Bible Study

Dictionary of Daily Life: Volume 4

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This is the final volume of an unique set. Editors Edwin Yamauchi and Marvin Wilson continue the high quality of work, here  covering O-Z, that we found in the previous volumes. Many scholars joined forces to provide us with this special resource. The setup that even includes a few pictures at the end matches the previous volumes. Together these volumes make an attractive paperback set.

The feature that makes this a special set is what it chooses to cover. It does not limit itself to specific Bible words, but addresses daily life issues in the way we think of them.  That means that things like sanitation, spectacles, trade, and viticulture get covered. There are also things that you would expect like slavery, taxation, and threshing and winnowing, but at more detail than you would imagine. Touchy subjects like prostitution and same-sex relations are well covered too. Those articles were solidly scholarly and conservative.

The best compliment I can pay this volume is that I never failed to learn more than I knew of information worth knowing. I recommend this volume and wish more such sets were modeled after it..

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.

Biblical Theology by John Goldingay

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biblical-theology

John Goldingay, who has already produced a three-volume theology of the Old Testament and another on Isaiah’s theology among many other works, has now broadened his sights to the theology of the entire Bible. Because of his stature in the scholarly world, I predict this will become an influential volume.

As for me, I picked it up with a fair amount of skepticism. As a staunch conservative,   I find Mr. Goldingay sometimes on the other side side of the tracks. (There is a debate out there about whether he is really an evangelical or not). For the record, I found several sentences that were subversive to my eyes in this book. I thought I should pick one such statement for this review to prove my point. On page 74 in an explanation of Jesus as the I AM he says, “… The New Testament’s references to ‘worship’ of Jesus need not imply that he is seen as divine.” Are you kidding? To be fair, in the next paragraph, he returns to a more orthodox description, yet he has some such statements along the way. He is clearly a provocative writer, but where he succeeds as a writer may also be where he fails. As a provocateur he should stop short of inciting cardiac arrest in his readers!

Not that I am the standard, but I found myself disagreeing with many of his conclusions  along the way too. I only mention that because of what I want to say next.

This book threw away the mold of traditional theologies. I had never noticed before just how close a script all such volumes had in the past. From differing theological perspectives, they all present the same way. Here’s the Doctrine of God and off they go …1, 2, 3. Goldingay, for the better or worse, wrote his own script. That approach makes for creative new Approaches to study, even if you are a conservative like me who says often as you go, “O, you’re wrong again there, Mr. Goldingay.”

If you are as conservative as me, this is not going to be your first choice for a theology on your shelf. But if you are like me, you are going to make it one of a handful you always consult just to help you think outside the box. He simply made me think about things that I had never thought of before. I like that! I’ll make my own conclusions anyway, thank you. So I unashamedly give 4 out of 5 stars and recommend a book that I thought I might not.

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.

2 Volumes for NT Introduction

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Exploring The New Testament: A Guide to the Gospels and Acts

This is the Second Edition of a well-received volume by scholars David Wenham and Steve Walton. It’s part of a 2 volume set with another volume by different scholars covering the rest of the New Testament. Actually, there are 4 other corresponding volumes that cover the Old Testament as well. Currently, this volume is available in either an attractive hardback volume or a more economical paperback edition.

It’s aimed at first- or second year college students. Though it has features that will appeal more to those planning to become scholars than pastors or Bible students, it is still a fine volume for anyone.

The page layout is appealing and there are multiple things to look at depending on what you’re studying at the moment. It is not set up as a chapter per NT book only as are so many such volumes. There’s over 40 pages to set the stage of Jesus and the NT. Next there is a a good bit of critical discussion that is not as interesting to many readers. There’s three chapters that discuss the direction of scholarly studies of Jesus. The balance of the book is on the four Gospels individually and Acts .

This book is my favorite of those I’ve used in this series and I recommend it.

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.

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Exploring The New Testament: A Guide to the Letters and Revelation

Here’s the Second Edition of a book by I. Howard Marshall, Stephen Travis and Ian Paul that is often paired with “Exploring the NT: A Guide to the Gospels” by different scholars. Currently, this volume is available in either an attractive hardback volume or a more economical paperback edition.

Aimed at beginning college students, this volume sometimes addresses issues that are more important to scholars than everyone else. Still, it is best that we all be aware at least of where current scholarship is trending.

The setup is exactly the same as its counterpart and that is a plus. In addition to presenting typical introductory issues, the authors give us sidebars to get us thinking. There’s a good introduction to Paul over a few chapters and a chapter for each of the NT books after Acts. Most are helpful, though the one on Revelation is too vague to be of use to the student.

This book and its counterpart are a great asset on studying the New Testament.

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.

How To Find Economical Used Books

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books-used

On occasion people ask me questions about books and I imagine the biggest book question anyone could have is how to find books on the cheap.Whether you just want to buy someone you love a few books for a gift, or whether you are trying to build a first-rate library yourself, it’s imperative to find the best deals as the current retail, and even some used book prices, are exorbitant.

The first step is making a list of the books you most want. If you focus on just one book at a time you will pay more–far more. From a list you can next buy the book that is at the best bargain now. You never know what book you’ll be buying next, but you’ll likely get them all over time and at a great discount. I’ve waited years for some volumes. Maybe you are setting a budget for a certain period of time and you will work in that constraint, but you can still build the best library for the best price that way. My wife and I give ourselves around $20 a week for play money, and since there is absolutely nothing I want in the world other than books, I usually buy from my current list the first of every week based on the best bargain I find.

As we discuss the tools to find these books, just remember the best sites may change over time. There was a time not that long ago I bought the most books from eBay, but that has changed to Amazon as many used sellers list there now. It’s also best, though, to double-check alternate sources before you click “buy” on your favorite site as the price may have dropped too.

Things To Do To Buy Cheap Books: 

  1. Camelcamelcamel.com

This is a site that monitors Amazon. You make a list by searching out the books you want and putting in the price at which you want a notification. There’s also data on what it has sold for in the past on Amazon. If the current price is substantially higher than the listed “lowest price ever”, then likely you should wait a while. Apparently, sellers set prices based on other Amazon sellers. If one seller puts in an absurd price, then several other sellers may do so for a while. It will come back down. Just wait.

2. Addall.com

This is another site that checks many other sites for the cheapest price. It has superior search options and you will likely find the best price. The downside is that you can save your lists by the “memo” options, but it erases every time you clean cookies or other big technical stuff on your computer.  There’s no notifications either.

3. Ebay.com

Ebay has changed over the years and there are now far more “buy it now” listings with a set price than actual auctions. Still, bargains can sometimes be had, and you will get notifications for items in your watch list.

 

There are a few other sites out there like abebooks.com, alibris.com or half.com, but I rarely find the best bargains there. Still, they’re worth checking if you need one specific book only, though addall.com monitors some of them too. Don’t forget to check library sales (even from theological libraries) or thrift stores for a good deal on a more common title.

A Word On Which Book To Buy

Sometimes you can find an inexpensive paperback edition of a book often found in nicer hardback editions. Here it’s best to think about what uses you plan for the book. Will you refer to it often for years to come? In that case, a few extra dollars for a better edition will be worth it.

Best wishes on building your theological library or trying to find that desired volume for a loved one!

 

2 Corinthians and 1 Peter by Lightfoot

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book-lightfoot

This unique book finishes IVP’s The Lightfoot Legacy Set of the recently discovered unpublished writings of J. B. Lightfoot. If you ever peruse used book listings you will see just how popular his commentaries have been for many years. The book has a gorgeous cover and is, to my mind, as much a collectible item for those who are assembling fairly complete libraries as it is a usable commentary.

On the negative side, you really couldn’t call the portion on either 2 Corinthians or 1 Peter a complete commentary. There is a good bit of untranslated Greek as well. His disdain for the Textus Receptus is palpable too. Still, his logical mind is really good in many places. For example, he makes careful arguments on the chronology of Paul and takes some colleagues to task for carelessness. I wouldn’t agree with all his conclusions, but find interacting with him quite helpful.

Other things are added to this volume that makes it even more valuable. There is an expanded rendition of his justly famous “The Christian Ministry.” The volume concludes with some nice articles by others that have appeared on Lightfoot himself.

If you already have the first two in this series, you will definitely want this one as it is of equal value. The set is a nice one too.

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.

Devoted To God by Sinclair Ferguson

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This book is special. Its title might not suggest the wallop it packs, though the subtitle “Blueprints For Sanctification” at least sends you the right direction. When the author says he is going to approach his subject by doing some expositions of the key NT passages you still might realize what you are in for. It’s only when you actually start reading and the chapters add up that you see the treasure you have. Those passages he expounds are ones we read over too quickly and their incredible value he simply unfolds. Along the way, the book proves itself an instant classic. That might be cliché, but I believe time will prove it true.

There’s an appendix that lists the “Blueprint Passages” at the end, and he has something to say on each, but he soared in Romans 12, Galatians 2:20, and especially Romans 6. He really helped me see the role the Law has in the life of the Christian today. He steered away from extremes that find so many adherents these days.

I could not say that I agreed with every sentence in the book, but he always carefully explained himself and made you do your own thinking. I can’t follow all reformed conclusions that were made, but I think most Bible believers will be helped and everyone needs this book. I challenge you to see if you can’t agree with his final chapter on the ultimate goal. I sure did.

I must give you warning. This book is not for casual reading. It demands slow, reflective reading. You invest that effort and you will be rewarded immensely. This is one of the great ones.

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.

2 Great New Surveys

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book-old

book-new

 

Old Testament

Seasoned professors Ed Hindson and Gary Yates join forces to give us “The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey.” This volume is aimed at beginning undergraduate students and serious laymen as well. B & H Academic has almost concerned the market on Bible surveys for every level and this one holds up the high standard of its sister volumes and yet is accessible to its target audience.

There’s three introductory chapters adeptly looking at big picture issues like people, places, archaeology and canon. Each section of the Old Testament gets like Pentateuch, historical books and so on get a helpful chapter.

The majority of the book is a chapter for each book of the Old Testament, except for joint chapters on, for example, I and II Kings. Each chapter covers background, an outline, a section on message that basically covers the contents of the book, and a short section on theological significance.

This book is a gorgeous volume with nice pictures, charts, and maps that will be a real asset to you.

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.

New Testament

“The Essence of the New Testament: A Survey” by Elmer Towns and Ben Gutierrez is similar and companion volume to “The Essence of the Old Testament:A Survey” by Hindson and Yates. It too is aimed at beginning undergraduate students and serious laymen and continues B & H Academic’s reputation for premier surveys.

There are three chapters on introductory matters. The first two cover textual issues and New Testament interpretation respectively. The chapter on “The History Between the Testaments” sets the New Testament in perspective. While I prefer the design in its OT counterpart better, this is still acceptable. I would have also preferred a more broad approach on the Gospels than just focusing on the Synoptic Problem.

The real value in this volume is the chapters on the individual books of the New Testament. They are well done and include fine pictures, maps, charts, and content.

I highly recommend this survey, and think it even a better idea to grab its OT counterpart at the same time to have an outstanding set.

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.

 

Faithful to the End by Wilder, Charles, and Easley

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Are you looking for an introduction that gives more depth to a study of the General Epistles and Revelation? Then you will love this book. It’s the kind of scholarly proficient and pastorally relevant volume that can make a real impact in your studies. Besides the fact that Hebrews to Revelation is the end of the Bible, the authors see a unity of “a strong theme of being faithful and persevering in the faith.”

My favorite chapter was the first one which covered Hebrews. There were great insights on every page. It just so happened that I was recently reading the introduction in a major exegetical commentary on Hebrews and found much more here that opened up what Hebrews is all about.

The chapters on the other Epistles were good, with perhaps James and Jude getting the best treatment. Revelation was explained well, as were the schools of thought of how to view it prophetically. He attempted to explain Revelation in terms that would make sense to most of the schools of thought. In the limitations of that approach, it worked.

This is a great volume and I highly recommend it. 

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.

Letters and Homilies for Jewish Christians by Witherington

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This volume joins “Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians” Volumes 1 and 2 for Witherington’s three-volume set that covers the General Epistles including the Pastorals, Epistles of John and of Peter, and in this volume, Hebrews, James, and Jude. I always marvel at his output as he has written on most of the NT and other subjects as well.

Having reviewed the other two volumes, I feel he keeps up his standard of work here. He keeps that socio-rhetorical emphasis that he is famous for as well. I can’t always agree with his conclusions, but they are never uninteresting.

He deals with Hebrews first. He summarizes the different viewpoints on authorship well (he favors Apollos) and rightfully emphasizes Christology to good effect. He sees Hebrews as a rhetorical masterpiece and I agree. His commentary, though I would disagree at points, was helpful.

I chuckle at how he writes his Introductions for each book because he approaches them in a different order each time and just seems to start at random. Still, he gets it covered each time. 

Next, he tackles James. As you might imagine with his emphases, he writes on the “social ethos of James’s audience and home congregation” with good food for thought. I found his thoughts on Jude even better.

This is a quality commentary of the acedemic type and I recommend it.

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.

Discovery House Bible Atlas by John Beck

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Here’s one of the most recent major Bible atlases out there. Written by Dr.  John Beck, this volume has in its favor being written by someone who has spent much time in Bible lands and is clearly passionate about teaching biblical geography. You will appreciate as a Bible believer his consistent, conservative stance on the subjects you find in a Bible atlas. While he is a scholar, and while he has written in over 300 pages to the extent of particularly scholarly works, he has aimed at accessibility and serious Bible students. He has succeeded in reaching that audience and as a pastor I enjoyed the atlas too.

The maps look different than those in other volumes, and sometimes the scope, scale, and even color were not my favorite. As that is of course only a matter of taste, I should point out a careful accuracy in them. There were also plenty of them covering more biblical events than some other major atlases. No matter your own eye for graphics, the educational value of these maps are unmistakable.

What especially stood out in this volume to me was the pictures. They were vivid, copious, and gorgeous. I found them a visual treat. They even covered places most Bible tours never get to.

The writing struck me as that of a warmhearted preacher. In that many Bible students have learned much from preaching, I feel that increases its value for serious study. You probably can’t go wrong with this Bible atlas.

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.