1 and 2 Peter and Jude: A Theological Commentary on the Bible
Add to Wishlist
1 and 2 Peter and Jude: A Theological Commentary on the Bible

1 and 2 Peter and Jude: A Theological Commentary on the Bible

Overview

Historical- critical approaches to Scripture rule out some readings and commend others, but they rarely offer much help to either theological reflection or the preaching of the Word. They do not point the church forward in the life of discipleship.

These commentaries have learned from tradition, but they are most importantly commentaries for today. The authors share the conviction that their work will be more contemporary, more faithful, and more radical, to the extent that it is more biblical, honestly wrestling with the texts of the Scriptures.—from the series introduction

The volumes in Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible from Westminster John Knox Press offer a fresh and invigorating approach to all the books of the Bible. Building on a wide range of sources from biblical studies, the history of theology, the church's liturgical and musical traditions, contemporary culture, and the Christian tradition, noted scholars focus less on traditional historical and literary angles in favor of a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the texts. This series is an invaluable resource for those who want to probe beyond the backgrounds and words of biblical texts to their deep theological and ethical meanings for the church today.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780664232023
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date: 03/16/2011
Series: Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible Series
Pages: 272
Product dimensions: 6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Catherine Gunsalus González is Professor Emerita of Church History at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

Table of Contents

Publishers Note vii

Series Introduction William C. Placher Amy Plantinga Pauw ix

Abbreviations xiii

Commentary

Part 1 1 Peter

Introduction: Why 1 Peter? Why Now? 3

1:1-12 We Are Heirs of a Great Salvation 12

Further Reflections: Typology 17

Further Reflections: The Catechumenate 21

1:13-2:3 Therefore We Are Called to Holiness 32

Further Reflections: Early Baptismal Practices 47

2:4-17 Called to Be God's Priestly People 50

2:18-3:12 Living in the Old World in a New Way 67

3:13-17 Why Do Christians Suffer? 91

3:18-22 The Cosmic Significance of Christ's Work 104

4:1 -19 The Approaching Judgment 115

5:1-13 Final Words to All Members 137

Final Thoughts

Part 2 2 Peter

Introduction: Why 2 Peter? Why Now? 159

1:1-21 Preparing the Groundwork for Debate 163

Further Reflections: Predestination 174

2:1-22 The Challenge 181

3:1-18 The Crux of the Matter 192

Further Reflections: Eschatology 195

Further Reflections: Changes in Creation 200

Final Thoughts 206

Part 3 Jude

Introduction: Why Jude? Why Now? 211

1-25 The Letter 214

Final Thoughts 227

Selected Bibliography 229

Index of Ancient Sources 231

Index of Subjects 235

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Belief is extraordinary, inspiring, innovative, and passionate in its vision. An excellent resource for preaching the love of God." Andrew Sung Park, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio

"Church leaders will delight in a ready supply of biblical resources that engage seriously with the history of interpretation and contemporary theological reflection." Philip W. Butin, copastor, First United Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas

"A new engagement between biblical texts and constructive theology. Expect fresh textual reading from an informed theological perspective." Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary

"An impressive variety of theological voices all asking what the upshot of the biblical texts is for pressing theological issues in our day." David Kelsey, Professor Emeritus, Yale Divinity School

Customer Reviews