Top 10 Books on Teaching

The Chronicle of Higher Education has this article on the top ten books on teaching. I can't vouch for the books on the list but it might be worth checking out.

Eugene Merrill on Atonement in the Old Testament

See this brief article by Eugene Merrill on atonement in the Old Testament.

The Purpose of the Book of Esther

The purpose of Esther seems twofold. On a theological level, it serves to remind the reader of God’s providence and sovereignty. This message would be particularly appropriate for a post-exilic Israel still wrestling with their covenantal relationship with the Lord, a relationship that had been strained but not broken. Some would dispute this purpose since the book is not overtly religious. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that Esther is the only book in the Bible in which the name of God is not mentioned and one of only a handful of Old Testament books not quoted in the New Testament. Nonetheless, its place in the canon insures that it has spiritual value (cf. 2 Tim 3:16) and its focus on the preservation of God’s chosen nation Israel has implications for the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, and therefore, for the Messiah himself. On a historical level, Esther serves to provide an explanation for the origin of the Feast of Purim.[1] Most commentators agree with this purpose although some would deny the historical veracity of this account.[2]

[1] Huey notes that, “Many exegetes take the position that the major purpose of the Book of Esther was to explain the historical origin of Purim, to justify its celebration (since it is not mentioned in the Torah), and to regulate its manner of observance”( F.B. Huey, “Esther,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 4, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1988], 779).
[2] Ironically, “Purim is not central to the narrative” (Sandra Beth Berg, The Book of Esther: Motifs, Themes, and Structure, Society of Biblical Literature and Dissertation Series 44 [Missoula, MT: Scholars Press, 1979], 3). Similarly Edwin Yamauchi has observed “It is mentioned only in Esther 9:28-32 with allusions to it in 3:7 and 9:24” (“The Archaeological Background of Esther,” Bibliotheca Sacra 137 [April-June 1980], 101).

Now for What Is Really Important . . .

See this post from Justin Taylor on the proper pronunciation of Augustine.

Five Benefits of Consulting Commentaries

See David Allen's five reasons for consulting commentaries here. I would add at least two other reasons.

1. It helps to cultivate humility, an important quality for those who seek to understand and communicate Scripture.

2. It helps us to connect us with our rich interpretive heritage and theological forbears. 

 

"Urban Legends" Related to the New Testament

David Croteau has a brief but interesting post related to "urban legends" related to the New Testament here.

The Genre of Esther

Opinions on the genre of Esther vary widely from historical narrative to short story or novel. Early Jewish opinion saw it as “both law and history.”[1] Some interpreters have seen it as either wholly fictitious or partially so, while others have regarded it as generally historical. Whatever the case may be, the book gives itself internal evidence indicating that it was indeed a historical account. As Berg points out “The histiographical nature of the book is underlined by its opening and concluding passages. The narrator begins his work in a manner typical of biblical histories and concludes with a challenge to verify his account.”[2] Also, the cultural details, the specific names, places, and titles would at the very least imply historicity. Therefore, it is probably best to see Esther as a historical narrative woven with great artistic skill. Jobe’s words are helpful at this point. “Rather than deciding whether the book of Esther is history or literature, the real question is how to understand it as both. When reading the Esther story, it would be a shame to allow ourselves to be so distracted by the historical ‘problems’ it raises that we completely miss the point of this wonderful book. Similarly, it would be a mistake to be so impressed by its literary qualities that we dismiss the book as pious fiction.”[3]

---

[1] Edwin M. Yamauchi, “The Archaeological Background of Esther,” Bibliotheca Sacra 137 (April-June 1980), 101.

[2] Sandra Beth Berg, The Book of Esther: Motifs, Themes, and Structure, Society of Biblical Literature and Dissertation Series 44 (Missoula, MT: Scholars Press, 1979), 2.

[3] Karen H. Jobes, Esther, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999), 37.

David Allen's Blog

You should check out the David Allen's blog. Dr. Allen is an excellent expository preacher and there are a number of resources available with more to come. You can access the blog here.

Thoughts on Hebrews 13:25

The Book of Hebrews provides a powerful encouragement to press on in faith. This exhortation runs to the very end of the book. Recently while teaching through Hebrews I came upon this comment on Hebrews 13:22–25.

"The declaration that ‘I encourage’ you as brothers to hold on to the word of the ‘encouragement’ emphatically underscores that what the author has composed in this letter is indeed a homiletic word aimed at encouraging his audience (13:22). Noteworthy is that the author’s final and climactic greeting, ‘the grace with all of you!’ (13:25), contains no explicit verb. This facilitates its multiple functions as a speech act whose purpose begins to be accomplished in the very hearing of it. First, it affirms that ‘the grace has been with all of you,’ thus reminding the audience that they have already received the grace of God in the past, in accord with the fact that Jesus tasted death on behalf of all by the grace of God (2:9). Secondly, it asserts that ‘the grace is now with all of you’ thus indicating to the audience that the grace of God is now presently being given to them in and through hearing and heeding of the letter itself as the author’s word of encouragement (13:22). Finally, it prays that ‘the grace will be with all of you,’ thus assuring the audience that the grace of God will continue to be available to them in the future. This accords with the encouraging exhortation, ‘Let us approach then with boldness the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for timely help’ (4:16).”

John Paul Heil, Worship in the Letter to the Hebrews (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2011), 274.

Spurgeon's Last Sermon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle

Charles Spurgeon preached his last sermon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle on this day in 1891. The so-called "Prince of Preachers" had preached at the Tabernacle for thirty years. You can read an interested write up here and here is one site where you can access links to Spurgeon's sermons.

C. Marvin Pate's The Writings of John: A Survey of the Gospel, Epistles, and Apocalypse on Sale

Christian Book Distributor's "Fab Friday" sale has C. Marvin Pate's The Writings of John: A Survey of the Gospel, Epistles, and Apocalypse on sale for $14.99 (67% off). I have only briefly used this book but what I have used has been good. You can access the sale here.

Review of Interpreting the General Letters

Herbert W. Bateman IV, Interpreting the General Letters, Handbook for New Testament Exegesis, ed. John D. Harvey (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2013).

Interpreting the General Letters is the third of four volumes intended to introduce and demonstrate a methodology for interpreting and communicating the books of the New Testament. The volume at hand covers Hebrews through Jude. The book consists of seven chapters. The first three relate more to background issues, namely, the genre, background, and theology of the General Letters. The next three chapters present a nine-step process moving from translation, text-criticism, exegesis, to homiletics. The final chapter uses two passages (Jude 5–7; Hebrews 10.19–25) to demonstrate the nine step process. This volume includes a nice bibliography and brief glossary.

Interpreting the General Letters has at least three commendable qualities. First, Bateman packs a lot in. This is a 315-page work that in many ways could stand alone as a general handbook on interpretive process. There are also additional features that add value to the work. For example, the discussion on choosing commentaries will prove valuable to many. Second, the author communicates well. The writing is clear and there are numerous charts, tables, and diagrams for the more visually inclined. The discussion on Greco-Roman letters is a good example of this. Third, I believe that the methodology presented is sound, even if a bit ambitious for many pastors and teachers. (For example, I am not sure that generating a fresh translation of a given passage is a realistic goal for the average pastor/teacher with limited time and skills.)

While Interpreting the General Letters provides significant help and insight in the process of moving from exegesis to exposition, there are a few minor critiques that can be made. First, I am not sure that all the material included is truly necessary. A case in point is Bateman’s brief history of the English Bible (pp. 135–39). While the discussion is interesting, it is doubtful that it is essential for the task at hand. Second, the importance of some material is not really demonstrated well. For example, after an extended discussion of Greco-Roman letters (pp. 19–54) a few comments, mostly speculative, are made related to how understanding this material contributes to a specific understanding of the General Letters (pp. 54–56). It would be nice to see specific ways in which this background material impacts the interpretation of specific texts. It is also puzzling that so much is made about Greco-Roman letter forms and little is noted about ancient homiletical practices. This absence is significant since many interpreters today believe that Hebrews and perhaps James are more homily than letter. Third, while one hesitates to mention typos (since all works have them), they are somewhat conspicuous in this work (see pp. 77, 78, 88, 91, 102, 105, 109, 111, 114, 118, 119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 292, 295, 298, 304). Finally, many will not be convinced that Bateman has the provenance correct in seeing Jude’s antagonists as Jewish rebels rather than the more traditional identification of false teachers (pp. 84–87). This idiosyncratic thesis would need to discuss the striking similarities between Jude and 2 Peter, another letter often held to address false teachers. Unfortunately, Bateman does not do this.

At bottom, Interpreting the General Letters is a solid resource for anyone interested in interpretation generally, and in the General Letters specifically. A reader will need some working knowledge of Greek to get the most benefit from this book but those lacking such facility could still benefit from much of the content. Bateman has done his homework and summarized and packaged much helpful information for students of the Bible.

You can access an excerpt here.

Thanks to Kregel for providing the free book used in this unbiased review.

Ancient Near Eastern Monographs

I am not sure when this became available, but all of the Society of Biblical Literature's Ancient Near Eastern Monographs are available as free pdfs. You can see what is available here or click the individual links below.

Divination, Politics, and Ancient Near Eastern Empires
Edited by Alan Lenzi and Jonathan Stökl
 
Deuteronomy-Kings as Emerging Authoritative Books: A Conversation
by Diana V. Edelman (Editor)

The Forgotten Kingdom: The Archaeology and History of Northern Israel
by Israel Finkelstein

Constructs of Prophecy in the Former and Latter Prophets and Other Texts
Edited by Lester L. Grabbe and Martti Nissinen

Reading Akkadian Prayers and Hymns: An Introduction
Alan Lenzi

El Intercambio de Bienes entre Egipto y Asia Anterior: Desde el reinado de Tuthmosis III hasta el de Akhenaton
Graciela Gestoso Singer

Centro y periferia en el mundo antiguo: El Negev y sus interacciones con Egipto, Asiria, y el Levante en la Edad del Hierro (1200-586 a.C.)
Juan Manuel Tebes

Latest Issue of Review of Biblical Literature

The latest issue of Review of Biblical Literature is out. Reviews can be accessed by clicking the links below. 

Elie Assis
The Book of Joel: A Prophet between Calamity and Hope
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9300
Reviewed by Stephen Breck Reid

John Granger Cook
Roman Attitudes toward the Christians: From Claudius to Hadrian
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8676
Reviewed by Warren Carter

Jason von Ehrenkrook
Sculpting Idolatry in Flavian Rome: (An)Iconic Rhetoric in the Writings of Flavius Josephus
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8370
Reviewed by Jeff Jay

John C. Endres
First and Second Chronicles
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8933
Reviewed by Michael Avioz

Jack R. Lundbom
Deuteronomy: A Commentary
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9357
Reviewed by Glen A. Taylor
Reviewed by Timothy M. Willis

Lukasz Niesiolowski-Spanò
The Origin Myths of Holy Places in the Old Testament: A Study of Aetiological Narratives
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8143
Reviewed by Ralph K. Hawkins

Peter R. Rodgers
Exploring the Old Testament in the New
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9088
Reviewed by Michael Labahn

Beth M. Sheppard
The Craft of History and the Study of the New Testament
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8697
Reviewed by Ken Olson
Reviewed by Joseph E. Sanzo

Free: A Guide to Expository Ministry

You can access a free pdf of A Guide to Expository Ministry edited by Dan Dumas here (you will need to fill out a form). A Spanish version can be had here.

Free: What’s in the Word: Rethinking the Socio-Rhetorical Character of the New Testament

Logos in conjunction with Baylor University Press are offering Ben Witherington's What’s in the Word: Rethinking the Socio-Rhetorical Character of the New Testament for free.I can't speak for all of the essays in the volume but I did find the one on eidolothoton helpful. Go here to get your free book. 

Free Logos Book for June: Spirituality of the Psalms

The free Logos Book for June is Walter Brueggemann's Spirituality of the Psalms. You can also enter to win the entire 24-volume Walter Brueggemann Collection. Go the Logos' Free Book of Month page to enter and download your free book today!

Summer Reading Lists

The folks at Southern Seminary have put together these summer reading lists.

HT: Brian Renshaw

Samson Trivia

Blane Bachelor's recent article on "The History of Luggage" mentioned this interesting, if somewhat trivial, biblical connection: "Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company, which eventually changed its name to Samsonite (a nod to the biblical figure Samson, because of his strength), started making suitcases in addition to their tried-and-true trunks." There is bound to be a sermon illustration here. 

A Panel Discussion on the Song of Songs

I had not seen this panel discussion held last year at the Harvard Divinity School  on the Song of Songs. Video of the discussion can be seen here. The wepage contains the following description.

This panel discussion was held on April 15, 2013, and featured a conversation between five scholars on the Song of Songs. The panel was chaired by CSWR director Francis X. Clooney, S.J., and featured Cheryl Exum of the University of Sheffield, Michael Fishbane of University of Chicago Divinity School, Paul Griffiths of Duke University, and Stephanie Paulsell of HDS.

HT: Mark McGinniss

Latest Issue of Review of Biblical Literature

The latest issue of Review of Biblical Literature is out. Reviews can be accessed by clicking the links below. 

William P. Atkinson
Baptism in the Spirit: Luke-Acts and the Dunn Debate
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9075
Reviewed by Lars Kierspel

Edward Ball and Margaret Barker, eds.
‘The Unconquered Land’ and Other Old Testament Essays: Selected Studies by Rudolf Smend
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9232
Reviewed by David J. Reimer

Carol J. Dempsey and Elayne J. Shapiro
Reading the Bible, Transforming Conflict
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8149
Reviewed by Joel Stephen Williams

Desiderius Erasmus; Andrew J. Brown, ed.
VI-4 Ordinis sexti tomus quartus: Novum Testamentum ab Erasmo Recognitum, IV, Epistolae Apostolicae (secunda pars) et Apocalypsis Iohannis
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9141
Reviewed by Jerome A. Lund

Shimon Gesundheit
Three Times a Year: Studies on Festival Legislation in the Pentateuch
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8838
Reviewed by William A. Tooman

Francisco Lozada Jr. and Greg Carey, eds.
Soundings in Cultural Criticism: Perspectives and Methods in Culture, Power, and Identity in the New Testament
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9154
Reviewed by Earl Kellett

Matthew R. Malcolm
The World of 1 Corinthians: An Exegetical Source Book of Literary and Visual Backgrounds
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9337
Reviewed by Bradley J. Bitner

Kathleen M. Rochester
Prophetic Ministry in Jeremiah and Ezekiel
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=8537
Reviewed by Georg Fischer

Karlheinz Schüssler
Das koptisch-sahidische Johannesvangelium sa 506 aus dem Jeremia-Kloster von Sakkara: mit Textvarianten der Handschriften in Barcelona, Cairo, Dublin, Naqlun, New York
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=9388
Reviewed by Johanna Brankaer

Fictional "One Anothers"

Many students of the Bible are aware of the numerous "one anothers" in the New Testament (e.g., Rom 15:7; Gal 6:2; Eph 4:2; Col 3:16; etc.). But Ray Ortland has a thoughtful post on the "one anothers" that are not found in the NT but seem to practiced all too often by Christians. Here is Ortland's list but make sure to read the entire post here.

Sanctify one another, humble one another, scrutinize one another, pressure one another, embarrass one another, corner one another, interrupt one another, defeat one another, sacrifice one another, shame one another, judge one another, run one another’s lives, confess one another’s sins, intensify one another’s sufferings, point out one another’s failings . . . .

Ph.D. Humor

Been there. Done that.

Rod Decker (1952-2014)

New Testament scholar Rod Decker has gone to be with the Lord. I met Dr. Decker only a few times over the years at conferences but I very much appreciated his ministry through his writings and his fine blog/website. A word from his wife about his home going can be found here. From all accounts he lived and served well.

John 6:27–59

I have restarted a project to digitize most of the hard copy material in my file cabinets. The table below represents my adaptation of a handout on John 6:27–59 created by the late Dr. Roy Zuck. He made some great handouts.

John 6:27–59
What did Jesus say He has done or will do?	What are individuals to do?
·     Gives life (vv. 27, 33, 40, 47, 53, 57, 58) ·     Came down from heaven (vv. 33, 38, 41, 42, 50, 51, 58) ·     Will never drive anyone away (v. 37) ·     Does the will of the Father (v. 38) ·     Will never lose anyone who comes to Him (v. 39) ·     Will raise believers on the last day (w. 39, 40, 44, 54) ·     Will give His flesh (v. 51)	·     Believe (vv. 29, 35, 40, 47) ·     Come to Christ (vv. 35, 37, 44, 45) ·     Look to the Son (v. 40) ·     Listen to the Father (v. 45) ·     Learn from the Father (v. 45) ·     Eat His flesh and drink His blood (vv. 50, 51, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58) ·     Abide in Christ (v. 56)
What did Jesus say the Father has done or will do?	What are the results of believing in Him?
·     Approved the Son (v. 27) ·     Sent the Son (w. 29, 38, 39, 44, 57) ·     Gives the true bread (v. 32) ·     Gives people to Christ (vv. 37, 39, 65) ·     Draws people to Christ (v. 44)	·     Will never be hungry or thirsty (v. 35) ·     Will be raised up, resurrected (vv. 39, 40, 44, 54) ·     Have eternal life (vv. 40, 47, 51, 54, 57, 58) ·     Will never die (v. 50)