Acknowledgements

Acknowledgments

Without a doubt one of life's greatest joys is getting to enjoy the journey with my wife, Carmen, and my two daughters, Abigail and Rebekah. Indeed, God has made my life rich and sweet by entrusting to me the privilege of being Carmen's husband and Abi and Beka's dad. This side of heaven, there is no place where I would rather be than spending time with my three girls. Without their unconditional love, tireless encouragement, and personal sacrifice this commentary would never have been written. Though they do not hear it enough, I could not be more grateful for having the privilege of being the only male in a house full of girls.

I also want to express my profound gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Paige Patterson for not only welcoming me into their family, but also for treating me as one of their own children. To say that I am blessed would be a gross understatement. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for encouraging me both to pursue my calling with passion and excellence and to love Jesus with all of my heart. To my mother, Donna Howell, thank you for your unconditional love and support even when you did not fully comprehend what your son was doing when he followed God's call to be a pastor. To my dad, Larry Howell, who is now with Jesus and will never get to read this commentary but who now knows perfectly what Paul meant when he wrote, "Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus" (1 Thess 4:14). A special thank you to Mrs. Patterson and Tamra Hernandez for their graciousness in reading and editing my manuscript. And finally, I am deeply grateful to the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach for granting to me the privilege of being your pastor. Your passionate love for Jesus and His glorious gospel is obvious and contagious.