1 & 2 Chronicles The first reading portions this month are all taken from the two books of Chronicles - 1 Chronicles 15 to 2 Chronicles 29. The books, which seem to have been recorded by the priestly class, primarily focus on the kings of Judah and the Davidic dynasty, mentioning the northern kingdom of Israel only when it relates to the record's overarching interest in the temple at Jerusalem. The first chapter we read this month deals with David, recovered from his displeasure at the death of Uzzah, which interrupted his bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in a rather self-serving display, and finally bringing it to that city in the proper manner. And the last chapter records the accession to the throne of devout and faithful King Hezekiah.
Ezekiel The Book of Ezekiel is a book of visions and messages from God through the prophet Ezekiel, who was exiled in Babylon from 593 to 571 BC. It is structured around three main themes: judgment on Israel, judgment on foreign nations, and future blessings for Israel. The prophet deals with the destruction of Jerusalem and gives promises of a final restoration for God’s people. Chapters 27 and 28, with their graphic promises of the destruction of Tyre, are particularly notable when compared with the career of Alexander the Great who fulfilled them.
Daniel This book is divided into two main parts: Chapters 1-6 record the early lives of Daniel and his companions – Captives from the Royal house of Judah - who were brought to Babylon and trained as advisors to King Nebuchadnezzar. It records their faithfulness to God while serving in Babylon’s palaces.
Chapters 7-12 give apocalyptic visions of future events leading to God's ultimate victory over evil. This book has been subjected to powerful attack for centuries, particularly in the German Critical Schools, suggesting that it was written hundreds of years after the time it records, because of the remarkable accuracy of its pre-writing of history.
An unusual feature of Daniel is that it was written in two languages: The second half of Chapter 2 verse 4 to chapter 7 verse 28 are in Aramaic. All the rest is Hebrew. The use of Aramaic largely covers the doings of the Hebrew captives in Babylon’s court and Daniel’s dealings with [corrupt] Babylonian leaders
As mentioned in the other summaries of the New Testament readings, we read the Greek Scriptures twice each year, so consulting the January to June summaries is always useful.
Luke The last chapter of Luke, which we read on October 1, is wonderful since it is wholly concerned with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians These are all letters from Paul to Ecclesias with problems, and they all illustrate the great Apostle’s concern for those he had converted to the truth as it is in Christ Jesus.
John This gospel is usually seen as different in character to the other three, but the subject is still the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the hope of God’s Kingdom he offers to faithful believers.
Acts The first 9 chapters of Acts that we read in October begin with the Lord Jesus' ascent into heave and end with the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Stirring times!