Are you ready to uncover the deeper meanings behind life’s perplexities? Philip Ryken’s insightful interpretation of Ecclesiastes is not just another commentary – it’s a profound journey into understanding how every aspect of life, from its joys to its trials, holds significance through the lens of faith.
Thought to be about the meaninglessness of life, Ryken shows us that the futility and despair of life “under the sun” highlights our need for a divine perspective. By examining life’s struggles and apparent absurdities from this perspective, he highlights the need for a saviour and a God–cantered worldview. The book tackles various existential themes such as hedonistic pleasure, the pursuit of work, justice,
and human suffering, ultimately pointing to the hope and satisfaction found in Jesus Christ.
Accessible and applicable, Ryken bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance. Whether you’re a pastor, student, or layperson, this concise yet thorough examination of Ecclesiastes is a valuable resource or enriching your personal study or equipping you for teaching others.
Endorsements
... a wonderful treatment of the book of Ecclesiastes. In his study of the text the author beautifully blends the mind of a scholar with the heart of a pastor. It is a faithful exposition of a book that is troubling to many.
Daniel L. Akin President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
We are surrounded every day by people who seek to fill their emptiness with pleasures and achievements. No book in the Bible so clearly addresses this futile search as does Ecclesiastes. And no commentary I've ever read on Ecclesiastes so artfully answers every vain search with the good news of Christ as does Philip Ryken's Why Everything Matters.
Andrew Davis Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina
Ryken has provided a study of Ecclesiastes for preachers and Sunday School teachers that is arranged in ten chapters of comparable length, packaging each chapter under a virtual hashtag that hints at the thrust of the chapter. Ryken's familiarity with contemporary language and cultural literature helps readers feel they are connected with Qoheleth in a way that makes his words relevant, if not contemporary. Why Everything Matters engages Ecclesiastes as a theological book with advice for living.
C. Hassell Bullock Wheaton College Wheaton, Illinois, USA - Writing for The Gospel Coalition
Philip Ryken has provided another crisp, lively and faithful exposition that will serve both Bible reader and Bible teacher alike. This book will be a great help in opening up the wonderful and unique world of Ecclesiastes. Highly recommended.
Sam Allberry Immanuel Church Nashville; author, ‘What God Has To Say About Our Bodies’
... Why Everything Matters is a remarkable read that will inform and elevate every heart with essential wisdom for living a life that matters.
R. Kent Hughes Visiting Professor of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
... I've preached through Ecclesiastes once and am not so sure I got it right. That's why when I preach the book again I will have Philip Ryken's warm and insightful book at the top of my resource list.
Bryan Loritts Pastor, Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, Silicon Valley, California, Speaker and Author of several books
... Why Everything Matters could change the way you navigate the crooked things in life, the way you define success and the way you embrace God's plan amidst this world's injustices.
John Nunes President, Concordia College, New York
... refreshingly honest, consistently insightful, highly engaging. But ultimately what is most helpful is the fact that this book is marked by the same God-centered, God-focused realism of Ecclesiastes.
Mike Bullmore Senior pastor, Crossway Community Church, Bristol, Wisconsin
Phil Ryken has made the message of a forgotten book in the Bible clear and applicable to those of us in the 21st Century. Using his literary insights and many contemporary illustrations, he shows us that people in today's world are asking the same questions and that Ecclesiastes points them to the same God who can give us purpose and meaning.
Steven Chin Senior Pastor, Boston Chinese Evangelical Church, Boston, Massachusetts
Philip G. Ryken became President of Wheaton College in July 2010. Prior to that he was Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is also a prolific author and a member of the council of The Gospel Coalition.
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