The Pastoral Epistles present difficult questions for the modern interpreter, including such matters as their authorship, literary characteristics, and social orientations. Raymond Collins carefully leads the reader through the texts of these three documents, attending to the flow of the Pastor's thought and locating it within the Jewish and Hellenistic culture of his day.

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.

40 short devotions on the different aspects of God's love in hard times

Catherine Campbell's experience as a nurse and as the mother of two girls who both inherited a rare genetic condition that required constant care until their deaths at ages 10 and 13 has given her a unique insight into suffering. As an inspirational speaker, she frequently encounters people with tragic stories. And yet she believes that God is Lord and that in both good times and bad, He is always good.

Isaiah 40:31 says, that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Campbell comments: How often have you wakened in the morning knowing that the problem, or the pain, or the unpaid bill has not disappeared? We worry and fret ourselves into exhaustion. Yet God has promised us endurance. The great eagle cannot reach the heights merely by its own strength. As it spreads its impressive wings the bird allows the wind to carry it to places no other bird can go. This kind of flying appears effortless because the eagle trusts in a power bigger than itself . . . the wind

In this unique devotional, Catherine examines different aspects of God's love for those times when life gets hard. Perfect for anyone needing encouragement in difficult times, Rainbows for Rainy Days gently shows readers how to turn pain over to Him.

Un estudio biblico de 10 secciones en el que Max Lucado le lleva a conocer a profundidad a 10 mujeres de la Biblia y lo que se puede aprender de sus experiencias. Ni siquiera sabemos algunos de sus nombres. A algunas se las menciona solo por su nacionalidad. A otras se las conoce solo por el lugar en donde vivian. Algunas llegarian a ser reinas, en tanto que otras vivirian en los margenes de la sociedad. Una daria luz a una nacion, y otra daria a luz al Mesias. A menudo se pasa por alto su cultura o se resta la importancia a las contribuciones de las mujeres, y sin embargo los escritores de las Escrituras hallaron a estas mujeres y el papel que ellas cumplieron asombrosamente para narrar la historia de Dios. Al estudiar las vidas de las mujeres de la Biblia hallamos verdades importantes que Dios quiere que captemos. Vivieron en un mundo diferente al nuestro, pero nosotros enfrentamos las mismas circunstancias que ellas. Y sin embargo, incluso mas, estas mujeres nos muestran que hay un Dios que nos ve, y ve donde estamos, y nos ama por lo que somos. Es el que se cierne sobre todas las paginas de la Biblia, forjando vidas, rescatando corazones, sanando enfermedades, revivificando a la vida lo que estuvo muerto, y asignando altas vocaciones a los que escogen seguirle y tienen fe en el. En este cuaderno de trabajo de 10 sesiones, Max Lucado relata algunas de las experiencias favoritas de estas 10 mujeres: Sara, Abigail, Ester, la samaritana, Maria Magdalena y otras, y describe lo que las distinguio. CADA SESION INCLUYE: 50 estudios biblicos a profundidad para ayudarle a estudiar los relatos biblicos Puntos diarios para recordar, para ayudarle a resumir los puntos clave Oraciones diarias para ayudarle a concentrar sus pensamientos y avanzar en su tiempo de quietud Versiculos semanales para memorizar para ayudarle a guardar en su corazon la palabra de Dios Notas adicionales para ayudarle a dirigir a un grupo en este estudio Diez Mujeres de la Biblia es ideal para uso individual o de un grupo pequeno. Ten Women of the Bible As we study the lives of the women in the Bible, we find important truths that God wants us to grasp. They lived in a different world than our own, but we find ourselves facing the same issues they faced. Yet even more, these women show us there is a God who sees us where we are and loves us for who we are. He is the one who hovers over all the pages of the Bible, shaping lives, rescuing hearts, healing sicknesses, raising what was dead to life, and assigning high callings to those who choose to follow him and have faith in him. In this 10-session workbook, Max Lucado tells some of his favorite accounts of these ten women-Sarah, Abigail, Esther, the Samaritan Woman, Mary Magdalene, and others-and describes what set them all apart. EACH SESSION INCLUDES 50 in-depth Bible studies to help you navigate the stories in Scripture Daily points to remember to help you summarize the key points Daily prayers to help you focus your thoughts and move into your quiet time Weekly memory verses to help you hide God's word in your heart Additional notes to help you lead a group through the study Ten Women of the Bible is ideal for both individual use and for study in a small-group setting.

How can we know today what was happening in the minds and hearts of Paul and the first Christians so long ago? By getting below the surface of Paul's theology, the consistent key elements of early Christian experience are revealed in a way that throws light on the meaning of powerful religious experiences and movements both in the past and today. Illuminating for those who have never read a word on Paul yet disturbing and provocative for biblical scholars, this book tackles the topic of the religious experience of Paul and the first Christians. Lacking authentic knowledge of Paul's liberating experience, generations of translators and interpreters have inevitably and sometimes clumsily obscured Paul's meaning. In this book the scholarly accusation that Paul is incoherent is turned upside down to show how uncritically accepted ways of translating Paul mislead today's reader and introduce a mystifying complexity into scholarship on Paul. Taking the reader step-by-step through a painstaking restoration of the meaning of Paul's text, the colour and form of Paul's original vision are revealed.

The series Beihefte zur Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft (BZAW) covers all areas of research into the Old Testament, focusing on the Hebrew Bible, its early and later forms in Ancient Judaism, as well as its branching into many neighboring cultures of the Ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world.

2020 Christian Book Award winner! Written by VeggieTales(R) creator Phil Vischer, the Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids is more than a children's storybook Bible . . . it's a deep, engaging, and whimsical gospel experience. The Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids guides readers ages 4 to 8 from Genesis to Revelation, retelling beloved Bible stories AND tackling tricky questions like "What is sin?" Each story is vividly illustrated, takes just five minutes to read, and includes a Family Connection section to encourage family Bible study and help readers learn, talk, and pray together! PLUS, bonus content connects the dots of each Bible story, making the Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids a family devotional Bible that provides a big picture, applicational view of the Biblical narrative. Key Features: Written by VeggieTales(R) creator Phil Vischer Includes 52 beautifully-illustrated Bible stories from Genesis to Revelation Family Connection at the end of each story makes this children's Bible perfect for family devotional time. Features bonus content including maps, charts, and other tools not usually found in a Bible for kids Clearly teaches kids ages 4 to 8 about God's love and the gospel Previously published as the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids.

The reader and student of the Hans-Joachim commentary on the Psalms is surely impressed with the penetrating and wide-ranging scholarship of the author, but the translator is form page one obsessed with the fear that many of Dr. Kraus's observations and interpretations can be stated adequately only in German.

"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.

Ecclesiastes 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 full-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.

God's identity is beyond what we could ever fully express in human words. But Scripture uses one particular word to describe the distinctiveness of God's character: the Hebrew word hesed.

Hesed is a concept so rich in meaning that it doesn't translate well into any single English word or phrase. Michael Card unpacks the many dimensions of hesed, often expressed as lovingkindness, covenant faithfulness, or steadfast love. He explores how hesed is used in the Old Testament to reveal God's character and how he relates to his people. Ultimately, the fullness of hesed is embodied in the incarnation of Jesus.

As we follow our God of hesed, we ourselves are transformed to live out the way of hesed, marked by compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Discover what it means to be people of an everlasting love beyond words.

This historical-critical study of the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John challenges the commonly held view that the first Johannine epistle is related to the Gospel. This historical-critical study of the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John challenges the commonly held view that the first Johannine epistle is related to the Gospel. Sproston argues that the two writings are indirectly related through a common Johannine tradition. A comparison of the two therefore allows traditional material in the evangelist's work to be isolated, enhancing our understanding of the creative processes involved in its composition. The account of the raising of Lazarus is rigorously analysed as a test case for this kind of analysis.

A year's worth of delightful reflections on dogs known and loved, each leading into a consideration of some aspect of God's character. Stephen Poxon says, "Within what I hope will become this dog-eared work, 365 shaggy dog stories are homed with verses of Scripture to encourage, inform and possibly even amuse. Use them as a dog might treat a puddle - to gaze upon with curiosity, to dip into, or to have a jolly good splash around. It might be that a line from a reflection will lead you towards a deeper concept. It might be that a thought provides a timely contemplation for the day, relevant to your circumstances and concerns. "It is my prayer, as a dog devotee who tries to follow God, that these readings bring reminders of His love. As the seasons change and experiences vary between good, bad and indifferent, may our relationship with a loving Heavenly Father remain a rewarding constant."

There is a general consensus that the Fourth Gospel underwent two editions. But in contrast to all previous efforts to reconstruct these two editions on the basis of source and redaction criticism, Waetjen maintains that these two editions essentially overlap without far-reaching changes. Chapter 1-20 originated within the Jewish community of Alexandria and were addressed to Jews in order to persuade them to "believe into" Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. The second edition originated when chapter 21 as added and certain revisions were made in chapters 1-20 by an editor in the Christian community of Ephesus in order to present the Gospel to Gentile Christians and perhaps attendantly to legitimate it for canonization. Waetjen examines John's gospel by engaging in a close reading of various units of the Gospel from the perspective of a two-level drama that presents two narrative worlds within the literary structure of the Gospel. Out of his readings of the texts, one of the major and provocative conclusions Waetjen draws is that Lazarus is the Beloved Disciple of Jesus in chapters 1-20. John, the son of Zebedee, is intimated to play the role of the Beloved Disciple not only in chapter 21, but throughout the Gospel. In other words, the editor of chapter 21 has concluded that John (based on the title that the gospel already bears), is the Beloved Disciple and project that backwards from chapter 21 throughout the previous 20 chapters. Waetjen's thorough scholarship and his attention to detail in his original readings challenge traditional readings of John's Gospel, providing fresh insights into the Gospel.

A thirty day devotional look at 'David's diary' with thought provoking points, prayers and questions to help explore this much-loved story in a new way. How do you suppose David felt being plucked from the obscurity of caring for sheep to becoming the King of Israel ? Emily Owen explores these questions through David's 'diary', sharing in his trials, his victories, his challenges, fears and joys. Each reading begins with a diary extract from David's life, which is then beautifully unpacked with a meditation to encourage the reader to reflect on how that applies today. Each meditation is encouraging yet challenging, uplifting and helpful for personal growth. A wonderful book to help readers look again at familiar Bible stories with a fresh perspective.

In the history of nineteenth-century religious thought, William Robertson Smith occupies an ambiguous position. More than any other writer, he stimulated the theories of religion later advanced by Frazer, Durkheim, and Freud. Smith himself was not an original scholar, but was rather "clever at presenting other men's theories" within new and sometimes hostile contexts. Smith was an important contributor to two of the most serious challenges to Christian orthodoxy of the last century, the "Higher Criticism" of the Bible and the comparative study of religion, and was also the victim of the last successful heresy trial in Great Britain. Yet he was an utterly devout Protestant, whose views on Biblical criticism (for which he was damned) are now considered as true as his views on totemism and sacrifice (for which he was praised) are now considered false. Despite Smith's enormous significance for the history of religious ideas, he has been written about relatively little, and most of what we know about his life and work comes from a source almost a century old. Originally published in 1882, The Prophets of Israel is a collection of eight lectures, including "Israel and Jehovah;" "Jehovah and the Gods of the Nations," "Amos and the House of Jehu," "Hosea and the Fall of Ephraim," "The Kingdom of Judah and the Beginnings of Isaiah's Work," "The Earlier Prophesies of Isaiah," "Isaiah and Micah in the Reign of Hezekiah," and "The Deliverance from Assyria."A new introduction by Robert Alun Jones discusses Smith's early life, the heresy trial, Smith's early view of prophecy, and the classic text itself. The book will be of interest to students and teachers of religious studies, and general readers interested in Robertson Smith.

A thirty day devotional look at 'Esther's diary' with thought provoking points, prayers and questions to help explore this much-loved story in a new way. What must it have been like to be Esther, transformed from an orphaned Jew in exile to Queen of Persia? Emily Owen explores these questions through Esther's 'diary', sharing in her trials, her excitements, her challenges, fears and joys. Each chapter begins with a 'diary extract' from Esther's life, which is then beautifully unpacked with a meditation to encourage you to reflect on how that applies today. Each meditation is encouraging yet challenging, and helpful for personal growth. Join Esther on a devotional journey to see the biblical story from a fresh perspective. Content Benefits: This thirty day devotional look at 'Esther's diary' with thought provoking points, prayers and questions, will help you explore this much-loved story in a new way. Looks at the Biblical story of Esther with fresh eyes and a new perspective Allows readers to immerse themselves in the Bible through the eyes of a biblical character A diary style entry from Esther introduces the theme for each biblical meditation Encourages us to see how God works through his people Weaves together Biblical teaching, reflections and prayers A daily reading resource over one month Perfect for quiet times Ideal for anyone who wants a fresh approach to devotional reading Perfect for anyone who wants to dig deeper into the Bible Binding - Paperback Pages - 208 Publisher - Authentic Media

Essays by the veteran archaeologist Magen Broshi covering various aspects of both the material and spiritual life of ancient Palestine in the biblical and post-biblical periods. This volume of essays by Magen Broshi, formerly Curator of the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Archaeological Museum in Jerusalem and a veteran archaeologist, covers various aspects of both the material and spiritual life of ancient Palestine in the biblical and post-biblical period. Among the topics addressed in this entertaining and illuminating book are wine and food consumption, studies of population, the ancient city of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the use and abuse of archaeology in historical and biblical research. This volume is designed for scholars and for any non-specialists with a keen interest in ancient life in the Holy Land.

Every commentary on the "Book of Psalms" has had to face the issue that many of these prayers commemorate and celebrate wrath and vengeance. What is needed is not ingenious exegetical rationalization of ancient texts, but the kind of transformation into a work of piety and art that is provided here. Addressed are the needs of a world seeking to counter individual and societal injustices by a global peace born of personal peace through prayer and practice. In short, here is the "Book of Psalms" recast in the light of the continuing revelation and evolution of the authentic religious spirit of the scriptures.

For over one hundred years International Critical Commentaries have had a special place among works on the Bible. They bring together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary, and theological - to help the reader understand the meaning of the books of the Old and New Testaments. The new commentaries continue this tradition. All new evidence now available is incorporated and new methods of study are applied. The authors are of the highest international standing. No attempt has been made to secure a uniform theological or critical approach to the biblical text: contributors have been invited for their scholarly distinction, not for their adherence to any one school of thought. >

The divine promises to Abraham have long been recognized as a key to the book of Genesis as a whole. But their variety, often noted, also raises literary and theological problems. Why do they differ each time, and how are they related to each other and to the story of Abraham? Williamson focuses on the promises in Genesis 15 and 17, and concludes that they are concerned with two distinct but related issues. Genesis 15 guarantees God's promise to make Abraham into a great nation, while Genesis 17 focuses chiefly on God's promise to mediate blessing (through Abraham) to the nations. The two chapters are connected, however, by the theme of an individual, royal descendant who will come from the nation (Israel) and mediate blessing to all the nations of the earth.

The narrative of Holy Week is powerful and painful, and because we know how the story ends it's easy to gloss over the difficult details, and stay in the comfort zone of our understanding. Stephen Cottrell brings home, vividly and poignantly, the physical reality of the passion story. This is a book to stimulate thought, provoke discussion and create space for contemplation. 'In order to understand the cross you need to stand under it . . . with the imagination as well as the mind . . . This book aims to help in that process . . . But however you use it - on your own or with others - I hope you will receive some small appreciation of just how much the cross weighs, and maybe even pick it up yourself.' From the Introduction

Who are we when nobody's looking? Do we practise what we preach, or do we take the easy way out and follow the crowd?

This 30-day devotional, part of the Food for the Journey series, reminds us of what true biblical holiness looks like, and how glorious it can be when fully understood and lived out.

Exploring passages from throughout the Bible, in this devotional some of the Keswick Convention’s most inspirational preachers – including Don Carson, Jonathan Lamb and John Stott – unpack the bible’s teaching on holiness. In self-contained devotions perfect for a daily quiet time they look at God's holiness and show us how we can reflect it in every part of our lives

In a small, slim paperback format, Holiness: Food for the Journey is perfect for carrying around with you and reading while you’re on the go to carve out some quiet time with God. Whether on your commute, over coffee, or during a lunch break, these devotions will help you make Bible reading part of every day. Like all the Food for the Journey books, its undated format means you can start and finish at any time of the year, and work through it at your own pace.

If you are looking to understand what holiness means for our lives, trying to find more quiet time with God or just want to dig more deeply into what the Bible teaches us about God’s holiness, this little devotional is packed full of wisdom that will help us in the pursuit of holy living and our divine calling.