Deacon Jerry Shilling Offers a Fresh, Contemporary Look at Genesis in “Briefly Biblical”

Deacon Jerry Shilling presents “Briefly Biblical: A Concise Contemporary Commentary on Genesis, King James Version of the Holy Bible,” a faith-centered work that takes readers through the foundational stories and teachings of Genesis while encouraging personal reflection, spiritual growth, and a deeper relationship with God.

Published in 2026, “Briefly Biblical” examines the Book of Genesis chapter by chapter, beginning with Creation and continuing through the lives and experiences of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and their families. Rather than simply retelling the biblical narrative, Shilling offers contemporary commentary built around lessons he believes can be drawn from the events, choices, successes, failures, and consequences presented in Genesis.

At the heart of the book is the author’s emphasis on the relationship between faith and human conduct. Throughout the commentary, recurring themes include obedience, free will, prayer, perseverance, repentance, forgiveness, faith, God’s promises, and the consequences of personal choices. The manuscript repeatedly encourages readers to consider how biblical principles can speak to their own lives.

The book’s introduction describes Genesis as a story of “firsts” and as the beginning of a carefully ordered divine plan. Shilling explores both God’s judgment and His mercy, emphasizing what he sees as the continuing presence of divine grace despite humanity’s shortcomings, failures, and lack of faith.

One of the distinctive elements of “Briefly Biblical” is its personal dimension. The work grows out of Shilling’s own spiritual journey and his desire to share lessons that have shaped his faith. In the foreword, the author explains that the manuscript was written partly in fulfillment of vows made to God during a difficult period of his life.

Bishop Richard C. Robinson’s prologue further places the book within the context of Shilling’s personal transformation, describing his movement from a troubled past toward a life centered on faith, salvation, and holy living.

The commentary also moves beyond abstract theological discussion by connecting biblical events with practical questions about everyday life. Chapters address subjects such as “Choices, Changes, Consequences,” “Prayer Works,” “Trials Increase Faith,” “God’s Perfect Timing,” “Riches—Boon or Curse?,” “Deception Never Correct,” and “True Riches Preserved.”

According to the book’s afterword, Elder Timothy Curtain views Shilling’s work as both a commentary on Genesis and an invitation to self-reflection. He describes the author’s life as an example of God’s grace and presents the book as a chronological journey through Genesis intended to help readers consider God’s purpose and humanity’s response to it.

Ultimately, “Briefly Biblical” is presented as more than a study of an ancient biblical text. It is an invitation to examine faith, choices, relationships, trials, and spiritual priorities through the lens of Genesis.

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