Though an understanding of the historical/cultural environment of the New Testament is essential for critical interpretation, acquiring such information can be a daunting task. Readings from the First-Century World: Primary Sources for New Testament Study skillfully guides users through this challenging terrain. The selections are designed as a vehicle to move the learner with little or no knowledge of ancient sources to a basic understanding of the significant authors and texts. Readings from a variety of genres give insight into the archaeological, theological, and sociological background of the New Testament world. Among the many contributions are works by Tacitus, Josephus, and Philo. Proposed list: Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey Readings from the Ancient Near East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Study Encountering the Book of Genesis Encountering the Psalms Encountering the Prophecy of Isaiah Encountering the Gospel of John Encountering the Epistle to the Romans Encountering the Epistle to the Hebrews

"The latest addition to the BECNT series is not narrowly exegetical but is intended to help preachers and general readers apprehend the message of 1-3 John for today. It offers a meticulously detailed study of the Greek text (including special attention to textual variants) that will provide students with ample information on every aspect of the argument of the letters. This commentary well maintains the standards that we have come to expect from this series."--I. Howard Marshall, University of Aberdeen

"By attempting to read 1-3 John in a fresh way, uncoerced by (though not uninformed by) scholarly tradition, Yarbrough offers a helpful and often different perspective on the Johannine Epistles. I find especially helpful his illuminating engagement with the history of interpretation, his careful attention to textual questions, and his quite insightful appeal to the language of the Greek version of the Old Testament (the background John and his audience shared)."--Craig S. Keener, Palmer Seminary

"Despite the author's modesty, there is no other commentary like it on these epistles; it relates the Johannine letters to aspects of Jesus's work or teaching and brings into play ancient texts as well as the latest scholarly research. Yarbrough also writes as a seasoned scholar with a pastor's heart and deep cross-cultural concerns. This rigorous yet very readable commentary is for students and pastors alike to guide their study and enhance their preaching."--Graham H. Twelftree, School of Divinity, Regent University

"Yarbrough's fine volume on the Letters of John is a refreshing and well-crafted commentary. I appreciate his informed discussions of the meanings and uses of Johannine terms, his overall canonical approach to these documents in his exegesis, and his concern to address the wider theological implications of the biblical text. This edifying and stimulating commentary encourages the reader to approach the text reverently and to respond positively to the word of God."--Peter T. O'Brien, Moore College, Sydney, Australia

"A model of evangelical scholarship. Yarbrough's thorough interaction with the literature, informative treatment of the biblical text, and clarity of articulation combine to make this commentary one that anyone interested in these New Testament writings will need to consult. This is a significant contribution to the Baker Exegetical Commentary series!"--Philip H. Towner, Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship, American Bible Society

Academically rigorous and pastorally wise, this is a helpful academic introduction of the "faith in Christ" (pistis Christou) debate, showing the centrality of faith in salvation as the church brings the good news of the gospel to the world.

Studying the New Testament can be an exciting--and intimidating--experience. This readable survey is designed to make the adventure less daunting and more rewarding. Two experienced classroom teachers offer a new edition of their bestselling and award-winning textbook, now with updated content and a new interior design. Other distinguishing features include: * abundant images, maps, and charts--all in full color * sidebars that address ethical and theological concerns and provide primary source material * focus boxes isolating key issues * chapter outlines, learning objectives, and summaries * study questions Students of the New Testament will find this introductory text both informative and engaging. An accompanying website through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources offers a wide array of resources for students and professors. Resources for students include flash cards, self quizzes, and introductory videos. Resources for professors include discussion questions, suggestions for class activities, PowerPoint slides, an instructor's manual, and a test bank.

Offering a rigorous exegesis of 1 Timothy 2:9–15, this classic volume explores Paul’s teaching on women’s roles in the local church. Now includes a new preface, a new conclusion, and new and updated chapters.

This resource provides biblical truths concerning suffering and challenges readers to promote justice and emulate God's grace to those who are suffering. Part of the Theology in Community series.

The Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament (EGGNT) closes the gap between the Greek text and the available lexical and grammatical tools, providing all the necessary information for greater understanding of the text. The series makes interpreting any given New Testament book easier, especially for those who are hard pressed for time but want to preach or teach with accuracy and authority. Each volume begins with a brief introduction to the particular New Testament book, a basic outline, and a list of recommended commentaries. The body is devoted to paragraph-by-paragraph exegesis of the Greek text and includes homiletical helps and suggestions for further study. A comprehensive exegetical outline of the New Testament book completes each EGGNT volume.

In "Historical Criticism of the Bible" Eta Linnemann tells how modern Bible scholarship has drifted far from the truth, and why its assumptions are nonetheless so influential and thereby inherently dangerous. In part 1 she analyzes the ideas that have shaped Western thought through four centuries, explaining how secular humanism, the Enlightenment, and German idealism have influenced Western universities in general and biblical scholarship in particular. In part 2 she argues that historical criticism constitutes an ideological system rather than the objective scientific method scholars say they observe--exposing the presuppositions and dangers of the historical-critical system.

"Every leader and participant in our educational system owes it to themselves and to the public to face the issues starkly laid out in this volume. The intellect is in severe trouble today, and Eta Linnemann shows clearly why. Her analysis sets the agenda for responsible Christian intellectuals and ministers in our day." --Dallas Willard, University of Southern California. "

She offers important insights and challenges to all who, within the academic enterprise, seek to be faithful interpreters of the Scriptures as the Word of God." --E. Earle Ellis, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Current Biblical interpretation is in a muddle state. Can the historicity of Scripture be placed in question but its authority and significance still be upheld? Can we be truly Christian while calling the reliability of biblical revelation into doubt? Gerhard Maier provides a Christian understanding of the science of biblical hermeneutics: the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the role of the canon, the historical nature of Scripture, current discussion of revelation and criticism, etc.

Citing the importance of the subject Maier says, "Against long-standing and still virulent tendencies of modernity we must speak confidently of the history of God's dealings with mankind." He adds, "A communicative hermeneutic, a hermeneutic of encounter, seems essential at the present time. Yet this encounter with God will flourish only where the Bible is permitted to be no less than what God intends: namely, the Word of God."

An outstanding work of biblical scholarship that will prove invaluable for all who desire a better grasp of the Bible in the modern world and especially for those in classes on biblical interpretation.

Each year thousands die for the Jesus they read about in the Bible. At the same time scholars worldwide reject central truths of the Book. Here is an analysis of two contrasting approaches to biblical interpretation: one which has encouraged many to abandon the Christian heritage, the other which has informed the largest numeric increase of professing Christians in world history in recent generations and which is projected to continue.

The Theology in Community series assembles teams of scholars to explore key theological themes and apply them to contemporary concerns. Each volume approaches a topic from the vantage points of the Old and New Testaments, and historical, systematic, and practical theology. The books draw upon a variety of contributors to craft a unified and accessible message. They aim to help pastors, church leaders, and laypersons alike.

Equips Christians to defend the doctrine of inerrancy against a culture and academy ever skeptical of the Bible's historical claims.

Is historical accuracy an indispensable part of the Bible's storyline, or is Scripture only concerned with theological truths? As progressive evangelicals threaten to reduce the Bible's jurisdiction by undermining its historical claims, every Christian who cares about the integrity of Scripture must be prepared to answer this question.

Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith? offers a firm defense of Scripture's legitimacy and the theological implications of modern and postmodern approaches that teach otherwise. In this timely and timeless collection of essays, scholars from diverse areas of expertise lend strong arguments in support of the doctrine of inerrancy. Contributors explore how the specific challenges of history, authenticity, and authority are answered in the text of the Old and New Testaments as well as how the Bible is corroborated by philosophy and archaeology.

With contributions from respected scholars--including Allan Millard, Craig Blomberg, Graham Cole, Michael Haykin, Robert Yarbrough, and Darrell Bock--Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith? arms Christians with fresh insight, arguments, and language with which to defend Scripture's historical accuracy against a culture and academy skeptical of those claims.