A study of Paul's argument against circumcision in Galatians in relation to ritual castration practiced in the Anatolian cult of Cybele.

This volume offers a comprehensive examination of circumcision and foreskin in the undisputed Pauline epistles. Historically, Paul's discourse on circumcision has been read through the lens of Paul's supposed abandonment of Judaism and conversion to 'Christianity.' Recent scholarship on Paul, however, has challenged the idea that Paul ever abandoned Judaism. In the context of this revisionist reading of Paul, Ryan Collman argues that Paul never repudiates, redefines, or replaces circumcision. Rather, Paul's discourse on circumcision (and foreskin) is shaped by his understanding of ethnicity and his bifurcation of humanity into the categories of Jews and the nations—the circumcision and the foreskin. Collman argues that Paul does not deny the continuing validity (and importance) of circumcision for Jewish followers of Jesus, but categorically refuses that gentile believers can undergo circumcision. By reading this language in its historical, rhetorical, epistolary, and ethnic contexts, Collman offers a number of new readings of difficult Pauline texts (e.g., Rom 4:9–12; Gal 5:1–4; Phil 3:2–3).

Slip into this demonically thrilling, action-filled, urban fantasy adventure series of Jami Gray's Kyn Kronicles... When the queen of chaos locks horns with death's justice, Natasha and Darius set a dangerous game in motion, leading the two predators into a lethal dance of secrets and treachery. Death and chaos can devastate even the best-laid plans... As the leader of the Amanusa, Natasha Bertoi thrives on chaos, but when tragedy strikes the Northwest Kyn, leaving bodies and betrayal in its wake, not even she is prepared for the fallout. With the Northwest houses in an uproar, and the Wraiths hungry for blood, all her carefully laid plans are put to the test as she wards off the greedy clutches of the ruling Kyn Council. Her plans and pawns are moving along nicely, until he disrupts the game. Whispers of treachery draw Darius Abazi to the Northwest in search of justice honed with vengeance. After years of protecting the Council and its secrets, he harbors no illusions on how lies can be twisted into truth. As death stalks the Northwest Kyn, he faces off with the beautiful, but manipulative Natasha to uncover the mastermind behind it all. A dangerous attraction lures the two predators into a deadly game, where one wrong move could destroy all that Natasha holds dear. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * They are the Kyn, supernatural beings who walk alongside the humans, their existence kept secret behind the thinnest of veils. Now, modern man’s scientific curiosity is determined to rip that curtain aside and reveal the nightmares in the shadows. Welcome to the otherworld of the Kyn. "Fans of Patricia Briggs's Mercy Thompson series and Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series will enjoy the introduction to the paranormal world created by Jami Gray." - Mary Waibel, Goodreads Reviewer "The romance in this book isn't as front-and-center as it is in her other books, but this alpha male is pure hotness, so you'll enjoy every minute of their screen time together. I highly recommend this book if you like urban fantasy with a sprinkle of romance." - Crystal, Amazon Review "I loved the paranormal aspect of the book. Jami Gray's imagination was in full force and vivid. It was action packed, with exciting and well written fight scenes and plenty of surprises." - Goodreads Reviewer * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Firefly meets Dune in this action-packed sci-fi adventure about a close-knit, found family of a crew navigating a galaxy of political intrigue and resource-driven power games. Nev has just joined the crew of the starship Kaitan Heritage as the cargo loader. His captain, Qole, is the youngest-ever person to command her own ship, but she brooks no argument from her crew of orphans, fugitives, and con men. Nev can’t resist her, even if her ship is an antique. As for Nev, he’s a prince, in hiding on the ship. He believes Qole holds the key to changing galactic civilization, and when her cooperation proves difficult to obtain, Nev resolves to get her to his home planet by any means necessary. But before they know it, a rival royal family is after Qole too, and they’re more interested in stealing her abilities than in keeping her alive. Nev’s mission to manipulate Qole becomes one to save her, and to survive, she’ll have to trust her would-be kidnapper. He may be royalty, but Qole is discovering a deep reservoir of power—and stars have mercy on whoever tries to hurt her ship or her crew. "An entertaining intergalactic ride." —Bulletin "[A] well-executed sci-fi caper...full of intriguing commentary about wealth inequality and exploitation." —Booklist

Editors Ian Paul and David Wenham present this collection of scholarly reflections on preaching from the New Testament. With an impressive cast of senior and younger scholars, the book covers all the main texts and genres of the New Testament, adding key chapters on the infancy narratives, parables, miracles, archaeology, hermeneutics and more.

A biblical theology of worship spanning both the Old and New Testaments While many books on worship focus on contemporary trends, Biblical Worship plumbs every book of the Bible to uncover its teaching on worship and then applies these insights to our lives and churches today. A team of respected evangelical scholars unearths insights into a variety of issues surrounding worship, including: • The Old Testament concept of worship • Worship before the Exodus • Worship in the Old Testament feasts and celebrations • Worship in the Psalms of Lament and Thanksgiving • The New Testament concept of worship • Worship in the Gospels • Worship in Acts • Worship in the Pastoral Epistles, and much more. Pastors, worship leaders, instructors, and anyone who wants to grow in their knowledge of the Bible's full teaching on worship and how it applies today will benefit from this volume, part of the Biblical Theology for the Church series.