In this episode, I begin reading the book A Short Introduction to the Epistles of Paul the Apostle by W. Kelly. This installment includes only the Introduction, laying the groundwork for understanding the background, order, and purpose of Paul’s letters.What this episode covers:- The historical context in which Paul wrote his epistles- How the order of the Epistles (Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, and others) shapes our understanding- A clear framework for approaching Paul’s writings as a wholeThis is just the beginning. More chapters will follow as I continue releasing the full audiobook series.If you appreciate in-depth Bible study, clear teaching, and structured walkthroughs of Scripture, this series will be a valuable resource.Feel free to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss future chapters.

In “The Cross and Christian Experience,” J. M. Davies brings his study to a deeply practical and devotional conclusion. After exploring the Cross from every doctrinal, prophetic, and cosmic angle, he now turns to its daily impact on the believer’s life—how the Cross is not merely a historical event, but a living, transforming power shaping Christian experience moment by moment.

Davies explains that the Cross marks the beginning of true Christian living. It is at the Cross that the believer finds forgiveness, peace, and acceptance—but also the call to discipleship, self-denial, and fellowship with Christ in suffering. The Cross is both the doorway to life and the pattern for life.

Todd Nicklas talks about the strengths and cautions when using devotionals. These tools should not be a replacement but an enhancement to our time in the Word. Get a number of suggestions that you can use!Choice Gleanings - https://gospelfolio.com/category/choice-gleanings/Taste and See - https://uplook.org/series/taste-and-see/Morning and Evening - https://a.co/d/dMqsYYXDiary of an Old Soul - https://a.co/d/c7KMNMbDays of Praise - https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6My Utmost for His Highest - https://a.co/d/arw0qfFOne Day at a Time - https://a.co/d/2ja2xwpThe Continual Burnt Offering - https://a.co/d/d1IiW6pIndescribable - https://a.co/d/2bqRTnXBlessings All Mine with 10,000 Besides! - https://a.co/d/h6Qm4RmBringing Us to Glory - https://a.co/d/3OUoJoVThe Daily Light - https://a.co/d/fgNcB0H

In “The Cross and the Glory,” J. M. Davies brings his great theme to its climactic height—showing that the Cross and the glory of Christ are not opposing realities but inseparable parts of one divine plan. What seemed like shame and defeat to the world was, in truth, the very pathway to eternal majesty.

Davies traces how Scripture consistently links suffering and glory—from the prophecies of Isaiah’s Servant to Christ’s own words, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” The Cross is the gateway through which the glory of redemption shines. Without it, there could be no crown; without death, no resurrection; without humility, no exaltation.

He reveals how the glory that follows the Cross is both retrospective and prospective:

• Retrospective, as heaven forever honors the Lamb who was slain;

• Prospective, as believers will one day share in that same glory, transformed through the power of His sacrifice.

The chapter culminates in awe and worship—the Lamb who once hung on the tree now reigns upon the throne. The Cross, once a symbol of suffering, becomes the centerpiece of everlasting praise.

This is not merely theology—it is doxology. Davies invites listeners to see that in God’s design, the road to glory always passes by the way of the Cross.

In “The Cross — Its Accompaniments,” J. M. Davies turns our attention to the powerful events and divine signs that surrounded Calvary—those extraordinary accompaniments that revealed heaven’s response to the death of Christ.Through these signs, Davies shows that the Cross was no ordinary death. The veil’s tearing proclaimed open access to God; the earthquake signaled judgment and transition; the raised saints bore witness to resurrection power already at work. Nature itself bowed before the Redeemer as creation testified to its Creator’s suffering and triumph.This chapter leads listeners to see how all heaven and earth were stirred by the Cross—how its accompaniments confirm its significance, its finality, and its glory. The Cross was not silent; the world itself trembled at the weight of redemption accomplished.

In this deeply moving chapter, J. M. Davies draws the listener into the heart of Calvary to behold both the humiliation and glory of Christ in His death. What the world saw as defeat, Heaven declares as triumph.

Davies paints a vivid contrast: the Man of Sorrows, despised and rejected, bearing the curse and shame of the Cross—yet, in that very suffering, displaying the splendor of divine love and obedience. The lowest point of His humiliation becomes the highest revelation of His glory.

From Gethsemane’s agony to Golgotha’s cry, Davies shows that every step downward was also a step upward in eternal purpose. The Cross was Christ’s throne; the thorns His crown. Through His willing descent, He exalted the righteousness of God and opened the way for sinners to share in His victory.

This chapter invites listeners to contemplate the mystery of glory hidden in suffering—the radiant beauty of the Savior who humbled Himself unto death, and through that humility, secured everlasting glory.

In “Its Sequel — The Resurrection,” J. M. Davies leads listeners beyond the darkness of Calvary into the radiant dawn of the empty tomb. The Cross, he reminds us, cannot be separated from its sequel—the Resurrection—because together they form the complete triumph of redemption.

Davies portrays the Resurrection not merely as a miracle of power, but as the divine seal upon Christ’s finished work. It is God’s public declaration that sin has been judged, death defeated, and salvation secured forever. From the sorrow of the Cross arises the song of eternal victory.

With reverent insight, Davies draws on Scripture to show that the Resurrection validates every promise of God: it confirms the deity of Christ, guarantees the believer’s justification, and becomes the pledge of our own future glory. The risen Christ is both proof and promise—proof of redemption accomplished, and promise of life everlasting.

This chapter lifts the heart from Golgotha to the garden tomb, from grief to glory, from death to life. It is a triumphant close to the message of the Cross—a message crowned with resurrection joy.

In “Prophecies Fulfilled,” J. M. Davies lifts the listener’s gaze to the vast sweep of Scripture, showing how the Cross of Christ stands at the very center of God’s prophetic plan. Every promise, picture, and pattern of the Old Testament finds its perfect realization at Calvary.

Davies traces how ancient prophecies—spoken by Moses, David, Isaiah, and others—reach their climax in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. From the bruised heel foretold in Genesis to the pierced hands of Psalm 22 and the wounded Servant of Isaiah 53, he demonstrates how the entire biblical narrative points to one radiant fulfillment: the Redeemer crucified and risen.

This chapter unveils the unity of the Bible’s message—the Cross was not an afterthought, but the very heart of God’s eternal purpose. Through prophecy fulfilled, listeners see the reliability of God’s Word, the precision of divine timing, and the glory of Christ who fulfills every shadow and promise.

A stirring reminder that the Scriptures are alive with one theme from Genesis to Revelation: the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world.