Second Chronicles | ||||||
The Book of Second Chronicles parallels First and Second Kings but virtually ignores the northern kingdom of Israel because of its false worship and refusal to acknowledge the temple in Jerusalem. Chronicles focuses on those kings who pattern their life and reign after that of godly king David. It gives extended treatment to such zealous reformers as Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, and Josiah. The temple and temple worship are central throughout the book, as befitting a nation whose worship of God is central to its very survival. The book begins with Solomon's glorious temple, and concludes with Cyrus' edict to rebuild the temple more than four hundred years later! | ||||||
Focus | Reign of Solomon | Reigns of the Kings of Judah | ||||
1:1 9:31 | 10:1 36:23 | |||||
Divisions | Inauguration of Solomon | Completion of the Temple | Glory of Solomon's Reign | Division of the Kingdom | Reforms under Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah and Josiah | Fall of Judah |
1:1 1:17 | 2:1 7:22 | 8:1 9:31 | 10:1 13:22 | 14:1 35:27 | 36:1 36:23 | |
Topics | Temple is Constructed | Temple is Destroyed | ||||
Splendor | Disaster | |||||
Place | Judah | |||||
Time | c. 40 Years | c. 393 Years | ||||
Ephesians | ||||||||
Ephesians is addressed to a group of believers who are indescribably rich in Jesus Christ, but living a beggarly existence because they are ignorant of their wealth. And because they have not appropriated their wealth, they are walking like they are spiritual paupers! Paul begins by describing in chapters 1--3 the contents of the Christian's heavenly "bank account": adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace, citizenship -- short, every spiritual blessing! Drawing upon that huge spiritual endowment, the Christian has all the resources he needs to live a life "to the praise of the glory of His grace" (1:6). Chapters 4--6 resemble an orthopedic clinic, where the Christian learns a spiritual walk rooted in his spiritual wealth. | ||||||||
Focus | Position of the Christian | Practice of the Christian | ||||||
1:1 3:21 | 4:1 6:24 | |||||||
Divisions | Praise for Redemption | Prayer for Revelation | Position of the Christian | Prayer for Realization | Unity in the Church | Holiness in Life | Responsibilities at Home and Work | Conduct in the Conflict |
1:1 1:14 | 1:15 1:23 | 1:24 3:13 | 3:14 3:21 | 4:1 4:16 | 4:17 5:21 | 5:22 6:9 | 6:10 6:24 | |
Topics | Belief | Behavior | ||||||
Privileges of the Christian | Responsibilities of the Christian | |||||||
Place | Rome | |||||||
A.D. 60-61 | ||||||||
Philippians | |||||
Philippians is the epistle of joy and encouragement in the midst of adverse circumstances. In it, Paul freely expresses his fond affection for the Philippians in view of their consistent testimony and support, and lovingly urges them to center their actions and thoughts on the person, pursuit, and power of Jesus Christ. Paul also seeks to correct a problem with disunity and rivalry, urging his readers to imitate Christ in His humility and servanthood. In this way the work of the gospel will go forward as believers seek to stand fast, be of the same mind, rejoice always, and pray about everything. | |||||
Focus | Account of Circumstances | Appeal to Have the Mind of Christ | Appeal to Have the Knowledge of Christ | Appeal to Have the Peace of Christ | |
1:1 1:30 | 2:1 2:30 | 3:1 3:21 | 4:1 4:23 | ||
Divisions | Partakers of Christ | People of Christ | Pursuit of Christ | Power of Christ | |
1:1 1:30 | 2:1 2:30 | 3:1 3:21 | 4:1 4:23 | ||
Topics | Suffering | Submission | Salvation | Sanctification | |
Experience | Examples | Exhortation | |||
Place | Rome | ||||
Time | c. A.D. 62 | ||||