The Synod of Ely, led by Bishop Simon Langham, outlines critical directives for parish priests and clergy to ensure the spiritual health of their congregations. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding and teaching the Ten Commandments, the seven deadly sins, and the sacraments, particularly focusing on the Eucharist. The document calls for reverence in the handling of the sacraments, diligent pastoral care for the sick, and proper conduct in church services. Additionally, it stresses ...

In 1362, Simon Langham, the Archbishop of Canterbury, founded a collegiate hall at the University of Oxford, establishing statutes for its governance. The document emphasizes the importance of scholarly pursuit and the role of divine wisdom in education. It specifies the election process for fellows, including qualifications and the importance of consensus among members. The text highlights the need for a careful selection of candidates based on merit and the necessity of maintaining a hig...

LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE___'A moving microhistory of working-class girlhood' BBC History Magazine___It is 1937 in a northern mill-town and a class of twelve- and thirteen-year-old girls are writing about their lives, their world, and the things that matter to them. They tell of cobbled streets and crowded homes; the Coronation festivities and holidays to Blackpool; laughter and fun alongside poverty and...

In 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul passes on profound wisdom to two of his most trusted co-workers who are facing many difficult challenges. This commentary provides an exposition of the message of these two books, which is relevant to many theological and pastoral situations faced by Asian church communities today. Along with the detailed commentary, the authors provide reflections on various topics relating to the gospel, the Bible’s authority, Christian life, leadership, and governing authori...

1 Timothy shows how Christians can live in harmony and with integrity in a society of people with differing religious and cultural beliefs and values. This commentary provides an exposition of 1 Timothy’s message, which is relevant to many theological and pastoral situations faced by Asian church communities today. Along with the detailed commentary, the authors provide cultural reflections on various topics surrounding church, government, and society. The Asia Bible Commentary Series empo...

ALL TOO OFTEN, WE ATTEMPT to reduce the gospel narrative to a set of theological propositions. However, our faith is not rooted in the abstract realm of thought but in the tangible, sweat and blood world where we live out our calling to follow in the footsteps of Christ. The gospel is full of the real-life struggles, fears, failures, and triumphs of men and women just like us, and in this retelling of Jesus’s ministry as experienced by Simon Peter, Rev. Dr. Johannes W. H. van der Bijl invi...

All too often, we attempt to reduce the gospel narrative to a set of theological propositions. However, our faith is not rooted in the abstract realm of thought but in the tangible, sweat and blood world where we live out our calling to follow in the footsteps of Christ. The gospel is full of the real-life struggles, fears, failures, and triumphs of men and women just like us, and in this retelling of Jesus’s ministry as experienced by Simon Peter, Rev. Dr. Johannes W. H. van der Bijl invi...

In his previous book, Breakfast on the Beach, Rev. Dr. Johannes W. H. van der Bijl retold the gospel narrative through the eyes of Simon Peter, inviting us to experience Jesus’s life and ministry anew. Now, in For the Life of the World, van der Bijl continues the story, following the disciples on their journey as they become disciple-makers and fulfil the Great Commission, expanding the kingdom of God into every corner of the earth. This book weaves together New Testament accounts from Act...