Amos : An Ordinary Man with an Extraordinary Message

by T.J. Betts

Amos had no claim to fame. He was not even a son of a prophet. Neither had he had any formal training to be a prophet. Yet God called him out from a career of overseeing Herdsman. He was sent out from the south to bring the Lord’s message to Samaria in the Northern Kingdom. Amos called to speak at the time of national disunity; military superiority; economic prosperity and religious activity. Amos brings home the idea of a famine. However it is not food the people lack like we might expect but there is a famine of the Word of God. Through this study we will be reminded of the importance of the Word of God in our lives.

Genres: Theology, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jeremy Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brief commentary on Amos is highly readable, intensely practical, and refreshingly pastoral. Betts skillfully exegetes the text and then applies it directly into the heart of the reader. Not only did this book help me to better understand the message of the book of Amos, it also stirred my heart to bask in the mercy of God and to carefully consider my own life and doctrine. It can be easy to slip into a life of doctrinal living divorced from a life of true justice and righteousness, just like the Israelites. Yet this book encouraged me to pursue true worship of God which then manifests itself in a life of justice and mercy toward others. May God help us all toward that end!

[Noah Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! T.J. Betts is an excellent author and a very humble man of God. Amos is a great book to study to learn about an ordinary man who was faithful to God and the difficult message that God had for him.

One of the key ideas of Amos is that true worship spawns social justice. God holds nations accountable for their social policy. Betts does an excellent job revealing the social injustices that occurred during Amos’s ministry.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really grown to enjoy these publications. Having previously not studied Amos in great depth, the author provides a blend of essential history, the implications for the audience, and the application for the reader while not overwhelming in one area. In conjunction with other commentaries, this is a very helpful overview of the book, and how it relates to the works of Jesus.

[Rebecca Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was a good commentary and explanation of the book of Amos, but it felt drawn out as if the author was trying to make it last as long as possible in order to fill the book. It felt like as the book progressed there was quite a lot of repetition. But it was good to use to study Amos with a friend as there are questions at the end of each chapter.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband went through this book for one of his seminary classes, so I followed along as well. I enjoy in depth book studies. And Amos is one of those books in the Bible that isn't very well known or understood by many Christians. I enjoyed a closer look into the book of Amos.

[Pat Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable, and non-technical, commentary on the book of Amos. Our church just finished preaching Amos and Betts commentary was extremely helpful. The author does a nice job of expounding the scripture, but then also providing helpful background relevant to the text.

Again, this would not be the commentary for deep theological study of Amos; however, it is a great companion to a Bible study or sermon series on the book.

“Take Up And Read” - Saint Augustine.

[Matthew Kuiper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Betts is fantastic at making OT passages relevant to contemporary life. It is so obvious that he is intellectually deep in the text, yet he provides an easy to read overview in this commentary on Amos. Dr. Betts makes me want to read and teach from the Old Testament. I would really like to see him write a commentary on Zechariah next.

Highlights of the book:
-Contemporary relevant
-Critically rigorous but light on writing style
-Rich in pastoral application
-Creative with analogies and examples

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prophet Amos was called to deliver an unpopular message to a prejudiced people. In this accessible commentary, Betts sheds helpful light on Amos’ commission and the state of the people in his day. Betts also draws much-needed comparisons between the shortcomings of God’s people in ancient times and our modern proclivity to fall prey to the same temptations. In all, he has put together an insightful look at a prophet whose message merits more consideration.

[Emmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent resource to read in conjunction with the study of Amos. It helped in understanding the context of the book as well as seeing how it applies to today. On top of that, it was personally challenging and convicting.

[Elizabeth Aucoin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book to push through, but a great balance of commentary with applications. Easy to understand and dive into. Dr. Betts does a great job of carrying his themes throughout.