1 Corinthians, by Geoffrey B. Wilson. Banner of Truth. 30p.
This is another book from the author, whose work on ‘Hebrews’ we have already reviewed in the pages of the Magazine. It is a work which is written in exactly the same manner as the one mentioned above and all that has been said, by way of review, as to style and format of commentary, holds good for the present work under review. The quotations from standard works on 1 Corinthians are as copious as before: the author’s own comments are as pungent as ever: and the tone of the book is as devotional and evangelical as that of the previous volumes from Mr Wilson’s pen.
The first epistle to the Church at Corinth is, of course, very different in subject matter and style from that to the Hebrews. It has always presented its own particular problems to the commentator and expositor; these are dealt with, on the whole, satisfactorily in this book, written as it is, from an ‘evangelical’ and ‘Reformed’ standpoint. Paul deals with controversial matters in this Epistle; matters affecting the conduct of the members of the Church at Corinth—their strifes and divisions; the case of immorality in their midst and their attitude to marriage; the thorny question of ‘speaking with tongues’ and their attitude to the subject of the resurrection of the dead. All of these points are thoroughly explored, within the scope of this work, and their treatment by this author should be helpful to all who may be a little perplexed over the implications for the church today of these very questions. We would recommend the perusal of this book to any such, and, indeed, to all who desire a helpful handbook to the understanding of a very important portion of the New Testament.
The text of the Epistle, which is incorporated into the work, section by section (a verse or series of verses), is that of the Authorised Version. One wonders, however, if it is necessary for the author to preface so many of his comments and quotations on these particular sections, with the text of the Revised Version. It would almost appear as if, at times, at least, he has a predilection for this translation. When both translations are given on any particular portion of the Epistle, it is seldom apparent that the R.V. brings out the sense of the original any better than the A.V., and consequently, for ourselves, at least, it would have been as well to have omitted the alternative version.
A.M.C.
Exposition of Romans—Chapter 5, by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Banner of Truth Trust. £1.50.
In this volume on Romans, chapter five, most of our readers will not find anything new, but something better, namely, a clear, logical, affirmation and application of some of the great and solemn truths, with which they have been familiar from their earliest years. The writer evidently knows from experience that this portion of the Word of God contains ‘comforting and exhilarating reading’, and has succeeded in presenting to his readers, with individual and contemporary freshness the robust Biblical theology of a former age.
The author of this book has already gained well deserved fame as a sound theologian and a skilled exegete, and this work is but another proof of his reputation as such. All important subjects, such as the blessed and distinct consequences of justification by faith, the contrast between the first and the last Adam, the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to all true believers, the doctrine of original sin, the judicial effects of Adam’s disobedience and Christ’s obedience—all these, and other kindred doctrines are here expounded and applied in a most telling and edifying manner. The Doctor has evidently consulted and weighed the contents of the great commentators on Romans, but he is not afraid to disagree with them on certain points. Perhaps the most pleasing and distinctive feature of the volume, is the preacher’s insistence on crystallising and emphasising the main argument of the Apostle, as necessary to the proper understanding of each verse and section in turn. By thus frequently stating and keeping the main theme in view, the explanation and exposition of the details is clarified and facilitated.
We wish that the author had made use of the Metrical Psalms rather than the Hymns in giving expression to his thoughts and emotions in delivering these sermons. That apart, however, we heartily commend the reading of this book to all, but especially to those who seek to be well instructed in the Truth, and established in the faith once delivered to the saints.
F.M.
Contemplations, by Augustus Toplady
Gospel Standard Baptist Trust have done us a service in republishing this book. The Contemplations take the reader from the Type of Christ’s Death in the Passover (Ex. 12, v. 21) to the General Resurrection of the Lord’s People (I Cor. 15, v. 42-44). The last chapter is a very solemn Application of these doctrines to the reader. In conclusion there are 144 Sterling Sentiments. Between every chapter there are hymns and poems written by Toplady.
As one might expect from Augustus Toplady, what he has written is Scriptural and Calvinistic. It is good that he has not overworked the types of the Passover, but has kept himself within the bounds of Scripture. In the second sermon when he describes the death of Christ he goes into the grim details of the crucifixion, filling out the biblical narrative, describing what they did to Him. This of course would have been taken for granted by the early readers of the Gospels, who were only too well acquainted with the mode of crucifixion as a penalty. The reviewer, however, could not help feeling that the Divine Spirit cast a discreet veil over much of His suffering, that the spiritual suffering might be predominant, as the verse at the end of the chapter indicates. (Matt. 27, v. 46.) He draws from this verse the doctrine, that sinful mankind could not be redeemed apart from His death.
In the Application at the end he clearly shows man’s responsibility. He declares the sovereignty of God and the freedom of the individual, and leaves the reader in no doubt of the hopeless consequence of those who died without Christ. He addresses these remarks particularly to those who have been well taught in the Gospel truths.
The Hymns between the chapters are of varying merit.
H.R.M.R.