The Triune God by Fred Sanders

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Fred Sanders does a fine job explaining our Triune God in this volume that’s part of the New Studies in Dogmatics series published by Zondervan. You may have heard about this series being in the tradition of Berkouwer’s Studies in Dogmatics. It’s fair to label it a success as it excels in theological penetration and is at times dogmatic! Scholars have lined up to praise it and it’s easily one of the better volumes on the subject of the Trinity.

He doesn’t consume himself with the historical development of the doctrine but approaches the doctrine head on instead. That is, to my mind, a great approach. Many books drown in the history and make little contribution to actual understanding so this book will be more effective for most readers.

He begins with doxology which is the perfect approach for such a far-reaching doctrinal subject about our God. He describes trinitarian doctrine as “a doctrine about God, spoken in the presence of God, to the end of praising God.”

Next, he looks at the revelation of this doctrine. He probes deeply, interacts with other scholars, and explains “mystery”. The following chapter on the communicative mission of Each Person of the Trinity is key to his overall argument. There’s plenty of help here.

Chapters 4 and 5 look at the Incarnation and gets into procession within the Trinity. As you will see, there are plenty of ways to go off the rails here. Chapters 7 and 8 look at each Testament and its contribution to trinitarian doctrine separately. Chapter 9 is a wonderful summary of what we learned.

You will want at least two or three books in your library on the Trinity. Make this one of them!

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.

I & II Peter and Jude (NTL) by Donelson

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Lewis Donelson contributes this volume on the Epistles of Peter and Jude in the New Testament Library (NTL) series. As with other volumes in the series, this commentary takes a critical approach in its exegesis. With these epistles being some of the more challenged in the New Testament, that critical outlook protrudes more distinctly.

After a wide-ranging bibliography, we are served a brief introduction to the three letters together. The author sees a connection as Christians in conflict, which is a reasonable proposition.

Next, 1 Peter gets its own introduction. He denies Petrine authorship completely. More helpful are sections on the letter’s recipients and the theme of persecution.  After a discussion of date, he returns again to authorship this time suggesting pseudonymity. He doesn’t see much literary structure before offering his outline. There’s more theology before some brief comments on text and translation.

Each periscope in the commentary proper gives an overview of the passage, his translation, detailed exegetical notes, commentary on each verse, and a few concluding paragraphs. The exegesis is always on the critical side while there is robust theology.

Jude and 2 Peter follow a similar pattern for both Introduction and commentary. Both the critical outlook and commentary quality remain throughout.

Of the critical commentaries I’ve seen on these letters, this is the most in-depth, clear, and theologically helpful. For that perspective, this commentary is the one I’d recommend!

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.

Hebrews (NTL) by Johnson

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Prolific New Testament commentator Luke Timothy Johnson tackles Hebrews in this volume in the New Testament Library (NTL) series. He’s written in other major series such as the Anchor Bible commentary series, and from what I can tell, this has been one of the more popular titles in the NTL series. In my view, it’s one of the more rigorously done scholarly work in the series.

After a substantial bibliography, the author jumps into what turns out to be a longer, more in-depth introduction than found in several other volumes in the series. After some opening observations, the author explains Hebrews in the Christian tradition as he delves into the historical background. Next, he tackles literary concerns including language and form. There’s a cultural and social overview that considers Roman as well as elements of Judaism and Christianity in the text. From there, we read of what the author calls the circumstances of composition. He delves into the rhetorical situation and finally addresses the issue of date. As you would imagine, the conclusions are of a more critical nature as is usual in the NTL series. There’s a survey of the always-controversial subject of authorship for the book of Hebrews. Finally, we have some good probing of the theology of the book. The author’s conclusion that we have here the mature teaching of Christ was well done. Much of the conclusions in this section would match that found in more conservative commentary series. The same would hold true for the theological discussion of discipleship.

The commentary proper includes some rigorous exegetical work. If you are familiar with either the author or the series, you will know what to expect. As a bonus, you will find 7 top-notch excurses. Again, it is helpful and effective. I can’t think of a better commentary on Hebrews from the critical camp.

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.

God the Trinity by Yarnell

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This book takes a unique approach in presenting God the Trinity. There are several outstanding conservative volumes on the Trinity in print today, but Malcolm Yarnell gives us one that’s organized unlike any other. The conclusions found in this volume are conservative, baptistic, and supported by some of the finest theologians today.

On the downside, I had trouble following the logic of the flow of the presentation of the material. At times, it seemed random, conversational, and something of a flow of consciousness. Finally, I figured out that he was just addressing some of the most important biblical texts on the Trinity. All the arguments given showed scholarly depth and theological perception, it’s just at times they didn’t always seem the most persuasive tracks to prove the author’s point. In fairness to Mr. Yarnell, it could have been that I just didn’t personally connect with his design. Probably it’s best for you to check it out as it might be just what the doctor ordered for you.

The key Scriptures discussed are Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, John 1:18, John 16:14-15, John 17:21-22, Ephesians 1:9-10 and Revelation 5:6. Without doubt, these are crucial texts in grasping what the Bible has to say about the Trinity.

The glowing recommendations that come with this book mean that despite my personal tastes about it, you will want to check it out if you’re trying to collect a study library for the Trinity.

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.

1 Corinthians: a Shorter Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary by Thiselton

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Anthony Thiselton has a revered name in the scholarly world. Among his many works, he is, perhaps, best known for his well-received NIGTC on 1 Corinthians. At first glance, you would assume this newer work on 1 Corinthians, described as “a shorter exegetical and pastoral commentary”, would merely be an abbreviation of the earlier, massive commentary. It’s not. In the preface, he carefully describes what this book is. He wrote it after five additional years of reflection and has written the work here with less scholarly interaction and more straightforward delineation of his own thoughts with additional pastoral and practical help. Neither work precludes the value of the other and this would be one of the rare cases where you really need two works by the same author on the same book of the Bible.

If you, like me, have used his earlier commentary and remember it’s thorough introduction, you will be impressed that he could also write something as accessible, clear, and helpful as he did in this 27-page introduction. Many writers could do one or the other, but few could pull off both with such success. The first section of the introduction covers the city and the culture of Corinth, which succinctly reviews what would be found in any introduction. The second section on the ethos that permeated the church was particularly enlightening. From there, he got into rhetoric and archaeological information and finished with a discussion of the writing of the epistle itself. A few helpful pictures were thrown in as well.

The commentary proper was to the point yet distilled the heart of the matter nicely. In the preface, he described how difficult the section on suggestions for possible reflection for every passage was to put together. While, perhaps, not as valuable as the commentary itself, these reflections are worth scanning for the pastor preparing messages. The tone is not that of heavy scholarly interaction, but it’s clear great scholarship stands behind what’s presented.

This book isn’t part of a series and might be easily overlooked. Look it up. You won’t be disappointed.

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.

Conformed to the Image of His Son by Jacob

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I’m convinced we will be hearing about this book that probes what being “conformed to the image of His Son” means for many years to come. It’s clearly a scholarly work, but anyone who has an interest in theology will see that it projects itself as paradigm shifting. Whether you agree with all the conclusions found in this volume or not, you will almost without fail find yourself thinking some thoughts you’ve never thought before. Right off the bat, you will notice in the forward by N. T. Wright that even major scholars will wrestle with it and some may be convinced.

In the introduction, we are introduced to the author’s premise. The six common viewpoints on Romans 8:29b are set forth along with an explanation of why the author finds them wanting. There’s also a brief outline and an overview of what you will find in each section of the book.

Part one of the book redefines the meaning of “glory” as found in Romans 5-8. There’s a look at Jewish literature, further probing of usage in Romans, and an explanation of what participation in Christ’s glory means. For me, I was fairly well convinced of the conclusions found in these first chapters.

Part two digs deeper into the text of Romans 8:29. There are three chapters that look at what the image of the Son means, what participation in the firstborn Son’s glory entails, and why we are purposed for conformity to Jesus Christ. I was less convinced of the conclusions found here, though I’m not sure I fully made up my mind. In any event, there’s plenty here to think about.

The criticism that I might offer for this volume was that the author made it sound like every scholar had failed by carelessness in their dealings with this passage and phrase. Further, some of the previously offered explanations that can be found in print are not quite as threadbare as Jacob would have us believe. Maybe we can overlook these negatives by seeing them more as passion than censure.

I’ll recommend this book for its importance. If you love theology, you’ll want to see this book and decide for yourself.

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.

Middle Knowledge by John Laing

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John Laing makes a strong case for the concept of middle knowledge as an explanation of the providence of God. In doing so he upholds both human freedom and divine sovereignty. No doubt he writes in a highly divisive category among theologians and will probably get some pushback, but in my view has done well in writing a detailed, scholarly examination with careful biblical and logical accuracy.

Though he uses a lot of down-to-earth examples, this work will still be tough for newcomers to the debate. The logical analysis has not an ounce of fluff and so I suspect this work will be more appreciated by those with some theological background.

In a lengthy introduction he discusses what the doctrine of providence is, he examines the various models of providence, and he addresses the assumptions that are in play in arriving at a position. This information is extremely helpful in grasping the theological landscape. In chapter 1 he defines the doctrine of middle knowledge. He introduces the specialized vocabulary involved and shows several examples.

Chapter 2 is on the grounding objection, which he feels is the most important element in explaining middle knowledge. In chapter 3 he reviews the circularity objection before getting into the more debated chapter 4 on divine foreknowledge and free will. By chapter 5, he enters the most explosive battleground when he addresses predestination and salvation in regard to these theories.

Chapter 6 addresses the problem of evil and how it impacts each of these viewpoints. There’s a chapter on inerrancy and inspiration and its effect on this debate as well as one on science and theology. Since middle knowledge comes from Molinism, he addresses the biblical evidence for it in chapter 9. Chapters 10 is a conclusion upholding middle knowledge.

I can see myself referring to this book in the future any time the subject of providence in these debated areas comes up. I imagine the reader’s viewpoint may impact the rating of this work by reviewers more than the work itself. Again, it may be a little too strong for students due to the subject, but that’s not to say it’s written too opaquely. It’s the subject that’s tough. For me, it will likely be my go-to book on this lively subject.

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.

Lamentations by Berlin (OTL)

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Mark this volume by Adele Berlin down as one of my favorites in the Old Testament Library (OTL) series. In fact, it has some helpful information that I’m not used to seeing in this series. There’s still the critical viewpoint, yet that criticism is not as orienting in the work itself and is far more open to conservative theories than I would’ve expected.

The Introduction begins by describing some of the unique elements of the book before it dives into an explanation of the poetry of Lamentations. Berlin makes it clear that it’s some unique poetry that we have here. There’s also an excellent use of imagery throughout the Book of Lamentations. He has some sane thoughts on the speaking voices of the book as well. The section on gender and suffering is really not over-the-top in any way, but just acknowledges some of the feminine language used throughout Lamentations. There’s an excursus on the personified Zion, as well as one on the residents of Jerusalem with a sociological profile. The discussion of mourning as a religious concept added good things the discussion as did the theology of destruction and the exile. The explanation of the paradigm of purity was interesting and beyond anything I’d thought of before. There’s a section on the literary context with some helpful thoughts, though perhaps a little overemphasis on Mesopotamian influences. In the section on authorship, there’s a fairly conservative conclusion about dating and at least an acceptance that it’s theoretically possible that Jeremiah wrote it though she feels it could never be known. More than arguing date, she sees the larger question as why was the Book of Lamentations written in the first place.

The commentary proper shows outstanding scholarly work. We might learn more about the people of Judah than we do about God in this work, but this is an excellent addition to your commentary library. I warmly 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.

Old Testament Theology by Paul House

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This volume on Old Testament theology by Paul R. House has been so popular for 20 years that it has warranted this paperback edition. The Preface leaves no doubt about what you’re going to find in this book. First, you’ll find that its audience is for college students, though it has enough depth to be appreciated by scholars and teachers. Second, you will find an emphasis on historical context with a canonical approach. Most importantly, you will find that the author unapologetically holds to an evangelical outlook. Old Testament volumes available today particularly run toward a critical outlook. In a word, this book is refreshing.

The first chapter gives the history and methodology of the study of Old Testament theology. You will see that that history has run willy-nilly through many ditches over the last couple centuries. He ends that overview by mentioning some of the important conservative works that have finally come out. You might check out a conservative counterpart to this volume in Eugene Merrill’s Everlasting Dominion though neither of these important volumes renders the other obsolete.

I love how House approached the subject of Old Testament theology. For the most part, he takes the books of the Old Testament individually to see their contribution to the overall picture of Old Testament theology. For that reason, this book would be quite handy for its theological background if you’re doing a study on a particular book of the Old Testament.

This book is a winner. To my mind, it’s not out of date and is worthy of this new paperback edition. I know I’m glad to have it at hand.

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.

Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity: Counterpoints

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Here’s a volume in the Zondervan’s popular Counterpoints series. Because a proponent of each view presented debates others of varying viewpoints, these volumes can be particularly effective. A single author often has trouble fairly presenting opposing views, but here every chapter is presented by someone who strongly believes in the position described. Knowing that others will debate every point keeps each contributor on his or her toes.

This book describes two views on the doctrine of the Trinity: classical Trinity and relational Trinity. Each of those viewpoints is divided yet again by two contributors who hold slightly different perspectives within the model. The only thing that strikes me as odd about this volume as compared to others of its type that I have seen is that the four contributors, Stephen R. Holmes, Paul D. Molnar, Thomas H. McCall, and Paul S. Fiddes, are not that far apart in what they believe. If you have not been deeply immersed in Trinitarian debate, the differences in these four contributors may almost seem like splitting hairs. Fortunately, there’s a lot to learn by working through their interactions.

The style is the same as the others in the series. First, a contributor presents his perspective, the other three contributors offer responses, and the original contributor gives a final rejoinder. It’s a quite fair method as every contributor gets to give the last word on his own perspective. The general editor, Jason S. Sexton, also gives a 10-page conclusion reflecting on what was presented. For the most part, this is just a nice summary. Additionally, there’s a glossary which can be quite helpful as this subject has a lot of specialized vocabulary.

Usually when I peruse one of these volumes I find myself gravitating most closely to one of the presenters, but in this case, I agreed with great portions of all four of them. That’s not to say that they don’t disagree on a few points, but they are an essential agreement about the importance and main facts of the Trinity.

Though it’s a little different than what I expected, I still found it to be an overall nice resource well worth consulting if you are tackling the doctrine of the Trinity.

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.