Overview

"""In Revelation 2:2, Jesus tells the church in Ephesus something intimate--Google Street View intimate. He says, 'I know your works' (Oida ta erga sou). Four words don't seem like much, but in the Greek, it packs a punch.... Jesus chooses the Greek word oida, which expresses total, comprehensive knowledge. It is intimate knowledge that comes from being up close and personal. This knowledge isn't hazy on the details. It doesn't struggle to remember. It preserves the particulars. In the mind's eye, everything is sharp and clear, like a well-taken photograph."" --Chris Palmer Letters from Jesus: Studies from the Seven Churches of Revelation explores Christ's warnings to the seven most prominent churches in Asia Minor in the book of Revelation. These letters date back to 95 A.D., but they help us make a fascinating discovery about civilization: life hasn't changed that much over the last two millennia. Author Chris Palmer illustrates the truths contained in the Letters from Jesus using modern, everyday examples. The host of the popular podcast Greek for the Week, he unpacks Greek words and phrases in these verses from Revelation with humor, joy, and biblical scholarship. Why study Greek, even just a little bit? As Chris explains, looking at the New Testament in the original language in which it was written can offer us some beautiful insights into God's Word. ""It's like reading the Bible in high definition,"" he says. Also, ""studying God's Word in the original language forces us to approach it with reverence and awe, humbling ourselves to obey what it says, whether it's something we want to hear or not."""

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9781641233101

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Reviews

This practical and helpful study uncovers keen truths and insights only found through a close reading of the Greek text. Chris Palmer's readings bring to the fore the social implications of these all-too-often overlooked portions of the New Testament. His work offers a methodologically rich framework for understanding the seven letters of Jesus in Revelation 2-3. His avoidance of technical jargon fills a gap for busy pastors and laypersons who desire to keep their devotional literature close to the text rather than surface-level ideas read into it.--J. Brian Tucker, Ph.D. Not so long ago, the study of biblical languages was considered essential for ministerial preparation. For understandable reasons--namely, the time and effort it takes to gain mastery over the structures of a language--such a goal has been deemed even by theological educators to be not worth the effort, often settling for namesake attempts in that direction. It is true that we can understand much, even beyond the essentials, by studying the Bible in translation, just as one can enjoy and understand Shakespeare in translation. But just as no one will deny that reading Shakespeare in translation is not the same as appreciating fully what the Bard wrote, so also, the case for reading the biblical text in the original needs no championing. Chris Palmer demonstrates that well in Letters from Jesus by presenting lexical and grammatical insights from his journey through the Greek text of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, and he does so in an interesting, accessible, and inviting manner.--Professor Raju Kunjummen, Th.M. Reading Chris Palmer's Letters from Jesus is like attending a series of encouraging, deep-dive Bible studies led by an expert in the original language of the New Testament. Chris has a rare, welcoming approach to help you to explore and reflect upon the original meaning of the text. You don't have to know Greek to start reading and enjoying this book, but you will know some by the time you're done.--Dr. John Schwandt Learning Greek language insight into God's Word was absolutely foundational in building my faith and ministry so many years ago as a student3/4insights which serve me to this day. That's why I am so pleased to recommend Letters from Jesus. Chris Palmer has an outstanding gift in bringing alive God's Word, providing an invaluable upgrade in understanding and empowerment, much needed for this generation. Who knew Greek insight could be this enriching and enjoyable!Thank you, Chris. Your passion and precision have served up an excellent study!--Sy Rogers Letters from Jesus makes accessible, to every believer, a book of the New Testament often avoided3/4the book of Revelation. Chris Palmer offers 52 studies from the Greek text that will be a delight for every reader. In these studies, Chris leads his readers through a portion of text from the letters to the churches of Revelation while mining spiritual insights from the Greek text that are colorfully illustrated with warm personal stories and encouraging words from a pastor's heart. These studies are sure to be a blessing to many. My only hope is that another book is forthcoming!--Philip L. Mayo, Ph.D.

This practical and helpful study uncovers keen truths and insights only found through a close reading of the Greek text. Chris Palmer's readings bring to the fore the social implications of these all-too-often overlooked portions of the New Testament. His work offers a methodologically rich framework for understanding the seven letters of Jesus in Revelation 2-3. His avoidance of technical jargon fills a gap for busy pastors and laypersons who desire to keep their devotional literature close to the text rather than surface-level ideas read into it.--J. Brian Tucker, Ph.D. Amazing book! Digs deep into the the original language and makes you think about things that could have been overlooked. Brings clarity to scripture. So grateful for this resource.--Phebe Masaniai Amazon review This is a good book for Christians who want spiritual insights on the letters in Revelation involving some key Greek words. The Greek information Palmer shares is not overwhelming and shows how knowing Greek helps understand the nuances of a passage. He provides more Greek information in footnotes for those who want to go a bit deeper. I like the spiritual insights I gained from reading this book. From the letter to Smyrna, I learned that the devil wanted to destroy some in the church, hoping it would cause the whole community to change their minds about God. That is something I'll remember the next time I hear of a fallen church leader. From the letter to Thyatira, Palmer points out that Satan does not come into our communities with horns and a red pitchfork. He shows up in the form of people who tell us things that soothe our conscience and relax our standards. Such was the Jezebel the church leaders had done nothing to stop. I like the way the teaching is set up in weekly chapters. Palmer includes a written prayer for the week, an activity for the week, and additional Scriptures to read. Every Christian could benefit from reading this book. Church leaders would find some really good teaching on what Jesus said to churches then - teaching many churches need to hear today.--Joan P. Nienhuis Goodreads This book brings much clarity to the book of Revelation across the board. The revelations from this book Letters From Jesus is absolutely phenomenal. The insight due to profound study by Pastor Chris Palmer has been extremely beneficial in my spiritual growth. God has truly blessed my wife and I in reading this Anointed book. It has transformed our lives and has given us a deeper hunger and thirst for God. This book has caused a deeper level of studying the Word of God. Chris Palmer, thank you so much, man of God, for allowing the Holy Ghost to use you to bring much clarity to the book of Revelation. This is a must read across the board. God bless.--DM Amazon review Not so long ago, the study of biblical languages was considered essential for ministerial preparation. For understandable reasons--namely, the time and effort it takes to gain mastery over the structures of a language--such a goal has been deemed even by theological educators to be not worth the effort, often settling for namesake attempts in that direction. It is true that we can understand much, even beyond the essentials, by studying the Bible in translation, just as one can enjoy and understand Shakespeare in translation. But just as no one will deny that reading Shakespeare in translation is not the same as appreciating fully what the Bard wrote, so also, the case for reading the biblical text in the original needs no championing. Chris Palmer demonstrates that well in Letters from Jesus by presenting lexical and grammatical insights from his journey through the Greek text of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, and he does so in an interesting, accessible, and inviting manner.--Professor Raju Kunjummen, Th.M. Reading Chris Palmer's Letters from Jesus is like attending a series of encouraging, deep-dive Bible studies led by an expert in the original language of the New Testament. Chris has a rare, welcoming approach to help you to explore and reflect upon the original meaning of the text. You don't have to know Greek to start reading and enjoying this book, but you will know some by the time you're done.--Dr. John Schwandt Learning Greek language insight into God's Word was absolutely foundational in building my faith and ministry so many years ago as a student3/4insights which serve me to this day. That's why I am so pleased to recommend Letters from Jesus. Chris Palmer has an outstanding gift in bringing alive God's Word, providing an invaluable upgrade in understanding and empowerment, much needed for this generation. Who knew Greek insight could be this enriching and enjoyable!Thank you, Chris. Your passion and precision have served up an excellent study!--Sy Rogers Letters from Jesus makes accessible, to every believer, a book of the New Testament often avoided3/4the book of Revelation. Chris Palmer offers 52 studies from the Greek text that will be a delight for every reader. In these studies, Chris leads his readers through a portion of text from the letters to the churches of Revelation while mining spiritual insights from the Greek text that are colorfully illustrated with warm personal stories and encouraging words from a pastor's heart. These studies are sure to be a blessing to many. My only hope is that another book is forthcoming!--Philip L. Mayo, Ph.D.

This practical and helpful study uncovers keen truths and insights only found through a close reading of the Greek text. Chris Palmer's readings bring to the fore the social implications of these all-too-often overlooked portions of the New Testament. His work offers a methodologically rich framework for understanding the seven letters of Jesus in Revelation 2-3. His avoidance of technical jargon fills a gap for busy pastors and laypersons who desire to keep their devotional literature close to the text rather than surface-level ideas read into it.--J. Brian Tucker, Ph.D. Not so long ago, the study of biblical languages was considered essential for ministerial preparation. For understandable reasons--namely, the time and effort it takes to gain mastery over the structures of a language--such a goal has been deemed even by theological educators to be not worth the effort, often settling for namesake attempts in that direction. It is true that we can understand much, even beyond the essentials, by studying the Bible in translation, just as one can enjoy and understand Shakespeare in translation. But just as no one will deny that reading Shakespeare in translation is not the same as appreciating fully what the Bard wrote, so also, the case for reading the biblical text in the original needs no championing. Chris Palmer demonstrates that well in Letters from Jesus by presenting lexical and grammatical insights from his journey through the Greek text of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, and he does so in an interesting, accessible, and inviting manner.--Professor Raju Kunjummen, Th.M. Learning Greek language insight into God's Word was absolutely foundational in building my faith and ministry so many years ago as a student3/4insights which serve me to this day. That's why I am so pleased to recommend Letters from Jesus. Chris Palmer has an outstanding gift in bringing alive God's Word, providing an invaluable upgrade in understanding and empowerment, much needed for this generation. Who knew Greek insight could be this enriching and enjoyable!Thank you, Chris. Your passion and precision have served up an excellent study!--Sy Rogers Letters from Jesus makes accessible, to every believer, a book of the New Testament often avoided3/4the book of Revelation. Chris Palmer offers 52 studies from the Greek text that will be a delight for every reader. In these studies, Chris leads his readers through a portion of text from the letters to the churches of Revelation while mining spiritual insights from the Greek text that are colorfully illustrated with warm personal stories and encouraging words from a pastor's heart. These studies are sure to be a blessing to many. My only hope is that another book is forthcoming!--Philip L. Mayo, Ph.D. Reading Chris Palmer's Letters from Jesus is like attending a series of encouraging, deep-dive Bible studies led by an expert in the original language of the New Testament. Chris has a rare, welcoming approach to help you to explore and reflect upon the original meaning of the text. You don't have to know Greek to start reading and enjoying this book, but you will know some by the time you're done.--Dr. John Schwandt

Author Information

The Rev. Chris Palmer is the founder and pastor of Light of Today Church in Novi, Michigan, and founder of Chris Palmer Ministries. He is host of the popular podcast, Greek for the Week, seen on several Internet platforms. Chris began in full-time ministry in 2006 and began to preach internationally in 2009, helping many congregations grow, flourish, and expand. His desire for missions is to train and educate pastors, encourage congregations, support the vision of local church, and show the love of God to the culture. He has done this successfully for a decade in over forty nations of the world in Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean, working with both traditional churches and the underground/persecuted church. Chris earned a B.A. in Pastoral Studies from North Central University and an M.A. in Exegetical Theology, magna cum laude, from Moody Theological Seminary. He is a sought-after Greek scholar for his ability to make God's Word come alive in a unique way from the Greek. Chris is often invited to present Greek and hermeneutics workshops at Bible and ministry schools. He recently began working on his Ph.D. at the University of Wales, Bangor, in the area of Johannine Literature, particularly the book of Revelation. His previous self-published books include Living as a Spirit: Hearing the Voice of God on Purpose, The 85 Questions You Ask When You Begin a Relationship with God, The Believer's Journey, and Escaping the Haunting Past: A Handbook for Deliverance.

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