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The Bible Year

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 52.

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The Bible Year

Assignment for October 22 to 28

The Epistle to the Romans

“This epistle was written by Paul (A. D. 58) from Corinth, and sent by Phebe from Cenchrea to the Christian church at Rome, then the metropolis of the world. The members of this church consisted of heathen who had embraced the gospel, and Jews who, with many prejudices unremoved, believed in Jesus as the Messiah. It is most probable that Christianity was first introduced at Rome by some of the strangers who received the gospel at Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost, and who on their return to Rome proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation. Certainly there is no warrant for supposing that Peter first carried the gospel to the imperial city. The apostle, hearing of these important matters from Aquila, Priscilla, and others, was naturally desirous to visit Rome; but being prevented from doing so, he wrote this lengthy and magnificent epistle, in order to instruct the converts in the great truths of the gospel, to strengthen their faith, already well known throughout the world, and to correct certain misapprehensions which arose mainly through the diversified character and position of those who composed the church at Rome.
“The Jewish believer hesitated to regard the uncircumcised Gentile convert as on the same footing with himself, and the Gentile believer was too ready to look contemptuously on the ceremonial scruples of his Jewish brother in the faith. Hence the apostle’s design is to show that all the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic law are abrogated by the gospel dispensation, and that the blessings of salvation are open equally to all, whether Jew or Gentile. This epistle is the most full and systematic of all the apostle’s writings, and partakes greatly of the character of a formal discussion of the important matters contained therein. . . .”
“The style of this epistle is eloquent, logical, forcible, magnificent, sublime. The apostle warms with his theme; he urges the claims of the gospel of grace, anticipates objections, successfully combats with and demolishes them; he fearlessly proclaims the sovereignty of God, the perfect security of the believer, and finally loses himself almost in a climax of peroration, the like of which, for fervid grandeur, is scarcely to be found even in the Scriptures themselves. Note especially the account given of the moral depravity of mankind in general; the exhaustive arguments concerning justification, sanctification, election, divine sovereignty, and the assured eternal safety of the believer in Christ; the earnest exhortations to a pure, separate, fruit-bearing life, and the commendation of all the graces of personal and social kindness and forbearance.”—J. Anderson.

The Epistle of James

“This epistle was written by James, the son of Alpheus, a near kinsman of the Lord Jesus, A. D. 61, from Jerusalem ‘to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.’ James was a man of eminent piety and integrity of character, hence his surname of ‘the Just.’ He appears to have resided permanently at Jerusalem, and soon after the death of Stephen he had charge of the church assembling there, and presided at the apostolical council, as recorded in Acts 15. He was put to death in the year 62.
“This beautiful epistle appeals to the whole Jewish nation, believers and unbelievers, and its design is to correct several errors into which the Hebrew Christians had fallen, especially in relation to the doctrine of justification by faith; also to cheer and encourage those who were heavily tried; and further, to warn the ungodly Jews, and excite them to repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This epistle is therefore general, or catholic, in thestrictest sense of the term; it is without the customary apostolical salutation and benediction; it appeals to the godly and the ungodly, and is applicable to any and every age. A due consideration of these facts will help to the right understanding of many statements otherwise difficult to comprehend. . . .”
“The style of this epistle is earnest, forcible, outspoken, often abrupt, full of solemn questions and imperative commands; very sententious, bearing some analogy in this respect to our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Note especially the unconditional promise of the gift of wisdom to all who ask; the prominence given to the grace of patience; to the necessity of good works, as evidence of the reality of faith; and to purity of heart and life; also, the efficiency of prayer, the allusion to the second advent, and the blessedness of seeking to save souls from death. The word ‘perfect’ occurs five times in this epistle.”—Id.