the Fourth Week of Advent
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Bible Commentaries
Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary Poor Man'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. Leviticus
Laws on sacrifices, purity, and holiness, guiding Israel's worship and community life. 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. Ruth
A story of loyalty and redemption, leading to Ruth becoming an ancestor of King David. 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. 1 Kings
Solomon's reign, the temple's construction, and the kingdom's division after his death. 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. Ezra
The return from exile, rebuilding the temple, and reestablishing the Law in Jerusalem. 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. Joel
Prophecies of a locust plague, judgment, and the outpouring of God's Spirit. Amos
A call for social justice, condemning Israel's complacency and predicting divine judgment. Obadiah
Prophecy against Edom for its betrayal of Israel, foretelling its destruction. 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. Nahum
The impending fall of Nineveh as God's judgment against Assyrian cruelty. 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. Haggai
Encouragement to rebuild the temple after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's presence. 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. 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
Robert Hawker
Robert Hawker (1753-1827) was an influential figure in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for his profound contributions to evangelical Anglicanism and his enduring impact on Christian literature. Born in Exeter, England, Hawker pursued a spiritual calling that led him to become one of the most respected preachers of his time, serving as the vicar of Charles Church, Plymouth, for over five decades.
Hawker's ministry was marked by a deep pastoral concern and a fervent commitment to the Gospel. His preaching style was noted for its accessibility and emotional depth, appealing to a wide audience and drawing many to a closer relationship with God. Beyond the pulpit, he was a prolific writer, contributing significantly to Christian literature with works that have continued to inspire and edify readers long after his passing.
Perhaps most notably, Hawker is remembered for his "Poor Man's Commentary on the Bible," a monumental work that exemplified his approach to scripture: deeply pious, Christ-centered, and accessible to everyday believers. This commentary, along with his other writings, reflects Hawker's belief in the importance of making theological insights understandable and relevant to the layperson, a legacy that has endured in Christian thought and practice.
Hawker's influence extended beyond his writings. He was a pioneer in the field of social gospel, demonstrating a keen awareness of and compassion for the needs of the poor and marginalized in his community. His ministry was characterized by acts of charity and a call for social justice, aligning his preaching and pastoral care with practical actions to support those in need.
Robert Hawker left an indelible mark on Christian ministry and literature, remembered not only for his theological contributions but also for his compassionate heart and commitment to living out the teachings of Christ in both word and deed. His life and works continue to be a source of inspiration for those seeking to deepen their faith and serve their communities in the spirit of the Gospel.
