Klyne Snodgrass explores in vivid detail the context in which these stories were told, the purpose they had in Jesus' message, and the ways they have been interpreted by the church and modern scholarship. While holding a consciously evangelical approach, Snodgrass deals throughout with a broad spectrum of opinions and interpretations. He begins by surveying the primary issues in parables interpretation. Offering both a new, more functional classification system for Jesus' parables and guidelines for interpreting them, he provides an overview of other parables -- often neglected in the discussion -- from the Old Testament, Jewish writings, and the Greco-Roman world. The remaining chapters group the longer and more important parables of Jesus thematically and give a comprehensive treatment of each, including background and significance for today.

    William Shakespeare. Garrison Keillor. They re all part of the chorus of literary geniuses who expressed admiration for The Parable of the Prodigal Son as outstanding literature. After all, it is a powerful drama, rich in detail, powerfully succinct, and intensely personal. But beyond the literary critiques besides being one of the most celebrated written works of all time the message of this parable is one we can t afford to ignore.In "The Prodigal Son," John MacArthur takes the story back to its roots, when Jesus words were absolutely revolutionary. As one of America s most beloved Bible teachers, MacArthur leads us through the minefields of interpretation and restores the simple yet profound brilliance of this passage. Giving engrossing historical background, "The Prodigal Son"will reveal Christ s original message as intended for the Pharisees, the disciples, and the world today.Gain an enlightening perspective into the prodigal son s story and embrace God s love anew with "The Prodigal Son.""

    Moo in this new volume not only explains accurately the meaning of the letters to the Colossians and to Philemon but also applies that meaning powerfully to twenty-first-century readers. Moo both interacts with the Greek text of these letters and clearly explains the English text to a contemporary audience. Informed, evangelical, methodologically astute, and displaying a careful balance between good scholarship and pastoral concern -- earmarks of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series as a whole -- Moo's Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon will offer insights to a wide range of readers, from teachers and students, to pastors and parishioners, to scholars and laypersons.

    The first concerns redemptive history and the kingdom of God. The New Testament writers adopt the Old Testament vision of God's reign and affirm that it has come in Jesus Christ, although final fulfillment is yet to come. Second, the ultimate goal of the kingdom is God's glory. Schreiner goes on to relate these themes to the life of the believer and the community of faith. Pastors and students will find this a comprehensive and illuminating survey of the unifying themes found throughout the New Testament.

    

    In this new major book, Margaret Barker traces the roots of Christian worship back to the Jewish temple. By proposing a temple setting, a great deal more can be explained, and the existing rather limited resources can be more fruitfully used. By working with a great variety of sources (canonical, extra-canonical and Fathers, all presented here in tranlsation), it is possible to reconstruct something of the early Christian world view, which shows the Church as the conscious continuation of the temple worship.Fundamental practices such as baptism and the Eucharist had Temple Roots, and familiar words in the liturgy of the church such as Maranatha and Hallelujah derived from the ancient belief that the Lord appeared in the Temple. Jesus was the God of Israel manifested as a the Great High Priest, and the Christians were his new angel priesthood, singing the angelic liturgy to restore and renew the earth.The chapters in this book cover baptism, in theology and practice, the Eucharist, with special emphasis on the symbolism of the elements, the significance of music and hymns, festivals and pilgrimage, use of the Scriptures, both what the early Christians used and how they read them, prayers, including the Lord's prayer, and the shape of church buildings.

    By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights into the Scriptures' significance for modern believers. These illuminating 'faith lessons' afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. The Faith Lessons video series is ideal for use at home, especially in personal and family Bible studies. Individual believers and families will gain vital insights from long-ago times and cultures through this innovative approach to Bible study. The six sessions include: 1. Innocent Blood -- Part 12. Inncoent Blood -- Part 23. Who is God? 4. Wages of Sin5. The Lord is My Shepherd6. God with Us6 sessions; 1 DVD with leader's guide, 110 minutes (approximate).

    In this book David Downs carefully investigates that offering from historical, sociocultural, and theological standpoints.   Downs first pieces together a chronological account of Paul’s fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Jerusalem church, based primarily on information from the Pauline epistles. He then examines the sociocultural context of the collection, including gift-giving practices in the ancient Mediterranean world relating to benefaction and care for the poor. Finally, Downs explores how Paul framed this contribution rhetorically as a religious offering consecrated to God.

    This book retells a Parable of Jesus (Matthew 18: 10-14; Luke 15: 3-7).

    The commentary features the author's detailed interaction with the Greek text, explores the relationship between John's Epistles and Jesus's work and teaching, interacts with recent commentaries, is attentive to the history of interpretation, and seeks to relate these findings to global Christianity.

    I am learning a lot about temple proceeding from the Old Testament and their application to Christ's life.

    

    The Nestle-Aland 27th edition is overwhelmingly trusted by Catholic and Protestant churches to represent the oldest surviving Greek manuscripts. The Comprehensive New Testament has complete textual variant mapping for 20 English versions: American Standard Version 1901 Douay-Rheims American Edition 1899 translation of the Vulgate English Standard Version 2001, 2007 Holman Christian Standard Bible 1999 David Stern s Jewish New Testament 1998 King James Version 1611, 1769 Blayney revision Murdock s translation of the Peshitta 1851 New American Bible, revised 1991 New American Standard Bible 1960 New American Standard Bible, 1995 revision New English Translation 2004 New International Version 1984 New Jerusalem Bible 1985 New King James Version 1982 New Living Translation, 2nd Edition 2004 New Revised Standard Version 1989 Revised English Bible 1989 Revised Standard Version, 2nd Edition 1971 Today s English Version (Good News Bible) 1966 The Living Bible (paraphrase) 1971 Over 15,000 variations in ancient manuscripts are translated in the footnotes. Uncertain readings are clearly marked in brackets. Readability, accuracy, and formal equivalence are empirically measured and charted for the 20 English versions and compared to The Comprehensive New Testament. Readability is measured using the Coleman-Liau scoring system in Readability Studio version 1.2.0.0, Copyright 2007. Accuracy and formal equivalence are measured by comparing each verse from the different versions to the Nestle-Aland 27th edition Greek New Testament. Cross references are arranged by topic, passage, and verse. Highly significant parallels are quoted in special highlight boxes throughout the cross reference index. The cross reference index includes over 40,000 references for: Old and New Testaments Old Testament Apocrypha Apostolic and Patristic Writings Dead Sea Scrolls Dhammapada Epic of Gilgamesh Golden Verses of Pythagoras Greek Literature Nag Hammadi Library New Testament Apocrypha Pseudepigrapha Rabbinic Writings Tacitus The Egyptian Book of the Dead Works of Josephus Works of Philo Works of Plato

    It examines background information about the geography and history of each city, as well as whatever is known about the founding of the church there. This book also considers what instruction was presented to each church and why, as well as Biblical and historical evidence that reveals what happened to the church after the first century. Ultimately, we try to learn the lessons offered from the example of each church. Centuries may separate us from the churches of the New Testament, but their examples, instruction, commendation, and rebukes can teach us today.

    Faith is dead. Or is it? In this book the author explores the worlds of science, philosophy, archaeology and reason to explain that Christian faith is not a fading bulb that will soon burn out, but rather a glaring, undeniable phenomenon attested to by a myriad of blinding lights. It is inescapable! AABlinding Lights is one of only a few books of its kind. Rather than tackling only one subjectAbe itAthe evidence for the existence of God, the deity of Jesus Christ or the dangers of false religions, this book covers all these topics and more in a way that is readable and unerstandable to the layman. Whether you are a skeptic seeking to examine the evidence or a believer who desires more knowledge on the subject, Blinding Lights is the book for you.

    In it, Vander Laan illustrates how Jesus’ call to follow him turned the world upside down.Journey back to the time of Jesus. Marvel at the magnificence of Herod’s palace. Scramble among the ruins of Qumran. And wonder at the simplicity and wisdom of Jesus’ parables. In the Life & Ministry of the Messiah, you and your group will discover how the events of Jesus’ day impacted his life, ministry and communication…and then you’ll learn how it affects yours.Filmed on location in Israel, Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals unique insights into the Scriptures' significance for modern believers.The Life & Ministry of the Messiah Discovery Guide (296 pages) includes eight sessions. Each lesson…- Focuses on passages of Scripture explored in the DVD - Includes sidebars, maps, photos and other study tools- Features questions that facilitate discussion and inspire personal reflection- Includes 30 personal Bible studies to help you deepen your learning experience between sessions, and turn lessons from the past into applications that impact how you live out your faith today.These illuminating "faith lessons" afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. The Faith Lessons video series is ideal for use in small groups, personal and family Bible studies, and adult Sunday school. Individual believers and families will gain vital insights from long-ago times and cultures through this innovative approach to Bible study.This Discovery Guide is designed for use with the Life & Ministry of the Messiah DVD (sold separately).Lessons include:1. In the Shadow of Herod – Herodion2. My Rock and My Fortress – Masada3. The Time Had Fully Come – Filmed in Qumran4. No Greater Love – Filmed in Korazin/Mount of Beatitudes 5. The Rabbi – Filmed in Gamla6. Language of Culture – Flimed in Sepphoris7. Misguided Faith – Filmed in Belvoir 8. Living Water – Filmed in En Gedi

    So how does one make sense of the story of the resurrection-or rather stories, for not one but many diverse reports survive from early Christianity? Brandon Scott suggests that we must begin by erasing all Christian art about the resurrection from our memory. And then forget all the sermons we heard at Easter. The best way to understand the resurrection, he argues, is to arrange the texts chronologically and observe how the story itself developed. The Resurrection of Jesus: A Soucebook begins with just such a list, compiled with commentaries by Robert W. Funk. It proceeds to a report of the Jesus Seminar's votes on the resurrection, followed by a collection and discussion by Robert Price of resurrection stories found in the Greek culture of Jesus' day, and an in-depth study by Arthur Dewey of a little-known resurrection story in the Gospel of Peter. Philosopher Thomas Sheehan concludes the volume with two essays that help put the pieces back together again, in ways that make sense in the modern world.

    Mark, the Cinderella gospel, as Byrne says, languished for millennia in the shadow of Matthew ("the first gospel") and Luke. Beginning in the nineteenth century, scholars uncovered what is now generally accepted as the more likely scenario: that Mark was the pioneer, creating a new literary genre ("gospel") in which to communicate the "Good News of Jesus Christ." This Good News according to Mark is essentially a message of freedom a freedom, however, that does "not come about without cost: a cost to Jesus, a cost to the Father, and a cost to those called to associate themselves with his life and mission." Mark holds out to us both the price and the promise of freedom.A Costly Freedom joins The Hospitality of God (on Luke) and Lifting the Burden (on Matthew) to make up a set of indispensable companions to the gospels for preachers, teachers, and those who simply want to read the gospels for understanding and a deepening of their spirituality and faith.Brendan Byrne, SJ, is professor of New Testament at Jesuit Theological College, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. A member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission (1990 '96) and Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities (2000 '), he is the author of nine books and editor in chief of the theological journal Pacifica.

    In the Steps of Paul provides readers with a visually stimulating tour of the cities, towns, and regions visited by the Apostle Paul during his ministry as recorded in the New Testament.

    Part One looks at the ways in which New Testament and Christian origins scholarship has historically been influenced by its political and social settings over the past hundred years or so. Part Two looks at the Orientalist rhetoric of clashing civilisations and how this relates to the 'war on terror' and the creation of Islam, Arabs, Middle East etc. as the Great Enemy in the media and relevant intellectual thought since the 1970s and, to use Derek Gregory's phrase, 'hideously emboldened' in the 'war on terror'.Part Three looks at issues of Palestine and Israel in the media alongside Christian, secular and relevant intellectual thought since the 'Six Day War' of 1967, focusing in particular on the dramatic shift towards widespread support for Israel. This also includes an analysis of the recent and controversial case of Nadia Abu el-Haj's tenure at Barnard.

    An essential handbook for scholars and students, it provides a thorough grounding in the study and editing of the New Testament text combined with an emphasis on the dramatic current developments in the field. Covering ancient sources in Greek, Syriac, Latin and Coptic, it: - Describes the manuscripts and other ancient textual evidence, and the tools needed to study them - Deals with textual criticism and textual editing, describing modern approaches and techniques, with guidance on the use of editions - Introduces the witnesses and textual study of each of the main sections of the New Testament, discussing typical variants and their significance. A companion website with full-colour images provides generous amounts of illustrative material, bringing the subject alive for the reader.

    We’re going on a journey. A quest to uncover Scripture and its meaning across history. Filmed on location in Israel and throughout the Middle East, the Faith Lessons DVD series is an adventure in biblical learning. You will discover why Jesus turned the world upside down with his compelling call to follow him. Teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan brings together history, culture, and geography to illuminate the Gospels. Eight DVD lessons supported by an interactive Discovery Guide will let you, your family, or your small group walk with Jesus through the days of his ministry on this earth. The insights you gain will transform your reading of the Gospels and inspire a deeper faith commitment. Faith Lessons on the Life and Ministry of the Messiah focuses on the birth of Jesus, his life, and his short but powerful ministry—a ministry that has shaped empires and changed the course of history. Faith Lessons on the Death and Resurrection of the Messiah focuses on the last week of Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit’s visit on Pentecost.

    Jesus is used as a comforting idea in times of trouble, an inspiration for those seeking spirituality, and even as a figurehead for counter-cultural enthusiasts. But the real Jesus is so much greater than this.

    This thought-provoking and cutting-edge collection will help you go deeper in your understanding of the biblical writings, how those writings became canonical Scripture, and why canon matters. Beginning with an explanation of the different versions of the Hebrew Bible, scholars in different areas of expertise explore the complexities and issues related to the Old and New Testament canons, why different Jewish and Christian communities have different collections, and the importance of canon to theology.

    Each chapter attends to Matthew s original intent and seeks to express that intent in ways that evoke his distinct voice, so as to fulfill the goal of Matthew s gospel making disciples by forming the mind, heart, and hands of believers.

    This second edition differs from the first in that five new chapters have been added and one review article has been deleted. The change of the main title to Studies in the New Perspective on Paul is due to the conviction that the New Perspective on Paul actually represents a return to the original context in which Paul proclaimed the gospel of Christ. Therefore, it is not something to be defended, but propounded in the most positive terms possible.

    C. H. Lenski's classic text - now available again. Lenski's massive yet readable commentary has been deeply influential in pastoral circles that prize serious work with the Greek text, a strong theological exegesis (influenced by Lenski's Lutheran background and conservative theological convictions), and understanding how each text relates to life in Christ. Each passage is introduced by Lenski's original translation, followed by his exhaustive discussion of linguistic, historical, exegetical, and thematic points. Even though its historical-critical work has been surpassed, the strong narrative quality, accessibility, and "holy reverence for the the Word of God" (Moody Monthly) of Lenski's work have allowed his commentary to continue as an excellent resource for detailed study of the New Testament and sermon preparation. In this republication of Lenski's text, his twelve volumes are presented in a more manageable twenty books without altering the original at all.

    C. H. Lenski's classic text - now available again. Lenski's massive yet readable commentary has been deeply influential in pastoral circles that prize serious work with the Greek text, a strong theological exegesis (influenced by Lenski's Lutheran background and conservative theological convictions), and understanding how each text relates to life in Christ. Each passage is introduced by Lenski's original translation, followed by his exhaustive discussion of linguistic, historical, exegetical, and thematic points. Even though its historical-critical work has been surpassed, the strong narrative quality, accessibility, and "holy reverence for the the Word of God" (Moody Monthly) of Lenski's work have allowed his commentary to continue as an excellent resource for detailed study of the New Testament and sermon preparation. In this republication of Lenski's text, his twelve volumes are presented in a more manageable twenty books without altering the original at all.

    This book is a greatly revised and expanded edition of Richard Bauckham's acclaimed God Crucified: Monotheism and Christology in the New Testament (1999), which helped redirect scholarly discussion of early Christology.