Condensed from its larger parent, volume eight of the Mercer Commentary on the Bible comprises commentaries on the general epistles and the book of Revelation, and contains several articles from the acclaimed Mercer Dictionary of the Bible. This convenient yet thorough edition is for the classroom and for anyone who wishes to focus study on these particular texts from the New Testament.Praise for the Mercer Commentary on the Bible: It is easy to criticize a one-volume commentary on the whole Bible for what it does not say. The Mercer Commentary on the Bible should be praised for how much it does say. Having all this information...makes it especially useful. The contributors write clearly.... They write for the church, laity as well as clergy. I am sure I will refer to this commentary often. William M. Ramsay (In Interpretation).The special contribution of [the Mercer Dictionary of the Bible] is its thorough, up-to-date scholarship and large amount of information offered in just a single, inexpensive volume. A truly balanced, thorough, and useful reference work for both academic and public libraries. Especially recommended for undergraduates. Choice

A comprehensive and essential introductory textbook on the New Testament by an eminent professor in the field.

Inasmuch as "sex" and "sexuality" are not words often spoken from pulpits and in academic theological circles, a vast number of utterances have been made in the name of so-called "Christian values" and "biblical views" on sex and sexuality. These are often given from moral-ethical perspectives, and seemingly very prescriptive: who should have sex with whom, when sex should take place, which purposes sex should serve--and especially, when sex is wrong. Moreover, often there is little or no recognition of the complexities surrounding human sexuality, resulting in what appears to be a blueprint for sexuality, applicable to all persons. This volume contains fourteen theological and ethical reflections by South African scholars on human sexuality, with the aim of exploring what a sexual reformation within Christian dialogue might entail. Presented in three sections--namely, systematic theological reflections, biblical reflections, and ethical reflections--the essays represent a range of topics from a variety of perspectives: Luther and marriage; sexual abuse in the Catholic Church; body theology and the sexual revolution; reproductive technologies, sexuality and reproduction; reproductive loss; hermeneutical choices and gender reformation in (South) Africa; queer engagements with "bra" Joseph; explorations on Paul and sex; rape culture and violent deities; the church's moral authority and sexual ethics; practical-theological considerations regarding infertility; empirical research on masculinities in Zambia; and the lived experience of transgender people in African Independent Churches.

This commentary on the Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation, excerpted from the Fortress Commentary on the Bible: The New Testament, engages readers in the work of biblical interpretation. Contributors connect historical-critical analysis with sensitivity to current theological, cultural, and interpretive issues. Introductory articles describe the challenges of reading the New Testament in ancient and contemporary contexts, as well as exploring other themes ranging from the Jewish heritage of early Christianity to the contexts of diaspora. These are followed by the survey “Introduction to Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation.” Each chapter (Hebrews through Revelation) includes an introduction and commentary on the text through the lenses of three critical questions: The Text in Its Ancient Context. What did the text probably mean in its original historical and cultural context? The Text in the Interpretive Tradition. How have centuries of reading and interpreting shaped our understanding of the text? The Text in Contemporary Discussion. What are the unique challenges and interpretive questions that arise for readers and hearers of the text today? Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation introduces fresh perspectives and draws students, as well as preachers and interested readers, into the challenging work of interpretation.

Continuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, the completely revised Expositor's Bible Commentary puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands. A staple for students, teachers, and pastors worldwide, The Expositor's Bible Commentary (EBC) offers comprehensive yet succinct commentary from scholars committed to the authority of the Holy Scriptures. The EBC uses the New International Version of the Bible, but the contributors work from the original Hebrew and Greek languages and refer to other translations when useful. Each section of the commentary includes: An introduction: background information, a short bibliography, and an outline An overview of Scripture to illuminate the big picture The complete NIV text Extensive commentary Notes on textual questions, key words, and concepts Reflections to give expanded thoughts on important issues The series features 56 contributors, who: Believe in the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible Have demonstrated proficiency in the biblical book that is their specialty Are committed to the church and the pastoral dimension of biblical interpretation Represent geographical and denominational diversity Use a balanced and respectful approach toward marked differences of opinion Write from an evangelical viewpoint For insightful exposition, thoughtful discussion, and ease of use—look no further than The Expositor's Bible Commentary.

This one-volume commentary on the Old Testament including the Deuterocanonical literature is taken from the "Mercer Commentary on the Bible. Every book of the Old Testament receives full commentary treatment, complete with an introduction and outline to each book, followed by a commentary on each book. This volume is the perfect tool for students and teachers in that it provides the essential information in understanding the text and its meaning. As such, it is deal for introductory courses on the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, or for individual or group study.