The Motley Crew

Matthew 24:1-14

February 9, 2011

The Questions

Read Matthew 24:1-14

1. When did Jesus' Words in verse 2 come true?

2. I wonder what the disciples were thinking at this point?

3. What did Jesus not tell us?

4. Why?

5. Have we seen verses 4 and 5 happening?

6. Where have we seen verses 6-8 happening?

7. What is the worse part of verses 9-11?

8. Have verses 6-13 happened yet?

9. So what is left?

10. So what is the best thing we can do to expedite the Lord's return in glory?

11. Will anything stop the spread of the Gospel?

All citations from the Holy Bible are from the New International Version, used with permission.

The Motley Crew

Matthew 24:1-14

February 9, 2011

Some Suggested Answers

Read Matthew 24:1-14

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Note: This is known as the Olivet discourse. This is the fifth and last of Jesus' great discourses in Matthew's Gospel.

The Homework Assignment. Randy and Amanda completed last week's homework assignment, “What is whitewash?”, and reported that its base was lime. Randy found a recipe, but I lost the piece of paper. Here is another, similar recipe that I found on the WWW:

1 gallon water
1 lb. or 2 cups of salt
5 lbs. of white “Hydrated” lime (there are two kinds of lime, by the way, and they are known by a number of different names)
Mix good in a pail.

There are a number of potential additives in addition to this basic recipe. Thanks to both Randy and Amanda.

We opened with prayer.

1. When did Jesus' Words in verse 2 come true?

2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

In 70 A.D. When Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed! Stones were even pried apart to get the gold leaf. The NIV Study Bible had these notes to Matthew 24:2:

not one stone … left. Fulfilled literally in A.D. 70, when the Romans under Titus completely destroyed Jerusalem and the temple buildings. Stones were even pried apart to collect the gold leaf that melted from the roof when the temple was set on fire. Stone. See note on Mk. 13:1. thrown down. Excavations in 1968 uncovered large numbers of these stones, toppled from the walls by the invaders.

The note at Mark 13:1 indicated that according to Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities, 15. 11. 3), the stones were white and some of them were 37 feet long, 12 feet high, and 18 feet wide.

Josephus accompanied Titus to the siege of Jerusalem and was an eyewitness to the destruction. The Archeological Study Bible reports that the Romans took the outer wall around May, and then captured the Fortress of Antonia (adjacent to the north west corner of the Temple Complex). At the end of August, the Romans successfully attacked the temple, setting fire to its gates and overwhelming the defenders. Famine within Jerusalem caused the deaths of many, and the Romans burned the trees all around Jerusalem. The carnage of Jerusalem then ensued:

While the holy house was on fire, every thing was plundered that came to hand, and ten thousand of those that were caught were slain; nor was there a commiseration of any age, or any reverence of gravity, but children, and old men, and profane persons, and priests were all slain in the same manner; so that this war went round all sorts of men, and brought them to destruction, and as well those that made supplication for their lives, as those that defended themselves by fighting. The flame was also carried a long way, and made an echo, together with the groans of those that were slain; and because this hill was high, and the works at the temple were very great, one would have thought the whole city had been on fire. Nor can one imagine any thing either greater or more terrible than this noise; for there was at once a shout of the Roman legions, who were marching all together, and a sad clamor of the seditious, who were now surrounded with fire and sword. Josephus, The Wars of the Jews, Book 6, Chapter 5, paragraph 1, http://www.ccel.org/j/josephus/works/war-6.htm.

And so, the Second Temple, largely completed by Herod in B.C. 10, was destroyed after only 80 years of existence.

Our conversation of archeology and history turned to the history of Malta, where Paul spent some time during his last journey to Rome. That event is still remembered and celebrated with reverence in Malta, showing the impact of an event that took place some 2,000 years ago. Archeology in the 20^th and 21^st centuries continues to provide evidence of events that are recorded in the Bible.

We also discussed the dates of Paul's journeys, whether or not he went to Spain, and his age at the time of his missionary efforts. It was interesting that he lived to such an age (approximately 62) despite the lack of modern medicines, especially antibiotics. Kellye correctly pointed out that God didn't call Paul home until he had accomplished everything that God wanted him to do.

2. I wonder what the disciples were thinking at this point?

Fear, uncertainty, wonder, amazement.

3. What did Jesus not tell us?

When this would occur.

4. Why?

He didn't know when, either. Matt. 24:36. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” [Emphasis added]

He wants us to be ready.

Mark 13:32-37. The Day and Hour Unknown

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[a]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Footnotes:

Mark 13:33 Some manuscripts alert and pray

Watch! as in the Parable of the 10 Virgins, Matt. 25:1-13 (in a couple of weeks).

Although He could have done so, there were times when He chose not to call upon His Deity, as, for example, when He was arrested in the Garden. At that time, one of Jesus' companions “reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” (Matthew 26:51) But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)

The discussion turned to the prophecies concerning the Mayan Calendar (2012), as well as the numerous “prophets” who have predicted the end of the world (sometimes more than once!). Nostradamas is another example. But it is clear that none of these know or can know, since only the Father knows the day or hour. One person pointed out that the end would probably not come on Dec. 21, 2012, precisely because that date has such currency.

5. Have we seen verses 4 and 5 happening?

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.

Some popes and some preachers have tried it. Indeed, history has seen many examples of messianic pretenders. The Lutheran Study Bible observed:”Significantly, the first statement about the end times is a warning against deception.” LSB, p. 1635, note 24:4.

The NIV Study Bible has this note to Mark 13:5:

Watch out. It is clear from such commands as “Watch out” and “You must be on your guard” that one of the main purposes of the Olivet discourse was to alert the disciples to the danger of deception.”

6. Where have we seen verses 6-8 happening?

6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

All over the world and in every century. The Lutheran Study Bible observed that “Because geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters are common, they cannot be used to determine the date of the end of the world. The frequency of such signs reminds us that we always need to be prepared for Jesus' return.” LSB, p. 1636, note 24:6-7.

One of our members observed that he would have put his money on the 14^th century, due to (1) the Black Death, (2) the Little Ice Age, (3) the start of the 100 Years War, and (4) the disastrous Crusade of 1396. It was also during that century that a French pope was elevated to the Throne of St. Peter, and promptly moved the Papacy to Avignon in southern France; it is said that the move took place so that he could be closer to his mistresses.

7. What is the worse part of verses 9-11?

Many will be deceived and lost. Be on guard. Put on the full armor of God!

We have enemy, and it is not other Lutherans or other denominations. Our enemy is Satan, and the other “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (verse 12) who are devoted in their opposition to God.

One person asked how will we know that the true Messiah is come? One test is that given by Jesus in Matthew 7:

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Pastor Eddie also referred us to Philippians 2:9-11:

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

When He comes, “every knee should bow.” But only the unbelievers will be coerced. As for us, we will want to bend our knee and proclaim that Jesus is the Christ!

One of the great things will be the fulfillment of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 that we would be one, not just in heaven but also here on Earth among all Christians. It's great when that happens today – and we wish it could happen more – we're looking forward to when it happens perfectly in the presence of our Savior!

20 “My prayer is not for [My disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23.

Pastor Eddie talked about the false theology that is in this world, and reminded us that we will all die with some false theology. 1 Corinthians 13:12 reinforces this: “... Now I know in part.” One member suggested that while we have a slice of truth, but we don't have the whole pie. Indeed, Pastor Eddie added, we'll probably be surprised who we see in heaven, recalling the Good Thief at the Crucifixion (“Today you will be with me in Paradise”, Luke 23:42), and others who sought and were granted forgiveness in “the 11^th hour.” And we can hardly complain, since all have sinned and all fall short of the Glory of God: Sola Fide!

Jeanne correctly pointed out that many of grown in recent decades, and are much more forgiving and much less judgmental.

Pastor Eddie emphasized that we must all take time to talk to God – especially by reading His Word – and take time to listen. Only in this way can we be fundamentally changed. This prayer allows us to be redirected, especially when we – each of us that is – we find out that we were wrong. Sometimes we need to be reminded that God is in charge! Only God has the complete truth, for only God is Truth.

He also pointed out that growth in our congregations – more baptisms, fewer voters meetings, greater collective and individual ministries – angers Satan greatly, and he will not sit idly by. There will continue to be attacks on all believers, and especially on the senior leadership. We closed with this passage from Ephesians 6:10-20:

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

We must not be afraid of these attacks (John 14:27), for we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). We know that He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 4:13), that He will be with us to the “very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20), and that He was already won! He has already “gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him” (1 Peter 3:22).

Although we know that He has already prevailed, that Second Coming is yet in our future, and so it is imperative that we stand firm to the end (verse 13), not swayed by fear or false prophets or false accusations, but always keeping our love for God and our neighbor foremost in our hearts.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt. 22:37-40.

“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

We didn't have time to get to questions 8-11, and will continue next week with those verses.

We closed with prayer.

Parallel Verses

Harmony of the Gospels @ Blue Letter Bible

Mark 13:1-31

The Destruction of the Temple

1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”

2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”

5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’[a] standing where it[b] does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.

20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

24 “But in those days, following that distress,

“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’[c]

26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it[d] is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Footnotes:

Mark 13:14 Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11
Mark 13:14 Or he
Mark 13:25 Isaiah 13:10; 34:4
Mark 13:29 Or he

Luke 21:5-20. The Destruction of the Temple

5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

For Additional Study

Online Resources

Book of Concord in PDF Format, The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod <http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/LCMS/TrigBOC.pdf> (2MB file)

These texts are in the public domain and may be copied and distributed freely. The source of these translations is Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921).

A number of important Lutheran texts can be found in the Belief and Practice section of the website of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=112

John S. C. Abbott and Jacob Abbott, Illustrated New Testament
http://www.studylight.org/com/ain/

Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament
http://www.studylight.org/com/bnn/

Harold F. Buls
http://www.pericope.org/buls-notes/index.html and
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-bul.html
Adapted from Exegetical Notes, Series A, Festival Season Sundays, Gospel Texts, by Harold H. Buls, Concordia Theological Seminary Press: Ft Wayne IN, 1980

The Adam Clarke Commentary
http://www.studylight.org/com/acc/

Burton Coffman, Commentary on the Whole Bible
http://www.studylight.org/com/bcc/

John Darby, Synopsis of the Bible
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/darby/matthew1.htm

The Greek Interlinear Bible,
http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Greek_Index.htm
Based on NA26/27. A word-by-word translation of the Greek New Testament.

David Guzik, Commentaries on the Bible
http://www.studylight.org/com/guz/

The Geneva Study Bible
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/geneva/matthew1.htm

John Gill, Exposition of the Bible
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/gill/matthew1.htm

Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/mh/matthew1.htm

Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/mhc/matthew1.htm

Jamieson, Faussett and Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/jfb/matthew1.htm

B.W. Johnson, People's New Testament
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/johnson/matthew1.htm

John Lightfoot, Bible Commentary
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/light/matthew1.htm

Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians
http://www.studylight.org/com/mlg/

J. W. McGarvey, Original Commentary on Acts
http://www.studylight.org/com/oca/

J. W. McGarvey and Philip Y. Pendleton, The Fourfold Gospel (also known as "Harmony Of the Four Gospels")
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/four/matthew1.htm

Alexander Maclaren's commentaries on the books of the Bible (various titles)
http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/m#a2330

The NET Bible. <http://bible.org/netbible/> A completely new translation of the Bible with 60,932 translators’ notes. It was completed by more than 25 scholars – experts in the original biblical languages – who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Excellent notes, citing both the Greek and Hebrew, as needed. Greek and Hebrew fonts available without cost.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures of the New Testament
http://www.studylight.org/com/rwp/

C. I. Scofield, The Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)
http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/

Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David
http://www.studylight.org/com/tod/

R.A. Torrey, The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
http://www.studylight.org/com/tsk/

W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
http://www.antioch.com.sg/bible/vines/

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/matthew/wesley/matthew1.htm

Other Additional Resources:
http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/SPLC/Motley%20Crew%20Research%20Resources.html

Other Resources

Barker, Kenneth L., ed., TNIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006)

Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. Readers Edition. (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2006)

Davies, Benjamin, ed., Baker's Pocket Harmony of the Gospels (Baker Book House, 1975). Formerly printed as Harmony of the Four Gospels.

Goodrick, Edward W. and John R. Kohlenberger III, eds., The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999). This is the second edition, originally published as the Zondervan NIV Exhaustive Concordance. It was originally published as The NIV Exhaustive Concordance. It should be distinguished from The NIV Complete Concordance by the same authors.

Green, Jay P., ed., The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament. Vol. IV. Second Edition. (Hendrickson Publishers, 1985)

Halley, Henry H., Halley's Bible Handbook. New Revised Edition (24^th Edition). (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1965)

Hickie, W.J., Greek-English Lexicon to the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1977). This is a reprint of an older edition, originally published by Macmillan, August. 1893. A contemporary review described this as "A handy little volume, compiled on sound principles from trustworthy authorities." The 1911 edition is available online and for download at http://openlibrary.org/b/OL17866849M/Greek-English_lexicon_to_the_New_Testament

Hoerber, Robert G., ed., Concordia Self-Study Bible. NIV (Great Rapids, Zondervan: 1973, 1984).

Lenski, R.C.H., The Interpretation of St. Matthew's Gospel (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1943, reprinted 1964)

The Lutheran Study Bible (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2009).

Nave, Orville J., ed., Nave's Topical Bible (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1979)

New Bible Dictionary. Second Edition. (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1962)

Nicoll, W. Robertson, The Greek Expositor's Testament. Vol. 1. Five Volumes. (New York: George H. Doran Co., ca. 1910). Excellent notes on the Greek text and summaries of commentators. Available at Google Books ( www.books.google.com ) and the Internet Archive ( www.archive.org - easier to find here than at Google Books).

NIV Archeological Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005)

Alexander Maclaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture (Text from Project Gutenberg)

Robertson, A.T., Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Holman Reference, 2000). This “Concise Edition” is derived from the six-volume work by Robertson published in 1933. Robertson was also the author of 45 books, including numerous commentaries, a Harmony of the Gospels, etc. Also available online

Rogers, Cleon L. Jr., and Cleon L. Rogers III, eds., The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998). This is the second edition of the excellent work by Fritz Rienecker, A Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament, translated and edited by Cleon L. Rogers, Jr.

Strong, James, ed., The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990)

Vine, W.E., Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words: A Comprehensive Dictionary of the Original Greek Words with their Precise Meanings for English Readers (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, no date). Originally published circa 1940.