Ephesians and Colossians (Paideia Commentaries on the New Testament)

by Charles H. Talbert

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2007

Overview

In this volume, leading New Testament scholar Charles Talbert distills interpretive insights for students in theology, biblical studies, and religion. Ephesians and Colossians approaches each text in its final, canonical form, proceeding by sense units rather than word-by-word or verse-by-verse. Thus the commentary follows the original train of thought as indicated by the author and not necessarily modern artificial distinctions. On account of this approach, one is able to grasp not only the exegetical-historical information of the passage, but also will be able to see thought in its coherent and theological expression.

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Key Features

• Examines cultural context and theological meaning
• Discusses theological issues raised by the text
• Provides notes, outlines, images, and tables

Contents

Top Highlights

“Both Colossians and Ephesians are to be read as efforts to shape Christian identity and enable Christian growth. They differ in that Colossians aims at progress in the face of a specific problem, while Ephesians is not focused against a specific problem but directed to Christian identity formation and growth within the context of the general cultural ethos of the early imperial period.” (Page 15)

“The term translated ‘exhort’ (parakalō) was used in antiquity, in the context of the benefactor-benefaction system, to summon, exhort, and encourage those who had received a benefaction (charis) to respond appropriately to the giver of the gift.” (Page 108)

“There are four elements here: (1) God’s will, (2) hidden for ages, (3) revealed to someone now, and (4) associated with Christ and the gospel.” (Page 98)

“When used metaphorically in Mediterranean antiquity, to be clothed means to be empowered by whatever it is that has clothed the person. If so, then to ‘clothe oneself with Christ’ (Gal 3:27) means to be empowered or enabled by Christ. In Eph 6, to put on God’s armor means to be enabled or empowered by God or Christ.” (Page 163)

“The ancient auditors would not have heard it as strange. In their milieu the ideal ruler (here, the Christ/Messiah) was understood as a ‘living law.’ It was regarded as better to learn a right way of living from observing the ruler’s lifestyle than from the laws he has promulgated.” (Page 123)

Praise for the Print Edition

Talbert’s work reveals mastery of both ancient literature and previous scholarship. Careful explanation of difficult concepts and worldviews of the documents will assure a large audience among the students to whom this commentary series is primarily aimed.

—Margaret Y. MacDonald, professor of New Testament, St. Francis Xavier University

Here is a commentary that has about everything you really want and almost nothing you don’t want! Talbert is clear, concise, informative, and interesting, providing solid exegesis and exhibiting judicious and balanced wisdom throughout. This is a most auspicious beginning to a new commentary series. I recommend it very enthusiastically.

—Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Paideia Commentaries on the New Testament: Ephesians and Colossians
• Author: Charles H. Talbert
• Publisher: Baker
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 320

About Charles H. Talbert

Charles H. Talbert is a distinguished professor of religion at Baylor University. He is the general editor for Reading the New Testament Commentary, and the author of several other editions in the series. He received a BD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his PhD from Vanderbilt University. He has written many articles, reviews, commentaries, and books, including Reading the Sermon on the Mount. He has the distinction of being the only person to serve as president of both the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion and the Catholic Biblical Association.