This book is different than other Thomas Schreiner books I’ve used. That’s not to say it isn’t good, just that it’s different. He’s turned out some impressive exegetical volumes over the years, and though this volume has a scholarly awareness, it can profit any Christian. In my view, it’s pitched at the right level to be a blessing to lots of people. You can tell he’s writing past those obsessed debaters who battle these issues for kicks so he can reach Christians with honest questions on a confusing subject. His tone is more of discussion and gentle persuasion with a keen respect of the reader who might at the end of the day conclude differently than him.

After an introduction, he gives a balanced, gracious critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the Charismatic Movement. The next three chapters dissect the various lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament. He gives two chapters to reason out what the New Testament really means by “prophecy”. There are two chapters on the explosive issue of tongues. The final two chapters look at arguments pro and con on the cessation of gifts.

His arguments are judicious and have the ring of truth. I found myself nodding “yes” on many pages. I’d call this book a perfect volume to use to make sense of spiritual gifts. You will want to check it out.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. 

From what I can see, this book is one of the more decorated in the Interpretation Bible Commentary series. Samuel Balentine is held up as an expert on Leviticus. To be clear, it comes clearly from a critical perspective. As is true with some of the better volumes of the series, it excels in theology even if you don’t agree with its critical outlook. There’s no way I could agree with its overemphasis on ritual, but I can appreciate his desire to see Leviticus as something that a listing of weird, arbitrary laws.

The Introduction begins with discussing the unique design of Leviticus before making his case as its being ritual texts. There are helpful discussions on structure and theme. Too much of sources are found, but that is not the emphasis. Further, he traces the worship value of the book and draws out helpful theology. Check out the chart on page 17 too.

The commentary proper has the best of critical commentary with theological perception. It will vie for the best of critical commentaries on Leviticus without a doubt.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Somehow, I missed this large work on Revelation. Stephen Smalley was familiar to me particularly in his WBC commentary on the Epistles of John. As the subtitle suggests, this commentary is aimed at the Greek text. Revelation has been the subject of such approaches more so than some books of the Bible. There were Charles and Swete of another generation as well as Beale and Aune of recent times. Smalley is up to the task of being mentioned in their rank. Still, English readers can work around the Greek and follow the flow of the argument. In most cases, the English and Greek are side by side.

The Introduction begins by examining the text. He explains his approach as “literary and theological, rather than simply critical and historical. Though critical to some degree, he sees a “basic unity” in the book and accepts the authorship of John. He traces what he sees as the situation behind the book. As many scholars love to do, he takes a stab at constructing the “Johannine Community”. Genre is probed as well. He surveys John’s use of the OT before slowing down for theology. He rightfully sees the role of Christology in the book. When he turns to symbolism and interpretation, we learn his view is that of a “modified idealist”. His section on structure needs expansion.

There are almost 600 pages loaded with exegesis. If you lay aside your prophetic outlook and come here just for exegesis, you won’t be disappointed. I get more from the trees than the forest with this one. Not being part of a series may cause this one to be overlooked, but it stands in the major exegetical category.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.