Lawrence R. Farley Books

Written for the average reader, this commentary offers an accessible exploration of the Gospel of Mark, breaking down the text section by section using a literal translation of the original Greek. It presents an Orthodox and patristic perspective, balancing devotional insights with scholarly analysis. The commentary emphasizes the unexpected nature of Christ's mission, portraying Him not as a conquering hero but as a suffering servant who liberates humanity from sin. It highlights the dynamic nature of His ministry, filled with miracles and confrontations.

Focusing on the insights of the lesser-known apostles—James, Peter, Jude, and John—this commentary highlights the value of their epistles, which offer essential guidance for believers. Key themes include perseverance in the face of persecution, practicing faith in a challenging world, and recognizing heresy through its negative consequences. Fr. Lawrence emphasizes that these messages remain relevant and beneficial for contemporary readers, encouraging a steadfast commitment to apostolic teachings.

The epistles to the Corinthians reflect Paul's emotional journey as he addresses issues of disunity, sin, and arrogance within the community he founded. He passionately appeals for peace, righteousness, and generosity, urging the congregation to accept his apostolic authority. These letters serve as a heartfelt call for unity and moral integrity, leaving a lasting legacy that challenges churches throughout history to uphold these values.

Focusing on the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah sent to redeem Israel. Written to convince a Jewish audience of Jesus' identity, it offers a comprehensive and organized account of His teachings. This Gospel serves as a Christian counterpart to the Torah, highlighting the Church as the true Israel and emphasizing its mission to spread the message to both Jews and Gentiles. It is part of the Orthodox Bible Study Companion Series, which includes other significant biblical texts.

The narrative explores the resilience of the Apostle Paul, who, despite being imprisoned in Rome, continued to inspire and instruct Christian communities through his letters. His powerful messages, recorded by scribes, highlight the contrast between his physical confinement and the unrestrained nature of his teachings. The story emphasizes the enduring strength of faith and the impact of Paul's words, which transcended his circumstances and spread throughout the Roman Empire.

The epistles to Timothy and Titus offer vital guidance from St. Paul to pastors on nurturing their congregations with wisdom and love. Written as he faced martyrdom, these letters reflect his deep pastoral care and serve as a lasting inspiration for both church leaders and their communities, encouraging them to pursue holiness and love in their lives.

Fr. Lawrence Farley delves into the Acts of the Apostles, presenting it as St. Luke's sequel to his Gospel. He argues that it serves as an apology for the Christian Faith, highlighting its role as the fulfillment of Judaism and its universal appeal. The narrative emphasizes that Christianity poses no threat to Roman governance or society. Farley frames the Acts as an extraordinary adventure story, showcasing the dynamic journey of early Christians.

Fr. Lawrence Farley presents a collection of saints' lives, offering one for each day of the year. His engaging and contemporary writing style makes these historical figures relatable and accessible to modern Christians. This work blends biblical commentary and church history, providing readers with insights into the significance of each saint's life and their relevance today.

Focusing on the themes of joy, healing, and prayer, this commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke highlights its unique appeal to the poor and marginalized, including women. Written by Fr. Lawrence Farley, it aims to make biblical scholarship accessible to the average reader, avoiding complex academic jargon. The text is examined section by section, using a literal translation of the original Greek, and balances devotional insights with exegetical depth, catering to both emotional and intellectual needs of contemporary Christians.

Exploring the Book of Daniel through a childlike perspective reveals its extraordinary elements, including mad kings, enigmatic dreams, miraculous rescues, and remarkable prophecies, alongside early detective stories. Fr. Lawrence Farley emphasizes the importance of appreciating the book's wonders rather than debating its historicity, inviting readers to engage with its captivating narratives and themes in a fresh, insightful manner.