PREFACE
In his ministry
of some 37 years, from 1879 to 1916, the written material produced by Charles
Taze Russell has been calculated at some 39,000 pages, an output of over 4
pages per day. His voluminous works contain comments on a wide variety of Scripture
topics, giving specific insight into literally tens of thousands of Bible
texts. However, since he wrote from a topical perspective, it has not always
been easy to locate his teachings on particular verses. Over the years some
four attempts have been made to make this task of isolating his thoughts on
specific Scriptures easier for the Bible student. Each of these attempts tried
to be more exhaustive than its predecessor, and such is the aim of this current
work.
In 1901,
arrangements were made to produce a special Wide- Margin edition of the Linear Bible
with the pertinent references to the five volumes of Scripture Studies then
available, and the previous six years of Watch Tower magazines; printed as
marginal notations next to the referenced text. This Bible also contained the
text of both the Common, or King James, version and that of the Revised
Version. Further details, about it can be found in the Watch Tower Reprints,
pages 2850 and 3451.
In 1907, a
private project by Clayton J. Woodworth, selecting specific interpretations
from the six volumes of Scripture Studies, was produced by the International
Bible Students Association, as part of a series of appendices to a new Bible
Student's Bible. These appendices also included a Topical Index and an Instructor's
Guide, compiled by Sr. Gertrude W. Siebert as well as a section on Difficult
Texts by Bro. Woodworth. This edition was ready for distribution by October,
1907, and is announced on pages 3992 and 4072 of the Watch Tower Reprints.
There it is noted that Bro. Woodworth spent 7 hours a day for the six month
period from November, 1906 to April, 1907 accumulating these comments.
In May of 1908
plans were announced for a second edition of this Bible, with an up- dated commentary
by Bro. Woodworth that would include the Watch Tower magazines as well as the comments
from the six volumes of Scripture Studies. This announcement can be found on
page 4096 of the Reprints, as well as the announcement of a later printing on
page 4852. It is this 1908 edition that has become a standard reference work in
many Bible Student libraries over the past 70 years and has gone through six reprintings
in the past 16 years by the Chicago Bible Students Book Republishing Committee.
The continuing demand for this volume is a fair indicator of its lasting
popularity among Bible Students.
However, since
this work only includes the writings of Pastor Russell through the year 1907,
and does not include the many miscellaneous works which he wrote, it was deemed
wise to consider an up- dating of this work. An additional reason was that many
discrepancies were noted in earlier production, where the comment given could
not be verified as accurate by referring to the citation noted. The current
project, of which this Old Testament is part one, began over seven years ago.
At that time a four- stage program was drawn up and put into operation. The
first phase was to recruit a team of some 50 brothers and sisters throughout
the United States to carefully and systematically read through the Reprints
from 1909 to 1916, digesting the material onto filing cards under Scripture
headings. The miscellaneous writings of Pastor Russell were also included in
these reading assignments. As a result, after one full year, some 20,000 to
25,000 specific comments were gleaned and filed in Scripture order. All texts referenced
in the various indexes were then researched for additional comments.
In the second
phase of the project, a team of four manuscript compilers was commissioned to
work from this input of new material and combine it with the older editions,
verifying the accuracy of each comment selected. A set of guidelines were drawn
up to insure objectivity in the selection of material for the new book.
The third phase,
that of editing the manuscript, proved to be the most time- consuming, and the
one that has delayed the project far beyond its original projected publication.
An exhaustive editing procedure was devised. One master editor was appointed to
review all of the material, checking for accuracy, objectivity and
exhaustiveness. He was furnished with all of the original research material to
assist him in this work.
Then one of a
team of 13 secondary editors were also sent copies of the manuscript to check
independently of the primary editor. The work of both of these editors was
submitted to the project coordinators who digested their findings for the final
editing.
Two elders of the
Chicago Bible Students were commissioned to carry out the final editing
procedure. The first of these was to review the combined work of the compiler,
the master and secondary editors; and then to re- read all of the articles
referenced in the various Scripture indices to the Reprints and the other
writings of Pastor Russell, increasing the total number of comments. Then, the
second of these final editors, was to review the entire work, including the additions
of the first final editor.
The final phase
was production which again involved many brethren in the tasks of actual typesetting,
and also repetitive proof- reading and grammatical editing for conformity to punctuation
and capitalization styles.
It is the result
of this cumbersome process which you now hold in your hands, some 1127 pages of
typewritten manuscript, representing 20,200 individual comments on the Old
Testament alone, with a total of 27,659 references. This compares with 7,007
comments and 7,860 references in the current manual.
Several
guidelines were established to seek for objectivity and uniformity in the work
you have before you. To the degree to which these were followed, we trust that
this work will accurately reflect the thinking of Pastor Charles Russell, the
author of the works we were desiring to digest into commentary form.
Realizing that,
in nearly 40 years of writing, there would not only be a progression of thought,
but also a wide variety of ways of expressing thoughts which would open these
writings to a variety of interpretations, it was sought to make this commentary
as unbiased as possible. If conflicting thoughts, or words which indicated possible
conflicts, were found, then both were to be included. The one exception to this
rule was in those cases where there was a generally recognized change of
viewpoint by the author, in which case only the latter views were included. An
example of this is on the matter of the operation of the New Covenant, where
the change of viewpoint was so extensively voiced in the years of 1909 and
1910.
The matter of how
to handle material included in the over- all writings of Pastor Russell that
were not from his pen, but contributed by others, was also considered. It was
decided to include these comments, since their inclusion was evidently under
the direction of Pastor Russell as the editor of the journal. However, whenever
this was done it was denoted in the comments by an asterisk ('). Such comments
were also included in the original Bible Students Manual. Exceptions to this
rule were in those cases where a viewpoint was quoted by Pastor Russell for the
specific point of disagreement-- as in the opposing views given by Rev. White
and Rev. Eaton in the debates found in the book, Harvest Gleanings. Excerpts
from the book, "The Three Worlds," found in Harvest Gleanings, are
included without the asterisk, even though the actual authorship of this book--
whether by Pastor Russell or by N. H. Barbour is debatable. However, this
portion was excerpted rather sparingly. All articles that were unsigned in the
Reprints were assumed to be from the pen of Pastor Russell.
Excerpts from the
old comments from the Newspaper Sermons of Pastor Russell, denoted by the
symbol "N," were excluded because they could not be verified. There
are two exceptions to this in the book of Malachi which could be verified from
the recent publication of these sermons in the book, Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 2.
These references are identified by the symbol "NS," for Newspaper
Sermons, to distinguish them from excerpts from the first volume of Harvest Gleanings.
Pastor Russell's
complete familiarity with the Bible is often shown in his use of Biblical language
in regular sentence structure. This usage is seldom accompanied by the citation
of the texts referenced. For this reason it has been difficult to excerpt many
of these comments, particularly in the years preceding 1909 that were not
systematically researched. Therefore there may be many inadvertent omissions of
significant comments, due to this problem.
Other significant
omissions may be due to the fact that 1908 was not researched in phase one,
because we were not aware, at that point in time, that it was not included in
the original commentary. Also, as the work progressed in the final editing
stage, it was found necessary to be more thorough in final research, a fact
that was not realized in such early books as those of the Pentateuch.
While care was sought
to use the exact words from the articles cited, this was not possible in a
number of cases, and paraphrases were adopted to abbreviate the comment to the
length sought for a volume of this type. It is hoped that the extensive editing
procedure adopted for this volume will assure that these paraphrases accurately
reflect the author in the writing cited.
One final problem
was the handling of references to general typical pictures, where the specific
scripture was not cited. In the earlier comments this was a common practice,
though not necessarily reflecting the thoughts of Pastor Russell on that
particular text. This is one area in which the current volume is also not
totally consistent. Where the compilers or editors felt that there was general
agreement on the general comment fitting the particular Scripture it was included,
and where they felt that there was significant difference of opinion on its
meaning in a particular Scripture, it was excluded. However, this admittedly
leaves this area open to the subjective judgment of the editors.
The referencing
of the comments to the pages on which they were cited was another area of
concern. Abbreviated symbols were arbitrarily selected for each publication and
are found on a separate page in the forepart of this volume. In the case of
references from the six volumes of Scripture Studies and Tabernacle Shadows a
page reference was deemed sufficient. In smaller books, such as the Question
Book, Sermon Book and Overland Monthly, you will find, after a colon (:) a
number which refers to the paragraph number on the page. In the case of a
letter "T" it refers to the portion of a paragraph on the top of a
page that carries over from the preceding page.
In the references
to larger books, such as the Watch Tower Reprints, Harvest Gleanings or
Convention Report Sermons, a slightly different system is used. There the
number after the colon (:) refers, not to the paragraph number, but to a
section number, as illustrated by the diagram herewith-- each page being
arbitrarily divided into six equal sections. This was done because there are a
variety of methods of counting paragraphs where poems, indented Scriptures and
long sub- headings are found.
Two additional
peculiarities should be here noted. Because the page numbers of the newest
edition of the Photo- Drama of Creation differ from that of the original, both
are noted, separated by a slash (/), the old edition page number preceding the
slash, and that of the newer edition following it. In the case of the book
"What Pastor Russell Taught", only references from the section after
page 323, written by Bro. Benjamin Barton, are included, since all of the other
material is duplicated in the Watch Tower Reprints.
Since the various
editions of the six volumes of Scripture Studies, printed by different publishers,
may have slightly different page numbers, it was determined to use that which
was closest to the original and appears in the majority of editions. If your
edition varies, it should be found within a few pages of the page cited. The
appearance of multiple citations for Volume 5 (E), has been dropped because the
one edition that made such multiple entries necessary is virtually out of
circulation.
The publishers of
this current work are prayerfully hopeful that it will be a valuable tool to Bible
Students everywhere as they seek more accurately to understand the Lord's words
to us through the Bible. We trust that all will use it for the intention for
which it is published, as a reference guide to original material and a key to
the Bible, and not as an answer book or a replacement for the study of God's
Holy Word itself.
Realizing well
the failings of the human flesh and the enormity of the work itself, we recognize
that occasional errors, typographical as well as unintentional
misunderstandings of thought, may well occur in this work. For this we
apologize, having sought to eliminate these to the best of our ability.
A great debt of
gratitude is due to the many brethren who contributed to the labor of producing
this volume and, while realizing that they labored freely out of their
dedication to the Lord and the truths contained in these writings of Pastor
Russell, nevertheless we wish to express our appreciation for their labors of
love.
With the sincere
hope that this volume, as well as that of the New Testament, which is still some
years from completion, will be of value to you in your searching of the
Scriptures to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God,
we place this work in your hands.
CHICAGO BIBLE STUDENTS
Book Republishing Committee
It
is with great joy that the publishers put forth the first of the two volume set
of “Expanded Biblical Comments on the New Testament.” These books are designed
as companions to the “Expanded Comments on the Old Testament,” printed some six
years ago.
The
same procedure of many hands being used to extract the voluminous comments of Charles
Taze Russell that was employed in the former work, was used in this project as
well.
Once
again, an effort was made to search all the writings of the late Pastor Russell
in order to offer as complete a representation of his views as possible.
As
in the Old Testament work, no attempt was made to bend his expressions to fit
into a given doctrinal mold, but rather the individual comments, even when
apparently contradictory, were let stand. This volume, as its companions, is
not intended to be an “answer book,” but to be used as a reference work,
directing the student to original source material.
Wherever
possible, direct quotes were extracted. However, in many cases, to maintain the
brevity required for a work of this magnitude, the thoughts had to be either
paraphrased or condensed. Where the compilers made such condensations, the
required ellipses were omitted for typographical clarity.
Writings
by other authors than Pastor Russell, when a part of the books he edited, are included
also in this volume. However an asterisk (*) is used in such cases to identify
the fact that they were penned by other authors.
The
different Gospel records of the life of our Lord contain many similar
incidents. It was not possible to include the same references in each of these
occurrences. Therefore, an appendix has been prepared showing the similar
passages in parallel columns. By use of this appendix, the careful student will
be able to locate all of the comments that apply to the given incident. Work on
the remainder of the New Testament books will be continued, and the final volume
will be produced as soon as practicable.
As
in the former book of this series, the publishers are only too aware of the
failings of their flesh, and realize that inadvertent errors may have crept
into this manuscript. We sincerely apologize for such errors of omission or
commission, assuring you of our efforts to prevent such mistakes.
We
owe a large debt of gratitude to all the many brethren who sacrificed literally
thousands of hours of their time to make this endeavor possible. Not only do we
include here the researchers, editors and compilers in this expression of appreciation,
but also the many others who were involved in typing, correcting and the
various phases of production.
With
these remarks, we entrust this work to your hands, hoping and praying that it
will be of help to you in your continuing search of the Scriptures to prove
“what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God.”
CHICAGO BIBLE STUDENTS
Book Republishing Committee
November 1, 1988
After more than
14 years of research, organization and production by a large number of Bible Students,
it is with gratitude and joy that we present this third volume of the “Expanded
Biblical Comments: 1879- 1916.”
The attempt to be
thorough in this work led to a changed method of operation for the New Testament
comments. A team of researchers painstakingly looked up every reference in the
“Index of Scripture Citations,” of the Reprints, along with additional indices
for the other writings of Charles Taze Russell.
These were then
cross- checked by other workers with the thousands of comment cards prepared by
a group of some 50 “readers” who extracted comments from the Reprints for the
years of 1909 through 1916.
We refer the
reader to the Preface of Volume 1 of this work for a detailed history of the
project and explanation of the primary method involved in its accomplishment.
It was a feeling
of deep respect for the scholarship and ministry of Charles Taze Russell that motivated
this project initially. This respect has certainly been deepened in the minds
of those involved as they noted the thoroughness and logic of this “wise and
faithful servant.”
The durability
and clarity of his vision were increasingly evident to those who had the
privilege of working on this series of Commentaries.
The verse- by-
verse format enables the student to benefit from both the topical method of
Bible Study used by the author, and the contextual method he so highly
recommended. Further research is going on to determine the feasibility of a
companion volume, collating the writings of Pastor Russell on some 75 to 100
Biblical topics, ranging from “Advent” to “Zion.”
Once again, an
expression of appreciation is in order, not only to the more than 50
researchers and the compilers, but to the large number of assistants in the
various stages of production. The co- operation of these brethren located in
many cities throughout the United States demonstrates their dedication to a common
vision.
But above all,
our appreciation goes to our Heavenly Father for the provision of the vast “storehouse”
of truth in the Bible, and to his Son, whose Second Advent marked the time of
enlightenment, when truths “new and old” would be brought forth from this
“storehouse.”
Finally, we would
like to once again state our desire that this work not be used as an “answer book,”
but as a research tool, an index, directing the scholar to original source
material. And even then, that the reader verify the accuracy of the concepts
presented by checking them with the Bible. To quote Pastor Russell himself,
“Truth- seekers should empty their vessels of the muddy waters of tradition and
fill them at the fountain of truth— God’s Word. And no religious teaching
should have weight except as it guides the truth- seeker to that fountain.” A12
Recognizing our
fallibility, we request that any of the users of this work who find errors of commission
or omission please notify the publishers so that these can be corrected in
future editions.
With these few
words, we entrust this Commentary to your hands, hoping and praying that it
will be a useful implement in your continued search for an ever- clearer
understanding of God’s Word and His divine Will; and that you, too, may rejoice
the more in the ministry of “Present Truth” which the Lord has showered upon us
at this end of the Gospel age.
In appreciation
of the privilege of serving the brethren of “the household of faith,”
CHICAGO BIBLE STUDENTS
Book Republishing Committee
September 1, 1989
EXPLANATION OF FORMAT
A - Scripture Studies, Volume 1 - The Divine Plan of the
Ages
B - Scripture Studies, Volume 2 - The Time is at Hand
C - Scripture Studies, Volume 3 - Thy Kingdom Come
D - Scripture Studies, Volume 4 - The Battle of Armageddon
E - Scripture Studies, Volume 5 - The Atonement Between God
and Man
F - Scripture Studies, Volume 6 - The New Creation
R - Watch Tower Reprints
Q - Question Book (What Pastor Russell Said)
T - Tabernacle Shadows
CR - Convention Report Sermons
HG - Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 1
NS - Newspaper Sermons (Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 2)
OV - Overland Monthly (What Pastor Russell Wrote)
PD - Photo Drama of Creation
PT - What Pastor Russell Taught
SM - Sermon Book
DENOTING PAGE AREAS
:1- 6 Section of Page
as per Chart Herewith (Used for Reprints, Convention Report Sermons, Harvest
Gleanings, Newspaper Sermons).
|
1 |
4 |
|
2 |
5 |
|
3 |
6 |
:1- 9 Paragraph Numbers (Used for all other books, except
Scripture Studies, where only a page number is given).
:T Referring to portion of paragraph at top of page, carried
over from preceding page.
:I- x Referring to page numbers of forewords in Six Volumes of
Scripture Studies.
* Referring to quotations from articles not written by Pastor
Russell.
- "To," Used where a reference covers multiple sections
or pages.
/ Separating page numbers of Old and New Editions of Photo
Drama of Creation.
Italics Generally used to denote Hebrew and Greek words.