The book of Ezra, tucked away in the Old Testament, is often overlooked, yet it is remarkable for its relevance to the modern world. Ezra the scribe is a warm hearted man who exercised a powerful ministry of spiritual, practical leadership to the Jews who had returned to Israel after the exile in Babylon. Love for God's word is a hallmark of his life, and he stands as a powerful example in establishing reformation and revival in the life of the nation. This easy-to-use guide to the book of Ezra may be used for group or individual study.

Although the Bible can seem incomprehensible, the Opening Up the Bible series is designed to provide a basic grounding and introduction to the individual books within it. These simple (but not simplistic) tools will help individuals and small groups understand God’s Word, no matter what background or knowledge they already have.

Each volume takes you section-by-section through the covered book, opening up God's word with wisdom, insight, and practical application. Additionally, the "For Further Study" points at the end of a section provide guidance to other areas of scripture that further illuminate the lesson, and the "To Think About and Discuss" section provides thought-provoking questions that can be used by both individuals and groups to gain understanding and apply the subject matter to life today.

Peter Williams is a Welshman from the town of Neath in South Wales. He is a graduate of the University of Wales and has degrees in theology and philosophy. He has served churches in England and Wales and has continued a preaching ministry since his retirement in 1997, now exercising oversight at Southbourne Evangelical Church in Bournemouth, England. He is author of several other books also published by Day One, including Opening up 2 Timothy and Opening up Haggai. He and his wife, Brenda, have a son, daughter, and three grandsons.