The Message of Malachi

The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament

by Peter Adam

The book of Malachi fittingly sits in Christian Bibles as the last book of the Old Testament, which it assumes, summarizes and applies. Yet it also looks forward to the New Testament with its promises of the coming reign of God. A striking feature of the book is the way in which every word of God is contradicted or questioned by his people. God's persistence in speaking to them is a clear picture of sin and grace in close proximity. Furthermore, God's people neither served him wholeheartedly nor turned entirely away in blatant disobedience. This was not neutral territory but a dangerous whirlpool of self-deception. Peter Adam's thorough exposition shows how Malachi is God's effective remedy for such a situation. The greatest sin of God's people is the sin against God the source of all sin against ourselves and others. At the heart of God's people, the church, must lie a deep, overwhelming conviction that God loves them just as he reminds Israel in his first words to them in this book."

Genres: Christian

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2013

About the author

Peter Adam's major ministries have included lecturing at St John's College Durham, UK, and serving in Melbourne as vicar of St Jude's, Carlton from 1982-2002, and then as principal of Ridley Melbourne from 2002-2012. He was also chaplain of Melbourne University and archdeacon for parish development in the Melbourne Anglican diocese. Peter is currently vicar emeritus of St Jude's, Carlton, and Canon of St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne.

Reviews

[Jp Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and succinct introduction to Malachi. Wonderfully devotional and Christocentric in his approach to Malachi.

[Dagan Mayfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and practical commentary.

[Philip Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good help for the Bible Study leader or preacher. Excellent connections to the NT.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is part of the fine, economical Bible Speaks Today series published by IVP. The series is aimed at pastors and teachers and is one of the best at that audience. This volume addresses the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. As one of the Minor Prophets, Malachi is one of the lesser known books of Scripture, and so help is appreciated.

The Introduction is a little thin compared to some BST volumes, but the author still well explained Malachi’s theme as a conflict between God and His people. The people contradicted the Lord in profound ways, proving their thinking was far the Lord’s conclusions. Their service was sub-par and they were in quite a mess.

He addressed some of the issues typically found in the Introduction in his lengthy commentary on 1:1, so look there for introductory issues.

The commentary is well written, engaging, and thoughtful. He ties in other Scripture appropriately and summarizes well. This will serve as a solid, helpful contribution to our studies of the book of Malachi.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Michael Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this is a useful devotional on the book of Malachi, this is not a commentary, not even a devotional one. Adam does offer a good general explanation of the structure of Malachi and a few introductory notes. The publisher's blurb calls the book a " thorough exposition," but in reality there is very little exposition. He simply quotes a section of verses, then spends much time applying the truths to the original audience and the church. He never really expounds on what the text says as much as he assumes it is obvious from simply quoting it, and there are times that is clearly arguable that he wrong. He also assumes, and essentially states, that Israel and the Church are synonymous terms. This leads to some applications that are forced at best. The book would be good for a small group study or a personal devotional, but I would definitely refer to other sources as well.

[Andy Herzfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Adam did a good job detailing the events in our last chapter of the Old Testament Malachi. there was a lot going on in this confusing time when priests were not doing their jobs and people were intermarrying and divorcing frequently. God speaks through Malachi to all of us as well as the ancient Israelites. We used this as a bible study one summer, very good study.