Intro to the book of Daniel

To date we have studied through one of the Pauline letters (Galatians) and an Old Testament book of wisdom (Ecclesiastes).  For our next book we will delve into the world of the prophets with the book of Daniel.

The book bears the title Daniel both because he is the main character in the book and because it was written by him.  

What we know of Daniel is that he was known for his righteousness (Ezekiel 14:14,20) and his wisdom (Ezekiel 28:3).  We also learn right away in the book that he was of noble birth (Daniel 1:3,6).  He was physically attractive and mentally sharp (Daniel 1:4).  He was taken captive as a young man by Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king.  

The book of Daniel is categorized as Apocalyptic literature.  Meaning that 1) an individuals visions are recorded 2) many signs and symbols are used  3) revelation is given as to God’s future plans.  4) A prose style of writing was employed.

Other Apocalyptic literature in the Bible include Revelation, Ezekiel and Zechariah.  

To note throughout the book is Daniel’s unwavering commitment to God.  His trust in God even when all things seem to be going against him, and the prophetic words about God’s ultimate plan for humanity.

Intro to Ecclesiastes

Though his name is not explicitly used anywhere in the book it is widely believed that King Solomon is the author of this book.  That assessment is based on things that the author says about himself.  Such as, “He is a Son of David” (1:1), a “king in Jerusalem” (1:1), he is the “king over Israel in Jerusalem” (1:12) and the claim to be wiser, “than anyone who ruled over Jerusalem before” (1:16) as well as many other phrases about his wealth and projects and accomplishments.

The theme of the book is simple.  The author declares that everything is “meaningless” or “vanity”.  That includes everything from wealth, to accomplishments, to pleasure, to youth and many more.  All of it is “meaningless” or a vapor because in the end it produces nothing of lasting value.  

This is a book of introspection, wisdom and perspective.  

 

Intro to Galatians

About Galatians :: written around A.D. 48

Galatians contains, in summary form, an overview of the Apostle Paul’s teaching.  The Apostle Paul at one time took joy in persecuting/murdering Christians.  When Christ took a hold of his life everything changed.  He is credited with authoring nearly half of the New Testament and later said, “For me to live, is Christ.  And to die, is gain.”  

You can read his testimony here.  

Galatians was known as Martin Luther’s favorite book of the Bible.  He was even known to refer to it as his “wife”.  In fact his Commentary on Galatians was widely read and helped many people to see what the gospel of Jesus was really all about.  

Interestingly there is a lot of debate over exactly who the Galatians were.  At the time of it’s writing Galatia could have referred to two different places.  

The book was written to call complacent believers away from legalism to faith.  It’s thrust is that we are saved not by what we can do to please God, because we can’t, but rather because of what He has done for us.