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Introduction xiiiSANCTITY OF LIFE: CONTRACEPTION AND FERTILITYIn a contraceptive culture, the Church welcomes children. In a culture inundated by newreproductive technologies, the Church offers discriminating moral judgment.SANCTITY OF LIFE: STEM-CELL RESEARCH, CLONING ANDBIOTECHNOLOGYAs doctors and scientists seek to enrich and extend life through new technologies,the Church must speak God’s pleasure. Science is entering unexplored territory, andsociety is desperate for a biblical word, separating good from evil.SANCTITY OF LIFE: EUTHANASIA AND SUICIDELife is a precious gift from God. It is His to take, and the Church must resist society’spressure to end it with homicide even when it becomes onerous, whether to oneselfor others.VIRTUEVIRTUE: COMPASSIONThose who walk with God and partake of His Spirit are known for grace, mercy, andlongsuffering kindness. They are both tenderhearted and prudent, loving and wise.VIRTUE: COURAGENeither cowardly nor reckless, Christians honor God through the brave pursuit of theircalling. Though the dangers are real, believers press forward in the assurance that theLord stands by them, whatever may come.VIRTUE: FAITHIn a world marked by uncertainty, fear, and weakness, faithful Christians stand out fortheir vision and constancy.VIRTUE: CHARACTERThe Bible lifts up the ideals of integrity, faithfulness, and maturity in the life of the believer.By God’s grace, Christians live a transformed life, growing in conformity to their Lord.VIRTUE: JUSTICEThere is a moral order to God’s creation, rooted in His character. Believers honor it byfollowing God’s principles and directives in dealing with one another and in framingpublic policy.VIRTUE: REPENTANCEOnly when individuals, groups, and nations acknowledge and renounce their sin, dothey become fit vessels for God’s kingdom work. Repentance is an unmistakable changeof direction toward God, whether in the form of personal holiness or public policy.VIRTUE: WORK ETHICWork is not a curse; it is a creation ordinance. A good work ethic is essential to truebiblical obedience.9780310080367 int 00 fm nkjv unapologetic FINAL.indd 134/24/17 2:04 PM

xiv IntroductionOVERVIEW: THE FOUR QUADRANTSBiblical. The Biblical Reference quadrant is a collection of single-page studiesbased on selected Scripture passages. In each case, exposition focuses uponthe point at hand, application upon the kairos moment, and exhortation uponthe believer’s unique role. These concise studies are designed to inform, prompt,and undergird prophetic cultural engagement. Each supplies a facet of God’steaching on a topic vital to the spiritual renewal of society.The Bible portrays God’s revelation as a plumb line that sets things straightin a crooked generation (Amos 7:7 – 9) and as the combatant’s spiritual sword(Eph. 6:17). These are the tools that Christians have at their disposal when theyapproach the difficult and complex issues that they face in their daily lives.Historical. The Historical Precedents quadrant is designed to inspire readers bythe work God has done through His people over the centuries. God is graciousto do great works through believers. The works that people have done for Godare valuable for study both for what they accomplish and for what they teach.The student of these acts can walk in the steady footsteps of their spiritualancestors, just as one day others may walk in their steps. These articles surveyhistory for highlights, for kairos moments or junctures where God’s Word wasapplied and His work advanced by courageous, perceptive servants; or where,sadly, prime opportunities were squandered by those who faltered. This is aneffort to bring history to life, but more importantly to bring life to believerswho face their own decisive moments.Quotations & Writings. The Quotations & Writings quadrant includes historical literature and archival material that illustrate biblical truth. Some quotesare remarkable for their eloquence and some for the preeminence of theirspokesperson. Some take life from their context, from the spokesperson’scourage or wisdom in difficult circumstances. Some are brief sayings, othersextended selections. All are meant to encourage timely, effective expressionby the community of Christian believers as they meet the age-old challengesof their high calling to be Christ’s representatives in a complex world.Commentary. Too often, the Church is silenced or marginalized in the publicsquare. Sub-Christian and anti-Christian thinking rule the day. The Commentaryquadrant helps believers to recast civic and social conversation, redefine theissues, and reintroduce the principles of God’s Word to a world that standsdesperately in need of a call to God’s righteous standard. Technology, the arts,the home, the academy, the workplace, the halls of government, the battlefield: God speaks to all these sectors; indeed, to every kind of human endeavor.Accordingly, these articles address, in God’s name, a wide range of morallyand spiritually critical issues. These editorials are designed to illuminate thesituation, stir the heart, equip the mind, and fortify resolve. By describing thetimes from a biblical perspective, they help believers to stand for God in “sucha time as this.”FEATURES OF THE NKJV UNAPOLOGETIC STUDY BIBLE The New King James Version. Based on the time-honored King James Version,the New King James Version is preferred by many readers because it is timeless,trusted, and for today. The NKJV uses up-to-date English while maintaining theliterary quality of the KJV. For more information on the NKJV translation itself,see the Preface on page xxix.9780310080367 int 00 fm nkjv unapologetic FINAL.indd 144/24/17 2:04 PM

Introduction xv Book Introductions. Informative overviews provide a key passage from each Biblebook and other information that helps the reader to better understand what theyare about to read. A grid at the end of each introduction displays which type ofcontent is to be found within the pages of each Bible book. Articles. Over 220 articles bring keen biblical insight to the current issues of theday. These have all been placed by relevant Scripture passages, and they helpreaders to understand how important it is to live their lives by the “plumb line”of God’s Word (Amos 7:7 – 8).The articles included in this study Bible are but a fraction of the extensivelyresearched and annotated articles on these same topics that are available onthe Kairos Journal website (www.kairosjournal.org). Due to space restrictions inprint, the editors published a truncated listing of the sources and annotationsassociated with the online articles; therefore, the reader is frequently referred tothe website to review the extensive additional material located there. Quotations & Writings. Over 70 quotations from historical figures help the readerunderstand, first, that the issues of the day are not new; and second, that wisepeople throughout history have been challenged to live by biblical standards,just as they are today. Unapologetic Profiles. Over 50 profiles of historical figures inspire readers tosee instances of biblical faith in action against incredibly unfavorable odds andin the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. These stories will provide encouragement for readers to face their own challenges with bold and unwaveringfaith. Indexes. In the back of this study Bible are two indexes that categorize each ofthe above features to assist the reader in both a canonical and a topical studyof the issues that apply most to their lives on any given day.Again, welcome to the NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible. It is the prayer of the editors and writers of this edition that further study of these specific issues, under theinstruction of God’s Word, will inspire believers to make a compassionate yet authoritative difference in their home, their neighborhood, their workplace, and their town,city, state and nation — to take a stand for God’s principles as outlined in the Bible andas directed by the continuing work of the Holy Spirit.9780310080367 int 00 fm nkjv unapologetic FINAL.indd 154/24/17 2:04 PM

F O R E WO R DDear Reader,Through the years, my wife and I have worked in what are commonly thought tobe influential sectors of society; she in the media, and I in the corporate world. In ourcareers and travels, we have witnessed a dramatic decline in the influence of the Churchin the West, and accordingly, in the spiritual and moral vitality of our culture. We havehad the growing sense that the hope of a people, and of democracy, lies not in electedofficials, entrepreneurs, military leaders, academicians, or broadcast personalities. It isbased on the faithfulness of her Christian pastors.One such pastor was André Trocmé, who served a small Protestant church in southernFrance during the Second World War. Largely because of his preaching and example,the village of Chambon became a haven for Jews escaping Nazi persecution. At greatpersonal risk, he and his congregation hid these refugees until they could flee acrossthe Swiss border. Tutored in the Word, they simply saw rescue as their Christian duty.Many have heard of William Wilberforce’s efforts in Parliament to abolish the British slave trade. Few, however, know of his spiritual grounding — of his home church inClapham, England, where he was fortified and inspired by the preaching of John Venn.We dream that a new generation of John Venns would emerge to inspire and instructa new generation of William Wilberforces.It is a critical time, a kairos moment. Many say that the West is a “cut-flower civilization,” scarcely sustained by the Christian perspectives that once brought her life. Thebloom is fading at a shocking rate; we are desperate for spiritual renewal, groundedin Christ and His Word.We are convinced that the great cause of this day is to embolden, equip, and encourage pastors in their God-ordained work. For this purpose, we established KairosJournal, the website from which the articles in this NKJV Unapologetic Study Bibleare gleaned.Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will encourage Christians from all walks of lifetoward biblically directed thought, word, and deed through the articles included in thisstudy Bible. As Christians who use this Bible work to build toward the coming kingdomof God, may they also be challenged to lead their peers — and their children — towardgodly principles and practices.Sincerely,Emmanuel A. KampourisPublisher of Kairos Journal9780310080367 int 00 fm nkjv unapologetic FINAL.indd 74/24/17 2:04 PM

CO LO SS I A N SIF THEN YOU WERE RAISED WITH CHRIST,SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE,WHERE CHRIST IS, SITTING AT THE RIGHTHAND OF GOD. SET YOUR MIND ON THINGSABOVE, NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH.FOR YOU DIED, AND YOUR LIFE IS HIDDENWITH CHRIST IN GOD. WHEN CHRIST WHOIS OUR LIFE APPEARS, THEN YOU ALSOWILL APPEAR WITH HIM IN GLORY.COLOSSIANS 3:1–4I N T ROD U C T I O NPaul had his hands full coordinating from prison the work and expansion of the early Church,and with Epaphras’s arrival, he had a fresh challenge. Just back from a visit with the church inColosse, Epaphras had good news— that the faithful believers there were acting in a loving way,enabled by the Holy Spirit. But there were issues needing attention, so Paul summoned Tychicusand Onesimus to deliver a letter of counsel and encouragement to these believers.BAC KG RO U NDBefore this letter could reach across the centuries of Church history to instruct and bless believers today, it had to travel over a thousand miles from Rome, where Paul was in prison, east toColosse, in what is now southwest Turkey. Though Paul and Timothy are both named as authors(Col. 1:1), Paul was likely responsible for most of the content and Timothy for writing it down.(This explains why the letter consistently uses the term “I,” not “we.”) Paul had never visited thisparticular church, yet this congregation was likely started by Epaphras, who had heard the gospel from Paul in Ephesus (Col. 1:7; c. AD 52–55).Now Epaphras has brought word of doctrinal confusions in the congregation. We can onlyguess at particulars, but Paul provides some cues: he warns against hollow “philosophy andempty deceit” (Col. 2:8) and “false humility and worship of angels” (Col. 2:18).CON T E N TIn chapter 1, Paul centers all he has to say to the Colossians on the nature and work of Christ,“the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Col. 1:15). With this theologicalbase laid, Paul addresses a range of sinful practices, insisting that the believers “put to death . . .your members which are on the earth” (Col. 3:5) by “put[ting] on the new man” (Col. 3:10). Andhe gives practical advice for how people should relate to one another within their households(Col. 3:18–25), urging all involved, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LordChrist” (Col. 3:23–24).9780310080367 int 06 rom rev nkjv unapologetic FINAL.indd 13524/24/17 1:01 PM

I N SI G HTChapter 1 contains a wonderful statement about Jesus:He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him allthings were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible,whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were createdthrough Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn fromthe dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Fatherthat in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself,by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through theblood of His cross (Col. 1:15–20).Here we see the sweep of all history centered on Christ— from the moment of creation to theresurrection of the saints. OUT L I N E1.2.3.4.5.Greetings and appreciation (1:1–8)Christ and the believer (1:9—2:5)Dangerous rules (2:6–23)Rules for holy living (3:1—4:6)Greetings and conclusion (4:7–18)OVERVIEWBiblicalHistoricalQuotations& onFamilyGovernmentSanctity of LifeVirtueDescriptions on pp. ix – xiv9780310080367 int 06 rom rev nkjv unapologetic FINAL.indd 13534/24/17 1:01 PM

1354 Colossians 1:1Greeting Paul, an apostle of J esus Christ by the will ofGod, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christwho are in Colosse:Grace to you and peace from God our Fatherand the Lord Jesus Christ.a1Their Faith in Christ3 We give thanks to the God and Father ofour Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesusand of your love for all the saints; 5because ofthe hope which is laid up for you in heaven,of which you heard before in the word of thetruth of the gospel, 6which has come to you, asit has also in all the world, and is bringing forthfruit,a as it is also among you since the day youheard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7asyou also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellowservant, who is a faithful minister of Christ onyour behalf, 8who also declared to us your lovein the Spirit.Preeminence of Christ9For this reason we also, since the day weheard it, do not cease to pray for you, and toask that you may be filled with the knowledgeof His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10that you may walk worthy of theLord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in everygood work and increasing in the knowledge ofGod; 11strengthened with all might, accordingto His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12giving thanks to the Fatherwho has qualified us to be partakers of theinheritance of the saints in the light. 13He hasdelivered us from the power of darkness andconveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of Hislove, 14in whom we have redemption throughHis blood,a the forgiveness of sins.15He is the image of the invisible God, thefirstborn over all creation. 16For by Him allthings were created that are in heaven and thatare on earth, visible and invisible, whetherthrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him andfor Him. 17And He is before all things, and inHim all things consist. 18And He is the head ofthe body, the church, who is the beginning, thefirstborn from the dead, that in all things Hemay have the preeminence.Reconciled in Christ19For it pleased the Father that in Him all thefullness should dwell, 20and by Him to reconcileall things to Himself, by Him, whether things onearth or things in heaven, having made peacethrough the blood of His cross.21And you, who once were alienated andenemies in your mind by wicked works, yetnow He has reconciled 22in the body of His9780310080367 int 06 rom rev nkjv unapologetic FINAL.indd 1354flesh through death, to pre sent you holy, andblameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23if indeed you continue in the faith, groundedand steadfast, and are not moved away fromthe hope of the gospel which you heard, whichwas preached to every creature under heaven,of which I, Paul, became a minister.Sacrificial Service for Christ24I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, andfill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, whichis the church, 25of which I became a ministeraccording to the stewardship from God whichwas given to me for you, to fulfill the word ofGod, 26the mystery which has been hidden fromages and from generations, but now has beenrevealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed tomake known what are the riches of the gloryof this mystery among the Gentiles: whichais Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28Him wepreach, warning every man and teaching everyman in all wisdom, that we may present everyman perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I alsolabor, striving according to His working whichworks in me mightily.Not Philosophy but Christ For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea,and for as many as have not seen my face inthe flesh, 2that their hearts may be encouraged,being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, tothe knowledge of the mystery of God, both ofthe Father anda of Christ, 3in whom are hiddenall the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.4Now this I say lest anyone should deceiveyou with persuasive words. 5For though I amabsent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit,rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.6As you therefore have received Christ J esusthe Lord, so walk in Him, 7rooted and built upin Him and established in the faith, as you havebeen taught, abounding in ita with thanksgiving.8Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principlesof the world, and not according to Christ. 9Forin Him dwells all the fullness of the Godheadbodily; 10and you are complete in Him, who isthe head of all principality and power.2Not Legalism but Christ11In Him you were also circumcised with thecircumcision made without hands, by putting1:2 a NU‑Text omits and the Lord Jesus Christ.   1:6 a NU‑Text and M‑Text add and growing.   1:14 a NU‑Text and M‑Text omit through His blood.   1:27 a M‑Text reads who.   2:2 a NU

NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE NKJV UNAPOLOGETIC STUDY BIBLE Welcome to the NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible. This Bible is titled as such because it takes a look at difficult and complex issues of the day and unapologetically applies biblical principles to each one . The