The phrases “scripture says” and “as it is written” in early Christian literature appear unremarkable, little more than throwaway lines. Tailoring Scripture with Citation Formulae: Clues about Early Christian Views of the Holy Books and the Holy God contends, however, that they provide much to remark on. Current discussions of scriptural intertextuality either neglect or instrumentalize citation formulae. Within a world of expensive books and widespread illiteracy, though, the formulae would not only have signaled the presence of an upcoming citation. At times they also situated and interpreted a quoted passage. Further, close attention to the formulae yields three interesting clues about early Christian views of the holy books and the holy God. First, the media of the formulae in the Gospels cuts precisely counter to expectations, with the pre-Synoptic tradition indicating a textual view of scripture and Matthew, an oral one. Second, the wellspring of prosopological exegesis, that is, discovering the triune God speaking in Israel’s sacred writings, is best attributed to the Epistle to the Hebrews. Third, while the undisputed Pauline letters say little about the nature of scripture, the apostle’s citation formulae in Romans and Galatians indicate that it operated as a divine hypostasis for him. This book is a comprehensive study including an analysis and catalogue of early Christian formulae.

Quotations from Jewish scriptures play a crucial role in the Letter to the Romans. The Rhetorical Functions of Scriptural Quotations in Romans explores their rhetorical functions in Paul’s argumentation. It offers a careful text-critical analysis of the 51 quotations in Romans, and asks questions such as: does Paul quote accurately according to a wording known to him or does he adapt it himself? Moreover, to what extent does Paul strive to preserve the sense that the quoted words have in their original context? Katja Kujanpää’s approach of combining rhetorical matters with close textual study results in a more comprehensive picture of quotations in Romans than has been previously seen. Thus, the book opens new perspectives on Paul’s argumentation, rhetoric and theological agenda.

The recent attempts to change the traditional Trinitarian formula in baptism in order to rid it of masculine language raises questions concerning the nature of revelation and tradition. The study also examines the work of feminist theology which has provided a means for a radical rethinking of religious experience.

The Mission of God Study Bible encourages followers of Jesus Christ to see their everyday life from God’s perspective and have His heart for people. It’s a reminder that we live around people in desperate need of redemption and reconciliation with God, which can only be found in Jesus. The mission of God has never been just for specialists; it is for all believers to live out through their daily lives and by sharing the good news of what God has done through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus. Wherever you are, you are on mission. In The Mission of God Study Bible, readers will hear through more than 150 additional writings from today’s top thinkers, theologians, and leading voices in the church about what it means to live in the mission of God. Essay contributors include Matt Chandler, Tullian Tchividjian, Ed Stetzer, Linda Bergquist, Dave Ferguson, Christopher J.H. Wright, Matthew Barnett, and many others. Readers will also discover “Letters to the Church” from elder statesmen that speak to the grand narrative of God’s mission in Scripture. These words from Billy Graham, Jack Hayford, Erwin Lutzer, Calvin Miller, and R.C. Sproul will inspire you to live God’s mission daily.

This book offers studies by leading international scholars concerned with the New Testament Gospels and their relationship to and usage of the Old Testament, the scriptures of Israel. Several essays are devoted to each of the four Gospels. Questions of sources, form, redaction, tradition, and method are raised and discussed. The contributors are convinced that the Gospels cannot be understood correctly apart from a careful consideration of their indebtedness to the Old Testament. Readers will be treated to new interpretations and lively debate.

The Talmud is one of the most significant religious texts in the world, second only to the Bible in its importance to Judaism. As the Bible is the word of God, The Talmud applies that word to the lives of its followers. In a range of styles including commentary, parables, proverbs and anecdotes, it provides guidance on all aspects of everyday life from ownership to commerce to relationships. This selection of its most illuminating passages makes accessible the centuries of Jewish thought within The Talmud. Norman Solomon's clear translation from the Bavli (Babylonian) Talmud is accompanied by an introduction on its arrangement, social and historical background, reception and authors. This edition also includes appendixes of background information, a glossary, time line, maps and indexes.

Exchange the lies of hurtful labels and wrong thinking for the truth of who God created you to be! From an early age Alex Seeley was told she was an accident, but she also carried the weight of feeling stupid. Labels like these, sometimes spoken over us by well-meaning people, can cause us to believe lies about ourselves that make us question why we were born and what our purpose on earth could be. Yet, according to Psalm 139, God designed us in His image with a unique DNA and amazing characteristics! We are loved and created for a purpose that only we can fulfill. In Tailor Made, Alex helps us recognize our wrong thinking often brought on by generational patterns, insecurities, circumstances, lack of forgiveness, and an inaccurate view of God our Father, and offers to replace them with a new view of who God says we are. It’s time to find your own sense of belonging and the path to becoming the original, authentic version of you that God intended!