Review of Pheme Perkin’s First Corinthians (ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ Commentaries on the New Testament)

First Corinthians
ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ Commentaries on the New Testament
Pheme Perkins
Baker Academic, 2012

Thanks to Baker for this review copy

With the publication of Pheme Perkins commentary on First Corinthians, the excellent ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ Commentaries on the New Testament now has eight volumes in print (two more volumes are scheduled to be published later this year: 1-2 Peter and James-Jude), Each subsequent volume continues to solidify this set as a must have for every pastor and scholar.

I cannot say enough great things about this informative and essential set of New Testament commentaries. The ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ series is informative and up-to-date in New Testament scholarship, all while being compact and concise. Each of the volumes in ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ highlight important cultural practices or literary affinities shared with other contemporary Greco-Roman documents by means of visual aids and sidebar examples from primary source material, paying close attention to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies of the biblical author. By doing so, this allows the text of the New Testament to shape both the theology of moral practice of the readers. Unlike some critical commentaries, the ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ New Testament commentaries comments on the final, canonical form. What this means is that instead of long, technical discussions on the how the New Testament came to be, the ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ series comments on the final canonical text as we have it today. This frees the commentator to do what a commentator does: comment on the text.

Pheme Perkins contribution is no exception. A professor at Boston College, Perkins is the author of a wide variety of New Testament subjects. She has written a number of commentaries on the letters of Paul, the Gnostic Gospel, the Synoptic Gospels and women in the New Testament. She brings her vast knowledge of the New Testament and Greco-Roman backgrounds to the text of First Corinthians.

In the introduction (pg. 3-47), issues regarding the urban setting of Christianity in the first-century are helpfully highlighted from the start. Instead of beginning with the traditional author, date, theology of, etc., Perkins discusses the practices and habits of the people of Corinth. This allows the reader to gain insight into the everyday life of first-century Corinth—this insight becomes valuable as your progress through the text of First Corinthians (i.e. 1 Cor 8; 10). As for the date of First Corinthians, Perkins suggests a date early in the spring of 55/56 AD (pg. 18). The discussion on letter writing (pg. 19-28) and all that it entails (i.e. writing, delivering, reading, etc.) is one of my favorite sections of the introduction. Perkins masterfully explains the intricacies of letter writing in antiquity. This includes the materials used for writing as well as the means of delivery.

The final section of the introduction is on the theological themes of 1 Corinthians. Perkins discusses very important topics in a concise manner; theological themes such as salvation, Scripture, the Jesus tradition in Paul, the Spirit, and resurrection are explained clearly. Because of the limits of the series, it may have been more helpful to focus on fewer themes, giving Perkins more pages to work with. For example, only a half of a page is devoted to the discussion of resurrection, which in light of 1 Cor 15 and the discussion of resurrection is somewhat puzzling.

The commentary proper is broken up into eight chapters:

The Letter opening (1:1-9)

• Against Divisions: God’s Wisdom (1:10-2:16)
• Against Divisions: Paul and Apollos as Exempla (3:1-4:21)
• Reports about Unholy Conduct among Believers (5:1-6:20)
• Questions in a Letter from Corinth (7:1-11:1)
• Problems in the Community Assembled for Worship (11:2-14:40)
• Reports That Some Deny the Resurrection (15:1-58)
• The Letter Closing (16:1-24)

Each of the eight chapters follows a similar format for the periscope at hand. First is a section on introductory matters. These introductory matter are informed by the section being commented on. For example, there are sections on important text-critical issues, vocabulary and themes of the pericope, and others. Following a discussion on introductory matters is the commentary proper. Concluding each chapter is a section on the theological issues that are raised by the text of 1 Corinthians.

I find this format to be useful and very helpful for the reader. It allows for consistency and also helps keep the commentator on track. Often times I have seen commentators go of the beaten track to chase rabbits, never to return again. This is not the case with Perkins work. She allows for discussion on text-critical issues, lexical matters, and other important matters for commentators to highlight. In my opinion, this is what makes this series so valuable: it allows the commentator to go into detail without skipping over textual matters that are important and should be included in commentaries, regardless of the audience.

Commentary writing is no easy task. Because of editorial or publisher decisions, an author may find him or her self handcuffed by word limits and other various things, which may stifle a commentators discussion. That is not to say that all concise commentaries inevitably sacrifice depth on the altar of pragmatism. Far from it! But I must believe that for any commentator writing on a book of the Bible there is a sense that not every rock has been unturned. Nevertheless, Perkins offers a concise and jammed pack commentary on First Corinthians. There is much to be said for this excellent contribution to Pauline studies. This is the perfect commentary to have alongside your Bible as you read and study through the text of First Corinthians. Perkins’ will guide, not dominate your study of the text. I highly recommend this volume along with the rest of the ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑ Commentaries on the New Testament.

In the Mail: The Explicit Gospel

The nice folks over at Crossway were kind enough to send along a review copy of Matt Chandler’s new book The Explicit Gospel. I look forward to digging into this one in the coming weeks. Look out for a review once I am finished.

You’ve Got Mail

Many thanks to Peter Lang for sending my way a copy of King L. She’s The Use of Exodus in Hebrews. I am excited to start reading this book, as Hebrews as been a main area of study for me these past six years. Keep an eye out for the review.

From Eden to the New Jerusalem-A Review

Alexander, T. Desmond.

From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology

Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2008.

Reviewed by: C. B. Kvidahl

| Amazon |

 

T. Desmond Alexander’s From Eden to the New Jerusalem is a wealth of information packed into only 192 pages. Alexander begins his study by looking to Revelation 21-22 as a window back into the garden of Eden. As the subtitle states, this is an introduction into the discipline of Biblical Theology. But it is so much more than just an introduction. Alexander traces some of the key themes that begin in Gen 3 and come to their full consummation in Rev 21-22. Alexander does not seek to provide an exhaustive study of key themes, rather he focuses on the forest more so than the individual trees. But do not expect this to be a super sonic fly over; it is rather a slow fly over, allowing the reader to the forest and admire the view.

In each of the eight chapters in the book, Alexander traces the story from creation to new-creation, highlighting certain motifs as the Eden as a temple-garden, the tabernacle, humanity as God’s viceroys, the great serpent, Passover and the Lamb, the tree of life, and New Jerusalem and Babylon. Alexander engages the reader from start to finish, showing how these themes tie together.

In chapter two, the author shows how the garden of Eden was more than just a place to see pretty plants. From the beginning, God has his dwelling with mankind. He creates a world and places Adam and Eve in the garden in order to tend and take care of his creation. Not only this, but we note that God would often walk with man in the garden. Further, Alexander notes some similarities that Eden shares with the later tabernacle/temple:

• Eden and the later tabernacle/temple were entered from the east, with cherubim guarding the entrance.
• The tree of life is later represented in the tabernacle/temple by the menorah.
• The same Hebrew words for “to serve, till” and “to keep, observe, guard” are used only in relation to Adam and Eve and later the priests who serve in the tabernacle/temple.
• The gemstone spoken of in Gen 2 (gold and onyx) were later used in the tabernacle/temple to decorate the sanctuary and the priestly garments.
• The presence of the Lord is in both Eden (God walks with Adam and Eve) and the tabernacle/temple.

Alexander traces the tabernacle/temple motif through the Exodus of Israel, Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus, the Church, and finally the New Jerusalem of Rev 21-22. Through the development of Israel as God’s people, and later the Church, Alexander shows the reader how this Temple motif is central and important. Whereas before the fall mankind had full access to and fellowship with God, since then God has been in the business of restoring mankind’s access to God.

Another theme which Alexander traces is the idea of humanity of God’s viceroys. When God created mankind, he created them with intent that the populate the earth and spread God’s presence throughout his creation. He gave Adam and Eve dominion over the animals and commanded them to multiply. But when the serpent entered into the garden and deceived Adam and Eve, they transferred their allegiance from God to Satan, thus allowing Satan to gain a foothold in God’s creation. As Alexander states, “by betraying God and obeying the serpent, the royal couple dethrone God.” This betrayal cost the couple their priestly status, and God banished them from the garden and from his presence. The remainder of the story is God orchestrating in such a way as to re-establish his kingdom on earth. When Jesus comes proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, he ushers in God’s kingdom and his victory over the rule and dominion of the great serpent Satan. Through the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Messiah, the Church now has keys to the kingdom. At the death of Christ, Satan is bound and the gospel is spread throughout the earth. Although the Church now currently lives in the tension of the already-but-not-yet, we eagerly await the coming of the New Jerusalem and our Messiah.

The only criticism I have with this excellent study is that chapter seven seemed to drag on a bit. While I see its necessity in a study like this, I just felt like the momentum which was gained in the first six chapters seemed to slow a bit towards the end. Nevertheless, I would recommend From Eden to the New Jerusalem to the reader looking for a book that shows the reader how to not only understand the discipline of Biblical Theology, but to also see how it is done first hand.

 

Codex Sinaiticus: The Story of the World’s Oldest Bible (A Multi-Part Review)

I just received David Parker’s recently published biography of sorts on Codex Sinaiticus in the mail. I plan on posting reviews/synopses similar to the ones I recently posted on Burridge’s study of Gospel genre. So if you are at all interested, stay tuned.

A Synopsis of Richard Burridge’s “What Are the Gospels? A Comparison with Graeco-Roman Biography (Concluding Remarks)

With this post we bring to a close our review of Richard Burridge’s excellent study on the Genre of the Gospels. The final two chapters-a conclusion and an addition to the second edition-outline Burridge’s conclusion and synthesize his arguments, as well as include reactions to the first edition of What are the Gospels?

Burridge concludes that while there are indeed differences between the Gospels and other similar βίος literature, these differences do not place them outside the genre of Graeco-Roman Biography. Further, Burridge is clear that in order for us to fully understand the Gospels, we must understand them as they were written, namely as biography, and specifically as βίοι Ἰησοῦ. He states

To avoid the errors likely in simple application of a text to ourselves without regard for the setting and background of either, appreciation of genre is crucial as a major ‘filter’ through which the author ‘encoded’ his message, and through which we may ‘decode’ the same (247).

As a result, Burridge see three implications that arise from this

1. Any idea of the gospels as unique, sui generis works is a nonsense: authors cannot create, and readers cannot interpret, a total novelty.
2. We must have the same generic expectations as the author and his original readers: trying to ‘decode ‘ the gospels through a genre of modern biography, when the author ‘encoded’ his message in the same genre of ancient βίος, will lead to another nonsense-blaming the text for not containing modern predilections which it was never meant to contain.
3. The assignation of different genres to texts results in different interpretations: one listen to the TV News with different expectations than to a fairy story

What Burridge is getting at is that the authors of the Gospels did not invent something new when they put ink to papyrus. They wrote in a genre that was easily identifiable for readers in the first-century. So, if a modern-day reader tries to read and interpret any one of the Gospels (or any ancient document for that matter) by means of modern-day principles, he will no doubt be unable to ‘decode’ what the author ‘encoded’ because he reads with the wrong pair of interpretive glasses.

With this said, the author wished that there would have been just a little more in way of application of the thesis to the Gospels themselves. As mentioned in a previous post, attention to the Gospels was devoted to only two chapters. Two chapters hardly seem sufficient to apply ones thesis in a study like this.

Nevertheless, Burridge has managed to not only write a book of significant implications for the way we do Gospel studies, but he has also made such a study accessible and enjoyable for all. There was never a moment a dry, academic rhetoric; instead the discussion was engaging and interesting at every turn of the page. I look forward to reading more from Burridge in the future.

A Synopsis of Richard Burridge’s “What Are the Gospels? A Comparison with Graeco-Roman Biography (pt.3)

In part two of our synopsis, Burridge lays out for us the criteria for analyzing categorizing Graeco-Roman biography. As we noted, Burridge applies his criteria to ten examples from the ancient world, dating from before Christ to after the death of Christ. Burridge convincing shows that in the ancient world there was not just a genre called βίος , but that this genre was flexible, able to stretch into other genres. Burridge notes two main causes for the confusion surrounding the genre of the Gospels, “inadequate literary theory of a genre and a lack of understanding of Graeco-Roman biography” (185). He goes on to state:

Therefore, we have identified a range of generic features and used them to analyse Graeco-Roman βίοι, both on the fringes of the genre and indubitably classic examples. A clear family resemblance has now been established, and so we can now proceed with the same exercise on the gospels [185-86]

After belaboring for seven chapters to lay a both a historical and literary foundation on which to build his thesis on, Burridge is now finally able to turn his attention to the Synoptic Gospels [ch. 8] and Gospel of John [ch. 9]. As with the previous chapters, the same methodology is utilized for determining the precise genre of the Gospels. Burridge carefully examines each of the Gospels and concludes that while there are some differences between the Gospels and ancient biography, nevertheless they fall under the rubric of βίοι.

While some may object to certain minor conclusions Burridge assumes (the Q hypothesis, the communities behind origins of the Gospels, etc.), these should not become a major focus of contention. Burridge has done us a great service in the area of Gospel studies. He has thoroughly studied the major biographical Graeco-Roman writings and has rigorously proven that when the Gospels are compared with other biographical samples of the ancient world they should be classified as βίος.

For some readers it may seem that devoting only two chapters to the Gospels is not sufficient for a book devoted to answering the question “What are the Gospels?”. This may be so, but it should not diminish Burridge’s magisterial study of the Gospels. We owe a great debt to Dr. Burridge for pushing back against the trend of Bultmann and others who see no biographical element whatsoever in the Gospels.

A Synopsis of Richard Burridge’s “What Are the Gospels? A Comparison with Graeco-Roman Biography (pt.2)

In my last post on Burridge’s “What Are the Gospels” we looked at what Burridge describes as the problems surrounding the genre of the Gospels. As we recall, this problem was trying to define what genre(s) of Graeco-Roman literature the Gospels fit into. In the second part of “What Are the Gospels?”, Burridge offers us his solution for the situating the Gospels into the genre of βίος.

Thus far I have only made it through chapter seven, but Burridge has laid a very good foundation for us to begin to understand how βίος was used in the Graeco-Roman world. Chapter 5 on Generic Features of βίος is a foundational chapter in the book. It it, he outlines the main feature of βίος: Opening Features (title, prologue, preface, etc.), Subject of the βίος,  External Features (size, metre, length, etc.) and Internal Features (setting, topic(s), style, mood, etc.). With the foundation laid, we now have a basic outline or structure we can use as a guide as we begin to analyze βίος literature of the ancient world.

Before the Gospels are tackled, Burridge offers us a few samples of what may be considered βίος from the ancient world, both Greek and Latin sources. What is helpful is that the sources which Burridge chooses vary in date and geographical location, thus allowing us a greater look into the usage of βίος in the ancient world.

My only complaint (I am not sure you can call it that really) is that while the examples are plentiful, the reader who is not versed in Graeco-Roman literature may get lost in the very examples used to illuminate βίος. There is a bit of primary source overload at times, but if the reader is diligent and determined, the payoff will be extremely valuable later.

So, now I enter the Synoptics and John’s Gospel next. I am greatly enjoying this work so far. It is clear, concise (at times it may be too much info.), informative, and overall a pleasure to read.

Summer/Fall Books to Read

Well, I have decided on the books I want to crank out before the year comes to an end. I usually do not read fast, so I have picked seven books to plod through. I have tried to be somewhat diverse in my choosing; I have picked books that deal with history, rhetoric, biblical theology, and Hebrews.

So without further ado, here are my selections:

The last one will most certainly take me the longest, so I may have to extend this into next year. But I will try hard to finish it this year

Well, there it is. Please feel free to keep me accountable to my goals. But in the end, I reserve the right to change the timeline, books, etc. And if I do change anything, I will make sure to update this post to reflect said change.

Forthcoming Baylor Handbook on the Greek Text

I just noticed that the next installment in the Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament will see the light of day in July. This is a fine series of quasi-commentaries, focusing primarily on aspects of grammar, linguistics, lexicography, etc. For the student of the Greek New Testament these Handbooks are a valuable tool for doing exegesis of the text.

From the Publisher:

This new installment of the popular handbook series gives teachers and students a comprehensive guide to the grammar and vocabulary of both 2 Peter and Jude. Within the text of these intertwined Catholic Epistles, Peter H. Davids finds rhetorical features and stylistic elements often overlooked. By using this handbook in combination with traditional commentaries, students will be guided toward a greater understanding of the Greek text in 2 Peter and Jude while gaining a deeper appreciation for textual and rhetorical intricacies not available in the English translations.

Peter Davids is an expert on the literature of Peter and Jude. He has written commentaries on 1 Peter in the NICNT as well as 2 Peter and Jude in the Pillar series.

 

 

You’ve Got Mail Yet Again

A special thanks to Andrew Rogers at Zondervan for two review copies:

A Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters (BTNT) by Andreas J. Kostenberger as well as 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: African Bible Commentary Series by Samuel M. Ngewa.  I was excited to look at Kostenberger’s Johnanine theology, and after seeing it I am very impressed!  It is a massive work of scholarship and I am sure that it will be just as good as his previous commentary of John in the BECNT.  Reviews are forthcoming.

Also, two other books came in the mail, but  these I purchased.  The first, Story as History, History as Story: The Gospel Tradition in the Context of Ancient Oral History by Samuel Byrskog is one that I had on my wish list for sometime.  I finally saw a used one at a good price so I snatched it up.  The second, God’s People in the Wilderness: The Church in Hebrews by O. Palmer Robertson is a book right up my alley.  If you noticed, a recent post of mine dealt with this subject, so when I came across this little book I was excited to read through it.

My Desk Set-Up

This is the current set-up for my desk.  My main computer is a MacBook with an HP w1707 dual monitor.  I run bootcamp, thus allowing me to operate Logos Gold, Bibleworks 7, Endnote, and other programs used for my studies.

This bookrack was something I found lying around in my garage.  The top shelf is mostly books on Hebrews (commentaries, monographs, etc.).  Underneath those are books I am currently reading when I have a free moment.

We Become We Worship

I recently secured a copy of Greg Beale’s new Book We Become What We Worship. It looks to be a good read, so pick it up when you get a chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Greg K. Beale

Paperback: 341 pages

Publisher: IVP Press

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-2877-7

Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek: A Review

*Not too long ago I was able to secure a review copy of Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek by Constantine Campbell, and I want to thank

Jesse Hillman at Zondervan for the opportunity to review the book.

Author: Constantine R. Campbell

Paperback: 159 pages

Publisher: Zondervan

Language: English/Greek

ISBN-13: 978-0-310-29083-4

In the field of Verbal aspect, there is no end of debate or discussion. With his new book Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek (BVA), Constantine Campbell has opened the door for those who have long stood outside trying to get a glimpse and a hearing of what this discussion is all about. Granted, there are areas where one person or another will find that they are in disagreement with Dr. Campbell, but that is to be expected in a field like this. Dr. Campbell has taken the time and recognized that there was a need for a primer like the one he has produced, one in which has long been overdue for the student of Koine who is just getting his feet wet in Greek. While I will not take the time to offer an in-depth review (other have done this, and they have done it quite well), I will discuss the areas of strengths and weaknesses of BVA for the intermediate Greek student and why I think that it is a fine addition for a pastor as well as a seminary student.

This reviewer has been a student of Koine for 4.5 years (3 in undergraduate, and 1.5 in seminary). While learning Greek I was aware of verbal aspect, but it was briefly discussed and then moved away from. As I progressed in my studies, the focus was always on usage of nouns, verbs, participles, etc. and their relationship within a clause and discourse. Many times I was left to wonder why the author of a particular book used the present tense where an aorist would have sufficed. This questioned festered in me and continued to grow. In frustration, I picked up Stan Porters book on aspect and was left lost in his analysis of linguistics and their importance for understanding aspect. Needing a Ph.D. to understand what he was getting at, I put the book down. When I heard of Campbell’s new book, my spirits were lifted and I was sensing there was a light at the end of the aspectual tunnel.

I. Strengths of BVA

1. It is Assessable and Easy to Grasp

One of the problems with reading books on aspect by Porter and Fanning is that they are very technical and have a specialist in mind for their audience. What Campbell has done with his new book is given the student who desires to get involved in the discussion his ticket into the show. He is clear and precise in his presentation, thus allowing the student to begin to grasp the theory of verbal aspect. No doubt there will be some (i.e. see Porter’s blurb on the back of the book) who will disagree with Campbell’s conclusions, but I will ask this: why have they then not attempted to produce a work this assessable for the student? For this reason alone all students of Koine should graciously thank Dr. Campbell for taking the time to write such a book for us.

2. It Has Examples and Exercises to Work Though

The exercises that are included are quite helpful and allow the reader to be able to put theory into practice. Dr. Campbell as explains himself in a clear and concise way, and also has included an answer key at the back, thus allowing the reader to be able to go through the exercises and check his work and progress.

3. It is Geared for the Student and Pastor

If one keeps in mind who the audience is intended to be, then some of the criticisms would most likely end. This book is meant to be a primer and not an in-depth analysis on aspect. Dr. Campbell has already produced two academic monographs that engage the scholar and critic alike. What we have here is a book for us students and pastors alike that brings us into the discussion and allows us the opportunity to learn the lingo and jargon that is espoused in discussions on aspect.

II. Weakness of BVA

1. It Was a Tad Short

The only real weakness that I feel BVA has is its length. At the end of the reading, I was left wanting more discussion and examples. Because there is a slew of books and articles written on aspect, there is most certainly room for more discussion and examples.

At the end of the day, Dr. Campbell has given us a gem of a primer. BVA is a great help for the student desiring to enter into the world of verbal aspect. It is clear, concise, and above all free of most of the technical jargon that makes other books almost impossible for the student to read and interact with. We owe Dr. Campbell a hearty thank you for his work and for giving us students a place at the table of scholars on verbal aspect.

N.B.  This is not Campbell’s first book on verbal aspect. In fact, he has written two very fine and accessible volumes on this very topic.  They are both published by Peter Lang and are very academinc in nature.

Verbal Aspect, the Indicative Mood, and Narrative: Soundings in the Greek of the New Testament (Studies in Biblical Greek).

Verbal Aspect and Non-Indicative Verbs: Further Soundings in the Greek of the New Testament (Studies in Biblical Greek)

A Coming Review

Jesse Hillman of Zondervan publishing was kind enough to send me a review copy of Constatine Campbell’s new book on verbal aspect.  I will be posting a review here later this week (most likely by tomorrow night).  But one quick: Campbell has produced a very fine primer on aspect.  It is not meant to be a comprehensive study, but rather one in which gets the reader started on the path of aspect and its importance and help in interpreting the Greek of the New Testament.

Stay tuned…

Now We Are Talking Power!

I just upgraded not to long ago.  What power and resources I now have at my fingertips.

Logos Bible Software 3.0

This post is a bit different from what I normally post, but what I normally post is informed by the program that I use.

I have been a user of Logos Bible Software (LBS from this point forward) since my first semester of college in spring 2004. I came across LBS through my schools campus email, which sent out a special 50% off offer for the Scholar’s Edition. After reviewing the contents that came with LBS, I was sold. Boy am I glad that I jumped at the offer. I have been pleased with LBS ever since.

With the recent upgrade (from 2.0 to 3.0) came some significance changes and additions to the Scholar’s Library. One of the most attractive and ground breaking is the addition of the syntax databases. This is the first of its kind, and it promises to be a amazing addition to the LBS family. The prices are reasonable and worth the investment (with the amount of tools that are included in the Scholar’s Edition, the price is right.)

Why do I use LBS? This is a fair question to ask. I use LBS because not only is it stocked with an amazing amount of tools for the trade, it is also user friendly; extremely user friendly in my opinion. Now this does not mean that once you turn on your computer and open LBS, everything comes naturally. I must say that the syntactical searches are not the easiest thing to do. It will take sometime getting familiar with the lingo and what not before you can become an expert. Nevertheless, when the work is put into understanding how to use the syntax database, the skies the limit.

One of the main reason I use LBS is because of the amount of books you can add to your digital library. For example, I have added BDAG, the Apostolic Father’s, BECNT, WBC: The Gospels, and other things. These have been a such a huge benefit to my own personal studies.

So, if you are looking for a good Bible program for series study, then look no further than Logos Bible Software, you will not regret your investment.

*I also use and enjoy greatly Bibleworks 7.0*

Links of interest:

• Logos Bible Software
• Logos Bible Software Blog
• Bibleworks

Life and Books

Well, I finished my first week of work at Starbucks, and I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying working there. They know how to treat their partners well, and the work environment is fantastic. I have also been reading these days from a book called In the Shadow of the Temple, by Oskar Skarsaune. It is an enlghtening read and one that I would recommend to someone interested in the influence of temple and Judaism on the early stages of Christianity. I also have lying next to me Dale C. Allison’s Studies in Matthew. Look forward to reading this one as well.

This I have been waiting for for sometime now!

I have been waiting for this book for a long time. I am excited to see that it is on the eve of publication (well, actually it is going to be released in Nov. 07).

The Way of the Didache: The First Christian Handbook. A Brief Reveiw

“The Way of the Didache: The First Christian Handbook,” Dr. William Varner’s new book, is an exciting and engaging look at one of the oldest non-canonical writings. Dr. Varner, professor of Bible and Greek at the Master’s College, has spent the a number of years working through the Greek text of the Didache, both on his own and also with his intermediate Greek students at the Master’s College. From the beginning of chapter one all the way until the end, the reader is brought along with Dr. Varner as he enthusiastically discusses the importance and relevance of the Didache for present day Christian studies.
Probably the greatest strength of Dr. Varner’s book is its accessibility to both seasoned scholars as well as to those who have never even heard the word Didache. In chapter one, Varner shares his exciting story of how he was able to get into the library of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch and secure a viewing of the 950-year-old codex Hierosolymitanus (or Codex H) that contained the only complete Greek copy of the Didache. Also, Dr. Varner explains how he came to writing this present book and why he felt that another book on the Didache was needed.
In subsequent chapters Dr. Varner deals with issues concerning the rediscovering of the Didache (2), the text of the Didache (3), the translation of the Didache (4), the Scriptures of the Didache (5), The two ways of the Didache (6), the sacraments of the Didache (7), the ministers of the Didache (8), the theology of the Didache (9), and the lessons of the Didache (10).
Some highlights of the book would include the Greek text of the Didache, which follows the critical text of Rordorf and Tuilier, as well as Dr. Varner’s own analytical, yet “formal equivalent” translation of the text. Also, in what may be of interest to one studying the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, the chapter on the Scriptures of the Didache is a fascinating study. Probably the most controversial section of the book is contained in chapter five. Dr. Varner, after discussing the various views of the use of Matthew in the Didache, and picking up the theory of Andre Tuilier, proposes that instead of utilizing the Gospel of Matthew as we now have it, instead is using what Tuilier refers to as “The Gospel of the Lord.” This theory is based on the words of Papias regarding Matthew’s composition of his gospel. An advocate of the mysterious Q document would find an ally in Tuilier theory.
The practical, as well as theological value of chapters six through cannot be fully stated in this review. But nonetheless, topics like baptism, the Eucharist, and eschatology are given considerable amount of discussion and thought.
In all, Dr. Varner has succeeded in publishing a book that both the scholar and the layman can profit from. His writing style is engaging and informative, without dumbing down or using technical jargon that only Didache specialists can understand.