Christ and the Church, Thoughts on the Apostolic Commission by Adolph Saphir and published by Classics.
As the title of this book reveals, the subject matter is the writer's thoughts on the Apostolic Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. From these three verses, Dr. Saphir prepares 10 chapters of instruction, application and encouragement for the reader. As the author explains in the preface of this work, he, 'endeavoured to view the words of the ascending Saviour in the light of the other Scriptures, the preparatory light of the Old Testament and the Pentecostal light of the Gospels and the Epistles.' From this foundation, it is wonderful to read his connections from this familiar passage to the words and deeds of Moses and the patriarchs even to the Apostles and the churches.
It is, however, the relationship between God and His Son, and the Godhead and the elect, that the writer will focus the bulk of his attention. He will frequently, and with great skill, draw our attention to Christ as man and as God, as obedient and as sovereign in order to increase our admiration and affection for our Saviour and our King.
There is one more subject that Dr. Saphir wishes the reader to consider when they think of Christ and His mighty work of grace, and that is the Jewish nation. Obviously the author has a special love towards his kinsmen according to the flesh, since he often reminds the Christian believer of the need of God's chosen people for the light of the gospel prepared first for them. Oh, how the Church needs to see God's deep love and affection for the Jews as well as the blindness of many of them that only grace can penetrate. This is one of the many benefits from reading this man's writings: Jew and Gentile alike will more often pray for the salvation of Israel and praise God for those among the Israelites who have embraced their true Messiah.
This book's exposition of the Great Commission will be a blessing to all who read it and ponders its glorious message.
