The Commandments Of Christ 2x2gj

The Commandments of Christ

In His Own Words—Paraphrased Edward M. Davis with Edward J. Davis and Diane Davis Dansby

ISBN 978-1-63814-576-9 (Paperback) ISBN 978-1-63814-577-6 (Digital) Copyright © 2021 Edward M. Davis with Edward J. Davis and Diane Davis Dansby All rights reserved First Edition All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below. Covenant Books, Inc. 11661 Hwy 707 Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 www.covenantbooks.com

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

The Basics

To the Unbeliever

Worship

A. Personal

B. Church Practices

Prayer

Giving

Witnessing

A. Spreading the Gospel

B. Teaching

C. Honoring and Aiding God’s Messengers

The Scriptures

A. Understanding and Interpreting

B. Discerning True and False Teachers

General Conduct

A. Keeping Christ’s Commandments

Proper Attitudes

Humility

Lack of Anxiety and Having Peace and Joy

Sorrow

Thankfulness

Submission

Material Things

Purity of Heart

Developing Faith

Speech

Children

Government and Authorities

Relationships with Others

Be Forgiving

Being Reasonable

Being Hospitable and Merciful

Being Industrious

Being Open and Honest

Being a Peacemaker

Being Married

Return and Judgment Day

God’s Will

Satan (The Evil One)

To Antoinette L. Davis, beloved wife of Edward M. Davis and mother of Edward J. and Diane. She committed her life to Jesus and to following His commands. Her godly example continues to influence her family and all who knew her. “Her children rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28).

If you love me, keep my commandments.

—John 14:15

In two categories: “God’s Will” and “Satan (The Evil One),” not every paraphrased statement by Jesus is in the form of a command. However, Jesus pointedly addressed these topics on numerous occasions. Categories I and J are important to Christians in their faith journey and witness.

Foreword

This work is, to a very large extent, a labor of love put together by our late father Edward M. Davis in the mid-1970s. It was compiled after his decades of teaching Bible classes for use in future Bible studies. We thought it was lost, but we found the original while again going through the myriad of Dad’s papers just this year (2020). Our thoughts about editing and submitting it for publication were influenced by observing the explosion of Christian literature, which we have seen in the past few decades. This literature, we noted, abounds in commentaries and interpretations of the Gospel and leaves a place for a volume that just lets Jesus speak for Himself (so to speak). This is exactly what Dad set out to do. Considering the present time, we added a few entries—Marriage, the Second Coming, God’s Will, and Satan—and updated some of Dad’s phrasing from the ’70s and earlier vernacular. This total work comes from using at least eight translations of the scriptures, three of which are paraphrased editions. This resulted in a lot of material to consider. It was not a simple task as different scholars at different times saw different shades of meaning as they tried to ascertain what the original text’s words meant in a particular culture and time period. Each Gospel author also entered into this process, sometimes using different wordings. We had to process all this work through our own lens, which is unavoidable, as we all have one. Then for many readers who, like us, may not be biblical scholars, there is a need for plainness and brevity! It should also be noted that this work is not an exhaustive accumulation of what Jesus had to say. Nothing should distract anyone from reading each Gospel in its entirety. Chapters and verses are given for each paraphrased command, aiding the reader who wishes to further consider each one. The format used can be used by anyone wishing to add additional commands and teachings of the Master for use in their faith journey. Ours was greatly enriched by our editorial efforts on that which

follows. May the Lord bless and keep you as you read and use this inspiring and challenging material.

Edward J. Davis and Diane Davis Dansby September 2020

Preface

During a Sunday school lesson, the well-known words of Christ, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments,” were mentioned. A new Christian innocently asked, “What are these commandments?” It occurred to this teacher that it was a legitimate question inasmuch as he had never seen the actual commandments of Christ (in His own words) ever collected and put together in one writing. This work is the result of a study done to answer that question. Only four Gospels were used with the exception of two verses in the opening chapter of the book of Acts. Only the words uttered by Christ were considered. The approach taken is that when our Lord speaks or gives us His mind or His example, the effect upon His followers is exactly that of a command. He does not often give us “thou shall” or “thou shall not”; nevertheless, His desires concerning our behavior, attitude, etc., are quite clear. For instance, when He related a parable, the central teaching is usually plain; and when this outlines a course of action He approves, then it is a command for those who love Him. It was necessary to paraphrase somewhat freely in order to express Christ’s sayings in the form of a command. The compiler here holds the view that any paraphrased work should be carefully checked by the reader against a literal translation, and he asks that no exception be made for this work. Accordingly, the Gospel sources are listed in convenient columns alongside each command. Many of the commands were repeated at various times in Christ’s earthly ministry, and an effort has been made to avoid such repetition here. However, an earnest effort was made to include every saying that could be taken as a command. It was considered that these commandments could be used more profitably if they were separated into logical categories. This was a thorny problem, for no matter what categories are used, there is an unavoidable overlap in many instances where one commandment cuts across more than one “area.” Thus, despite the effort to avoid repetition, some commands—of necessity—are listed under more than one category. The table of contents will show the categories selected.

It must be noted that Christ’s commands, generally speaking, could never be followed except by those who belong to Him. However, He gives a number of commands to the unsaved (i.e., those who have not, as yet, taken Him as Savior). These are listed in category A. Beginning with category B until the end are the commands for His followers. It would have been easy (and it was tempting) to make a comment or two on each command. For the sake of brevity, I have avoided this except for an instance where an editorial note enclosed in parentheses was considered necessary in order to place the command within the context in which it was uttered. Christ’s words have an impact unlike any other, for “never has a man spoken like this Man speaks” (spoken by officers who declined to arrest Jesus in John 7:46). Many Christians, I am sure, want to become more mature and more Christlike as time goes on. Therefore, the suggestion is made that you, the reader, score your performance on each command (as you first read this) using the familiar A, B, C, D, or F. One year from now, score yourself again, noting progress or lack of progress. Consider these verses as you read and study:

If you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

And why call me, Lord, and do not practice the things I say? (Luke 6:46)

Therefore, everyone who hears my words, and follows them, will be like a wise man who built his house upon a rock. (Matt. 7:24)

If you practice these things, you will be happy. (John 13:17)

He that follows my commandments faithfully, loves me; and he that loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will make myself real to him. (John 14:21)

If you keep my commandments you will stay in my love just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and stay in His love. (John 15:10)

May you be blessed as you strive to walk that is pleasing to our Lord.

Edward M. Davis Gainesville, Florida December 1975

Category A

The Basics

1

To the Unbeliever

Matt. Mark Luke

John

3:16–18 God loved everyone (the world) so much He sent His only Son 3:5–7

I am telling you the truth. To enter heaven, you must be reborn

4:17 1:15 13:3–5

You must repent of your sins, for the kingdom of heaven is at h

7:13

Live your life by the words I have given you, which may seem

13:24

11:28

Come unto Me, all of you who are faced with the heavy burden

7:37–38 If anyone’s spirit thirsts for comfort, let him come to Me and d 8:12

Follow Me, and you will know what life should truly be and n

8:19

Know Me, and you will know the (Heavenly) Father also.

13:35

You will not see (know) Me in times of trouble until you say, “

15:18

Go to your (Heavenly) Father and say to Him, “Father, I have

16:19–31

Pay attention to the scriptures. If you reject them, you will be e 11:25

Believe in Me; for he who does, even when he dies, will live a

12:48

If you reject Me and My words, you will be judged on the day

2

Worship

A. Personal

Matt.

Mark

Luke

John

4:4

4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every w

4:7

4:12

Do not doubt or test the Lord your God. 4:24

9:15

2:20

5:35

God is a spiritual being, and those who worship

When I shall be taken away from them, then the 5:23

Honor the Son even as you honor the Father who

5:44

Seek the glory which comes from God (not glor

6:17–18

Fast in secret; do not fast to be seen of men as “h

6:24

16:13

Serve only one master. You cannot serve God an

6:33

12:31

Seek God first and live by His commandments,

12:32

3:29

10:37

Do not speak evil (blaspheme) against the Holy 14:26

Love Me more than you love even your family.

9:29

Pray fervently and even fast in order to obtain an 8:19

23:23–26

10:15

Know Me, and you will also know the Father.

10:27–28

Love God with all your heart and your neighbor

10:41–42

Do not be anxious about many things; instead, li

11:38–42

Do not concentrate on outward religious rituals;

13:15–16 14:3–5

Good work on the Sabbath day is fine. (Do not b

18:17

Receive the kingdom of God in the spirit of a lit

26:6–13 14:3–9 26:26–28 14:19–24 22:19–20

12:3–8 It is good work to offer as a memorial to Me som

Observe the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of M

20:22 Receive the Holy Spirit.

16:13 Let the Holy Spirit guide you unto all truth, and 28:19

Be baptized in the name of the Father and of the

B. Church Practices

Matt.

Mark

Luke

21:13

John My house shall be called a place of prayer.

21:12–13 11:15–17 19:45–46 2:13–16 Use the house of the Lord reverently, and do not perm 13:30–39 15:3

You live in a world with both evildoers and those who 7:7

Do not violate the commandments of God through th

9:38–39 9:50

Do not be strict sectarians; accept all who do true wo 17:21–22 Be one with all those who truly belong to Me.

23:13

11:52

20:25–28 10:42–45 22:25–27

Do not obstruct those who would seek (spiritual) kno

Do not attempt to dictate to your fellow believers. If y

3

Prayer

Matt.

Mark

5:44

Luke

John

6:35

Love your enemies, and do good to the

6:6

Pray in secret, not as the hypocrites wh

6:7

In praying, do not use the same suppli

6:9–13

11:1–4

Pray after this manner. (Use the Lord’s

7:7–11

11:9–13 18:1–7

Ask God earnestly for your needs. Our

9:29 9:38

Pray fervently, and even fast in order t 10:2

Pray that God will send the much-need

18:19–20

If two (or three) of you are agreed and 18:9–13

21:22

Pray humbly, saying, “God, be mercifu

11:23–24

When you pray, pray believing, and yo

14:13 15:16 16:23 Make your prayer request in My name

26:41

14:38

15:7

Follow Me so your prayer requests are

17:1–26

Be intercessors in prayer for your fello

22:46

Watch and pray that you do not give w

4

Giving

Matt.

Mark

Luke

John

5:23–24

Make things right (be reconciled) with your brother befo

6:1–4

Give aid to the poor. Do not make a show of it. The Fath

6:19–20

12:19–21

Do not first store up personal treasures on earth, but firs

7:2

6:38

Give, and it will be given back to you.

10:8

You have received God’s blessings for free; give back g

26:6–13 14:3–9 12:41–44 21:1–4

12:3–11 It is good to offer as a memorial to Me from something

Give to God not just out of your surplus but also that wh

5

Witnessing

A. Spreading the Gospel

Matt.

Mark

Luke

4:19

1:17

5:10

John

Come after Me, and I will make you amb 4:35

5:13

9:50

Lift your eyes, and look at the world that

Be the best examples on the earth; if you

5:14–16

Be the light and example to the world. L

7:6

Do not give anything holy “to the dogs,”

13:23

Live as to be an example to the world. 4:21

8:16

Do not hide your light and life under obs

5:19

8:39

Witness to your family and friends; decla

10:6

Go to the lost world, and preach that the

18:12

15:4–7

Seek lost individuals (even if you have to

10:17–22 13:9–13 21:12–19

Be alert that some will persecute you. Bu

10:27

12:3

What I have told you, proclaim it far and

10:32

12:8

Acknowledge Me before others, and I w 6:27

8:38

9:26

Never be ashamed of Me and my words, 9:4

25:14–29 4:25

8:18 12:48 19:12–27

Work not for the food that perishes but fo

Work of the works of God while it is stil

Use the abilities you have diligently in M

17:18 20:21 I send you out to tell others (of the Gosp 28:19–20

24:47

Go into all the world and make disciples

B. Teaching

Matt.

Mark Luke John

13:52

Disciples, when teaching, should use all their knowledge of b 21:15–17 If you love Me, take care of My followers.

28:19–20

24:47

Go into the whole world and make disciples, teaching them to

C. Honoring and Aiding God’s Messengers

Matt.

Mark Luke John

13:57

6:4

4:24

A prophet (of God) is entitled to honor.

10:10

6:8

9:3, 4

The laborer (for God) is worthy of your (lodging, food, e

10:40–42

13:20 Welcome those whom I send unto you; by doing this, you also w

6

The Scriptures

A. Understanding and Interpreting

Matt.

Mark Luke

John

9:13

Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy 5:46–47

6:22–23

11:34

Keep your eyes focused on truth, not error. If 8:32

16:19–31

Believe the writings of Moses; believe My wo

Know the truth, and the truth will make you fr

Heed the scriptures. If you reject them, you w

16:13 20:22 Let the Holy Spirit guide you unto all truth; li 24:25–27 24:44–46

Understand the Old Testament prophecies, and Acts 1:7

B. Discerning True and False Teachers

Matt.

Mark Luke John

7:15–20

6:43

Beware of false prophets (wolves in sheep’s clothing). By their

15:14

Do not follow false teachers, who are like blind guides. You w

16:11–12 8:15

Beware of the false teaching from prominent but arrogant and

10:4–5 Do not follow strange teachings. Know the voice of the Good S 24:4

13:5–6 21:8

Beware of those who claim to be Me and false prophets who w

7

General Conduct

A. Keeping Christ’s Commandments

1. Commitment to Christ

Matt.

Mark

4:4 9:16–17

Luke

John

4:4

All of God’s words are more important than bread.

2:21–22 5:36–37

Do not sew a piece of new cloth on an old garment 5:14

5:6

6:21–23

Hunger and thirst after righteousness even to the p 8:11

5:48 12:50

When I have made you whole, sin no more, makin

After coming to know Me, don’t persist in a life of

Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect (striv 3:35

8:21

Do the will of the Heavenly Father, and you will be

12:4

Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body; th

10:38 16:24 8:34

9:23

Put aside your worldly desires and troubles, and fo

10:39

17:32

Lose your life for My sake, and you will find it. 14:15–21 If you love Me, obey My commandments.

26:41

14:38

24:42

15:10

Keep My commandments, and you shall abide in M

15:4–5

Live in Me, and I will live in you. Without Me, you

22:46

Watch and pray that you do not give way under tem

12:35–47

Be watchful and ready, for you know not the hour 12:26

22:37–39

12:29–31

If anyone wants to serve Me, they should follow M

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, a

15:4

8:22

Honor your father and your mother, and do not spe 8:12

Follow Me, and you will know what life should tru

8:31

Live according to My words and thus fully be My

8:51

Keep My word, and you will never see (spiritual) d

9:60

Follow Me, and share My words, and don’t let wor

9:62

When you have committed yourself to Me, do not

14:28–32

Before you attempt something, count the cost, or e 11:9

19:16–29

10:17–30 18:18–30

Walk in the light, and do not stray. I am the light of

The Ten Commandments should be followed; how

2. Loving one another

Matt. Mark Luke John 5:44

6:35

Love your enemies, and do good to them; pray for those

13:34–35 15:12, 17 Love each another even as I have loved you, and by doi 17:21–22

Be one in heart and mind with all those who truly belon

3. Confession of sin

Matt. Mark Luke John 15:18

Go to your Heavenly Father, and say to Him, “Father, I have sinned a

Category B

Proper Attitudes

8

Humility

Matt.

Mark Luke

5:3

John

6:20

Be humble in spirit (not haughty or proud).

5:5

Be meek (not pushy or aggressive).

5:39 26:52

Turn the other cheek; do not resist evil persons wi

6:1

Do not do your good deeds in public just to get re

11:29–30

Follow My commands, and I will teach you, for I

10:16

10:3

Go out into the world realizing that you will be lik

10:16

Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 9:48

Humble yourself like a little child, and you shall b

9:35 23:6–7

If you would be first, make yourself last, and min 11:43

Do not seek the most prominent seats in the churc

14:11 18:14

Humble yourself, and you shall be exalted (take th

13:14–15, 20 Be servants to one another (an example of Jesus w

9

Lack of Anxiety and Having Peace and Joy

Matt.

Mark Luke John

9:2

Be glad, for your sins are forgiven.

6:34

Do not worry about the future.

11:28

Come unto Me, all of you that work and are over

11:29–30

Take up My cause and mission, and I will teach y

8:26 18:12

4:40 8:25

Do not be frightened, you of little faith. I am wit

15:4–7

Find the lost sheep, and rejoice when one comes

10:20

Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. 14:1–2

24:36 14:27 16:33 20:19 15:11 16:22 17:13

Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in Go

Have My peace within you: do not let your heart

You will have My joy within you and have it com

15:19–20 16:1 16:33 Expect hatred and serious trouble from the world

10

Sorrow

Matt. Mark Luke John 5:4

6:21

There is a time to be mournful. Mourn over the sins you continue to c

11

Thankfulness

Matt.

Mark Luke

13:16–17 4:12 8:10 10:23

26:27

John

Be thankful that you can see these truths and can understand

17:15–18

Be thankful that you have been cleansed, and give glory to G

22:17

Give thanks to the Heavenly Father for our food and drink.

12

Submission

Matt.

Mark Luke John

4:7

4:12

Do not test the Lord your God.

5:29–30 18:8 9:43

Know your weaknesses. Do not even begin to give in to them.

20:1–16

Be satisfied with the rewards I give; it is My will to give and t

11:26

10:21

Pray that God’s perfect will be done. (Be able to say this at all

13

Material Things

Matt.

Mark

Luke

John

6:19

12:20–21

Don’t pile up treasures upon earth. Store up treasures in he

6:24

16:13

Serve only one master. You cannot serve God and worldly

6:25–26

12:22–28

Do not be overly concerned about food, clothing, etc. God

6:33

12:31

The kingdom of God and His righteousness should be you

12:15

Do not long for more than you have; your life should not c

19:16–29 10:17–30 18:18–30

The Ten Commandments should be followed. However, I

14

Purity of Heart

Matt. Mark Luke John 5:8

Be pure in your heart.

5:28

Do not look upon a woman with lust. If you do, you have already com

5:32

Do not divorce your wife except for her being sexually unfaithful.

23:27

Avoid the hypocrisy of legalistic and arrogant religious leaders (the sc

Category C

Developing Faith

Matt. Mark Luke John 5:36 8:50

Fear not; trust Me (the occasion of the raising of Jairus’s daughte

9:28

Believe that I am able to do this (restoring sight to the blind). 6:29

17:20

God’s intent is for you to believe in Him whom God has sent.

Have faith, and you can move mountains (nothing is impossible f 16:10

Be faithful even in little things, and you will also be faithful in la 11:25

Believe in Me; for he who does, even when he dies, will live aga

11:40

Believe, and you shall see the power and miracles of God.

20:27–29 Have faith and believe in My resurrection. They who have not se

Category D

Speech

Matt. Mark

Luke John

5:34

Do not swear an oath in the name of heaven or earth. Let your spee

12:36

Do not speak careless words; you will give an in the day o

12:32 3:29

Do not speak evil (blaspheme) against the Holy Spirit; it will not b

15:8 7:6

Do not honor Me with your lips unless your heart is right with God

15:11 7:15–18

Watch what you say, for this is what defiles a man because it come 19:22

You will be judged by the words out of your own mouth.

Category E

Children

Matt.

Mark

Luke

John

18:5

9:37

9:48

Welcome little children in My name, and by doing this, yo

18:6

9:42

17:1–2

Do not injure a child’s faith or lead a child into sin. Those

19:13–14 10:13–14 18:15–16

Encourage little children to come unto Me. The kingdom o

21:15–16

Do not downplay the worship and praise offered by childr

Category F

Government and Authorities

Matt.

Mark

Luke

John

17:24–27

Pay the taxes levied upon you by the authorities.

22:17–21 12:14–17 20:22–25

Pay the government what is due to the government; pay to

Category G

Relationships with Others

15

Be Forgiving

Matt.

Mark Luke John

5:22

Do not be angry with your brother or treat him with contempt.

5:39 26:52

Turn the other cheek; don’t resist evil persons with violence. 6:31

Treat others just as you would have them treat you (the Golden R

5:44

6:35

Love your enemies, and do them good. Pray for those who perse

6:12, 14

11:4

Forgive men their sins against you even as your Heavenly Father

7:1

6:37

Stop judging, criticizing, or condemning others so you will not b

7:24 Do not make determinations or judgments on the basis of appear 7:3–5

6:41

Do not look for faults in our brothers. First, correct your own sho

18:21–35

23:34

Forgive your brother even though he repeatedly sins against you

8:7 Do not cast stones at a sinner unless you yourself are without sin

16

Being Reasonable

Matt.

Mark Luke John

5:25

12:58

Be reasonable with your opponents and willing to settle difference

6:31

Treat others just as you would have them treat you.

18:15–17 23:4

If you have a grievance against another follower, first, go and reas 11:46

Do not place burdens or responsibilities upon others that you will

17

Being Hospitable and Merciful

Matt.

Mark Luke

5:7 5:40–42

Be merciful. 6:34

Be generous. If someone is determined to take something from

6:31

Treat others as you would have them treat you.

10:8

25:34–40

John

You have received God’s blessings free of charge; give the sam 10:30–37

Go and be a good neighbor (like the good Samaritan).

14:13–14

When you have success, share it with the poor, the handicappe

Take in the stranger, clothe and feed the needy, and help the si

18

Being Industrious

Matt. Mark Luke John 17:10

Do more for your employer than just what is required

19

Being Open and Honest

Matt. 23:27–28

Mark Luke John

Avoid hypocrisy. Do not pretend to be more righteous or spiritual

20

Being a Peacemaker

Matt. Mark Luke John 5:9

9:50

Become a peacemaker; be at peace with everyone.

21

Being Married

Matt.

Mark

19:3–12 10:2–12

Luke John

Marriage was established and blessed by God in the beginnin

Category H

Return and Judgment Day

Matt.

Mark

Luke 17:22–23

24:23–24 13:5–6

25:13

Days will come when you will long for my return. So

Do not be fooled by the many false prophets and teac

13:32–33 24:42–44

John

No one, including Me, knows when I will return. Onl 12:40

You will not know the day that I will return. It will ha

Live as I have shown you; always be ready for My su

14:1–11 I have prepared places in heaven for those who follow 25:31–40

I will judge all nations and everyone. Those whom I t

12:48–50 If you reject Me and my words, you will be judged on

Category I

God’s Will

Matt.

Mark

Luke John

6:10

Pray that God’s Will come to be on earth as it is in Heaven 3:17–18 God sent me into the world to save all who will believe. 4:34

My food (life’s work) is to carry out God’s will. (See also

18:14

It is not God’s will that any child be lost.

26:39

I am willing to follow God’s will, no matter the cost. 17:4, 8 12:28–31

I have carried out the work God sent me to do.

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength

Be witnesses about my life, death, and resurrection to the

6:38–40 It is God’s will that everyone who believes in me will have 6:32–33

God knows what you need and will give it as you give him

7:21–23

Not everyone who is religious is mine. At the judgment, I

21:17–18 Jesus said to Peter, “Go and strengthen my brothers [feed m 3:35

Those who do God’s will are my true family, like my broth

Category J

Satan (The Evil One)

Matt.

Mark

Luke

John

17:15 My followers are to live in the world, but I pray to yo 8:32

1:25

4:34–35

12:25–28 3:23–26 4:8–11

(To evil spirits) I despise you; go away from this man

The Devil does not work against or condemn his hen 4:5–8

6:13

(Spoken to Satan, who offers Jesus rulership of the w

Pray for God’s protection from evil (part of the Lord’ 3:11; 5:6–8

(Retort from evil spirits to Jesus) “You are the Son of 22:40

Pray that you will not fall into temptation (from Sata

About the Author

Edward M. Davis in his New York City Fireman’s uniform—Battalion Chief— shortly before he retired in 1962.

Edward M. Davis (1912–2001) was a dedicated husband and father. He was a United States Marine, volunteering at age thirty to serve in combat in World War II. After surviving a brutal first wave landing at Tarawa, he returned to officers training stateside and finished his wartime service as a lieutenant and then captain. He then returned to the New York City Fire Department (retiring as a battalion chief after twenty-five years of advancing through the ranks) and then was a history and fire science faculty member for eleven years at a community college. For most of his life, he was a serious student and teacher of the Holy Scripture, serving as a teacher, trustee, deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent. After retiring from the NYC Fire Department, he enrolled as a freshman at the University of Florida in January 1962 where he then completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honors. He was an avid tennis player, actively playing until age eighty-four. But perhaps, most noteworthy, was his playing for the University of Florida’s freshman tennis team at age fifty! This earned him a note in the national magazine Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” section in 1962. Whatever endeavor Ed Davis took on (husband, father, marine, fireman, student, athlete, teacher, or biblical study), he tackled it with gusto and achieved a high degree of success with, perhaps, the exception of striving to be a top-notch fisherman! He was survived by his devoted wife, Antoinette, and his two children, who found the vast majority of this manuscript in 2020 and thought it merited contemplation by all people today.