The message of Malachi, rev ed.
The book of Malachi sits aptly in Christian Bibles as the last book of the Old Testament, which it assumes, summarizes and applies, as it also looks forward to the New Testament, with its promises of the coming reign of God. A striking feature of the book is the way in which every word of God is contradicted or questioned by his people. God's persistence in speaking to them is a clear picture of sin and grace in close proximity. Furthermore, God's people neither served him enthusiastically nor turned away in blatant disobedience. This was not neutral territory, but a dangerous whirlpool of self-deception. Peter Adam's valuable exposition shows how Malachi is God's effective remedy for such a situation. The greatest sin of God's people is the sin against God - the source of all sin against ourselves and others; and at the heart of God's people, the church, must lie a deep, overwhelming conviction that God loves them.
Publisher: IVP
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781789744491
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Peter Adam, formerly principal of Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia, is emeritus vicar of St. Jude's in nearby Carlton. His other books include Speaking God's Words: A Practical Theology of Preaching.
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‘This volume is part of the fine, economical Bible Speaks Today series published by IVP. The series is aimed at pastors and teachers and is one of the best at that audience. This volume addresses the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. As one of the Minor Prophets, Malachi is one of the lesser known books of Scripture, and so help is appreciated. The Introduction is a little thin compared to some BST volumes, but the author still well explained Malachi’s theme as a conflict between God and His people. The people contradicted the Lord in profound ways, proving their thinking was far the Lord’s conclusions. Their service was sub-par and they were in quite a mess. He addressed some of the issues typically found in the Introduction in his lengthy commentary on 1:1, so look there for introductory issues. The commentary is well written, engaging, and thoughtful. He ties in other Scripture appropriately and summarizes well. This will serve as a solid, helpful contribution to our studies of the book of Malachi…’ Jimmy R. Reagan