Download Books and Ebooks (PDF / EPUB)

In this volume an expert teacher of the Bible provides an introduction to New Testament exegesis that will appeal to students across the spectrum. Clayton Croy begins with the preparation of the interpreter, proceeds to analysis of the text, and concludes with appropriation of the message of Scripture in the context of modern faith communities. He combines a step-by-step plan for historical exegesis with substantive discussion of broader hermeneutical issues. The book interacts with recent scholarship and is academically rigorous but is written in an engaging style, incorporating anecdotes, humor, scriptural illustrations, and examples of the practical payoff of disciplined interpretation. Each chapter includes discussion questions and suggestions for further reading.

This volume, the only full-scale commentary on 3 Maccabees in English, includes a fresh translation, an introduction, a section by section commentary, and bibliography. The author views 3 Maccabees as, in part, a narrative satire on the cult of Dionysus.

English may be the biggest obstacle to learning Greek! Greek textbooks use jargon such as "noun," "verb," "morphology," and "syntax," which sometimes sounds foreign. Many of us may remember them from grade school, but the memories may now be foggy from time and disuse. This book is written for hazy memories of English that need a brush up before learning Greek. Different than other aids to learning Greek, Brushing Up English to Learn Greek introduces verbal aspect to beginning students. English emphasizes the time of an action but Greek emphasizes the point of view--or aspect--of an action. This book helps students build a bridge of understanding between the different thought worlds of English and Greek.

The goal of every pastor, missionary, and lay leader in the evangelical church is to proclaim the word of God accurately. And, one of the key components of accurate biblical interpretation is the understanding of the Bible’s original languages. While some Bible teachers forego learning Hebrew and Greek altogether, many men and women seek their language training by buying books to study on their own, others look for free online courses and videos to provide this instruction, while still others commit to formal theological training through higher education. Each of those language-learning formats (print, digital, and guided) are effective educational tools, but the problem is that each of those formats are primarily based on the same, antiquated teaching method. This book analyzes and assesses the current biblical language pedagogy from the vantage point of over thirty prominent professionals in the field of New Testament Greek. Their insight provides some of the first formal data on the usefulness and effectiveness of the Grammar-Translation Method for teaching biblical languages today. Additionally, this book will introduce a unique and cutting-edge approach to the process of...

Not only is Acts 2:38 a controversial text because of the mention of baptism "for the remission of sin" but also because of the second independent clause. The audience asks, "What shall we do?" Peter answers in two clauses. The second is, "You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." What does that mean? West has taken a fresh look at the many passages dealing with the Holy Spirit. He revisits Acts 5:32 where much misunderstanding has arisen. West deals with the English and Greek grammar in the passages in the context of the entire Bible. The major views of the gift of the Holy Spirit are dealt with: (1) the gift is salvation; (2) the gift is supernatural signs; (3) the expression is metaphorical; (4) the gift is the Spirit Himself. Major problems that influence beliefs are (a) learned scholars use their theology instead of their scholarship, (b) the grammar is treated as a complex sentence instead of a compound one, and (c) passages such as Acts 5:29-32 are misused to prove what the gift is.

From ten-cent specials for Dutch farmers in the early 1900s to a wide assortment of well over 1,000 titles today, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has built a solid reputation for producing "the finest in religious literature." Throughout the past century Eerdmans has published an ecumenical blend of thoughtful books by such authors as C. S. Lewis, Karl Barth, John Howard Yoder, Joan Chittister, N. T. Wright, Rowan Williams, Jean Bethke Elshtain, Martin Marty, Eugene Peterson, Pope Benedict XVI and the list goes on. Occasioned by the Eerdmans centennial celebration, this book by Larry ten Harmsel engagingly tells the company s story. Drawing from first-person interviews, historical documents, and newly unearthed information, ten Harmsel relates how Wm. B. Eerdmans Sr. started and built the American publishing company that bears his name and how Wm. B. Eerdmans Jr. has carried on the family tradition of independent, eclectic religious publishing into the company s 100th year.

There are thousands of excellent resources in the field of New Testament studies. But which tools are best for sermon preparation, topical study, research, or classroom study? In Best Bible Books, the authors review and recommend hundreds of books, saving pastors, students, and scholars time, effort, and money. Glynn and Burer examine commentaries on every book of the New Testament, describing their approach, format, and usability; they then rank them on a scale of good, better, and best. Other chapters survey special studies for each New Testament book as well as books in related disciplines such as historical background, language resources, and hermeneutics. Also included are helpful chapters on building a must-have personal library, and identifying books that comprise the ultimate New Testament commentary collection. This is an indispensable resource for any serious student of the Bible.

A veteran teacher guides students step-by-step through the Greek text of 1-3 John.

For many aspiring academics, the transition from doctoral student to classroom teacher is a challenging one. The classroom culture, the needed pedagogical skills, and the expected level and type of work are significantly different in the two environments. Nevertheless, most doctoral students go on to teach in undergraduate or seminary classrooms. To prepare the PhD students at McMaster Divinity College to negotiate this transition successfully, the faculty holds a biennial colloquium covering the major dimensions, both theoretical and practical, of a Christian teaching vocation. On the basis of the presentations of the colloquium, the essential topics have been addressed in essays prepared for this volume for the benefit of all who aspire to excellence in their teaching, especially those in Christian higher education.

The first reference resource on how Asian Americans are currently reading and interpreting the Bible, this volume also serves a valuable role in both developing and disseminating what can be termed as Asian American biblical hermeneutics. The volume works from the important background that Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic/racial minority population in the USA, and that 42% of this group identifies as Christian. This provides a useful starting point from which to examine what may be distinctive about Asian American approaches to the Bible. Part 1 of the Handbook describes six major ethic groups that make up 85% of Asian population (by country of origin: China, Philippines, Indian Subcontinent, Vietnam, Korea, Japan) and outlines the specific concerns each group has when its members read the Bible. Part 2 of the Handbook examines major critical methods in biblical interpretation and suggests adjustments that may be helpful for Asian Americans to make when they are interpreting the Bible. Finally, Part 3 provides 25 interpretations by Asian American biblical scholars on specific texts in the Bible, using what they consider to be Asian American hermeneutics. Taken...

Morphological and Syntactical Irregularities in the Book of Revelation, by Laurențiu Florentin Moț, studies Revelation’s solecisms from a Greek perspective. It convincingly proves that, in accord with Second Language Acquisition studies, Semitic transfer in Revelation is extremely rare.

This ground breaking analysis cuts to the heart of the critical debate surrounding the two Thessalonian Epistles. Colin R. Nicholl examines the situations giving rise to each Letter with a view to determining how the two relate historically. His book presents an original and compelling hypothesis, arguing that reflected in the Letters are two stages of a single crisis plaguing a recently formed Greek Church, which spiralled from hope into despair on account of confusion about 'the end'. In addition to making a fresh case for the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians and resolving one of the most difficult problems in the Bible - the identity of 'the Restrainer' - this monograph is a comprehensive analysis of the Thessalonian Epistles. It will provide an indispensable resource for scholars and pastors interested in the Thessalonian correspondence.

John Hayes and Carl Holladay have thoroughly revised and expanded this best-selling textbook, adding new chapters on emerging methods of interpretation and the use of computer technology for exegesis. All bibliographies have been updated, and Scripture has been converted to the NRSV. This new edition retains the features of the early editions: a minimum of technical terms, solid introductory guidelines in exegetical methods, and a valuable presentation of exegetical theory and practice. It is ideal for general introductory exegesis courses, introductions to the Old and New Testaments, and introduction to preaching, as well as for pastors and lay leaders.

"French for Reading Knowledge presents a plan to teach the reading of French directly and economically. This book is not intended for those interested in acquiring a practical speaking knowledge. It is meant to reach that large number of students, college freshment or graduates, who would like to acquire a reading knowledge of French if they could only have the time. It fills a gap. It replaces no other text. French for Reading Knowledge differs from the traditional, as well as the current oral-aural type of text. It differs in aim, approach, teaching technique, vocabulary, reading material, etc. How it differs cannot be told here because a short description would be inadequate, and a long one would be read only by those who do not need to read it. In view of this, we should like to make but one brief comment: the basic vocabulary, basic for reading only and extremely small, includes those words which the student will need for further reading in any field. There are a few words, though, which are not generally basic. Obviously, they had to be included for practical purposes. We wish to thank Professor Casimir D. Zdanowicz, who foresaw in an Extension reading course the development ...

A comprehensive handbook for understanding and communicating the Gospels and Acts In this final volume of the Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis series, David Turner provides a comprehensive guide for interpreting and conveying the lives of Jesus and his early followers. Key background information such as literary genres, historical setting, and theological themes lay the groundwork for properly reading these five books. This is followed by practical guidance on textual issues and original-language exegesis passages from the Gospels and Acts. The final chapter offers an extensive bibliography of books and digital resources useful for instructors, students, and church leaders alike. Interpreting the Gospels and Acts is an essential resource for anyone teaching and preaching these foundational books.

Hebrews 12: 1-13 portrays the suffering of the community to which it is addressed by means of two images: an athletic contest, and God's fatherly discipline. In this 1998 book, N. Clayton Croy provides a thorough exploration of the theme of suffering in the Jewish and Graeco-Roman traditions, and surveys the different interpretations of this passage which have been offered by Christian writers over the centuries. He argues that the concept of 'training' unites the passage, which presents Jesus as the supreme athlete, an agonistic exemplar for those running the race. These verses also support a non-punitive understanding of discipline, in which God's children undergo a positive process of education. The educative notion of paideia combines with images of athletic training to establish a call to faithful endurance rather than repentance.