1. The youths that mock Elisha are representative of Israel’s collective contempt and disregard for all things relating to their One True God.
  2. What I like about Giertz’s approach is the devotional nature of these commentaries. He’s a pastor concerned with what these texts have to say to us today.
  3. We won’t use the right words, but the Holy Spirit is interceding with and for us, as we pray.
  4. Reading, understanding, and studying Scripture is a life-long process of contemplation in conversation with others.
  5. This is an excerpt from “The New Testament Devotional Commentary: Volume 1: Matthew, Mark, Luke” written by Bo Giertz and translated by Bror Erickson (1517 Publishing, 2021).
  6. What do Habakkuk and Israel have? Nothing but the word of God. Nothing but the promise of God. Nothing but God himself.
  7. The same Spirit who gives us his overabundant life has also given us doctrine. Scripture and Spirit cannot be put in opposition to each other.
  8. Why would God warn his people not to trust in horses? Let's take a look at the ancient Near East to see how horses were connected to sun worship and military muscle. Along the way, let's see how the "Name of God" is another title for the Son of God.
  9. The tragedy of the incidental Christ I was raised with is that he was really no Savior at all.
  10. Erasmus sought to find meaning behind the words of Scripture in order to make an ultimate claim. Luther, on the other hand, found the Gospel to be meaningless outside of Christ and his Cross.
  11. Martha’s pain is not met by a to-do list. Jesus’ reply is not that she should try harder or change her behavior
  12. Bo Giertz attained infamy in Sweden for a humble adherence to unpopular, orthodox practice and doctrine.