Christopher Wright on Preaching

Christopher J, H, Wright is the featured speaker this week for the World Evangelization Conference at Dallas Theological Seminary. I have enjoyed Dr. Wright's plenary addresses. You can view the first message here and others will be posted later. I also had the privilege of joining the faculty for a luncheon with Dr. Wright. A number of questions were asked but one question in particular stood out for me concerning his work with the Langham Partnership. As some may know, one component of Langham's ministry is to equip pastors to preach and teach the Bible. When Wright was asked about the biggest challenge in training pastors to preach, he responded by saying, it was to encourage pastors to preach the Bible, that is to preach it expositionally. He was speaking primarily of the majority world context, but I would venture to say that the problem is here in the US as well. I am thankful for ministries like Langham that seek to encourage expository preaching.  

Old Testament Quotations in 1 Corinthians

Robert Bell notes that Paul quoted from the Old Testament about one hundred times, nearly a fifth of those occur in 1 Corinthians. See the following table compiled by Bell (Robert D. Bell, “Paul’s Use of the Old Testament in 1 Corinthians,” Biblical Viewpoint 7 [1973]: 130–31.

 

Old Testament Quotations in 1 Corinthians
Reference	Introductory Formula	Old Testament Source
1:19	“For it is written”	Isa. 29:14
1:31	“As it is written''	Jer. 9:24
2:9	“As it is written”	Isa. 64:4; 65:17
2:16	“For”	Isa. 40:13
3:19	“For it is written”	Job 5:13
3:20	“And again”	Psa. 94:11
5:13	(none)	Deut. 19:19; etc.
6:16	“For He says”	Gen. 2:24
9:9	“For it is written in the Law of Moses”	Deut. 25:4
10:7	“As it is written”	Exod. 32:6
10:26	“For”	Psa. 24:1
14:21	“In the Law it is written”	Isa. 28:11–12
15:27	“For”	Psa. 8:6
15:32	(none)	Isa. 22:13; 56:12
15:45	“And thus it is written”	Gen. 2:7
15:54	“Then will happen the saying which is written”	Isa. 25:8
15:55	(none)	Hos. 13:14

 

The Temple Institute's New Altar

There is an interesting article about the recent completion of the burnt offering altar by the Temple Institute here. What I found most interesting is that it is built with fired brick rather than natural stones. The article notes that the Bible prohibits the use of hand-worked stones (Exod 20:25, cf. Deut 27:5). But this raises the question as to why human made brick, which is not stone at all, would be acceptable. Or why it is not composed of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze as stipulated in Exodus 27:1-8?

 HT: Amy Downey

Timothy George: Reading Luke with the Reformers

First Things has an article by Timothy George entitled, "Timothy George: Reading Luke with the Reformers" here.

Favorite Preaching Books

Jim Gray lists his favorite preaching books here. I would include the following recent volumes. I would be in general agreement with Jim's list and would nominate the following two volumes.

Daniel L. Akin, David L. Allen, and Ned L. Mathews, eds., Text-Driven Preaching: God’s Word at the Heart of Every Sermon (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2010).

Daniel L. Akin, Bill Curtis, and Stephen Rummage, Engaging Exposition (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2011).

What if Your Spouse Finds Your Studies Annoying?

William Lane Craig has some advice here for a student whose wife does not share his passion for philosophy and apologetics and in fact finds it an "annoyance." I think that this problem is also common with biblical studies students as well. To Craig's comments I would suggest finding a support group. At the seminary I attended, there was a group called Seminary Wives in Ministry. I believe that other seminaries have similar programs.

Steven Lawson on Expository Preaching

The Ceipplegate Blog has a good interview with Steven Lawson related to expository preaching here. Note that this only part one of a projected three-part series.

C. E. B. Cranfield (1915–2015)

I have seen a couple of references indicating that C. E. B. Cranfield has passed away. I did not know Cranfield personally, but I am indebted to his work, especially his two volumes on Romans in the International Critical Commentary series.

Free Logos Book for March: 1 Corinthians by Harrisville

The free Logos Book for March is Roy Harrisville’s commentary on 1 Corinthians in the Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament series. You can also purchase Frederick Danker's 2 Corinthians commentary in the same series for .99 cents. While you are at it, you can enter to win the entire series. Go the Logos' Free Book of Month page to enter and download your free book today!

Richard Bauckham Lectures: “The Sons of Zebedee: the Lives of Two Galilean Fishers”

Tim Bulkeley has posted audio and video links for six lectures by Richard Bauckham entitled “The Sons of Zebedee: The Lives of Two Galilean Fishers” here. This is typical Bauckham and therefore worth checking out.

Reminders for Preachers

Nathan Busenitz has 10 reminders for preachers here.

Favorite Seminary Classes

Trevin Wax shares his five favorite seminary classes from his MDiv here. Feel free to identify your favorites in the comments.

Preaching Different Genres

One of the challenges of having a preaching schedule that goes through different books of the Bible consecutively is what Peter Mead calls genre shock. That is, when you finish a series on a book in one genre and then begin a new series with a book in another genre there can be a certain hermeneutical disorientation that takes place in both the preacher and the audience. To address this problem, Mead has some helpful suggestions on how to minimize this genre shock here. By the way, the answer is not to avoid preaching books of the Bible. In fact, the problem is even more acute in topical preaching since you are more likely to preach texts from different genres more frequently.

Why Song of Solomon Probably Doesn’t Tell a Single Love Story

Gordon Johnston gives 14 reasons here why he does not believe that Song of Solomon tells a single love story. I realize that the chronological view is currently popular and to some degree persuasive, but Dr. Johnston's arguments at least should be considered. 

The Function of Gates

Haaretz has a pretty good article here on the function of gates in ancient times. Note: I was able to access the full article but it may be restricted for some.

Samuel and Kings in Eight Words

Matthew Malcolm has summarized 1–2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings in eight words here.

Review of Keller's Romans 8–16 For You

Romans 8–16 For You claims that it is not a commentary but rather an expository guide (p. 9). But many (including myself) would probably slot this as a devotional commentary although it is more textually detailed than many commentaries in this category. The author, Timothy Keller is a popular author and Senior Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.

The book consists of twelve chapters, a glossary, appendices, and a bibliography. Each chapter consists of introductory remarks, exposition of the text at hand, and questions for reflection. The language is simple and more technical terms are marked in gray and all such words defined in the glossary.
 

The commentary itself takes a fairly traditional evangelical approach to Romans. Keller sees the book as “the most sustained explanation of the heart of the gospel, and the most thrilling exposition of how the gospel goes to work in our hearts” (p. 7). He suggests that chapter 8–16 continues to answer the question, “How does faith in the gospel of Christ actually lead to change in real life?” (p. 7).

By way of commendation, one might begin with the clarity of the prose. This is a real strength. One might disagree with a statement but it is unlikely that one will misunderstand it. Would it be that more commentaries be exemplified by such clarity. Another positive for a devotional commentary like this is that Keller often steers clear of the technical minutia and myriad of interpretive views that can characterize a study of Romans. More often than not, the author simply states his understanding of the text and moves on. The two appendices are also a plus. The first consists of an outline of sorts that traces the flow of thought of Romans 8–16. I would recommend that readers photocopy this “outline” and have it available as one goes through the chapters. The second is devoted to a discussion of election. Here, Keller takes a standard Calvinistic approach to the issue.

By way of critique, three points would be noted. First, one of the real benefits of devotional-type commentaries is the devotional content (e.g., introductions, illustrations, etc.). The preacher or teacher looking for such material will not find much help here. Second, this work is surprisingly devoid of true applications. Issues in the text are raised but are rarely pressed home. Maybe Keller believes that raising the issue is applying it. But it is likely that many who would turn to a work like this might need help in moving from theological proposition to principle and from principle to application. Time and again, I reached the end of the chapter and wondered, okay, what must or should I do now. The reflection questions are not much help here either. Third, I have already noted my appreciation for the “outline” in the appendix but it would be really helpful if there was more explicit parallel between it and the content of the chapters. This is why I suggested earlier that one photocopy the outline. The flow of thought is clearer in the outline than the actual chapter. 

In sum, Romans 8–16 For You, comes to a rather crowded field of Romans resources. I am not sure how much it brings to this loaded table. If one wants to get Keller’s take of this important epistle then this book and its companion covering chapters 1–7 is a must. If not, then this book stands as a good but undistinguished option.

Thanks to the Good Book Company for providing the free review copy used in this review.

Journal for the Study of the New Testament 37:3

Here are the articles to the latest issue of the Journal for the Study of the New Testament.

The Social Relationships of Gospel Writers: New Insights from Inscriptions Commending Greek Historiographers
Richard Last

Galatians 3.10-12: Assumptions and Argumentation
Debbie Hunn

Paul’s Freedom and Moses’ Veil: Moral Freedom and the Mosaic Law in 2 Corinthians 3.1–4.6 in Light of Philo
G. Anthony Keddie

The Songs we Used to Sing? Hymn ‘Traditions’ and Reception in Pauline Letters
Benjamin Edsall and Jennifer R. Strawbridge

Arms and The Man: A Response to Dale Martin’s ‘Jesus in Jerusalem: Armed and Not Dangerous’
Paula Fredriksen

Dale Martin’s Swords for Jesus: Shaky Evidence?
F. Gerald Downing

Response to Downing and Fredriksen
Dale B. Martin

The Book of Acts in the Latest Christian Reflection Journal

The latest edition of Baylor University's Christian Reflection journal is focused on the Book of Acts. You can access the entire journal online here or the articles individually here. There appears to be a number of interesting articles.

HT: Steve Walton

The War in Iraq and the Prophet Nahum

National Geographic has a sad but interesting story here on the toll that the war in Iraq has taken on ancient sites, in particular, the traditional burial place of the prophet Nahum.

Pointers for Older Preachers

Peter Mead has some great advice for older preachers here.

Initial Sermon Evaluation

Brian Croft has some helpful advice here on how to evaluate your sermon an hour after preaching it.

Codex Vaticanus Online

Just in case you may not have heard, Codex Vaticanus is now available online. See it here.

HT: Russell Beatty

Theologian Valentines

I know that this is a day late but I thought you might enjoy this. The image comes from this post.

HT: Sheri Klouda

The Brian Williams Debacle and Using Personal Illustrations in Preaching and Teaching

Tim Gombis has a good reminder here for preachers and teachers to avoid Brian Williams-like errors in their use of personal illustrations. I still remember a professor in Bible college who admonished us to never use the phrase "ministerially speaking" as an excuse for fudging the truth. The end does not justify the means.