Ecclesiastes: A 12-Week Study

Knowing the Bible

by Justin S. Holcomb, J.I. Packer (Editor)

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God's Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) "Gospel Glimpses" highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) "Whole-Bible Connections" show how any given passage connects to the Bible's overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) "Theological Soundings" identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God's grace on every page of the Bible.

The book of Ecclesiastes powerfully conveys the meaninglessness of life without God. The world promises fulfillment, but in the end, it cannot truly satisfy the longings of the human heart.

In this accessible study, Justin S. Holcomb helps Christians understand the necessity of fearing God in a fallen and frustrating world, pointing us to God's ultimate mission to restore creation from the curse through the power of the gospel.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2016

About the author

Justin Holcomb is an Episcopal priest and a professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He previously taught at the University of Virginia and Emory University. Justin holds an M.A. in Theological Studies and an M.A. in Christian Thought from Reformed Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Emory University. He serves on the boards for REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments).

Reviews

[Adam]

This is a great companion for anyone reading through or studying the book of Ecclesiastes. While using the notes from the ESV Study Bible, there are many added sections for focus and thoughtful questions. I definitely recommend!

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure if this is indicative of this whole series, but this study takes huge chunks of a dense book like Ecclesiastes, provides very little direction or interaction with the text, but merely directs the reader to read it for themselves. The study does encourage reflection, and I am familiar with Ecclesiastes, but for those not, it would be of very limited help. If you are looking for study that will take you through the text, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a general study that attempts to direct those already familiar with the text to introspectively walk through the implications of the general ideas, this is perfect!

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ecclesiastes is a difficult book

Ecclesiastes is simple in many ways, but difficult to explore in depth and this book didn't help much. It could have gone deeper or been a lot shorter. I think the author was trying to stretch it out.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be a fairly light companion to what John Piper calls "probably the most difficult book in the Bible to understand." I needed a lot more hand-holding and guidance than this guide provided and am hoping my small group does not choose another book from this series for future studies.

[Miraclebrooke t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best in my opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study was so helpful in sorting through the beautiful text in Ecclesiastes. Could be a good group or independent study.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good study that would be perfect for a small group. With its themes of legacy, futility in work, and lament over all of our "vanities" in this life I think it would be particularly good for a men's group.