“For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate.” —Romans 7:15, HCSBPerspectives on Our Struggle with Sin presents in point-counterpoint form three differing views of a Christian’s relationship with the law, flesh, and spirit as illustrated through Paul’s often-debated words in Romans 7.Stephen Chester (North Park Theological Seminary) writes “The Retrospective View of Romans 7: Paul’s Pas...

Reading Romans as Lament examines how and why Paul uses such a high volume of Old Testament lament in his letter to the Romans. Lament is not merely a poignant cry of distress, but a distinct form of prayer scattered across the pages of the Old Testament. It contains a distinct literary footprint and theology. Although often overlooked, Romans contains a great deal of this prayer form through its various lament citations and echoes. When these citations and echoes are heard, it impacts the...

Scripture, Texts, and Tracings in Galatians and 1 Thessalonians advances the interpretation of these letters by exploring how the Apostle Paul quotes, alludes to or "echoes" the Jewish Scriptures and other ancient materials. Comparative wording is at the forefront, whether in relation to Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, or prophecies and promises from Genesis, Habakkuk, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Psalms, or other texts such as Philo. Issues and controversies include such topics as faith (?? p?st...

In our day of massive religious confusion, the message of Colossians is among the most timely of all the New Testament books. Today many seek to exclude belief in God from every corner of modern life. Others flaunt "New Age" ideas about God and Christ which collide with the Scriptures. Confusion reigns and many are in need of knowing the Truth.Christians in the first-century city of Colosse lived in a similar situation. Having first received the true Christian faith, they were soon ...

It is sometimes easy to forget that the books of the Bible are not really "books" at all but individual documents composed in a wide array of literary genres. This clear, concise, and accessible text on the Pauline Letters orients beginning students to the genre in which Paul writes. The book compares and contrasts Paul's letters with ancient and modern letters, revealing the distinctive conventions, forms, and purposes of Paul's Epistles. It focuses on the literary genre of the letter in ...

From Bible teacher John MacArthur, a revelatory exploration of what the apostle Paul actually taught about the Good News of Jesus.The apostle Paul penned a number of very concise, focused passages in his letters to the early church that summarize the gospel message in just a few well-chosen words. Each of these key texts has a unique emphasis highlighting some essential aspect of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The chapters in this revelatory new book closely examin...

Paul's letter to the church in Rome – where he had not yet visited – is best understood as Paul writing the things he would otherwise have spoken had he been able to schedule a visit there. Many of the issues he had previously confronted, such as the Judaizing tendency to perpetuate observance of the Torah ceremonies, are discussed in some detail by Paul, and further commented on by Rev. Walhout.

A new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible's grand story.The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teacher...

Who wrote the Letters to the Romans and Galatians?Why were these letters composed?What were the major arguments in early Christian communities?How does lectio divina move us to pray with Scripture?Rev. Anderson writes that, “each of [Paul’s letters] addresses particular issues and arguments within the community to whom he was writing.” Although he never preached in Rome, yet converted many in Galatia, he had much of the same message in both letters.T...

In 1 Corinthians 12:31, St. Paul exhorts the early Christians in Corinth to follow "a still more excellent way." The "way" he is speaking of is love genuine, selfless love. For Paul, the ultimate meaning and perfect example of this love is found solely in the crucified, risen, and reigning Christ. With unwavering devotion, Paul's post-conversion life was focused on one goal: to point people to Jesus so they, too, could experience the unsurpassed joy that Paul himself had come to know through ...

Experience internationally known Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe's commentaries on Paul's letters, now available in one edition. This collection contains: Be Right (Romans), Be Wise (1 Corinthians), Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians), Be Free (Galatians), Be Rich (Ephesians), Be Joyful (Philippians), Be Complete (Colossians), Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians), and Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon)....

"Two prestigious scholars . . . serve up a gourmet banquet that blends the flavors of scripture and ethics without losing the distinctive tastes of each." —Richard M. Gula, professor of moral theology, Franciscan School of Theology/Graduate Theological UnionIn Paul and Virtue Ethics, Daniel Harrington and James Keenan build upon their successful collaboration Jesus and Virtue Ethics to discuss the apostle Paul's teachings as a guide to interpret th...