Commentaries
Showing 501–550 of 1335 results
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1-2 Peter
$35.00Add to cartIn this addition to the well-received Paideia series, New Testament scholars Duane Watson and Terrance Callan examine cultural context and theological meaning in First and Second Peter. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by
attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs
showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits
commenting on the final, canonical form of each New Testament book
focusing on the cultural, literary, and theological settings of the text
making judicious use of maps, photos, and sidebars in a reader-friendly formatThis commentary, like each in the projected eighteen-volume series, proceeds by sense units rather than word-by-word or verse-by-verse. Students, pastors, and other readers will appreciate the historical, literary, and theological insight Watson and Callan offer in interpreting First and Second Peter.
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Isaiah 40-66 : Interpretation A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$38.00Add to cartPlanned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
The latter half of the sixth century BCE found the Jewish community fragmented and under great strife after having been conquered by the Babylonian armies. As a response to a growing despair over life in servitude and exile, Isaiah 40-66 was written. Paul Hanson examines the writings of Second and Third Isaiah. What he discovers is a poetic argument for a loving and attentive God and the rightful place of God’s creatures in the unfolding of history.
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1-2 Chronicles : Interpretation A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preachi
$38.00Add to cartPlanned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
Steven Tuell shows how the books of Chronicles present the revelation of God’s plan and purposes through the history of Israel, emphasizing the important role that King David plays within that story. Using up-to-date scholarship, Tuell focuses on the theological message of these books–that the purpose of life is to seek God, that those who find God’s will and live accordingly will experience blessing, and that God’s presence is found in the events of ordinary life.
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Genesis 1-11
$60.00Add to cartGeneral Introduction
A Guide To Using This Commentary
Introduction To Genesis 1–11
Commentary On Genesis 1–11
Appendix
Map Of The Reformation Timeline Of The Reformation
Biographical Sketches Of Reformation Era Figures
Bibliography Of Works In Original Languages
Bibliography Of Works In English Translations
Author/Writings Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
The first chapters of Genesis are the bedrock of the Jewish and Christian traditions. In these inaugural pages of the canon, the creation of the world, the fall of the human creature, the promise of redemption and the beginning of salvation history are found. Interwoven in the text are memorable stories of the ancient biblical patriarchs and matriarchs. Throughout the history of commentary, interpreters have lavished attention on the rich passages recounting the six days of creation, the tragic fall of God’s creature–from the expulsion of the first parents to Cain’s fratricide and the catastrophe of the Flood–as well as the allegorical sign of hope in the ark of Noah. Commentators in the Reformation continued this venerable tradition of detailed focus on these primordial stories, finding themselves and their era deeply connected to the tragedies and promises, the genealogies and marvels of God’s providential election and governance. Above all, Reformation-era interpreters found anchor for their teaching, preaching and hope in the promise of Christ running through these first chapters, from creation to the calling of Abraham. While following the precedent of patristic and medieval commentators on Scripture, as well as Rabbinic midrash, the Reformers provide insightful and startling fresh readings of familiar passages, inviting readers to see the ancient text with new eyes. This volume collects the comments of not only the monumental thinkers like Luther, Calvin and Melancthon, but also many important figures of the time who are lesser-known today. Here we find rich fare from Johannes Brenz, Wolfgang Capito, Hans Denck, Wolfgang Musculus, Johannes Oecolampadius and Peter Martyr Vermigli. Readers will encounter comments from a wide array of perspectives, from the magisterial Reformers to radical Protestants like Balthasar Hubmaier, Menno Simons, Pilgram Marpeck and Dirk Philips, as well as some Catholic thinkers, such as Desiderius Erasmus and Cardinal Cajetan. Important contributions from female voices, like Katharina Schtz Zell and Anna Maria van Schurman are included also. The wealth of Reformation interpretation is brought together here for study and reflection, much appearing in English for the first time. -
Latin Commentaries On Revelation
$70.99Add to cartIn this volume of the Ancient Christian Texts series, William Weinrich renders a particular service to readers interested in ancient commentary on the Apocalypse by drawing together significant Latin commentaries from Victorinus of Petovium, Caesarius of Arles, Apringius of Beja and Bede the Venerable.
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Genesis (Reprinted)
$25.00Add to cartThe Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps any reader navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the easily understandable truth found in this commentary series.
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Ruth
$25.99Add to cartIntroduction
1. A Dialogue Of Determination
2. Terms Of Endearment
3. A Cloaked Covenant
4. A Dialogue Of Identity
Conclusion
Additional Info
from the Introduction:Described by Goethe as “the most charming little whole” of antiquity, Ruth has long been recognized for its literary quality. This beautifully composed narrative continues to attract readers across generations and boundaries of gender, class and ethnicity. In fact, the beauty of the book often distracts from the practical nature of the narrative. For all of its appeal, Ruth is, after all a story about family and survival. The marriage between Ruth and Boaz is a levirate marriage. The goal of this practice is to ensure the continuation and stability of the family line. Thus this “charming little whole” has as its subject preservation of life in the face of death and upholding memory to ward off the loss of identity.
This story of survival is short; it consists of four chapters with elements of loss and recovery; famine and harvest, barrenness and fruitfulness, life and death. These elements afford the book a broad appeal as it speaks to various stages and seasons of life, all the while upholding the power of faithfulness against an ever-changing backdrop. Named after one of the major characters, the book of Ruth tells the story of Naomi of Bethlehem and her family “in the days when the judges ruled.”
…So much of what happens in Ruth happens where no one can see. Ruth binds herself to Naomi in the “in between place” of Moab and Judah. No one is there to witness it. Similarly, Ruth asks Boaz for redemption in the middle of the night when we presume everyone else is asleep. These events allow for the inclusion of Ruth as Boaz’s people, first as a gleaner and then as a wife. The pattern of what happens away from our observation and then bursts forth where we can see it draws on the images of planting and harvest, conception and birth. On a theological level, it suggests that even in the famine times, God is planting seed, preparing for the next harvest, even when we cannot see it. We must assume then, that whatever we know or recognize about the work of God is only a small piece of the larger whole. We cannot know it all.
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Galatians
$34.00Add to cartThis book in the Westminster Bible Companion series explores one of Paul’s most central letters. Frederick W. Weidmann observes the changes and developments in Paul’s thought and practice in order to help pastors negotiate the distinction between their calling and self-identity.
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Gospel Of Mark
$40.00Add to cartThe Gospel of Mark, addressed to an early Christian community perplexed by failure and suffering, presents Jesus as suffering Messiah and Son of God. Recognizing that failure and suffering continue to perplex Christians today, world-renowned New Testament scholar and theologian Francis Moloney marries the rich contributions of traditional historical scholarship with the contemporary approach to the Gospels as narrative. Now in paperback, this commentary combines the highest-level scholarship with pastoral sensitivity. It offers an accessible and thoughtful reading of Mark’s narrative to bring the Gospel’s story to life for contemporary readers.
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Ephesians Colossians And Philemon
$30.00Add to cartPlanned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
In his commentary, Ralph Martin singles out two themes that are high on today’s agenda of theological and practical inquiry and planning. These themes are the cosmic dimensions of Christological teaching and the role of the church as God’s locus and agent of reconciliation. In this examination, the author allows Paul’s voice to be heard again on these important themes.
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Lamentations And The Song Of Songs
$50.00Add to cartThis latest volume in the popular Belief series considers two very different types of biblical writings and two very timely subjects – violence and sex within the context of Scripture.
In Lamentations, well-known theologian Harvey Cox finds this poignant and evocative biblical book written 2,500 years ago to be a shockingly current text. In the midst of our world of violence and suffering, we find this was also the world of the writer of Lamentations. Drawing on a wide array of sources from poetry, novels, films, paintings and even photography to classical and contemporary theology, Cox offers a contemporary theological reading of Lamentations which is provocative and sure to stir numerous theological reflections and responses.
The biblical book of Song of Songs has historically been seen as a book pointing to Christi’s love for the church and has been interpreted in allegorical ways. Yet, it is unique in the canon for its use of erotic poetry, celebrating the human body and human love in graphic terms. Author Stephanie Paulsell suggests that the Song can still have profound meaning for us, teaching us “to love not only what we can see shining on the surface but also those depths of the other which are out of our reach.”
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1-2 Samuel : A Commentary In The Wesleyan Tradition
$32.99Add to cartExplore the Old Testament Books of 1 & 2 Samuel from a Wesleyan perspective. Ideal for pastors, scholars, teachers, and students, this readable reference features informative introductory material; clear verse-by-verse explanations based on the original language; comprehensive annotations; helpful sidebars focusing on theological issues, word meanings, archaeological connections, and other topics; and an expanded bibliography.
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Mark : The Gospel Of Passion
$22.99Add to cartPreface: The Biblical Imagination
Introduction: Who Is Mark?
Major Themes
The So-Called “Messianic Secret”
The Fiery Trial
The Gospel Of PassionMark 1
Mark 2: Stories Of The Inappropriateness Of Jesus
Mark 3: Mark’s Unique Account Of Jesus Discipling The Disciples
Mark 4: Second Stage Of Galilean Ministry
Mark 5: People At Jesus’ Feet
Mark 6: Two Banquets
Mark 7
Mark 8
Mark 9
Mark 10: Four Questions
Mark 11
Mark 12: Final Questions
Mark 13: The Simplicity Of Jesus’ End-Time Teaching
Mark 14
Mark 15
Mark 16Appendixes
A. Ancient Sources On The Relationship Between Peter And Mark
B. References To The Emotional Life Of Jesus In The Gospels
C. Historical References To Mark’s Gospel
D. References To Mark In The New Testament
E. The Additional Ending Of MarkNotes
Resources
About The Author
Additional Info
Follow Me, Jesus told them, “and I will make you into fishers of men!” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. –Mark 1:17-18 The Gospel of Mark is a book of action and passion. Events happen one after another, with a vivid sense of immediacy and urgency. Jesus emotions come through strongly–at times he is angry and distressed, other times filled with compassion. In this volume, Michael Card provides a lively tour of the Gospel of Mark. As a friend and interpreter of Simon Peter, Mark gives firsthand glimpses of the life and ministry of Jesus in vibrant and energetic narration. The first Gospel to be written, Mark is a “pamphlet for hard times,” encouraging Christians that all their sufferings were already endured by Jesus. Accompany Mark on his journey with Jesus. The more clearly you see Jesus here, the greater your passion will be for him. -
Romans : Interpreted By Early Christian Commentators
$39.99Add to cartThe Church’s Bible series serves to bring the rich classical tradition of biblical interpretation to life. Compiled, translated, and edited by leading scholars, these volumes draw extensively from early and medieval commentators, illuminating Holy Scripture as it was understood during the first millennium of Christian history. Designed for clergy, Bible teachers, men and women in religious communities, and all serious students of Scripture, The Church’s Bible will lead contemporary readers into the inexhaustible spiritual and theological world of the early church and hence of the Bible itself.
This Church’s Bible volume brings together select lengthy excerpts from early Christian writings on Romans, Paul’s most comprehensive statement of Christian teaching. J. Patout Burns Jr. has judiciously chosen extended passages from such church fathers as Origen, Rufinus, Pelagius, Chrysostom, Ambrosiaster, Augustine, and Theodoret, enabling readers today to benefit from the church’s rich treasure trove of commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Covering the first five hundred years of Christian history, this volume incorporates new translations made from the best texts currently available.
Both Burns’s pastoral sensitivity and his extensive study of patristics shine through his selection of ancient passages, which run the full gamut of perspectives on Romans. Each passage is relevant and applicable to our current understanding and living of the Christian life, not just historically valuable. This volume — and the entire Church’s Bible series — will be welcomed by preachers, teachers, students, and general readers alike.
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Galatians : A Commentary In The Wesleyan Tradition
$35.99Add to cartExplore Paul’s Letter to the Galatians from a Wesleyan perspective. Ideal for scholars, pastors, students, and laity, this readable reference features informative introductory material; clear verse-by-verse explanations based on the original language; comprehensive annotations covering background, textual meanings, and more; helpful sidebars focusing on theological issues, archaeological connections, and other topics; and an expanded bibliography.
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Ezekiel Daniel : Old Testament 12
$60.00Add to cartGeneral Introduction
A Guide To Using This Commentary
Introduction To Ezekiel And Daniel
Commentary On Ezekiel
Commentary On Daniel
Appendix
Map Of The Reformation
Timeline Of The Reformation
Biographical Sketches Of Reformation Era Figures
Bibliography Of Works In Original Languages
Bibliography Of Works In English Translations
Author/Writings Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
The Reformation era revolution in preaching and intepretating the Bible did not occur without keen attention to the Old Testament Scriptures. This is especially true with regard to the Hebrew prophets. Ezekiel and Daniel, replete with startling, unnerving imagery and visions, apocalyptic oracles of judgment and destruction, captivated the reformers as they sought to understand their time and themselves through the lens of the biblical sources. Equally, these prophetic books underscored the covenantal promises to God’s people and the hope of restoration, which the reformers understood to be the righteousness of Christ made available in faith.Reformation commentary on the prophets Ezekiel and Daniel are windows into the biblical, theological and pastoral minds of the reformers as they engage the details of the texts, make theological judgments and apply fresh reading of Scripture to their contemporary hearers. Familiar passages, such as Ezekiel’s dazzling vision of the wheels, the building of the temple, or Daniel’s four beasts, are given new layers and textures.
This volume collects the comments of the monumental figures like Luther, Calvin and Melancthon, alongside many lesser known and read thinkers, such as Heinrich Bullinger, Hans Denck, Giovanni Diodati, Johann Gerhard, John Mayer, Matthew Mead, Johann Oecolampadius, Jakob Raupius, Johann Wigand and Andrew Willet. Several beloved English Puritans are included as well: Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Thomas Manton and John Owen. The wealth of Reformation interpretation on these books of Scripture is brought together for the first time.
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Commentary On Jeremiah
$70.99Add to cartContents
General Introduction / Page VII
Translator’s Introduction / Page XV
Bibliography
Abbreviations
Commentary On The Prophet Jeremiah In Six Books: Eusebius Hieronymus (Jerome)
Subject Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
English translation of Jerome’s Commentary on Jeremiah with notes and introduction by Michael Graves. -
1-2 Chronicles For Everyone
$22.00Add to cartIn this popular and ambitious series, John Goldingay covers Scripture from Genesis to Malachi and addresses the texts in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply. Perfect for daily devotions, Sunday school preparation, or brief visits with the Bible, the Old Testament for Everyone series is an excellent resource for the modern reader.
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Esther : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartThe biblical queen Esther is one of Scripture’s most fascinating persons, and the drama of the book bearing her name is clearly captured in this superb commentary. Carol Bechtel expertly explores the historical settings, literary structures, and theological themes that emerge in the book of Esther.
Now available in paperback, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary series is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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Philippians : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartIn this commentary, Fred Craddock focuses on the text of Philippians rather than on conversations among scholars about the text. His commentary on the text differs from many other commentaries in that issues of authorship, date, place of writing, integrity, of purpose are dealt with at points where the text itself raises these issues. In order to assist those who preach, Craddock gives special attention to passages that appear in most lectionaries. Further, he draws attention to the theology of Paul as reflected in all of his letters wherever it enlightens or is enlightened by the text. Craddock helps the reader understand what it meant for an apostle and a church to be partners in the gospel.
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Jeremiah : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$40.00Add to cartClements draws an intensely moving portrait of Jeremiah, one that often conflicts with the conventional image of earlier commentaries. Having witnessed the loss of his most treasured religious supports, Jeremiah discovered that the only secure foundation of hope is in God. True to the Interpretation format, Clements helps preachers and teachers make effective parallels between Jeremiah’s situation and today’s spiritual issues
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Ruth : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartAddressing the human and divine dimensions of the account of Ruth, this thoughtful commentary discusses all the significant questions of origin and purpose. Sakenfeld’s interpretation is at once sociological and theological, and reflects the profundity of this ancient story. The latest addition to the Interpretation series, which takes a critical-scholarly approach to Scripture.
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Nahum-Malachi : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$32.00Add to cartThe Interpretation commentaries are written specifically for teachers and preachers in the local church through the means of expository essays. Each volume is based on the Revised Standard Version. The comments deal with whole portions or sections of the text which is used in teaching rather than individual verses or words. The series main attempts are to present the central purpose of each Biblical Book, to show its use in the liturgical traditions, and its significance for Christian ethics and theology.
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Leviticus : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$35.00Add to cartThis volume in the popular Interpretation series presents the book of Leviticus. It focuses on the history of Israel during this time when Israel’s life was marked by the various ritual sacrifices and observances commanded by God for the ordering of the nation’s life.
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Daniel : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$32.00Add to cartNow available in paperback, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary series is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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Deuteronomy : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$38.00Add to cartIn this theological exposition of Deuteronomy, Patrick Miller is sensitive to the character of the book as a part of Scripture that self-consciously addresses different generations. He discusses the nature and character of the law as revealed in Deuteronomy, as well as the nature of the moral life under God. The treatment of Deuteronomy in the New Testament, and customary introductory issues such as authorship and date, are dealt with in terms of their significance for interpreting and understanding Deuteronomy’s character and intention.
Now available in paperback, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary series is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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Lamentations : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartThe destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., which led to the exile of the people of Israel, drastically changed the community’s life. In the midst of this darkness, the five poems collected as the biblical book of Lamentations emerged as a life-embracing work. This sophisticated yet accessible commentary now makes the message of Lamentations come alive for Christian existence today. The distinctiveness of the Palestinian voice found in these poems is maintained as they bear witness to the horror and pain of human suffering. Yet, beneath the words, a determined will to live emerges and confronts human suffering, probes God and God’s actions, and anticipates a new kind of human community that will arise from Zion, even in the midst of God’s silence.
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Historical Reliability Of Johns Gospel
$36.99Add to cartBecause the twentieth century search for the historical Jesus so heavily favored the Synoptic Gospels, we are long overdue for a reassessment of the evidence presented in the Gospel of John. Craig L. Blomberg offers a foundational introduction and commentary, focusing with intelligence and sure-footed care on the historicity of John’s Gospel.
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Joshua : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartThis commentary clearly presents the episodes in the book of Joshua as the people of Israel face the challenges of entering into the land of promise. Both the historical and theological meanings of the book are presented throughout this most helpful commentary.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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Isaiah 1-39 : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$40.00Add to cartThis unique commentary allows the interpretation of Isaiah 1-39 to be guided by the final form of the book. It focuses on the theological aspect of the book of Isaiah, giving special attention to the role of literary context. Christopher Seitz explores structural and organizational concerns as clues to the editorial intention of the final form of the material, which he argues is both intelligible and an intended result of the efforts of those who gave shape to the present form of the book.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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Hebrews : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartHebrews is a sermon from the early Christian church that addresses a real, urgent, and still relevant pastoral problem: a struggling congregation that may not keep the faith. Thomas Long shows how Hebrews exhorts the church to face its challenges and hold true, even into the twenty-first century.
Now available in paperback, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary series is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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1-3 John
$25.99Add to cartThis series expounds the biblical text for the contemporary church.
Marianne Meye Thompson provides an introductory discussion and passage-by-passage commentary of 1-3 John. With the help of the scholarly background material, Thompson allows the text to speak to a contemporary church still caught in controversy. Now in paper.
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Pauls Letter To The Philippians
$41.99Add to cartSkeptical of the trend among many biblical scholars to analyze Paul’s short, affectionate letter to the Philippians in light of Greco-Roman letter-writing conventions, Ben Witherington instead looks at Philippians as a masterful piece of long-distance oratory–an extension of Paul’s speech, dictated to a scribe and meant to be read aloud to its recipients.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary Witherington examines Paul’s short but powerful letter in light of Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions, identifying Paul’s purpose, highlighting his main points and his persuasive strategies, and considering how his original audience would have heard and received Paul’s message.
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Galatians Ephesians
$60.00Add to cartGeneral Introduction
A Guide To Using This Commentary
Introduction To Galatians And Ephesians
Commentary On Galatians
Commentary On Ephesians
Appendix
Map Of The Reformation
Timeline Of The Reformation
Biographical Sketches Of Reformation Era Figures
Bibliography Of Works In Original Languages
Bibliography Of Works In English Translations
Author/Writings Index
Scripture IndexAdditional Info
The gospel of justification by faith alone was discovered afresh by the Reformers in the epistolary turrets of the New Testament: the letters to the Galatians and the Ephesians. At the epicenter of the exegetical revolution that rocked the Reformation era was Paul’s letter to the Galatians. There Luther, Calvin, Bullinger and scores of others perceived the true gospel of Paul enlightening a situation parallel to their own times–the encroachment of false teachers and apostates upon the true teaching of salvation by grace through faith. In Ephesians, the Reformers gravitated to what they understood to be the summit of Paul’s vision of salvation in Christ. Finding its source, beyond time, in the electing love of God, the Reformers disseminated the letter?s message of temporal hope for Christians living under the duress of persecution. For the Reformers, these epistles were living, capsule versions of Paul’s letter to the Romans, briefs on the theological vision of the celebrated apostle. Probed and expounded in the commentaries and sermons found in this volume, these letters became the very breath in the lungs of the Reformation movements. The range of comment on Galatians and Ephesians here spans Latin, German, French, Dutch and English authors from a variety of streams within the Protestant movement. Especially helpful in this volume is Gerald Bray’s editorial presentation of the development of tensions among the Reformers. The epistles of Galatians and Ephesians open up a treasure house of ancient wisdom, allowing these faithful Reformation witnesses to speak with eloquence and intellectual acumen to the church today. -
Mark : NRSV
$30.99Add to cartMark’s genius lies, not in telling a story about Jesus, but in creating conditions under which the reader may experience the peculiar quality of God’s good news. The Evangelist hurries one along breathlessly, “immediately,” making sure that the reader lurches with the characters into one pothole after another. “What is this new teaching” that consorts with the flagrantly sinful, turning the pious homicidal, intimates into strangers, and mustard seeds into “the greatest of all … shrubs”?
Jesus’ closest adherents, the Twelve, are among the most muddled. Who can blame them? They ask for an obscure parable’s interpretation and receive an answer even more confounding. They are told to feed thousands with next to nothing. Their boat almost capsizes while their teacher sleeps. As they oar in rough waters, the teacher strides the waves intending to bypass them. Putting the reader in the same boat, Mark structures conversations with Jesus that make little sense, if any. The Twelve are craven, stupid, self-serving, and disobedient: meet the average Christian. Besides, “their hearts were hardened.” Who hardens hearts? God. Should not God’s Messiah lift the burdens of those following him? What kind of Christ heads to a cross, handing his disciples another for themselves. “Do you not yet understand?” from the Introduction
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Liturgy Of Grief
$28.00Add to cartIn Lamentations, we read of the unbearable grief experienced by a group of believers. Leslie Allen suggests the book can be read as the script of a liturgy performed to help the people of God come to terms with the fall of Jerusalem and the national catastrophe it entailed. It reveals God’s sometimes hidden support for those who grieve and for their caregivers. In this unique commentary on Lamentations, respected Old Testament scholar and volunteer hospital chaplain Leslie Allen appropriates this oft-neglected book of the Bible to deal with a universal issue. Incorporating stories of pastoral encounters with hospital patients, Allen integrates Scripture and pastoral care to present a biblical model for helping those coping with grief. The book includes a foreword by Nicholas Wolterstorff, author of Lament for a Son.
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Early Christian Letters For Everyone (Reprinted)
$20.00Add to cartIn this penultimate volume of the New Testament for Everyone series, Tom Wright explores the early Christian letters, also known as the general or catholic epistles. These letters include James; first and second Peter; first, second, and third John; and Jude.
Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.
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Judges : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartInterpretation: A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching is a set of full-length commentaries written specifically for those who interpret the Bible through teaching and preaching in the church.
The writers were chosen for their proven abilities as biblical scholars and their experience as teachers and/or preachers. Each has an outstanding record of publication demonstrating a keen sense for biblical interpretation and expository writing.
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Ecclesiastes : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$30.00Add to cartEcclesiastes is a collection of sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon and deemed by some the strangest book in the canon. It comprises an unusual blend of autobiographical references, theological reflections, philosophical musings, and proverbial instructions, all probing the seeming pointlessness of human striving. Brown explores the text as it engages our own culture’s era of questioning and search for self-fulfillment.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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1 Corinthians : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$42.00Add to cartPaul’s first letter to the Corinthians was addressed originally to a fledgling mission church in Corinth. Paul’s absence from the church had allowed serious problems to arise within the Corinthian community, but the problems that he addresses in this letter do not always seem based on explicitly theological ideas. The brilliance of Paul, though, is that he frames the issues in theological terms and reflects on them in the light of the gospel.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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1-2 Kings For Everyone
$22.00Add to cartThis seventh volume in the popular Old Testament for Everyone series tells the story of Israel when it was a monarchy, from the accession of Solomon to the exile.
Following on the heels of the successful New Testament for Everyone commentaries by N. T. Wright, John Goldingay, an internationally respected Old Testament scholar, authors this ambitious Old Testament for Everyone series. Covering Scripture from Genesis to Malachi, Goldingay addresses the texts in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply. Perfect for daily devotions, Sunday school preparation, or brief visits with the Bible, the Old Testament for Everyone series is an excellent resource for the modern reader.
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Revelation
$35.00Add to cartThe Book of Revelation has had an enormous influence on Christian history—and its message is still needed today. Boring’s section-by-section commentary explores the meaning of John’s vision and explains interpretive difficulties in light of the book’s central focus—the risen Christ who continues to speak to his church through the Spirit.
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Psalms : A Bible Commentary For Teaching And Preaching
$50.00Add to carthe Psalms have been at the center of Christian faith and piety for centuries. Now, one of the foremost interpreters of the Psalms explores how they can still claim that place today. In this commentary, James L. Mays sets forth what the Psalms say about God, creation, humanity, and the life of faith. Mays proceeds with an awareness that the Psalms were originally composed for worship, and so he provides an understanding of the psalms as praise and prayer.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
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Revelation
$30.99Add to cartInterpretations of the book of Revelation are numerous and varied. The preterist view focuses on first-century social analysis of John’s environment. The church-historical view sees the Revelation as a prophetic survey of the history of the church. The futurist view sees the book as a precise prediction of unfolding events in the yet-to-come end of the world.
The trouble with all three, argues J. Ramsey Michaels, is that they make the Revelation of John irrelevant to Christians throughout much of history. Failing to take seriously what John saw, such interpreters do not comprehend the value of the Revelation to Christians in any age. Michaels strives to recapture the Revelation as a prophetic letter of testimony, a testimony as relevant to today’s church as it was to John’s as it faces evil and looks for the victory of the Lamb.
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1 Peter
$25.99Add to cartAs a young church in a hostile environment, Peter’s first readers found in his letter encouragement, not just for facing suffering, but for living responsibly in the world as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Christians today will also find in Peter’s letter a wealth of practical counsel on how to conduct themselves in family and social life, as well as in relation to a society that makes it tough to follow Jesus Christ. In this invigorating volume from one of today’s leading evangelical scholars, readers will find an introduction that discusses the letter’s form, authorship, destination and primary theological themes, followed by a passage-by-passage commentary that always seeks to answer the question of what the text means for us today as well as what it meant for its original hearers. Students, pastors, Bible teachers and everyone who wants to understand Peter’s message for the church will benefit from this excellent resource.
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Jesus And His Own
$41.99Add to cartThis study is a section-by-section commentary on the chapters of John’s Gospel in which Jesus prepares his disciples for the changed relation that will prevail when he is gone.
Jesus and His Own gives attention to the literary, structural, and theological features of this Johannine text. Daniel B. Stevick argues that no place in the New Testament says more about the interior life of the church – a community that through Christ, lives in close communion with God, under the Spirit, and in tension with the world. These New Testament pages articulate the deepest realities of the church’s life – realities that are essential for the church’s understanding of itself.
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Epistle To The Romans (Revised)
$32.00Add to cartBlack’s New Testament Commentary has been hailed by both scholars and pastors for its insightful interpretations and reliable commentary. Each book in the series includes an insightful introduction to the important historical, literary, and theological issues; key terms and phrases from the translation highlighted in the commentary where they are discussed; explanations of special Greek or foreign terms; references to important primary and secondary literature; and a Scripture index.
C. K. Barrett’s exegetical prowess, evidenced most distinctly in his volumes on the First and Second Epistles to the Corinthians, also in the Black’s series, has long been appreciated in the world of biblical studies. His verse-by-verse exposition in The Epistle to the Romans further enhances our understanding of the book of Romans, early Christianity, the apostle Paul and his theology, and the New Testament. A master of thoroughness, historical backgrounds, and ancient languages, Barrett offers insights for scholars, ministers, students, and anyone who wants to know more about Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.
