In Numbers we follow Israel from their refusal to enter the promised land to their arrival at the end of their enforced wanderings on the border of the land, when all the rebels had died. On the way we have Balaam’s prophecies which included promises of Israel’s prosperity, with a star and sceptre foretelling Messiah; and near the end a further census. At the border Moses utters his last words to Israel, recorded in Deuteronomy, relating their journey from the exodus to their present position, recounting their failures, elaborating the laws and warning about failure to obey.
In Proverbs we continue with pithy wise sayings, emphasised by contrasts indicated by the word ‘but’ in many cases. The book concludes with a portrait of the virtuous woman, with lessons which may be applied not only to women, but also to all those aspiring to be the bride of Christ (see Revelation 19:7-9).
Ecclesiastes records research by the writer into wisdom, and conclusions from the experience. Things done by man ‘under the sun’ (a recurring expression) are deemed to be ‘vanity and vexation of spirit’. Embedded is sound advice to avoid that description, and a warning that death puts an end to opportunity.
At the end of Luke we have the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, with his commissioning of the disciples between. Later in the month we begin Acts, which some have called Luke part 2 because of their common inspired authorship. The apostles, given Holy Spirit power, began their public ministry, first in Jerusalem and then gradually further out as the authorities increased their opposition. The death of Stephen accelerated that spread.
John records teaching of Jesus not included in the other gospels, with Jesus’ descriptive figures of himself beginning ‘I am the…’ and extensive explanations of his ministry. Only eight miracles are shown, seven before the crucifixion and one after the resurrection, each with a deeper significance than the mere narrative.
The three letters of Paul address problems amongst his readers, and emphasise and explain important aspects of the gospel message. The letter to the Galatians tells us that the gospel was preached to Abraham, and that the faithful become children of God by adoption through baptism.
The letter to the Ephesians encourages gentiles (non-Jews) who have been brought to the same hope of salvation as God’s chosen people, and describes the armour of God, accompanied by prayer, as the complete equipment for salvation.
The letter to the Philippians encourages them to hold fast in the face of persecution, and to focus on things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, with virtue and praise.