the Fourth Week of Advent
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Bible Commentaries
Orchard's Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture Orchard's Catholic Commentary
Old Testament
Jesus' life, teachings, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as the Messiah. Mark
A fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry, focusing on his actions and sacrificial death. Luke
Jesus' life, emphasizing compassion for the marginalized and the universal scope of salvation. John
Theological reflections on Jesus as the Word of God, focusing on his divine nature and mission. Acts
The early church's growth, the apostles' ministry, and the spread of the Gospel. Romans
A theological treatise on salvation, grace, faith, and righteousness through Jesus Christ for all. 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses divisions, immorality, and spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. 2 Corinthians
Paul's defense of his apostleship, his sufferings, and the power of God's grace. Galatians
Paul's defense of the Gospel of grace against legalism, emphasizing faith in Christ alone. Ephesians
Paul's teachings on the church's unity, spiritual blessings in Christ, and Christian conduct. Philippians
A letter of joy and encouragement, urging humility and faithfulness amid persecution. Colossians
Paul's emphasis on Christ's supremacy and warnings against false teachings. 1 Thessalonians
Encouragement to a young church, with teachings on holiness and Christ's return. 2 Thessalonians
Clarifications about Christ's return and exhortations to stand firm in faith. 1 Timothy
Guidance for church leadership, sound teaching, moral conduct, and defending the truth of the gospel. 2 Timothy
Paul's final exhortations to Timothy, emphasizing perseverance and faithfulness. Titus
Instructions for establishing order in the church, promoting sound doctrine, and living with integrity. Philemon
A personal appeal for the forgiveness and restoration of a runaway slave, Onesimus. Hebrews
An insightful look at Christ's supremacy, priesthood, and the fulfillment of prophecies. James
Practical wisdom on living out one's faith through good works and righteous behavior. 1 Peter
Encouragement for suffering Christians to remain faithful and hopeful in their trials. 2 Peter
A reminder to grow in faith, resist false teachings, and remain steadfast awaiting His return. 1 John
Teachings on love, obedience, and assurance of salvation through fellowship with God. 2 John
A letter encouraging love, obedience to God's commands, caution against teachings that deny Christ's truth. 3 John
A personal letter commending hospitality and warning against arrogance in church leadership. Jude
A strong warning against false teachers and a passionate call to defend the faith and uphold the truth. Revelation
Apocalyptic visions of God's ultimate victory, Christ's return, and the new heaven and earth.
Author's Biography
Bernard Orchard
John Archibald Henslowe Orchard, the son of a farmer, was born in Bromley, Kent, England and educated at Ealing Priory School, to which he would in later life return as headmaster.
Upon graduation, he studied at Fitzwilliam House, in the University of Cambridge, where he read History and Economics. Upon graduation in 1932, he took the monastic habit at Downside Abbey and adopted the name Bernard; he was subsequently ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1939.
From 1943 he took advantage of Divino afflante Spiritu, the papal encyclical of Pope Pius XII, which for the first time permitted modern methods of biblical criticism to be employed by Catholics, to embark upon A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, eventually published in 1951.
In 1967 he and a fellow Ealing Priory pupil produced a new translation of the Bible which was suitable for both liturgical and academic use.
Orchard promoted, in the face of general scholarly scepticism, the Griesbach hypothesis, which he renamed the Two-Gospel Hypothesis, which maintained that the Gospel of Matthew was the first and the Gospel of Mark the third, being a synthesis of Matthew's Gospel and the Gospel of Luke.
Orchard passed away on November 28, 2006 at the age of 96.
