The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude

by Brandon D. Crowe

Publisher:

P&R

, 2015

Overview

The New Testament books of James through Jude—the General or Catholic Epistles—can be overlooked due to their brevity and location at the end of the canon. They contribute much, however, to our understanding of salvation and Christian living. In this accessible introduction for laypeople, pastors, and study group leaders, Professor Crowe explains the content of these letters and their implications for the church today.

Key Features

• Explores the theological richness and practical relevance of the General Epistles
• Examines what each of these books teaches about the salvation accomplished by Christ
• Includes questions for reflection and discussion

Contents

• Part 1: Scallywags
• Part 2: Scoffers
• Part 3: Schisms
• Part 4: Wisdom

Top Highlights

“Our salvation is not based on our work of not sinning, but on the indicative of Christ’s work.” (Page 123)

“James was probably a circular letter sent around to many churches. James thus does not respond in detail to specific issues in one church only (compare, for example, Paul’s detailed responses to the Corinthians), but he provides more general guidelines for issues in all the churches to which he was writing.” (Page 159)

“Jesus focuses on being justified in terms of the vindication or demonstration of one’s deepest commitments. For Jesus, a person’s words flow from that person’s heart, so one’s words will make clear what someone really believes.” (Page 172)

“The apostle Peter addresses his first epistle to the elect exiles of the Dispersion in various portions of what is called Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey): Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” (Page 5)

“Fifth—and this is where much of the emphasis lies in this text—Jesus overcame death by being made alive by the Spirit.^{14” (Page 25)}

Praise for the Print Edition

Peter, John, James, Jude—important early-church leaders who knew Jesus and wrote letters to churches. Why do we neglect them? . . . In a survey that is terse and gripping, Brandon Crowe shows how, in turbulent times not unlike ours, God furnished direction for his people and light for the world.

—Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary

We ignore these letters to our peril, for they have an urgent message for the church today. . . . [Everyone] interested in the message of the Scriptures will benefit from this theologically faithful and pastorally applicable work.

—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

The General Epistles continue to be relatively ignored, to the church’s detriment. This book seeks to remedy that neglect and does so in a winsome and very helpful fashion. Written for a broader audience, it . . . will make an excellent resource for personal and group Bible study.

—Richard B. Gaffin Jr., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude
• Author: Brandon D. Crowe
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 207
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Catholic Epistles › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9781629950518, 9781629950525, 9781629950532, 1629950513, 1629950521, 162995053X
• Resource ID: LLS:MSSGGNRLHRDMPTN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:38:23Z

About Brandon D. Crowe

Brandon D. Crowe (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Glenside, Pennsylvania, where he also serves as New Testament department coordinator and coordinator of the Greek language curriculum. He is the author or editor of several books, including The Obedient Son: Deuteronomy and Christology in the Gospel of Matthew and The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance, and is the book review editor for Westminster Theological Journal.

Sample Pages from The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude