Ruth is permeated with God’s providential care for Ruth and her family. The New International Commentary: The Book of Ruth draws from recent scholarship to carefully address the book of Ruth’s literary, grammatical, and theological aspects. Hubbard highlights the literary mastery and distinct theological views within Ruth in order to offer a new date and purpose for it. By acknowledging Ruth and Naomi’s success as divine providence, says Hubbard, the author of Ruth was countering challenges to the Davidic monarchy during Solomon’s kingship.
This long-beloved story is now accompanied with in-depth notes on matters of context, literary criticism, genre, setting, canonicity, themes, and theology—not to mention Hubbard’s original translation of the original Hebrew text. Hubbard also provides a bibliography for readers who want to go further in their study of this enduring, redemptive, and truly wonderful story of God’s devoted love.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
In the New International Commentary: The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, F. Charles Fensham carefully walks readers through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah—two books that are central for a correct understanding of the origins of Judaism, particularly the roots of the Pharisees. This serves as invaluable background to Jesus’ interactions with the Jewish authorities in the New Testament.
Fensham is widely regarded for his studies of the ancient Near East, specifically the Ugarit language. He compares/contrasts Ezra and Nehemiah with the ancient Near Eastern world and addresses authorship and the original unity of the two books in his introduction. He deals with matters of historical and religious context, paying heightened attention to the growth of Jewish religion after the Babylonian exile. He then analyzes text and language and concludes with a comprehensive bibliography for readers who want to study further.
For the commentary itself, Fensham works with his own translation of the Biblical text. He doesn’t hesitate to consult of the work of others, however, and shows wise judgment in his translation—not to mention shrewd intuition when it comes to the meaning of these significant Hebrew texts.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah represent a significant turning point in biblical history. They tell the story not only of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem but also of the resurrection of God’s people from the death of exile. Hannah Harrington thus begins her commentary with an evocative description of these books as “the story of a new Israel forged out of the old” and “the text of a people clinging to their genealogical past and attempting to preserve their heritage while walking forward into uncharted territory.”
Throughout this commentary, Harrington combines analytical research on the language and culture behind the books of Ezra and Nehemiah with challenging thoughts for the Christian church today, bringing to bear a unique perspective on these books not as the end of Old Testament history but as early documents of the Second Temple period. Accordingly, Harrington incorporates a wealth of information from other Jewish literature of the time to freshly illuminate many of the topics and issues at hand while focusing on the interpretation and use of these books for Christian life today.
Reviews
“Dr. Harrington skillfully engages the reader in understanding the text, setting, and possible dates of the events narrated in the Ezra and Nehemiah memoirs, as well as their relationship to Chronicles. In laying the foundation for her readers, Harrington constructs a clear path for navigating the narratives. Her astute exegesis and social science approach offer insights into social drama, group identity, and social boundaries reflected in Ezra-Nehemiah. This is a timely must-read for scholars, practitioners, or those seeking to explore community crisis and renewal issues and the far-reaching consequences of Ezra-Nehemiah on modern concepts of Jerusalem’s status, purity, marriage, and societal reconstruction.” — Mignon R. Jacobs, Virginia Union University
“Hannah Harrington makes a significant contribution to the study of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah while offering pastors, lay readers, and academics alike an accessible commentary. Informed by extensive study, Harrington’s volume interacts with a wide range of scholarship and takes seriously the importance of the ancient historical context of Ezra and Nehemiah for interpretation. Harrington deftly handles controversial critical questions and presents an erudite, faithful reading of these important biblical books with an eye to their theological message and implications for Christians today.” — Paul S. Evans, McMaster Divinity College
Hannah K. Harrington is professor of Old Testament at Patten University, Oakland, California. Along with her numerous articles on the Bible, Second Temple Judaism, and Christianity, Harrington's other books include Holiness: Rabbinic Judaism and the Graeco-Roman World and The Purity and Sanctuary of the Body in Second Temple Judaism.
Engaging with the latest scholarship, Jacobs provides a thorough introduction to both prophets in which she addresses questions of authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology, followed by a new translation of the biblical text and a verse-by-verse commentary. With intertextual discussions about key aspects of the text and attention to competing perspectives, this commentary offers a rich new interpretation of Haggai and Malachi.
About the New International Commentary on the Old Testament:
Someone once said, "The past is another country -- they do things differently there." At times, indeed, the Old Testament resembles another very different country. Maneuvering through levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades The New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
This premier commentary series enjoys a worldwide readership of scholars, pastors, priests, rabbis, and serious Bible students. They eagerly consult its high-quality volumes to inform their preaching, teaching, and academic research, and they warmly welcome each newly published volume as they would an encounter with a stimulating new friend. Through the rigorous yet reverent study contained in these commentary volumes, readers hear afresh the voice of the living God speaking his powerful word.
All of the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
Readers who want to hear God's voice anew through Scripture will find The New International Commentary on the Old Testament to be a faithful, trustworthy guide for helping them navigate the strange other country we call the Old Testament.
“A commentary on Haggai and Malachi from a wise and experienced scholar like Mignon Jacobs is to be welcomed. . . . Those who may be unsure of what two shorter prophetic books have to say to the modern reader need look no further. This is an excellent contribution to an increasingly important commentary series.” — Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, Loyola Marymount University
“Mignon Jacobs offers fresh readings of Haggai and Malachi for pastors and students. Her work has an accessible style, and the voluminous footnotes list alternative positions within the scholarly discussions. Her introductions to these prophets emphasize their social location at different points in the Persian period, and her exegetical treatments in the commentary proper include extensive exploration of biblical contexts to explain the concepts, phrases, and idioms that shape the message.” — James Nogalski, Baylor University
“Jacobs provides an in-depth treatment of these two oft-neglected prophetic works, always with close attention to the Hebrew text.” — Marvin A. Sweeney, Claremont School of Theology, Academy for Jewish Religion California
“One of the most readable commentaries on Haggai and Malachi I have ever read. Jacobs’s achievement is even more admirable in that she often presents her readers with multiple interpretative options, and she brings to bear numerous intertextual references and much material to engender further discussion. This commentary on two important—though often overlooked—prophetic books will be very helpful to the main target readership of the series and beyond.” — Ehud Ben Zvi, University of Alberta
Haggai and Malachi are two significant but sometimes marginalized books. The New International Commentary: Haggai and Malachi by Pieter A. Verhoef is a comprehensive, critical interpretation and explanation of these two books in terms of how their messages are connected to today’s church.
In his introductions to these books, Verhoef includes information on context, literary aspects, theology, and the message itself. Along the way, he gathers compelling support for the reliability of these two books and contrasts his findings with background information from the ancient Near East, the Old Testament as a whole, and academic research past and current. In the midst of his excellent scholarship, Verhoef does not forget his pastoral experience—this commentary is accessible to Bible readers of all levels of experience.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
In the latest volume of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, James D. Nogalski offers a new translation of and commentary on several of the Minor Prophets—the books of Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah—that grapple with this theme in radically different ways.
This volume includes a robust introduction for each book, delineating its textual transmission, historical context, literary form, and major themes. The introduction also discusses the role of each book within the collection of the Twelve (Minor) Prophets. The commentaries properly explain the texts verse by verse, illuminating each book’s structure and canonical significance, yet always with an eye toward pastoral application.
Academically rigorous and accessibly written, The Books of Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah is an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and pastors.
Reviews
“If anyone has a contemporary word from the prophets, it is accomplished scholar and prolific author James Nogalski. An authority on the biblical prophetic texts, Nogalski puts his expertise on display in an extensive commentary that will contribute to the scholarly discourse and the practical preaching of Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah for generations to come. Nogalski’s attention to significant historical, grammatical, and stylistic details of these texts facilitates understanding how the enduring messages of the prophets of old continue to apply to contemporary readers. Scholars and preachers alike will greatly benefit from this superb resource that Nogalski has produced which brings Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah to life for modern students of the Bible.” — Dominick Hernández, Biola University
“This commentary has several strengths. The one that stands out for me is the attention paid to the ways that each of the three works interacts with and is shaped by its companions in the Book of the Twelve.” — J. Andrew Dearman, Fuller Theological Seminary
“James Nogalski has established himself as a foremost scholar of the so-called Minor Prophets, and it is thus welcome that he has completed this detailed commentary on Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah. Over the years he has immersed himself in scholarly study of the Twelve Prophets, and this is a fine detailed commentary with great attention to the language of the books as well as the scholarly theories. But he doesn't lead his readers into a scholarly maze from which they will never emerge. He helps the reader understand the Scriptures.” — John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary
James D. Nogalski is director of graduate studies and professor of Hebrew Bible and Old Testament at Baylor University. He is best known for his work on the prophets, especially the Book of the Twelve.
Despite the popularity of the Minor Prophets’ focus on social justice, they are often overshadowed by the rest of the Bible. Additionally, they are home to a host of historical/literary challenges that scholars have been working with for decades—challenges that all Christians should be aware of. In the New International Commentary: Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah, Leslie C. Allen consults theological, literary, and historical sources to rebuild the context in which The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah occur, in turn helping you apply them to everyday life.
Each book covered in this commentary gets its own introduction that lays out information on context, literary traits (including textual criticism), canonicity, and theology. The commentary proceeds verse-by-verse and operates on Allen’s own translation of the original Hebrew.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
In this commentary, Thomas Renz reads Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah as three carefully crafted writings of enduring relevance, each of which makes a vital contribution to the biblical canon. Discussing the historical settings, Renz takes up both long-standing issues, such as the relationship of Zephaniah to Josiah’s reforms, and the socioeconomic conditions of the time suggested by recent archaeological research. The place of these writings within the Book of the Twelve is given fresh consideration, including the question of what one should make of the alleged redaction history of Nahum and Habakkuk.
The author’s careful translation of the text comes with detailed textual notes, illuminating some of the Bible’s most outstanding poetry (Nahum) and one of the biblical chapters that is among the most difficult to translate (Habakkuk 3). The thorough verse-by-verse commentary is followed by stimulating theological reflection, opening up avenues for teaching and preaching from these prophetic writings. No matter their previous familiarity with these and other Minor Prophets, scholars, pastors, and lay readers alike will find needed guidance in working through these difficult but important books of the Bible.
Reviews
“With a lifetime of investment in studying the main critical issues, Renz has produced a learned and judicious commentary on three prophetic books. He is aware of more recent efforts to think of the Twelve as a whole, and the contribution of these three books in that same context, though he is cautious about preserving their individual character. This is a commentary with technical expertise and pastoral sensitivity. An impressive contribution to the well-regarded NICOT series.” — Christopher Seitz, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
“I can highly recommend this carefully researched, well-rounded, and comprehensive commentary. Its close attention to text-historical, text-critical, and literary issues makes this a very valuable addition to the scholarly library. Renz interprets the three books as distinct literary units which address matters of import for Judah living in the shadow of the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian empires, yet he also explores their significance when read within the Book of the Twelve, the wider Protestant Canon, and later Christian reception.” — Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, Örebro School of Theology, Sweden
“Thomas Renz has written an outstanding commentary on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. Scholarly yet pastoral, thorough yet accessible; students and preachers of these books alike will be helped enormously. Renz doesn’t smother the text under a weight of detail but lets it live, explaining it lucidly and helping us see its trajectories for Christian thinking and application.” — Paul A. Barker, Old Testament lecturer and Assistant Anglican Bishop, Melbourne, Australia
“Renz’s commentary on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah is amazingly meticulous and encyclopedic in its detailed attention to essential aspects of interpretation: text and translation, vocabulary and intertextual connections, poetic form and diction, compositional structure, reception-historical highlights, and profound reflection on theological implications that often extends into the New Testament—all of it clearly argued and exhaustively documented. This will become a standard reference work, especially for scholars, and also for pastors, theology students, and studious lay persons who seek to interpret the text from a perspective of faith.” — Michael H. Floyd, former president of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars
“This is a well-written, and (for scholarship prior to the 2010s) exhaustively researched volume, as well as a user-friendly one, with ample indices. It deserves a place on the shelf of anyone chasing these three short, intriguing books of prophecy.” — Review of Biblical Literature
Thomas Renz is the rector of Monken Hadley, a parish within the Church of England. Previously, he taught Old Testament and Hebrew at Oak Hill Theological College, a seminary in North London.
History and prophecy are closely connected when it comes to God’s chosen people. The books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah make this explicit in the eyes of O. Palmer Robertson, who, in showing the historical context of these books in the New International Commentary: Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, presents the compelling argument that Biblical history actually forms and acts as prophecy. Sadly, the events surrounding these three Minor Prophets spoke of great tragedies to come. But these tragedies are not nearly the totality of God’s plan for Israel.
Robertson has the gifted mind of a scholar and the caring heart of a pastor. Knowing full well the nature of our time, Robertson not only provides an expert critical explanation of the text and an invaluable historical context, but also challenges us to face our need for repentance and obedience, just as Israel had to face that need thousands of years ago.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
David and Goliath, the call of Samuel, the witch of Endor, David and Bathsheba—these stories and people are familiar, even to some with no Biblical background. But the books of 1 and 2 Samuel are among the most difficult books in the Bible. The Hebrew text presents serious issues to translators and scholars alike. The social and religious customs depart in some ways from Moses’ tradition and don’t all make sense in a context of Judaism. But in the New International Commentary: 1 Samuel, David Toshio Tsumura provides a great deal of illumination on 1 Samuel’s cultural context, paying close attention to Philistine and Canaanite practices, as he clarifies the complicated Hebrew text.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
Second Samuel includes some of the most well-known and theologically layered episodes in the Old Testament, such as the Lord’s establishment of an eternal covenant with David, David’s sin with Bathsheba, and the subsequent account of Absalom’s rebellion. In this second part of an ambitious two-volume commentary on the books of Samuel, David Toshio Tsumura elucidates the rich text of 2 Samuel with special attention to literary and textual issues. Tsumura interprets the book in light of the meaning of the original composition, and he provides a fresh new translation based on careful analysis of the Hebrew text.
David Toshio Tsumura is professor of Old Testament at Japan Bible Seminary, Tokyo, chairman of the Tokyo Museum of Biblical Archaeology, author of The First Book of Samuel (NICOT), and editor of Exegetica: Studies in Biblical Exegesis. He was also the chairman of the Translation Committee for the New Japanese Bible, Shinkaiyaku 2017.
Webb concentrates throughout on what the biblical text itself throws into prominence, giving space to background issues only when they cast significant light on the foreground. For those who want more, the footnotes and bibliography provide helpful guidance. The end result is a welcome resource for interpreting one of the most challenging books in the Old Testament.
New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.
All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.
The New Testament Library series offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary; M. Eugene Boring, Brite Divinity School; and John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Reviews
"Based on a lifetime of reading Acts and texts from both the Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds, Carl Holladay has produced a commentary on both Acts and the world in which it was set. This is erudition devoted to a contemporary reader. It is historical-critical scholarship at its very best. I highly recommend it to all who take the text seriously." — Gregory E. Sterling, The Reverend Henry L. Slack Dean and Lillian Claus Professor of New Testament, Yale Divinity School"Professor Holladay's reputation for precision while simultaneously entertaining his audiences with spellbinding episodes from the past continues unabated in his magnificent retelling of Luke's account of the continuation of the life-transforming events of Jesus, Lord and Christ, into the movement of his apostles from the center of Jewish faith in Jerusalem to the vortex of the nations in Rome. In his own inimitable way, Carl Holladay combines accuracy of description in summoning events and personages and cultural-classical texts critical to Luke's telling, while at the same time extracting with magnetic-like force their importance in the much larger theological-missional intent of Luke's interactive narrative arc. As a highly skilled historian, Holladay enables the lasting significance of Luke's kerygmatic message to present itself from within the historical-literary-cultural contexts that he highlights so well. His new telling will soon become the commentary of choice for scholars of antiquity and people of faith." — David P. Moessner, A. A. Bradford Chair of Religion, Texas Christian University
Carl R. Holladay is Charles Howard Candler Professor of New Testament at Emory University. He is the author of several books and coauthor of Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner's Handbook, published by Westminster John Knox Press. He is the 2016-17 President of the Society of New Testament Studies.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Jerry L. Sumney is Professor of Biblical Studies at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Reviews
"Stephen Fowl's rich volume on this rich letter displays his careful reading of the text that yields a truly theological commentary." — Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore"Stephen Fowl brings his considerable gifts in theological interpretation to the profound theological message of the Letter to the Ephesians. The result is a refreshingly irenic commentary that reflects a thorough knowledge of the critical discussions while eschewing lengthy debate." — Andrew T. Lincoln, Portland Professor of New Testament, University of Gloucestershire
"Reading Stephen Fowl's work is always a wonderful experience. His prose is tight and clear, his thinking fresh, and his commentary on Scripture always targets the sacred text and what it may teach the church about its relationship with God and one another." — Robert W. Wall, Paul T. Walls Professor of Scripture and Wesleyan Studies, Seattle Pacific University
Stephen E. Fowl is Professor of Theology at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. He has written both in the area of New Testament and theological hermeneutics, and specializes in Pauline studies. His books include Philippians: The Two Horizons in the New Testament Commentary Series; Reading Scripture with the Church: Toward a Theological Hermeneutic with A.K.M. Adam, Kevin Vanhoozer, and Francis Watson; and Theological Interpretation of Scripture.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Martinus C. de Boer is is Professor of New Testament at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Review
"This commentary is a welcome contribution to recent literature on Hebrews. Substantial in content and readable in form, it will help a wide range of readers appreciate the message and artistry of this challenging New Testament book." — Craig R. Koester, Luther Seminary, in Review of Biblical LiteratureLuke Timothy Johnson is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christian Origins at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. A New Testament scholar and historian of early Christianity, he is the author of more than two dozen books. He is also the 2011 Grawemeyer Award in Religion for Among the Gentiles: Greco-Roman Religion and Christianity.
In them, Christianity seems to exist as an intersection of readings of the Old Testament, stories and traditions about Jesus, and the demands of living in the Roman world and the still-emerging church. Donelson's illuminating commentaries show that each letter reflects those forces in its own way. Viewed collectively, these documents portray communities deep in conflict, both with outsiders and with insiders. However, the letters also portray communities full not only of enormous theological resources but theological creativity as well.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Lewis R. Donelson is Ruth A. Campbell Professor of New Testament Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. His books include From Hebrews to Revelation and Colossians, Ephesians, First and Second Timothy, and Titus, both available from WJK.
In this new volume in the acclaimed New Testament Library series, M. Eugene Boring offers a scholarly interpretation of I and II Thessalonians while examining their historical context. Boring helps the reader learn to read these letters in context, particularly in relation to Paul's life as well as to the new converts who lived in Thessalonica. He addresses aspects such as structure, tone, style, language, and—for II Thessalonians— questions of authorship, while offering insightful theological perspectives. Boring's critical interpretation is a welcome addition to the New Testament Library and provides a solid resource for both the academy and the church.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The editorial board consists of C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary; M. Eugene Boring, Brite Divinity School; and John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Review
"M. Eugene Boring's treatment of 1 and 2 Thessalonians is thoroughly researched, exegetically perceptive, and theologically insightful. Boring helps the contemporary reader listen in on the conversations between Paul and the Thessalonians and between Paul's literary descendant and those same Christians with keen awareness of the political, social, and religious environments in which they lived. This is a master work by a wise and seasoned scholar." — E. Elizabeth Johnson, J. Davison Philips Professor of New Testament, Columbia Theological SeminaryM. 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.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Raymond F. Collins is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He is also a Roman Catholic priest.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Judith M. Lieu is Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge in England. She is the author of numerous books on early Christian identity and a former editor of the journal, New Testament Studies.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Frank J, Matera is Pastor of St. Mary's Church in Simsbury, Connecticut. He was the Andrews-Kelly-Ryan Professor of New Testament at the Catholic University of America, where he taught from 1988 until his retirement in 2012. He is a past president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and the author of many books, including New Testament Ethics, New Testament Christology, and II Corinthians in the New Testament Library series, all published by WJK.
In this new authoritative volume of the New Testament Library series, Joel B. Green presents the writer of James as a sort of practical theologian, directly addressing the lived experiences of Jewish Christ followers beset by Roman social conventions and sensibilities contrary to the divine command to love God and love neighbor.
The book of James is nothing if not pragmatic. Its core arguments rest on urging its audience to take concrete action to develop faithful life patterns in a world that is often set against those who seek to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. Joel B. Green shows how the practical wisdom of James can continue to speak prophetically to a range of issues that plague our contemporary experience—the entrenched and growing gap between the wealthy and impoverished foremost among them. But readers who might be tempted to formulate a simple to-do list from James’s precepts are encouraged instead to enter into the world of the text as fully and as humanly as possible by asking questions like: How would the letter’s first audience (and then how might we) hear, and internalize, the writer’s words about perfection, moral purity, humans made in God’s likeness, and prayer for the sick and disabled? How might their lives (and then how might ours) be shaped by James’s central concern with the double love of love of God and love of neighbor?
James: A Commentary examines the Letter of James from a variety of angles—its social and cultural contexts, its relationship to Israel’s Scriptures and to the teaching of Jesus, the development of its message, and its significance theologically. As with other volumes in the New Testament Library series, this commentary strives to come to terms with the literary and historical aspects of James: its arguments, its appeals, its perspectives; its interpretation of Jesus’ message and Israel’s Scriptures; its grasp of contemporary Jewish and Greco-Roman thought. But it most deeply aims to show how James points readers toward envisaging the world as God does and acting accordingly—personally and communally.
The New Testament Library series offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary; Susan E. Hylen, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; and Emerson B. Powery, Messiah University.
Reviews
"With his characteristic clarity and literary insight, Joel Green helps us attune our ears to the Letter of James and its message concerning the embodied life of faith. Not only is Green's commentary a welcome addition to the renowned New Testament Library series, but it also provides an indispensable guide to the wisdom of the practical theologian known as James." — Brittany E. Wilson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Duke University Divinity School
"In this thoroughly engaging and deeply insightful commentary on the Epistle of James, Joel B. Green masterfully explores the first-century contexts of the epistle and illuminates modern contexts. James emerges as a practical theologian who speaks powerfully to two of the troubling issues of our time—growing poverty amid scandalous wealth and incendiary rhetoric in public discourse. A must-read for pastors and academics who care about these issues." — Raj Nadella, Samuel A. Cartledge Associate Professor of New Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary
"Professor Green has crafted a coherent and carefully argued ethical reading of what can appear to be disjointed exhortations in a Jewish Christian writing of little interest to twenty-first-century believers. Providing a user-friendly translation, helpful charts, and careful attention to the resources James drew on from the Old Testament and Jesus tradition, Green finds contemporary challenges for readers to act according to God’s vision of the world. In today's media environment, the detailed presentation of a Christian 'speech ethic' and the significance of metaphors for strengthening communal bonds is particularly illuminating." — Pheme Perkins, Professor of New Testament and Joseph Professor of Catholic Spirituality, Boston College
Joel B. Green is Senior Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has authored or edited more than sixty books, including Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. He served as a general editor of Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship and Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, is editor of the New International Commentary on the New Testament series, and was the founding editor of the Journal of Theological Interpretation. Green has been elected to membership in both Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas and the International Society for Science and Religion.
John's Gospel, Thompson posits, is the product of a social-cultural world whose language, commitments, and contours must be investigated in order to read John's narrative well. In doing so, Thompson studies the narrative, structure, central themes, and theological and rhetorical arguments found in the Fourth Gospel. Thompson's expert commentary unpacks and illuminates John's unique witness to Jesus—who he was, what he did, and what that means.
The New Testament Library series offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary; M. Eugene Boring, Brite Divinity School; and John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Reviews
"Without neglecting the cultural contexts of this most 'spiritual' Gospel, Thompson demonstrates the depth of the Gospel's scriptural roots and, in conversation with interpreters ancient and modern, the breadth and height of its theological claims. This expert engagement with the Gospel narrative is a much-needed contribution to its contemporary interpretation. It will now be my go-to commentary on John." — Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University"Both the specialist and the less informed student will find here a careful and faithful reading that traces the actual contours of the narrative while not ignoring historical considerations, literary context, patristic traditions, and contemporary scholarly debate. Professor Thompson's main concern is to 'illumine the witness' of the evangelist and so to train the lens thoroughly on that witness's 'understanding of Jesus—who he was, what he did, and what that means.' This she does, with grace and erudition." — Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
"In this exceptional commentary, Thompson wears her deep scholarship lightly. We are given a clear and fresh vision of John's portrayal of Jesus and its enduring significance for today. Here is real insight." — Walter Moberly, Professor of Theology and Biblical Interpretation, Durham University
"Thompson has written a richly rewarding theological commentary that reads the Fourth Gospel first and foremost as a story of Jesus. No one is better qualified today to write such a commentary, and Thompson's work does not disappoint. Both pastor and scholar will be greatly rewarded by giving this work their attention." — Nijay K. Gupta, George Fox Evangelical Seminary
Marianne Meye Thompson is George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Among her books is The Promise of the Father: Jesus and God in the New Testament, published by Westminster John Knox Press.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
John T. Carroll is the Harriet Robertson Fitts Memorial Professor of New Testament at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He is also the co-editor of Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology and the co-chair of the Gospel of Luke section for the Society of Biblical Literature. Carroll is the author or editor of numerous works, including Luke: A Commentary in the esteemed New Testament Library series, for which he also serves on the editorial board.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Review
"The author's treatment of the Markan text is both comprehensive in scope and scholarly in tenor. His exegetical comments are cautiously advanced, appropriately balanced, and judiciously expressed. The style, too, is very readable." — William R. Telford, Durham University, in Review of Biblical LiteratureM. 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 this new critical commentary for the New Testament Library series, R. Alan Culpepper sets the Gospel of Matthew in the context of the competing Jewish and early Christian voices of the first century, bringing greater clarity to Matthew’s own proclamation of the gospel and inviting readers to give up perhaps long-held assumptions about the book.
In Culpepper’s treatment, Matthew emerges as a Gospel for a Jewish community, distinguishing itself from the Pharisees on one side and other early Christian traditions and leaders, especially Paul and his followers, on the other side. In this framework, Matthew calls his community to faithful observance of the law, a law-observant mission to both Jews and Gentiles, and repentance and the practice of forgiving in preparation for the coming judgment. Accordingly, Matthew takes readers back to an early period, before the separation of Jewish Christians from the synagogues. By taking seriously Matthew’s Jewishness, this volume also enables readers to hear the historical Jesus more clearly. Excursuses on Matthew’s social setting include Jesus as healer, Sabbath observance, Roman taxation, the Pharisees, the tithes, ancient weddings, and the Sanhedrin, as well as many shorter units on Second Temple Judaism, synagogues, and first-century Galilean society.
The New Testament Library series offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, providing fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary; John T. Carroll, Union Presbyterian Seminary; and Susan E. Hylen, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
R. Alan Culpepper is Dean Emeritus of the McAfee School of Theology, Mercy University, in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he was Professor of Religion at Baylor University. He has written numerous books, articles, curricula, and book reviews.
Together, these two letters show Paul's vital passion for the church and the bonds that held early Christians together in their faith.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Review
Cousar is a sure-footed guide to the issues surrounding these epistles, providing thoughtful and judicious comment while providing his own solutions." — Journal for the Study of the New TestamentCharles B. Cousar is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He is the author of numerous books, including Galatians in the Interpretation commentary series. He is also coauthor of the three volumes of Texts for Preaching.
The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
Brian K. Blount is President and Professor of New Testament at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He is the coauthor of Preaching Mark in Two Voices and Making Room at the Table and the author of Can I Get a Witness? and Invasion of the Dead, all available from WJK.
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