Book Review: "Rejoice with Me"

First released in 1987, Rejoice with Me has a new, updated and expanded version released earlier in 2007. Brother Wayne Jackson’s 202-page book is a classroom-level commentary on the book of Philippians. In fact, the subtitle is simply Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.

I have studied the book of Philippians several times and have even preached an extended series from some of my graduate work on the book. As with any other book of the Bible, though, I learned even more from reading more about it.

If you are familiar with brother Jackson’s writings (especially his books), you know that he is a first-rate student of the original Greek language. In Rejoice with Me you will find “nuggets” of truth that bring out so much meaning from the original language.

While the book is not a “scholarly” commentary, the information is straightforward and well-researched. The front of the book features a lengthy list of texts commonly used in the footnotes. These are commentaries, dictionaries, word study books and other reference materials. In total, Jackson lists over 35 of these reference works, and there are other materials found in footnotes throughout the volume.

The book is highly readable and could easily be used in a classroom setting. Each of the 13 chapters closes with questions for your own review or for class discussion.

If there is a drawback to the book it is that the commentary section on Philippians only covers 10 chapters. While all the verses of Philippians are examined, the author spends chapters 11-13 discussing “topical” information relating to the book (The Life and Labors of Paul, the Apostle; Jesus of Nazareth: Who Was He?; The Resurrection of the Dead). Personally, I felt as though this material would better be served in the main study, and then more time could be spent with the text of Philippians. This was, however, a personal feeling. These chapters took nothing away from the book.

I must admit that I truly enjoy brother Jackson’s writings, so I was predisposed to enjoy this book. However, I must also admit that I was not disappointed! The book “delivered” in every way, and will have a place alongside other books on the great letter to the Philippians.