======================================================================== A. E. KNOCH'S NOTES by A. E. Knoch ======================================================================== Knoch's analytical overview of the Greek Scriptures emphasizing that Christ and His kingdom are the central theme. He distinguishes between Paul's epistles written for the Gentile church and the other New Testament writings directed primarily to the Jewish believers, applying a dispensational hermeneutic to New Testament interpretation. Chapters: 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. 01 PREFACE 2. 02 THE GREEK SCRIPTURES ======================================================================== CHAPTER 1: 01 PREFACE ======================================================================== PREFACE This COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT was first published more than forty years ago. It was a part of the “Complete Edition,” which has been out of print for some time. Hence this reprint of A. E. Knoch’s “Notes” reflects his doctrinal views at the time of their first publication. This edition is printed from the same type as the original edition. The correction lines which he had had set during the last years of his life, have been inserted. Although we have not been indifferent to changes suggested, additional insertions have been kept to a minimum in order to preserve the work as that of A. E. Knoch. What A.E.K. had to say on commentaries in general, should always be kept in mind, for it applies to his own “Notes” on the New Testament as well: “The writer of these notes cannot help uttering a heartfelt prayer that they will never be taken for more than what they are intended to be-suggestive thoughts which lead to and not from the Sacred Text. He would rather they would vanish than that they should stand between anyone and the living oracles. May we never be tainted with the spirit of the ancient Rabbis who did not scruple to place their words above the Sacred Scrolls. In the Talmud we read: ’The words of the scribes are more noble than the words of the law; for the words of the law are both hard and easy [to understand], but the words of the scribes are all easy.’ Another traditional saying was, ’He who deals with Scripture does a thing indifferent; he who reads the Mishna has a reward; but he who devotes himself to the Gemara is most meritorious of all.’ “In the same way the commentaries and confessions and creeds of Christendom have a stronger hold on the hearts of many of His saints than the inspired Scriptures. May He grant that many will return to the fountain undefiled!” ======================================================================== CHAPTER 2: 02 THE GREEK SCRIPTURES ======================================================================== THE GREEK SCRIPTURES CHRIST and His kingdom occupies the place of prominence in the Greek Scriptures. They chronicle its refusal when proclaimed by the King Himself, its rejection when heralded by His apostles after His resurrection, its present abeyance, its reaffirmation and realization in the days to come. Only a very small portion of the Hebrew Scriptures was written to or for the nations, or gentiles. By far the greater part is concerning the nation of Israel. The same is true of the Greek revelation. Excepting Paul’s epistles, all is directly related to the Circumcision. Christ confined His ministry to the people of the covenant. Where was nothing but crumbs for aliens in the accounts of our Lord’s life. The chief of the twelve apostles could with difficulty be persuaded to preach even to such a proselyte as Cornelius. From Hebrews to Jude all is limited to the twelve tribes. The Unveiling gives Israel the sovereignty of the earth. Only Paul’s epistles, from Romans to Philemon, are written to, or intended for, the Uncircumcision. While all blessing for the nations was planned to come through the sons of Israel, this channel is choked when they reject the testimony of the apostles, as recorded in the book of Acts. All blessing for the present is based on their apostasy, and comes to us, not through them, but through their defection, and is limited to the period of their rejection. Furthermore, the destiny in Paul’s epistles is different. The Circumcision and their beneficiaries are blessed on earth. The Uncircumcision of this economy are blessed among the celestials. This book is not the “New Testament” or covenant. The new covenant which Jehovah will make with His people Israel is to be formed in the so-called “Old Testament” (Jeremiah 31:31-34), and is repeated in the “New” (Hebrews 8:8-13). In both cases it is confined to the physical seed of Jacob, the same people who received the old covenant at Sinai, and its place is in the coming kingdom. The grand division in God’s purpose is not between these two covenants, but rather between covenanted and uncovenanted blessings. The nations or gentiles will share some of Israel’s good things when they are in favor once again, and are under the new covenant. But in the great parenthetic period between their past apostasy and future fullness we have the present grace. This is made known only in Paul’s epistles and is entirely distinct from the message of the scriptures to the Circumcision. Concordant Commentary - Title Contents Preface We have enclosed Paul’s writings in a parenthesis to indicate that they are an interlude. The great movements inaugurated in the Hebrew Scriptures are continued in the accounts of our Lord’s life, in Acts, and in Hebrews, James, Peter, John and Jude, and especially in the Unveiling. But Paul’s epistles reveal a secret purpose which antedates and transcends God’s counsels for the earth and the blessing which comes through them is based on grace so pure and unadulterated that it depends for its display on Israel’s failure rather than their faithfulness. Hence the same thread of thought can be traced through all the scriptures, omitting Paul’s revelations, and they form a complete system, suited to the regeneration of the earth, through Israel. But Paul has a higher mission. He is concerned with the heavens and their reconciliation to God. The outline shown above will give a grasp of the Greek scriptures at a glance. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/a-e-knochs-notes/ ========================================================================