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Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > The Bible > New Testament
Rudolf Bultmann's Theology of the New Testament has stood the
test of time. At the very moment modernity was threatening to
splinter New Testament studies into a myriad of isolated
disciplines, Bultmann was somehow able to hold history, exegesis,
and theology together. Theology of the New Testament was, and still
is, the definitive theological statement of a high modernist
critic. In it Bultmann was as relentless in his historical
judgments as he was unapologetic in laying bare the New Testament's
existential claims.
Beyond Bultmann puts Bultmann's classic Theology of the New
Testament to a new test. Thirteen contemporary New Testament
scholars subject Bultmann's Theology to a comprehensive new
reading. This fresh, critical examination of Bultmann not only
places his magisterial work in a new context but also reveals the
enduring features of Bultmann's achievement. Beyond Bultmann
demonstrates that Theology of the New Testament, far from being a
relic in the museum of interpretation, still speaks today despite
its flaws.
This is a new critical edition, with translation and commentary, of
the Scholia in Apocalypsin, which were falsely attributed to Origen
a century ago. They include extensive sections from Didymus the
Blind's lost Commentary on the Apocalypse (fourth century) and
therefore counter the current belief that Oecumenius' commentary
(sixth century) was the most ancient. Professor Tzamalikos argues
that their author was in fact Cassian the Sabaite, an erudite monk
and abbot at the monastery of Sabas, the Great Laura, in Palestine.
He was different from the alleged Latin author John Cassian, placed
a century or so before the real Cassian. The Scholia attest to the
tension between the imperial Christian orthodoxy of the sixth
century and certain monastic circles, who drew freely on Hellenic
ideas and on alleged 'heretics'. They show that, during that
period, Hellenism was a vigorous force inspiring not only pagan
intellectuals, but also influential Christian quarters.
Few Christians would dispute that the book of Romans is one of
the most powerful and influential books ever written. After all,
Paul's epistle has been the written force behind some of the most
significant conversions of church history: St. Augustine was
convicted of his sin after reading some verses from the thirteenth
chapter; Martin Luther recovered the doctrine of salvation by faith
from his study of Romans 1:17; John Wesley felt his heart
"strangely warmed" and transformed while listening to the reading
of Luther's preface to the book of Romans; and John Bunyan was so
inspired as he studied the great themes of Romans that he wrote the
immortal Pilgrim's Progress. There is no doubt about the power of
the book of Romans.
Pastor Kent Hughes invites us now to experience the same power
that was exhibited in the lives of great Church leaders such as
Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and so many others. The fundamental
truths expressed in Paul's letter--the themes of justification by
faith, abounding grace, and freedom from sin--come to life as we
explore the book that has so challenged and nourished followers of
Christ for centuries.
Respected New Testament scholar Karen Jobes explores the cultural
and theological background of Hebrews and the general epistles
(James through Jude) in this rich commentary. Writing from an
evangelical perspective, Jobes addresses issues of historical
relevance as well as how these ancient books connect with Christian
faith and practice today. Letters to the Church includes:
-Historical background for each book focusing on authorship, genre,
date, and content -An exploration of the major themes in each book
and detailed commentary on key passages -Boxes with chapter goals,
outlines, challenges, and significant verses -Sidebars addressing
difficult passages or ideas -Maps, photographs, charts, and
definitions -Questions for discussion, reflection, and testing -A
comparison of the teachings about Christ in each of the letters
Pastors, professors, students, and laypeople interested in deeper
biblical study will find this an invaluable resource that offers
well-researched commentary in an accessible, spiritually meaningful
form.
Christopher Armitage considers previous theological perception of 1
John as a text advocating that God abhors violence, contrasted with
biblical scholarship analysis that focuses upon the text's birth
from hostile theological conflict between 'insiders' and
'outsiders', with immensely hostile rhetoric directed towards
'antichrists' and those who have left the community. Armitage
argues that a peace-oriented reading of 1 John is still viable, but
questions if the commandment that the community loves each other is
intended to include their opponents, and whether the text can be of
hermeneutic use to advocate non-violence and love of one's
neighbour. This book examines five key words from 1 John, hilasmos,
sfazo, anthropoktonos, agape and adelphos, looking at their
background and use in the Old Testament in both Hebrew and the LXX,
arguing that these central themes presuppose a God whose engagement
with the world is not assuaging divine anger, nor ferocious defence
of truth at the expense of love, but rather peace and avoidance of
hatred that inevitably leads to violence and death. Armitage
concludes that a peacemaking hermeneutic is not only viable, but
integral to reading the epistle.
Books in the John Phillips Commentary Series are designed to
provide pastors, Sunday school teachers, and students of the
Scripture with doctrinally sound interpretation that emphasizes the
practical application of Bible truth. Working from the familiar
King James Version, Dr. Phillips not only provides helpful
commentary on the text, but also includes detailed outlines and
numerous illustrations and quotations. Anyone wanting to explore
the meaning of God's Word in greater depth--for personal spiritual
growth or as a resource for preaching and teaching--will welcome
the guidance and insights of this respected series.
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