the Third Week of Advent
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Bible Commentaries
Philpot's Commentary on select texts of the Bible Philpot's Commentary
Old Testament
The creation, humanity's fall, the flood, and God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Exodus
Israel's escape from Egypt, receiving the Law, and covenant formation at Mount Sinai. Numbers
Israel's wilderness journey, census data, and preparations for entering the Promised Land. Deuteronomy
Moses' final speeches reiterating the Law and renewing Israel's covenant before entering Canaan. Joshua
Israel's conquest, division of Canaan, and Joshua's leadership in settling the Promised Land. Judges
Israel's cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance by judges, highlighting moral decline. 1 Samuel
Samuel's leadership, Saul's reign, and David's rise as Israel's future king. 2 Samuel
Focuses on King David's reign, his successes, personal failings, and the establishment of a united Israel. 2 Kings
Chronicles the history of Israel and Judah, detailing the reigns of their kings and the fall of Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles
A retelling of Israel's history, focusing on David's reign and temple preparations. 2 Chronicles
The history of Judah's kings, emphasizing temple worship, leading to Babylonian exile. Nehemiah
Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore the community's faithfulness. Esther
A Jewish queen's courage saves her people from a plot of genocide in Persia. Job
A righteous man's suffering, his dialogues on justice, and God's ultimate sovereignty. Psalms
A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship, lament, thanksgiving, and praise to God. Proverbs
Wisdom sayings offering guidance on moral living, relationships, and the fear of God. Ecclesiastes
Reflects on the meaning of life, exploring the futility of human endeavors and the pursuit of wisdom. Song of Solomon
A poetic celebration of love, expressing deep romantic and spiritual devotion between lovers. Isaiah
Prophecies of judgment and redemption, foretelling the Messiah's coming and Israel's restoration. Jeremiah
Warnings of Jerusalem's destruction, calls for repentance, and promises of a new covenant. Lamentations
Poems mourning Jerusalem's destruction and expressing deep sorrow, yet hope in God's mercy. Ezekiel
Visions and prophecies of Jerusalem's fall, Israel's restoration, and a future temple. Daniel
Stories of faithfulness in exile and visions of future kingdoms and God's ultimate victory. Hosea
A prophet's marriage symbolizes God's steadfast love for unfaithful Israel, calling for repentance. Amos
A call for social justice, condemning Israel's complacency and predicting divine judgment. Jonah
A reluctant prophet's mission to Nineveh, highlighting God's mercy towards repentance. Micah
Warnings of judgment, calls for justice, and prophecies of a future ruler from Bethlehem. Habakkuk
A prophet questions God's justice, leading to a vision of divine sovereignty and faith. Zephaniah
Prophecies of judgment on Judah and surrounding nations, with promises of restoration. Zechariah
Visions and prophecies encouraging the returned exiles, foretelling the Messiah's coming. Malachi
A call to covenant faithfulness, addressing Israel's spiritual apathy, and predicting Elijah's return.
New 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. 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
Joseph Charles Philpot
Joseph Charles Philpot, known as J.C. Philpot, was born on September 13, 1802, in Ripple, Kent, England. Educated at Worcester College, Oxford, he graduated with honors, showcasing his intellectual capabilities early in life. Philpot was ordained in the Church of England in 1827, serving initially as a curate in a small parish. However, his spiritual journey took a decisive turn when he encountered the doctrines of grace and sovereignty that marked the Strict and Particular Baptist tradition.
This profound spiritual awakening led Philpot to leave the Church of England in 1835, finding his new spiritual home among the Strict and Particular Baptists. He became associated with the Gospel Standard Strict Baptists due to their shared theological convictions, particularly their emphasis on predestination and the effectual calling of the Holy Spirit.
Philpot's legacy is largely built on his editorship of the "Gospel Standard," a Strict Baptist periodical, from 1835 until his death in 1869. His editorials, rich in doctrinal depth and experiential knowledge of the Christian faith, endeared him to many readers. He was also a prolific writer, authoring several books and sermons that delved into the intricacies of Christian doctrine, personal piety, and the experiential realities of living a faith-filled life.
His writings reflect a deep pastoral concern, often addressing the doubts, fears, and struggles that believers face. Philpot's insights into the human condition, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the doctrines of grace, made his work a source of comfort and guidance for many in the Christian community.
Philpot passed away on December 9, 1869, leaving behind a rich legacy of faithfulness to the Scriptures and a deep, experiential knowledge of God's grace. His life and work continue to inspire and challenge Christians to pursue a deeper relationship with God, grounded in the truth of the Gospel and the sovereign grace of God.
