In 1901, the Reverend Charles B. Huleatt acquired three pieces of a New Testament manuscript on the murky antiquities market of Luxor, Egypt. He donated these papyrus fragments to his alma mater, Magdalen College in Oxford, England, where they sat in a display case and drew very little attention. Nearly a century later, the fragments--part of the Gospel of Matthew and thought to date from a.d. 180-200--were reevaluated by scholar Carsten Peter Thiede. His research showed the bits of papyrus to be significantly older, written about a.d. 60.
But what is all the fuss about? How can three ancient papyrus fragments be so significant? How did Thiede arrive at this radical early dating? And what does it mean to the average Christian? Now readers have authoritative answers to these pivotal questions, in a book written by Thiede himself and by Times of London journalist Matthew d'Ancona, who originally broke the story to the public. Indeed, the Magdalen Papyrus corroborates three traditions: Saint Matthew actually wrote the Gospel bearing his name; he wrote it within a generation of Jesus' death; and the Gospel stories about Jesus are true. Some will vehemently deny Thiede's claims, others will embrace them, but nobody can ignore THE JESUS PAPYRUS.

Most interpreters of Paul emphasize that for Paul, God, as universal lawgiver and judge, effects righteousness through Christ's saving death, that is, along lines entirely compatible with Paul's previously Pharisaic understanding of God. But since for Paul the power of Torah and tradition to save had in essence its legs kicked out from under it, the questions need to be asked, What made it possible for Gentiles to be saved? What effect did Paul's conversion have on his understanding of God? Loyola University Professor John L. White contends that to understand the Christ-event in accordance with Torah and Jewish tradition, Paul" the Apostle to the Gentiles" recognized in Abraham and Sarah (as neither ethnically Jewish nor Torah-bound) the explanation for the new status of Gentiles. Because of Christ, the promised seed of Abraham, the Gentiles receive the blessing of Abraham. For the apostle of God, this revelation came not from others or from human teaching, but from his encounter with the God of Abraham and Sarah.

"In this unique study White proposes that Paul believed in a creator God who started spiritual creation with Abraham and continued with the resurrected Christ. The procreative God can be seen in Paul's use of analogies and rhetoric. Because of the new creation Paul expects a world in which God is the universal Father and in which Christ is Lord of God's universe and head of the family of faith. To demonstrate his thesis White includes extensive discussion of the Greco-Roman ruler cult and its impact on the readers of Paul's letters, as well as Paul himself. White's assertion that Paul's theology stems from a God of creation rather than a redeemer God will undoubtedlystimulate considerable discussion."
" Graydon F. Snyder, Professor of New Testament, Emeritus, Chicago Theological Seminary

Ignorance of the Bible is now so widespread, even among Christians, that it has become almost a closed book. Throughout this text passsages are recommended for reading and a wealth of information is preseted in a clear and refreshing way.'

Richardson's concern in this study is to map out the broad contours of what the New Testament says about God. He sets his discussion within the wider context of our situation today, in which there is such general uncertainty.

This concise yet thoroughly researched work investigates the many variants of the Bible, examining the origins and historical contexts of the different translations and comparing the source material and authorship of each one. Taking the reader through the books of the Old and New Testaments, J. W. Rogerson explores the various styles of writing and the historical, political, and religious backgrounds against which the gospels were composed. Complete with a full glossary, detailed bibliography, and several maps and timelines, this is an invaluable guide to understanding the Bible in terms of its readers, its critics, and its ethical value, as well as its worldwide influence.

"The Tabloid Bible" is a fresh and funny take on biblical literacy. Humorist Nick Page, who happens to take the Bible very seriously, captures perfectly the deadpan style of popular, sensational tabloids found in supermarket checkout lanes everywhere in his retelling of major biblical events from Genesis to Revelation.

Where Can You Find the Kind of Love You Truly Need?
Most people–even those with a deep faith–fail to really grasp the incredibly deep and passionate love God has for them. And yet so many personal problems and needs can be traced back to this misunderstanding of God. The result, as Ruth Myers points out, is “a lack of true identity–a lack of inner sureness about who we are.” Ultimately, everyone is on the same quest: to find and know the perfect love of God.

The Perfect Love opens the Scriptures to reveal one delightful discovery of God's love after another. With this study guide, you can explore those same Bible passages and make your own life-changing discoveries about God’s love. Come along on a journey that plumbs the depths of this amazing love. The treasures you’ll find as you dig into the Scriptures will leave you in awe of God’s love for you–the only love that truly satisfies.

The book of Exodus is often seen only as ancient history, largely irrelevant to most of the modern Western world. In this new commentary Godfrey Ashby writes specifically to show how this Old Testament book is of continuing significance to readers today. Ashby discusses the crucial importance of the events described in Exodus and their meaning for the Old Testament gospel, and explains why the Exodus event is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to the faith of believers in our own age. He also explores the relevance of Exodus for the liberation struggle now taking place throughout the third world.

Written by the man Time magazine called one of the seven best preachers in America, The Good Book is a brilliant and inspiring look at the Bible today. Beginning with a bracing crash course in biblical literacy and interpretation, Gomes proceeds to rescue the Bible from those who would misuse its passages to alienate and exclude. In stirring chapters on what the Bible says to us about anti-Semitism, women, homosexuality, and race, Gomes suggests new ways to read and interpret Scripture. Finally, with compassion, humor, and refreshing originality, Gomes seeks to illuminate what the Bible has to say about suffering, joy, evil, temptation, wealth, science, mystery, and the good life. This wise book gives us the tools we need to make the Bible a dynamic, living, and transforming part of our daily lives.
-- A major national bestseller: The Good Book appeared on The New York Times, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Globe, and Wordstock bestseller lists.

"Brilliant and thought-provoking...a wonderful road map to a text that, if read properly, can provide solace and wisdom in troubled times". -- Boston Globe

"This fine work reflects Gomes's great intelligence, open mind, humanity, wisdom, and struggle to understand the meaning of life and God's word". -- Marian Wright Edelman, President, the Children's Defense Fund

"I am thrilled by this book...easily the best contemporaryy book on the Bible for thoughtful people...a triumph of scholarship and devotion". -- The Right Reverend Lord Runcie, 102nd Archbishop of Canterbury

Grace in Galatia is an innovative socio-rhetorical study of Paul's most polemical letter. Ben Witherington breaks new ground by analyzing the whole of Galatians as a deliberative discourse meant to forestall the Galatians from submitting to circumcision and the Jewish law. The commentary features the latest discussion of major problems in Pauline studies, including Paul's view of the law and the relationship between the historical data in Galatians and in Acts. Yet the narrative character of Witherington's work allows it to remain exceedingly accessible. The volume also includes sections following the major divisions of the commentary that point to the relevance of the text for believers today, making Grace in Galatia of special value to pastors and general readers as well as students and scholars.

What historical realities lie behind the birth of Jesus and the description of the Holy Family by the evangelists? In this book, controversial New Testament scholar Gerd Ludemann investigates all of the references to Jesus' birth and the Holy Family in the writings of the earliest church and rival Jewish sources. He discusses what the New Testament Christmas stories set out to say, reconstructs the traditions used in them, and answers the question of what really happened at Jesus' birth. Anti-Christian polemic stigmatized Jesus as a child born out of wedlock and branded his mother a sinner. The Christian myth of the virgin birth, Professor Ludemann argues, maintains the structures of stigmatization, denying the right of women to sexual and cultural self-determination. Instead of taking Mary seriously as a woman of our time and therefore also taking seriously women in our time, he says, many churches today continue to ignore the often damaging consequences of the myth of Mary for believing men and women. Gerd Luedemann is Professor of New Testament at the University of Gottingen.

Describes the intent of the series and includes suggestions for leading it.

Beginning with a brief overview of the Bible's structure and history, the authors highlight the development of the canon, point out the major events in the story of the Bible's translation into English, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the different contemporary English translations of Scripture.

The purpose of this textbook is to introduce Bible students and translators to the basic compositional structure and literary style of Hebrew poetry, especially the lyric-liturgical poetry found in the Book of Psalms. Wendland follows a "discourse analysis" approach--examining different aspects of the poetic texts as an integrated whole. His primary focus is upon the formal features of the psalms, but elements of content (key terms) and function (psalm types or genres) also receive due consideration. Dr. Wendland teaches at the Lutheran Bible Institute and Seminary in Lusaka, Zambia, and is a United Bible Societies Translation Consultant. He is the author of numerous studies on the Bantu languages of South Central Africa, biblical exegesis, and translation theory.

Rice's commentary on I Kings is part of the International Theological Commentary which has as its goal bringing the Old Testament alive in the worldwide church and moving beyond the usual critical-historical approach to the Bible. It is particularly sensitive to issues of special concern to those who live outside the "Christian" West.

Janzen stresses the theological themes permeating Genesis 12-50 as calling for theological reflection and religious response, and shows how the story of Israel's ancestors has continuing significance for all humankind.

Vawter's study on the Book of Ezekiel is a contribution to the International Theological Commentary, whose goal is to bring the Old Testament alive in the worldwide church. In moving beyond the usual critical-historical approach to the Bible, the series offers a distinctive theological interpretation of the Hebrew text.

William Barclay testifies to the Bible's unique value as an inspired book and gives clear advice on the best way to read it. He tells how the biblical writings came into being and finally gained acceptance as Scripture. And he explains the significance and the status of the Apocrypha. Most important of all, William Barclay presents the Bible as a book to be read and enjoyed today - a light in the darkness of a world that has lost its way.
Barclay's original text has been edited and revised by Professor John W. Rogerson, who has also written a new introduction. Rogerson is the head of the Department of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield and an authority on the Old Testament. This is a required text for "Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study: Advanced Course." (Abingdon Press, 1997)
Table of Contents:
Foreward by Ronnie Barclay Prayers for Bible Study Introduction by John Rogerson The Making of the Old Testament The Making of the New Testament The Apocrypha How to Study the Bible The Inspired Book Aids to Reading Maps Index

189 pages