Bible readings, selections and meditations Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Peshitta is the Syriac translation of the Old Testament made on the basis of the Hebrew text during the second century CE. Much like the Greek translations of the Old Testament, this document is an important source for our knowledge of the text of the Old Testament. Its language is also of great interest to linguists. Moreover, as Bible of the Syriac Churches it is used in sermons, commentaries, poetry, prayers, and hymns. Many terms specific to the spirituality of the Syriac Churches have their origins in this ancient and reliable version of the Old Testament. The present edition, published by the Peshitta Institute in Leiden on behalf of the International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament, is the first scholarly one of this text. It presents the evidence of all known ancient manuscripts and gives full introductions to the individual books. This volume contains The Book of Psalms.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Peshitta is the Syriac translation of the Old Testament made on the basis of the Hebrew text during the second century CE. Much like the Greek translations of the Old Testament, this document is an important source for our knowledge of the text of the Old Testament. Its language is also of great interest to linguists. Moreover, as Bible of the Syriac Churches it is used in sermons, commentaries, poetry, prayers, and hymns. Many terms specific to the spirituality of the Syriac Churches have their origins in this ancient and reliable version of the Old Testament. The present edition, published by the Peshitta Institute in Leiden on behalf of the International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament, is the first scholarly one of this text. It presents the evidence of all known ancient manuscripts and gives full introductions to the individual books. This volume contains Isaiah.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Gospel Behind the Gospels portrays all the major areas of current discussion and debate regarding the early source of Jesus' sayings known as Q. Sixteen gospel scholars have advanced the debate about this source's nature, history and significance. Contributors discuss Q's existence, its relationship to Mark's gospel and to the Gospel of Thomas, its genre, its redactional history with special reference to the Son of Man and to wisdom and prophetic traditions, its social history with respect to family structures and the Cynics, a feminist analysis of Q, its significance for the historical Jesus and for Jesus' parables. The volume sheds important light on Jesus and Christian origins as well as upon Q itself, and it is significant for the diversity of major North American, European and Japanese scholarship which is represented.Trade Review'An extremely valuable collection.' Fred Burnett, Religious Studies Review, 1996. 'Piper has put together a valuabel set of essays providing an excellent international overview of the state of Q studies...For anyone interested in the state of Q studies, this volume will serve as an indispensable introduction and sure guide.' Bruce J. Malina, Biblical Interpretation, 1997.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume is concerned with the origin and development of the Targum to the Prophets, focusing for this purpose upon the Twelve Prophets (from Nahum to Malachi). A wide-ranging introductory chapter sets current research in context by surveying almost two centuries of Targumic study. It is argued that the evidence in the extant text for a Second Commonwealth phase in the Targum's history is meagre and that, in particular, the Qumran Habakkuk pesher is not dependent upon the Targum to Habakkuk. Other issues discussed are the Hebrew Vorlage of the Targum, incipit formulae, 'Additional Targum' and the standard Targum, the haggadah in the Targum to Zechariah 3 in the light of a (so-called) Eastern Aramaic linguistic element, Targum and Peshiṭta, land and divine presence, and the final redaction of the Targum.Trade Review'...a valuable companion to his translation and commentary on the Targum of these prophets...' A. Gelston, SOTS, 1994. 'Every so often in the history of a scholarly discipline, there appears a work which brings order to that discipline, in such a way that the paths for future investigation stand out with absolute clarity. Robert Gordon's monograph is one such work.' C.T.R. Hayward, Journal of Theological Studies, 1995. 'This is exemplary work in many ways. ...Professor Gordon understands better than most the complex nature of Targum and abstains from drawing simplistic conclusions about it.' Alison Salvesen, Journal of Jewish Studies, 1995. 'This book provides a useful survey of many of the issues pertaining to the origin and development of Targum Twelve Prophets and contains much useful bibliographical information.' David M. Stec, Journal of Semitic Studies, 1995. 'Recommended for advanced students.' Zev Garber, Religious Studies Review, 1995.

Read more less

Book SynopsisScribes and Translators is a critical reflection on the textual pluralism as reflected in the book of Kings. The first part of the book examines the diverse texts transmitted by the manuscripts. Special attention is paid to the Antiochene text of the Septuagint that is being edited in Madrid. The second part is devoted to the analysis of Old Latin readings, transmitted by a Spanish family of Vulgate Bibles, with no support in any of the known manuscripts. Finally, the whole evidence is discussed in the frame of the plurality of texts confirmed by the Qumran documents for those books. Based on Old Latin material recently published it sheds light on the text transmission of Kings and on the translation techniques and the history of the Biblical texts in general.Trade Review'...we may say that it is a pleasure to have Fernández Marcos as a guide when studying the intricate problems of the diverse Greek biblical texts.' J. Lust, Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses. '...it is a pleasure to have Fernández Marcos as a guide when studying the intricate problems of the diverse Greek biblical texts. He proves to be a master in his surveys of the new trends in the scholarship on the subject, in his clear outlines of the field, and in his judicious treatments of particular problems and of particular biblical texts. On each page one senses his extensive knowledge of the subject.' J. Lust, Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses. 'This work is a solid contribution to a relatively neglected area of biblical textual criticism and a helpful supplement to the editions of texts that the author continues to produce.' James R. Davila, Journal of Biblical Literature, 1996.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume presents the Syriac text of the books of Chronicles as well as a critical apparatus in respect of the textual witnesses.Trade Review'There are now not many volumes to go before this excellent edition of the Syriac Old Testament shall be complete!’ Martin Parmentier, International Journal in Philosophy and Theology, 2001.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe second part of a 2-volume work, this study combines recent approaches that treat the formation and early interpretation of the final form of the book of Isaiah with the more conventional historical-critical methods that treat the use of traditions by Isaiah's authors and editors. Studies investigate Isaiah's use of early sacred tradition, the editing and contextualization of oracles within the Isaianic tradition itself, and the interpretation of the book of Isaiah in later traditions (as seen in the various versions of the text and various communities). Contributors of this volume include virtually all of the major scholars of Isaiah and the leading scholars of biblical interpretation in the intertestamental, New Testament, and early Jewish periods.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the first detailed study that critically compares and contrasts the wisdom sentences of the Book of Proverbs with classical and post-classical Arabic proverbs; reference is also made to current Arabic proverbs. The wisdom tradition of Solomon is examined and is compared to that of the Arab sage Luqmân. The book deals with three main themes that are of special significance both in the Book of Proverbs and in Arabic proverbial works: royalty, speech and silence, wealth and poverty. The book concludes with a study of some form-critical and traditio-historical aspects of the treated proverbs. Hundreds of classical Arabic proverbs and wisdom sayings of Prophet Muḥammad appear for the first time in English.Trade Review'Certainly anyone who wishes to offer a theory on the origin of the sentence literature in Proverbs will need to read and consider the book.' Andrew E. Steinmann, Review of Biblical Literature, 2000. 'Kassis's pioneering survey of extensive corpora of Arabic sayings that elucidate biblical material is therefore invaluable.' P.J. Williams, Tyndale Bulletin, 2000.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis work argues that many early Christian quotations of the Old Testament derive not from scriptural manuscripts, but rather from authoritative written testimonia collections developed to support basic Christian beliefs. Combining recent patristic studies (notably on Justin and Barnabas) and evidence from Qumran with detailed examination of quotations in the New Testament, the book builds a fresh case for a neglected scholarly hypothesis. After reviewing the scholarly literature and analogous Jewish and Greco-Roman literary collections, the book presents a comprehensive overview of extant testimonia traditions from the second to the fourth century C.E. The final chapters argue for the use of written testimonia collections in the New Testament. This study offers solid evidence for a remarkably unified early Christian scriptural tradition that extended throughout the Mediterranean world.Trade Review'Albl’s book is a remarkable instrument of research. It provides abundant material for further studies in several directions, from the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, to the sources of the New Testament, of the Fathers, and much more.' Alessandro Falcetta, Annali di Storia dell’ Esegesi, 2002. '...a thorough piece of work, carefully researched, and a real contribution to the study of early Christian and Jewish use of prior textual authority...' Carol Stockhausen, Marquette University. 'The author has provided a thorough, reasoned, balanced and altogether convincing discussion of the conundrum presented by the 'testimony hypothesis', making a significant contribution to the problem of the ways in which early Christians used the Old Testament.' David E. Aune, Loyola University, Chicago. '...This well-argued and documented monograph [...] will have to be consulted for any serious future work in this area.' William S. Kurz, S.J., Marquette University. 'A significant study, particularly considering its very wide coverage of primary sources and secondary literature.' Michael W. Holmes, Religious Studies Review, 2000. 'This book gives new and detailed substance to discussions of the relation between scripture and tradition, the authority of scripture, and, of course, the formation of the NT.' Justin Taylor, Revue Biblique, 2001. ‘…a helpful resource…’ Christopher Stanley, Journal of Theological Studies, 2001.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis investigation of the 10th century minuscule Codex 1582 in the Gospel of Matthew includes a description of the physical document and an extensive evaluation of the text it contains. The manuscript was copied by the monk Ephraim, who is known to scholars in various fields. The high quality of his work and of the documents which were available to him demonstrate that he carefully reproduced an exemplar which witnessed to an ancient and valuable text. The text and marginal variants of Codex 1582 are shown to be related, though not identical, to the text of Matthew used by Origen, raising the possibility of a Caesarean archetype. A full collation of Codex 1582 to Codex 1 demonstrates that 1582 should be the leading member, as well as the basis for the age and readings of Family 1 in Matthew. Test collations of twelve other supposed family members lead to a re-evaluation of the interrelationships of the documents and an expanded stemma of the family.Trade Review'Insgesamt liegt ein sehr gelungenes Buch vor, das seinen Zweck, zu zeigen, dass eine neue Edition der Lake-Gruppe und weitere Untersuchungen auf diesem Felde lohnend sind, voll erfüllt.' Holger Strutwolf, Münster, Theologische Literaturzeitung 131 (2006) '…important conclusions…This book is carefully researched, its findings are clearly presented, and it makes a significant contribution to text-critical studies of the New Testament. Anderson most helpfully highlights the importance of studying the text from preserved in significant minuscule manuscripts of the New Testament.' Paul Foster, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2005.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume - a Festschrift in honour of the renowned Acts-scholar Eckhard Plümacher - contains thirteen articles on Luke's Acts of the Apostles. Presented are essays concerning Luke's language and style (Alexander, Koch, Steyn, Victor), the literary and historiographical technique applied in Acts (Moessner, Koch, Lindemann), on Luke's theology / Christology (Schröter, Vouga) and on the use (and abuse) of Acts for reconstructing aspects of the history of Early Christianity (Breytenbach, Horn, Schmithals) and for constructing theology relevant to modern culture (Vouga). Furthermore it contains a critical edition and commentary of the Martyrdom of Stephen with a discussion of its relationship to Acts (Bovon/Bouvier) and a presentation and discussion of some unknown Coptic Fragments of Acts (Bethge).Table of ContentsInhalt Vorwort der Herausgeber Inhaltsverzeichnis Abkürzungsverzeichnis Loveday Alexander Septuaginta, Fachprosa, Imitatio: Albert Wifstrand and the Language of Luke-Acts Ulrich Victor Der Wechsel der Tempora in griechischen erzählenden Texten mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Apostelgeschichte Gert J. Steyn Notes on the Vorlage of the Amos Quotations in Acts Dietrich-Alex Koch Proselyten und Gottesfürchtige als Hörer der Reden von Apostelgeschichte 2,14-39 und 13,16-41 Andreas Lindemann Der „äthiopische Eunuch“ und die Anfänge der Mission unter den Völkern nach Apg 8-11 Friedrich Wilhelm Horn Die Kollektenthematik in der Apostelgeschichte Cilliers Breytenbach Probable reasons for Paul`s unfruitful initial missionary attempt in Asia Minor (A Note on Acts 16:6-7) François Vouga Die Paradoxie des Evangeliums in der modernen Kultur: Apg 17,22-31 David P. Moessner ‘Completed End(s)ings’ of Historiographical Narrative. Diodorus Siculus and the End(ing) of Acts Walter Schmithals Identitätskrise bei Lukas und anderswo? Michael Wolter Das lukanische Doppelwerk als Epochengeschichte Jens Schröter Heil für die Heiden und Israel. Zum Zusammenhang von Christologie und Volk Gottes bei Lukas François Bovon & Bertrand Bouvier Étienne le premier martyr : Du livre canonique au récit apocryphe Hans-Gebhard Bethge Fragmenta Bibilica Cantabrigiensis. Unbekannte Fragmente der Apostel-Geschichte und anderer frühchristlicher Schriften in koptischer Sprache. Ein Werkstattbericht Bibliographie Eckhard Plümacher bearbeitet von Anja Sakowski Register

Read more less

Book SynopsisRecognizing the Stranger is the first monographic study of recognition scenes and motifs in the Gospel of John. The recognition type-scene (anagnōrisis) was a common feature in ancient drama and narrative, highly valued by Aristotle as a touching moment of truth, e.g., in Oedipus’ tragic self-discovery and Odysseus’ happy homecoming. The book offers a reconstruction of the conventions of the genre and argues that it is one of the most recurrent and significant literary forms in the Gospel. When portraying Jesus as the divine stranger from heaven, the Gospel employs and transforms the formal and ideological structures of the type-scene in order to show how Jesus’ true identity can be recognized behind the half-mask of his human appearance. Originally published in hardcover.Trade Review"Displaying a masterful command of ancient literature, Larsen has produced a major contribution to the literature on the Fourth Gospel, displaying admirable literary sensitivity and conceptual sophistication." Harold W. Attridge, Yale University ****** ”In this engaging and articulate study Kasper Bro Larsen moves with confidence between contemporary literary theory, the classical discussions and exempla of 'recognition scenes', recent scholarship on the Fourth Gospel, and the detailed analysis of the text of John. He demonstrates persuasively how such scenes should not be viewed merely as aesthetic devices but how they fulfil a focal role in the Fourth Gospel's call to faith in the one who can no longer be seen in person. Recognizing the Stranger makes a decisive contribution not just to the study of the Fourth Gospel in its ancient literary environment but, more importantly, to how the Gospel through its narrative structures addresses profound theological questions about the possibility of faith and knowledge, and about the one in whom faith is held.” Judith Lieu, Professor of Divinity, CambridgeTable of ContentsRecognitions Abbreviations Introduction. Odysseus’ Scar and Jesus’ Wound Marks Previous Studies in Johannine Recognition. The Present Study: Aim, Method, and Outline Chapter One. Anagnorisis in a Theoretical and Historical Perspective Anagnorisis in Aristotle’s Poetics The Embarrassments of Recognition Anagnorisis and the Cognitive Dimension of John’s Gospel . The Semiotics of Recognition. The Dual Appearance of the Observed How to Display the Recognition Mark: Showing, Telling, and Whispering Aspects of Recognition: Identification and Social Recognition. Anagnorisis as a Type-Scene in Ancient Literature The Meeting The Move of Cognitive Resistance. The Move of Displaying the Token The Moment of Recognition Attendant Reactions and Physical (Re-)Union Summary Chapter Two. Anagnorisis and Arrival (John 1–4) Anagnorisis within the Matrix of John’s Narrative Prologue and Prejudice: Prefatory Whisperings The Prologue’s Web of Identity Relations The Logos Changes its Guise Recognizing a Stranger: Comparing Jesus with Odysseus Establishing Jesus’ Presence in the Story-World (1:19–51) . John the Baptist: Recognizing the Wrong Man (1:19–28) Jesus and John the Baptist: From Baptismal Scene to Recognition Scene (1:29–34) Jesus and the Disciples: Call Narratives in the Form of Recognition Scenes (1:35–51) Semeia as Semata: Tokens of Jesus’ Divine Doxa Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (4:4–42): Betrothal and Recognition Chapter Three. Recognition in Conflict (John 5–19). John 5:1–18: A Recognition Parody “I Am”: A Recognition Formula John 9: Blindness and Insight The Recognition Scenes of the Hour The Exposure of Judas as Traitor (13:18–30). Jesus’ Arrest: From Discovery to Self-Disclosure (18:1–12) Peter’s Denial (18:15–18, 25–27). Jesus Judged by Pilate: By What Law? (18:28–19:16a) Death as Arrival: God’s Recognition of Jesus Chapter Four. Recognition and Departure (John 20–21). . John 20–21: Bridging the Horizons The Race to the Empty Tomb: Acknowledging the Absent One (20:1–10) Mary Magdalene and the Gardener-Rabbi (20:11–18) The Disciples: Recognizers on a Mission (20:19–25) Jesus and Recognizing Thomas (20:26–29) John 21:1–14: Community with the Absent Jesus The Reader as Anagnostes Conclusion Bibliography Ancient Texts Modern Works Index of Ancient Texts Subject Index

Read more less