Julian’s Books
So far, I have written four books, which are introduced below. All of them are available for
purchase through this website. Details for purchase are at the bottom of this page.
God’s Story - A Bible Overview
This is a very helpful book giving a historical overview through the whole Bible, from creation to the end of the first century AD. It helps people see the overall message of the Bible, showing where many of the familiar stories belong in God’s great plan of salvation. It is particularly designed for people who want increase their understanding of the Bible, and is an ideal resource for those who plan to commence formal study of the Bible.
The book begins with a summary of God’s plan of salvation from creation, through the fall, the death and resurrection of Jesus to his second coming. This gives a helpful framework for a biblical world-view.
The Old Testament section focusses on the main characters and events in the history of Israel. A chapter is devoted to each of the major periods of Old Testament history, describing the main events and characters in Israel, some of the major theological developments, and how Israel interacted with her neighbouring nations. Each of the books are set into the original place in history. The message of each of prophets is described at their most probable time in the history of Israel or Judah.
The first part of the the New Testament section looks first at the life and ministry of Jesus, describing relevant aspects of Jewish religion and culture, the main events of his ministry and his teaching on the kingdom of God. The second part looks at the spread of the Gospel through the first century, describing Paul’s missionary journeys and sumarising his letters, as well as noting the major challenges faced by the church. The message of each of the books is sumarised, and each are set into their original historical context.
Many people have found this book a very useful tool in their Bible reading, to give them the “big-picture” - how all the Bible stories and events fit together into one great and continuing story.
The Lion and The Lamb
- A Guide to the Inspiring Book of Revelation
This guide has the aims of encouraging people to read and study the amazing and inspiring Book of Revelation for themselves, to take away some of the fear and confusion, and to focus on the victorious risen Lord Jesus and our promised place with him in glory.
It begins with two introductory sections before giving an explanation of the text. The first section is a helpful guide to the whole area of eschatology (the study of the events surrounding the second coming of Christ and the final judgement). This includes a description of the different millennial views and a practical guide to the study of passages which describe the second coming of Christ. The second introductory section is more specifically for the Book of Revelation, looking at apocalyptic literature and its symbolism, as well as the historical setting of the seven churches in the first century, and the structure of the book. It also gives an explanation of the four main approaches to the book.
The explanation of the text takes each section in turn, noting important points, with a special focus on seeking its meaning to the believers in the first century facing imminent persecution. There is also a consistent intention to find application of the text for all time. The approach is to seek to observe the text carefully to see what it actually says, as well as noting the remarkable contrasts in the descriptions of the major characters. Interpretations are suggested for the symbolism, looking for explanations and themes in the text, and their Old Testament background.
The attitude is to avoid being dogmatic, and to consider different interpretations, allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions. Practical guidance is also given for the reader’s own study. The aim is to find the message of the Book of Revelation to its original readers in the seven cities of Asia, and from that, to determine a relevant message for today.
The book concludes with an inspiring study on Jesus as the Lamb of God, which is the major theological theme of the book, seeing what we learn about the person and work of Jesus from the use of that title. The book also includes an extensive bibliography, and a selection of historical appendices.
Chaos in Corinth
- A study of the Book of 1 Corinthians
This is an in-depth study of the Book of 1 Corinthians. Of all of Paul's writings, I Corinthians is probably the book most rooted in the culture and society of the city it was written to. This book begins by giving a detailed description of the city of Corinth, its history, its social life, and its religious scene. It then describes how the Gospel first came to Corinth, looks at the social and racial composition of the church, and describes Paul's often difficult relationship with the church.
One scholar described the main problem in the church in Corinth as: "There was a church in Corinth, but too much of Corinth in the church". This gives a very helpful summary of the issues Paul addresses in his letter, as the church was deeply influenced by the pattern of Greek thought, which showed up in the lifestyle of the believers.
The rest of this book gives a helpful and relevant introduction to each of the main sections of 1 Corinthians, particularly by looking at the social and religious practices which were influencing the believers.
This book concludes with a set of special studies on Paul and his apostleship, the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, the social system of patronage in Roman culture, Paul's use of the temple and body of Christ as symbols of the church, and finally, his teaching on Jesus as the Last Adam.
- - - - - NEW - just released - - - - -
Gospel of Power
- a guide to Paul's Letter to the Romans
It is important for all Christians to be understand the Book of Romans well, because it gives such a systematic presentation of the Gospel. However, many people find Romans a challenge to read and understand. The purpose of this book is to give a helpful introduction and explanation of the text.
It begins with by describing the background of the book, looking particularly at the complex reasons Paul had for writing the book.
This is followed with a systematic study through the text of the book, looking at each of the major sections in turn, as well as considering some of the important theological concepts that are introduced.
The aim is not intended to give a thorough in-depth study on every verse - (there are plenty of other commentaries on Romans that do this). Instead, the aim is to give a straight-forward guide and explanation of the text of the book, to enable people to understand the Book of Romans for themselves.
Coming soon:
I am in the process of writing another two books: one on Isaiah, and one on Hebrews
Each book is available as an electronic copy sent by email. Each book costs £4.
The electronic copies are available in a choice of three formats:
1. .pdf format, which can be read using Adobe Acrobat.
2. .mobi format, suitable for use on a Kindle or other e-book reader
3. .epub format, suitable for use in many e-book readers, including the i-phone
please note that the .mobi and .epub format books do not contain the maps and tables
included in the .pdf version, and some of the formatting may be slightly altered.
You are welcome to print out one copy of the book if you want a hard copy.
Please note this is copyrighted material which should not be copied in any form.
If you purchase three books, the price is reduced to £10.
If you purchase all four books, the price is reduced to £13.
There are two ways to pay for them:
1. The most straightforward way is if you have a Paypal account, you can send me the money
"family" and the "spriggs").
Please put a note on the payment request to say which book or books you are sending money
for. Please also indicate whether you would like .pdf or .mobi format.
2. Using the Contact Julian link, you can send me an email to request a book. We can then arrange how to process the payment.
On receipt of payment, I will send the books to you.