The Epistles to Colossians and Philemon (The New International Greek Testament Commentary | NIGTC)

by James D. G. Dunn

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1996

Overview

This commentary series is established on the presupposition that the theological character of the New Testament documents calls for exegesis that is sensitive to theological themes as well as to the details of the historical, linguistic, and textual context. Such thorough exegetical work lies at the heart of these volumes, which contain detailed verse-by-verse commentary preceded by general comments on each section and subsection of the text.

An important aim of the NIGTC authors is to interact with the wealth of significant New Testament research published in recent articles and monographs. In this connection the authors make their own scholarly contributions to the ongoing study of the biblical text.

The text on which these commentaries are based is the UBS Greek New Testament, edited by Kurt Aland and others. While engaging the major questions of text and interpretation at a scholarly level, the authors keep in mind the needs of the beginning student of Greek as well as the pastor or layperson who may have studied the language at some time but does not now use it on a regular basis.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The invisible God makes himself visible in and through his wisdom (Feuillet, Sagesse 173–74” (Page 88)

“entirely continuous and of a piece with God’s work in creation” (Page 89)

“the description is revelatory, more than ontological” (Page 89)

“again the antecedent for use of the word πρωτότοκος (‘firstborn’) in relation to creation is most obviously Wisdom” (Page 90)

“The Wisdom and Logos of God could thus function in effective Jewish apologetic within a wider Hellenistic milieu” (Page 88)

Endorsements

Up-to-date and well-informed expositions. James Dunn has developed into one of the best interpreters of the Pauline epistles. His positions on introductory and exegetical matters are solid and clearly argued, and his coverage of the secondary literature is impressive. One can learn a good deal about exegetical relevance from Dunn's Pauline commentaries.

—America

His commentaries reflect his careful attention to detail, his unusual ability to identify ancient parallels, and a keen insights into modern-day applications. It is a commentary characterized by careful exegesis of the Greek text, yet it is presented in language that is not beyond the grasp of the average minister. Even the footnotes are concise and not highly technical. In spirit of the number and variety of NT commentaries now available, this recent series, and this volume in particular, make a valuable contribution.

—Andrews University Seminary Studies

The content of the commentary reflects first-rate scholarship.

—Bibliotheca Sacra

This commentary will take its place among the best on these two New Testament books.

—Church Libraries

A serious academic commentary on the Greek text. A balanced study, carefully weighing alternatives.

—Church Times (U.K.)

Retaining his close attention to detail and immense sweep of the literature, Professor Dunn provides a full discussion of critical and historical issues in the introductions to the two letters and his verse by verse comment. Useful for the minister as well as the scholar.

—Expository Times

Any commentary by James Dunn is worth reading, and this one is no exception. Clearly written and widely researched, the comments are well informed with respect both to the ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman thought-worlds and a wide range of early Christian traditions, and to contemporary scholarship…. There are many useful insights in the volume for preachers and scholars alike, and it will richly repay a careful reading.

—Interpretation

James D. G. Dunn's well-known and formidable exegetical skills are amply displayed in his new commentary on Colossians and Philemon for the New International Greek Testament Commentary Series. On both these texts Dunn offers balanced and reasonable readings that will certainly become essential moments in scholarly discussion of these texts…. A wonderful exegetical resource for at least two reasons: first, Dunn offers persuasive and plausible readings of these texts, and, second, he provides a wealth of information on scholarly debate on these texts…. The exegetical balance and conceptual complexity of Dunn's readings will make this commentary an essential part of subsequent discussion of this text…. Overall this is a stunningly successful commentary. Once again, Dunn shows that he is an instructive and persuasive reader of biblical texts.

—Journal of Biblical Literature

In a lively and almost conversational way, he marshals the evidence with painstaking care so as to show exactly what his own conclusions are and how he reaches them. It is a mine of information.

—Journal of Theological Studies

Based on the Greek text and intended mainly for scholars, the commentary on both epistles is reliable, thorough, and fully engaged with the results of contemporary research.

—Religious Studies Review

Superb commentary. A fine, reliable commentary.

—The Bible Today

Bringing his well-known exegetical skills to two closely related NT letters, James D. G. Dunn offers a volume of interest to biblical scholars and theologians alike. Overall, this is an excellent, carefully crafted commentary eminently worth a place in the scholar's study.

—The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

The maturity and depth of Dunn's scholarship result in a commentary that is balanced and rich but not overwhelming in detail. The reader would have to look hard to identify someone better suited to comment on Colossians and Philemon and to find scholarship that is so consistently good. What in particular makes this volume worthwhile is the balance it strikes between depth and approachability: the commentary has the weightiness of a reference volume but its writing has a clarity and economy that engages the reader. It is one of the most readable commentaries around.

—Themelios

• Title: The Epistles to Colossians and Philemon (New International Greek Testament Commentary | NIGTC)
• Author: James D. G. Dunn
• Series: New International Greek Testament Commentary | NIGTC
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1996
• Pages: 405
• Topic: New Testament, Biblical Studies

About James D. G. Dunn

James D. G. Dunn (1939–) is emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity at the University of Durham and is a leading British New Testament scholar. Dunn is a significant proponent of the New Perspective on Paul, and coined the term in a 1982 lecture. He received a PhD and DD from the University of Cambridge, and a MA and BD from the University of Glasgow. In 2002 he became only the third British scholar to be made the president of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas.

His recent works include Did the First Christians Worship Jesus? The New Testament Evidence, A New Perspective on Jesus: What the Quest for the Historical Jesus Missed, the volumes Romans 1–8 and Romans 9–16 of the Word Biblical Commentary, and The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon in The New International Greek Testament Commentary (12 vols.).