Was the Gospel of John written in critical response to the Gospel of Thomas, an early collection of Jesus's sayings? Or was it directed to the Christians among whom Thomas originated? Ismo Dunderberg challenges these views, arguing that the two gospels were written at about the same time but without knowledge of each other. He also offers a thorough discussion of the identity and functions of the enigmatic Beloved Disciple in the Gospel of John, throwing new light on this figure by comparing it to other `beloved' disciples of Jesus in early Christian literature. This part of Dunderberg's analysis also helps to evaluate the portrayal of Judas in the recently published Gospel of Judas, although this text was not yet available, when this study was completed.

During the first two centuries CE there was a common awareness that familial tensions were generated by conversion to the Christian faith. Yet studies of Christian origins have so far paid comparatively little attention to the impact of the Christian movement upon attitudes to family ties and natural kinship. Dr Barton aims to remedy this deficiency by means of a detailed study of the relevant passages in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, where the sections relating to family concerns are studied from four different angles: form-critical, redaction-critical, literary-critical and sociological. Each has something to contribute, and all are integrated to present a coherent total picture. By way of background to these major chapters, the author examines the religious traditions of Judaism and the philosophical traditions of the Greco-Roman world, and shows that the tensions apparent within the Christian movement were by no means unique. In all three areas of thought and religious practice there is found the conviction that familial duty may be transcended by some higher philosophical or religious obligation. Dr Barton argues that Mark and Matthew saw the Jesus movement as offering a transcendent allegiance, which relativized family ties and created the possibility of a new personal identity, based on association with Jesus himself and his community of disciples.

Everybody is confronted by three fundamental questions, which are of great interest to philosophy and theology: The metaphysical-"What is reality?", the epistemological-"How do we know what we think we know?", and the ethical-"How should we, therefore, live in light of what we know about reality?" Of these three, the epistemological question is of greatest importance, owing to its concern with the justification of knowledge, on the basis of which we can attempt to respond to the rest. This book is motivated by the realization that although everybody attempts to respond to these questions, not everybody provides a valid answer to the questions. In consultation with Carl F. H. Henry, who was a trailblazer for evangelical orthodoxy, this book attempts to provide valid and sound answers to these epistemological and metaphysical questions for millions of Christians, whose answers to these questions continue to be ridiculed by liberals and secularists. This book operates with a realization that since our surest Christian knowledge about the nature and works of God emanates from God's self-disclosure rather than our human discovery, the Bible, as God's special revelation occupies an important place in true Christian epistemology. A corollary to the centrality of the Bible to the Christian epistemology is the epistemic sufficiency of human language and reason. This book defines Christian epistemological orthodoxy against such heterodox systems as Kantian phenomenology, Barthian Neoorthodoxy, Ayerian Logical Positivism, and Whiteheadian Process Thought and their respective trajectories. The book is a must-read for philosophy, theology, and apologetic courses.

This book offers a thesis about the interests underlying the Epistle. Dr Hughes argues that the major concern of the author has been to achieve a theological understanding of the relationship between the now out-moded forms and institutions of Old Testament worship and those of the distinctively new (yet not unrelated) Christian faith in which he now finds himself.

This is a study of a group of terms which have a central importance in the New Testament. It is well known that dikaiosune and its cognates have a wide range of related but separable meanings; their correct interpretation in particular contexts can significantly affect the understanding of Christian concepts of justification, forgiveness and moral regeneration. Dr Ziesler has examined in detail the use of these terms in the New Testament and has provided entensive comparative material from Qumran writings, rabbinical sources and hellenistic Greek. This study will be of interest to all New Testament scholars.

In der jungeren Forschung haben die beiden klassischen Hypothesen einer Aufstiegsgeschichte Davids und einer Thronfolgeerzahlung an UEberzeugungskraft verloren. Damit rucken die Texte in II Sam 1-5 verstarkt in den Blick, denen eine Schlusselstellung fur die literarische Genese der Daviduberlieferung zukommt. Die vorliegende Studie ermittelt einen ersten durchlaufenden und noch vorexilischen Darstellungszusammenhang, der im 7. Jh. v. Chr. entstanden ist. Entsprechend erklart sie das Doppelkoenigtum Davids uber Israel und Juda als eine protodeuteronomistische Grundungsgeschichte der spaten Koenigszeit. Die Untersuchung schliesst mit einer redaktionsgeschichtlichen Skizze der Daviderzahlungen im zweiten Samuelbuch und einer Revision der geschichtlichen Zeugnisse.

The Gospel isn't first and foremost about forgiveness. That's simply how we enter into the hallway of salvation to explore all of the rooms in the palace. That's why we need these three books of the Bible. They remind us that God has given us some Promised Land to take as a result of our salvation. They help us to discover the God who keeps on giving. God inspired the Bible for a reason. He wants you read it and let it change your life. If you are willing to take this challenge seriously, then you will love Phil Moore's devotional commentaries. Their bite-sized chapters are punchy and relevant, yet crammed with fascinating scholarship. Welcome to a new way of reading the Bible. Welcome to the Straight to the Heart series.

An expert Bible teacher unpacks key passages from Romans.

Though little can be known with certainty about the historical Jesus, the image of a heavenly figure - `Christ crucified and risen' - was constructed out of his life and teachings. This vision of divine reality transcends traditional Hebrew poetic thought, retaining its ancient power in the context of our new understanding of a vast and evolving cosmos. In order to help us form a truly contemporary Christian spirituality, Keith Ward (writing in our own time and place rather than, for example, in the 4th century like St Augustine, the 14th like Julian of Norwich, the 16th like Ignatius of Loyola, or the 20th like Thomas Merton) offers a set of reflections on what he believes to be the unique and life-transforming revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. And as we explore the spiritual truths relating to this mystery as expressed in the Gospels, meditation leads naturally to prayer.

Go deeper in your faith with Rejoice, a creative journaling Bible that invites you to immerse yourself in His Word as you stop to color and personalize key passages of Scripture. This complete Bible (Old Testament and New Testament) features three hundred elegant illustrations of thought-provoking Bible verses to color in as you reflect on God's Word, one artful verse at a time. Fill the lines in the oversized margins with your notes, your prayers, and your questions so that you may experience the Bible in a more personal and meaningful way. The accessible language of the World English Bible (WEB) version makes this an ideal gift for young and old alike. This high-quality journaling Bible is a high quality hardcover, providing a solid surface for journaling and coloring. The title is artfully debossed for a timeless effect. High-quality paper makes note-taking a joy, while the ribbon page marker helps you find your place every time. Complete, single-column World English Bible version text for easy reading 300 hand-drawn partial or full page black-and-white illustrations of inspiring verses to color Roomy, lined margins for your reflection and responses to Scripture

Meditate on the hope and peace of Jesus all throughout the day as you begin and end each day in the presence of the Savior who is always with you and loves you forever. Each morning entry is from Jesus Calling (R), and each evening includes powerful and poignant excerpts from Sarah's other bestselling books. By spending time in the presence of the Savior all day in Jesus Calling Morning and Evening Devotional, you'll find a yearlong guide with: Comforting words of hope and encouragement Reassurance of Jesus' unending love for you Gentle direction based on Scripture Guided thought for you to focus on just before you turn out the light Written-out Scripture verses to connect deeper with Jesus Reflection and meditation based on God's Word Encouragement from the One who understands you perfectly and loves you forever With 365 days of morning and evening devotions, this edition is sure to be a favorite in the popular Jesus Calling (R) line. This format offers men and women more opportunities to be aware of Jesus' presence throughout the day. The deluxe cover with foil gives a classic feel, along with all-day comfort and written-out Scripture verses. This edition is perfect for any stage of life and makes a wonderful gift for special occasions, birthdays, or for self-purchase.

This volume commences a complete edition of the writings of Nilus of Ancyra ( ca. 430). It presents the first attempt to reconstruct the lost text of the commentary on the Song of Songs from the catenae sources. The introduction details the principles and methods used in the reconstruction, and comprehensive indexes provide access to the text. The commentary can definitely be attributed to Nilus; the edition is of fundamental importance for this reason too, as this is not the case for various other writings appearing under his name."

This book is the first study of the Greek verb to address the entire Greek Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament). It investigates the value of these translations' evidence for the history of the Greek language. The nature and degree of influence from the underlying Hebrew are comprehensively analysed. New conclusions are drawn.

Jack Countryman's trademarked God's Wisdom® series and God's Promises® series have sold millions of books over the years. Now he brings his two most popular series together in the ultimate gift book, God's Wisdom and Promises.

This incredibly useful gift book from bestselling author Jack Countryman is composed of topically divided Scriptures that reveal what the Bible says about key experiences and needs in life. Scripture is in the trusted New King James Version of the Bible.

More than 90 important topics include God's guidance on relationships, finances, difficult situations, frightening scenarios, ethical issues, and when a friend needs encouragement, as well as what the Bible says about mercy, loyalty, caring for others, disagreements, faithfulness, and obedience, among many others.

The focus of God's Wisdom and Promises is the grace, love, hope, blessings, and knowledge that God offers His people. While much of the success of the God's Promises series comes from people looking for guidance in times of crisis, God's Wisdom and Promises alsoprovides readers with positive promises to rely on. God's Wisdom and Promises is an easy impulse purchase for anyone needing encouragement or an ideal gift for any occasion.

Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians, Volume 2' is the third of three volumes extending Ben Witherington's innovative socio-rhetorical analysis of New Testament books to the latter-Pauline and non-Pauline corpora. By dividing the volumes according to the socioreligious contexts for which they were written, Witherington sheds fresh light on the documents, their provenance, character and importance. Throughout, Witherington shows his thorough knowledge of recent literature on these texts and focuses his attention on the unique insights brought about through socio-rhetorical analysis that either reinforces or corrects those gleaned from other approaches. "Bridging the Horizons" sections point to the relevance of the text for believers today, making this volume of special value to pastors and general readers as well as to students and scholars.

The Straight to the Heart commentary series brings greater accessibility to the Bible so that people can understand the message that the Holy Spirit inspired the authors to write. It aims to get people reading so that they can hear God's voice for themselves; it will challenge them and provide a springboard into a deeper relationship with the divine.

In Straight to the Heart of Solomon we learn from Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes that life only works God's way. That's what Solomon teaches us in the book of Proverbs and it's what he celebrates in his risque Song of Songs. Sadly, Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his old age as a record of what happened to him when he failed to follow his own advice. He warns us from experience that life really does only work God's way.

The series will cover the whole Bible in 25 volumes to be published through 2015. Previously published volumes include Genesis, Moses, 1 & 2 Samuel, Matthew, John, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, and Revelation.

"Fresh. Solid. Simple. Really good stuff."

--R. T. Kendall

"Phil Moore has served us magnificently."

--Terry Virgo

"Most commentaries are dull. These are alive. Most commentaries are for scholars. These are for you "

--Michael Green

"Think of these books as the Bible's message distilled for everyone."

--Adrian Warnock

Feed your curiosity of the Bible by exploring the deeper meaning behind familiar Old Testament passages. Below the surface of every seemingly ordinary Bible verse lies a deeper meaning just waiting to be discovered. And these hidden insights aren't just reserved for scholars, academics, or pastors. Anyone who knows where to look can uncover the surprisingly significant messages that the biblical authors intended for us to hear. In 30 Old Testament Passages with Deeper Meaning, Michael Williams seeks to lead believers to a deeper comprehension and appreciation of biblical truth. In each easy-to-read chapter, Williams focuses on one Old Testament verse or passage, and: Examines its cultural, historical, linguistic, and/or theological context. Explains how it is enhanced by the added context and perspective. Provides questions to facilitate further reflection, study, and discussion. Helping to bridge the gap between the academy and the church, this broadly accessible and edifying book will help everyday Christians get more out of their Bible. Plus, the insightful questions at the end of each chapter make this an ideal small group, Bible study, or expository preaching resource.

Psalm 23 provides words of comfort and inspiration to readers needing hope to persevere through life's daily challenges. That's why the 30-day devotional Safe in the Shepherd's Arms has sold more than 475,000 copies. New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will teach you how to: Release your burdens Cast away your fears Find security with the Good Shepherd This month long devotional: Is a great gift for a loved one going through a difficult season, or a friend needing an encouraging pick-me-up Has beautiful four-color photography Is the perfect size to carry in your purse, travel bag, or place on your nightstand Safe in the Shepherd's Arms is a reliable source of safety and security from Psalm 23. Max Lucado describes this Psalm as "written by a shepherd who became a king - because He wanted us to know about a King who became a shepherd."

This monograph enquires into the unity of the Book of Isaiah. Was the final text of Isaiah intended to give an answer to the prophet Nathan's questioning of YHWH's faithfulness to his promises to David (II Sam 7)? The background to Nathan's prophecy - anchored above all in the union between the Royal House of David and the House of YHWH - forms the thread leading the reader through the 66 chapters of the Book of Isaiah and presenting it as the inheritance of the promise. The added meaning given by the final redaction in its turn poses the question of the role played by redactors in the prophetic literature.

Sometimes our walk with God seems so difficult. We struggle to find the time to pray, the words to say, and the way to pray them. Are we making prayer more complicated than it needs to be? Charlie Dawes is a pastor and professor who understands both the desires and the challenges of deepening our prayer lives. He has identified simple, biblical prayers that will help you unlock the mystery of conversing with God by paring our words down to their most elemental level. By focusing our prayers, we can open up a new way of relating with God that we have never before experienced. Simple prayer is far from simplistic. Instead, it will help you connect with God at a heart level that cannot be mastered with words alone.