This 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.

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.

Using Luke's own prologue as the guideline for his commentary, Fred B. Craddock calls attention to the continuities between Jesus and his heritage in Judaism and the church after him. Like Luke, Craddock assumes the reader is not only a believer but also a leader in the community of faith.

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.

Fred B. Craddock is Bandy Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. He is also Minister Emeritus at Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Cherry Log, Georgia.

In this volume, Lamar Williamson's commentary provides teachers, preachers, and all serious students of the Bible with an interpretation that takes serious hermeneutical responsibility for the contemporary meaning and significance of Mark's text.

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.

Lamar Williamson Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. His published works include Preaching the Gospel of John and Mark in the Interpretation commentary series, both published by WJK.

This commentary proceeds unit by unit (not verse by verse) to emphasize what each passage of Matthew means to the author of the Gospel and to the modern church. Douglas Hare shows that the purpose of Matthew's writing is to convince Christians that a genuine faith in Christ must be demonstrated in daily obedience and that faith and ethics are two sides of the same coin.

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.

Douglas R. A. Hare is William H. Orr Professor of New Testament Emeritus at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Achtemeier examines the often-neglected Minor Prophets and explains them as they reflect the church at worship and at work. She sets the Minor Prophets in their canonical context emphasizing the relationship between the message of these prophets and the New Testament. Unique in the use of brief quotations from great preachers' sermons on the prophets, Nahum-Malachi is enriched with the vast insightful store of homiletical interpretation available today.

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.

Elizabeth Achtemeier taught Bible and Homiletics at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. She was an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), a preacher, and the author of a number of books, including Nature, God, and the Pulpit and Preaching from the Minor Prophets.

Numbers chronicles a community faced with many competing interests, groups, and issues, endeavoring to define itself and its mission in the world. Dennis Olsen offers readers a comprehensive interpretation of this often overlooked book. He provides a thoroughly contemporary reading of Numbers that enlightens the modern church as it navigates the contemporary wilderness of pluralism, competing voices, and and shifting foundations.

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.

Dennis T. Olsen is Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. His published works include Deuteronomy and the Death of Moses, A Theological Reading and Pentateuchal Narratives.

In 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, or 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 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.

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.

Fred B. Craddock is Bandy Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. He is also Minister Emeritus at Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Cherry Log, Georgia.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of sayings, poems, and "life's little instructions." Wrestling with the values of things such as creation, livelihood, or moral character, Proverbs exhorts its readers to seek the higher ideals--knowledge, discipline, piety, and order--and offers guidance on how to live in harmony with God, others, and oneself.

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.

Leo G. Perdue is Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. He is an international authority on wisdom literature and the author of numerous books, including Proverbs in the esteemed Interpretation commentary series.

The 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.

James Luther Mays (1921 - 2015) was Cyrus M. McCormick Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Old Testament Interpretation at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He was the general editor of the best-selling Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching series, and is author of many books, including Psalms in the Interpretation series and The Lord Reigns: A Theological Handbook to the Psalms.

Throughout the history of Christianity, the book of Revelation has had an enormous influence in religion, history, and culture, and it still has an urgently needed message for the church. M. Eugene Boring's critical assessment of Revelation enlightens readers as to just what that message is.

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.

M. Eugene Boring is I. Wylie Briscoe Professor of New Testament Emeritus at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University. He is the author of numerous books on the New Testament, including An Introduction to the New Testament, Mark from the New Testament Library series, and Revelation from the best-selling Interpretation series, all published by Westminster John Knox Press.

In the pages of this commentary volume, Paul J. Achtemeier undertakes a fresh reading of the Paul's letter to the Romans for guidance in teaching and preaching, as well as for guidance in the reader's personal life. Paul's letter to the Romans is unabashedly theological, therefore the comments will have theology as their primary concern. Called into question by what Paul writes, the reader will understand what Paul is about and why he is useful to the contemporary tasks of preaching God's grace to modern people and teaching them the ways of God with humankind.

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.

Paul J. Achtemeier is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Interpretation at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. He is coeditor of the popular series, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching.

The narrative of the book of Ruth is a drama of ordinary human life, but the drama unfolds against a background of the providence and purposes of God. Katharine Doob Sakenfeld has written a commentary that makes very clear why the book of Ruth has such great importance as literature and as Scripture.

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.

Katharine Doob Sakenfeld is Eisenberger Professor Emerita of Old Testament and Co-Coordinator of Princeton Seminary Women in Ministry Initiative. She served for forty-three years on the Princeton Seminary faculty, including twenty-five years as Director of PhD Studies. Focusing on feminist biblical interpretation, especially in diverse cultural contexts, she helped to establish the first Princeton Theological Seminary course in women's studies and continues to foster a worldwide network of women biblical scholars. In 2007 she was elected President of the Society of Biblical Literature. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she received the 2016 PCUSA award for Excellence in Theological Education. Her publications include Ruth in the esteemed Interpretation series and Just Wives?: Stories of Power and Survival in the Old Testament and Today, both published by Westminster John Knox Press. She was General Editor for the five-volume New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible.

Ernest Best reminds us in his introduction to his Second Corinthians commentary volume that letters are one of the easiest ways of unintentionally concealing information. The writer and the intended readers share knowledge about what is going on that outsiders do not posess. This is even more true for a letter that deals with the inner problems of a group of people; the members know the situation and do not need it recalled. We, as third-party readers of Second Corinthians, cannot expect to understand all that Paul writes there. But we can see enough to gain insight into the way pastoral responsibilities should be excercised, and how Christian communities should behave.

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.

Ernest Best (1917-2004) was Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

Robert Jenson offers a systematic theologian's careful reading of the Song of Songs. Jenson focuses on the overt sense of the book as an erotic love poem in order to discover how this evocative poetry solicits a theological reading. Jenson finds a story of human love for God in this complex poetic book and offers a commentary that elucidates and inspires.

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.

Robert W. Jenson is Senior Scholar for Research at the Center for Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey, and Professor Emeritus of Religion at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the Isaiah 1-39 volume:

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government will be upon his shoulder

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For the early church fathers the prophecy of Isaiah was not a compendium of Jewish history or theology but an announcement of the coming Messiah fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. As such, the prophet's words were a rich source of theological reflection concerning their Lord and a vital aid in their defense against the objections of the Jews that Jesus was the promised Messiah. The interpretation of Jesus' ministry in light of Isaiah's prophecy was not a theological innovation on their part, but rather a following of the path blazed by the New Testament writers and Jesus himself.

Among passage-by-passage commentaries cited here are those by Eusebius of Caesarea, Jerome, Cyril of Alexandria and Theodoret of Cyr, as well as one attributed to Basil of Caesarea. John Chrysostom preached a series of homilies on Isaiah of which most of those extant concern the first eight chapters, though Chrysostom frequently cites Isaiah in numerous homilies on other books. Augustine of Hippo, Gregory the Great and Bede the Venerable frequently cited passages from Isaiah 1—39 as did many other fathers in defending the Christian faith from Jewish critics.

Edited by Steven A. McKinion, this volume of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture offers readers access to materials ranging from East to West and from the first through the eighth centuries, some appearing in English translation for the first time. Within this treasure house are riches to illumine the mind and fire the heart.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® (POSB) is a practical and comprehensive commentary set that gives the pastor or teacher everything they need to preach or teach God’s Word. Covering every book of the Bible, POSB is the perfect resource for expository or topical teaching.

With over a million copies sold in print, POSB is unlike any other commentary you will encounter. Each volume gives you detailed, verse-by-verse exposition for every Bible passage. Along with the biblical commentary, POSB includes extensive outlines with sub-points, thoughts on practical application, deeper studies on key biblical topics and themes, and full cross references.

You will quickly see the added value and ease of use that comes with having this commentary in your Olive Tree library. The Olive Tree edition separates the outlines and commentary to make POSB even easier to use. Instead of scrolling back and forth (or flipping pages), you can see the commentary and outlines side-by-side as you study or prepare your sermon. POSB is also fully functional with the Resource Guide and is configured to help you get to the information you need quickly. You can both drill down to the verse you want to study and easily find all the introductory material on each book of the Bible.

The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible makes it easy to create life-changing sermons and lessons. Everything you need to understand any passage of the Bible is right at your fingertips. And this resource is not just for preachers and teachers; it’s perfect for any Christian who wants to know God’s Word better.

POSB features include:

• Detailed outlines for every book of the Bible
• Well researched and easy to read commentary
• Practical application for godly living
• Deeper studies to dive into key topics and themes
• Full text cross references (no need to look them up)

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does what very few of today's students of the Bible could do for themselves. With the aid of computer technology, the vast array of writings from the church fathers—including much that is available only in the ancient languages—have been combed for their comment on Scripture. From these results, scholars with a deep knowledge of the fathers and a heart for the church have hand-selected material for each volume, shaping, annotating and introducing it to today's readers. Each portion of commentary has been chosen for its salient insight, its rhetorical power and its faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is an ecumenical project, promoting a vital link of communication between the varied Christian traditions of today and their common ancient ancestors in the faith. On this shared ground, we listen as leading pastoral theologians of seven centuries gather around the text of Scripture and offer their best theological, spiritual and pastoral insights.

Today the historical-critical method of interpretation has nearly exhausted its claim on the biblical text and on the church. In its wake there is a widespread yearning among Christian individuals and communities for the wholesome, the deep and the enduring. The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture does not seek to replace those excellent commentaries that have been produced in the twentieth century. Rather, it supplements them, framing them with interpretive voices that have long sustained the church and only recently have fallen silent. It invites us to listen with appreciative ears and sympathetic minds as our ancient ancestors in the faith describe and interpret the scriptural vistas as they see them.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a postcritical revival of the early commentary tradition known as the glossa ordinaria, a text artfully elaborated with ancient and authoritative reflections and insights. An uncommon companion for theological interpretation, spiritual reading, and wholesome teaching and preaching.

About the Isaiah 40-66 volume:

No book of the Old Testament is more frequently quoted in the New than Isaiah, and no portion of Isaiah is more frequently quoted in the New than the typologically fertile soil of Isaiah 40-66. Still, as interpreted by the fathers, Isaiah presents a message that is far more soteriological than christological, leading readers to a deeper understanding of God's judgment and salvation. Isaiah 40-66 provides us with the closest thing the Old Testament has to offer regarding a systematic theology.

The excerpts included in this volume offer us a rich array of differing styles, principles and theological emphases from Theodoret of Cyr to Eusebius and Procopius, to Cyril of Alexandria, Jerome and Augustine. Readers will be enriched by the wide-ranging selections, some of which are translated here into English for the first time.

Ever since Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth, Christians have gravitated to this great prophecy as the interpretive center of the Old Testament. Here the story of Israel, scourged by judgment and exile and hopeful of restoration, is framed by its witnesses, heaven and earth. How will Israel be brought through its school of suffering and be propelled toward its divine destiny as the vanguard of a new heaven and earth? In the visionary world of Isaiah, the varied themes and imagery of the Old Testament converge and blend to transcend their plainest meanings as they project an extraordinary climax of the story of Israel and of the world.

Barry Webb calls Isaiah the "Romans" of the Old Testament, where all the threads come together and the big picture of God's purposes for his people and for his world are most clearly set forth. Attuned to the magnificent literary architecture of Isaiah, Webb escorts us through this prophecy and trains our ears and hearts to resonate with its great biblical-theological themes.

About the Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series:

Edited by J.A. Motyer and the late John R. W. Stott, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are characterized by what Stott called a "threefold ideal . . . to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable." As such, each contributor in this series is both a noted scholar and a working pastor.

The BST series, now complete, covers all sixty-six books of the bible (Old and New Testaments) in fifty-five volumes. If you preach or teach from Scripture, the Bible Speaks Today series will help you apply the timeless biblical message to the everyday experiences of your listeners. And if you study the Bible on your own, these volumes will be a helpful resource focusing on the significance of God's Word for your own life and work.

The church of Corinth and the issues it faced are quite similar to those of today’s churches. We face ethnic, religious, economic, and social barriers. Churches split over matters of authority, sexual practice, gender, marriage, and divorce.

Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthians to give them practical solutions to these problems. In this commentary, Alan Johnson demonstrates that at the center of these solutions is love—only Christ-centered love offers any solution to the complications of the human condition—whether now or thousands of years ago.

Recipient of Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Award!

Peter’s letter encouraged his readers: not only as they endured suffering, but also as they persevered in holding fast to Christ in unbelieving and hostile world. Peter’s letter is full of practical advice for right familial and social living, not to mention for interacting with a culture that challenges those who seek and obey Christ.

This refreshing commentary from a prominent evangelical scholar, I. Howard Marshall, explains 1 Peter’s literary structure, authorship, audience, and main theological subjects, along with a detailed walkthrough that strives to illuminate both the significance of the text today and its significance for its first readers.

The end times (eschatology) intrigued the early church as much as it does today’s church.

The new church at Thessalonica, which Paul planted during his short time there, also wondered when the end might be. Paul composed two letters for them, so that they might have a fuller knowledge of the “last things.” Taken in tandem, they explain the “already-and-not-yet” nature of the “age to come.” Paul’s explanation and advice remains relevant for today’s church as well.

G.K. Beale walks us through what these letters meant to their first audience and how we can apply them to our lives.

Issues of leadership, wealth, right handling of cults, women in ministry, and even marriage as a social establishment—the very same issues faced by today’s church—are addressed by Paul in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. His compassionate advice to Timothy and Titus as they guide first century believers in Crete and Ephesus is advice modern churches still need when leading God’s children today.

Philip H. Towner walks us through what these letters meant to their first audience and how it applies today.

Divided by discord, the church John wrote his letters to greatly needed his firm instruction to rediscover Christ-centered love and unity. His letters to that church are easily adapted to modern gatherings of believers, which are often challenged by disputes –whether internal or external. In a pluralistic society, visibly holding fast to gospel truth is imperative.

Marianne Meye Thompson’s thorough commentary on John’s letters contains opening material that explains the letters’ historical context, purpose, order, theological themes, and other contextual matters. A detailed explanation then illuminates the meaning of each letter both for modern audiences and ancient ones.

When Paul wrote his second letter to the church in Corinth, he was addressing some of the same materialistic issues and tendencies towards decadence that assail churches today. Paul’s tactics and time-proven ministerial insights are still relevant ways of addressing these very problems.

In this thorough commentary of 2 Corinthians,Linda L. Belleville provides an introduction that explains dates of authorship and historical occasion, purpose, cultural context, theology, and other contextual matters. Belleville communicates what 2 Corinthians meant to its original audiences and how we should apply that to our lives. Students, ministers, teachers, and anyone who wants to get to know the Bible more deeply should make use of this exceptional resource.

In Simon Peter’s eyes, the mercy of forgiveness is, perhaps, matched only by the awe of experiencing trust after his threefold denial. That redemptive event in Peter’s life fueled profound letters—letters of caution and hope, grave counsel, and unimaginable promise.

Jude is too often ignored because of its short length and forceful content. Regardless, it is dominated by God’s love and is a source of significant instruction for the church.

In this commentary, Robert Harvey and Philip H. Towner explore the subjects of composition, canonicity, purpose, and theology. Finally, they show how all these connect for today’s church.

Following the ascension of Jesus, the strife-torn, ethnically diverse backwater of the Roman Empire known as Palestine was a hostile environment for the gospel. Despite that, the gospel flourished -- from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the known world.

In Acts, the sequel to his Gospel, Luke describes how the Holy Spirit transformed a small group of believers into a unified, world-engaging church. William Larkin’s examination of this account of the early church offers inspiration and insight for readers who wonder how the gospel may be advanced in the increasingly divided and skeptical culture of the twenty-first century.

This outstanding commentary serves students, ministers, teachers—anyone who has a desire to know Acts in a more thorough way.

Paul’s letter to the Colossians, who were absorbed with legalism and intellectual conflicts, emphasizes the essential need for belief in Christ and the calling of all Christians to demonstrate their faith in right relationship with others. Paul’s solution to a purely individual and intellectualized faith will ease believer’s hearts and minds even today.

Philemon was an influential church leader whose slave, Onesimus, ran away. Paul wrote him a compelling, deeply personal letter, in which he asked Philemon to start a wholly fresh relationship with Onesimus. This letter gives exemplary advice on caring conflict resolution and relationships in church communities.

Robert W. Wall’s study on Colossians and Philemon contains explanations of what these letters meant to their first audiences and how to apply that meaning today.

For readers who both yearn to know God more deeply and desire to know their purpose before God, Ephesians offers an overarching picture of God’s intention for His church, with Jesus Christ at the center. Paul starts out with a beautiful doxology and then exhorts the church to prove its vocal praise with action. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus remains powerful, moving, and transformative for Christians today.

Walter Linfield focuses both on this letter’s meaning for ancient readers and how that meaning speaks to modern readers—making this commentary an exceptional help for students, ministers, and teachers. This commentary also provides an introduction that addresses date of composition, authorship, theological themes, and context.