New Covenant Commentary Series (9 vols.)

by Kim Huat Tan; Jey J. Kanagaraj; Craig S. Keener; Lynn H. Cohick

and

4 more

Publisher:

Cascade Books

, 2009–2015

Overview

The New Covenant Commentary Series, compiled by contributors from a diverse range of backgrounds, devotes itself to the task of biblical interpretation and theological reflection. This collection unwraps each selected New Testament book section-by-section, providing a clear view of the theology and application within. Focusing on both the text and various contexts of each book, this collection illustrates the impact they had on faith and tradition at the time of their composition—and the significance they continue to have in contemporary life, faith, and ministry.

Key Features

• Section-by-section commentary on 12 New Testament books
• Comprehensive introduction, abbreviations, bibliography, and indexes for each volume
• Contributors from a diverse range of backgrounds

Product Details

• Title: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock
• Volumes: 9
• Pages: 2,174
• Christian Group: Evangelicals
• Resource Type: Commentaries
• Topic: Biblical Studies

Mark

• Author: Kim Huat Tan
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 286

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Mark wrote a Gospel that was at once plain and subtle, fast-paced and yet profound, and in it he clarified what it meant to follow Christ in turbulent times by differentiating the essential from the trivial. He sought to fortify the witness of persecuted early Christian groups and ground them in the hope of Jesus Christ.

Kim Huat Tan's New Covenant Commentary (6 vols.) commentary on Mark unveils how the rich literary artistry of the New Testament’s second gospel helped early Christians in their trials. He focuses on larger thematic emphases and Mark’s authorial technique, structure, and plot without dodging important issues of interpretation. Following in the footsteps of this unique Gospel, this commentary also attempts to bridge the horizons between the ancient world and the needs of modern interpreters, showing how it still functions as a powerful resource for being a disciple of Jesus today. Sermonic suggestions are offered where appropriate, so that busy pastors may find a quick and effective way of sharing Mark with their congregations.

Clear and accessible, engaged with relevant scholarship, wise and balanced in judgments, offering both analysis of the text of Mark and cogent suggestions about continuing meaning for today, this new commentary is recommended, especially for busy ministers and students.

—Larry W. Hurtado, Emeritus Professor of New Testament and Theology, School of Divinity, New College, University of Edinburgh

Tan has produced an exceptionally fine and delightfully written commentary on the Gospel of Mark, which will be appreciated by a wide range of readers, from seasoned interpreters of Mark to new students of the Gospel. This is one of the most helpful and reliable commentaries on Mark’s Gospel presently available.

—Edward Adams, professor of New Testament studies, King's College London

It is a delight to welcome this exegetically informed and sensitive exposition of Mark’s Gospel. Unlike so many ineffectual gestures towards globalization in biblical studies, this commentary adds to its series a learned, critically and theologically invested interpretation that is composed in a non-Western setting but seeks to engage its text for a global Christian readership. Tan and [the] editors deserve our thanks for this valuable contribution to a much-needed widening of the conversation.

—Markus Bockmuehl, Dean Ireland’s professor of the exegesis of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford

Kim Huat Tan is Chen Su Lan Professor of New Testament and Academic Dean at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. He is author of The Zion Traditions and the Aims of Jesus and A Guide To Galatians and Philippians.

John

• Author: Jey J. Kanagaraj
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 292

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The New Covenant Commentary Series couples faithful biblical interpretation and fruitful theological reflection. In this commentary on John, Jey J. Kanagaraj unwraps the Gospel of John piece-by-piece, illuminating the theology and application within. Kanagaraj provides a valuable tool to study this Gospel through an analytical approach, illustrating the impact John’s Gospel made on faith and tradition when it was written—and the significance it continues to have. Giving his own English translations when necessary, he works through John, examining how the church is portrayed as God’s “new covenant community.” He explores how John’s Gospel is characterized by two virtues: love and obedience, emphasizing how these qualities only manifest through God’s initiating grace and faithfulness, revealed in Jesus and empowered by the Spirit. Kanagaraj discusses how God’s new community is inclusive and progressive, seeking to bring all people to one flock, under one shepherd. Kanagaraj provides helpful insights throughout the text, arguing that the idea of founding and nurturing a new community was in God’s heart before all creation.

It is a precious gift when a key biblical scholar puts together a commentary that reflects the best current research and a concern to relate the text to today. Jey Kanagaraj’s commentary does just that, providing the reader with reliable historical information and perspectives that fuse the horizons of then and now. A sound guide for the careful and the caring.

—William Loader, professor emeritus of New Testament, Murdoch University

Jey J. Kanagaraj was professor of New Testament at the Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, India, and principal of Bethel Bible Institute near Salem, India. He is the author of ‘Mysticism’ in the Gospel of John: An Inquiry into its Background, and of another commentary on John’s Gospel written for an Indian audience. He has also edited two books and published numerous articles.

Romans

• Author: Craig S. Keener
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 300

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Craig S. Keener’s Romans is a helpfully concise commentary on Paul’s letter to the early Christians in Rome, which the Apostle wrote just a few years before the outbreak of Nero’s persecution. Keener examines each paragraph for its function in the letter as a whole, helping the reader follow Paul’s argument. Where relevant, he draws on his vast work in ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman sources in order to help modern readers understand the message of Romans according to the way the first audience would have heard it. Throughout, Keener focuses on major points that are especially critical for the contemporary study of Paul’s most influential and complex New Testament letter.

By grounding his exposition of Romans in the world of the first century, yet keeping his eye on the needs and concerns of the contemporary world, Keener offers here a rare commodity: a lucid commentary that is simultaneously conversant with the latest biblical scholarship and pastorally sensitive.

—John T. Fitzgerald, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Miami

Craig Keener has written a marvelous commentary that will prove to be a valuable tool for ministers, students, and scholars alike. By insightfully introducing and contextualizing, as well as providing excurses that guide the reader from ancient to modern times, Keener has done with excellence what a commentary should do.

—Manfred Lang, professor, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg

Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is professor of New Testament at Palmer Seminary of Eastern University. He is also the author of 14 books, including a number of commentaries.

Ephesians

• Author: Lynn H. Cohick
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 190

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Ephesians speaks to our deepest questions about God: the redemptive plan of God written from ages past now revealed; the work of Christ complete and effective now and for eternity; the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives and build a community. The clear message of God’s unfathomable grace establishes the believer’s hope and undergirds the call for faithful living. Down through the centuries, the clarion call to unity that permeates Ephesians has inspired and challenged the faithful to live out the promises found in Christ. This short letter speaks to the twenty-first century’s longing for friendship and wholeness.

Lynn Cohick’s commentary on Ephesians provides a practical explanation and appropriation of the letter. She demonstrates that she is well-informed about the issues, sane in her judgments, effective in her communication, and that she cares about the lives of modern Christians. Her knowledge of the ancient world allows her to bring historical and sociological information to bear on the text and its interpretation. People seeking an easily accessible and non-technical treatment of Ephesians will enjoy this commentary.

—Klyne Snodgrass, Paul W. Brandel Professor of New Testament Studies, North Park Theological Seminary

Lynn H. Cohick is associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. She is the author of Women in the First Christian Century and coauthor with Gary Burge and Gene L. Greene of The New Testament and Antiquity.

Colossians and Philemon

• Author: Michael F. Bird
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 192

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Michael Bird’s commentary on Colossians and Philemon in the New Covenant Commentary Series pays close attention to the socio-historical context, the flow and dynamics of the text, their argumentative strategy, theological message, and the meaning of Colossians and Philemon for the contemporary church today. Bird situates Colossians in the context of Paul’s Ephesian ministry and describes how Paul attempts to persuade a congregation in the Lycus Valley to remain firm in the gospel and to grasp the cosmic majesty of Jesus Christ over and against the views of certain Jewish mystics who have thrown the Colossians into confusion. He shows how, in the letter to Philemon, Paul intercedes for a slave estranged from his master through a carefully crafted feat of pastoral persuasion from a missionary friend of Philemon. The commentary combines exegetical insight, rhetorical analysis, theological exposition, and practical application all in one short volume. Bird shows Paul at work as a theologian, pastor, and missionary in his letters to the Colossians and Philemon.

Every generation needs to grapple anew with the Bible, and every pastor needs a series that pushes the text into the community. This commentary series accomplishes these tasks. May God bless these commentaries to yield communities that live out God’s gracious covenant with us.

—Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University

Michael Bird’s treatment of Colossians and Philemon is incisive, informative, and independent. He guides readers with a light touch, accurately setting out competing positions, but judiciously weighing the merits of each of these alternatives. The commentary is built on a foundation of mature, balanced, and sane exegesis—and from this firm foundation Bird draws weighty theological implications. This is a masterpiece of succinct writing and an auspicious start to the New Covenant Commentary Series.

—Paul Foster, senior lecturer in New Testament Language, Literature, and Theology, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh

Michael F. Bird is New Testament Tutor at the Highland Theological College in Scotland. He is the author of several books, including Jesus and the Origins of the Gentile Mission, The Saving Righteousness of God, and with James Crossley, How Did Christianity Begin?

1 Timothy

• Author: Aída Besançon Spencer
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 192

A thorough and insightful commentary on Paul’s letter to his coworker Timothy, which the apostle wrote before and during Nero’s persecution. Spencer carefully examines each part of the letter and relates it to the overall flow of the argument and in light of the larger biblical, historical, social, and cultural contexts. How Paul’s writing related to the ancient communities is highlighted in the light of original data gleaned from her explorations on location in Ephesus and throughout Greece. In addition, Paul’s rhetorical and ministry strategies, especially as they relate to women and their role in the church, are explored. Throughout, Spencer presents an in-depth exegesis in a readable format enhanced by 40 of ministry.

By explaining both lexical, grammatical, historical, and theological matters, and by focusing consistently on canonical connections and pastoral application, Aída Spencer has written a lucid commentary that will prove helpful for general readers, students, and pastors alike.

—Eckhard J. Schnabel, associate editor, Bulletin of Biblical Research

In 1 Timothy, more than any other New Testament writing, Paul has specific instructions for how Christian women are to present and conduct themselves, and how they are to learn, teach, and minister in the church. How appropriate [it is], then, that a commentary on this book should be written by a woman. Dr. Spencer provides a carefully researched, well-balanced, and well-written exposition with special attention given to the difficult and controversial texts relating to women, men, and to all Christians. Highly recommended.

—John R. Kohlenberger III, editor, The NIV Greek and English New Testament

Spencer well understands that our texts are in dialogue with their contexts and that the wise interpreter must mark out the intimate relationships between scripture and its worlds, both ancient and modern. 1 Timothy is a careful and confessional exploration of Paul’s message for the young pastor in Ephesus and the leader in today’s church. Both readable and detailed, this is a work that wise expositors will keep within easy reach.

—Gene L. Green, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School

As a believer with the simple faith of a child, the author manages to provide a well-researched and easily readable scholarly contribution on 1 Timothy. It is refreshing to read this well-balanced contribution by a female scholar on this letter that repeatedly refers to the role of woman in the church but also to other ministerial strategies. Her perspectives on the influence of this text on a contemporary faith community are enlightening.

—Francois P. Viljoen, professor, faculty of theology, North-West University

Spencer’s commentary on 1 Timothy provides an articulate defense of Pauline authorship that interacts well with critical scholarship. It is full of valuable grammatical, lexical, syntactical, historical, and theological insights. . . . Theological insights include its discussion of the heretical teaching addressed in 1 Timothy and its outstanding treatment of 1 Timothy 2:15. I enthusiastically endorse this well-documented commentary.

—Philip B. Payne, author, Man and Woman, One in Christ

Aída Besançon Spencer (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY; ThM, MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, and extraordinary researcher for North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. She is the author or coauthor of 13 books, including 2 Corinthians (Bible Study Commentary), Beyond the Curse: Women Called to Ministry, and Paul’s Literary Style.

2 Timothy and Titus

• Author: Aída Besançon Spencer
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock
• Publication Date: 2014
• Pages: 184

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In this eagerly anticipated sequel to Aída Spencer’s commentary on 1 Timothy, Spencer unveils the socio-cultural backdrop behind Paul’s pastoral teaching in Titus and 2 Timothy. Investigating the reasons behind some of Paul’s explicit warnings and directives, Spencer provides commentary easily usable by pastors, teachers, and moral theologians. As timely as it is informed, this commentary on Paul’s more concise letters will see much use in the interpretation of Paul’s letters for the twenty-first century church.

By explaining lexical, grammatical, historical, and theological matters, and by focusing consistently on canonical connections and pastoral application, Aida Spencer has written a lucid commentary that will prove helpful for general readers, students, and pastors alike.

—Eckhard J. Schnabel, associate editor of Bulletin of Biblical Research

This volume completes Spencer's valuable commentary on the Pastoral Epistles. Concise and readable, it also provides in-depth analysis of the flow of each letter, and serious word studies sensitive to both biblical and Greco-Roman usage. . . . This volume is especially sensitive to the gender-oriented instructions concerning leadership and conduct in Titus and 2 Timothy. Highly recommended.

—John R. Kohlenberger III, editor of The NIV Greek and English New Testament

Aida Spencer's rich exposition of Paul's last letters is a welcome companion to her work on the first of the Pastoral letters, 1 Timothy. The commentary beguiles as it combines brevity and economy of expression with rich and deep insight into the meaning of Paul's message to the pastors he sent to Crete and Ephesus. As always, Spencer carefully attends to the world of the author and his recipients, framing his message within the cultural matrix of the Greco-Roman world. At the same time, she helps pastor, teacher, and student bridge the gap between the message then and now. Listen and relish as you hear the timbre of the apostolic voice afresh and anew.

—Gene L. Green, author of The Letters to the Thessalonians

Aída Besançon Spencer (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY; ThM, MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, and extraordinary researcher for North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. She is the author or coauthor of 13 books, including 2 Corinthians (Bible Study Commentary), Beyond the Curse: Women Called to Ministry, and Paul’s Literary Style.

Jude and 2 Peter

• Author: Andrew M. Mbuvi
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 184

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Andrew M. Mbuvi’s commentary on Jude and 2 Peter in the New Covenant Commentary (6 vols.) series examines the two epistles within their first century Greco-Roman world context, but also considers the benefits of a postcolonial, African, and liberation hermeneutic to interpreting the text. The fusing of these horizons allows the ancient church to speak, but also highlights subjects of pressing concern to the contemporary church, with special consideration of those issues that have occupied the church outside of the Western world, were a majority of today’s Christians live. Mbuvi’s useful analysis shows that Jude and 2 Peter remain as relevant today as when the letters were written.

There are many commentaries on Jude and 2 Peter, but none like this one. . . . Andrew Mbuvi has written an excellent exposition on these small, but important, biblical books that will not only throw fresh light on the text, but also on our own lives.

—Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Mbuvi's commentary offers refreshing insight on these oft-overlooked writings by engaging the text in relation to ideas, traditions, and movements stemming out of the vast continent of Africa. Written with preachers, teachers, and laypeople in mind, these moments of 'Fusing Horizons' are thoughtful and leave the reader wanting more. Mbuvi does all of this while offering solid introductions to the texts' historical contexts and rhetorical situations.

—Lynn R. Huber, Associate Professor and Chair of Religious Studies, Elon University

In addition to penning a compelling and accessible exposition of Jude and 2 Peter, Mbuvi brings these letters into conversation with African perspectives on life and faith, which deepen and broaden our understanding of the epistles' message for today. As one of the best African biblical interpreters, Mbuvi offers his insights to the whole catholic church.

—Gene L. Green, author of The Letters to the Thessalonians

Andrew M. Mbuvi is associate professor of biblical studies and hermeneutics at Shaw University Divinity School. He is the author of Temple, Exile and Identity in 1 Peter, and coeditor of Postcolonial Perspectives in African Biblical Hermeneutics.

Revelation

• Author: Gordon D. Fee
• Series: New Covenant Commentary Series
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 354

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Revelation is a book that many Christians find confusing due to the foreign nature of its apocalyptic imagery. It is a book that has prompted endless discussions about the “end times” with theological divisions forming around epicenters such as the rapture and the millennium. In this book, award winning author Gordon Fee attempts to excavate the layers of symbolic imagery and provide an exposition of Revelation that is clear, easy to follow, convincing, and engaging. Fee shows us how John’s message confronts the world with the Revelation of Jesus Christ so that Christians might see themselves as caught up in the drama of God’s triumph over sin, evil, and death. Fee draws us into the world of John and invites us to see the world through John’s eyes as the morbid realities of this world have the joyous realities of heaven cast over them. In this volume on Revelation we see one of North America’s best evangelical exegetes at his very best.

Gordon Fee has trained a generation of scholars and pastors in the art of biblical interpretation. In this volume, this master exegete applies his skills to guide the reader through one of the most often misunderstood books of the New Testament. Fee writes a commentary on Revelation—not a commentary on commentaries on Revelation—that provides an engaging, readable exposition of this text that lay persons will find immediately accessible. His personality shines through on every page, so that the reader does not merely encounter ’material,’ but also the faithful teacher behind the material.

—David A. deSilva, Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek, Ashland Theological Seminary

Gordon D. Fee is professor emeritus at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada. He received his BA and MA degrees from Seattle Pacific University and was ordained in the Assemblies of God church in 1959. Fee earned his doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1966. He is the author of several volumes, including First Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, and The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians in the NICNT series, as well as several other volumes such as God’s Empowering Presence, Pauline Christology, and New Testament Exegesis.