Researchers on Greco-Roman slavery, formative Christianity, and New Testament theology will surely benefit from this groundbreaking book, a study of the Apostle Paul's slave metaphors in Galatians using the New Rhetoric Model as the lens of analysis. From Roman slave laws in the first century C.E. to the text of Galatians, this book provides an excellent test case for all other studies of first-century metaphors, parables, analogies, and other related genres. Moreover, this book demonstrates explicitly, using examples and a clear step-by-step method to clarify the meanings behind Paul's metaphors.

Synopsis: Right Texts, Wrong Meanings takes some popular New Testament texts and meanings to illustrate how many Christians have misunderstood the Bible. Along the explorative journey, readers will learn that meanings are not as obvious as they seem. At the same time, they will also learn that with the right method, the possible meanings are within their grasp. Endorsements: "Tsang invites every reader of the Bible to engage the task of interpreting the Bible more critically and thoughtfully. Through example after example, he models the importance of and how to apply the most basic interpretative skills, letting the larger literary and historical contexts guide our interpretation. This book will certainly help any Christian test interpretations and hold onto those that are good." --David A. deSilva, Professor of New Testament and Greek, Ashland Theological Seminary "I wish this was required of all those entering pulpit ministry . . . Without the protection of footnotes and ecclesiastically correct idioms, Tsang addresses the hearts and minds of those who claim to be teachers of the Word. Pick this up and read it carefully if you also claim to be a student of the Word." --David W. Pao, Professor of New Testament and Chair of the New Testament Department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School "In this helpful book, Sam Tsang covers many pet passages and shows how they mean much more than the lame and lackadaisical interpretations normally given to them. Tsang is to be credited for tackling these key texts and showing how we move beyond superficiality to maturity in biblical interpretation." --Michael Bird, Lecturer in Theology, Ridley Melbourne College of Ministry and Mission "Many popular Scripture passages have been misunderstood. Most misunderstandings are harmless. However, in some cases incorrect interpretations may result in failing to hear God through his Word. Tsang has provided the church with a challenging and thought-provoking trip through the minefield of New Testament interpretation. He reveals errors and provides reasonable solutions. Some readers will be excited. Some may be angered. All will be challenged." --Joseph D. Fantin, Associate Professor of New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary "In this eye-opening book, the gifted biblical interpreter and theologian Sam Tsang takes a fresh look at some familiar biblical passages. Time and again he shows how the obvious and popular interpretations have simply missed the breathtaking meaning that can be found in these texts. Not only does he restore more faithful readings of these passages, he also recovers the excitement vibrating at the core of these texts." --Thomas G. Long, Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University Author Biography: Sam Tsang (PhD, University of Sheffield) is associate professor of Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary. He researches, writes, and speaks full-time on his three beloved issues: interpretation, preaching, and biblical literacy.

About the Contributor(s): Sam Tsang (PhD, University of Sheffield) is associate professor of Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary. He researches, writes, and speaks full-time on his three beloved issues--interpretation, preaching, and biblical literacy--and is the author of Right Texts, Wrong Meanings.