The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus as a celibate 'bridegroom', whose presence disrupts traditional understandings of marriage and family and whose role as bridegroom involves not only joy but violence and separation. The bridegroom in John has received recent discussion, in Adeline Fehribach, 's Women in the Life of the Bridegroom: A Feminist Historical-Literary Analysis of the Female Characters in the Fourth Gospel (Liturgical Press, 1998), and in several articles published in A Feminist Companion to John, vol. 2, edited by Amy-Jill Levine (Sheffield Academic Press, 2003). But the bridegroom in Matthew has not received scholarly attention. This study offers an analysis of the bridegroom and wedding imagery in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in the bridegroom saying (9.15), the two wedding parables (22.1-14, 25.1-13; the latter is unique to Matthew), and Matthew's teachings on marriage, divorce and family formation (e.g., 5.31-32; 19:1ff; 12:46-50). The eunuch saying (19:10-12) is explored in the context of a brideless and celibate bridegroom. Warren Carter's Matthew in the Margins (Orbis, 2000), and Barbara Reid's Violent Endings in Matthew's Parables and an End to Violence CBQ 66 (2004), pp. 237-55. This study builds on such concerns about Matthean violence and applies them specifically to Matthew's portrayal of Jesus as a bridegroom and the implications for marriage, family, gender and sexuality. For example, the slaughter of the innocents is discussed in terms of the bridegroom's association with violence and formation of a fictive family. No other books address the combined issues of Jesus as a bridegroom and attendant violence of that role and how this association affects Matthew's teachings on marriage or divorce, gender and sexuality, and the formation of family

This book provides a look at purity language within the "Epistle of James", arguing against restricting the meaning of purity language to the individual moral sphere.Arguing against restricting the meaning of purity language to the individual moral sphere (as many commentaries do), the central argument of "Purity and Worldview in the Epistle of James" is that purity language both articulates and constructs the worldview in James' epistle. Lockett offers a taxonomy of purity language, applied as a heuristic guide to understand the function of purity and pollution in the epistle. Through this analysis the study concludes that James is not calling for sectarian separation, but rather demonstrates a degree of cultural accommodation while calling forth specific socio-cultural boundaries between the readers and the world.Formerly the "Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement", was a book series that explored the many aspects of New Testament study including historical perspectives, social-scientific and literary theory, and theological, cultural and contextual approaches. "The Early Christianity in Context" series, a part of JSNTS, examines the birth and development of early Christianity up to the end of the third century CE. The series places Christianity in its social, cultural, political and economic context. "European Seminar on Christian Origins" and "Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus Supplement" are also part of JSNTS.

The series Beihefte zur Zeitschrift fur die neutestamentliche Wissenschaft (BZNW) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded international scholarly book series in the field of New Testament studies. Since 1923 it has been a forum for seminal works focusing on Early Christianity and related fields. The series is grounded in a historical-critical approach and also explores new methodological approaches that advance our understanding of the New Testament and its world.

Christ knew we would never be happy without a personal, viable relationship with him and his Father. He knew the only way for us to truly know him would be to learn his story. This is why Jesus' last commission to his disciples was for them to study the Word in order to teach the Word to others.

Through intense study of the New Testament, "The Good News of the Apocalypse" shows you how to have a meaningful and an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Sedinger offers a complete overview of the books of the New Testament. She breaks down each book through guided readings and gives a thorough explanation of the book's events and message. In addition, Sedinger incorporates other biblical studies in her narrative to provide a well-rounded understanding of the New Testament.

At the heart of this study is the overwhelming importance of accepting Jesus as your personal savior and developing a relationship with him. Knowing about him is not enough to build this relationship. Instead, we must study Scripture and apply it to our lives. "The Good News of the Apocalypse" will help you in this remarkable journey by complementing your Bible reading and giving you a new understanding of the Gospel.

This substantial commentary presents 1 Samuel as a sophisticated work of literature, where the reader is challenged with a narrative that is fraught with interpretative possibilities. In his distinctive literary reading Bodner lays special emphasis on the intriguing array of characters that populate the narrative, and on the plot, in its design and its configurations. Thus, a host of intriguing episodes and personalities are passed in review: from the symbolically charged closed womb of Hannah to the backwards fall and the broken neck of Eli, to the strange tour of the Ark of God through the menacing Philistine pentapolis, wreaking havoc. Then there is the complex portrayal of Samuel the prophet, the emergence of the fugitive David as a leader, and the eventual decline, madness, and necromancy of King Saul. Only through a literary study of its many ironies and ambiguities, Bodner amply shows, can the richness of this classic royal drama be fully appreciated.

Peter, John and Jude may sound a bit like a teenage boy band, but they were men that God used to rescue the Church in its darkest hour. False teachers on the inside and persecution on the outside threatened to strangle the Christian community at birth. In a world where the Church appears to be in terminal decline, we need their letters to show us how to survive and thrive and advance. 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.

Women of the Bible, part of the educational and inspirational Smart Guide to the Bible series, introduces you to the Old and New Testament's most influential women, both young and old, shy and bold. Through their struggles and situations, you'll discover the many blessings of being a wise and faithful woman of God. The Smart Guide to the Bible is a series of simplified commentaries designed to uncomplicate God's word for everyday Bible readers. Every page contains handy features or learning aids like these: cross-references to other Scriptures brief commentaries from experts points to ponder the big picture of how passages fit with the entire Bible practical tips for applying biblical truths to life simple definitions of key words and concepts interesting maps, charts, and illustrations wrap-ups of each biblical passage study questions Whether you're new to the Bible, a long-time student of Scripture, or somewhere in between, you'll appreciate the many ways The Smart Guide to the Bible: Women of the Bible goes far beyond your typical Bible study tool. The practical, relevant helps on each page lead you to get the most out of God's word.

In the early 1970's, due to serious epistemological flaws, the demise of traditional New Testament research paradigms became imminent. A new generation of scholars started the search for a fresh approach, based on scientifically sound principles. Working within the stimulating atmosphere of the New Testament Society of South Africa, the author was one of the pioneers in developing a new, multi-dimensional research approach for New Testament studies. The articles in the present volume, written over a period of 25 years, reflect part of this journey, as viewed from a Pauline perspective. Combining the positive aspects of the traditional biblical research paradigms with the important insights of modern linguistics, literary science, semantics and pragmatics, particularly rhetoric, the author investigates the convergence of various influences in Paul's pre-christian career. He proposes new possibilities of understanding Paul's language and style, such as hyperbolical contrasts, typical of his Semitic background. Various aspects of his strategies of persuasion are investigated, such as creating an ethos, vilification, alienation and re-identification. The majority of articles concentrate on central elements in Pauline theology: belief in the resurrection of Jesus, the centrality of grace, the in Christ and related formulae, faith and obedience, justification in Romans, Christian identity, ethics and ethos, as portrayed in Romans.

When difficult or unwanted change enters our lives, it can cause fear, anxiety, and anger to bubble up from within. We want to quiet that simmering stress, but how do we do that, especially when we know our circumstances aren't going to calm down any time soon? By regularly meeting with God and exchanging our worries and fears for his assurances that he is using our difficult change for us, not against us. Easier said than done? Not if you have Kristen Strong alongside you as your understanding guide. Offering thoughtful, humorous anecdotes and powerful prayers to recite, Strong invites you to think and feel differently about change on the inside so you can live and love differently on the outside. As the tender companion she is, Kristen will show you how not to get over difficult change but rather to get through it. She'll help you acknowledge your change, give your anxieties over to God, and abide well in the days to come--no matter what transitions life brings.

The current interest in reading the Gospels as narratives has reclaimed aspects of these texts that historical-critical approaches failed to respect. The richness of these newer readings can, however, disguise their limitations as literary-critical exercises. Developing Hans Frei's concern for theological reading, David Lee reworks the narratology of the Dutch literary theorist Mieke Bal to produce a theological narrative reading practice that formally respects the text as scripture while leaving open the possible meanings that readers may construct for themselves in the act of reading. Lee demonstrates his approach through readings of the Narrator and the characters Jesus and the Demons as aspects of a composite Lukan narrative Christology.>

This much-needed commentary provides an authoritative guide to a better understanding of the often-neglected book of Micah. If gives insight into the individual sayings of Micah, to the way they were understood and used as they were gathered into the growing collection, and to their role in the final form of the document. "I am convinced," says Dr. Mays, that Micah "is not just a collection of prophetic sayings, but is the outcome of a history of prophetic proclamations and is itself in its final form prophecy." The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.

There are times in our lives when we especially need encouragement, which gives us the determination to keep going whatever our circumstances. During times of distress, joy, and hopelessness, David poured out his heart to the Lord and documented it in the Psalms. We, too, live in a fallen world, which is at enmity with God. But immersing ourselves in God's Word lifts our heads and enables us to live life filled with hope. Within these pages, you will find a 40-day journey of discovery, exploring vital and life-changing principles from God's Word. These devotionals, built around key verses in the Psalms, reflect on how God encouraged David, and they provide daily encouragement for Christians today. End-of-chapter prayers and an opportunity to journal help anchor the daily truths into the reality of your own life.

Some Suggested Thoughts on How to Use This Book Read it in the morning to gather strength and inspiration for the day, or at evening at the close of the day. This book of meditative thoughts can be used for family devotions, to show concern for others by sharing its thoughts with friends. "THIS BOOK CAN ALSO SERVE AS A TIE THAT BINDS" In order to feel closer to loved ones and friends living miles away, you can stay in touch by agreeing to read the same meditative thought at the same time each day. Since 1991, the author of this book has been doing a Thought For The Day on Clear Channel Radio Savannah, Georgia WSOK 1230 AM, "Joy In The Morning." "I pray that God will anoint this book and that each meditation will change lives and be a source of comfort to all who read them" - Matthew S. Brown

The 'pivot pattern' is a unique type of chiasmus, a linguistic pattern characterized by an inversion of the internal order of a phrase or passage. The main idea is found primarily at its pivot, while its elements, normally of an uneven number, are distributed on both sides of the pivot in a mirrored symmetry. Klaus undertakes here to compile a 'grammar' of the pattern, and to characterize, exemplify and differentiate its various forms.>

Enrich Your Faith by Walking with Jesus Join Max Lucado on an inspirational journey through the hills, the dust, and the homes of the Holy Land! Discover, with new eyes, God's heart for his people and his deep love for you. In this video Bible study, you and your small group are invited to come with Max through Capernaum, Galilee, Bethany, Jerusalem, and more. As Max weaves together insights from his own travels to Israel with teaching from his bestselling books, he will guide you to walk where Jesus walked and ponder the promises he made. God has more in store for you than you can imagine! This video Bible study will provide you an encounter with the life-altering Holy One as you follow in the footsteps of the Savior through the Holy Land. Sessions and video run times: Capernaum: Following Jesus When You Doubt (20:00) Sea of Galilee: Following Jesus in Your Storms (20:00) Mount of Beatitudes: Following Jesus When You Worry (21:00) Temple Steps: Following Jesus...And Only Jesus (20:00) Garden Tomb: Following Jesus When You Need Hope (20:30) Caesarea by the Sea: Following Jesus When You Need Grace (21:00) This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself-with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all video sessions online. (You don't need to buy a DVD!) Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2028. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Steven Tuell shows how the books of Chronicles present the revelation of God's plan and purposes through the history of Israel, emphasizing the important role that King David plays within that story. Using up-to-date scholarship, Tuell focuses on the theological message of these books--that the purpose of life is to seek God, that those who find God's will and live accordingly will experience blessing, and that God's presence is found in the events of ordinary life. 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.

Love has been described in so many ways, but do we really understand what it means? This 30-day devotional in the Food for the Journey series drills down to what love really is, and how it is ultimately defined in and by God - a God who loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son to rescue us from sin and reconcile us to himself. Covering passages from across the Old and New Testaments, in this devotional some of the Keswick Convention's best preachers - including Vaughan Roberts, David Coffey and Rico Tice - mine the riches of the Bible's wisdom on love. In self-contained daily devotions they show us how we rest assured that God's love is everlasting, unconditional and breathtaking in its immensity. In a small, slim paperback format, Love: Food for the Journey is perfect for carrying around with you on the go. 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. Uplifting and encouraging, this short devotional invites us to bask in God's love, appreciate afresh its depth and richness, and warm our hearts, equipping and empowering us to love and serve him better.