Each Lesson-Sermon published in the Christian Science Quarterly— Bible Lessons is designed to be complete in itself. Its Bible references (King James Version) are corroborated and explained by passages from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. These Bible Notes are offered by The Christian Science Journal as indications of the possibilities for individual research.
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16) The Interpreter's Bible (IB) commentator Francis Beare writes that this verse illustrates "the interpretation of wisdom in conduct as consisting in the profitable use of opportunities." The commentator further explains that "conditions [are] often unfavorable for Christian witness. The debasement of contemporary society is not an excuse for relaxation on our part, or for acquiescence in lower standards; it is a motive for added earnestness in maintaining the Christian ideal unsullied."
Nazarite (Judg. 16:17) The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible explains that this term, derived from the Hebrew verb "to consecrate," refers to a person who took— usually for a specified period of time—a religious vow, often involving abstinence from cutting the hair or using alcoholic beverages.
