This commentary was researched and written using Semitic Bible Study Methods, Aramaic (the language Yeshua spoke), and the culture of Yeshua’s day. These methods were initially developed by the Sage Hillel over 2000 years ago augmented and the author. Semitic Bible study methods are based on asking questions about the Scripture, examining the language and culture of that day. This is a strange idea for church people because the Church teaches that only the Church can interpret Scripture. This is not true. God wants us to ask questions because Scripture’s meaning is as deep as God, and God is infinite.
This commentary was researched and written using Semitic Bible Study Methods, Aramaic (the language Yeshua spoke), and the culture of Yeshua’s day. These methods were initially developed by the Sage Hillel over 2000 years ago augmented and the author. Semitic Bible study methods are based on asking questions about the Scripture, examining the language and culture of that day. This is a strange idea for church people because the Church teaches that only the Church can interpret Scripture. This is not true. God wants us to ask questions because Scripture’s meaning is as deep as God, and God is infinite.
This commentary was researched and written using Semitic Bible Study Methods, Aramaic (the language Yeshua spoke), and the culture of Yeshua’s day. These methods were initially developed by the Sage Hillel over 2000 years ago augmented and the author. Semitic Bible study methods are based on asking questions about the Scripture, examining the language and culture of that day. This is a strange idea for church people because the Church teaches that only the Church can interpret Scripture. This is not true. God wants us to ask questions because Scripture’s meaning is as deep as God, and God is infinite.
Letters and Homilies for Jewish Christians is the second of three volumes extending Ben Witherington's innovative socio-rhetorical analysis of New Testament books to the latter-Pauline and non-Pauline corpora. A third volume will extend the focus on Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians begun in the first volume. By dividing the volumes according to the socioreligious contexts for which they were written, Witherington sheds fresh light on the documents, their provenance, character and importance. Throughout, Witherington shows his thorough knowledge of recent literature on these texts and focuses his attention on the unique insights brought about through socio-rhetorical analysis that either reinforces or corrects those gleaned from other approaches. "Bridging the Horizons" sections point to the relevance of the text for believers today, making this volume of special value to pastors and general readers as well as to students and scholars. Features and Benefits Provides commentary from a prominent New Testament scholar Offers a fresh look at Hebrews, James and Jude in light of recent study and socio-rhetorical concerns Includes "Closer Look" sections that explore contemporary issues in more detail
"This commentary on the epistle of James provides an original translation, meticulous grammatical analysis of the Greek text, and theological exposition addressing perpetual issues in the life of the church and highlighting the enduring relevance of this epistle for Christians amid trials. The author presents careful research into the historical context, purpose, structure, and message of James, which has often been misunderstood, notably in the Lutheran tradition. Dr. Giese offers a positive, corrective interpretation. The overarching theme of James is "the gifts of the giving God and their use." James 1:16-18 stands as the theological center of the book: the eschatological gift of rebirth in Jesus Christ, to be firstfruits of the new creation, establishes the right use of all other divine gifts"--
William Varner, Professor of Bible and Greek at the Master's University, works skillfully through the Greek text of James, using modern linguistic tools and careful grammatical analysis to lay bare the meaning of this early Christian epistle. Each section contains the Greek text, text-critical notes, a discussion of literary context, a sentence flow with English translation, and thorough exegetical comments. Varner's commentary is useful for students, pastors, and scholars alike.
James Kugel’s essential introduction and companion to the Bible combines modern scholarship with the wisdom of ancient interpreters for the entire Hebrew Bible. As soon as it appeared, How to Read the Bible was recognized as a masterwork, “awesome, thrilling” (The New York Times), “wonderfully interesting, extremely well presented” (The Washington Post), and “a tour de force...a stunning narrative” (Publishers Weekly). Now, this classic remains the clearest, most inviting and readable guide to the Hebrew Bible around—and a profound meditation on the effect that modern biblical scholarship has had on traditional belief. Moving chapter by chapter, Harvard professor James Kugel covers the Bible’s most significant stories—the Creation of the world, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and his wives, Moses and the exodus, David’s mighty kingdom, plus the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the other prophets, and on to the Babylonian conquest and the eventual return to Zion. Throughout, Kugel contrasts the way modern scholars understand these events with the way Christians and Jews have traditionally understood them. The latter is not, Kugel shows, a naïve reading; rather, it is the product of a school of sophisticated interpreters who flourished toward the end of the biblical period. These highly ideological readers sought to put their own spin on texts that had been around for centuries, utterly transforming them in the process. Their interpretations became what the Bible meant for centuries and centuries—until modern scholarship came along. The question that this book ultimately asks is: What now? As one reviewer wrote, Kugel’s answer provides “a contemporary model of how to read Sacred Scripture amidst the oppositional pulls of modern scholarship and tradition.”
“Women of the Word will help all who read it to find their way deeper into the Word of God without having to be seminary educated, a genius, or even an especially good student.” —Kathy Keller We all know it’s important to study God’s Word. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. What’s more, a lack of time, emotionally driven approaches, and past frustrations can erode our resolve to keep growing in our knowledge of Scripture. How can we, as Christian women, keep our focus and sustain our passion when reading the Bible? With over 250,000 copies sold, Women of the Word has helped countless women with a clear and concise plan they can use every time they open their Bible. Featuring the same content as the first edition, and now with added study questions at the end of each chapter, this book equips you to engage God’s Word in a way that trains your mind and transforms your heart.
The Knowing the Bible series is a new resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. Each 12-week study leads participants through one book of the Bible and is made up of four basic components: (1) Reflection questions designed to help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlighting the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” showing how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identifying how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from a wide array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on each and every page of the Bible. In this accessible study, pastor and author Greg Gilbert examines the message of James, exploring the book’s difficult teachings on wealth, anointing with oil, prayer, healing, and the relationship between faith and works. Through clear exposition of the biblical text and challenging application questions, Gilbert helps readers rightly understand James as a stirring exhortation to fruitfulness, ultimately written to remind Christians of the necessary connection between genuine faith and heartfelt obedience.
