Essential Bible Study Tools for Ministry

by David R. Bauer

Overview

This up-to-date, highly selective bibliography is designed to acquaint students and ministers with major works, significant publishers and prominent scholars in biblical studies. It is the perfect guide for beginning a research project or building a ministerial library. References are included based on the following considerations: (1) usefulness for the theological interpretation of the Bible within the context of the faith of the church; (2) significance in the history of interpretation; and (3) representation of evangelical and especially evangelical Wesleyan scholarship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426758287
Publisher:	Abingdon Press
Publication date:	03/18/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	657 KB

About the Author

David Bauer is the Ralph W. Beeson Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and Dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation. He has served on Asbury Theological Seminary s faculty since 1984.
He received a B.A. from Spring Arbor College (University), a M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. Dr. Bauer is the recipient of the American Bible Society Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies, Asbury Seminary s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the Spring Arbor University Alumni Association Award of Professional Excellence.

Read an Excerpt

Essential Bible Study Tools for Ministry

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By David R. Bauer

Abingdon Press

Copyright © 2014 Abingdon Press
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4267-5828-7

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CHAPTER 1

The Whole Bible

1.1 Bibliographic Helps: General

Highly Recommended

1.1.1 Allison, Joe. Swords and Whetstones: A Guide to Christian Bible Study Resources. 3d ed. Nappannee, Ind.: Evangel, 1999. 217pp.

An introduction to biblical studies resources that also explains clearly how to use each type of Bible reference work. Especially helpful is the guidance provided for selecting an English translation. Contains highly selective bibliography with annotations. Written from a conservative perspective for a primarily evangelical readership; is fair and balanced both in the works selected and in the evaluation of these works.

1.1.2 Bazylinski, Stanislaw. A Guide to Biblical Research: Introductory Notes. Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 2006. 160pp.

Lists with some annotations works that are pertinent for researching an exegesis paper. Includes various original language editions of the biblical text, bibliographic research tools, and reference works (e.g., concordances, grammars, lexicons). Cites German, French, and Italian works in addition to those in English. Concludes with discussion of literary forms and practical suggestions for writing an exegesis paper.

1.1.3 Danker, Frederick W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. 3d ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003. 344pp.

Has been the benchmark of bibliographic guides to the Bible since the first edition in 1960. Contains specific descriptions of the various resources (including works from the entire history of the church, not simply the modern period), along with discussion on the use of these works in interpretation. The only serious limitation is its failure to list commentaries on specific biblical books, though it does discuss commentary series. A must for all Bible students.

1.1.4 Fitzmyer, Joseph A. An Introductory Bibliography for the Study of Scripture. Studia Biblica 3. 3d ed. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1990. 154pp.

From a leading Roman Catholic biblical scholar, it contains paragraph-long annotations of major scholarly works in the various areas of biblical studies but gives relatively little attention to commentaries on individual biblical books. Discusses works produced in a variety of languages, especially German and French; English works comprise fewer than half of those cited. Essential for academic research but of relatively limited usefulness for those engaged in regular teaching and preaching in the church.

1.1.5 Worth, Roland H., Jr. Biblical Studies on the Internet: A Resource Guide. 2d ed. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2008. 378pp.

Lists over forty-eight hundred resources at more than ten thousand Internet sites. Includes Bible translations (both English and non-English), editions of the biblical text in the original languages, a host of ancient documents related to the Bible, and a variety of secondary sources (mostly in English). An indispensable guide to this increasingly important source of information.

See also Elenchus of Biblica (§1.2.10)

Also Significant

1.1.6 Barber, Cyril J. Best Books for Your Bible Study Library. New York: Loizeaux, 2000. 95pp.

1.1.7 Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2007. 380pp.

1.1.8 Moo, Douglas J. An Annotated Bibliography on the Bible and the Church. Deerfield, Ill.: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1986. 70pp.

1.1.9 Stuart, Douglas. A Guide to Selecting and Using Bible Commentaries. Waco, Tex.: Word, 1990. 131pp.

1.2 Periodicals

1.2.1 African Journal of Biblical Studies. 1986–. Semiannual.

Produced by the Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies. The vast majority of contributors are from Africa. Most articles draw out significance of exegetical studies for the African context. Helpful for introducing North American students to African biblical studies and to the process of contextualizing results of biblical scholarship. Language: English. Book reviews: few.

1.2.2 Bible Review. 1985–. Quarterly.

This journal, produced by the Biblical Archaeology Society in Washington, D.C., provides studies in which some of the most prominent scholars address questions about biblical passages or biblical issues that trouble or concern nonspecialists. Articles represent almost all methods, and contributors include scholars of virtually all faiths (and secularists who shun religious commitment entirely). The orientation is, in fact, generally secular. It contains much informed and fresh insight, and is of value to specialists, but it is more useful to seminary students and trained pastors. Language: English. Book reviews: very few.

1.2.3 The Bible Today: Scripture for Life and Ministry. 1962–. 6 issues/year.

Produced by the Order of St. Benedict in Collegeville, Minnesota, this Roman Catholic publication seeks to translate for the nonspecialist the results of serious scholarly investigation into the Bible, with special emphasis on clarifying the meaning of difficult biblical passages and concepts. Although written for laypersons, the academic reputation of its contributors and the high quality of its articles make it profitable for the seminary student and trained pastor. It is consistently reverent in handling the text and attentive in a pastoral way to issues of faith that are of concern to its Christian readers. Language: English. Book reviews: few and very brief (practically book notices).

1.2.4 Biblica. 1920–. Quarterly.

Produced by the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious journals given to serious biblical scholarship. Articles deal meticulously with meaning and background of specific biblical passages, employing almost exclusively the traditional historical-critical method. Excellent for serious, in-depth study. Language: all European languages (Latin prominent in the earlier volumes), with English articles comprising approximately a third of the total. Book reviews: moderately few, but extensive in length. See also the related bibliographic annual, Elenchus of Biblica (§1.2.10)

1.2.5 Biblical Interpretation: A Journal of Contemporary Approaches. 1993–. 3 issues/year.

In response to the predominance of the historical-critical orientation of most periodicals in biblical studies, this journal, produced by Brill Academic Publishers in Leiden, the Netherlands, offers interpretations of particular texts and theoretical hermeneutical discussions centering on the new and emerging methods in interpretation, e.g., poststructuralism, semiotics, feminism, liberation hermeneutics, reader-oriented criticism, psychological and ecological readings. Contributions are consistently original and creative. Articles often illumine the methods employed more than the text itself, at least the text understood as canonical Scripture with its normative role in relation to the faith of the church. Yet there are exceptions, articles offering fresh, powerful, and compelling insights into the biblical text. Language: English. Book reviews: very few.

1.2.6 Biblical Theology Bulletin: A Journal of Bible and Theology. 1971–. Quarterly.

In spite of its name, this journal, produced by Biblical Theology Bulletin, Inc., in Wilmington, Delaware, does not deal primarily with larger issues of biblical theology (e.g., salvation history, kingdom of God) but rather explores the meaning of specific biblical passages and books using a variety of methods, especially new, emerging methods such as cultural anthropological and literary approaches. Articles are uneven in terms of their ability to serve as the basis of theological insights useful for preaching and teaching. In general, solid and helpful contributions by leading scholars in these emerging methods of interpretation. Language: English. Book reviews: few.

1.2.7 Bulletin for Biblical Research. 1991–. Annual.

The Institute for Biblical Research (IBR), which is the organization of evangelical biblical scholars responsible for producing this journal in Winona Lake, Indiana, accurately describes it as "both fully critical, yet supportive of the Christian faith." In many ways the American equivalent of the Tyndale Bulletin, its articles are in accord with the evangelical convictions of the IBR but employ contemporary critical methods—in many cases in a masterful way. Unlike Tyndale Bulletin, however, it publishes mostly the work of established, senior scholars. Language: English. Book reviews: few.

1.2.8 The Catholic Biblical Quarterly. 1939–. Quarterly.

Next to the Journal of Biblical Literature, probably the most authoritative journal for serious academic study of the whole Bible. Published by the Catholic Biblical Association in Washington, D.C., its articles tend to avoid the kind of obscure and arcane issues that often occupy JBL and instead focus on significant questions of interpretation. Consequently, its articles rather consistently provide basis for theological reflection useful for preaching and teaching. Language: English. Book reviews: many.

1.2.9 Currents in Biblical Research. 1993–. Annual.

Formerly known as Currents in Research. Produced by Sheffield Academic Press in Sheffield, UK. Articles written by prominent scholars describe and critically assess new and emerging facets or developments within biblical studies. Each article contains extensive bibliography. Language: English.

1.2.10 Elenchus of Biblica. 24 vols. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1985–. Annual.

The most complete listing (nonannotated) available on works in biblical studies, produced by the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. It includes both articles and books (with select citations of book reviews) in all areas of biblical studies and in all languages. The volumes are slow to appear, usually about four years behind schedule.

1.2.11 The Expository Times. 1889–. Monthly.

British publication produced by T&T Clark, Edinburgh, Scotland, attends to all the theological and pastoral disciplines and often contains helpful articles in biblical studies, including treatments of biblical themes and issues as well as exposition of specific passages. Contributors are often of global reputation but are almost exclusively from the British Isles. Language: English. Book reviews: few, but lengthy.

1.2.12 Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology. 1946–. Quarterly.

Published by Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. From its inception has consistently emphasized the theological meaning of the text for the faith of the church. Articles model the ways in which theological and pastoral insights flow out of solid biblical exposition. Although the quality of the articles has in recent years become uneven, this journal seldom disappoints. Especially helpful are its "expository articles," in which scholars or gifted biblical preachers demonstrate how one might move from interpretation to proclamation of lectionary passages. Most highly recommended for those who regularly teach and preach in the context of the church or its institutions. Language: English. Book reviews: many.

1.2.13 Journal of Biblical Literature. 1881–. Quarterly.

Published by the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta, Georgia, arguably the world's foremost journal in biblical studies. Articles consistently reflect the highest academic standards and are original contributions to the biblical guild. Although articles generally do not draw out the theological significance of passages treated, some of them do contribute to an interpretation of the text that is useful for preaching and teaching. Yet many of the articles are arcane and deal with matters that do not clearly illumine the text as the church's Scripture. Language: English. Book reviews: none.

1.2.14 Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research. 2009–. Annually.

Published by Wipf & Stock in Eugene, Oregon. Contains articles written by Catholics, Protestants, and Pentecostals. In spite of the title of the journal, it deals exclusively with biblical studies and devotes only a little more than half of the articles specifically to the Spirit in the Bible. Articles employ a number of methods and emphasize the theological meaning of the text. Language: English. Book reviews: few, but lengthy.

1.2.15 Review of Biblical Literature. 1996–. Annual.

Published by the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta, Georgia, offers the most comprehensive review of books (including monographs, reference works, commentaries, dictionaries, editions of the biblical text and related ancient texts, and biblical translations) available. Reviews works published in all languages. Frequently provides multiple contrasting reviews of the same volume. Reviews are written by prominent scholars, are relatively extensive, and include description, analysis, and evaluation. Language: primarily English, with some reviews in German or French.

1.2.16 Semeia: An Experimental Journal for Biblical Criticism. 1974–. Quarterly.

Published by the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta, Georgia. Articles represent new and emerging methods of interpretation, especially structuralism, poststructuralism, feminist interpretation, etc. Typically avoids theological reflection on the text in favor of illumining the new hermeneutical approaches on the one hand, and drawing out significance for contemporary cultural and political applications on the other. Of marginal value for teaching and preaching within the church. Language: English. Book reviews: none.

1.2.17 Tyndale Bulletin (formerly Tyndale House Bulletin). 1950–. Semiannual.

Produced by Tyndale House of Cambridge, England, an evangelical academic study center. Most articles pertain to biblical studies, though some represent other theological disciplines. The majority of contributors are younger scholars. Articles are consistently informed and innovative, with serious attention to theological issues. All conform to the evangelical confessional standards of Tyndale House but seek to engage seriously in the critical study of the text. Language: English. Book reviews: few to none, but with summaries of recent dissertations.

1.3 History of the Bible

Highly Recommended

1.3.1 Ackroyd, Peter R., and C. F. Evans, eds. Cambridge History of the Bible. 3 vols. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. 649/566/590pp.

The most thorough and authoritative history of the Bible in existence. Articles produced by some of the world's most respected historians and biblical scholars deal with all relevant aspects of the history of the development of the biblical text as well as its translation, canonization, use, and influence from antiquity to the present. Should be in the library of every seminary student and pastor.

1.3.2 Bratton, F. Gladstone. A History of the Bible. London: Robert Hale, 1959. 287pp.

Something of a classic introduction to the history that surrounds the Bible. As such it deals with the history of the Hebrew people and the NT church as well as with the history of the text of the Bible itself, especially the canonization of the OT and NT, and the transmission of the Bible from the Greek manuscripts through the early versions to the English translations. Gives attention also to the history of exegesis. Designed for the general reader, but a helpful introduction or refresher for the seminary student or pastor.

1.3.3 Miller, Stephen M., and Robert V. Huber. The Bible: A History. Intercourse, Penn.: Good, 2004. 256pp.

Richly illustrated survey of the development of the biblical text and the history of the Bible's transmission. Gives significant attention to the impact of the Bible, primarily within the church.

1.3.4 Norton, David. A History of the Bible as Literature. 2 vols. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993. 375/493pp.

The only work in existence that thoroughly explores the relationship of the Bible, throughout its history, to the concept of literature. Addresses issues such as: In what sense have persons throughout history understood the Bible to be literature? How does the Bible relate to the various concepts of literature that have been operative over the past two millennia? Norton gives special attention to the reception of the King James Version as literature and to its role in the literary history of the English-speaking world. Informs understanding of the literary character of the Bible and the study of the Bible as literature, both of which have implications for several of the new and emerging interpretive methods, especially literary criticism.

1.3.5 Noss, Philip A., ed. A History of Bible Translation. Rome: Edizioni Di Storiae Litteratura, 2007. 521pp.

Produced by the Eugene A. Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship of the American Bible Society, the first of a series of projected volumes pertaining to significant issues in Bible translation. Sixteen biblical scholars, linguists, and translation theoreticians contributed articles dealing with the changing ways in which Bible translation has been done and how Bible translation has been conceived from the Septuagint to contemporary African and Latin American translations.

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Excerpted from Essential Bible Study Tools for Ministry by David R. Bauer. Copyright © 2014 Abingdon Press. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press.
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Table of Contents

Contents

"Introduction",
"1. The Whole Bible",
"2. The Old Testament",
"3. Early Judaism",
"4. The New Testament",