This volume grapples with what the author calls "the challenge that historical and cultural relativism poses to the hermeneutical process when applied to the authoritative Scripture." The author addresses this 'challenge' by analyzing both the roots and the current state of biblical hermeneutics and by developing a biblical theology of hermeneutics and culture. Larkin begins his historical analysis by uncovering the origin of the major thought forms and patterns that have shaped contemporary hermeneutical discussion. He then focuses on evangelical and nonevangelical contributions to the debate. Culling the writings of biblical scholars and missiologists, he outlines how they have addressed such issues as the nature and authority of Scripture, the interpreter's preunderstanding, and contextualization. Among other vitally important subjects, Larkin also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit and man in the interpretive process. He concludes with guidelines for interpreting and applying Scripture, concentrating on the cultural factorsoboth ancient and modernoinvolved in this procedure. Originally published in 1988 by Baker Book House."

In this volume, William Larkin provides students with a reliable guide through the intricacies of the Greek text of Ephesians, introducing them to consensus views on matters of syntax, semantics, and textual criticism. In addition, the annotations contain references to current debates relating to the language of Ephesians. Larkin's annotations demonstrate that linguistically informed analyses which have appeared in the last couple of decades frequently shed light on old questions.