ACTION! Magazine recently reported the launch of its new WBS Library to make Bible study resources available digitally to Christians and seekers in multiple languages worldwide. Our latest release is a commentary on Matthew, the first installment of the “WBS Commentary in Basic English,” edited by Van Tate and Brian Rex Davis.
Van and his wife Jean, with Ted and Martha Ogle, were the first American missionaries for the churches of Christ to Kenya, East Africa (1965). Those whom Van taught were eager learners. But, for most of them, English was a second or third language. Existing study resources were unsuitable for them. By working toward a solution with experienced fellow missionaries, Van compiled a commentary based on the Simple English Bible translation – a translation produced within our brotherhood.
After clarifying key terms, the introduction to Matthew says, in part, “The Book of Matthew forms a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. Much of Matthew’s writing deals with Old Testament prophecy and how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Matthew wanted his Jewish readers to know that Jesus was the promised Messiah and to understand the kingdom of God.” This commentary’s simplicity and faithfulness to New Testament Christianity continues to make it a valuable resource.
WBS Commentary in Basic English is edited and compiled using the following perspectives.
Check it out now at wbslibrary.org.
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In this episode of One More Chapter, Brian Rex Davis, Noah Davis, and Bryson Davis continue their study of biblical “principle”, explaining how general teachings give inclusive guidance that can be applied in various ways, while specific commands are authoritative and must shape belief and practice.
This episode of One More Chapter continues the series on Bible study by introducing the idea of “principle” as a way to bridge what a passage originally meant and what it means today, after first stressing purpose and context. The team takes a long–but useful–detour into Bible translations and versions—covering textual preservation, the spectrum from word-for-word to paraphrase, group vs. single-translator work, Dead Sea Scrolls, and which editions they personally use (NASB 1995, ESV, NIV 1984, etc.). The discussion on ‘principle’ will continue in the next episode!
This episode explores how understanding the purpose behind a Bible passage helps bridge the gap between what it originally meant and how it should shape life today. Brian, Noah, and Bryson discuss how purpose protects against shallow, checklist-style interpretation and helps distinguish enduring principles and examples from incidental details.
Brian Rex Davis sits down with Sahadevudu Vanga of India, a fellow missionary since gospel meetings in 1995. They talk about World Bible School’s renewed work in India and the effort to put Telugu translations and advanced courses—especially The Kingdom of God—into digital form. The conversation also covers family ministry, cultural care in a changing India, and tools that serve the next generation of the church.