Digital Logos Edition
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.
Don’t forget Aída Besançon Spencer’s volume on 2 Timothy and Titus in the New Covenant Commentary (6 vols.) series.
“By making it clear that all virtue rightfully belongs to God, 2 Peter distinguishes itself from other Hellenistic moral instructions by fixing the premise of the moral character in God, and not on the virtues themselves. All virtue for 2 Peter, originates and culminates with God.” (Page 74)
“Most Hellenistic virtue lists begin and end with knowledge (gnosis).32 It is therefore vital that 2 Peter, in contrast, starts the virtue list with faith (pistis) and closes it with communal love (agapē).” (Page 77)
“True Christian identity should incorporate and transform, without eradicating, all other forms of identity one may possess.” (Page 30)
“The result is a climactic conclusion of foundational Christian elements of faith and Love” (Page 77)
“we can no longer regard each other on the basis of blood (flesh) (2 Cor 5:16–17).” (Page 30)
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