Patience of Hope

Wholesome

Patience of Hope
By J. Philip Arthur
Evangelical Press. 160 pages. £5.95
ISBN 0 85234 385 X

Mr. Arthur's first book is a worthy addition to the Welwyn series of commentaries. '1 and 2 Thessalonians simply explained' sums it up. The key words and major thrusts of these letters are worked through with clarity - the explanations enhanced with a wealth of illustration and application.
The origin of the book as Bible study notes from which the author spoke to his mid-week meeting is perhaps betrayed by the assumed understanding of quite a number of biblical concepts. Jargon words like 'atone', 'wrath' and 'ordains', for example, are used in the first chapter - but without the very simple explanations that the author uses as he opens the text he is principally handling.
Readers who have some background Bible knowledge (and who are not looking for an original approach or a particularly gripping style) will find much to warm their hearts. An unashamedly Reformed and amillennialist doctrinal stance is ably demonstrated from the text. It will provide a good diet of wholesome food for the soul.
I can well imagine many a Christian who wants to supplement his spiritual diet with the teaching of Thessalonians really enjoying this book. It is not at all difficult to read - and its quite short chapters make it accessible for daily use to add depth to personal Bible reading. I can also imagine a good few preachers who might return to its pages to 'borrow' an apt illustration or some pointers for application. Their hearers are likely to feel the benefit!

Alistair Hornal
Minister, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Swansea

© Evangelicals Now - May 1997
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Main Articles

• The mountain of the wall - the battle for Jerusalem
  The building of Israeli settlements around Jerusalem and Bethlehem and violations of the Oslo Agreement
• What price solitude?
  A pilgrimage to the home of Derek and Jeannie Tangye
• I remember, I remember
  Leith Samuel recalls his younger days and the conversion of some family members
• Inerrancy: summing up the debate
  Views about the inerrancy of Scripture and the importance to the individual, the church, evangelism and defence of the faith
• Let me explain
  Dr John MacArthur clarifies statements concerning the eternal sonship of Christ in his commentary on Hebrews
• How to tackle AIDS - Part 1
  Comments on methods of persuasion (moral and religious) in AIDS prevention programmes
• Why be open to the Holy Spirit? (Bulldog for May)
  Being open to and recognising the operation of the Holy Spirit in church and personal life

Other articles

• The English Patient
• Standing on the Rock - Biblical Authority in a Secular Age
• Jobs and Justice, Homes and Hope
• Comfort in Sorrow
• What Paul Really Said
• Patience of Hope
• New Bible Dictionary (Third Edition)
• The Friendship of the Lord
• Encounters with God
• Following the Shepherd
• Testing the Fire
• Learning to Forgive
• A Book for Family Worship