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Word Guild Award Shortlist Biblical Studies Word Guild Best Book Cover Award Association of University Presses Design Show Book, Jacket, and CoversChristians cannot ignore the intersection of religion and violence, whether contemporary or ancient. In our own Scriptures, war texts that appear to approve of genocidal killings and war rapeforcibly taking female captives for wivesraise hard questions about biblical ethics and the character of God. Have we missed something in our traditional readings?In Bloody, Brutal, and Barbaric? William Webb and Gordon Oeste address the ethics of reading biblical war texts today. Theirs is a biblical-theological reading with an eye to hermeneutical, ethical, canonical, and ancient cultural contexts. Identifying a spectrum of views on war texts ranging from "no ethical problems" to "utterly repulsive," the authors pursue a middle path using a hermeneutic of incremental, redemptive-movement ethics.Instead of trying to force traditional Christian answers to fit contemporary questions, they argue, we must properly connect the traditional answers with the biblical storyline questions that were on the minds of Scriptures original readers. And there are indeed better answers to the ethical problems in the war texts. Woven throughout the Old Testament, a collection of antiwar and subversive war texts suggest that Yahwehs involvement in Israels warfare required some degree of accommodation to people living in a fallen world. Yet, Gods redemptive influence even within the ugliness of ancient warfare shouts loudly about a future hopea final battle fought with complete and untainted justice by Christ.

All too often, argues Ben Witherington, the theology of the New Testament has been divorced from its ethics, leaving as isolated abstractions what are fully integrated, dynamic elements within the New Testament itself. As Witherington stresses, "behavior affects and reinforces or undoes belief."Having completed commentaries on all of the New Testament books, a remarkable feat in itself, Witherington now offers the first of a two-volume set on the theological and ethical thought world of the New Testament. The first volume looks at the individual witnesses, while the second examines the collective witness.The New Testament, says Ben Witherington, is "like a smallish choir. All are singing the same cantata, but each has an individual voice and is singing its own parts and notes. If we fail to pay attention to all the voices in the choir, we do not get the entire effect. . . . If this first volume is about closely analyzing the sheet music left to us by which each musicians part is delineated, the second volume will attempt to re-create what it might have sounded like had they ever gotten together and performed their scores to produce a single masterful cantata."What the New Testament authors have in mind, Witherington contends, is that all believers should be conformed in thought, word and deed to the image of Jesus Christ--the indelible image.

Christianity Today Book Award winnerPaul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, steeped in the learning of his people.But he was also a Roman citizen who widely traveled the Mediterranean basin, and was very knowledgeable of the dominant Greek and Roman culture of his day. These two mighty rivers of influence converge in Pauls first letter to the Corinthians.With razor-sharp attention to the text, Kenneth Bailey examines the cultural milieu and rhetorical strategies that shaped this pivotal epistle. He discovers the deep layers of the Hebraic prophetic tradition informing Pauls writing, linking the Apostle with the great prophets of the Old Testament.Throughout, Bailey employs his expert knowledge of Near Eastern and Mediterranean culture to deliver to readers a new understanding of Paul and his world. Familiar passages take on a new hue as they are stripped of standard Western interpretations and rendered back into their ancient setting.

Biblical Foundations Award Finalist and Runner UpSince the unexpected popularity of Bart Ehrmans bestselling Misquoting Jesus, textual criticism has become a staple of Christian apologetics.Ehrmans skepticism about recovering the original text of the New Testament does deserve a response. However, this renewed apologetic interest in textual criticism has created fresh problems for evangelicals. An unfortunate proliferation of myths, mistakes, and misinformation has arisen about this technical area of biblical studies.In this volume Elijah Hixson and Peter Gurry, along with a team of New Testament textual critics, offer up-to-date, accurate information on the history and current state of the New Testament text that will serve apologists and Christian students even as it offers a self-corrective to evangelical excesses.

Sifra is the earliest extant rabbinic commentary on the book of Leviticus. On a basic level, Sifra presents and validates rabbinic law, but this was done by creating a link between a proposition, halakhic or not, and a scriptural passage. Scholars in the last few decades-including Neusner and Stemberger-have debated Sifras relationship to Mishnah-Tosefta. Howard Apothaker demonstrates that the set of rules in Dibbura deSinai on topics shared with Mishnah-Tosefta can be understood as an independent body of law. They share a common ancestor but represent different expressions of a similar worldview and with variant purposes. The framers of Sifra sought as their main objective to validate the essentiality, or non-superfluity, of every word of Scripture. Apothakers analysis of the exegetical and rhetorical characteristics of Sifra in Sifra, Dibbura deSinai: Rhetorical Formulae, Literary Structures, and Legal Traditions builds on his translation of and commentary on the section of Dibbura deSinai which covers Leviticus 25-27. Analysis of Sifras highly formalized rhetoric yields insight concerning the general purpose(s) for which the framers created the work.

The aim of historical Jesus research is to identify the authentic material from which the historical figure as a social type underneath the overlay is constructed. Pieter Crafferts anthropological historiography offers an alternative framework for dealing with Jesus of Nazareth as a social personage fully embedded in a first-century Mediterranean worldview and the Gospels as cultural artefacts related to this figure. This cross-cultural model represents a religious pattern that refers to a family of features for describing those religious entrepreneurs who, based on regular Altered State of Consciousness experiences, perform a specific set of social functions in their communities.

All too often, argues Ben Witherington, the theology of the New Testament has been divorced from its ethics, leaving as isolated abstractions what are fully integrated, dynamic elements within the New Testament itself. As Witherington stresses, "behavior affects and reinforces or undoes belief."Having completed commentaries on all of the New Testament books, a remarkable feat in itself, Witherington now offers the second of a two-volume set on the theological and ethical thought world of the New Testament. The first volume looks at the individual witnesses, while the second examines the collective witness.The New Testament, says Ben Witherington, is "like a smallish choir. All are singing the same cantata, but each has an individual voice and is singing its own parts and notes. If we fail to pay attention to all the voices in the choir, we do not get the entire effect. . . . [If the first volume was] about closely analyzing the sheet music left to us by which each musicians part is delineated, [this second volume attempts] to re-create what it might have sounded like had they ever gotten together and performed their scores to produce a single masterful cantata."What the New Testament authors have in mind, Witherington contends, is that all believers should be conformed in thought, word and deed to the image of Jesus Christ--the indelible image.

El gran predicador y expositor bíblico C. H. Spurgeon dedicó buena parte de su vida a completar su "opus magna". Un gran comentario al Libro de los Salmos que tituló "El Tesoro de David".Spurgeon expone, versiculo a versiculo, cada salmo y selecciona los mejores comentarios -sobre cada uno de ellos- por los Padres de la Iglesia, los Reformadores, los autores Puritanos, asi como los comentaristas contemporaneos de su epoca. La obra al completo estara disponible en español en tres grandes tomos: este segundo lo forman 42 salmos mas el Salmo 119. El primero lo forman 61 Salmos basicos y el tercero es el resto de Salmos. El Tesoro de David, recopila lo mejor que se ha dicho y escrito sobre cada Salmo desde el Siglo II hasta finales del Siglo XIX.

Considerado el comentario por excelencia entre todos los comentarios del A.T., citado constantemente por todos los demás comentaristas, lingüistas y estudiosos de la Biblia, el "Biblischer Commentar

El gran predicador y expositor bíblico C. H. Spurgeon dedicó buena parte de su vida a completar su "opus magna". Un gran comentario al libro de lo salmos que tituló "El Tesoro de David". Spurgeon expone versiculo a versiculo cada salmo y selecciona los mejores comentarios -sobre cada uno de ellos- por los Padres de la Iglesia, los Reformadores, los autores Puritanos, asi como los comentaristas contemporaneos de su epoca. La obra al completo estara disponible en español en tres grandes tomos: el primero, lo formara los 61 salmos mas conocidos e importantes; el segundo y tercero abarcara el resto de salmos, completando asi la obra. El Tesoro de David, recopila lo mejor que se ha dicho y escrito sobre cada Salmo desde el Siglo II hasta finales del Siglo XIX.

Conceptualizado como una contribución a la continua construcción de la identidad del Códice mendocino, el presente volumen está organizado en torno a tres ejes: el análisis material, la interpretación textual y estilistica, y la recepcion y transmision del manuscrito. Los estudios de Barker Benfield y MOLAB abren una ventana hacia el entendimiento objetivo de la materialidad del manuscrito. El proceso de conservacion y reencuadernamiento del Mendocino registrado por Barker Benfield ha disipado especulaciones en cuanto al metodo de construccion del manuscrito y sus posibles encuadernaciones previas, permitiendo que conexiones antes aceptadas, como la autoria de Francisco Gualpuyogualcal, sean reexaminadas. Asimismo, el analisis llevado a cabo por el equipo de MOLAB liderado por Davide Domenici ha sacado del ambito de la especulacion la naturaleza de los pigmentos del manuscrito, asi como ha permitido que hipotesis interpretativas previamente articuladas al respecto del significado de pigmentos especificos y lo estricto de su aplicacion en el tlacuilolli sean refinadas y contenidas. Si bien el color tiene significado para el tlacuilo, este no esta directa y necesariamente ligado a su materialidad. A partir de estas observaciones se puede desarrollar una nueva generacion de estudios interpretativos cuyas propuestas se basen en datos cada vez mas certeros acerca de la naturaleza material del Mendocino.Los estudios interpretativos del manuscrito que ocupan el presente volumen representan una linea de investigacion que, al considerar al manuscrito desde la perspectiva compleja de la obra de arte, bibliografica y literaria, complementa las lecturas antropologicas e historicas que se han hecho del Mendocino en estudios anteriores. Asi, los ensayos de Diana Magaloni, Daniela Bleichmar y Jorge Gomez Tejada, editor del libro, reconsideran el numero y estilo de los artistas que crearon el manuscrito para entender tanto el proceso de creacion del mismo como el lugar que este ocupa en el contexto artistico del virreinato temprano. Las decisiones que estos artistas e intelectuales toman en el Mendocino, lejos de insertarse en una relacion binaria dominante-dominado, se presentan como una manifestacion de los modos de pensar y ver el espacio y el tiempo en el mundo mesoamericano. Las pinturas del Mendocino ejecutadas a manera de taller en donde uno, dos o mas individuos intervienen en una misma pagina para crear de manera sincronizada una sola composicion, tal como demuestra quien escribe toman visos de ritualidad y funcionan como "instrumento para re-crear, reactualizar y hacer coherente el devenir historico ligado al territorio y los patrones cosmicos" (ver Capitulo 4). Esta ultima observacion complementa y refuerza la lectura de la tercera seccion del manuscrito propuesta por Joanne Harwood, para quien, independientemente de lo original de las soluciones visuales utilizadas para componer esta seccion del manuscrito, su modelo prehispanico se encuentra en un genero de resonancia religiosa mesoamericana: el teoamoxtli.

Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random.As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful.In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why.Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, childrens and youth ministry, and much more.The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.

Ian E. Rock demonstrates that the Letter to the Romans may be seen as an attempt by a subordinate group to redress actual and potential issues of confrontation with the Empire and to offer hope, even in the face of death. Paul demonstrates that it is Gods peace and not Romes peace that is important; that loyalty to the exalted Jesus as Lord and to the kingdom of God - not Jupiter and Rome - leads to salvation; that grace flows from Jesus as Christ and Lord and not from the benefactions of theEmperor. If the resurrection of Jesus - the crucified criminal of the Roman Empire - demonstrates Gods power over the universe and death, the very instrument of Roman control, then the Christ-believer is encouraged to face suffering and death in the hope of salvation through this power. Pauls theology emerges from, and is inextricably bound to, the politics of his day, the Scriptures of his people, and to the critical fact that the God who is One and Lord of all is still in charge of the world.

Where does evil come from? If there is a sovereign creator God, as Christian faith holds, is this God ultimately responsible for evil? Does Gods sovereignty mean that God causes each instance of sin and suffering? How do Satan, his demons and hell fit into Gods providential oversight of all creation and history? How does God interact with human intention and action? If people act freely, does God know in particular every human decision before the choice is made? In this important book Gregory A. Boyd mounts a thorough response to these ages-old questions, which remain both crucial and contentious, both practical and complex.In this work Boyd defends his scripturally grounded trinitarian warfare theodicy (presented in God at War) with rigorous philosophical reflection and insights from human experience and scientific discovery. Critiquing the classical Calvinist solution to the problem of evil, he advocates an alternative understanding of the sovereignty of the trinitarian God and of the reality of Satan that sheds light on our fallen human condition. While all may not agree with Boyds conclusions, Satan and the Problem of Evil promises to advance the churchs discussion of these critical issues.

The good news from the Minor Prophets is that, even in dire times, God speaks.While the Minor Prophets are among the most succinct books of the Old Testament, their theological richness has much to offer us today. And not only did they have something to say to their original audience, but God continues to speak through their words in ways that are of utmost importance for the continued flourishing of Gods people. In this unique introduction to the Minor Prophets, biblical scholars Craig Bartholomew and Heath Thomas survey the twelve books and explore the theological themes of each. Filled with helpful exegetical insights, this book is an invaluable guide for students, pastors, and scholars looking for a cohesive exploration of these often-overlooked books of the Hebrew Bible.More than a survey of the text, each chapter offers theological insights that help frame the message of the Minor Prophets for preaching and living in our world today. This introduction contextualizes the Minor Prophets within a larger biblical-theological framework, illuminating these twelve books as masterful works of literature that address the realities of human life with unblinking honesty and uncompromising hope.

"We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." When Paul preached about the crucified and risen Jesus Christ to the church at Corinth and elsewhere, did he follow the well-established rhetorical strategy of his day or did he pursue a different path? And what does that mean for the preaching of the church today? Through a detailed analysis of 1 Corinthians 1-4, Duane Litfin explores the rhetorical context of Paul?s preaching and his own understanding of his task as a preacher. What is revealed in this investigation is a sharp distinction between Greco-Roman rhetorical strategies, which sought to persuade, and Paul?s theology of preaching, which was based on the model of an obedient herald. This revised and expanded version of Litfins previous St. Pauls Theology of Proclamation will provide insight to those engaged in Pauline and New Testament studies, rhetorical theory, and Greco-Roman studies. Moreover, by offering a better understanding of Pauls method as well as the content of his declaration concerning "the power and wisdom of God" revealed in Jesus, this book will help preachers as they undertake the ongoing task to "preach Christ crucified."

In the last century, more studies of the parables were produced than for any other section of comparable length in the Bible. The problem is that most Bible readers are unlikely ever to know of most of them.In this substantially new and expanded edition, Craig Blomberg surveys and evaluates contemporary critical approaches to the parables, challenging the prevailing consensus and making his own important new contribution to parable studies. Within proper definitions and boundaries, the author defends a limited allegorical approach. In support of this view ofparable interpretation, Blomberg not only sets forth theoretical considerations but devotes attention to all the major parables, providing brief interpretations that highlight the insights to be gained from his distinctive method.Interpreting the Parables can be read with profit by scholars, students, pastors and educated laypeople.

Biblical Foundations Book Awards FinalistFor Christians, the Old Testament often presents a conundrum. We revere it as Gods Word, but we dont always comprehend it. It has great truths beautifully expressed, but it also has lengthy lists of names that we cannot pronounce, detailed rules for religious rites that we never observe, and grim stories that we never tell our children. Theologians and laypeople throughout church history have struggled to define it, interpret it, and reconcile it with the New Testament.In The Problem of the Old Testament, Duane A. Garrett takes on this conundrum and lays a foundation for constructive study of the Old Testament. He surveys three primary methods Christians have used to handle the Old Testament, from the church fathers to today: hermeneutical, schematic, and conceptual. Garrett also explores major interpretive topics such as the nature of the law, the function of election and covenants, and how prophecy works, boldly offering a way forward that is faithful to the text and to the Christian faith."I argue," Garrett writes, "that the Old Testament is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and that it is authoritative and edifying for Christians." This thorough, accessible work is essential reading for all students of Scripture seeking to discover the Old Testaments riches beyond the challenges.

In this classic work of spiritual theology, historian Richard Lovelace presents a history of spiritual renewals in light of biblical models. Drawing from the best of different Protestant traditions, Dynamics of Spiritual Life lays out a comprehensive approach to the renewal of the church.In the first half of the book, Lovelace surveys awakening movements since the Reformation, particularly emphasizing Jonathan Edwardss theology of renewal. He then goes deeper into specific elements of such movements and their significance for both doctrinal reformation and spiritual renewal.Lovelace examines such practical issues as renewal of the local congregation, ways revivals go wrong, prospects for closing the "sanctification gap," the historical role of evangelical movements in promoting both unity and division, and Christian approaches to the arts. With scholarly and pastoral insight, he offers a powerful vision of renewal that can unify various models across traditions, combining individual and corporate spirituality, social activism, and evangelism.For over forty years, this well-loved book has helped Christians understand the spiritual movement they are a part of and guided leaders in planting and pastoring churches. This expanded edition features a new forewordby Timothy Keller.

Few New Testament scholars of recent decades have set the pitch for academic discussion and debate in their field like N. T. Wright. His signature contention, that Israels continuing exile was a pivotal issue in the emergence of Christianity, has found a central place in contemporary New Testament scholarship. Israel had grievously sinned against Yahweh and suffered the judgment of exile from its land. But even though Israel had returned, the majority of Jews of the second temple era regarded themselves in paradoxical exile under Roman rule and still awaiting their full restoration. It was this crisis of exile that reached its climax and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This, according to N. T. Wright, is the controlling narrative that shaped the thinking of Jesus and Paul. While many find this a compelling key to understanding the New Testament, critical responses also abound. This book engages a variety of scholars in conversation with Wrights thesis. The scene is set in an introduction by James M. Scott, who has made significant contributions to the debate. Then, in a programmatic essay, Wright clearly restates his thesis. Next come eleven essays from scholars such as Walter Brueggemann, Philip Alexander, Jorn Kiefer, Dorothy Peters, and Scot McKnight. They interact with Wrights thesis from various perspectives: Hebrew Bible, Septuagint, early Judaism, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the New Testament. Hans Boersma and Ephraim Radner then engage Wrights thesis from theological perspectives. Finally, Wright offers a lively response to his interlocutors. Exile: A Conversation with N. T. Wright takes our understanding of this critical issue to a new level. It is essential reading for anyone engaged with Wrights work and the Jewish setting of Jesus and Paul.