Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) [Hardcover]

Ajith Fernando (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from the twentieth century to the first century. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. In other words, they focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable -- but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps us with both halves of the interpretive task. This new and unique series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into modern context. It explains not only what the Bible means but also how it can speak powerfully today.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The NIV Application Commentary series is unique. Most commentaries focus on the original meaning of the Bible but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable?but the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary series helps with both halves of Bible study. It builds a bridge from the past to the world we live in?explaining not only what the Bible meant, but also how it can speak powerfully today.

From the Author

Ajith Fernando is National Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka and a Bible expositor with a worldwide ministry. He studied at Asbury Theological Seminary and Fuller Seminary. He has written eight other books, including Spiritual Living in a Secular World

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 656 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310494109
• ISBN-13: 978-0310494102
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #170,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ajith Fernando, ThM, DD, is national director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka and a Bible expositor with a worldwide ministry. He studied at Asbury Theological Seminary and Fuller Seminary, and spends much time mentoring young workers and counseling Christian workers. He is active in Colombo Theological Seminary as chairman of the academic affairs committee.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the persepctive of the Mission Field, April 14, 2000

By 

Bill Judt (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Hardcover)

Ajith Frenando's commentary immediately struck me as arising from the persepctive of one working every day in the Mission Field. He clearly understands that Acts witnesses to the power of the Spirit who equip God's people for witness and service. One can easily see that the author believes in the gifts of the Spirit and the fact that these did not disappear with the Apostolic age. Fernando's commentary has many unique features, notably the "life application" and "bridging" sections that try to connect the witness of the Book of Acts to our Christian walk in the 21st century. Missing is the original Greek along/under the English (NIV) translation. Though not a critical deficiency, it would have been useful to have the Greek nearby as a reference. Having a good study bible along side will provide additional cross references to aid in understanding the text. Having taught the Book of Acts for a number of years, and having referred to numerous other commentaries, it is refreshing to read a commentary which believes that what the early church experienced of the Spirit's power and equipping we are to also experience today. Along with all this, his scholarship shines through. A must-have in a bible teacher's library.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good insights from a "3rd world" prospective., April 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Hardcover)

I was glad to see the editors chose Ajith Fernando as the author of the study of Acts. It is good to read a perspective of the Early Church from someone who is not from North America or Eurpoe. Ajith is from and ministers in Sri Lanka. His illustration concerning prejudice in the Acts, Chapter 10, was enlightening.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Evangelist's Commentary on Acts, May 2, 2008

By 

Calvin Redmond (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Hardcover)

This commentary is a unique blend of interaction with scholarly argument and guidance for the contemporary church based on Acts. The Asian identity of Fernando highlights some aspects of the Christian life, seen in Acts, that are sometimes overlooked by Western commentators. For example, his comments on the Christian experience of suffering in his comments on the martyrdom of Stephen are challenging to the Western view. Rather than the Western approach to escape from suffering, Fernando advises embracing a Christian theology of suffering.

The number of commentaries that have academic credibility as well as a credible, powerful influence on ministry is very small. Fernando has done the church the gift of adding one more to this list.