The King James Version Defended by Edward F. Hills

Edward F. Hills in his work The King James Version Defended represents a sober and compelling argument for the "old tradition." As a well trained classicist and an internationally recognized New Testament critic, he analyzes the problems of both modern language translations and current New Testament text criticism methodology.

Dr. Edward F. Hills (1912-1981) was a well trained classicist and an international recognized New Testament text critic. He was a distinguished Latin and Phi Beta Kappa graduate (A.B. major in classics, Summa cum laude) of Yale University. He also earned the Th.B. degree from Westminster Theological Seminary and the Th.M. degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. After doing doctoral work at the University of Chicago in New Testament text criticism, he completed his program at Harvard, earning the Th.D. in the field. We have included his work The King James Version Defended at our site. The book is not just about the KJV, but rather about the defense of the text behind the KJV, namely the Textus Receptus.

Sketches of Jewish Social Life by Alfred Edersheim
In Sketches of Jewish Social Life, Alfred Edersheim has done modern readers a favor. The Old and New Testaments are about a time and society very different from today, with different customs and idioms. Consequently, reading the Old and New Testaments may seem like entering a strange world. Edersheim has tried to make that world less strange. Sketches of Jewish Social Life is meant to fill the gap between ancient and modern readers. It does this by providing the common knowledge of that day for today's readers. In his book, Edersheim provides insight into the basics of Jewish society, customs, political powers, etc. But he doesn't just give readers the relevant information; on occasion, he also applies it to particular biblical passages and events. There are more serious, technical texts of this type, which provide more in depth and modern information about biblical customs. But Edersheim's Sketches of Jewish Social Life provides valuable information that will not overwhelm readers with data. Further, Edersheim writes in an easy prose anyone can follow. Edersheim's Sketches of Jewish Social Life is thus ideal for anyone wanting a richer understanding of the Old and New Testaments. Edersheim's notes remain indispensable for unlocking the mysteries of the ancient world.

Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia by William Mitchell Ramsay
In the Book of Revelation, we find John's letters to the seven churches of first century Asia Minor, written during the era of the Roman Empire. The seven churches correspond to the seven congregations found in these cities: Ephesus, City of Change; Smyrna, City of Life; Pergamum, City of Authority; Thyatira, City of Weakness Made Strong; Sardis, City of Death; Philadelphia, Missionary City; and Laodicea, City of Compromise. William Ramsay presents these letters to help readers better understand their content as well as the historical context surrounding their authorship. Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia is filled with facts regarding the general importance of letter writing in the Early Church, the mobility of letters during this time period, John's intentions in writing the Seven Letters, and the influence of religion in the development of first century cities. John's letters provide historical insight into Greco-Roman culture and geography. They also serve to guide Christians in their spiritual development. Ramsay's book brings John's letters into a useful contemporary light.