Appendix 5
HERE is a brief synopsis of the five Study Guides published so far, listed in the order in which they appeared.
Philippians
Written by Brother Michael Owen in 1988, this 50-page guide looks at the Letter to the Philippians. It is illustrated with black and white drawings (by Brother Gerald Newton) and maps (by Brother Paul Wasson) and works carefully through the epistle, starting with an Overview – what the book is about, how the ecclesia was formed, and the circumstances of Paul when he wrote, imprisoned in Rome.
By page 13 the guide has started to work through the epistle, section by section, offering brief comments on each verse and picking out salient details. For example the terms “saints”, “bishops and deacons” are explained and words like “grace” and “peace” are defined. Sometimes there are wider explanations about issues. For example, when construing Philippians 2:1-7 Brother Michael says a bit more about Atonement, and later in the same chapter he deals with the combination of Faith and Works.
Each of the sections ends with an invitation to “Test Yourself” and the recommendations for Further Reading include the books on Philippians by Brethren Tom Barling (CMPA); Jim Luke (CSSS); and Paul the Apostle by Brother W H Boulton (CMPA).
The Tabernacle
Written by Brother Michael Ashton in 1989, this 71-page guide deals with the setting of the Tabernacle in the midst of the camp of Israel, the layout and structure of the building itself, its furniture, and the spiritual meaning of the various component parts and materials. It is nicely illustrated, again using black and white line drawings, this time by Brethren Stephen Ashton and Paul Wasson, the Tabernacle being depicted as a flat roof structure, not with a pitched roof as it is sometimes seen. (The question of roof construction is considered separately, on pages 38 and 39, and a flat roof is preferred.)
The section headed “Finding Your Way” lists items like “The Purpose of the Tabernacle” or “The Coverings” and provides the relevant scriptural references, so the reader can track those passages down easily and look them up, item by item. For example, we are told about the construction of the laver both in Exodus 30:17-21 and 38:8. Later, when that item comes under close scrutiny the guide explains the spiritual significance of the bronze material used, its origin, and its typology – pointing towards baptism and spiritual cleansing or sanctification.
These guides do not claim to be exhaustive, but introductory, and the suggestions for further reading include Law and Grace by Brother W. F. Barling; The Law of Moses by Brother Robert Roberts; The Letter to the Hebrews by Brother F. E. Mitchell (all CMPA publications) and Let Them Make Me a Sanctuary by CSSS.
Song of Solomon
Written in 1990 by Brother Stanley Owen, this 69-page study guide is also illustrated by him, Stanley being an artist as well as a writer, with assistance from Brother Paul Wasson, who did the other graphics. An introductory section suggests Solomon as the inspired writer, and says something of his life and then the guide offers an interpretation of the Song based around a triangle of three characters: a beautiful country girl, a shepherd from Lebanon (whom she really loves) and King Solomon in his palace (who is seen as a charmer and beguiler, trying to lure the young girl into an affair).
After a section which offers a division of the poem into 9 sections, the guide’s interpretation of the Song seeks to understand the initial meaning as well as its spiritual significance. As the Song makes extensive reference to the flora and fauna of Israel, these features are extracted and listed, and sometimes illustrated, which provides a helpful picture of contemporary rural life. Because all this looks forward to the relationship between Christ and his bride, the opportunity is taken to show how the language anticipates that and its consummation when at last the Bridegroom comes.
This interpretation may not suit everyone, as the guide admits, but further reading suggested includes books which take a different approach, by Brethren R W Ask (CSSS); H. P. Mansfield (Logos) and articles in The Christadelphian by Brethren Roy Waddoup (1968-69) and Phil Hinde (1984). The latter are, of course, readily accessible using the CD-ROM The Christadelphian Magazine 1864-2000.
The 66 Books of the Bible
Written by Brother Norman Owen in 2002, this 96-page guide is based on a series which first appeared in “Glad Tidings” and was considered so helpful that it was brought together into a Study Guide. This is an excellent handbook for someone who is new to the Bible and wants a complete overview. After a few pages of introduction it begins to look at each Bible book, one page at a time, summarising its key message and adding snippets of information or helpful hints. Each page contains some interesting links with other parts of the Bible (a few cross-references) and it is nicely illustrated with a mixture of graphics, some of them by Brother Norman himself.
Supplementary pages cover things like the world between the Testaments, Roman Provinces and Regions, or the timing of the various books. The guide ends with a Summary of Bible Teaching, an Index, and suggestions for some ideas about books for Bible study, like an Analytical Concordance or a Bible Dictionary, and, for background reading, books like The Christadelphians: What they Believe and Preach by Brother Harry Tennant or God’s Living Word – How the Bible came to us by Brother Derek Banyard.
This guide is especially useful for people who are new to the Bible and who need a handbook to get them started, or for Seminar or Sunday School students.
Revelation
Written by Brother Michael Ashton in 2007, this 87-page guide tackles the most demanding topic so far in the series and does so elegantly. By concentrating on key issues and by being very selective (i.e. not getting bogged down in unnecessary detail), Brother Michael offers a way into a book that fascinates many and confuses even more readers.
The first half of the guide is introductory, for the symbology, setting and structure of the book need to be understood before any real progress can be made. This slow start makes the book useful for Seminar students, too, or for Sunday School use, for readers are not overwhelmed with details of Roman history or first century geography before they are ready. In due course the guide works right through the Revelation, chapter-by-chapter, offering a continuous historic interpretation, although it acknowledges that there are alternative suggestions. It deals with the development of false Christianity and the opposition of such to the Lord Jesus in a measured and subtle way, but a depiction of the False Prophet makes it apparent that the corruption begun by Constantine has remained, making it unnecessary to expressly criticise other religious groups.
Useful asides deal with such details as time periods, the number of the beast, the length of the Millennium and the contrast between the bride and the harlot. Throughout the exhortation contained in the book is referred to, as these guides try to be practical as well as expositional, and the graphics included by Brother Mark Norris, as well as a few photographs, make the book attractive, easy to read and very informative. Recommendations for further reading include Interpreting the Book of Revelation by Brother Alfred Nicholls, Notes on the Apocalypse by Brother C C Walker and, of course, Eureka by Brother John Thomas.