In Chapter 1 Paula Gooder discusses the problems of interpreting this text and looks at the major debates of its past interpreters. The most popular modern approach is to compare it with other texts of ascent in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, yet even a brief examination of these texts indicate that differences are present. In the remainder of the book Gooder evaluates the extent and significance of these differences. Part One consists of a detailed consideration of a range of texts which superficially seem closest to 2 Corinthians 12. Chapter 2 presents a history of scholarship on heavenly ascent. Chapters 3 to 8 each examine a text of ascent from a different period and background in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Chapter 9 draws out the points of similarity between these texts. Part Two considers the text of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 in the light of the findings of Part One. In the detailed examination of the Pauline ascent in chapter 10, the extent of the differences between this text and the texts examined in Part One becomes clear. Chapter 11 proposes a new interpretation of the account of ascent, arguing that it reports a failed ascent into heaven. The chapter shows that this interpretation makes sense not only of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 itself but also of chapters 10-13 which surround it. The account is one more example of weakness from the apostle in which he proves that weakness, not strength, is the sign of a true apostle.

This is a clearly written and extremely helpful introduction to many different approaches to the interpretation of the New Testament. Experts from around the world and across many disciplines contribute specialised explanations, while Paula Gooder's excellent discussions apply each form of criticism to actual New Testament textual examples. It will become an indispensable tool and is greatly to be welcomed' Richard A. Burridge Dean of King's College London and Professor of Biblical Interpretation This book introduces readers to the different methods used when interpreting the New Testament. Although there are other books on the market that introduce the various techniques they are often very theoretical and it is hard for readers to see what difference the methods of interpretation make in practice to how a passage might be understood. Here, Paula Gooder responds to this gap in the market by giving practical textual examples of how a text might be interpreted using a broad range of interpretational methods. She also explores techniques that are often omitted from books on biblical interpretation, such as textual criticism and post-colonial criticism. The emphasis throughout is on what difference the method of interpretation makes for understanding the text. The text is mainly written by Paula Gooder but includes short contributions from world class scholars who offer nuggets of wisdom on their particular area of expertise.

Sometime around 56 AD, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. His letter was arguably his theological masterpiece, and has continued to shape Christian faith ever since. He entrusted this letter to Phoebe, the deacon of the church at Cenchreae; in writing to the church that almost surely met in her home, Paul refers to her both as a deacon and as a helper or patron of many. But who was this remarkable woman? In this, her first novel, Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder tells Phoebe's story - who she was, the life she lived and her first-century faith - and in doing so opens up Paul's theology, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped Paul's thinking, and the faith of the early church. Written in the gripping style of Gerd Theissen's The Shadow of the Galilean, and similarly rigorously researched, this is a novel for everyone and anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology - from one of the UK's foremost New Testament scholars.

The Book of Enoch is an invaluable resource for all who are interested in the origins of Christianity. It was known and used by the earliest churches and sheds light on many concepts found in the New Testament, such as demonology, future judgment, the Messiah and the Messianic Kingdom, the title 'Son of Man' and the resurrection. This new edition of R. H. Charles's classic translation includes a substantial new introduction by Paula Gooder.

In 15 New Testament Words of Life, biblical scholar Nijay Gupta explores some of the most important New Testament words: Righteousness Gospel Forgiveness Life Cross Faith Grace Fellowship Hope Salvation Peace Religion Holiness Love Witness These are familiar terms in the Christian vocabulary, but many don't know the original background and theological importance of these words, and how they can be life-giving for Christian faith and life today. To access the deep meaning of these words in the theological vocabulary of the New Testament writers, Gupta discusses each word within a key text and interprets it in three contexts: Canonical-how the New Testament is grounded in the Old Literary-the meaning developed within the key text Historical-the Jewish and Greco-Roman world of the first century For those first hearers of the gospel who chose to follow Jesus, these words were the words of life, and they can be once again for Jesus-followers in the modern world. With Gupta's skilled guidance, readers will find their engagement with the New Testament revitalized as they begin to understand how these inspiring ancient words can still be captivating, thought-provoking, and worldview-shaping words for real life today. While the New Testament is full of depth and complexity, its most important ideas have a profound simplicity to them. In this collection of word studies, Nijay Gupta explores foundational themes in New Testament theology, but in a very accessible way. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of some of the most essential concepts in Christian belief, this book is for you! -TIM MACKIE, cofounder of the Bible Project "Not only does Nijay Gupta define important New Testament terms and illustrate their significance for today, he also models a strategy for how a Bible reader might approach the exploration of biblical ideas. 15 New Testament Words of Life is an introduction to New Testament theology that invites readers to study the Bible by investigating key concepts that frequently appear in books, sermons, and even casual conversations. Gupta's scholarship and cultural awareness combine to make the work a necessary resource for preachers, teachers, and all other curious Bible readers. I am eager for my students to read it." -DENNIS R. EDWARDS, Associate professor of New Testament, North Park Theological Seminary "Nijay Gupta has provided the church and its pastors with a remarkable resource. Wearing his deep learning lightly, he winsomely portrays how the New Testament writers draw on the Old Testament to theologize in ways that are immensely hopeful and intensely practical. A book like this is just what the church needs today-a rich biblical theology that speaks words of life to the lives of the people of God in our increasingly fraught and complex world." -DERWIN L. GRAY, Cofounder and lead pastor of Transformation Church, author of How to Heal Our Racial Divide "Do you suspect there's more to the Christian faith than what you're hearing? Dr. Gupta brings the best of biblical scholarship to the pews, where standard Christian ways of talking about things have grown stale. By highlighting these fifteen key words, he opens a whole new world of understanding that will reinvigorate Christian practice. If you are hungry to move beyond cliches, this book is your invitation to a nourishing feast." -CARMEN JOY IMES, Associate professor of Old Testament, Biola University, author of Bearing God's Name

The New Testament tells us very little about Lydia, a seller of purple cloth who was living in Philippi when she met the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. And yet she is considered the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. In her second work of fiction, Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder tells Lydia's story - who she was, the life she lived and her first-century faith - and in doing so opens up Paul's letter to the Philippians, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped Paul's thinking, and the faith of the early church. Written in the gripping style of Gerd Theissen's The Shadow of the Galilean, and similarly rigorously researched, this is a book for everyone and anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology - from one of the UK's foremost New Testament scholars.

This book is an exploration of the biblical and theological themes in the Common Worship Eucharistic texts. The theological formation of many Christians takes place during their weekly celebration of the Eucharist. The language of the Eucharist has a deep impact on the way that people think about God and about themselves. The problem today is that fewer and fewer Christians have any idea about the content and significance of many of the allusions that can be found in the liturgical texts.

Is it possible to develop such a thing as a biblical theology of mental health? How might we develop a helpful and pastoral use of scripture to explore questions of mental health within a Christian framework? This timely and important book integrates the highest levels of biblical scholarship with theological and pastoral concerns to consider how we use scripture when dealing with mental health issues. Chapters include: *Paula Gooder on Healing and wholeness *Joanna Collicutt on Jesus and mental health *Isabelle Hamley on Job *David Firth on Anxiety in Scripture *John Swinton on The Bible in Pastoral Care *Walter Brueggemann on Psalms and lament With a foreword from Archbishop Justin Welby

'This is the book I've been waiting for all my life. Paula Gooder enables the reader to engage with the Psalms in such depth, satisfying all the many hungers that are raised as the Psalms are studied, prayed and sung.' Jane Williams, McDonald Professor in Theology, St Mellitus College 'Superb and refreshing - I encourage people to explore this wonderfully creative book' Jarel Robinson-Brown, theologian, author and Assistant Curate at St Botolph's-Without-Aldgate 'This is a wonderful book. Paula Gooder has found a way to make the most loved psalms fresh and new with easily digestible commentary and an invitation to further exploration. It has made me a convert to Bible journalling.' The Church Mouse A thoughtful guide to prayer and reflection on the Psalms with plenty of space for journalling. In this beautifully designed hardback journal, theologian Paula Gooder leads readers through fifteen favourite Psalms, offering insight and tips on how to pray and reflect on some of the most profound poetry in the Hebrew Scriptures. After a brief introduction to the history and context of each one, Paula invites readers to stand back and contemplate the Psalm as a whole, before zooming in to pick up on fascinating details and posing searching questions to deepen our understanding of God and ourselves. Paula selects some of the most well-loved Psalms for the journal, including Psalms 1, 23, 42, 88, 139, 145, 150. Lined pages face each Psalm, with space for journalling following each question. This journal would make a perfect Easter gift or to work through during Lent 2023. Journalling the Psalms won 'Devotional/Gift Book of the Year' at the Christian Resources Together Awards, 2022.

Written by a widely respected expert on the Bible, and one of our best-loved Christian communicators

Found in Common Worship: Times and Seasons, The Way of the Cross is a series of scripture-based devotions for personal or group use in Lent and Holy Week. Similar in intent to the traditional Stations of the Cross, it focuses wholly on the biblical narrative of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. This seasonal companion provides the sequence of fifteen meditations appears in full, including opening and concluding prayers. Each is accompanied by three short reflections from different perspectives by three of today's very best spiritual writers: - Paula Gooder offers reflections on the scriptural narratives; - Stephen Cottrell considers the story from the perspective of personal discipleship; - Philip North explores the story's challenge to mission and witness.

Gets straight to the heart of the subject

1 Peter is a significant letter, seen by many scholars to be an ecumenical bridge and anchor. It is first and foremost about the transformative joy of faith in Jesus Christ. This commentary offers a close reading of the text from beginning to end, drawing on a multiplicity of voices and engaging in a number of foundational themes for the Christian community according to the apostolic author: hope, holiness, suffering, joy, witness, hospitality, exile, resurrection, leadership. Tackling the themes raised by the epistle including slavery, exile and refugees, patriarchy, hierarchy, oppression, gender justice, and the risk of hospitality, the book engages with these topics not only through commentary, but also through short excursuses which draw the reader more deeply into some of the difficult questions. Designed as the official commentary resource for the Lambeth Conference in 2020, and structured around the themes of the conference, the book offers a unique range of perspectives on an oft-overlooked epistle. With contributions from an impressive range of scholars including Paula Gooder, Emma Ineson, Paul Swarup, Musa Dube, Craig Keener, and Kwok Pui Lan, it will provide an important resource for anyone studying, teaching, or preaching from the letter.

Journey to the Manger explores the New Testament's various accounts of the birth of Jesus: their origins in Old Testament prophecies, the genealogies, the angelic announcements, the journeys and arrivals, and the aftermath of Jesus' birth for the powerful and the poor alike. Although many biblical scholars have puzzled over historical details in the accounts, Paula Gooder argues that doing this risks missing the point. Engaging seriously with biblical and historical criticism, she uncovers key similarities running through the Gospel writers' accounts and focuses on their shared understanding of the significant events they describe. Her detailed exploration of the texts is a goldmine for preaching and teaching, and will breath new life into the familiar Christmas stories heard year after year in churches, carol services and nativity plays. Devotional reflections and discussion questions also make this ideal for personal and group study. Biblical Explorations is an exciting series from bestselling author and scholar Paula Gooder that offers an accessible and informed study of the best loved texts in Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, it is an essential resource for preachers, teachers and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.

Paula Gooder considers the ways in which the Bible sees heaven and earth connecting, and explores all the major strands of belief about life after death, including the role of paradise, and what happens between death and resurrection. She shows how the biblical writers see heaven and earth as closely connected, so that what happens in heaven affects events on earth and vice versa.

Each year, the Holy Week and Easter double issue of the Church Times offers a wealth of seasonal reading and resources for worship and preaching. This volume, like its companion Christmas collection, draws together outstanding features from the past twenty years. It includes: * Meditations on the Stations of the Cross by the poet David Scott; * A short story set in Gethsemane by David Hart; * Timothy Radcliffe on the alternative to conflict symbolised by the Last Supper; * Sam Wells on Pilate and what he - and we - could do differently; * Richard Harries on the art of Good Friday; * Peter Stanford on Judas; * Michael Perham on why Easter celebrations should start in the dark; * Stephen Cleobury on the carols of Easter; * Mark Oakley on the poetry of the cross; * Paula Gooder on why the resurrection is central to faith; * Reflections on the season's lectionary readings, and much besides. In life Jesus had 'nowhere to lay his head' and in death was laid in a borrowed tomb. Mindful of this, all royalties from this book will go to the Church Homeless Trust.

The third volume in the Biblical Explorations series from bestselling New Testament writer Paula Gooder explores a major exponent of the Gospels: the parables of Jesus. Covering every parable, this volume focuses on some of the best-known stories in the gospels, mining their meaning afresh today. It considers why Jesus spoke in pictures and opens up the world behind the parables to reveal just how striking, memorable and challenging they were for their original hearers. Biblical Explorations is an exciting series that offers an accessible and informed study of the best loved texts in Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, it is an essential resource for preachers, teachers and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.