James: A Reader's Companion

The Jewish Christian Letters present a single story that weaves the facts of history together with the truths of Scripture—along with devotional insights—into an intriguing account of the Christian life in the cradle of Christianity. Particular prominence is given to the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Word of God.

Hebrews: A Reader’s Companion – Staying in the Service – The drama unfolds in the first volume with Messianic Jews facing the choice of serving Jesus, their Great High Priest, as believer-priests, or seeking safety in institutionalized religion within the walls of Jerusalem. Paul and Luke stress that either choice might mean death at the hands of the Romans. However, each choice ends with eternal consequences that secure or surrender rewards of the believer’s spiritual inheritance.

James: A Reader’s Companion – Choosing to be Cheerful – The story continues in the second volume with James explaining his concern that the secretly fierce and socially forceful lifestyle of the mean-spirited Sadducees in Jerusalem would replace the wonderfully winsome spirituality of the Lord Jesus in the early churches. Those who adopt and promote the Sadducee’s leadership style might gain positions of prominence in the church, but would forfeit their humble walk of faith with God.

First Peter: A Reader’s Companion – Suffering while Serving – The scene shifts in the third volume from the threat of internal corruption in the churches to external persecution of Christians under Nero. Peter challenges believers to enhance their evangelistic efforts by joyously embracing vicious torture and tragic death for the faith. He also urges believers to bolster their faith by turning away from temptation.

Second Peter: A Reader’s Companion – Growing in Grace – The saga develops further in the fourth volume with Peter explaining how believers can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He warns that those who turn the grace of God into licentious living will spend eternity in outer darkness, but the pure will endure trials by anticipating the Lord’s return.

Jude: A Reader’s Companion – Fighting for the Faith – The tale concludes in the fifth volume with Jude amplifying Peter’s warning instead of writing another account of the life of Jesus. He warns that what Peter foretold would happen was already coming to pass. He then trains believers how to distinguish true from false teachers, instructing them on how they can further strengthen themselves in the faith.