The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

INTRODUCTION

Although the current books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book, and later came to be known as 1 Ezra and 11 Ezra, Jerome was the first man to call the second portion by the name of "Nehemiah". The names of "Ezra" and "Nehemiah" were first printed in an English edition in the Geneva Bible in 1560. Nehemiah means "Jehovah comforts". The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible

Many evangelic teachers hold the view that Nehemiah himself wrote this book, using references such as Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:7,9, 13:6,7, and so on. The book is therefore regarded as one of the greatest autobiographies in the world.

Nehemiah himself was born in exile, who became cup-bearer to the king; was a model organizer who proved the worth of method and system, and whose character appears to be without blot - the key word of the book, "so", occurring 32 times denotes that Nehemiah was a man of action and of few words who believed that prayer and performance go together (Nehemiah 1:4, 6:3 ) - Nehemiah is a noble representative of a dedicated business man. Herbert Lockyer

This largely autobiographical book is the last of Old Testament history. Earlier, Cyrus had authorised the rebuilding of the Temple (in 538 B.C.: 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4 ). Nehemiah was authorised to rebuild the wall of the city in order that the Temple might be safely enclosed (Daniel 9:25 ). The book of the prophet Malachi, gives background to this period (450 B.C - 430 B.C.). Four hundred silent years followed, during which no further written history or written prophecy was recorded.

God has kingdom children whom He has called to be His business people. Nehemiah presents a grand example to such, in setting and reaching goals, in courage and persistence when facing opposition, and in staying power through prayer. God's business men and women, like Nehemiah, blend practicality and spirituality in an impressive way - distinguishing them as the Lord's servants.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Do you think God calls people to become kingdom business people?
Do you think spirituality and practicality are essential qualities in a kingdom business person?