Using various narrative approaches and methodologies, an international team of forty-four Johannine scholars here offers probing essays related to individual characters and group characters in the Gospel of John. These essays present fresh perspectives on characters who play a major role in the Gospel (Peter, Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, Thomas, and many others), but they also examine characters who have never before been the focus of narrative analysis (the men of the Samaritan woman, the boy with the loaves and fishes, Barabbas, and more). Taken together, the essays shed new light on how complex and nuanced many of these characters are, even as they stand in the shadow of Jesus. Readers of this volume will be challenged to consider the Gospel of John anew.

The publication of the King James version of the Bible, translated between 1603 and 1611, coincided with an extraordinary flowering of English literature and is universally acknowledged as the greatest influence on English-language literature in history. Now, world-class literary writers introduce the book of the King James Bible in a series of beautifully designed, small-format volumes. The introducers' passionate, provocative, and personal engagements with the spirituality and the language of the text make the Bible come alive as a stunning work of literature and remind us of its overwhelming contemporary relevance.

This volume examines a multitude of characters in Matthew's gospel and provides an in-depth look at the different approaches currently employed by scholars working with literary and reader-oriented methods. Beginning with an introduction on 'the properties of character' and the several aspects involved in the creation of person, the contributors provide a close reading of numerous characters and character types in the Gospel of Matthew. Including Mary, King Herod, John the Baptist, Jesus the Preacher, Jesus the Teacher, God the Father, the Roman Centurion, Peter, Women, Gentiles, Scribes and Pharisees, and Romans. Such close studies aid the understanding of different issues in Matthean characterization, while also charting the development of hermeneutical vistas that have developed in contemporary scholarship, resulting in a collection of exegetical character studies that are self-consciously working from a literary, narrative-critical, reader-oriented, or related methodology.

The book of Matthew paints a powerful portrait of Jesus as Israel's long-awaited Messiah, the one who would bring God's kingdom to earth and fulfill his promises to his people. Leading readers through this hope-filled book, this guide explains the biblical text with clarity and passion—inviting us to encounter God's one and only Son: Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Over the course of 12 weeks, these studies explore books of the Bible and: Ask thoughtful questions to spur discussion Show how each passage unveils the gospel Tie the text in with the whole story of Scripture Illuminate the doctrines taught in each passage Invite you to discover practical implications Help you better understand and apply God's Word

The Teach Yourself the Bible Series is one of the best New Testament studies you will find anywhere. Each book in the series is packed full of valuable questions on individual chapters of the Bible, check-ups to test your grasp of scriptural truths, and usable suggestions for group study. Grow in your knowledge of God through each New Testament book, then go on to study six aspects of Christianity essential for all believers: doctrine, prayer, eternal life, prophecy, Christian character, and Bible study. What does it really mean to be a Christian? Christian Character Course is a look at subjects having to do with Christian ethics and practical Christian service. Study the characteristics of a true believer in this important volume. Strengthen your relationship with the living God with all twenty-five books of the Teach Yourself the Bible Series. Each volume is a timeless, yet practical, study of the Word of God.

The Teach Yourself the Bible Series is one of the best New Testament studies you will find anywhere. Each book in the series is packed full of valuable questions on individual chapters of the Bible, check-ups to test your grasp of scriptural truths, and usable suggestions for group study. Grow in your knowledge of God through each New Testament book, then go on to study six aspects of Christianity essential for all believers: doctrine, prayer, eternal life, prophecy, Christian character, and Bible study. Paul sent the Colossian and Philemon epistles to Colossae at the same time. The former is a warning against errors of doctrine and practice, the latter a private letter to a Colossian Christian. Both are worthy of study today. Strengthen your relationship with the living God with all twenty-five books of the Teach Yourself the Bible Series. Each volume is a timeless, yet practical, study of the Word of God.

Carolyn Nystrom introduces you to a blind beggar, a throwaway woman, a doubting disciple, and many other fascinating men and women of the New Testament. As you enter into their stories, you'll discover how Jesus can transform you too. They were ordinary people. Some were never even mentioned by name. Yet they were all touched by Jesus. In this ten-session LifeGuide® Bible Study, you will learn about the fascinating men and women of the New Testament. As you enter into their stories, you'll discover how you too can be touched by the Savior.