1961 Bible Studies - page 3

BIBLE STUDIES " N o w these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were s o " (Acts 17. 11).

VOLUME 29

JANUARY, 1961

EDITORIAL In this the opening issue for the year we are happy to have a contribution by our valued co-worker, Mr. James Martin. We trust his paper will suggest profitable lines of thought, and also stir up some to follow his example and keep Bible Studies well supplied with special papers. These need not be lengthy: it is more important, surely, that they should be sound in doctrine, informative, thought provoking and heart warming.

The songs and thanksgivings which we have been considering are, like most other things in Luke’s Gospel, very remarkable indeed.  It is befitting, therefore, that these should be found in a record by a disciple of the Lord Jesus who was moved to write in order that we (as well as Theophilus) should know the certainty concerning these things. The things of which Luke wrote were not unknown to Theophilus: he had been instructed in them (Luke 1. 4). But bare instruction is not enough. We must be assured in faith.  Instruction should always inform; it may often challenge belief. This challenge is ever present in the things taught in the Scriptures, but faith enables the believer to accept the word of God with assurance and without reservation. God has been gracious in that He planted in our hearts that faith we have in Him, though at times it may well seem to be only " little faith. "

We are fully aware that the study of so long a book as Luke’s Gospel is a big undertaking. We do trust that the work will be as rewarding as it will be arduous. We should not be discouraged or dismayed if we find difficulties.  Difficulties and perplexing questions will be sure to arise, if keen and inquiring minds are brought to bear on such a study; and we look forward to a very live department of Question and Answer in 1961.

For the work that now lies before us we pray God to grant increasing light.

J. B.

N O T E S ON THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 5

Verses 6, 7, 8: Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump ? Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened. For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ: wherefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Instead of being humbled that such a sin existed among them, they were glorying in their shame.  This leaven of immoral conduct leavened the