The Pastoral Epistles with Philemon & Jude Hardcover - 2008

From the rear cover

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. The Pastoral Epistles with Philemon & Jude is the seventh volume in the series. This commentary, like each in the series, is designed to serve the church--through aid in preaching, teaching, study groups, and so forth--and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.

"Risto Saarinen's commentary on the Pastoral Epistles, Philemon, and Jude does an excellent job of mediating the insights of recent large-scale works in a readable exposition that concentrates on theology, bringing in from time to time the contributions of such expositors as Chrysostom and Calvin. Helpful appendices and excursuses break new ground in situating the letters within the context of ancient teachings on moderation, mental disorders, and generosity, and the author's background in Scandinavian Lutheranism affords a fresh perspective. Saarinen is not uncritical of what he sees as the Pastor's misogynism and argues that following literally his tendency to accommodate church practice to contemporary social standards may achieve today the opposite effect from what was intended. His hermeneutical approach in terms of theological subjects and elucidatory predicates offers a fresh entry into the teaching of Jude. This is a stimulating study that helpfully and sympathetically challenges some traditionalist approaches without being the last word on the subject."--I. Howard Marshall, University of Aberdeen

Praise for Acts, by Jaroslav Pelikan

"[Jaroslav Pelikan] ranges widely in the zone between what the text meant and what it means: taking his cue from Irenaeus, Origen, Augustine and Chrysostom, he is focused on what the text has been understood to mean. The editors could not have found a more qualified person to probe the thick pages of the history of interpretation and Christian doctrine. One might expect a wooden catalog of ancient comments . . . but Pelikan serves up richer fare. Drawing on a stunning array of theological writings, he looks beyond the text of Acts to themes and ultimately dogmas hovering over the text."--James Howell, Christian Century

General editor: R. R. Reno (Creighton University)
Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry)
Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)
Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)
Michael Root (Catholic University of America)
George Sumner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)

From the jacket flap

Praise for previous volumes in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible

"What Jaroslav Pelikan offers us [in Acts] . . . is neither a commentary nor a book of homilies, but rather a set of observations on what phrases and passages in Acts might remind us of in the later history of Christian doctrine. As a sampler of vintage Pelikan tidbits, it is a scintillating piece of work, a tour de force in the history of dogma, a kaleidoscope of brilliant reflections by a generous and faithful Christian scholar."--Brian E. Daley, SJ, Pro Ecclesia

"In an easily accessible style, [Peter] Leithart interweaves an entertaining rehearsal of the biblical story while expanding on themes that relate to Christian theology and practice [in 1 & 2 Kings]. . . . Both content and structure contribute to the value of the commentary for sermon-preparation and lay use. Chief among the distinguishing features of Leithart's work is the way he travels from the text to multiple disciplines that benefit from the narrative theology described therein. . . . [Leithart's] aspiration of bringing the OT to the church as an ongoing source of revelation is refreshing. . . . For this, as well as for his engaging style and challenging observations, his contribution is welcome."--Amber Warhurst, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

"[Jaroslav] Pelikan launches a potentially significant commentary series [with Acts]. . . . Pelikan's volume robustly demonstrates what reading enlivened by tradition and dogma can look like. It is a timely invitation to the church and the academy to question both the artificially erected barriers between doctrine and scripture and the anxiously maintained gaps between 'then' and 'now.'"--Angus Paddison, International Journal of Systematic Theology

"In [Matthew], there is substantial discussion of a whole host of issues that are of profound importance to Christians. . . . Often it is compellingly relevant and at times quite moving. . . . The commentary is the work of one capable of acute observation and profound thought. At his best Hauerwas shows some real sensitivity to Matthew's story-telling technique. . . . There is certainly much to challenge and inspire Christian readers."--John Nolland, Review of Biblical Literature

"[Acts] has all the marks of [Jaroslav] Pelikan's scholarship: a close reading of the Greek text; a verse-by-verse commentary on that text studded with references to the great patristic commentators; and a constant eye on the theological and homiletical possibilities of the text itself, as well as its place in the liturgical life of the church both West and East."--Lawrence S. Cunningham, America