Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts Books

Book SynopsisAs the old adage goes, you have to ask the right questions before you can get the right answers. And that's exactly what the Not Your Average Bible Study series helps you do. Rather than spoon-feeding you with individual facts, this study of 1-3 John coaches you on how to think through the text as a whole. Tested and proven in Bible Study Magazine, it's perfect for group and individual studies alike.What does it mean to love "in deed and truth"? For John, following Jesus means fearlessly loving all those whom Jesus served. In three short letters, John challenges the church to reach out to those in the margins and embody radical hospitality--just like Jesus.Each section of the guide begins with a concise introduction, providing context for the biblical passage. Next, you'll consider questions designed to prompt your own in-depth study. You'll also find specific prayer suggestions, along with ideas for further research. Experience the joy of discovering biblical insights for yourself--then apply these lessons to your everyday life.This is not your average Bible study!

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Book SynopsisIn the book of Exodus, the promises to the patriarchs begin to see their fulfillment: Yahweh takes a people for himself and dwells among them. He is not a distant deity, but a God who speaks and acts to deliver his people from oppression. In this two--volume commentary, Eugene Carpenter interacts with the Hebrew text to trace these and other important themes through Exodus. He also discusses how key theological concepts of Exodus continue throughout the Bible and offers suggestions for applying the message of the book to modern-day readers.About the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Series:The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series incorporates the latest in critical biblical scholarship and is written from a distinctly evangelical perspective. Each comprehensive volume combines historical and literary explanations with insights for understanding the text within the Bible's larger story and applying it to everyday life.Trade ReviewEugene Carpenter's magnum opus is impressive in its scholarly breadth and depth. This commentary highlights the history and theology of Exodus. In Dr. Carpenter's view, these two are mixed inseparably: 'History cannot be scuttled in Exodus; it is part of the texture and matrix of theological truth.' --Dr. Wayne McCown, provost emeritus, Roberts Wesleyan College, and founding dean emeritus, Northeastern Seminary"The legacy of Gene Carpenter's life and scholarship continue well beyond his years. Few have equaled his tireless commitment to good exegesis and a biblical theology of ministry. This volume is a testament to a man who committed his life to Jesus Christ and his Word."--Terry Linhart, chair, religion and philosophy, Bethel College, Indiana

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Book SynopsisJoseph was favored by his father. But his life took a tragic turn when his brothers sold him in to slavery. Joseph: Understanding God's Purpose will help you gain insights into Joseph's story as you explore the themes, context, and cultural background of the text. Discussion questions will help you apply what you've learned to your own life. This Bible character study, edited by Michael R. Grigoni and written by Derek R. Brown, Miles Custis, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead, will help you dig deep into the life of Joseph. Walk with Joseph and discover what it means to trust God no matter what your circumstance. Contents: Setting the Stage: Explore theme, literary context, and the histrical and cultural backgrounds of Joseph's story. A Closer Look: Explore the narrative while considering issues of interpretation, original language, and theology. Throughout the Bible: Examine references to the narrative elsewhere in the Bible. Beyond the Bible: Consider references to the narrative in ancient documents and extracanonical texts and references and by theologians, the church fathers, and contemporary thinkers. Application: Explore the event's relevance to your journey of faith.

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Book SynopsisStudy Paul's letter to the Philippians with a new kind of commentary. In this volume of the High Definition Commentary series, linguist Steven E. Runge leverages his expertise in discourse analysis to help you understand how Paul helped the Philippian church deal with interpersonal conflicts and grow in their relationship with God. You'll follow the flow and structure of Philippians, tracing literary and linguistic clues that help identify each passage's big ideas. Stunning graphics visually articulate these ideas and personal illustrations will help you apply them.The High Definition Commentary series helps you discover insights that were once out of reach. Each volume analyzes plot twists, shocking moments, and the development of ideas. Study the Bible as it's always been--in a whole new way.Trade ReviewRunge has offered the fruits of his labors in analyzing discourse features in Philippians. Not only is his work in this commentary illuminating, but he also supplies graphics that attractively communicate his main points. This is a perfect example of how scholars can simplify insights in a way that easily profits the pulpit and pew.--Nijay K. Gupta, assistant professor of New Testament, George Fox Evangelical Seminary

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Book SynopsisStudy the book of James with a new kind of commentary. This highly visual volume allows you to follow the flow and structure of James, tracing literary and linguistic clues to identify the big ideas in each passage. Stunning graphics further articulate these ideas, and personal illustrations help you apply them, as Steven E. Runge leverages his expertise in discourse analysis to help you understand James' appeal to the church.The High Definition Commentary series helps you discover insights that were once out of reach. Each volume analyzes plot twists, shocking moments, and the development of ideas. Study the Bible as it's always been--in a whole new way.Trade ReviewWhat happens when you take the results of Greek discourse analysis, traditional exegesis, and creative high-tech graphics and apply them all to the Letter of James in order to write a bottom-shelf," highly accessible, succinct commentary? You get this wonderful, little book. It is reliable, easy to read, insightful and convicting all at once!"--Craig Blomberg, PhD, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary"Everyone who reads commentaries on biblical books knows they have different strengths. Some focus on words, others on Greek syntax, others on critical theory, still others on theological reflection--and a few attempt a bit of everything. This High Definition Commentary: James (which follows up on Steven Runge's earlier HD commentaries on Philippians and Romans) reads James through the discipline of discourse analysis. The focus is less on what James says than on how he says it, so as better to appreciate the flow and emphases of what he writes. Runge's earlier volume, Discourse Grammar of the Greek New Testament: A Practical Introduction of Teaching and Exegesis (2010) unpacks his take on this discipline and tells readers how to use discourse analysis as they study the Greek New Testament, but does not do it for them. These HD commentaries do it for them in a readable, simple, helpful way, pitched at those who who want to understand the flow of the argument but whose Greek is minimal (or even non-existent). Readers who depend on visual learning will appreciate the clear and simple graphics; others will happily skip over them. But all will be helped to ponder with fresh eyes some of the easily overlooked elements of what God has given us through his servant James."--D.A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"Not many authors are able to produce high-end scholarship while also being able to put the cookies on the lower shelf for everyone's benefit. Steve Runge again shows that he is one such author with this fresh exposition of the letter of James, in an exciting and original commentary series. If you want to grasp the big picture of James, and understand how the picture is put together, this commentary will prove very helpful. Warmly recommended."--Constantine R. Campbell, Associate Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

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Book SynopsisNew Testament studies have debated the Koine Greek verb for 25 years--reaching an impasse when it came to both tense and aspect.Now, a group of scholars offer a new take on this debate. Originally presented as part of a conference on the Greek verb at Tyndale House, Cambridge, the chapters in The Greek Verb Revisited represent scholarly collaboration from the fields of linguistics, classics, and New Testament studies--resulting in a new perspective that allows the reader to approach the Greek verb in a fresh way.The Greek Verb Revisited not only offers a rare glimpse into the background of the debate over the Greek verb, but also explains the significance of this discussion and provides a linguistically-sound way forward.Contributors include:--Rutger J. Allan (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam)--Michael Aubrey (Faithlife Corporation)--Rachel Aubrey (Canada Institute of Linguistics, Trinity Western University)--Randall Buth (Biblical Language Center)--Robert Crellin (Faculty of Classics, Cambridge)--Nicholas J. Ellis (BibleMesh)--Buist Fanning (Dallas Theological Seminary)--Christopher J. Fresch (Bible College of South Australia)--Peter J. Gentry (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)--Geoffrey Horrocks (Faculty of Classics, Cambridge)--Patrick James (The Greek Lexicon Project; Faculty of Classics, Cambridge)--Stephen H. Levinsohn (SIL International)--Amalia Moser (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)--Christopher J. Thomson (University of Edinburgh)--Elizabeth Robar (Tyndale House, Cambridge)--Steven E. Runge (Lexham Research Institute; Stellenbosch University)Trade ReviewThe Greek verb is the engine of the language, driving the direction in which clauses, sentences, paragraphs and whole works go. The editors of this fine book have brought together an impressive international group of scholars to assess and expand the state of our knowledge of the Greek verb in antiquity. This is no mere "academic" (read, irrelevant) enquiry: they do this in order to illuminate reading of key Greek texts, especially the New Testament and the Greek Old Testament, and achieve that aim very well with lots of examples and ideas to use. Scholars and students of the New Testament and the Greek Old Testament will find their reading of these important texts deepened, strengthened and (in places) corrected by this fine book. These scholars bring together expertise in classics, linguistics and New Testament studies in highly fruitful cross-disciplinary interaction and together move this conversation about the Greek verb forward much more quickly than might have happened through each working alone. I hope it receives the wide use it deserves as the conversation continues.--Steve Walton, professorial research fellow in New Testament, St Mary's University, Twickenham (London), UKA collection of essays from the 2015 Cambridge Verb Conference, The Greek Verb Revisited is the most significant book on the Koine Greek verb to be published in over a quarter century. The essays in this volume are well-informed by up-to-date research in linguistics and present a good mix of theoretical and practical treatments of the Greek verb. Comprehensive, correct, and current, this book ought to be mandatory reading for anyone serious about the grammar of the verb in the Greek New Testament, for both students and seasoned scholars alike.--Stephen C. Carlson, post-doctoral research fellow, Institute for Religion & Critical Inquiry, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Australian Catholic UniversitySteve Runge and Chris Fresch are to be congratulated for bringing together such important contributions to our understanding of the verb in Koine Greek. This volume reflects the cutting edge of the ongoing discussion. It should now be the starting point for students and scholars, as most previous discussions must now be considered outdated. Contributors do not agree on all the details, but we can see a clear consensus forming and these very capable scholars have left us all in their debt. This will certainly be required reading for my course on advanced Greek as I cannot recommend it highly enough!--Roy E. Ciampa, PhD, Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship, Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryThis inter-disciplinary collection of studies will now provide a basis for any further work on the Greek verb, and it is clear that refining our understanding of Greek verbs is crucial for an accurate grasp of any Greek sentence.--Larry Hurtado, emeritus professor of New Testament language, literature & theology, School of Divinity, University of EdinburghThe Greek Verb Revisited (ed. Runge and Fresch) is an exceptional and ground-breaking volume which opens new vistas of interpretation for our understanding of the diachronic development of ancient Greek and its interpretation.--Michael P. Theophilos, senior lecturer, Biblical Studies and Ancient Languages, Australian Catholic UniversityThe Greek Verb Revisited: A Fresh Approach for Biblical Exegesis offers a coherent and compelling account of the Greek verb through the combined efforts of a diverse, multidisciplinary team of linguists and scholars. Crucially, this notable volume also demonstrates the incomparable fruitfulness of long-term multidisciplinary collaborative scholarship. It is hoped that this exemplary collegial collaboration will help inspire a new wave of similar projects in biblical studies to move the discussion forward on any and all issues of consequence.--Randall K. J. Tan, PhD, vice president, biblical research, Global Bible InitiativeThis book is fascinating and hard to put down despite some of the technicality of the treatments. I particularly appreciated the multidisciplinary representation (classical, biblical, linguistic) and diachronic perspective from Homer to modern Greek. Helpful frameworks are provided to understand the Greek verb such as semantics, pragmatics, and discourse information structure. Through all of this, particular conclusions continue to reverberate in my thinking: Certainly, the augment in the indicative marks past time (allowing for pragmatic uses); most likely the Greek verb system is primarily aspectual (as opposed to tense-based); and clearly the choice of verbal aspect is exegetically significant (amplifying our need to properly understand it). I am already incorporating insights gleaned from The Greek Verb Revisited in my pedagogy and research.--Fredrick J. Long, professor of New Testament and director of Greek instruction, Asbury Theological Seminary; international coordinator of ΓΡΚ Greek Honor Society, GlossaHouseThis is an important volume that deserves careful consideration. It will no doubt occupy a significant position within modern discussions of the Greek verbal system, and rightly so.--Constantine R. Campbell, PhD, associate professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

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Book SynopsisRevelation is often considered one of the most confusing books of the Bible, and consequently it's regularly overlooked or ignored. But no longer. In Between the Cross and the Throne, Matthew Emerson walks us through the book of Revelation, unpacking its complex imagery and pointing out major themes. In conversational tone, he reminds us that Christ died, but he has risen. The Lord reigns, but evil persists. We live between Christ's ascension and his final conquest--and that should give us hope.Trade ReviewEmerson is not only one of evangelicalism's brightest up-and-coming scholars, but one of its best pastoral communicators. This fine little book is evidence of that. --Bruce Ashford, provost, dean of the faculty, and professor of theology and culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary"Crisp, clear, and engaging, Between the Cross and the Throne briefly and competently examines the frequently misunderstood and often avoided book of Revelation. Readers will enjoy it and find themselves understanding much about Revelation's content, genres, imagery, narrative, theology, and message."--Christopher W. Morgan, dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University"Christians often avoid reading Revelation because it either scares or confuses them--or both. Fret no more! Matthew Emerson has written a fantastic commentary on the most fantastical book of the Bible, balancing scholarly study with on-the-ground Christian life. Between the Cross and the Throne is a helpful and hopeful primer on Revelation for the layperson, the student, the pastor, the professor, and everyone in between."--Brandon D. Smith, author of Rooted: Theology for Growing Christians"Emerson has done an invaluable service to the church by providing a clear and concise summary of the main themes of Revelation. He employs sound principles of interpretation to guide the reader in properly understanding Revelation's message. But Emerson doesn't leave the reader in the text of the ancient world. He also includes thoughtful and pointed application of the text. This book is a great introduction to the book of Revelation."--Benjamin L. Merkle, professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary"Emerson understands that Revelation is the conclusion of the Biblical story, so Between the Cross and the Throne accomplishes much more than just introducing one of the books of the Bible. It introduces the whole Bible by attending closely to the key terms, ideas, and movements of thought found in that final book."--Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University"If you are looking for the next great work that suggests the identity of the antichrist, predicts the time of the rapture, highlights the solely Jewish flavor of the eschaton, and provides rich descriptions of the millennium, you can go ahead and put this book down. It's not about that. This book, Between the Cross and the Throne, by Matt Emerson, is about the book of Revelation. Emerson provides a rich mosaic of exegetical, biblical-theological, and pastoral scenery for the reader to enjoy and by which they will be instructed. Emerson provides those interested with simple but altogether adequate explanations of some of Revelation's complexities (a feat in itself), a paradigm to understand the shape and message of the book, and a beautiful portrayal of Jesus as King and Savior. I think it's the best thing like it in print. It will reward scholars, pastors, and laypeople alike who pick it up. We have used it in Sunday School at Redeemer Baptist Church to our great benefit. So get it and read it. You won't regret it. May the Emerson tribe be blessed!"--Jeff Mooney, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Old Testament Theology

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Book SynopsisTextual Criticism of the Bible provides a starting point for the study of both Old and New Testament textual criticism. In this book, you will be introduced to the world of biblical manuscripts and learn how scholars analyze and evaluate all of that textual data to bring us copies of the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that can be used for translating the Bible into modern languages. Textual Criticism of the Bible surveys the field, explains technical terminology, and demonstrates in numerous examples how various textual questions are evaluated. Complicated concepts are clearly explained and illustrated to prepare readers for further study with either more advanced texts on textual criticism or scholarly commentaries with detailed discussions of textual issues. You may not become a textual critic after reading this book, but you will be well prepared to make use of a wide variety of text--critical resources.

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Book SynopsisIf God asked you to live faithfully in the midst of upheaval, even if the cost was high, how would you respond? What if he made extraordinary and difficult demands? The prophet Habakkuk struggled with these very questions as he tried to follow God step-by-step during a time of unrest."Living by faith" sounds great on the surface, but when we face hardship and opposition, it's easy to seek security and stability instead of God's will. In Faith Amid the Ruins, Heath Thomas walks us through the book of Habakkuk, revealing the heart of this story about living by faith in light of God's own faithfulness toward us.Trade ReviewFaith Amid the Ruins is an extraordinary little book. In it, Heath Thomas reveals the theological center of Habakkuk: God calls us to be faithful even in the midst of the most difficult social and political circumstances, and makes our fidelity possible through his own faithfulness toward us. I can't imagine a more timely message for global Christians today.--Bruce Ashford, author of Every Square Inch and One Nation Under God"This is a fine short commentary on Habakkuk for Christian readers who want to understand the fascinating little prophetic book of Habakkuk, and use it as part of their Christian faith and discipleship. Heath not only brings his deep scholarship to it but also his experience as a teacher, a parent, and a Christian leader. The book is an informative guide, but more, a help to self-knowledge and devotion. I recommend it warmly."--J. Gordon McConville, professor of Old Testament theology, University of Gloucestershire"In his commentary on Habakkuk, Heath Thomas provides an accessible introduction to this short but relevant prophetic book. His theological and interpretive essays orient all readers to the riches of this book and its relevance for the Christian life today."--Mark J. Boda, professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College, McMaster University

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Book SynopsisWhile he was in prison, Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesian Christians whose magnificent themes have echoed throughout the centuries: the exaltation of Christ, the church as his body, believers as his new creation, and his defeat of the cosmic powers that opposed him. Throughout, he makes clear that everything we are and have is ours only "in Christ."In Ephesians Verse by Verse, Grant R. Osborne offers a clear exposition of this letter that takes seriously both its first--century context and what it means for us today. Pastors, Bible study leaders, and invested laypeople will all benefit from Osborne's careful reading of the text and commitment to making sense of the New Testament without scholarly jargon.The Osborne New Testament Commentary Series is a set of commentaries on every New Testament book. In each volume, Grant R. Osborne seeks to carefully exposit the text in plain language, bringing out the treasures in each book and making them accessible for today's readers.Trade ReviewGrant Osborne's Ephesians: Verse by Verse is a commentary written by a churchman, for the church. Lucid and engaging, the exposition helpfully unpacks Paul's letter in a way that dense logical arguments become clear and hard-to-understand theological concepts are made accessible. Especially praiseworthy is the way Dr. Osborne walks the reader through sometimes divisive passages, summarizing and explaining clearly various interpretive positions. His arguments are consistently fair-minded and balanced, instructive as well as applicable to modern life. Here pastors and other students of God's Word will find a rich resource for navigating Paul's Ephesians.--George H. Guthrie, Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible, Union University"As a pastor, I have often turned to Osborne's work not only for sermon preparation but personal study. Osborne has a way of balancing academic work and an emphasis on practical application from the biblical truth he is expounding. This truly is a great resource for all Christians wanting to study Ephesians."--Cody Kargus, senior pastor, Maranatha Evangelical Free Church (Rice Lake, WI)"A clear and powerful exposition of Ephesians. This commentary has succeeded in explaining how the Triune God works to bring about our salvation and how Christians are to live individually and as a church under the lordship of Christ. The last section on our spiritual warfare is described very vividly and practically. A must-have for Bible study and sermon preparation."--Janson Chan, executive director, Timothy Training International"Dr. Grant R. Osborne is well-known to have invested his entire life in the study and explication of the New Testament. His many writings reflect the detailed breadth and depth of his involvement with the text, but in this series, he seeks to complement much of his other work by removing the complexity of many modern commentaries. Here, he provides an easy-to-read explanation of Ephesians and applies its teachings to our lives today. Anyone interested in the mission and writings of the Apostle Paul will find this work to be personally enriching and refreshing indeed."--Barry J. Beitzel, professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

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Book SynopsisThe stories in the first half of the book of Daniel are Sunday School favorites, and the visions of the second half are sometimes hard to understand. How do either of them relate to the world today, with its frequent news of conflict, injustice, and human suffering? In Glimpsing the Mystery, Barbara M. Leung Lai succinctly takes readers through Daniel, showing throughout how God responds to the needs of his people in difficult times. In a world that seems out of control, God provides glimpses into the mystery of his glory and sovereignty, showing that he has not stopped working and reassuring us that he is still the God of gods and Lord of lords. It is a message that is as necessary today as it was in Daniel's time.Trade ReviewA lucid treatise on the profound yet enigmatic book of Daniel, leading readers soaring high to a panoramic view of the sovereignty of God in human history, coming down deep into the inner world of Daniel the person and the Jewish community, and experiencing its messages from the past in today's perplexed world.--Rev. Terence Lau, Ph.D., minister-at-large, Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada"The book of Daniel has an important message for Christians today who live in cultures that are toxic to their faith. Daniel himself lived in such a culture and shows how faith can thrive even when threatened by the world around us. The book of Daniel also reminds us again and again that in spite of difficulties, God is in control and will have the final victory. Barbara M. Leung Lai brings her considerable knowledge and clear insight into her concise yet substantial presentation of the book. I recommend Glimpsing the Mystery to all who not only want to understand the book of Daniel better, but also have it transform their lives and faith."--Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College"For many, the Book of Daniel seems largely enigmatic and incomprehensible. In this volume, Dr. Barbara Leung Lai takes this challenging book and ably opens it up for the contemporary reader. Through an analysis of the book's historical context, literary forms, theological emphases, and most especially of the character of Daniel as presented in the book, she leads her readers to an understanding of how they too can appropriate the message of Daniel in their own experiential context. Her discussion of the book's portrait of both the public and private life of Daniel is especially compelling, as are her own personal reflections on how she has wrestled with the book's theological message in her own experience. The discussion and study questions at the end of each chapter make the book an excellent resource for students and group Bible studies. Dr. Leung Lai helps her readers grasp the core values of the book, and their significance for life today."--John Kessler, professor of Old Testament and chair of biblical studies, Tyndale Seminary, Toronto

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Book SynopsisThe book of Judges can pose many puzzles for readers today: who were the "judges"? Why was this book written, and how does it fit into the biblical narrative? And how can the story it tells--one of bloodshed, intrigue, and rejection of Yahweh's authority--change our understanding of God today?Deserting the King guides readers through the difficulties that the book of Judges can pose for readers as it traces both the evil and redemption present in Israel's approach to kingship--and, by extension, God. And while examining the book's structure and key themes, author David Beldman draws in stories from his life and the world today, showing how this Old Testament book, in its darkness and heroism, gives us a lens to see God's at work throughout history.Trade ReviewChristians tend to shun the book of Judges when looking for ethical instruction and spiritual uplift. But David Beldman shows, with the aid of modern hermeneutics, that this is to miss some of the most relevant messages of Scripture. Reading these apparently unpromising texts with Beldman, you will be instructed and challenged. In short, this is a most worthwhile study of a valuable part of the Bible.--Gordon J. Wenham, tutor in Old Testament, Trinity College (Bristol, England); author, Exploring the Old TestamentThe "church" in our times is in desperate need of a deep plunge into the book of Judges. I know no one better to guide that plunge than David Beldman. Prior to our church preaching through the book of Judges, David guided our leaders through Deserting the King. It was stunning, formative, and sharpening. I highly encourage all to engage Judges through this book.--Tyler Johnson, lead pastor, Redemption Church (Arizona)In this excellent survey, David Beldman does three things. He sets the book of Judges meaningfully within the overarching creational and redemptive narrative of the whole Bible; he clarifies and illuminates the structure of the book and the intrinsic (but easily overlooked) message that structure carries; and he offers penetrating reflections on the relevance of the book to contemporary cultures. To do all this in such a simply-written and easy-to-read short volume, and to do it for one of the more challenging and neglected books in the Bible, is a most commendable achievement. Church and student groups, preachers and teachers, will all find this book opens their eyes and feeds their faith. --Christopher J.H. Wright, international ministries director, Langham Partnership

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Book SynopsisJohn Calvin still speaks through this Crossway Classic Commentary, where he explores Paul's pastoral counsel to two younger apostles on church and doctrinal issues. Abridged and adapted for today's reader.

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Book SynopsisOwen's commentary on Hebrews will inspire contemporary believers as they seek to uphold and defend Christianity in a pluralistic world. A Crossway Classic Commentary.

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Book SynopsisIn this work on Isaiah, John Calvin notes the numerous prophetic passages that were fulfilled during Christ's earthly ministry and expounds upon those that are yet to be realized. Part of the Crossway Classic Commentary series.

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Book SynopsisThis short book offers essential translation principles through which readers can evaluate and compare contemporary Bible translations.

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Book SynopsisThis book, by five translators of the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, explains the differences between essentially literal translations and the alternatives.

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Book SynopsisUnpacking Proverbs in 21 straightforward sermons, pastor Ray Ortlund provides a biblical view of money, sex, and power, showing the wisdom God offers to those who fear him.

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Book SynopsisFor two thousand years, Christians have been intrigued by the somewhat enigmatic Imago Dei references in the book of Genesis. Much theological ink has been spilled mulling over the significance and meaning of these words: "Let us make humanity in our image, according to our likeness . . . " In The Liberating Image, J. Richard Middleton takes on anew the challenge of interpreting the Imago Dei. Reflecting on the potential of the Imago Dei texts for developing an ethics of power rooted in compassion, he relates its significance to the Christian community's distinct calling in an increasingly violent world. The Liberating Image introduces a relevant, scholarly take on an important Christian doctrine. It will appeal to all Christians seeking to better understand what it means to be made in God's image.

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Book SynopsisBelievers around the world and throughout time have relied on their knowledge of the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, and the Golden Rule. The Sermon on the Mount through the Centuries offers illuminating insights into our identity in Christ as it is found in his most famous words. These enlightening essays will heighten the reader's relationship with Christ and make the founders of the faith wholly accessible today. Contributors include Stanley Hauerwas, David Lyle Jeffrey, Margaret M. Mitchell, Mark A. Noll, and Robert L. Wilken.Table of ContentsContributors1. Introduction, Timothy Larsen2. John Chrysostom, Margaret M. Mitchell3. Augustine, Robert Louis Wilken4. Hugh of St. Victor, Boyd Taylor Coolman5. Dante and Chaucer, David Lyle Jeffrey6. Martin Luther, Susan E. Schreiner7. John Calvin, Stephen R. Spencer8. John Wesley, Mark A. Noll9. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Timothy Larsen10. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and John Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas11. Pope John Paul II and Leonardo Boff, William T. Cavanaugh12. John R. W. Stott, Jeffrey P. Greenman

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Book SynopsisIn this lively introduction, J. Nelson Kraybill shows how the book of Revelation was understood by its original readers and what it means for Christians today. Kraybill places Revelation in its first-century context, opening a window into the political, economic, and social realities of the early church. His fresh interpretation highlights Revelation's liturgical structure and directs readers' attentions to twenty-first-century issues of empire, worship, and allegiance, showing how John's apocalypse is relevant to the spiritual life of believers today. The book includes maps, timelines, photos, a glossary, discussion questions, and stories of modern Christians who live out John's vision of a New Jerusalem.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Worship Is Political1. A Prophet in Trouble2. Stampeding Empires3. Beastly Worship4. Accuser of Our Comrades5. The Cosmic Throne Room6. The Lamb Is Lord of History7. Seal of the Living God8. A Harlot Drunk with Blood9. The Economics of Worship10. Letters to Seven Churches11. All Things New12. Long-Term HopeTimeline of Events, People, and Empires That Figure in RevelationGlossaryRelative Value of Roman Coins in the First Century ADIndexes

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Book SynopsisChristianity Today Book Award Winner Challenges to the reliability of Scripture are perennial and have frequently been addressed. However, some of these challenges are noticeably more common today, and the topic is currently of particular interest among evangelicals. In this volume, highly regarded biblical scholar Craig Blomberg offers an accessible and nuanced argument for the Bible's reliability in response to the extreme views about Scripture and its authority articulated by both sides of the debate. He believes that a careful analysis of the relevant evidence shows we have reason to be more confident in the Bible than ever before. As he traces his own academic and spiritual journey, Blomberg sketches out the case for confidence in the Bible in spite of various challenges to the trustworthiness of Scripture, offering a positive, informed, and defensible approach.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction1. Aren't the Copies of the Bible Hopelessly Corrupt?2. Wasn't the Selection of Books for the Canon Just Political?3. Can We Trust Any of Our Translations of the Bible?4. Don't These Issues Rule Out Biblical Inerrancy?5. Aren't Several Narrative Genres of the Bible Unhistorical?6. Don't All the Miracles Make the Bible Mythical?ConclusionIndexes

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Book SynopsisPaul Hinlicky, a leading systematic theologian widely respected for his contributions in contemporary dogmatics, offers a theological reading of Joshua in this addition to the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible series. Hinlicky compares and contrasts the politics of purity and the politics of redemption in an innovative and illuminating way and locates the book of Joshua in the postexilic genesis of apocalyptic theology. As with other series volumes, this commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.

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Book SynopsisThis engaging book guides readers through one of the most colorful books of the Bible, illuminating passages from Acts that show the Christian gospel expressing itself through the lives, speech, struggles, and adventures of Jesus's followers. The book emphasizes the disruptive character of the Christian gospel and shows how Acts repeatedly describes God as upsetting the status quo by changing people's lives, society's conventions, and our basic expectations of what's possible. Suited for individual and group study, this book by a New Testament scholar with a gift for popular communication asks serious questions and eschews pat answers, bringing Acts alive for contemporary reflection on the character of God, the challenges of faith, and the church.Table of ContentsContentsIntroductionRoad Map: As You Read This BookActs 1:1-11: Waiting to GoActs 2:1-21: Making Sense of ThingsActs 2:22-41: Keeping an Old PromiseRoad Map: Emerging RealitiesActs 3:11-26 and 4:5-12: The Ultimate DisruptionActs 4:32-5:11: Communal Harmony as a Matter of Life or DeathActs 6:1-7: Growth Brings Change--and SurpriseActs 7:54-60: Using Violence to Keep God under ControlRoad Map: ExpansionsActs 8:4-25: Spiritual Power, Spiritual Gift, and Spiritual GreedActs 8:26-40: Absurdly Good NewsActs 9:1-30: Seeing a Different RealityActs 9:32-43: The Work, Pain, and Tenderness of Christian ServiceActs 10:1-11:18: Old Boundaries ObliteratedActs 12:1-19: Coming to Our SensesRoad Map: God Is Still SpeakingActs 13:1-4: Called and CommissionedActs 14:8-20: Learning to Recognize GodActs 15:1-35: Discerning GodRoad Map: Very Public DisturbancesActs 16:9-40: Battle of the GodsActs 17:16-34: The Gospel in the FleshActs 18:1-17: When the Good News Escapes AttentionActs 18:24-19:20: There's Power in the NameActs 19:21-41: Far-Reaching DisruptionsRoad Map: The Witness Goes to RomeActs 21:1-6: Spirit-Led DisagreementActs 22:30-23:11: How to Be a HeroActs 25:1-12: The Gospel and the EmpireActs 27-28: Open HorizonsConclusionFor Further ReadingIndexes

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Book SynopsisPastors and leaders of the classical church interpreted the Bible theologically, believing Scripture as a whole witnessed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Modern interpreters of the Bible questioned this premise. But in recent decades, a critical mass of theologians and biblical scholars has begun to reassert the priority of a theological reading of Scripture. The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret Scripture for the twenty-first century. In this addition to the well-received series, Daniel Treier offers theological exegesis of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

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Book SynopsisPeople regularly give certain reasons for not believing in God, but they are much less aware of what the New Testament actually teaches. Although challenges to Christianity are perennial and have frequently been addressed, they are noticeably more common today and are currently of particular interest among evangelicals. Skeptics of Christianity often ask highly regarded biblical scholar and popular speaker Craig Blomberg how he can believe in a faith that seems so problematic. How can God allow evil and suffering? Isn't the Bible anti-women, anti-gay, and proslavery? Isn't the New Testament riddled with contradictions? What about the nature of hell, violence in Scripture, and prayer and predestination? Following the author's successful Can We Still Believe the Bible?, this succinct and readable book focuses on what the New Testament teaches about ten key reasons people give for not believing in God.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction1. If There Is a God, Why Does He Allow So Much Suffering and Evil?2. Must All the Unevangelized Go to Hell (and What Is Hell)?3. Slavery, Gender Roles, and Same-Sex Sexual Relations4. The Meaning of the Miracles5. Weren't the Stories of Jesus Made Up from Greco-Roman Myths?6. How Should We Respond to All the Violence in the Bible?7. The Problems of Prayer and Predestination8. What about All the Apparent Contradictions in the Gospels?9. Hasn't the Church Played Fast and Loose with Copying and Translating the New Testament?10. The Alleged Undesirability of the Christian LifeConclusionIndexes

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Book SynopsisThis commentary, like each in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible, is designed to serve the church--providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups--and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of Scripture. In this addition to the series, Joseph Mangina offers a constructive ecclesiology for the role and mission of the church in the twenty-first century formed by a close examination of Revelation.Table of ContentsSeries PrefacePrefaceAbbreviationsIntroductionPart I: Jesus at PatmosRevelation 1: Seeing VoicesRevelation 2-3: The Churches of AsiaPart II: The Making and Remaking of the WorldRevelation 4: The Eyes of the CherubimRevelation 5: The Slaughtered LambRevelation 6: The Wrath of the LambRevelation 7: The Great TribulationRevelation 8-9: Out of the AbyssRevelation 10: Eating the BookRevelation 11: Death in JerusalemPart III: Fallen Is BabylonRevelation 12: Daughter ZionRevelation 13: The Defeat of the SaintsRevelation 14: The Eternal GospelRevelation 15: The Song of the LambRevelation 16: The Cup of God's Wrath Revelation 17: The Great WhoreRevelation 18: The End of BabylonPart IV: The Supper of the LambRevelation 19: The Rider on the White HorseRevelation 20: The Death of DeathRevelation 21: The Bride of the LambRevelation 22: Come Lord Jesus!

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Book SynopsisThe Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible encourages readers to explore how the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition should inform and shape faithfulness today. In this addition to the series, highly acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian Robert Barron offers a theological exegesis of 2 Samuel. He highlights three major themes: God's non-competitive transcendence, the play between divine and non-divine causality, and the role of Old Testament kingship. As with other volumes in the series, this book is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.

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Book SynopsisThe Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible advances the assumption that the Nicene creedal tradition, in all its diversity, provides the proper basis for the interpretation of the Bible as Christian scripture. The series volumes, written by leading theologians, encourage Christians to extend the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition to our day. In this addition to the acclaimed series, two respected scholars offer a theological exegesis of Esther and Daniel. As with other volumes in the series, this book is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.

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Book SynopsisChristianity Today Book Award Winner A Jesus Creed Church History Book of the Year In recent years, notable scholars have argued that the Protestant Reformation unleashed interpretive anarchy on the church. Is it time to consider the Reformation to be a 500-year experiment gone wrong? World-renowned evangelical theologian Kevin Vanhoozer thinks not. While he sees recent critiques as legitimate, he argues that retrieving the Reformation's core principles offers an answer to critics of Protestant biblical interpretation. Vanhoozer explores how a proper reappropriation of the five solas--sola gratia (grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (in Christ alone), and sola Deo gloria (for the glory of God alone)--offers the tools to constrain biblical interpretation and establish interpretive authority. He offers a positive assessment of the Reformation, showing how a retrieval of "mere Protestant Christianity" has the potential to reform contemporary Christian belief and practice. This provocative response and statement from a top theologian is accessibly written for pastors and church leaders.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: Should the Church Repent or Retrieve the Reformation? Secularism, Skepticism, and Schism--Oh My!"By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them": Assessing a RevolutionNarrating the Story of ProtestantismRepenting the (Unintended) Iniquities of Our Reformation FathersFine-Tuning the Problem; Deepening the DilemmaAlways Retrieving? "Ressourcing" the Debate about Interpretive AuthorityWhy Mere Protestant Christianity Matters1. Grace Alone: The Mere Protestant Ontology, Economy, and Teleology of the GospelSola Gratia: What the Reformers MeantNature and/or Grace: Other ViewsTriune Ontology and the Economy of SalvationSola Gratia for Bible, Church, and Interpretive Authority2. Faith Alone: The Mere Protestant Principle of AuthoritySola Fide: What the Reformers MeantFaith and/or Criticism: Other ViewsThe Principle of AuthoritySola Fide for Bible, Church, and Interpretive Authority3. Scripture Alone: The Mere Protestant Pattern of Interpretive AuthoritySola Scriptura: What the Reformers MeantScripture and/or Tradition: Other ViewsThe Pattern of AuthoritySola Scriptura for Bible, Church, and Interpretive Authority4. In Christ Alone: The Royal Priesthood of All BelieversSolus Christus: What the Reformers MeantChristology and Ecclesiology: Other ViewsThe Royal PriesthoodSolus Christus for Bible, Church, and Interpretive Authority5. For the Glory of God Alone: The Wealth of Holy NationsSoli Deo Gloria: The Lord's Supper as a Test of Christian UnityChurch Unity: Other ViewsCommunion in the Church (and between Churches)Soli Deo Gloria for Bible, Church, and Interpretive AuthorityConclusion: From Catholic Protestantism to Protestant Evangelicalism"And in the Morning, It Was Leah!"Protestant Evangelicalism: A Marriage Made in Heaven?After Babel, Pentecost: The Households of God and the Spirit of Mere Protestant ChristianityThe Gospel Alone: The Solas in the Pattern of Protestant Evangelical Interpretive AuthorityIndexes

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Book SynopsisHighly acclaimed professor of literature David Lyle Jeffrey offers a theological reading of Luke in this addition to the well-received Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. This commentary, like each in the series, is designed to serve the church--providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups--and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.

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Book SynopsisExodus recounts the origins of ancient Israel, but it is also a book of religious symbols. How should it be interpreted, especially in light of modern historical-critical study? In this addition to an acclaimed series, a respected scholar offers a theological reading of Exodus that highlights Aquinas's interpretations of the text. As with other volumes in the series, this commentary is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.

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Book SynopsisThe Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible encourages readers to explore how the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition inform and shape faithfulness today. In this volume, one of today's leading theologians offers a theological reading of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. As with other series volumes, this commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.

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Book Synopsis"That over forty years after they were delivered these famous but unavailable Gifford Lectures should be published is occasion for celebration. Once again we hear Daube’s voice, patient and probing, as he turns over, tests, pushes fresh inquiries, and finds new insights. No man has had such a subtle sense of scriptural texts matched by such a supple sense of the practices and peculiarities of human beings engaged in the legal process. Law and Wisdom in the Bible is classic Daube." mdash;John T. Noonan Jr., United States Circuit JudgeDavid Daube (1909–99) was known for his unique and sophisticated research on Roman law, biblical law, Jewish Law, and medical ethics. In Law and Wisdom in the Bible, the first published collection of his 1964 Gifford Lectures, Daube derives from his complex understanding of biblical texts both ancient and contemporary notions about wisdom, justice, and education.In addressing these and other profound issues, Daube crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and bridges thegap between humanism and religion, especially with regard to Christianity and Judaism. With his sophisticated understanding of Talmudic law and literature, his thinking, which is on full display in these lectures, revolutionized prevailing perceptions about the New Testament.

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Book SynopsisWritten in clear, and at times colorful, prose, Ben Witherington's What's in the Word explains how the recognition of the oral and socio-rhetorical character of the New Testament and its environment necessitates a change in how the New Testament literature is read. Expanding on the work in which he has been fruitfully engaged for over a quarter century, Witherington challenges the previously assured results of historical criticism and demonstrates chapter by chapter how the socio-rhetorical study shifts the paradigm.Taken together, the chapters in What's in the Word coalesce around three of Witherington's ongoing academic concerns: orality and rhetoric; New Testament history, including issues of authenticity and canonicity; and the exegesis of given words in their canonical and socio-cultural contexts. Always unpredictable, this book never fails to pique interest and proffer instruction.Trade Review"... [Witherington] easily demonstrates that history and theology simply cannot be separated." -- Review of Biblical Literature (May 2012)"... a fascinating discussion. ... [Witherington] is correct that social history and Greco-Roman rhetoric are now more purposely employed in interpretation and have made significant advances in our understanding of the NT--advances he masterfully demonstrates throughout this volume. --Duane F. Watson, Interpretation (2011, 65:3)"Witherington here shows how fruitful socio-rhetorical perspective can be. His lively and accessible style make for stimulating reading." --Richard Bauckham, Professor of New Testament, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews"This book's fascinating observations give stimuluating guidance in hearing the texts as they were very likely meant to be heard." --Richard J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary"This book tackles a series of contentious subjects with clarity and verve. It may even change your mind on some." --Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary... interesting, varied, provocative, well written and worthwhile. -- David Wenham -- Journal for the Study of the New TestamentTable of Contents Invitation to the Dance Chapter One: Oral Examination: How Did 'Oral' Texts Function in a Rhetorical Culture? Chapter Two: Canonical Pseudepigrapha Is It an Oxymoron? Chapter Three: Rethinking and Redescribing Scribal Culture Chapter Four: The Question of Sermons and Homilies in the New Testament Chapter Five: Rom. 7.7-25- Retelling Adam's Tale Chapter Six: What's in a Name? Rethinking the Historical Figure of the Beloved Disciple in the 4th Gospel Chapter Seven: What's in a Word? Part One: Eidolothuton Chapter Eight: What's In A Word? Part Two Porneia Chapter Nine: What's in a Phrase? 'No Male and Female' (Gal. 3.28) Chapter Ten: Christianity in the Making': Oral Mystery or Eyewitness History? Chapter Eleven: Rethinking the Canonizing of the New Testament Chapter Twelve: Sign Posts along the Way On Taking the Less Travelled Path

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Book SynopsisThis magisterial reflection on the history and destiny of the West compares Greco-Roman civilization and the Judeo-Christian tradition in order to understand what both unites and divides them.Mediation, understood as a collective, symbolic experience, gives society unity and meaning, putting human beings in contact with a universal object known as the world or reality. But unity has a price: the very force that enables peaceful coexistence also makes us prone to conflict. As a result, in order to find a common point of convergence - of at-one-ment - someone must be sacrificed.Sacrifice, then, is the historical pillar of mediation. It was endorsed in a cosmic-religious sense in antiquity and rejected for ethical reasons in modernity, where the Judeo-Christian tradition plays an intermediate role in condemning sacrificial violence as such, while accepting sacrifice as a voluntary act offered to save other human beings. Today, as we face the collapse of all shared mediations, this intermediating solution offers a way out of our moral and cultural plight.

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Book SynopsisIt is generally accepted that Revelation’s heavenly scenes were intended to demonstrate that God continued to exercise his control even when the audience’s experience might suggest otherwise. In The Abyss in Revelation, Edward Gudeman argues that even though the scenes of the underworld and its inhabitants are describing reality from the opposite perspective, they declare God’s sovereignty and power in an equally powerful way.Examining the motif and imagery of the abyss and the sea in Old Testament, New Testament, Greco-Roman, and Second Temple Jewish writings, Gudeman identifies traditions that John appropriates in Revelation in order to create his unique vision of the abyss. Gudeman shows that the abyss and related concepts in Revelation are variously envisioned as the abode of evil creatures, the place from which they exit, and a prison that holds them captive. In all of this, John consistently demonstrates that God is in control of the activity of Satan and demonic beings and that their destruction is both planned and certain.Original and convincing, this volume sheds light on Revelation’s message about how God responds to evil and advances our understanding of several interpretive problems related to the abyss and its inhabitants. Biblical scholars especially will benefit from Gudeman’s research.Trade Review“Edward Gudeman’s The Abyss in Revelation provides a tradition-critical approach to the concept of the abyss in Revelation, exploring its roots in the Hebrew Bible and relevant later Jewish literature before examining the ways that Revelation develops these ideas to its unique end. Gudeman makes a compelling case for the centrality of the abyss in Revelation as it reflects the domain of evil overcome by the victory of Jesus.”—Alexander P. Thompson Review of Biblical Literature

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Book SynopsisThe first five books of the Hebrew Bible contain a significant number of texts describing ritual practices. Yet it is often unclear how these sources would have been understood or used by ancient audiences in the actual performance of cult. This volume explores the processes of ritual textualization (the creation of a written version of a ritual) in ancient Israel by probing the main conceptual and methodological issues that inform the study of this topic in the Pentateuch.This systematic and comparative study of text and ritual in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible maps the main areas of consensus and disagreement among scholars engaged in articulating new models for understanding the relationship between text and ritual and explores the importance of comparative evidence for the study of pentateuchal rituals. Topics include ritual textualization in ancient Anatolia, Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia; the importance of archaeology and materiality for the study of text and ritual in ancient Israel; the relationship between ritual textualization and standardization in the Pentateuch; the reception of pentateuchal ritual texts in Second Temple writings and rabbinic literature; and the relationship between text and ritual in the Dead Sea Scrolls.In addition to the editors, the contributors to this volume include Dorothea Erbele-Küster, Daniel K. Falk, Yitzhaq Feder, Christian Frevel, William K. Gilders, Dominique Jaillard, Giuseppina Lenzo, Lionel Marti, Patrick Michel, Rüdiger Schmitt, Jeremy D. Smoak, and James W. Watts.Trade Review“The contributions to Text and Ritual in the Pentateuch contrast the relationship between text and ritual in ancient Israel with that of other ancient Mediterranean and Western Asian societies and thus gain new insights for the challenge of reconstructing the performance of ancient rituals from written sources.”—Thomas Hieke,author of Die Genealogien der Genesis“This volume is an important and timely contribution to the scholarly study of ritual texts and procedures in the Pentateuch and the Hebrew Bible as a whole. Important scholars in the field labor to advance the application of ritual studies, biblical intertextuality, rhetorical analysis, ancient Near Eastern comparative material, and related postbiblical literature to understanding the texts and ritual procedures in the Pentateuch.”—Richard Averbeck,Trinity Evangelical Divinity School“Text and Ritual in the Pentateuch is a rich collection of data and interactions with scholarship, and the numerous insights in this volume make it an important resource for advanced students of pentateuchal ritual texts.”—Roy E. Gane Andrews University Seminary StudiesTable of ContentsPrefaceList of Abbreviations
IntroductionChristophe NihanChapter 1. Rituals in the Spells of the Book of the Dead in Ancient EgyptGiuseppina LenzoChapter 2. Between Utterance and Dedication: Some Remarks on the Status of Textuality in Greek Ritual PracticesDominique JaillardChapter 3. Inscriptions and Ritual Practices in the Neo- Assyrian Period: The Construction of a Building as an ExampleLionel MartiChapter 4. Between Text and Ritual: The Function(s) of the Ritual Texts from Late Bronze Age Emar (Syria)Patrick MichelChapter 5. The Textualization of Priestly Ritual in Light of Hittite SourcesYitzhaq FederChapter 6. Diversity and Centralization of the Temple Cultin the Archeological Record from the Iron II C to the Persian and Hellenistic Periods in JudahRüdiger SchmittChapter 7. Texts Are Not Rituals, and Rituals Are Not Texts, with an Example from Leviticus 12James W. WattsChapter 8. The Texture of Rituals in the Book of Numbers:A Fresh Approach to Ritual Density, the Role of Tradition, and the Emergence of Diversity in Early JudaismChristian FrevelChapter 9. Speaking with a Divine Voice: The Rhetoric of Epistolary Performance in Numbers 6:22–27Jeremy D. SmoakChapter 10. The Ritual Texts of Leviticus and the Creation of Ritualized BodiesDorothea Erbele-KüsterChapter 11. The Reception of Ritual Laws in the Early SecondTemple Period: Evidence from Ezra- Nehemiah and ChroniclesJulia RhyderChapter 12. Text and Ritual in the Dead Sea ScrollsDaniel K. FalkChapter 13. “And They Would Read Before Him the Orderfor the Day”: The Textuality of Leviticus 16 in Mishnah Yoma,Tosefta Kippurim, and Sifra Aḥare MotWilliam K. GildersList of ContributorsIndex of Ancient SourcesSubject Index

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Book SynopsisHow do we live a life worthy of gospel of Christ?When the Apostle Paul first shared the gospel on Philippi he was beaten and imprisoned. Years later, imprisoned again, he writes the Philippians with a message of joy and encouragement. He wants them to share in this joy, even in the face of suffering. The book of Philippians challenges Christians to live a life that honors the gospel. In Philippians: Confident in Christ Jeffrey E Miller guides you through this letter with practical insights and helpful questions. Perfect for studying with a group or with just your favorite Bible, this Bible study will draw you closer to the gospel.

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Book SynopsisThe opening chapters of Genesis tell us the story of how humans relate to our world -- and to God. Genesis 1-11 is a parade stories of humanity intertwined with the most intriguing subjects we still wrestle with today: the beginning of the cosmos, the nature of humanity, family, sex, deceit, death, murder, mass murder, ecology, agriculture, urbanization, and more. In The Universal Story, Dru Johnson shows how Genesis 1-11 is written in a way that informs the rest of biblical history--including the exodus, the kings of Israel, the exile, the Gospels, and early church. Genesis 1-11 presents a story of humanity that seeks to explain the background of every human endeavor. It is the universal story--the story of stories--because it is a story about how all of these things came to be the way the Hebrews understood them to be. These bizarre and ancient stories frame the story of God and His plan for earth and humanity. Through these stories, God speaks and pleads with us. Let us learn how to listen and hear God's voice well in Genesis 1-11 and throughout the rest of Scripture.

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Book SynopsisThe letters to the Thessalonians are a hidden gem of the New Testament. Paul’s letters to the church in Thessalonica are often considered two of the less important of his letters, but they were written to an important city and a church facing important issues. In addition to addressing the issue of Christ’s return and the problem of people who refused to work, these letters model a truly loving relationship between a pastor and a congregation. In 1 & 2 Thessalonians Verse by Verse, respected New Testament scholar Grant R. Osborne shows readers that in a culture demanding that everyone participate in the worship of the Roman Empire’s gods, the Thessalonians desperately needed resources that would help them withstand the pressure to conform. These letters provide us with a thrilling example of affection among believers in extremely hard times and help us see how that affection can make severe trials bearable. The Osborne New Testament Commentaries, by respected professor and author Grant R. Osborne, are for people seeking a straightforward explanation of the text in its context, avoiding either oversimplification or technical complexity. Osborne brings out the riches of the New Testament, making each book accessible for pastors and all who consider themselves students of Scripture.

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Book SynopsisThe ancient book of Ruth speaks into today's world with astonishing relevance. In four short episodes we encounter refugees, undocumented immigrants, poverty, hunger, women's rights, male power and privilege, discrimination, and injustice. In Finding God in the Margins, Carolyn Custis James reveals how the book of Ruth is about God, the questions that surface when life falls apart, and how he reaches into the margins and chooses two totally marginalized women who in the eyes of the patriarchal culture are zeros. Against the backdrop of disturbing issues we are facing today, this bracing narrative puts on display a radical gospel way of living together as human beings that shouts the Kingdom of God, foreshadows Jesus' gospel, and raises the bar for women and for men then and now.

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Book SynopsisDiligent study of God's Word involves engaging with it in the language it was written. Learning Greek can be a challenging experience for seminary students but it is a critical piece of their education. Engaging with the Bible in its original language will lead to deeper understanding, new insights, and provide tools to enter into the conversation surrounding God's Word. Biblical Greek Made Simple is a one-semester textbook that teaches the basics of biblical Greek. Designed with the modern student and curriculum in mind, this grammar introduces all the essential elements of biblical Greek while also utilizing the tools and features of Logos Bible Software to help retain and enhance knowledge of Greek. Each chapter includes exercises tailored to its contents as well as additional teaching material for further advancement. Daniel Zacharias provides a solid overview of the entire biblical Greek system, while challenging students to understand how this ancient language is relevant to meaning and translation.

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Book SynopsisThe second of three volumes, this study explores the Old Testament special grace covenants: the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic. The third volume examines the final and culminating special grace covenant: the New covenant. The three volumes taken together present the covenant as an expression of God's nature, and show a paradigm of activity by which God works in covenantal relations, first to create the world and then, through a redemptive program after the fall, to redeem what was lost. The proposed paradigm, by which all the divine-human covenants are expressed and understood, is a new and, it is hoped, helpful way of portraying God's covenant making dynamic, and it also thereby illustrates the divine consistency. The work also develops further the idea that all divine-human covenants are both unconditional and conditional, in contradistinction to prevailing terminology and understanding of the covenants as either conditional or unconditional, or unilateral or bilateral. Ancillary to the discussion of the covenants is a fresh exploration and demonstration of covenant making and covenant sustaining terminology.

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