair
of Manasseh
(8)
Jephtha
of Manasseh
(9)
Ibzan
of Judah
(10)Elon of Zebulun
(11)
Abdon
of Ephriam
(12)
Samson
of Dan
3.
How
many tribes are represented by the Judge?
Answer: Eight.
4.
Characterize
the Judges of Israel. Answer: They do not appear here either so great or
so good as one might have expected the character of such a peculiar people
would be. We find them wretchedly corrupted, and wretchedly oppressed by their
neighbours about them.
5.
Describe
the government of Israel during the days of the Judges. Answer: The government of
the judges was not constant, but occasional. The judges were raised up and
animated by the Spirit of God to do particular service to the public when there
was occasion, to avenge Israel of their enemies, and to purge Israel of their
idolatries, which are the two things principally meant by their judging Israel.
6.
What
was the name of the woman who judged Israel? Answer: Deborah.
7.
Spiritually,
who was the true king of Israel? Answer:
During the government of the judges, God
was in a more especially manner Israel’s king; so Samuel tells them when they
were resolved to throw off this form of government (1 Sam. 12:12).
8.
In
Hebrews 4:12, who are the four judges honored? Answer: (1) Gideon (2) Barak
(3) Samson (4) Jephtha
9.
Ho
might be the author of the book of Judges?
Answer: The prophet Samuel.
10.
What
should a Christian be thankful for?
Answer: Christians should be grateful
for magistrates both supreme and subordinate, for they are ministers of God
unto us for good.
Chapter 8
1.
Who
might have written Ruth? Answer: The prophet Samuel.
2.
What
is the design of the book? Answer: (1) To lead individuals to recognize the
hand of Providence and, (2) to lead people to Christ.
3.
Give
the most important descendant of Ruth.
Answer: The Messiah.
4.
What
does Ruth typify? Answer: In Ruth there is the anticipation of the
calling of the Gentiles in due time into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our
Lord.
5.
What
city is the setting for the story of Ruth?
Answer: Bethlehem.
1 Samuel
Chapter 9
1.
Describe
the contents of 1 and 2 Samuel. Answer:
These books record the fall of Eli and
the rise of Samuel. A full account of his birth, childhood, life and government
is provided. The life of Saul is then followed by the rise of David to power.
2.
What
is the title of those works in the Latin Vulgate? Answer: The First and Second
Book of the Kings.
3.
What
is the title of those works in the Septuagint? Answer: The First and Second
Book of the Kingdoms.
4.
Who
is the author of these works? Answer:
It is probable that Samuel wrote the
history of his own time, and that, after him, some of the prophets that were
with David (Nathan as likely as any) continued it.
5.
What
official position did Eli and Samuel hold in the nation? Answer: They were priests
unto the Lord.
2 Samuel
1.
Who
were the enemies of David? Answer: The enemies of David included Saul, the
Jebusites, and the Philistines.
2.
Against
whom did David ultimately sin? Answer:
David against Urriah the Hittite and
against the Lord God (Psalms 51).
3.
What
was the sin of Ammon? (chapter 13)
Answer: He molested his sister.
4.
Who
was Absalom and what did he do? Answer:
Absalom was the favored son of David and
the handsome crown prince. He led a rebellion against his father to take the
throne by force.
5.
For
what sin of David did thousands of Israelites die? (chapter 24) Answer: Lifted up with pride David counted the people of Israel, not to take a
census but to inflate his own ego. It was a great sin in the sight of God.
Chapter 11
1.
Who was Solomon? Answer: Solomon was the second son born to David and
Bathsheba who was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Beloved by God, Solomon was
chosen to follow David to the throne of Israel.
2.
What
caused the nation of Israel to be divided?
Answer: The many wives of Solomon
took his heart away from the Lord. As a form of Divine judgment, the Lord
divided the kingdom of Israel.
3.
Describe
the character of the kings of Judah.
Answer: The many wives of Solomon
took his heart away from the Lord. As a form of Divine judgment, the Lord
divided the kingdom of Israel.
David the devout
Solomon the wise
Rehoboam the simple
Abijah the valiant
Asa the upright
Jehoshaphat the religious
Jehoram the wicked
Ahaziah the profane
Joash the backslider
Amaziah the rash
Uzziah the mighty
Jotham the peaceable
Ahaz the idolater
Hezekiah the reformer
Manasseh the penitent
Amon the obscure
Josiah the tender
hearted
Jehoahaz
Jehoiakim
Jehoiachin
Zedekiah all wicked
4.
What
did David want to build for the Lord?
Answer: David wanted to build a
Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant.
2 Kings
Chapter 12
1.
Who
was Elijah and what are some of the miracles he performed? (chapters 17-19) Answer: Elijah was a 9th
century prophet of God who ministered during the reign of King Ahab. He fed a
widow and her son, restored the child back to life when he died, called fire
down from heaven, and prayed that it not rain for three years. The rains ceased
until he prayed again.
2.
How
did Elijah leave earth? (chapters 1-2)
Answer: Elijah ascended into heaven
in a chariot of fire.
1.
List
some of the miracles of Elisha. (chapters 3-7) Answer: (1) The miracle of
Jordan (2) The miracle of the healed waters (3) The miracle of judgment upon
irreverent young men. (4) The miracle of the flood (5) The miracle of the
Shunammite’s son (6) The miracle of the poisoned food (7) The miracle of the
healing of Naaman (8) The miracle of the healing of Gehazi (9) The miracle of
the swimming axhead (10) The miralce of open and blinded eyes and (11) The
miracle of the siege
2.
Compare
and contrast Hazael and Jehu. Answer:
Hazael and Jehu were both anointed as
rulers and appointed to be instruments of God. Hazael would be used of the Lord
to bring correction to Israel while Jehu would bring destruction to the house
of Ahab (chapters 8-10).
3.
Describe
the reign of Hezekiah. (chapters 18-20)
Answer: The reign of Hezekiah was
both good and glorious.
1.
Who
was the king that destroyed Jerusalem? (chapters 24-25) Answer: Nebuchadnezzar
Chapter 13
1.
Who
is the author of the Chronicles? Answer:
Ezra has been suggested.
2.
According
to legend what happened to the Law?
Answer: It was burnt and destroyed so
that Ezra was divinely inspired to write it all over again.
3.
When
were the Chronicles written? Answer:
Following the Babylonian Captivity.
4.
Describe
the contents of the Chronicles. Answer:
We have in 1 Chronicles (1) a collection
of sacred genealogies (2) A repetition of the history of the translation of the
kingdom from Saul to David and the triumph of David’s reign (3) An original
account of the settlement David made of the ecclesiastical affairs and the
preparations for the building of the Temple.
5.
What
preparations did David make for the building of the Temple? (chapters 22-29) Answer: David provided Trees and stones along with silver and gold for the
Temple.
Chapter 14
1.
List
four empires that once ruled the world.
Answer: Babylonian, Persian, Greek,
Roman
2.
Who
was Rehoboam? (chapters 10-12) Answer:
Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and his
successor on the throne f Israel. His mother was Naamah, an Ammonitess (1 Kings
14:21). Born c. 975 BC, Rehoboam was about forty-one years old when he began to
reign. Because he was foolish in his political polices the kingdom was divided.
3.
What
great spiritual lesson is to be learned from the lives of the kings? Answer: The Lord honored those who honored God. Those who rebelled against
righteousness knew the heavy hand of Divine discipline.
4.
List
the books of the Bible written after the Babylonian captivity. Answer: Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
5.
What
is one thing that the Christian can be certain of concerning the Bible? Answer: We may be confident that the foundation of God stands fast.
Ezra
1.
What
is the theme of Ezra? Answer: The history of this books if the
accomplishment of Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the return of the Jews out of
Babylon at the end of seventy years.
2.
What
does the book of Ezra foreshadow?
Answer: The narrative foreshadowed
the deliverance of the gospel church out of the New-Testament Babylon.
3.
What
troubles did the Jew meet with when they returned to Jerusalem? (chapters 3-6) Answer: Tremendous personal and physical opposition concerning the rebuilding
of the Holy City and the Temple.
4.
What
did Ezra force many men to do? (chapters 9-10) Answer: Divorce their
foreign wives.
5.
What
was the result of this action on family units? Answer: While much sorrow
and heartache was involved, the nation of Israel became smaller but more
racially pure.
Nehemiah
Chapter 16
1.
Name
three famous Greeks who lived during the days of Nehemiah? Answer(1) Xenophon (2)
Demosthenes (3) Plato
2.
Who
was the ruler of Persia? Answer: Artaxerxes
3.
What
government office did Nehemiah hold and for how long? Answer: Twelve years, from
his twentieth year (Neh. 1:1) to his thirty second year (Neh. 13:6), Nehemiah
was the governor of Judea.
4.
By
what authority did Nehemiah go to Jerusalem? Answer: As the king’s
trusted cupbearer Nehemiah received a commission from the king to go to
Jerusalem.
5.
Describe
his religious reforms. (chapter 13)
Answer: The religious reforms of
Israel included a solemn reading of the Law, fasting, prayer, and a renewal of
their vows.
Esther
Chapter 17
1.
In
what passage is the name of God mentioned?
Answer: The name of God is never
mentioned in this book though the Providence of God is evident.
2.
What
does the Feast of Purim commemorate? (chapter 9:20) Answer: This feast
commemorates the grace of the Lord in delivering His people from the plot of
Haman to destroy Mordecai and all Jews.
3.
Who
is the author of this book? Answer: It is possible that Mordecai is the author
note Esth. 9:20).
4.
Who
was Esther? Answer: The root meaning of Esther is aster which
means “a star” and implies “good fortune.” She was related to a family carried
away captive with Jeremiah about 600 BC. When her parents died, Esther came
under the guardian caer of Mordecai, a palace official, to whom she was related
by marriage. In the Providence of God, Esther became Queen of the land and so
was in a position to expose a plot to destroy her people.
5.
Describe
the death of Haman. (chapters 5-7)
Answer: When Haman was perceived by
the king as making inappropriate advances against the Queen, he was taken and
hanged on the same gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
Chapter 18
1.
Who
is the human author of this Divine narrative? Answer: It is the opinion of
many of the ancients that this history was written by Moses himself in Midian,
and delivered to his suffering brethren in Egypt. Others suggest that Elihu was
the author (note Job 32:15-16).
2.
What
is the evidence that Job was a real person?
Answer: His history is referred to by
James (5:11). Also Job 5:13 is quoted by the apostle (cf. 1 Cor. 3:19). Ezekiel
names him with Noah and Daniel (Ezek. 14:14).
3.
List
five teachings of Job. Answer: The
glory of God (chapters 38-39). (2) The reality of Gentile devotion in the
ancient world. (3) The providence of God. (4) The importance of patience in
suffering (James 5:11). (5) A type of Christ.
4.
List
the three “friends” of Job. Answer: (1) Eliphaz (2) Bildad (3) Zophar
5.
How
will the righteous respond when the Lord delivers them from suffering and
sorrow? Answer: When the Lord delivers the righteous from all their trials they will be
found to praise, honor, and glorify Him.
Psalms
Chapter 19
1.
List
three authors of the Psalms. Answer: (1) David (2) Moses (3) Asaph
2.
Why
were the Psalms written? Answer: (1) To assist the exercises of natural
religion and to kindle in the souls of men devotion to the Lord. (2) To advance
the excellencies of revealed religion.
3.
How
might the Psalms be of practical use to Christians today? Answer: (1) The Psalms can
be sung (2) The Psalms can be studied for doctrinal truths. (3) The Psalms can
be prayed.
4.
What
are the seven penitential Psalms?
Answer: Psalm 6,32,38,51,102, 130 and
143.
5.
How
were the Psalms divided? Answer:
Book One Psalms
1-41
Book Two Psalms 42-72
Book Three Psalms 73-89
Book Four Psalms 90-106
Book Five Psalms 107-150
Proverbs
Chapter 20
1.
Who
is the human author of the book of Proverbs? Answer: Solomon is the
author of this book.
2.
What
else did this author write? Answer: Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon
3.
Define
a proverb and tell the value of teaching by proverbs. Answer: Short sentences
filled with Divine wisdom and practical counsel.
4.
List
several topics found in the Book of Proverbs: Answer: Government, ethics,
sexual misconduct, friendships, marriage, and wisdom.
5.
Provide
an outline of the book. Answer:
Introduction Chapters
1-9
First Volume Chapters
10-24
Second Volume Chapter
25-29
Agur’s Prophecy Chapter
30
The Wisdom of Lemuel Chapter
31
Chapter 21
1.
What
is the test and theme of the book?
Answer: “The key text of this book is
Ecclesiastes 1:2, “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities;
all is vanity.”
2.
Observe
three major truths about the book.
Answer: (1) It is a sermon. (2) It is
a penitential sermon. (3) It is a practical sermon.
3.
What
is the scope of Ecclesiastes? Answer:
The scope of this book is to show that
our happiness does not consist in being gods to ourselves, to what we will and
do what we will, but in having Him that made us to be a God to us.
4.
Listen
seven things that cannot bring happiness.
Answer: (1) Education (2) Politics
(3) Sexual licentiousness (4) Honor (5) Power (6) Accumulation of money (7)
Many material possessions.
5.
When
should all people begin to have a relationship with the Lord? Answer: In the days of their youth.
Song of
Solomon
Chapter 22
1.
How
are Christians to understand this book? Answer: This portion of Scripture sets forth the
spiritual relationship that exists between Christ and the Church.
2.
How
might the Jews have understood this book?
Answer: The Jews would have applied
this book to their own situation. God betrothed the people of Israel to himself;
he entered into covenant with them, and it was a marriage-covenant. He had
given abundant proofs of his love to them, and required of them that they
should love him with all their heart and soul.
3.
Which
Psalm provides the key to unlocking this book? Answer: Psalm 45.
4.
When
properly understood, how will the heart respond to the Divine narrative? Answer: The scope of this book is to show that our happiness does not consist
in being gods to ourselves, to what we will and do what we will, but in having
Him that made us to be a God to us.
5.
What
is the proper frame of mind to study the Song of Solomon? Answer: A serious state of
mind is needed to study the Song of Solomon for there are many things which are
hard to understand.
Isaiah
1.
Why
did the prophets arise? Answer: The prophets arose because the children of
Israel were afraid of God speaking directly to them (cf. Num. 12:6; Deut.
5:27-28).
2.
List
some of the Old Testament prophets?
Answer:
(1)
Abel Matthew 23:31,35
(2) Enoch Jude 1:14
(3) Noah
(4) Abraham Genesis
20:7
(5) Jacob Genesis
49:1
(6) Moses Deuteronomy
34:10
3.
Tell
something of the man Isaiah. Answer:
Isaiah ministered in the days of Uzziah
king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel. He may have been a member of the
royal family.
4.
Of
what does Isaiah speak? Answer: The prophet addresses two great issues. The
first concerned the coming invasion by the forces of the Assyrian Sennacherib.
The second issue was the coming Messiah and His kingdom.
5.
In
chapter 7 what great messianic sign is promised? Answer: A virgin was to
conceive and have a child.
Jeremiah
Chapter 24
1.
List
five facts about Jeremiah. Answer: (1) He was a prophet at an early age. (2) He
ministered for more than fifty years. (3) He preached an unpopular message. (4)
He often wept over the sins of the people and the judgment that was to fall
upon them. (5) He suffered for the faith.
2.
What is the last account of him? Answer: The last account we have of Isaiah in his history is that the remaining
Jews forced him to go down with them into Egypt; whereas the current tradition
is, among Jews and Christians, that he suffered martyrdom by being stoned to
death. Long after, when Alexander entered Egypt, he took up the bones of
Jeremiah where they were buried in obscurity, and carried them to Alexandria,
and buried them there.
3.
What
is the theme of his writings? Answer: Judgment on sin and the great mercy of a
gracious God.
4.
According
to legend, what did Jeremiah do when Jerusalem was destroyed? Answer: There is a story in the Apocryphal writings (Baruch 6 and 2 Mac. 2:4)
said to be written by Jeremiah to the captives in Babylon, warning them against
the worship of idols, by exposing the vanity of idols and the folly of
idolaters. It is related that, when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Chaldeans,
he, by direction from God, took the ark and the altar of incense, and, carrying
them to Mount Nebo lodged them in a hollow cave there and stopped the door; but
some that followed him, and thought that they had marked the place, could not
find it. He blamed them for seeking it, telling them that the place should be
unknown till the time that God should gather his people together again.
5.
What
concern should a Christian have after reading the book? Answer: That good men are
not honored in their own generation.
Lamentations
Chapter 25
1.
Who
is the human author of this work?
Answer: Jeremiah
2.
Why did he write this book? Answer: The occasion of
these Lamentations was the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by the Chaldean
army and the dissolution of the Jewish state both civil and ecclesiastical
thereby. Some of the rabbies will have these to be the Lamentations which
Jeremiah penned upon occasion of the death of Josiah, which are mentioned 2
Chron 35:25.
3.
What
is unusual about the composition of this book? Answer: The composition of
it; it is not only poetical, but alphabetical, all except the 5th chapter, each
verse begins with a several letter in the order of the Hebrew alphabet, the
first aleph, the second beth, etc., but the 3rd chapter is a triple alphabet,
the first three beginning with aleph, the next three with beth, etc., which was
a help to memory
4.
Of
what practical use was this work to the Jews? Answer: This portion of
Scripture was of great use to the pious Jews in their sufferings, furnishing
them with spiritual language to express their natural grief by, helping to
preserve the lively remembrance of Zion among them, and their children that
never saw it, when they were in Babylon, directing their tears into the right
channel (for they are here taught to mourn for sin and mourn to God), and
withal encouraging their hopes that God would yet return and have mercy upon
them;
5.
Of
what practical use is this work to the Church? Answer: This portion of
Scripture is designed to affect the Church with godly sorrow for the calamities
of the Church of God, as becomes those that are living members of it and are
resolved to take our lot with it.
Ezekiel
Chapter 26
1.
What
does the name “Ezekiel” mean? Answer:
“The strength of God,” or “One girt or
strengthened of God.”
2.
How
and why did Ezekiel die? Answer: According to tradition Ezekiel was put to
death by the captives in Babylon, for his faithfulness and boldness in
reproving them; it is stated that they dragged him upon the stones till his
brains were dashed out. An Arabic historian says that he was put to death and
was buried in the sepulcher of Shem the son of Noah.
3.
Where
was Ezekiel when he prophesied? Answer: The scene is laid in Babylon, when it was a
house of bondage to the Israel of God; there the prophecies of this book were
preached, there they were written, when the prophet himself, and the people to
whom he prophesied, were captives there.
4.
How
do we know about sin? Answer: By the law is the knowledge of sin.
5.
What
final spiritual principle is learned from the narrative? Answer: Those who would
apply the comforts of Christ to themselves must apply the convictions to
themselves.
Daniel
Chapter 27
1.
What
is the meaning of the name “Daniel”?
Answer: The judgment of God.
2.
From
what tribe did Daniel come? Answer: He was of the tribe of Judah.
3.
Through
the reigns of which foreign rulers did Daniel ministry? Answer: Daniel ministered
through the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar the Babylonian king, and the Persian kings
Cyrus, and Darius.
4.
What
future empires did Daniel predict would arise? Answer: Daniel foresaw the
rise of the Medes-Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans.
5.
Under
which man did the Jews see excessive harshness? Answer: Antiochus.
Hosea
Chapter 28
1.
How
many of the Minor Prophets prophesied to be captive? Answer: Nine.
2.
How
many prophesied after the Exile? Answer:
Three.
3.
When
did Hosea minister? Answer: Hosea ministered in the eighth century BC
prior to the coming of Isaiah.
4.
How
long did he minister? Answer: The ancient Jews contend that Hosea prophesied
for almost fourscore and ten years (about 90 years!).
5.
What
did Hosea predict? Answer: Hosea predicted the destruction of the
northern kingdom of Israel.
Joel
Chapter 29
1.
What
three things did Joel speak of? Answer: (1) A locust invasion. (2) Repentance. (3)
The mercy of God.
2.
To
whom did Joel minister? Answer: To the nation of Judah.
3.
What
are the people called upon to do?
Answer: The people are called upon to
repent and turn from their sins.
1.
What
promises are given to the nation?
Answer: If the people would repent
the Holy Spirit would be poured out and there would be material prosperity as
well.
2.
What
glorious things are spoken of in chapter 3?
Answer: Spiritual Jerusalem and all
the prosperity and perpetuity of it.
Amos
Chapter 30
1.
Is
Amos the father of Isaiah? Answer: There is no evidence for that.
2.
What
was the occupation of Amos? Answer: Amos was a country-farmer.
3.
What
is the significance of the name “Amos”?
Answer: Amos signifies a burden,
whence the Jews have a tradition that he was of a slow tongue and spoke with
stammering lips; we may rather, in allusion to his name, say that his speech
was weighty and his words the burden of the Lord.
4.
What
were the specific sins of the nation?
Answer: (1) Idolatry (2) Hard hearts
(3) Hypocritical sacrifices.
5.
How
does the book come to a conclusion?
Answer: The work concludes with a
promise of the setting of the Messiah’s kingdom and the happiness of God’s
spiritual Israel therein.
Obadiah
Chapter 31
1.
What
is unique about the composition of this book? Answer: This is the shortest
of all the books of the Old Testament.
2.
Who
is Obadiah? Answer: Little is known of Obadiah. Some believe him
to the same with that Obadiah that was steward to Ahab’s household (1 Kings
18:3). But that conjecture has no ground. This Obadiah came later. Some think
he was a contemporary with Hosea, Joel, and Amos.
3.
Against
whom did Obadiah preach? Answer: Obadiah spoke against the nation of Edom.
4.
Was
Obadiah an Edomite by birth? Answer: There is no evidence for this.
5.
How
is the Word of Truth divinely established?
Answer: Out of the mouth of two or
three witnesses every word shall be established
Chapter 23
1.
How
many days did God give Nineveh to repent?
Answer: Forty days.
2.
From
which city did Jonah come? Answer: Jonah was of the city of Gath-hepher in
Galilee, a city that belonged to the tribe of Zebulon.
3.
During
whose reign did Jonah minister? Answer:
Jonah ministered during the days of
Jeroboam II.
4.
How
is Jonah a type of Christ? Answer: One way is that as Jonah was three days and
three nights in the belly of the great fish so Christ was in the grave for
three days.
5.
What
two themes are united in the life of Jonah and the message he proclaimed? Answer: Human infirmity and the grace of God.
Micah
Chapter 33
1.
To
whom did Micah minister? Answer: Micah had a message for Samaria and
Jerusalem.
2.
State
two purposes for the book of Micah.
Answer: (1) To convince sinners of
their sins. (2) To comfort God’s people with promises of mercy and deliverances
with an assurance of the coming of the Messiah and of the grace of the gospel
through Him.
3.
Where
else in Scripture is Micah quoted?
Answer: Micah is quoted in Jeremiah
26:17-18 and Matthew 2:5-6.
4.
What
did Micah predict about Christ? Answer:
His birth.
5.
Which
New Testament ruler was interested in this Old Testament prophecy? Answer: Herod the Great.
Nahum
Chapter 34
1.
What
does the name of Nahum signify? Answer:
A comforter.
2.
Whose
destruction is foretold in this book?
Answer: The destruction of the city
of Ninevah is foretold.
3.
During
whose reign did Nahum minister? Answer: Hezekiah, king of Judah.
4.
For
what purpose did Nahum prophesy? Answer:
Nathan wanted to encourage God’s
people in the Day of Judgment and social upheaval.
5.
Did
Nahum have anything to say to Israel and Judah? Answer: While it is possible
that Nahum had s
Habakkuk
Chapter 35
1.
According
to legend, whose son is Habakkuk?
Answer: According to some of the
ancient Jewish rabbin Habakkuk was the
son of the Shunamite woman that was at first miraculously given, and afterwards
raised to life, by Elisha (2 Kings 4). Others said that the prophet Jonah was
the son of the widow of Zarephath, which Elijah raised to life. Still others
say that he lived and prophesied in the reign of king Manasseh.
2.
During
whose reign did Habakkuk minister?
Answer: It is uncertain when Habakkuk
ministered but it was probably in Judah during the Chaldean period (Hab. 2:20;
3:19 and 1:5,6)
3.
What
does Bel and the Dragon have to say
about Habakkuk? Answer: In the apocryphal story of Bel and the Dragon
mention is made of Habakkuk the prophet in the land of Judah, who was carried
thence by an angel to Babylon, to feed Daniel in the den; those who give credit
to that story take pains to reconcile our prophet's living before the
captivity, and foretelling it, with that. Huetius thinks that that was another
of the same name, a prophet, this of the tribe of Simeon, that of Levi; others
that he lived so long as to the end of that captivity, though he prophesied of
it before it came.
4.
What
is the duty of a prophet? Answer: The prophet was responsible to address God
in the people’s name and they were to address the people in the name of the
Lord.
5.
What
great political events had happened in Judah during the days of Habakkuk? Answer: Judah was to be invaded by the Chaldeans who brought great hardships
upon the land.
Zephaniah
1.
What
distinction among the prophets does Zephaniah hold? Answer: Zephaniah was last
in time, of all the minor prophets before the captivity, and not long before
Jeremiah, who lived at the time of the captivity.
2.
What
did he foretell? Answer: Zechariah foretells the general destruction
of Judah and Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, and sets their sins in order before
them, which had provoked God to bring their ruin upon them, calls them to
repentance, threatens the neighboring nations with the like destructions.
3.
What
hope did Zephaniah offer to the people?
Answer: Zephaniah gives encouraging
promises of their joyful return out of captivity in due time, which have a
reference to the grace of the gospel.
4.
Who
is Zephaniah? Answer: He was the son of Cushi.
1.
When
did Zephaniah engage in prophecy?
Answer: He ministered during the days
of Josiah the son of Amon, the king of Judah.
Chapter 37
1.
To
whom did Haggai minister and when?
Answer: Haggai appeared about
eighteen years after the return of the Jews from Babylon, when the building of
the Temple was opposed by its enemies and neglected by its friends. Haggai
prophesied unto the Jews that were in Jerusalem.
2.
Why
did Haggai speak to others? Answer: In the mouth of two witnesses the works of
the Lord was to be established.
3.
What
is the time span of this work? Answer:
All of the prophecies were delivered
within four months in the second year of Darius, beginning with the sixth month
and ending in the ninth.
4.
How
did Haggai speak of Christ? Answer: Haggai spoke of Christ as the glory of the
latter house referring to the second temple that was rebuilt.
5.
Which
Psalms are attributed in part to Haggai?
Answer: Psalm 138, 146, 147, 148.
Chapter 38
1.
Who
was a colleague of Zechariah? Answer:
Haggai
2.
When
did Zechariah minister? Answer: In the eighth month, in the second year of
Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechariah.
3.
How
did Zechariah comfort the people?
Answer: Zechariah encouraged the
people to hope for God’s favor, having reproved them of their sin, and threaten
God’s judgments against the impenitent.
4.
What
did Zechariah say about Christ? Answer:
Zechariah spoke of the Messiah and the
setting up of His kingdom in the world.
5.
Which
specific Temple is in view. (Zechariah 5:1)
Answer: The Second Temple (Ezra 5:1).
Malachi
Chapter 39
1.
From
which country and of whose descent did Malachi come? Answer: We have only his
name, Malachi, and no account of his country or parentage.
2.
What
does the name Malachi mean? Answer: His name signifies, “my angel.”
3.
What
is the scope of his prophecy? Answer: Haggai and Zechariah were sent to reprove
the people for delaying to build the temple. Malachi was sent to reprove them
for the neglect of it when it was built.
4.
Why
did Malachi preach? Answer: Malachi called the people to repent of their
profanation of the temple service (for from idolatry and superstition they ran
into the other extreme of impiety and irreligious), and the sins he witnesses
against.
5.
What
are the final messages of the last prophet of the Old Testament era? Answer: Malachi concludes with a direction to the people of God to keep in
remembrance the law of Moses and to live in expectation of the gospel of
Christ.
A Study Guide
for
by
Based on the Writing of
Study
Guide Questions
Extracted from the writings of
Matthew Henry
Matthew
1.
What
does the word “gospel” mean?
2.
List
three false gospels.
3.
Who
was Matthew?
4.
When
were all the gospels written?
5.
What
argument could be set forth that Matthew wrote in Greek?
Mark
Chapter 2
1.
What
is known about Mark?
2.
According
to tradition who directed the writing of Mark’s gospel?
3.
What
does Mark emphasize in his gospel?
4.
Was
Mark and apostle?
5.
According
to legend what happened to Mark?
Chapter 3
1.
What
is known about Luke?
2.
What
does Luke emphasize in his gospel?
3.
What
other works did Luke write?
4.
How
did Luke die?
5.
Who
was Luke closely associated with?
John
Chapter 4
1.
Who
was John?
2.
Why
was his gospel written?
3.
What
other works did John write?
4.
Who
do the four living creatures of the Revelation represent?
5.
How
did John die?
Acts
Chapter 5
1.
Why
is there not more history in the book of Acts?
2.
What
are some of the miracles that confirmed the authority of the apostles?
3.
What
evidences are there for the resurrection of Christ in Acts?
4.
What
story does the book of Acts continue?
5.
How
was the Church built?
Chapter 6
1.
How
many of the New Testament epistles might be credited to Paul’s authorship?
2.
In
what year was The Epistle to the Romans
written?
3.
Who
carried the letter from Corinth to Rome?
4.
What
great doctrine is set forth in this epistle?
5.
What
godly counsel is found in the practical part of the letter? (chapters 12-15)
1 Corinthians
Chapter 7
1.
Where
was the city of Corinth located?
2.
How
was the church established in Corinth?
3.
Why
was the epistle written?
4.
What
were some specific sins of the saints?
5.
In
what chapter are the following topics discussed: communion, spiritual gifts,
love, and the resurrection?
2 Corinthians
Chapter 8
1.
How
long after the first epistle was the second letter sent to Corinth?
2.
What
should the attitude of the assembly be towards a person who has repented?
3.
What
did Paul want the church to do for the believers in Jerusalem?
4.
In
what chapter is a comparison made between the Old Testament church and the New?
5.
In
which chapter does Paul give a defense of his apostolic ministry?
Chapter 9
1.
What
necessitated the writing of the letter to the Galatians?
2.
What
was the great concern of the apostle?
3.
What
specific doctrine does the apostle defend?
4.
What
exhortation is given?
5.
What
is the design of the apostle in writing the letter?
Chapter 10
1.
What
evidence is there that the letter to the Ephesians was designed to be sent to
that Church?
2.
Where
was Paul when he wrote this letter?
3.
What
was his purpose in writing?
4.
How
does Paul present the arguments he wishes to make?
5.
Which
chapters teach the doctrines of the faith and which chapters teach the duties
of the Christian life?
Philippians
Chapter 11
1.
How
did the city of Philippi receive its name?
2.
What
famous battle was fought near the city of Philippi?
3.
What
year was the letter to the Philippians written?
4.
How
did Paul know he should go and preach to the Philippians?
5.
What
lady was used of the Lord to help establish the church in the city of Philippi?
Chapter 12
1.
Why
was the letter to the Colossians written?
2.
When
was it written?
3.
Who
established the church at Colosse?
4.
What
hope is there for Christians with lesser spiritual gifts?
5.
What
spiritual lesson can be learned from Paul’s example in ministering to the
church at Colosse?
1
Thessalonians
1.
What
was Thessalonica known for in the ancient world?
2.
Who
founded the church at Thessalonica?
3.
Who
was sent to report on the church in Thessalonica?
4.
What
distinction does this epistle have in Pauline writings?
5.
What
year was the letter written and what was its purpose?
2
Thessalonians
Chapter 14
1.
When
was 2 Thessalonians written?
2.
What
is the main topic of concern?
3.
How
does the author alleviate the concerns of the church?
1 Timothy
Chapter 15
1.
What
ministry did Timothy, Titus, and Philemon have in the early church?
2.
How
did Timothy come to faith?
3.
What
is the main theme of 1 and 2 Timothy?
4.
What
is the main responsibility of the pastor?
2 Timothy
Chapter 16
1.
Where
was Paul when he wrote to Timothy?
2.
What
future lay before Paul at the time of writing 2 Timothy?
3.
Under
whose reign did Paul die?
4.
What
distinction in the writings of Paul does 2 Timothy hold?
5.
What
is the design of 2 Timothy?
Chapter 17
1.
Compare
the spiritual work of Titus with the work of Timothy.
2.
What
are some things which are known about Titus personally?
3.
Where
did Titus minister?
4.
Why
did Paul write to Titus?
5.
What
specifically was Titus to teach and do?
Philemon
Chapter 18
1.
What
was the occasion for the writing of Philemon?
2.
What
is one way that the goodness of God is revealed?
3.
Who
was Onesimus?
4.
How
was Philemon to treat Onesimus?
5.
How
does the experience of Onesimus reflect salvation?
Chapter 19
1.
What
do the Arians believe?
2.
Who
is the author of Hebrews?
3.
What
is the purpose of the epistle?
4.
How
does the author re-enforce his arguments?
5.
What
spiritual lesson might be learned from the effort to study this epistle?
James
Chapter 20
1.
Who
is the author of this epistle?
2.
Why
is this letter called a “general” epistle?
3.
What
was the author known for?
4.
What
is the broad purpose of this epistle?
5.
What
might have been a specific intent of the author in writing this letter?
1 Peter
Chapter 21
1.
What
false teachings have been perpetuated about Peter?
2.
List
the threefold purpose for the writing of 1 and 2 Peter.
Chapter 22
1.
What
special moment was Peter, James, and John present with the Lord?
2.
What
evidence is there that Peter is the author of this epistle?
3.
What
is the design of 2 Peter?
1 John
Chapter 23
1.
What
are some other names for Jesus?
2.
List
three things about John.
3.
Why
was 1 John written?
2 John
Chapter 24
1.
Who
is the “elect lady” whom John addresses?
2.
How
did the Lord honor and exalt women?
3 John
Chapter 25
1.
What
is the theme of this epistle?
2.
Who
was Gaius?
3.
What
virtue did Gaius possess that is to be imitated?
Jude
Chapter 26
1.
Why
was Jude written?
2.
List
two special features of the “truth.”
3.
What
is one indication of false doctrine?
4.
What
is one thing that the Christian can know with confidence?
5.
What
caution should the church take in relation to false teachers?
Chapter 27
1.
What
prophetic utterances have blessed the church?
2.
What
did Christ predict?
3.
Why
is this book of the Bible called The
Revelation?
Study
Guide Answers
Extracted from the writings of
Matthew Henry
Matthew
1.
What
does the word “gospel” mean? Answer: The word gospel signifies “good news” or “glad tidings.” “Gospel” is an
old Saxon word; it is “God’s spell” or “word.”
2.
List three false gospels. Answer:
(1) The Gospel of Peter (2) The
Gospel of Thomas (3) The Gospel of Philip.
3.
Who
was Matthew? Answer: Matthew was by birth a Jew, by calling a
publican, and by sovereign grace a disciple of Jesus Christ. He was said to
have written this gospel about eight years after the ascension of Christ.
4.
When
were all the gospels written? Answer: All the books of the New Testament were
completed prior to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.
5.
What
argument could be set forth that Matthew wrote in Greek? Answer: It is possible that
Matthew wrote a gospel in Hebrew for the Jews but also a copy in Greek for the
Gentiles. He wrote in the common language of the people.
Mark
Chapter 2
1.
What
is known about Mark? Answer: Markus, a Roman name, was by birth a Jew. We
read of John whose surname was Mark, sister’s son to Barnabas, whom Paul was
displeased with (Acts 15:37-38), but afterward had a great kindness for (Col.
4:10 cf. 2 Tim. 4:11).
2.
According
to tradition who directed the writing of Mark’s gospel? Answer: It is a tradition
very current among the ancients, that St. Mark wrote this gospel under the direction
of St. Peter, and that it was confirmed by his authority.
3.
Was
Mark an apostle? Answer: While Mark was not an official apostle he
may have been one of the seventy disciples that Jesus sent out (Luke 10:19 cf.
Mark 16:18).
4.
What
does Mark emphasize in his gospel? Answer:
Mark emphasizes the miracles of
Christ.
5.
According
to legend what happened to Mark? Answer:
St. Jerome saith that, after the
writing of this gospel, he went into Egypt, and was the first that preached the
gospel at Alexandria, where he founded a church
Chapter 3
1.
What
is known about Luke? Answer: Luke was born at Antioch. He was a Jewish
proselyte and was converted to Christ during one of Paul’s missionary journeys
(Acts 16:1). Paul calls him the beloved Physician (Col. 4:14).
2.
What
does Luke emphasize in his gospel? Answer: Luke focuses attention upon the priestly
nature of Christ.
3.
What
other works did Luke write? Answer: Luke is also the author of the Acts of the
Apostles.
4.
How
did Luke die? Answer: Jerome says that Luke died when he was
eighty-four years of age, and was never married.
5.
Who
was Luke closely associated with? Answer: Luke was a close traveling companion of
Paul in his travels (2 Cor. 8:18).
John
Chapter 4
1.
Who
was John? Answer: John was the brother of James and an
apostle of Jesus Christ.
2.
Why
was his gospel written? Answer: John may have written his gospel at the
request of the ministers of several churches of Asia in opposition to the
heresy of Corinthus and the Ebonites who held that Jesus was merely a man.
3.
What
other works did John write? Answer: John is the author of the three epistles
that bear his name plus the book of the Revelation.
4.
Who
do the four living creatures of the Revelation represent? Answer: The four evangelists
with John being the eagle which soars high into the sky to reveal the Son of
God to man.
5.
How
did John die? Answer: John lived the longest of all the apostles
and died a natural death.
Acts
Chapter 5
1.
Why
is there not more history in the book of Acts? Answer: “For fear of overburdening
the world (John 21:25), a Divine limitation was placed on what was recorded.
2.
What
are some of the miracles that confirmed the authority of the apostles? Answer: There were miracles of mercy, restoring sick bodies to health and dead
bodies to life, miracles of judgment, and much greater miracles wrought on the
minds of people, in conferring spiritual gifts upon them, both of understanding
and utterance.
3.
What
evidences are there for the resurrection of Christ in Acts? Answer: There constant testimonies from those that conversed with Christ after
He arose from the dead. Also, the power of the Holy Spirit was present to
convert souls through the preaching of the gospel.
4.
What
story does the book of Acts continue? Answer: The book of Acts continues to show how the
superstructure of the church was raised among the Jews, Samaritans, and
Gentiles.
5.
How
was the Church built? Answer: The disciples were baptized, organized in to
religious societies, met regularly for worship, learned the apostle’s doctrine,
took communion, prayed, and performed good works.
Chapter 6
1.
How
many of the New Testament epistles might be credited to Paul’s authorship? Answer: Thirteen epistles of Paul are certain. Hebrews is often attributed to
him.
2.
In
what year was The Epistle to the Romans
written? Answer: Paul wrote this letter c. AD 56 from the city of Corinth.
3.
Who
carried the letter from Corinth to Rome? Answer: A lady named Phebe, a servant of the church
at Cenchrea (Rom. 1:16) carried the letter to the church at Rome.
4.
What
great doctrine is set forth in this epistle? Answer: The glorious doctrine
of justification by grace through faith alone is taught in this epistle.
5.
What
godly counsel is found in the practical part of the letter? (chapters 12-15) Answer: In Romans 12 there are general exhortations given for proper conduct
of all Christians. In chapter 13 directions are provided for acting as members
of a civil society. Rules for the conduct of Christians to one another as
members of the church are outlined in chapters 14 and 15.
1 Corinthians
1.
Where
was the city of Corinth located? Answer:
It was situated on the isthmus (or neck
of land) that joined Peloponnesus to the rest of Greece, on the southern side,
and had two ports adjoining, one at the bottom of the Corinthian Gulf, called
Lechaeum, not far from the city, whence they traded to Italy and the west, the
other at the bottom of the Sinus Saronicus, called Cenchrea, at a more remote distance, whence they traded to Asia.
2.
How
was the church established in Corinth? Answer: The history of the church is recorded in
Acts 18:1-18. For two years Paul labored in the lewd city of Corinth to
establish a church.
3.
Why
was the epistle written? Answer: Because of the great doctrinal confusion and open immorality that
Paul heard had come into the church, he wrote to correct heresy and rebuke
gross sin being allowed in the sanctuary.
4.
What
were some specific sins of the saints? Answer: The specific sins of the saints included:
incest, parties and factions, abuse of spiritual gifts—especially tongues,
pride, law suits, various lusts, drunkenness at the Lord’s Table, and
disrespect towards apostolic authority.
5.
In
what chapter are the following topics discussed: communion, spiritual gifts,
love, and the resurrection? Answer: Communion in chapter 11; spiritual gifts in chapters 12, 14; Love in
chapter 13; and the resurrection in chapter 15.
2 Corinthians
Chapter 8
1.
How
long after the first epistle was the second letter sent to Corinth? Answer:
About a year after writing to the
church at Corinth Paul addressed the assembly once more.
2.
What
should the attitude of the assembly be towards a person who has repented? Answer: A person who has truly repented of past sins should be restored and
received again into communion.
3.
What
did Paul want the church to do for the believers in Jerusalem? Answer: Because of a famine in the land, Paul wanted financial relief to be
taken to the church at Jerusalem. A collection was to be gathered each Lord’s
day for this purpose.
4.
In
what chapter is a comparison made between the Old Testament church and the
New? Answer: In chapter 3 a great
comparison and contrast is made between the law written on tablets of stone and
the new covenant written on the flesh of the heart.
5.
In
which chapter does Paul give a defense of his apostolic ministry? Answer: In chapters 10-12 Paul finds it necessary to defend himself from his
false accusers who had attacked his position as an apostle and his persona as a
man.
Chapter 9
1.
What
necessitated the writing of the letter to the Galatians? Answer: False teaches had
come into the church of the Galatians to insist that the ceremonial law of
Moses be kept in addition to faith in Christ. This mingling of law and grace,
works righteousness and faith undermined the gospel of redeeming grace.
2.
What
was the great concern of the apostle? Answer: Paul was concerned that the church would
return to the law and leave the glorious doctrines of free grace for a works
based righteousness thereby nullifying the redemptive work of Christ at
Calvary.
3.
What
specific doctrine does the apostle defend? Answer: Paul defends the doctrine of justification
by faith whereby individuals are declared righteous based on belief in the
substitutionary work of Christ on the cross.
4.
What
exhortation is given? Answer: The church must “stand fast in the liberty
wherewith Christ had made them free.”
5.
What
is the design of the apostle in writing the letter? Answer: The purpose of this
letter was to (1) combat false teaching (2) caution against abusing spiritual
liberty (3) settle those who might be wavering in the faith (4) recover those
who had been perverted by erroneous teaching and (5) confirm those in the faith
who had maintained their integrity in the gospel.
Chapter 10
1.
What
evidence is there that the letter to the Ephesians was designed to be sent to
that Church? Answer: The epistle is expressly inscribed (1:1) to
the saints that are at Ephesus; and in the close of it Paul tells them that he
had sent Tychicus unto them, whom, in 2 Tim. 4:12, he says he had sent to
Ephesus.
2.
Where
was Paul when he wrote this letter? Answer: Paul was in prison in Rome.
3.
What
was his purpose in writing? Answer: The purpose for this apostolic writing was
to establish the Ephesians in the truth and then to further acquaint them with
the mystery of the gospel.
4.
How
does Paul present the arguments he wishes to make? Answer: Paul reminds the
believers of what their lives were once like when they acted as idolatrous
heathens. Now that they have been converted to Christ they have been received
into a covenant relationship with the Lord.
5.
Which
chapters teach the doctrines of the faith and which chapters teach the duties
of the Christian life? Answer: In
Ephesians 1-3 the doctrines of the faith are set forth while in Ephesians 4-6
the duties of the Christian life are revealed.
Philippians
Chapter 11
1.
How
did the city of Philippi receive its name? Answer:
It took its name from Philip, the
famous king of Macedon, who repaired and beautified it, and afterwards made it
a Roman colony.
2.
What
famous battle was fought near the city of Philippi? Answer: Near this place were
the Campi Philippici, remarkable for the famous battles between Julius Caesar
and Pompey the Great, and that between Augustus and Antony on one side and
Cassius and Brutus on the other.
3.
What
year was the letter to the Philippians written? Answer: This letter was
written c. AD 62 during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment.
4.
How did Paul know he should go and preach to the Philippians? Answer: Paul was called in an extraordinary manner to preach the gospel at
Philippi, Acts 16:9. A vision appeared to Paul in the night: There stood a man
of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. He
saw God going before him, and was encouraged to use all means for carrying on
the good work which was begun among them, and building upon the foundation
which was laid.
5.
What
lady was used of the Lord to help establish the church in the city of Philippi?
Answer: Her name was Lydia.
1.
Why
was the letter to the Colossians written?
Answer: The design of the epistle is to warn them of the danger of the Jewish
zealots, who pressed the necessity of observing the ceremonial law; and to
fortify them against the mixture of the Gentile philosophy with their Christian
principles.
2.
When
was it written? Answer: Along with Ephesians and Philippians this
letter was written by Paul c AD 62 during his second Roman imprisonment.
3.
Who
established the church at Colosse?
Answer: Epaphras had planted this
church.
4.
What
hope is there for Christians with lesser spiritual gifts? Answer: Christians must not
think that all spiritual honor is reserved for the most spiritual or useful of
God’s servants. We can all be used of the Lord if we are open to His
leadership. It is not ability but availability that the Lord uses.
5.
What
spiritual lesson can be learned from Paul’s example in ministering to the
church at Colossi? Answer: One person may “water” what others have
“planted” or “build” upon the “foundation” laid by someone else.
1
Thessalonians
1.
What
was Thessalonica known for in the ancient world? Answer: The city of
Thessalonica was once well known for commercial trade being a metropolis of
Macedonia.
2.
Who
founded the church at Thessalonica?
Answer: Passing through Amphipolis
and Apollonia, Paul and his party came to Thessalonica, where the apostle
planted a church that consisted of some believing Jews and many converted
Gentiles (Acts 17:1-4).
3.
Who
was sent to report on the church in Thessalonica? Answer: Timothy (Acts 18:5)
4.
What
distinction does this epistle have in Pauline writings? Answer: This may have been
the first of all the Pauline epistles.
6.
What
year was the letter written and what was its purpose? Answer: c. AD 51.
2 Thessalonians
Chapter 14
1.
When
was 2 Thessalonians written? Answer:
c. AD 51/52
2.
What
is the main topic of concern? Answer:
This second epistle seems to have been
designed to prevent a mistake, which might arise from some passages in the
former epistle, concerning the second coming of Christ, as if it were near at
hand.
3.
How
does the author alleviate the concerns of the church? Answer: The apostle informs
the church that there were many intermediate counsels yet to be fulfilled
before that day of the Lord should come, though, because it is sure, he had
spoken of it as near.
1 Timothy
Chapter 15
1.
What
ministry did Timothy, Titus, and Philemon have in the early church? Answer: All three ministers were evangelists (cf. Eph. 4:11). Their commission
and work was much the same with that of the apostles, to plant churches, and
water the churches that were planted.
2.
How
did Timothy come to faith? Answer: Timothy was converted by Paul, and
therefore he called him his own son in the faith: we read of his conversion in
Acts 16:3.
3.
What
is the main theme of 1 and 2 Timothy?
Answer: The scope of these two
epistles is to direct Timothy how to discharge his duty as an evangelist at
Ephesus, where he now was, and where Paul ordered him for some time to reside,
to perfect the good work which he had begun there.
4.
What
is the main responsibility of the pastor?
Answer: The main responsibility of
the pastor is to feed the flock of God, which He had planted with His own
blood.
2 Timothy
Chapter 16
1.
Where
was Paul when he wrote to Timothy?
Answer: This second epistle Paul
wrote to Timothy from Rome.
2.
What
future lay before Paul at the time of writing 2 Timothy? Answer: As a prisoner in
Rome, Paul sensed danger for his life; this is evident from these words, I am
now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, 2 Tim 4:6. It
appears that his removal out of this world, in his own apprehension, was not
far off, especially considering the rage and malice of his persecutors.
3.
Under
whose reign did Paul die? Answer: had been brought before the emperor Nero,
which he calls his first answer, when no man stood with him, but all men
forsook him, 2 Tim 4:16.
4.
What
distinction in the writings of Paul does 2 Timothy hold? Answer: Because the work in
Crete was more difficult than ordinary, Paul wrote this epistle to him to
encourage his heart and to give practical counsel in the work of the ministry.
5.
What
is the design of 2 Timothy? Answer: Titus was to teach “sound doctrine.”
Chapter 17
1.
Compare
the spiritual work of Titus with the work of Timothy. Answer: Both were converts
of Paul, and his companions in labours and sufferings; both were in the office
of evangelists, whose work was to water the churches planted by the apostles,
and to set in order the things that were wanting in them: they were
vice-apostles, as it were, working the work of the Lord, as they did, and
mostly under their direction, though not despotic and arbitrary, but with the
concurring exercise of their own prudence and judgment, 1 Cor 16:10,12
2.
What
are some things that are known about Titus personally? Answer: We read much of this
Titus, his titles, character, and active usefulness, in many places-- he was a
Greek, Gal 2:3. Paul called him his son Titus 1:4, his brother 2 Cor 2:13, his
partner and fellow-helper 2 Cor 8:23, one that walked in the same spirit and in
the same steps with himself. He went up with the apostles to the church at
Jerusalem Gal 2:1, was much conversant at Corinth, for which church he had an
earnest care, 2 Cor 8:16.
3.
Where
did Titus minister? Answer: On the island of Crete.
4.
Why
did Paul write to Titus? Answer: Because the work in Crete was now more
difficult than ordinary, Paul wrote this epistle to him to encourage his heart
and to give practical counsel in the work of the ministry.
5.
What
specifically was Titus to teach and do?
Answer: Titus was to “sound
doctrine.”
Philemon
Chapter 18
1.
What
was the occasion for the writing of Philemon? Answer: In the Providence of
the Lord, Paul had met a runaway slave whom he was no sending back. Paul wanted
the slave to be treated with dignity and grace.
2.
What
is one way that the goodness of God is revealed? Answer: In the act of
salvation the goodness and grace of God is manifested.
3.
Who
was Onesimus? Answer: Onesimus was the name of the runaway slave.
4.
How
was Philemon to treat Onesimus? Answer:
Philemon was to receive and treat his
formerly unprofitable servant as a brother.
5.
How does the experience of Onesimus reflect salvation? Answer: We, like Onesimus, were revolters from God's service, and had injured
him in his rights. Jesus Christ finds us, and by his grace works a change in
us, and then intercedes for us with the
Father, that we may be received into his favour and family again, and past
offences may be forgiven; and we are sure that the Father heareth him always.
Chapter 19
1.
What
do the Arians believe? Answer: Arians deny the Godhead and self-existence
of Christ.
2.
Who
is the author of Hebrews? Answer: While the authorship of this epistle is
uncertain, many scholars ascribe it to the Apostle Paul.
3.
What
is the purpose of the epistle? Answer:
The purpose of this epistle is to set
forth the supremacy of Christ over the law, over Moses, over angels, and over
the Levitical priesthood and over the sacrifices they offered.
4.
How
does the author re-enforce his arguments?
Answer: The glories of Christ are set
forth.
5.
What
spiritual lesson might be learned from the effort to study this epistle? Answer: While there are many things hard to understand in Scripture, there is
spiritual sweetness in searching them out.
James
Chapter 20
1.
Who
is the author of this epistle? Answer:
The writer of this epistle was not James
the son of Zebedee; for he was put to death by Herod (Acts 12) before
Christianity had gained so much ground among the Jews of the dispersion as is
here implied. But it was the other James, the son of Alpheus, who was
cousin-germane to Christ, and one of the twelve apostles, Mt. 10:3. He is
called a pillar Gal. 2:9, and this epistle of his cannot be disputed, without
loosening a foundation stone.
2.
Why
is this letter called a “general” epistle?
Answer: It is called a general
epistle, because (as some think) not directed to any particular person or
church, but such a one as we call a circular letter. Others think it is called
general, or catholic, to distinguish it from the epistles of Ignatius,
Barnabas, Polycarp, and others who were noted in the primitive times, but not
generally received in the church, and on that account not canonical, as this
is. Eusebius tells us that this epistle was "generally read in the
churches with the other catholic epistles." His. Eccles. Page 53. Ed. Val.
Anno 1678.
3.
What
was the author known for? Answer: James was called “the just” for his great
piety.
4.
What
is the broad purpose of this epistle?
Answer: The design of it is to reprove Christians for their great degeneracy
both in faith and manners, and to prevent the spreading of those libertine
doctrines which threatened the destruction of all practical godliness.
5.
What
might have been a specific intent of the author in writing this letter? Answer:
It was also a special intention
of the author of this epistle to awaken the Jewish nation to a sense of the
greatness and nearness of those judgments which were coming upon them; and to
support all true Christians in the way of their duty, under the calamities and
persecutions they might meet with.
1 Peter
Chapter 21
1.
What
false teachings have been perpetuated about Peter? Answer: There are many
things confidently affirmed of this holy man that are directly false: as, That
he had a primacy and superior power over the rest of the apostles-- that he was
more than their equal-- that he was their prince, monarch, and sovereign-- and
that he exercised a jurisdiction over the whole college of the apostles:
moreover, That he as the sole and universal pastor over all the Christian
world, the only vicar of Christ upon earth-- that he was for above twenty years
bishop of Rome-- that the popes of Rome succeed to St. Peter, and derive from
him a universal supremacy and jurisdiction over all churches and Christians
upon earth-- and that all this was by our Lord's ordering and appointment;
whereas Christ never gave him any pre-eminence of this kind, but positively
forbade it, and gave precepts to the contrary. The other apostles never
consented to any such claim. Paul declares himself not a whit behind the very
chief apostles, 2 Cor 11:5 and 12:11. Here is no exception of Peter's superior
dignity, whom Paul took the freedom to blame, and withstood him to the face,
Gal 2:11. And Peter himself never assumed any thing like it, but modestly
styles himself an apostle of Jesus Christ; and, when he writes to the
presbyters of the church, he humbly places himself in the same rank with them:
The elders who are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, 5:1
2.
List
the threefold purpose for the writing of 1 and 2 Peter. Answer: (1) To explain more fully the doctrines of
Christianity to these newly-converted Jews.(2) To direct and persuade them to a
holy conversation, in the faithful discharge of all personal and relative
duties, whereby they would secure their own peace and effectually confute the
slanders and reproaches of their enemies. (3) To prepare them for sufferings.
Chapter 22
1.
What
special moment was Peter, James, and John present with the Lord? Answer: These three apostles were present at the transfiguration of Christ.
2.
What
evidence is there that Peter is the author of this epistle? Answer: The penman of this
epistle appears plainly to be the same who wrote the foregoing; and, whatever
difference some learned men apprehend they discern in the style of this epistle
from that of the former, this cannot be a sufficient argument to assert that it
was written by Simon who succeeded the apostle James in the church at
Jerusalem, inasmuch as he who wrote this epistle calls himself Simon Peter, and
an apostle (v. 1), and says that he was one of the three apostles that were
present at Christ's transfiguration (v. 18), and says expressly that he had
written a former epistle to them, 3:1.
3.
What is the design of 2 Peter?
Answer: The design of this second
epistle is the same with that of the former, as is evident from the first verse
of the third chapter, whence observe that, in the things of God, we have need
of precept upon precept, and line upon line, and all little enough to keep them
in remembrance; and yet these are the things which should be most faithfully
recorded and frequently remembered by us.
Chapter 23
1.
What
are some other names for Jesus? Answer:
Jesus is called the Word, the Life, the
Light; his name was the Word of God. Compare 1:1 and 5:7 with John 1:1 and Rev
19:13.
2.
List
three things about John. Answer: (1) He is the disciple, whom Jesus loved,
the Lord’s peculiar friend. (2) He is the one who leaned on the Lord’s breast
at the Last Supper. (3) He is the one who asked “who is he that betrayeth
thee?”
3.
Why
was 1 John written? Answer: The
Epistle was sent to divers churches
(some say of Parthia), in order to confirm them in their steadfast adherence to
the Lord Christ, and the sacred doctrines concerning his person and office,
against seducers; and to instigate them to adorn that doctrine by love to God
and man, and particularly to each other, as being descended from God, united by
the same head, and traveling towards the same eternal life
2 John
Chapter 24
1.
Who
is the “elect lady” whom John addresses?
Answer: Here we find a canonical epistle inscribed, principally, not only to a
single person, but to one also of the softer sex.
2.
How
did the Lord honor and exalt women?
Answer: In gospel redemption,
privilege, and dignity, there is neither male nor female; they are both one in
Christ Jesus. Our Lord himself neglected his own repast, to commune with the
woman of Samaria, in order to show her the fountain of life; and, when almost
expiring upon the cross, he would with his dying lips bequeath his blessed
mother to the care of his beloved disciple, and thereby instruct him to respect
female disciples for the future. It was to one of the same sex that our Lord
chose to appear first after his return from the grave, and to send by her the
news of his resurrection to this as well as to the other apostles; and we find
afterwards a zealous Priscilla so well acquitting herself in her Christian
race, and particularly in some hazardous service towards the apostle Paul, that
she is not only often mentioned before her husband, but to her as well as to
him, not only the apostle himself, but also all the Gentile churches, were
ready to return their thankful acknowledgments. No wonder then that a heroine
in the Christian religion, honored by divine providence, and distinguished by
divine grace, should be dignified also by an apostolic epistle.
3 John
Chapter 25
1.
What
is the theme of this epistle? Answer:
Christian communion is exerted and
cherished by letter. Christians are to be commended in the practical proof of
their professed subjection to the gospel of Christ.
2.
Who
was Gaius? Answer: Gaius was a friend of John’s.
3.
What
virtue did Gaius possess that is to be imitated? Answer: Gaius was well known
for his gift of hospitality.
Jude
Chapter 26
1.
Why
was Jude written? Answer: This epistle was designed to warn the church
against seducers and their seduction, to inspire us with a warm love to, and a
hearty concern for, truth (evident and important truth), and that in the
closest conjunction with holiness, of which charity, or sincere unbiased
brotherly-love, is a most essential character and inseparable branch.
2.
List
two special features of the “truth.”
Answer: (I) It is the truth as it is
in Jesus (Eph. 4:21) and (2) it is truth which is after (or which is according
to) godliness (Tit. 1:1).
3.
What
is one indication of false doctrine?
Answer: Immorality is a natural
product of false doctrine.
4.
What
is one thing that the Christian can know with confidence? Answer: We know from what
foundation we are wholly and solely to draw all necessary saving knowledge.
5.
What
caution should the church take in relation to false teachers? Answer: Christians should not believe that they are more spiritual than others.
Chapter 27
1.
What
prophetic utterances have blessed the church? Answer: That glorious
prediction of breaking the serpent's head was the stay and support of the
patriarchal age; and the many prophecies there were concerning the Messiah to come
were the gospel of the Old Testament.
2.
What
did Christ predict? Answer: Christ himself prophesied of the destruction
of Jerusalem; and, about the time in which that was accomplished, he entrusted
the apostle John with this book of revelation, to deliver it to the church as a
prediction of the most important events that should happen to it to the end of
time, for the support of the faith of his people and the direction of their
hope.
3.
Why
is this book of the Bible called The
Revelation? Answer: It is called the Revelation, because God
therein discovers those things which could never have been sifted out by the
reasonings of human understanding, those deep things of God which no man knows,
but the Spirit of God, and those to whom he reveals them.
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