Late antiquity to late medieval ( The Bible and Western Christian literature: books and the book ; 1) by 
Renaissance and reformation ( The Bible and western Christian literature: books and the book; 2) by 
Enlightenment to Romanticism (The Bible and Western Christian literature : books and the book; volume 3) by
"The Bible and Literature (BL) will provide scholars and students with an authoritative reference resource covering the impact and influence of the bible upon the development of literature. The international spread of the biblical text will be reflected in a structure that considers the broader geographical, philosophical, and theological factors that crop up when the bible's role in culture and society is considered"-- Provided by publisher.
The nineteenth century ( The Bible and Western Christian literature : books and the book ; volume 4) by
"The Bible and Literature (BL) will provide scholars and students with an authoritative reference resource covering the impact and influence of the bible upon the development of literature. The international spread of the biblical text will be reflected in a structure that considers the broader geographical, philosophical, and theological factors that crop up when the bible's role in culture and society is considered"-
Twentieth Century to the Present Day ( The Bible and Western Christian literature : books and the book ; volume 5) by 
The Importance of Outsiders to Pauline Communities : opinion, reputation and mission by
This book argues that, despite Paul's often dramatic and critical descriptions of non-Christians, his letters reveal a deep concern for the presence of outsiders and for their opinion of Christians. Parker suggests that outsiders are enormously important to Paul: they determine whether Christian communities dwindle or thrive, while also playing a key role in helping such communities to understand and shape their purpose as missional disciples, develop their thinking and practice around normal daily events and relationships -- and even shape how they understand God. Parker offers a careful exegesis of the main texts within the Pauline corpus, revealing a sensitivity to the outsider; including 1 Thessalonians, Romans, 1 Corinthians and the Pastoral Epistles. By using Social Identity Theory she explores key concepts of group boundaries, identity and inter-group relations, highlighting a theme which is significant in Paul's own thought: the importance of similarity between groups. Whilst not denying the counter-cultural identity of the new Christian communities, Parker concludes that Paul reveals the areas of overlap between insiders and outsiders, since these areas not only create opportunities for positive opinions and relationships but also point to a greater understanding of God.
Stones the Builders Rejected: the Jewish Jesus, his Jewish disciples, and the culmination of history by
Since the groundbreaking publication of Postmissionary Messianic Judaism (2005), Mark Kinzer has challenged theologians and religious leaders to consider the essential ecumenical vocation of Jewish disciples of Jesus. Proposing a bilateral ecclesiology in solidarity with Israel, he argued that the overcoming of Christian supersessionism required a robust affirmation of the distinctive calling of Jews within the community of Jesus the Messiah. In this way, Kinzer's work put the issue of Jewish followers of Jesus on the theological agenda for those seeking a reparative reconfiguration of the relationship between the church and the Jewish people. In recent years, Kinzer has attended to the theological implications of this perspective and has widened his focus to include not only the Messianic Jewish movement but also Jews within Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches. The present collection of essays reflects this wider concern. According to Kinzer, the theological stones of contention are Christology conceived of as Messianology, ecclesiology understood as Israelology, and eschatology imagined as Zionology. Moreover, it is the presence of Jewish disciples of Jesus that concretizes these theological abstractions in the form of Jewish flesh and blood, summoning Jews and Christians to rethink their relationship to one another in ways that express their essential mutual dependence.
The Bible and Farm Animal Welfare by
The Bible was composed by and for people who farmed animals and observed them every day. It contains many descriptions of farm animals and farming, images that use farm animals, and prescriptions relating to husbandry practices. Farm animals are viewed as part of God's creation with their own purposes and modes of flourishing. Both the Old and New Testaments take their welfare seriously, prohibiting practices that cause pain or suffering, and endorsing methods that promote welfare. These prohibitions and endorsements are consistent with modern animal welfare science. Examining animal groups, bodies, behavior, and stockpersons, this book shows that a biblical understanding of farm animal welfare is scientifically valid and should motivate both farmers and consumers to take welfare seriously.
Exile, Incorporated: the body in the book of Ezekiel by
Exile, Incorporated: The Body in the Book of Ezekiel demonstrates how the book of Ezekiel makes rhetorical use of the human body to construct an exile-centred Judean identity. This focus on the body is inextricable from the book's setting in the Judean exile to Babylonia during the sixth-century BCE. In such a context of upheaval, all that the displaced group reliably retains are their bodies. Even so, the material surroundings of those bodies change completely, calling into question previously accepted ways of being. Author Rosanne Liebermann reveals how the book of Ezekiel holds acute awareness of this situation, evoking bodily practices and embodied experiences that serve to construct a Judean identity based on existence outside of the land of Judah. This identity excludes both non-Judeans as well as the Judeans who remained in Judah. The book of Ezekiel achieves this exclusion via descriptions of bodily practices--including circumcision, dress, and the observance of a cultic calendar--that distinguish its constructed in-group of exiled Judeans from outsiders. Ezekiel also evokes the embodied emotion of disgust regarding the bodies of those with "outsider" practices, which in turn encourages the practice of segregation and endogamy within the in-group. Focusing on the bodies depicted in the book of Ezekiel also highlights how the text presents hierarchies within the exilic Judean group, which itself contains bodies differentiated by gender and priestly or non-priestly descent. Reading the text in this way reveals how the book of Ezekiel constructs a model of a variegated community able to embody a Judean identity that not only survived but was based on life outside of the land of Judah.
Romans (Word and spirit commentary on the New Testament) by
The Spirit who inspired the authors of the New Testament is at work today around the globe, as evidenced by the explosive growth of pentecostal, charismatic, and renewalist movements; the number of adherents is now estimated at more than half a billion. There is a clear need for a balanced, affordable, and accessible commentary series aimed at Christians who identify as Spirit-filled. The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament series emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contexts. Commentaries are written by pastorally sensitive biblical scholars from the Spirit-filled tradition. Series editors are Holly Beers, Westmont College, and Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary. In Romans, pastor, scholar, and speaker Sam Storms demonstrates the inseparable bond between Word and Spirit, awakening the pentecostal-charismatic world to the functional authority of the Bible and the evangelical world to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Images, illustrations, and sidebars on Pentecostal/charismatic/revival history or insights are included.
The Importance of Outsiders to Pauline Communities : opinion, reputation and mission by
This book argues that, despite Paul's often dramatic and critical descriptions of non-Christians, his letters reveal a deep concern for the presence of outsiders and for their opinion of Christians. Parker suggests that outsiders are enormously important to Paul: they determine whether Christian communities dwindle or thrive, while also playing a key role in helping such communities to understand and shape their purpose as missional disciples, develop their thinking and practice around normal daily events and relationships -- and even shape how they understand God. Parker offers a careful exegesis of the main texts within the Pauline corpus, revealing a sensitivity to the outsider; including 1 Thessalonians, Romans, 1 Corinthians and the Pastoral Epistles. By using Social Identity Theory she explores key concepts of group boundaries, identity and inter-group relations, highlighting a theme which is significant in Paul's own thought: the importance of similarity between groups. Whilst not denying the counter-cultural identity of the new Christian communities, Parker concludes that Paul reveals the areas of overlap between insiders and outsiders, since these areas not only create opportunities for positive opinions and relationships but also point to a greater understanding of God.
The Bible in the Age of Empire: a Cultural History by
The nineteenth century was a time of titanic change. At the very heart of that change - driving it, confounding it, complicating it - was a singular book reputed to be utterly unchanging in its true and perfect expression. This book was the Bible. No other book could rival its ubiquity or cultural potency. Neither was any other book quite so divisive. Many revered it. Others deplored it. Still others used it for creative inspiration or borrowed its authority to bring about particular economic or political ends. But whatever status it enjoyed, whatever purpose it served, it was never far from the centre of Victorian discourse. The essays in this book explore how the Bible shaped and was shaped by the social and cultural forces at work during the nineteenth century -- forces that drove both scientific discovery and the colonial project, provoked unprecedented economic gain and condemned countless workers to urban poverty, gave birth to women's rights movements and reinforced traditional gender norms. Ultimately, all the essays in this book demonstrate one thing: that the nineteenth century emerges in its greatest clarity only when we approach it as the Victorians themselves approached it: through the lens of the Bible.
The Open Sanctuary - Access to God and the Heavenly Temple in the New Testament by
How can impure, earthbound humans gain access to God, who is holy and in heaven? In ancient Israel and much of the ancient world, the answer was obvious: by means of a temple. The temple gives access to God because it images the cosmos. This book explores how the concept of a heavenly temple emerged as an important theological concept for early Christians. They developed their understanding of Christ and his work in part through their understanding of heaven as a temple. Nicholas Moore examines the heavenly temple concept in the New Testament within its Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, demonstrating that the ministry of Jesus gives believers access to the dwelling place of God himself. Moore explores conceptions of the heavenly temple in the ancient world, Second Temple Judaism, the book of Revelation, Hebrews, the Gospels, Acts, and other early Christian literature. One important contribution of the book is to provide a corrective to the way many people understand the Jerusalem temple in early Christian thought. It is the first comprehensive study of the heavenly temple in the New Testament. Professors, students, and scholars of the New Testament will benefit from this work.
Revelation : a love story by
Could the cry "Come out of her My people" (Rev 18:4) not be needed more today than it was when John penned the Apocalypse?The book of Revelation begins and ends with the affirmation that God is the world's true Lord, not Caesar. In telling this story, John lays out for us the fact that Christ's kingdom is not like the kingdoms of the world. The kingdoms of the world rule by force and at the expense of the masses and for the benefit of those in power. Jesus's kingdom, however, comes through love. In Christ's kingdom, power is demonstrated by laying down one's life for one's enemies. Jesus, of course, demonstrated this kind of love on the cross, and he calls us to do the same. We have nothing to fear. After all, Jesus was dead and now he is alive and he has the keys to Death and Hades. Unfortunately, many interpreters have come to believe that the devastation and destruction depicted in the book of Revelation--in particular, in the accounts of the Seven Seals and the Seven Bowls--are God's end-times wrath. But have we ever stopped to consider that this portrait of God is fundamentally at odds with the gospel? And with Jesus's call for us to love one another even as he loved us? The book of Revelation tells a different story.
Reading the First Five Books: the invitation of the Pentateuch's stories by
This book invites readers to rediscover the artistry and transformative power of the narratives of the first five books of the Bible. Reading the First Five Books highlights key literary techniques like brevity, pacing, characterization, and use of the grotesque, showing how these characteristics shape biblical stories into memorable, complex narratives that reward close reading. This accessible guide unpacks what makes Old Testament stories effective while cultivating skills for deeper engagement with scriptural texts. Extended examples drawn from each book of the Pentateuch are included. Bridging literary study and biblical scholarship, Reading the First Five Books models a spirit of open-minded yet careful reading that uncovers profound meaning in sparse details. The book is ideal for courses on the Old Testament or the Pentateuch. Students will find valuable instruction and inspiration for their own journeys through these sacred texts.
The Origins of the Corinthian Christ Group : Paul's chord of Gods by
The Origins of the Christ Movement in Corinth: Paul's Chord of Gods argues that Paul's language about his god (father, lord Jesus Christ and pneuma) would have been familiar to Corinthian gentiles as a small group of gods - a chord of gods. Worship of Paul's chord of gods matches the common religious practice (in Theodore Schatzki's sense) around the ancient Mediterranean and in Corinth and would have been familiar to the Corinthians. This religious practice could have formed the basis of attraction for the Corinthians to join Paul's Christ group, served as a social engine for its growth among gentiles in Corinth and been a source of conflict with Paul that he tries to address in his letters to the Corinthians.
The Future of Catholic Biblical Interpretation : Marie-Joseph Lagrange and beyond by
Notable Catholic interpreters of Scripture discern the guiding values of biblical interpretation at the brink of a new era for the church. Under the influence of Benedict XVI and Francis, Roman Catholics, whether lay or religious, have found renewed interest in studying sacred Scripture. Yet the church has also grown and faces new challenges in the new millennium. What does the future of Catholic biblical interpretation look like? And how ought the church's rich heritage of biblical interpretation continue to influence it? This volume collects essays by some of the most influential voices in Catholic biblical scholarship today. Covering a variety of topics, from the Old Testament to the New Testament and biblical theology, the essays are united by a common goal: to hear the word of God and proclaim and apply it within the church. The authors pay special tribute to Marie-Joseph Lagrange. This nineteenth-century French Dominican led the way in blending critical methodology with respect for the Church's authority in order to put scriptural study in service to the good of souls. Featuring diverse and authentically Catholic perspectives;The Future of Catholic Biblical Interpretation represents fresh purpose and direction for the church's long and fruitful tradition of exegesis.
John of History, Baptist of Faith: the quest for the historical baptizer (2024) by 
Dirt, Shame, Status : perspectives on same-sex sexuality in the Bible and the ancient world (2024): BS680.H67 K39 by
"An examination of same-sex sexuality in the Bible in the context of ancient beliefs about power, honor, and purity"-- Provided by publisher."A scholarly examination of same-sex sexuality in the Bible in the context of the ancient world Scriptural prohibitions of same-sex sexual acts (so-called "clobber passages") are often used as prooftexts to support the oppression of LGBT communities in the West today. However, such interpretation of these scant references ignores critical sociohistorical context from the ancient world. Analyzing a wealth of primary sources, Thomas Kazen brings biblical studies into conversation with the sexual norms and practices of the ancient world. Near Eastern, Greek, and Roman texts, including the Old and New Testaments, exhibit ancient concerns about hierarchy in sexual relationships. Examining references to sexuality through the lenses of power and subordination, honor and shame, and purity, Kazen sheds light on homophobic passages in the Bible. Special attention is given to the Levitical laws and the Pauline epistles. Ultimately, Kazen calls us to renegotiate the balance between our ancient heritage and our contemporary values. Carefully researched and accessibly presented, Dirt, Shame, Status lends readers insight into the diverse cultural influences on the Bible. Kazen's work offers an informed and important perspective on a controversial topic of perennial interest. Scholars, students, and all curious readers of Scripture will find this volume to be an indispensable resource for understanding complex ancient texts and contexts. "
Studies in Luke, Acts, and Paul by
C. Kavin Rowe's keenest essays on Luke, Acts, and Paul, collected into one volume How should scholars undertake New Testament interpretation? C. Kavin Rowe unfolds a careful, multidisciplinary approach across fifteen of his most incisive articles and chapters. Focusing on Luke, Acts, and Paul's letters, this authoritative collection exemplifies how to enrich exegesis through historical inquiry, philosophical reasoning, and theological reflection. Topics include: * The historical context of the Roman imperial cult * Ecclesial theology in Luke and Acts * The relationship between Luke and Acts * Paul and material culture Seeking the truth of Scripture requires more than a close reading of the text. Rowe's work on Luke, Acts, and Paul demonstrates how fruitful biblical interpretation can be when interpreters cross disciplinary boundaries. This volume is an indispensable addition to the libraries of scholars, students, and serious readers of Scripture alike.
Biblical Theology : essays exegetical, cultural, and homiletical (2024) by
"A collection of C. Clifton Black's essays on New Testament theology"-- Provided by publisher."An essential collection of C. Clifton Black's best essays on the theology of the New Testament Clift Black is well known and widely loved for his exegetical acuity, his theological seriousness, his pastoral kindness, and the most delightful sense of humor in the biblical-studies guild. All these qualities are amply displayed in these thirty essays written across four decades (1983-2023) of his career, including four never before published. The chapters fall under four main headings: "Horizons" (essays of wider conceptual sweep), "Stopovers" (essays on particular topics or biblical passages), "Feuilletons" (brief essays on subjects in religious, political, or popular culture that intersect with biblical theology), and "Declarations" (essays that originated as sermons, or as thoughts about preaching). Chapter 1 attempts to define "New Testament theology." Chapter 30 professes "Jesus Christ Is Lord"-an apt label for this book's robustly challenging conclusion. Between these bookends, topics include exegesis as prayer, sin and retribution in the Gospels, Mary (mother of Jesus), grief and death, the King James Bible, biblical truth, the kindness of strangers, Johnny Cash, "early Catholicism," dogs (well, one very good dog), the lectionary, church and ministry, and God's promise for humanity. Biblical Theology: Essays Exegetical, Cultural, and Homiletical represents the fruit of a lifetime of studying, preaching, praying, training pastors, walking in the light, and laughing in the valley of the shadow of death. Black's keen mind and pastoral heart will inform and charm scholarly and lay readers alike. "
Philosophical and Theological Engagements with Biblical Narratives: Biblical narratives and human flourishing : knowledge through narrative by
Biblical narratives include some of the most important and influential narratives in human history, shaping human understanding of the most basic questions of human life as lived individually or in social association with others.
Jesus and His Promised Second Coming: Jewish eschatology and Christian origins (2024) by
"An examination and rebuttal of the critical consensus that Jesus of Nazareth did not predict or anticipate his post-death return"-- Provided by publisher."In this pioneering study of Scripture and reception history, Tucker S. Ferda shows that the hope for Jesus's second coming originated in his own message about the coming of the kingdom after a time of distress. Most historical Jesus scholars take for granted that Jesus's second coming was invented by his zealous early followers. In Jesus and His Promised Second Coming, Tucker S. Ferda challenges this critical consensus. Using innovative methodology, Ferda works backward through reception history to Paul and the Gospels to argue that the hope for the second coming originated in Jesus's own grappling with the prospect of death and his conviction that the kingdom was near; he expected a return that would coincide with the final judgment and the end of the age within the space of a generation. Ferda also makes a major contribution to the reception history of the Bible, shedding light on how Christians distinguished themselves from Judaism by deriding "Jewish messianism" as earthly minded and militaristic. In the early modern period, critics found an expedient way to distance Jesus from this caricature of "Jewish messianism": they pinned the expectation for the second coming on Jesus's early followers. A new appreciation for the diversity of Judaism and messianism in the Second Temple period makes possible a fresh reconstruction of Jesus. Bold and historically astute, Jesus and His Promised Second Coming breathes new life into a long-stagnant conversation. It also offers readers fresh insight into the history of Jewish-Christian relations. Students and scholars of the New Testament will need to read and engage with Ferda's provocative argument"
Reading Paul As Christian Scripture : a literary, canonical, and theological introduction by
This survey textbook offers an accessible introduction to Paul's Letters in their literary, canonical, and theological contexts with an eye to fitting them within the life, ministry, and theology of the apostle Paul. Constantine Campbell reflects on the reception history of Paul's letters, presents them in the context of the apostle's missionary journeys, and fits the Pauline corpus within the larger story and tradition of Christian Scripture. Reading Paul as Christian Scripture also covers the book of Acts as it relates to Paul's letters.
Introduction to Biblical Interpretation - Participating in God`s Story of Redemption (2024) by 
Paul the Storyteller: a narratological approach (2024) by
An incisive study of Paul's use of stories and narratives in his letters Paul is often thought of as a crafter of numerous and complex arguments, but some scholars, such as N. T. Wright and Richard Hays, have shown that narratives are vitally important in his letters. Through careful examination of the texts, Christoph Heilig demonstrates that Paul is indeed a talented teller of stories-not only explicit narratives but also implicit stories. In this volume, after a decade of research and writing, Heilig presents his definitive report on narrative in Paul. While Richard Hays and N. T. Wright have argued that Paul's letters contain implicit narratives, Heilig stresses that a sound methodology requires beginning with text-linguistic investigation of explicit narratives. As Heilig argues, focusing on explicit narratives repeatedly redirects our attention to implicit ("almost") stories. On this basis, he shows that Hays's "narrative substructures" and Wright's "worldview" narratives can also be fruitfully integrated into a narratological approach. Paul is a different kind of storyteller than the gospel writers, for example, but at countless points miniature narratives play a crucial role for Paul's communicative goals. Students and scholars of the New Testament will welcome Heilig's expert guidance through a hotly debated area of Pauline studies.
Reading Wisdom and Psalms As Christian Scripture : a literary, canonical, and theological introduction by
This survey textbook offers an accessible introduction to the wisdom books and the Psalter in their literary, theological, and canonical contexts. Christopher Ansberry pays particular attention to theological themes in Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, and Psalms, skillfully connecting these themes to comparable themes in the other books discussed in the volume and to the broader biblical canon. He also integrates philosophical concerns and questions.
Matthew: the Gospel of promised blessings. by
Explore the tenderness and the tensions in the teachings of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This six-part exploration of an enigmatic Gospel takes readers into the themes, topics, and tensions at the heart of Matthew's story about the life and work of Jesus. Chapters focus on blessing and comfort, judgment and retribution, the meaning of discipleship, Jesus' vision for the Church and world, conflicts and complaints, and how the Gospel of Matthew speaks to believers today. The book can be read alone or used by small groups anytime throughout the year. Components include video teaching sessions featuring Matthew Skinner and a comprehensive Leader Guide.
Matthew : the gospel of promised blessings (Leader Guide) by
Explore the tenderness and the tensions in the teachings of Jesus. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans, activities, discussion questions, and multiple format options. Components include the book, Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings, and video teaching sessions featuring Matthew Skinner. The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This six-part exploration of an enigmatic Gospel takes readers into the themes, topics, and tensions at the heart of Matthew's story about the life and work of Jesus. Chapters focus on blessing and comfort, judgment and retribution, the meaning of discipleship, Jesus' vision for the Church and world, conflicts and complaints, and how the Gospel of Matthew speaks to believers today.
Source Criticism by
Source criticism has been at the center of biblical studies for the last two centuries. In that time, it has produced a wide range of theories and approaches, often conflicting. This book provides a concise overview of the major approaches and positions in the field, helping the reader understand where scholarship has been and where it currently stands, and situating each major development within its broader intellectual and social context.
Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John by
This volume contends that the Gospel of John presents the most thorough and robust Wisdom Christology of all the New Testament books. Wisdom Christology--the christological concept that applies the roles, characteristics, and functions of God's personified wisdom to the man Jesus Christ--is displayed to be skillfully interwoven throughout all twenty-one chapters of the Fourth Gospel, starting with the famous prologue. In response to the prevailing tendency among interpreters to project postbiblical understandings of Jesus from the fourth- and fifth-century church councils back into the Gospel of John, this volume shows that a more fitting context emerges from Jewish Wisdom literature. By situating the Johannine Jesus in his first-century Jewish context, readers can appreciate John's commitment to monotheism and Jesus' role as the Father's highly empowered human agent, fully embodying Lady Wisdom.
Enjoy the latest articles by Luther Sem's own Faculty, from Word & World, most recent issues, accessed via Luther Library's subscription to ATLA -Religion Database. Here are a few recent articles from the current (44.3) issue:
Elton, Terri Martinson. “The Future of Congregations: Cruciform Communities of Hope.” Word & World 44, no. 3 (Sum 2024): 282–93.
Zscheile, Dwight J. “Shifting Ministry Paradigms: From Primarily Clergy-Led, Lay-Supported, to Lay-Led, Clergy Supported.” Word & World 44, no. 3 (Sum 2024): 315–26.
Anderson, Jon V Bishop. “Ministry In Rural and Small Town Settings.” Word & World 44, no. 3 (Sum 2024): 304–14.
Steinke, Robin J, and Jeannette Ada Maina. “Leadership Wisdom from the Global Church: A Journey of Accompaniment.” Word & World 44, no. 3 (Sum 2024): 294–303.
Lange, Dirk G. “An Unassuming yet Surprising Common Word: The Lutheran-Roman Catholic Joint Commission on Unity.” Word & World 44, no. 3 (Sum 2024): 365–76.
Sanders, Cody J. “Feral Hope for Futurist Leaders.” Word & World 44, no. 3 (Sum 2024): 355–64.
Shore, Mary Hinkle. “Word and Sacrament: The Spirit’s Gifts for a Divided World.” Word & World 44, no. 3 (Sum 2024): 327–39.
Also found in the ATLA Database: Journal of Biblical Literature and Lutheran Quarterly
New Full-text Articles in ATLA from Lutheran Quarterly or Journal of Biblical Literature
Finally, here's a sampling of several full-text Bible-related journal articles from a recent ATLA search. Articles are from some of the following: Jewish Bible Quarterly , Concordia Theological Quarterly , Old Testament Essays, Journal of Theological Interpretation , The Christian Century , Journal of Latin American Theology: ATLA full-text articles--a sampling
Reading the Bible Latinamente: Latino/a interpretation for the life of the church by
The Bible is important to Latino/a Christians living in America, playing a central role in their lives and churches. These believers have unique experiences and backgrounds that influence the way they read, understand, and apply Scripture. Reading the Bible Latinamente encourages these readers to recognize and embrace their social location and lived realities in reading Scripture. Three prominent evangelical Latino/a scholars and ministry practitioners combine their diverse experiences and expertise in biblical studies, theology, and missiology to provide an accessible resource that speaks to the lives of everyday people. The authors discuss biblical interpretation from the Latino/a diaspora and provide examples from both New and Old Testament texts. Topics include reading in community and wrestling with identity and mission in the diaspora. Latino/a students and lay readers will be encouraged in their own reading of the Scripture and in the contributions they make to the North American and global church, while believers from other backgrounds will benefit from the perspectives and contributions of their Latino/a brothers and sisters.
Psalms in an Age of Distraction : experiencing the restorative power of biblical poetry by
The psalms endure. Throughout the centuries, Christians have read, prayed, and sung this rich collection of poems. But in our current age of distraction, the daily rhythms of modern life revolve more around screens than biblical texts. This book argues that the psalms are poetry for the soul, poetry that shapes us. Beyond highlighting the poetry of the Psalter, the book attends to the theological freight of these poems. As such, we learn to read Scripture more attentively and love God and the world well. The first part of the book explores how we can read the psalms amid the pull of modern distractions. The second part highlights the various features of several psalms, showing what these poems can teach us about living in a more focused, attentive way. This engaging book demonstrates how our thoughts, emotions, and worship of the triune God are sharpened and deepened through the psalms. In an era of dimly lit faces and multitasking, the poetry of Psalms remains ready to train our ears, steady our hearts, and teach us to pray so that we might flourish in Christ. The book includes a foreword by Elizabeth Robar.
Luke's Characters in Their Jewish World : being Theophilus by
Jenny Read-Heimerdinger explores the characters of Luke-Acts in order to situate them in the Jewish world to which they belong. Through a close reading of the Greek text, she argues that Luke emerges as a person thoroughly steeped in a Jewish view of Scripture, familiar with a range of associated oral traditions; and that taking account of the Jewish features allows new insights into the way that the author situates events and characters firmly within the history of Israel, before the Church was a separate institution or religion. Read-Heimerdinger proposes that such a view of his work implies an addressee capable of understanding what he received and that one eminently qualified candidate is Theophilus, the high priest in Jerusalem 37-41 and brother-in-law of Caiaphas. The Jewish perspective of Luke's two volumes is more visible in forms of the text not used for modern translations, notably that of Codex Bezae and the early versions, which are rejected by the editors of the Greek New Testament on which translations are based. Read-Heimerdinger draws on the analysis of the variants of the Greek text analysed in her previous Luke in his Own Words (2022), in a manner more accessible to readers unfamiliar with Greek. The variant readings make use of a sophisticated knowledge of Jewish exegetical techniques that would generally be discarded by later generations of Christians but which are increasingly being recognized by NT scholars, in line with Jewish historical studies of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism. Seeing the characters of Luke-Acts through Theophilus' eyes brings exciting insights and a fresh understanding of the author's message.
The Widening of God's Mercy : sexuality within the biblical story by
A fresh, deeply biblical account of God's expanding grace and mercy, tracing how the Bible's narrative points to the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in Christian communities Discussions of the Bible and human sexuality often focus on a scattered handful of specific passages. But arguments about this same set of verses have reached an impasse, two leading biblical scholars believe; these debates are missing the forest for the trees. In this learned and beautifully written book, Richard and Christopher Hays explore a more expansive way of listening to the overarching story that scripture tells. They remind us of a dynamic and gracious God who is willing to change his mind, consistently broadening his grace to include more and more people. Those who were once outsiders find themselves surprisingly embraced within the people of God, while those who sought to enforce exclusive boundaries are challenged to rethink their understanding of God's ways. The authors--a father and son--point out ongoing conversations within the Bible in which traditional rules, customs, and theologies are rethought. They argue that God has already gone on ahead of our debates and expanded his grace to people of different sexualities. If the Bible shows us a God who changes his mind, they say, perhaps today's Christians should do the same. The book begins with the authors' personal experiences of controversies over sexuality and closes with Richard Hays's epilogue reflecting on his own change of heart and mind.
Visiting the Visitation : reflections on Luke 1-2 by
The visit of Mary to her kinswoman Elizabeth in the Gospel of St. Luke is well-known to Christians, especially to those who pray the Rosary. The "visitation" is one of the joyful mysteries. This little book will assist Christians to approach this narrative in an adult and informed fashion, using the tools of historical criticism, and, at the same time, it will aid them in their devotional lives.
Words Are Not Enough: paratexts, manuscripts, and the real New Testament by
An innovative study of the manuscript history of the New Testament, encompassing its paratexts--titles, cross-references, prefaces, marginalia, and more. How did the Christian scriptures come to be? In Words Are Not Enough, Garrick V. Allen argues that our exploration of the New Testament's origins must take account of more than just the text on the page. Where did the titles, verses, and chapters come from? Why do these extras, the paratexts, matter? Allen traces the manuscript history of scripture from our earliest extant texts through the Middle Ages to illuminate the origins of the printed Bibles we have today. Allen's research encompasses formatting, titles, prefaces, subscriptions, cross-references, marginalia, and illustrations. Along the way, he explains how anonymous scribes and scholars contributed to our framing--and thereby our understanding--of the New Testament. But Allen does not narrate this history to try to unearth a pristine authorial text. Instead, he argues that this process of change is itself sacred. On the handwritten page, scripture and tradition meet. Students, scholars, and any curious reader will learn how the messy, human transmission of the sacred text can enrich our biblical interpretation.
Understanding the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: forms, features, framings, and functions by
This up-to-date introduction to the study of the New Testament's use of the Old Testament surveys the current state of the discipline, summarizes the scholarly conversation, illuminates the New Testament writers' respect for Old Testament contexts, proposes advances in classification and terminology, and provides resources for further work in the field. New Testament scholar Douglas Huffman suggests a way beyond the impasse concerning the terminology used by scholars in the discipline. He offers a new approach to identifying and interpreting Old Testament quotations, allusions, and echoes by exploring not just the forms but also the features, framings, and functions of the New Testament use of the Old Testament. Huffman demonstrates the advantages of his approach by analyzing how the Old Testament is used in Luke-Acts and thus provides a model that can be applied to other New Testament authors' use of Old Testament Scripture. Professors and students of the Bible, scholars, and pastors will value this work.
The Trials of Jesus: evidence, conclusions, and aftermath by
See the Passion narrative like you've never seen it before. The Gospels describe a complex chain of events from Jesus's arrest to his crucifixion--interrogations from multiple high priests, a confrontation with Herod the Tetrarch, and finally Pontius Pilate's unusual hesitancy leading to Jesus's execution. The narrative raises several questions: Why was Jesus interrogated so many times? Why was he executed not by the high priests, but by the Romans? What are serious readers of Scripture to make of this narrative, central as it is to the Christian faith? Paul Barnett sheds light on the story behind the Passion, Resurrection, and the subsequent birth of the church. Barnett fills readers in on the four hundred years of history between Malachi and Matthew, setting the geopolitical stage for the very crux of salvation history. With rich context and expert storytelling, The Trials of Jesus will intrigue and enlighten scholars and everyday Christians alike.
The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus by
The next generation of scholars charts new paths for continuing the quest for Jesus of Nazareth. After a decade of stagnation in the study of the historical Jesus, James Crossley and Chris Keith have assembled an international team of scholars to envision the quest anew. The contributors offer new perspectives and fresh methods for reengaging the question of the historical Jesus. Important, timely, and fascinating, The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus is a must read for anyone seeking to understand Jesus of Nazareth. Contributors Michael P. Barber, Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, United States of America Giovanni B. Bazzana, Harvard Divinity School, United States of America Helen K. Bond, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom James Crossley, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society, Norway, and Centre for the Critical Study of Apocalyptic and Millenarian Movements, United Kingdom Tucker S. Ferda, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, United States of America Paula Fredriksen, Boston University, United States of America, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Deane Galbraith, University of Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand Mark Goodacre, Duke University, United States of America Meghan R. Henning, University of Dayton, United States of America Nathan C. Johnson, University of Indianapolis, United States of America Wayne Te Kaawa, University of Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand Chris Keith, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society, Norway John S. Kloppenborg, University of Toronto, Canada Amy-Jill Levine, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, United States of America, and Vanderbilt University, United States of America Brandon Massey, University of Münster, Germany Justin J. Meggitt, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Halvor Moxnes, University of Oslo, Norway Robert J. Myles, Wollaston Theological College, University of Divinity, Australia Wongi Park, Belmont University, United States of America Janelle Peters, Loyola Marymount University, United States of America Taylor G. Petrey, Kalamazoo College, United States of America Adele Reinhartz, University of Ottawa, Canada Rafael Rodríguez, Johnson University, United States of America Sarah E. Rollens, Rhodes College, United States of America Anders Runesson, University of Oslo, Norway Nathan Shedd, William Jessup University, United States of America, and Johnson University, United States of America Mitzi J. Smith, Columbia Theological Seminary, United States of America, and University of South Africa, South Africa Joan Taylor, King's College London, United Kingdom Matthew Thiessen, McMaster University, Canada Robyn Faith Walsh, University of Miami, United States of America Matthew G. Whitlock, Seattle University, United States of America Stephen Young, Appalachian State University, United States of America Christopher B. Zeichmann, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
2 Corinthians by
"This commentary on 2 Corinthians by a New Testament scholar from the Spirit-filled tradition emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirits voice in our time and contexts"--
Revelation in the Vernacular (2024 EBOOK) by 
The Oxford Handbook of Postcolonial Biblical Criticism by
The Oxford Handbook of Postcolonial Biblical Criticism is a comprehensive treatment of a relatively new form of scholarship-one of the most compelling and contested theories to emerge in recent times, and a topic that actively seeks to expand the ways in which the Bible can be studied,interpreted, and applied. Generally speaking, postcolonialism aims to critique and dismantle hegemonic worldviews and power structures, while giving voice to previously marginalized peoples and systems of thought. This approach, often varied in form, has inevitably engaged with the text andreception of the Bible, a scripture that Western colonizers introduced to-and often imposed upon-their colonial subjects. With a globally diverse list of contributors, the Handbook aims to cover the perspective and context of the authors of the Bible, as well as the modern experiences ofimperialism, resistance, decolonization, and nationalism. Moreover, the volume includes both a theoretical overview and an exploration of how the field intersects with related areas, such as gender studies, race, postmodernism, and liberation theology.
The Oxford Handbook of the Synoptic Gospels by
The Oxford Handbook of the Synoptic Gospels presents essays that push the field beyond the Synoptic Problem and theological themes that ignore the particularities of each Gospel. The first section, "The Problem and Nature of the Synoptics," explores some of the traditional approaches ofliterary dependence, but primarily engages with alternative ways to understand Synoptic relations and the nature of each Gospel. Interesting questions are raised in these essays regarding the tools used to evaluate literary dependence beyond those of traditional source criticism and redactioncriticism (such as performance, orality, rhetoric, ancient publication, literary structures, manuscript variety, and use by non-canonical literature).The second section, "Particular Features in Comparison," treats a variety of historical, literary, and cultural phenomena important to the study of these Gospels (such as gender, violence, power, body, history, sacred space, healing, food, gospel, suffering, sectarianism, itineracy, women, wealth).These essays indirectly reshape traditional theological themes like salvation, Christology, and discipleship, grounding them in the cultural dynamics of the period. The two main sections simultaneously express the current state of the field and push the field forward in unexplored directions.
Reading the Margins of the Early Modern Bible (2024) by
The margins of early modern bibles are filled with explanatory notes that have long been denounced as seditious, traitorous, and dangerous. Little attention has been paid to the actual use of these margins by their contemporary readership. Across chapters that attend to distinct demographics of readers ^--^ editors, clerical, Catholic, literary ^--^ Horbury demonstrates the diverse reading practices of those who pursued the margins of the early modern Bible. From William Tyndale's New Testament to the impact of the King James, Reading the Margins of the Early Modern Bible reconceptualises our understanding of how the Bible was read in early modern England and presents a transformative investigation into the role that margins played in reading scripture.
Solomon : Israel's ironic icon of human achievement by
"In this study of Solomon and his place in the larger consciousness of Israel, Walter Brueggemann considers what Old Testament narratives regarding David's heir reveal about the aspirations and ideals of the ancient Israelite people. On the supposition that figures of legend and lore disclose much about the societies celebrating them, Brueggemann examines assertions about Solomon, a man praised for his wealth, wisdom, and power and depicted as an example of enormous human achievement. Looking beneath the surface of these claims, however, Brueggemann notes that an irony permeates the tradition and invites critique of accepted beliefs. Through close attention to nuances of the biblical text, he exposes the competing interpretive voices that claim to offer a reliable rendering of Solomon."--
The Oxford Handbook of Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles by
While the Gospels, Paul's Letters, and the Book of Revelation have been well served by volumes orienting readers to the scholarly literature and to their reception histories, Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles have not received nearly the same attention. This relative neglect is in part a legacy of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Insofar as doctrinal purity in Protestant circles was defined according to rubrics that were, implicitly or explicitly, Pauline in orientation, Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles were at an obvious disadvantage. However, these writings have had a great influence on Christianity throughout the centuries. As it turns out, the study of Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles was never truly confined to their place in fraught ecclesiastical disputes. Recent decades have witnessed a resurgence of interest in these writings. The present volume seeks to assess the relevance of these works to various questions that are often posed to other parts of the New Testament canon, to report on the current state of scholarship devoted to the interpretive issues they raise, and to survey their rich and often-overlooked afterlives. Divided into four parts-general issues, topics related to Hebrews, topics related to the Catholic Epistles, and reception and engagement-The Oxford Handbook of Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles studies these books individually as witnesses to the cultural and theological diversity of the early church but also for what they reveal about the process that would eventually produce the New Testament canon.
The Oxford Handbook of Hosea by
The Oxford Handbook of Hosea is a collection of essays that provide resources for the interpretation of the book of Hosea. The volume examines interpretive elements and approaches that are deemed essential for interpretation or that are representative of significant trends in present and future study. Each essay addresses one particular element or approach and will critically survey prior scholarship before presenting current and prospective approaches.In many ways, research on the book of Hosea is representative of the developments and current trends in prophetic study as a whole. Hence, while dedicated to the book of Hosea, the collection of essays in this volume provides a snapshot of what today's fully orbed scholarship on a prophetic book should look like. The collection begins with background-oriented essays that discuss the history, text, and compositional growth of Hosea. The volume includes a section of essays that survey established and emerging perspectives on key representative texts from the book. The essays then treat the book of Hosea's major theological and literary elements, themes, and motifs before moving on to examine diverse interpretive theories, contexts, and approaches. The final group of essays in the volume investigates major trends in the reception history of Hosea, including the book's use in popular movies and novels, as well as Asian and African American interpretation.The Handbook provides state-of-the-art essays for graduate students and scholars on a wide variety of key subject areas relating to the interpretation of the book of Hosea.
The Oxford handbook of the books of Kings by 
Preaching the word : contemporary approaches to the Bible for the pulpit by 
Abraham: trials of family and faith by
From God's surprising call to Abraham to leave home and family to God's enigmatic commands that he evict one son and sacrifice another, Genesis 12-25 is one of the most dramatic stories of the Old Testament. In an inviting style that showcases his literary discernment, theological sophistication, and passion for the biblical text, Terence E. Fretheim guides readers through the intricacies of the plot. Abraham, called "the father of a multitude" (Gen 17:5), lives up to his name as the patriarch of three major religious traditions. Fretheim examines Abraham's family and assesses the significant roles it plays across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In addition, Fretheim contributes to the increasingly important interreligious dialogue surrounding Abraham by examining the continuing conversation among Muslims, Christians, and Jews about the place of Hagar and Ishmael in Abraham's family. Relating biblical narrative to theological concerns, Fretheim wrestles with such controversial concepts as God's selection of an elect people, the gift of land and other promises, the role of women and outsiders, the character of God, and the suffering of innocents. Throughout the text, Fretheim frames the narrative as rooted in the trials of family and faith that define Abraham as the father of three religions.
The Oxford Handbook of Ezekiel by
The current state of scholarship on the book of Ezekiel, one of the three Major Prophets, is robust. Ezekiel, unlike most pre-exilic prophetic collections, contains overt clues that its primary circulation was as a literary text and not a collection of oral speeches. The author was highly educated, the theology of the book is "dim," and its view of humanity is overwhelmingly negative. In The Oxford Handbook of Ezekiel, editor Corrine Carvalho brings together scholars from a diverse range of interpretive perspectives to explore one of the Bible's most debated books. Consisting of twenty-seven essays, the Handbook provides introductions to the major trends in the scholarship of Ezekiel, covering its history, current state, and emerging directions. After an introductory overview of these trends, each essay discusses an important element in the scholarly engagement with the book. Several essays discuss the history of the text (its historical context, redactional layers, text criticism, and use of other Israelite and near eastern traditions). Others focus on key themes in the book (such as temple, priesthood, law, and politics), while still others look at the book's reception history and contextual interpretations (including art, Christian use, gender approaches, postcolonial approaches, and trauma theory). Taken together, these essays demonstrate the vibrancy of Ezekiel research in the twenty-first century.
