Transcription
2020–2021 TOWNSEND PRESSSunday SchoolCommentaryBased on the International Lessons SeriesSunday School Publishing BoardNational Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.Rev. Derrick JacksonInterim Executive Director
Copyright 2020Townsend Press, Nashville, Tennessee. A division of the Sunday School Publishing Board, NBC, USA, Inc. Allrights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronicor mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systemwithout expressed permission in writing from the Sunday School Publishing Board, P. O. Box 70990,Nashville, Tennessee 37207-0990. E-mail: customercare@sspbnbc.com.The Commentary lesson expositions have been developed from the International Sunday School LessonsSeries, 2016–2022 Cycle, copyright 2017 by the Committee on the Uniform Series of the National Councilof Churches USA. The Home Daily Bible Readings are prepared by the Committee on the Uniform Series,copyright 2017. Used by permission.Bible passages are taken from the King James Version unless otherwise noted.Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973,1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.Scripture passages marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright by theNational Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission.Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by ThomasNelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version. Copyright 1987, 1988, 1991by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960,1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.Scripture quotations marked NLT taken from the New Living Translation, copyright 1996, are used bypermission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964,1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked ASV are taken from the American Standard Version.*Some Scripture passages may represent the writer’s paraphrase.Writers: Dr. Cleo LaRue; Dr. Geoffrey Guns; Editors: Wellington A. Johnson Sr.; Chantaye Knotts; Emmanuel Reid;Content Editor: Tanae C. McKnight Murdic; Associate Editor: Regina Hoosier; Copy Editor: Yalemzewd Worku;Layout Designer: Royetta Davis; Cover Designer: Vashon L. OggsISBN: 978-1-949052-44-2ii
CONTENTSSix-year Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vList of Printed Texts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viPreface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viiAcknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viiiKnow Your Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ixFall Quarter, 2020—Love for One AnotherGeneral Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1September: UNIT I—Struggles with Love6 Issues of Love (Genesis 37:2-11, 23-24a, 28) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .313 God Rewards Obedience (Genesis 41:25-33, 37-40, 50-52) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1320 Love versus Guilt (Genesis 42:6-25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2227 God’s Plan Revealed (Genesis 45:1-8, 10-15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31October: UNIT II—Inclusive Love4 Love and Devotion to Others (1 Samuel 19:1-7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4011 Love Your Enemies (Luke 6:27-36) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4918 Loving Your Neighbor (Luke 10:25-37) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5725 Love Divine (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67November: UNIT III—Godly Love among Believers1 Loving by Serving (John 13:1-15, 34-35) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .778 Abiding Love (John 15:4-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8715 Confident Love (1 John 3:11-24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9622 Sharing Love (Acts 4:32-37; 5:1-11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10629 Impartial Love (James 2:1-13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116Winter Quarter, 2020–2021—The Call of God in the New TestamentGeneral Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125December: UNIT I—The Beginning of a Call6 Called through Heritage (Hebrews 1:1-5; Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12713 Called before Birth (Matthew 1:18-25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13620 A Regal Response to Holy Light (Matthew 2:7-15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14427 Called to Prepare the Way (Matthew 3:1-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153January: UNIT II—Jesus and Calls in His Ministry3 Called to Proclaim (Luke 4:14-22a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16210 Called to Significance (Luke 5:1-11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17117 Called to Heal (Mark 2:1-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18024 Called as the Intercessor (John 17:14-24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189UNIT III—The Call of Women31 Prophesying Daughters (Luke 2:36-38; Acts 2:16-21; 21:8-9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197February: UNIT III—The Call of Women7 Called to Evangelize (John 4:25-42) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205iii
14 Mary Magdalene: A Faithful Disciple (Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:10-18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21321 Priscilla: Called to Minister (Acts 18:1-3, 18-21, 24-26; Romans 16:3-4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22228 Lydia: Called to Serve (Acts 16:11-15, 40; 1 Corinthians 1:26-30) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230Spring Quarter, 2021—Prophets Faithful to God’s CovenantGeneral Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239March: UNIT I—Faithful Prophets7 Moses: Prophet of Deliverance (Deuteronomy 18:15-22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24114 Joshua: Prophet of Conquest (Joshua 5:13-15; 6:1-5, 15-16, 20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24921 Huldah: Prophet of Wisdom (2 Kings 22:14-20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25828 Elijah: Prophet of Courage (1 Kings 18:5-18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267April: UNIT II—Prophets of Restoration4 The Suffering Servant Brings Salvation (Isaiah 53:4-11a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27611 Ezra: Faith-and-Action Preacher (Ezra 10:1-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28518 Nehemiah: The Captive Cupbearer Rebuilds a Nation (Nehemiah 2:11-20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29525 A Plea for Restoration (Lamentations 5:1-22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304May: UNIT III—Courageous Prophets of Change2 Micaiah: Speaking Truth to Power (1 Kings 22:15-23, 26-28) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3139 Isaiah: Offering Hope for the Future (Isaiah 29:13-24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32216 Jeremiah: The Suffering Preacher of Doom (Jeremiah 38:14-23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33223 Ezekiel: Street Preacher to the Exiles (Ezekiel 18:1-9, 30-32) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34130 Jonah: Fiery Harbinger of Doom (Jonah 3:1-10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350Summer Quarter, 2021—Confident HopeGeneral Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359June: UNIT I—Jesus Teaches about Faith6 “Why Do You Worry?” (Matthew 6:25-34) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36113 “Why Are You Afraid?” (Matthew 8:23-27) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37020 Healed by Faith (Matthew 9:18-26) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37827 “Why Do You Doubt?” (Matthew 14:22-33) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386July: UNIT I—Jesus Teaches about Faith4 An Attitude of Gratitude (Leviticus 13:45-46; Luke 17:11-19) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .395UNIT II—Faith and Salvation11 The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:8-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40418 The Faith of Abraham (Romans 4:1-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41225 Justification through Faith (Romans 5:1-11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420August: UNIT II—Faith and Salvation1 Salvation for All Who Believe (Romans 10:5-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429UNIT III—Faith Gives Us Hope8 The Meaning of Faith (Hebrews 11:1-8, 13-16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43815 A Persevering Faith (Hebrews 10:23-36) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44722 A Conquering Faith (1 John 4:2-3, 13-17; 5:4-5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45529 Hope Eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:1-10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 463iv
2016–2022 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE—CYCLE SPREADARRANGEMENT OF QUARTERS ACCORDING TO THE CHURCH SCHOOL YEAR,SEPTEMBER THROUGH AUGUSTFall 2016GOD–SOVEREIGNTYSovereignty of GodIsaiah; Matthew;Hebrews; RevelationWinter 2016–2017CREATIONCreation: A Divine CyclePsalms; Luke;GalatiansSpring 2017LOVEGod Loves UsPsalms; Joel; Jonah;John; Romans;Ephesians; 1 Peter; 1 JohnSummer 2017CALLGod’s Urgent CallExodus; Judges; Isaiah;Jeremiah; Ezekiel;Amos; ActsFall 2017COVENANTCovenant with GodGenesis; Exodus; Numbers;1 Samuel; 2 Samuel;Nehemiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel;1 Corinthians; Titus; HebrewsWinter 2017–2018FAITHFaith in ActionDaniel; Matthew; Acts;Ephesians; Colossians;1 Timothy; JamesSpring 2018WORSHIPAcknowledging GodGenesis; Exodus; Leviticus;2 Chronicles; Psalms;Luke; John; 2 Corinthians;Hebrews; RevelationSummer 2018JUSTICEJustice in the New TestamentMatthew; Luke;Romans;2 Corinthians;ColossiansFall 2018CREATIONGod’s World and God’s PeopleGenesisWinter 2018–2019LOVEOur Love for GodDeuteronomy; Joshua;Psalms; Matthew; Mark; Luke;Philippians; 2 Thessalonians;James; 2 JohnSpring 2019CALLDiscipleship and MissionMatthew;Luke;Acts;RomansSummer 2019COVENANTFall 2019FAITHResponding to God’s GraceGenesis; Exodus; Numbers;Deuteronomy; 1 Samuel;1 Kings; Luke; 2 Corinthians;Galatians; 1 Thessalonians;1 Peter; 2 PeterWinter 2019–2020WORSHIPHonoring God1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles;1 Kings; Ecclesiastes;Matthew; LukeLiving in CovenantRuth; 1 Samuel;Matthew; Mark; Luke; John;Ephesians; Colossians; HebrewsSpring 2020JUSTICEJustice and the ProphetsEsther; 1 Kings; Psalms; Isaiah;Jeremiah; Hosea; Amos; Micah;Habakkuk;Zephaniah; Zechariah;Malachi; Matthew;Mark; 1 CorinthiansSummer 2020GOD–WISDOMMany Faces of WisdomGenesis; Job; Proverbs;Ecclesiastes;Matthew; Mark; Luke;John; JamesFall 2020LOVELove for One AnotherGenesis; Leviticus; 1 Samuel;2 Samuel; Luke; John; Acts;1 Corinthians; James; 1 John;2 John; 3 JohnWinter 2020–2021CALLThe Call of God in the NewTestamentIsaiah; Matthew; Mark; Luke;John; Acts; Romans;1 Corinthians; Hebrews;2 TimothySpring 2021COVENANTProphets Faithful to God’sCovenantExodus; Joshua; 1 Kings;2 Kings; Ezra; Nehemiah;Isaiah; Jeremiah; Lamentations;Ezekiel; Amos; Jonah; LukeSummer 2021FAITHConfident HopeMatthew; Mark; Luke;Romans; 2 Corinthians;Hebrews; 1 JohnFall 2021WORSHIPCelebrating GodExodus; 2 Samuel;Ecclesiastes; Psalms;Mark; Luke; Acts;RevelationWinter 2021–2022JUSTICEJustice, Law, HistoryGenesis; Exodus;Deuteronomy; 2 Samuel;1 Kings; Ezra; Job;Isaiah; Nahum; LukeSpring 2022GOD–LIBERATIONGod Frees and RedeemsDeuteronomy; Ezra;Matthew; John; Romans;GalatiansSummer 2022CREATIONPartners in a New CreationIsaiah; John;Revelationv
LIST OF PRINTED TEXTSThe Printed Scriptural Texts used in the 2020–2021 Townsend Press Sunday School Commentaryare arranged here in the order in which they appear in the Bible. Opposite each reference is thepage number on which Scriptures appear in this edition of the Commentary.Reference Page Reference PageGenesis 37:2-11, 23-24a, 28 . . . . . . . . . . . .3Genesis 41:25-33, 37-40, 50-52 . . . . . . . . . .13Genesis 42:6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Genesis 45:1-8, 10-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Leviticus 13:45-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .395Deuteronomy 18:15-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241Joshua 5:13-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Joshua 6:1-5, 15-16, 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2491 Samuel 19:1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401 Kings 18:5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2671 Kings 22:15-23, 26-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . .3132 Kings 22:14-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258Ezra 10:1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285Nehemiah 2:11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295Isaiah 29:13-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322Isaiah 53:4-11a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276Jeremiah 38:14-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .332Lamentations 5:1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304Ezekiel 18:1-9, 30-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341Jonah 3:1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128Matthew 1:18-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136Matthew 2:7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144Matthew 3:1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153Matthew 6:25-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361Matthew 8:23-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370Matthew 9:18-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .378Matthew 14:22-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .386Mark 2:1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180Mark 15:40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214Luke 2:36-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197Luke 4:14-22a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162Luke 5:1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171Luke 6:27-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Luke 8:1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213Luke 10:25-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Luke 17:11-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .395John 4:25-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205John 13:1-15, 34-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77John 15:4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87John 17:14-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189John 20:10-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214Acts 2:16-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197Acts 4:32-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106Acts 5:1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Acts 16:11-15, 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230Acts 18:1-3, 18-21, 24-26 . . . . . . . . . . . 222Acts 21:8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198Romans 1:8-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404Romans 4:1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412Romans 5:1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420Romans 10:5-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429Romans 16:3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2231 Corinthians 1:26-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2311 Corinthians 13:1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672 Corinthians 4:16-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4632 Corinthians 5:1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .463Hebrews 1:1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127Hebrews 10:23-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .447Hebrews 11:1-8, 13-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .438James 2:1-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1161 John 3:11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .961 John 4:2-3, 13-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4551 John 5:4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .456vi
PREFACEThe Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary, based on the International Lessons Series,was developed consistent with the curriculum guidelines of the Committee on the Uniform Series, Education Leadership Ministries Commission, National Council of the Churches of Christin the United States of America. Select Christian scholars and theologians—who themselvesembrace the precepts, doctrines, and positions on biblical interpretation that we have come tobelieve—are contributors to this publication. By participating in Scripture selection and thedevelopment of the matrices for the Guidelines for Lesson Development with the Committeeon the Uniform Series, this presentation reflects the historic faith that we share within a richheritage of worship and witness.The format of the Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary lessons consists of the following: the Unit Title, the general subject with age-level topics, Printed Text from the King JamesVersion and the New International Version of the Bible, Unifying Lesson Principle, Objectives ofthe Lesson, Points to Be Emphasized, The Chronological Setting of the Lesson, The Geographical and Cultural Setting of the Lesson, Prominent Characters in the Lesson, Key Terms in theLesson, Topical Outline of the Lesson—with the Biblical Background of the Lesson, Expositionand Application of the Scripture, Concluding Reflection (designed to focus on the salient pointsof the lesson), and the Home Daily Bible Readings. Each lesson concludes with a prayer.The Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary is designed to be an instructional aid forpersons involved in the ministry of Christian education. While the autonomy of the individualsoul before God is affirmed, we believe that biblical truths find their highest expression withinthe community of believers whose corporate experiences serve as monitors to preserve the integrity of the Christian faith. As such, the Word of God must not only be understood, but it mustalso be embodied in the concrete realities of daily life. This serves to allow the Word of God tointersect in a meaningful way with those realities of life.The presentation of the lessons anticipates the fact that some concepts and Scripture references do not lend themselves to meaningful comprehension by children. Hence, when this occurs, alternative passages of Scripture are used, along with appropriate content emphases, thatare designed to assist children in their spiritual growth. There will, however, remain a consistentconnection between the children, youth, and adult lessons through the Unifying Principle developed for each session.We stand firm in our commitment to Christian growth, to the end that lives will be transformed through personal and group interaction with the Word of God. The challenge issuedby the apostle Paul continues to find relevance for our faith journey: “Do your best to presentyourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightlyexplaining the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NRSV). May we all commit ourselves to theaffirmation expressed by the psalmist: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”(Psalm 119:105, NIV).vii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary is recognized as the centerpiece of a family ofchurch-school literature designed especially to assist teachers in their presentation of the lessonsas well as to broaden the knowledge base of students from the biblical perspective. Our missionhas been and will always be to provide religious educational experiences and spiritual resourcesfor our constituency throughout this nation, as well as many foreign countries. To achieve thisend, the collaborative efforts of many people provide the needed expertise in the various areasof the production process. The editorial personnel, too numerous to list, approach their respective tasks with the dedication and devotion of those who serve God by serving His people. ThisCommentary is presented with gratitude to God for all those who desire a more comprehensivetreatment of the selected Scriptures than is provided in the church-school quarterlies, and it isintended to be a complementary resource to the quarterlies.This Commentary came into being as a result of employees with expertise in their assignedareas whose self-understanding is that of “workers together with God” and partners with thosewho labor in the vineyard of teaching the Word of God in order to make disciples and nurtureothers toward a mature faith.Our gratitude is expressed to Dr. Cleo LaRue, expositor for the Fall and Winter Quarters,and Dr. Geoffrey Guns, expositor for the Spring and Summer Quarters, for their devotionto the development of the respective lessons. These two writers bring diversity and a broadspectrum of ministerial, theological, and educational experience to bear on the expositionand application of the Scripture.The task in which we are all involved would be meaningless and fruitless were it not for themany readers for whom this publication has been so diligently prepared. The faithfulness ofour constituency has been enduring for more than a century, and we consider ourselves blessedto be their servants in the ministry of the printed Word—exalting the living Word, our Lordand Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray that God’s grace will complement our efforts so that lives willbe transformed within and beyond the confines of classroom interaction as the Spirit of Godmanifests Himself through the intersection of teaching and learning.viii
KNOW YOUR WRITERSDr. Cleo LaRue Fall and Winter QuartersDr. Cleophus J. LaRue,Princeton Theological Seminary’s FrancisLandey Patton Professorof Homiletics, receivedhis B.A. and M.A. degreesfrom Baylor University,and his M.Div. and Ph.D.degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary.He specializes in the theory and method ofAfrican-American preaching and worship.An ordained minister in the National BaptistConvention of America, LaRue is the formerpastor of two churches in Texas as well as theformer interim pastor of churches in Harlemand Jamaica Queens, New York. He is a frequent speaker at churches, seminaries, andconferences throughout the country, and is amember of the Academy of Homiletics.A prolific author, Dr. LaRue has publishedseveral major publications. His latest work,Toward a Deeper Understanding of Celebrationin African American Preaching, was released inSpring 2016. He has also written and/or editedthe following works: I Believe I’ll Testify: The Art of AfricanAmerican Preaching (Westminster JohnKnox Press, 2010) More Power in the Pulpit: How America’sMost Effective Black Preachers Prepare TheirSermons, editor (Westminster John KnoxPress, 2009) The New Interpreter’s Handbook of Preaching (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2008), Co-editor with Paul Scott Wilson, JanaChilders, and John M. RottmanThis Is My Story: Testimonies and Sermonsof Black Women in Ministry, editor (Westminster John Knox Press, 2005)Power in the Pulpit: How America’s MostEffective Black Preachers Prepare TheirSermons, editor (Westminster John KnoxPress, 2002)The Heart of Black Preaching (WestminsterJohn Knox Press, 1999)LaRue is currently researching a volumeentitled Colored Preaching: The Shape of Proclamation in the Global South.LaRue received an honorary doctorate in2003 from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa,and in 2012, Baylor University named him aDistinguished Alumnus of the school.He has taken Princeton students on travelstudy courses to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His most recent trips include travelling toSalvador, Brazil, and India.For more than twenty years he has servedon Princeton’s faculty, and currently servesas the chairperson of the Practical TheologyDepartment.LaRue continues to lecture and preachthroughout the United States. He has alsospent time teaching homiletics in various settings on five continents.He is married to Lori Neff LaRue and theyreside in Princeton, New Jersey. His daughter,Coryell, resides in Houston, Texas.ix
Greece, Asia, and Africa. He has led severalshort-term mission trips to Israel, Nigeria,Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Uganda.He has written numerous articles for TheChristian Education Informer of the Divisionof Christian Education of the Sunday SchoolPublishing Board, in addition to writingvarious Sunday school quarterlies. Dr. Gunsserves as Co-Chairman of the ExecutiveCouncil of Christian Education for the Division of Christian Education Accreditation andCredentials of the Sunday School PublishingBoard of the National Baptist Convention,USA, Inc. (NBC). He serves on the HomeMission Board of the NBCUSA, Inc. Heserved as a co-author the annual TownsendPress Sunday School Commentary, which ispublished by the Sunday School PublishingBoard, from 2008 to 2015.He is the author of four books: Church Financial Management (1997), published by Providence House Publishers; Spiritual Leadership: APractical Guide to Developing Spiritual Leaders inthe Church (2000), published by Orman Press,Inc.; Introduction to the Bible: An Easy-to-ReadGuide to Its Origin and Purpose (2014), published by Townsend Press, Inc.; and From Ruinto Restoration: A Study of the Prophetic Writingsof Haggai (2018), published by Townsend Press,Inc. He has also written numerous Bible studiesand other training materials.He is married to the former Rosetta Harding of Richmond, Virginia. Rosetta is a licensedclinical social worker and retired as a schoolsocial worker from the City of ChesapeakePublic Schools. They are the parents of twodaughters: Kimberly Guns and Nicole PatriceGuns Edwards (Lamont), a licensed minister;and have two granddaughters: Kennedy Nicoleand Sydney Rae Cummings.Reverend Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns Spring and Summer QuartersRev. Dr. Geoffrey V.Guns is a native ofNewport, Rhode Island.He is the son of Dr. FrankGuns Sr. and the late Rev.Quincey C. Guns. He isa product of the NorfolkPublic School System. Heearned his B.S. degree inBusiness Administration from Norfolk StateUniversity in 1972, after which he served sixyears as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer.In 1981, he earned his Master of Divinitydegree from the School of Theology, VirginiaUnion University (graduating Summa CumLaude). He earned his Doctor of Ministrydegree from the School of Religion, HowardUniversity in Washington, D.C., in 1985.Dr. Guns is the Senior Pastor of SecondCalvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia,where he has served since June 1983. SecondCalvary is a leader in serving the communityand in the area of global missions. He currentlyserves as the State Director for the Departmentof Christian Education of the Virginia BaptistState Convention, Inc. Dr. Guns co-foundedthe Norfolk Pastors’ Coalition in 2014 to leadlocal Baptist congregations in addressing urbansocial and economic problems. Dr. Guns alsoserved as the President of the Virginia BaptistState Convention (VBSC)
Scripture passages marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NKJV ar
