The Work of the holy Spirit
A Commentary on the Book of Acts
The book of Acts is packed with powerful stories of the apostles preaching the gospel, working miracles, overcoming constant opposition, and being used by God to grow His church throughout the world. Yet in the Gospel accounts, the disciples’ behavior was not always stellar. What happened between the Gospels and Acts? The Holy Spirit transformed the apostles.
In this verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Acts, Clark Van Wick unfolds the history and growth of the early church and the welcoming of the Gentiles into the kingdom of God. In this account a beautiful model emerges for the church today: no hype, hoopla, gadgets, or gizmos—just believers telling others about Jesus and people coming to faith in Him as Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This commentary, with its conversational tone emphasizing discipleship more than scholarship, is a tool to help you understand the Scriptures better and, ultimately, be changed by the power of God’s Word.
In this verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Acts, Clark Van Wick unfolds the history and growth of the early church and the welcoming of the Gentiles into the kingdom of God. In this account a beautiful model emerges for the church today: no hype, hoopla, gadgets, or gizmos—just believers telling others about Jesus and people coming to faith in Him as Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This commentary, with its conversational tone emphasizing discipleship more than scholarship, is a tool to help you understand the Scriptures better and, ultimately, be changed by the power of God’s Word.
The Good New of Grace
A Commentary on the Book of Romans
The book of Romans has been called the constitution of Christianity and the Magna Carta of our faith. It has touched the hearts of many—Saint Augustine, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Billy Graham, Chuck Smith, to name a few. And no wonder—it shows us how to become righteous and get to heaven. Too often we try to develop righteous lives and gain entrance into heaven by going to church or reading our Bibles or doing good works. But righteousness doesn’t come by what we do or who we are—it comes by who we know. Only through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross can we be made righteous and get to heaven. Praise be to God! This is the good news of grace—and it’s what the book of Romans is all about. May we be drawn to the fullness of life in Christ as we study Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome.
The Supremacy of Christ
A Commentary on the Book of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians. Jews who came to faith in Jesus Christ were persecuted by Rome and also ostracized by their unbelieving friends and family. As a result, many were pressured to return to the law and the bondage of legalism.
A lot of religious groups do the same thing today. They say, “You have to believe in Jesus Christ and be baptized in our church,” or, “You have to knock on so many doors to win others to Christ,” or, “You have to give money.” This leads to legalism.
The book of Hebrews showed the Jewish believers—and it shows us today— that Jesus is better than any good works we can do. He is better than the angels, better than Moses, better than Aaron. He is a better sacrifice, a better sanctuary, a better covenant, a better promise, a better resurrection, a better hope. Salvation is not by works—it is through faith in Jesus alone.
A lot of religious groups do the same thing today. They say, “You have to believe in Jesus Christ and be baptized in our church,” or, “You have to knock on so many doors to win others to Christ,” or, “You have to give money.” This leads to legalism.
The book of Hebrews showed the Jewish believers—and it shows us today— that Jesus is better than any good works we can do. He is better than the angels, better than Moses, better than Aaron. He is a better sacrifice, a better sanctuary, a better covenant, a better promise, a better resurrection, a better hope. Salvation is not by works—it is through faith in Jesus alone.
One God Above, Through, and In Us All
A Commentary on the Book of Ephesians
Ephesus was a wealthy and powerful port city. It had many temples, including the world-famous Temple of Diana that honored the fertility goddess Artemis. Paul wrote to the Believers in this immoral, idolatrous city. He wanted to encourage them to stand firm as one body in Christ.
The church, Paul wrote, is a mystery-it has many diverse aspects, yet it still one: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called none hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4). How do we live out this oneness? First, we must realize who God is and all the blessings He has given us; then, as we live out those blessings, unity and harmony will result.
In our day, when many factors seek to drive wedges between God’s people, as they did so long ago in Ephesus, we must stand together as one body in Christ. This commentary on the book of Ephesians will encourage us to do just that.
The church, Paul wrote, is a mystery-it has many diverse aspects, yet it still one: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called none hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4). How do we live out this oneness? First, we must realize who God is and all the blessings He has given us; then, as we live out those blessings, unity and harmony will result.
In our day, when many factors seek to drive wedges between God’s people, as they did so long ago in Ephesus, we must stand together as one body in Christ. This commentary on the book of Ephesians will encourage us to do just that.
Faith That Works
A Commentary on the Book of James
The book of James is all about spiritual maturity. James discusses many issues—trials, temptations, the tongue, patience and perseverance. But he doesn’t just teach about these things. He hits us right between the eyes, saying that we should be doers of the Word and not hearers only (see 1:22). Yes, we have to know the Word, but then we have to do what it says.
James deals more with duty than doctrine. In fact, he includes fifty-four commands in his letter’s 108 verses. If we truly have saving faith in Jesus, he writes, it will show in our lives. If we don’t bear fruit, we might have to ask whether our faith is genuine, as James 2:17 makes clear: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” We need a faith that works.
The good news is, when God gives us do’s and don’ts, He also empowers us to do them! God “gives more grace” (4:6), enabling us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. If we desire to mature as believers, this commentary on the book of James will help us practically as we seek both to know and to live out the Word of God.
James deals more with duty than doctrine. In fact, he includes fifty-four commands in his letter’s 108 verses. If we truly have saving faith in Jesus, he writes, it will show in our lives. If we don’t bear fruit, we might have to ask whether our faith is genuine, as James 2:17 makes clear: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” We need a faith that works.
The good news is, when God gives us do’s and don’ts, He also empowers us to do them! God “gives more grace” (4:6), enabling us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. If we desire to mature as believers, this commentary on the book of James will help us practically as we seek both to know and to live out the Word of God.
Living For Jesus in the last days
A Commentary on the Book of Revelation
When Jesus appeared to John in a strange and powerful vision, He told him, “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this” (Rev. 1:19).
The warnings and exhortations John wrote to the seven churches in Asia apply to us today. Jesus, through John, told the churches things like, “You have left your first love,” and, “Do not fear,” and, “Hold fast what you have.” He also said, “I am coming quickly!”
When we think about the last days, we often focus on events taking place and say, “We’re getting close! The end is near!” But we shouldn’t be focused on earthquakes, pandemics, and political maneuvering. Our priority should be getting right with God, holding fast to Him, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors as we can.
Time is short. This commentary on the book of Revelation should be a wake-up call for us to live wholly for the Lord and to get busy telling everybody we can about Jesus.
The warnings and exhortations John wrote to the seven churches in Asia apply to us today. Jesus, through John, told the churches things like, “You have left your first love,” and, “Do not fear,” and, “Hold fast what you have.” He also said, “I am coming quickly!”
When we think about the last days, we often focus on events taking place and say, “We’re getting close! The end is near!” But we shouldn’t be focused on earthquakes, pandemics, and political maneuvering. Our priority should be getting right with God, holding fast to Him, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors as we can.
Time is short. This commentary on the book of Revelation should be a wake-up call for us to live wholly for the Lord and to get busy telling everybody we can about Jesus.