Zondervan Biblical Studies Collection (8 vols.)

by John C. Lennox; Scot McKnight; Michael Williams; Karen H. Jobes

and

3 more

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2008–2012

Overview

In today’s culture, many Christians are so consumed about making the Bible fit their theology that imperative topics are overlooked when they read Scripture. The Zondervan Biblical Studies Collection brings together eight volumes that provide a strong focus to the importance of reading and studying the Bible in reference to clearly understanding the historical background, cultural setting, theological context, and interpretive issues of each book. This collection challenges readers to rethink their approach to reading and interpreting Scripture. It studies various books of the Bible including Revelation, the writings of John, Hebrews, and the General Epistles, as well as much-debated topics surrounding the Bible’s veracity, the Creation story, and the life of Jesus.

Key Features

• Analyzes oft-debated topics
• Provides contemporary insights to Old and New Testament books
• Focuses on the importance of reading and interpreting Scripture correctly

Product Details

• Title: Zondervan Biblical Studies Collection
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Volumes: 8
• Pages: 2,368

The Bible among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature?

• Author: John N. Oswalt
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 208

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Sixty years ago, most biblical scholars maintained that Israel’s religion was unique—that it stood in marked contrast to the faiths of its ancient Near Eastern neighbors. Nowadays, it is widely argued that Israel’s religion mirrors that of other West Semitic societies. What accounts for this radical change, and what are its implications for our understanding of the Old Testament?

Dr. John N. Oswalt says the root of this new attitude lies in Western society’s hostility to the idea of revelation, which presupposes a reality that transcends the world of the senses, asserting the existence of a realm humans cannot control.

While not advocating a “the Bible says it, and I believe it, and that settles it” point-of-view, Oswalt asserts convincingly that while other ancient literatures all see reality in essentially the same terms, the Bible differs radically on all the main points. The Bible among the Myths supplies a necessary corrective to those who reject the Old Testament’s testimony about a transcendent God who breaks into time and space and reveals himself in and through human activity.

For more than a century people have been debating the relationship between myth and history and how the biblical narratives fit into this debate. In offering readers an accessible introduction to this discussion, John Oswalt highlights the distinctiveness of the biblical worldview. . . . This book will be extremely helpful for both undergraduate and graduate students, offering a carefully seasoned response to the critical scholarship of our time.

—Daniel I. Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

John N. Oswalt (PhD, Brandeis University) is Visiting Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of numerous articles and several books, including the two-volume commentary on Isaiah in the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series and Called to be Holy: A Biblical Perspective.

The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible

• Author: Scot McKnight
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 240

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Parakeets make delightful pets. We cage them or clip their wings to keep them where we want them. Scot McKnight contends that many, conservatives and liberals alike, attempt the same thing with the Bible. We all try to tame it.

McKnight’s The Blue Parakeet has emerged at the perfect time to cool the flames of a world on fire with contention and controversy. It calls Christians to a way to read the Bible that leads beyond old debates and denominational battles. It calls Christians to stop taming the Bible and to let it speak anew for a new generation.

In The Blue Parakeet, McKnight touches the hearts and minds of today’s Christians, challenging them to rethink how to read the Bible, not just to puzzle it together into some systematic theology but to see it as a Story that we’re summoned to enter and to carry forward in our day. He calls his bold new approach to the Bible the "Third Way," a path that walks confidently—and joyfully—between theological extremes. The Third Way is rooted in the Bible as Story, in the Bible as God's Word to which we listen, in the Bible as revealing a life that we can apply anew in our day.

In his own inimitable style, McKnight sets traditional and liberal Christianity on its ear, leaving readers equipped, encouraged, and emboldened to be the people of faith they long to be. The Blue Parakeet is an engaging, warm narrative that is both deeply reasoned and spiritually sound. It is a book that will appeal to disenfranchised Christians who will be drawn to it because of its refreshing—and liberating—new approach to reading the Bible.

Blue Parakeet is the book Scot McKnight was born to write. If you are interested in the Bible, or God, or your mind, or where these three might intersect, you will be blessed if you read this book.

—John Ortberg, Senior Pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

This is far and away the best, gentlest, most intelligent argument I have ever read for the absolute necessity of embracing the Bible as story. McKnight is in full and persuasive command of both his material and his craft.

—Publisher's Weekly

Scot McKnight (PhD, Nottingham) is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University, Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of several books, including One Life, Galatians and 1 Peter in the NIV Application Commentary series, and the award-winning The Jesus Creed.

How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture

• Author: Michael Williams
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 288

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Many Christians today experience Bible teaching in isolated, unconnected pieces, receiving little or no guidance into how these pieces form a coherent picture in Christ. How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens connects each of the sixty-six books of the Bible to the person and work of Jesus Christ. By explaining each book’s theme and raising pertinent questions about the contemporary importance of that message, author Michael Williams sets readers on a path toward purposeful, independent reading, and application of the entire Bible. How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens presents Christ as the central focus of each biblical book and the primary way the Bible relates to contemporary circumstances. Each book of the Bible has an identifiable theme ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. Williams provides the following for his readers:

• Succinct statement of the theme of every biblical book
• An explanation of how that theme finds its focus in Christ
• A brief discussion of how the New Testament treats that theme as fulfilled in Christ
• Suggestions for contemporary implications
• A convenient summary chart

An excellent tool for Bible teachers, ministry leaders, and students, How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens facilitates other Christian disciplines such as Bible reading, Scripture memory, and evangelism. By demonstrating how each theme relates to living the Christian life, this book promises to be an invaluable guide for reading and understanding the Bible.

Few books do a better job of giving us an overview of Genesis to Revelation in such a compact way. This is the sort of book I'd love to have in the hands of every member of my church!

—Justin Taylor, Managing Editor, ESV Study Bible

[Offers] suggestive and stimulating ways for us to see Christ as the climax of the story; let Williams begin to shape the way you read the whole Bible.

—Kelly M. Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College

Michael Williams has written a book that is badly needed: a survey of all the books of the Bible that shows how they work together to point toward Jesus Christ . . . accessible to almost any reader.

—Douglas J. Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College

Michael Williams (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is Professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary and a member of the NIV Committee on Bible Translation. He is the author of Deception in Genesis and The Prophet and His Message, and editor and contributor of Mishneh Todah. His passion is to equip students with knowledge of the Old Testament and its languages so that they may grow in their comprehension and appreciation of redemptive history and be adequately prepared to promote and defend the faith through word and action.

The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited

• Author: Scot McKnight
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 176

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Contemporary Christians have built a "salvation culture" but not a "gospel culture." Evangelicals have reduced the gospel to the message of personal salvation. This book makes a plea for us to recover the old gospel as that which is still new and still fresh.

This book succinctly and without pretense demonstrates that the gospel is defined by the apostles in 1 Corinthians 15 as the completion of the story of Israel in the saving story of Jesus. McKnight shows us that the gospel was preached by Jesus, and that the sermons in the Book of Acts are the best example of gospeling in the New Testament. The King Jesus Gospel ends with practical suggestions about evangelism and about building a gospel culture.

The revolution Scot is proposing is massive . . . [and] we all urgently need to allow this deeply biblical vision of 'the gospel' to challenge the less-than-completely-biblical visions we have cherished for too long, around which we have built a good deal of church life and practice. This book could be one of God's ways of reminding the new generation of Christians that it has to grow up, to take responsibility for thinking things through afresh, to look back to the large world of the full first-century gospel in order then to look out on the equally large world of twenty-first century gospel opportunity.

—N. T. Wright, from the Foreword

Scot McKnight here presents, with great force and clarity, the one gospel of the Bible and of Jesus the King and Savior . . . Study the Gospels to see how Jesus did it, and then do it in the matter he did it. You don't need a program, a budget, or any special qualifications to do this. Just understand it in the biblical form and do it. Scot McKnight gives you the key.

—Dallas Willard, from the Foreword

Scot McKnight (PhD, Nottingham) is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University, Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of several books, including One Life, Galatians and 1 Peter in the NIV Application Commentary series, and the award-winning The Jesus Creed.

Letters to the Church: A Survey of Hebrews and the General Epistles

• Author: Karen H. Jobes
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 496

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Respected New Testament scholar Karen Jobes explores the cultural and theological background of Hebrews and the General Epistles (James through Jude) in this rich commentary. Writing from an evangelical perspective, Jobes addresses issues of historical relevance as well as how these ancient books connect with Christian faith and practice today.

Letters to the Church includes:

• Historical background for each book focusing on authorship, genre, date, and content
• An exploration of the major themes in each book and detailed commentary on key passages
• Boxes with chapter goals, outlines, challenges, and significant verses
• Maps, photographs, charts, and definitions
• Questions for discussion, reflection, and testing
• A comparison of the teachings about Christ in each of the letters

Pastors, professors, students, and laypeople interested in deeper biblical study will find this an invaluable resource that offers well-researched commentary in an accessible, spiritually meaningful form.

Karen Jobes' survey is clearly written, critically informed, beautifully illustrated, background-enlightening, and theologically rich. This volume wil make an ideal textbook for the study of the letters that it covers.

—Robert H. Gundry, Scholar-in-Residence, Westmont College

Professor Jobes combines lively prose and scholarly depth to make the most neglected books in the New Testament come alive for students. This is, without rival, the most engaging introduction available to these important but difficult biblical books.

—Frank Thielman, Presbyterian Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University

This clear, accessible, thorough, and well-organized study of Hebrews and the General Epistles is an ideal text for survey courses. Jobes utilizes the best of biblical scholarship but presents it in a manner that beginning students will understand.

—Mark L. Strauss, Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary

Jobes insightfully addresses the historical, literary, and theological features of these letters and does so with a conversational and engaging demeanor. Letters to the Church is a comprehensive introduction to these letters and a great textbook choice for college and seminary classrooms.

—Jeanine Brown, Professor, Bethel Seminary

This is the textbook on the General Epistles I have been waiting for. It is thorough and accessible, even for students with little biblical background knowledge.

—Dan McCartney, Professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary

Karen H. Jobes is Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College. She is the author of many articles and several books, including Esther in The NIV Application Commentary.

Life of Jesus: Who He Is and Why He Matters

• Author: John Dickson
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 208

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

What really happened back in the first century, in Jerusalem and around the Sea of Galilee, that changed the shape of world history? Who is this figure that emerges from history to have a profound impact on culture, ethics, politics, and philosophy? Join historian John Dickson on this journey through the life of Jesus. This book will help you and your friends dig deeper into what is known about Jesus’ life and why it matters.

John Dickson is an engaging and gifted scholar whom I am privileged to work alongside in various global settings. His passion for history, keen knowledge of the Scriptures, and ability to communicate are truly inspiring. I am thrilled to see his unique work displayed in Life of Jesus and I know you will find this study equally fascinating.

—Ravi Zacharias, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

John Dickson has done a marvelous job of presenting the story of Jesus, and the full meaning of that story, in a way that is both deeply faithful to the biblical sources and refreshingly relevant to tomorrow's world and church. I strongly recommend this study to anyone who wants to re-examine the deep historical roots of Christian faith and to find them as life-giving as they ever were.

—N. T. Wright, Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity, St. Andrews University

John Dickson (PhD, Macquarie University, Sydney) is Senior Research Fellow of the Department of Ancient History, Macquarie University, Co-director of the Centre for Public Christianity, and Senior Minister at St. Andrew’s Roseville. The author of more than a dozen books, he is the host of two major historical documentaries for Australian television and is a busy public speaker in corporations, universities, churches, and conferences.

Seven Days That Divide the World: The Beginning According to Genesis and Science

• Author: John C. Lennox
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 192

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

What did the writer of Genesis mean by “the first day”? Is it a literal week or a series of time periods? If I believe that the earth is 4.5 billion years old, am I denying the authority of Scripture?

In response to the continuing controversy over the interpretation of the creation narrative in Genesis, John Lennox proposes a succinct method of reading and interpreting the first chapters of Genesis without discounting either science or Scripture. With examples from history, a brief but thorough exploration of the major interpretations, and a look into the particular significance of the creation of human beings, Lennox suggests that Christians can heed modern scientific knowledge while staying faithful to the biblical narrative.

He moves beyond a simple response to the controversy, insisting that Genesis teaches us far more about the God of Jesus Christ and about God’s intention for creation than it does about the age of the earth. With this book, Lennox offers a careful yet accessible introduction to a scientifically-savvy, theologically-astute, and scripturally-faithful interpretation of Genesis.

This book is a delight to read: it is thoughtful, perceptive, friendly, and bold when it needs to be.

—C. John Collins, Professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary

Accessible, wide-ranging, balanced, and irenic. A wise, well-informed work, and it deserves the widest readership possible.

—Paul Copan, Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Addresses a passionate controversy with charity, humor, and humility. I enthusiastically endorse this unique and insightful book.

—Ravi Zacharias, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

Careful and well-documented study. Every careful reader will come away more knowledgeable, wiser, and better able to defend the truth of the Bible before a skeptical world.

—Doug Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy, Denver Seminary

What a fine book! This book is as good as it gets in the religion/science area.

—Alvin Plantinga, John A. O'Brien Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame

Worthy of a careful reading by those interested in the ongoing science/religion discussion.

—Henry F. Schaefer III, Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry, University of Georgia

John C. Lennox (PhD, DPhil, DSc) is Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is author of God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? on the interface between science, philosophy, and theology. He lectures extensively in North America and in Eastern and Western Europe on mathematics, the philosophy of science, and the intellectual defense of Christianity, and he has publicly debated New Atheists Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.

The Writings of John: A Survey of the Gospel, Epistles, and Apocalypse

• Author: C. Marvin Pate
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 560

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

The writings of John are some of the most foundational New Testament documents for today’s Christians. Most evangelical teaching about the life of Jesus begins with the Gospel of John, and Christian teaching on the end times relies heavily on the book of Revelation. Students, pastors, and lay learners need solid, up-to-date resources like this book to responsibly study and understand John’s writings.

C. Marvin Pate addresses John’s writings according to their logical divisions: the Gospel of John, the Johannine Epistles, and Revelation. Each section includes a thorough introduction to relevant interpretive issues, including historical background, cultural setting, and theological context. Pate presents a two-fold historical setting for John’s gospel, encouraging readers to consider the text from the perspective of Jesus’ day and from John’s situation in Asia Minor sixty years later. He examines the Johannine epistles on issues like authorship, audience, and theological perspective. For the Apocalypse, Pate explores the challenges of John’s first readers, the nature of apocalyptic literature, and the Roman imperial cult, including as well an explanation of how the church has interpreted Revelation over the years. With its thorough discussion, textbook design, and four-color interior, The Writings of John sets the standard for introductory texts on biblical books or collections.

This book skillfully summarizes the substance of the New Testament writings traditionally associated with the Apostle John. Students will appreciate the creative, visually rich layout with attention-grabbing sidebars. Teachers will applaud the airing of scholarly theories and convictions. Few books contain a more thorough presentation of these five writings in their historical, literary, and theological dimensions. The Writings of John will be a prized resource in the college and seminary classroom for years to come.

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

If you are looking for a reliable textbook on the writings of John that will engage students, look no further. Pate's informed survey features a rich awareness of historical background, consistent exegetical depth, and insightful theological commentary. In addition to Pate's expert guidance, the book features an attractive presentation, along with helpful teaching aids. It's rare to find a superb treatment of all of John's writings in a single resource. For the sake of our students, I highly recommend it.

—J. Scott Duvall, Professor of New Testament, Ouachita Baptist University

C. Marvin Pate (MA, Wheaton; PhD, Marquette University) taught for thirteen years at Moody Bible Institute. Now he is Chair of the Department of Christian Theology and Professor of Theology at Ouachita Baptist University. Pate has authored, coauthored, or edited twenty books.