Acts: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching & Preaching) [Hardcover]

William H. Willimon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1988 | Series: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching & Preaching

William Willimon combines the latest findings in Lukan scholarship with the pastoral, educational, and theological concerns of the local church to provide a new interpretation of Acts. He bases his commentary on the idea that the purpose of Acts was not to make Christianity acceptable to the Roman state but rather to preserve the integrity of the church against the onslaught of classical culture.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William H. Willimon is the Presiding Bishop of the Birmingham Area of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recognized as one of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world, he is the author of several books, including United Methodist Beliefs: A Brief Introduction and The Early Preaching of Karl Barth, both published by WJK.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 197 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (January 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804231192
• ISBN-13: 978-0804231190
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #401,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William H. Willimon is Presiding Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, Birmingham, AL area, and Visiting Research Professor, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC. Prior to his current position he served for twenty years as Professor of Christian Ministry and Dean of Duke University Chapel. He is the author of fifty books, and over a million copies of his books have been sold. His articles have appeared in many publications including The Christian Ministry, Quarterly Review, Liturgy, Worship, and Christianity Today. His Pulpit Resource is used each week by over eight thousand pastors in the U.S.A., Canada, and Australia. He was selected in a Baylor University survey as one of the "Twelve Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Uneven but often brilliant, October 24, 2004

By 

Kathy F. Cannata "Rev. Dr. R. Cannata" (New Orleans, LA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Acts: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching & Preaching) (Hardcover)

Very homiletical. Lyrical and smart. Theologically aware (if often Arminian and Neo-Orthodox -- expected for a United Methodist).

Not a verse by verse commentary. Willimon often takes overly large chunks (as much as 2-3 chapters) and gives thematic insights. Often these are highly original and brilliant. Just as often they use the text as a launching point for pet topics that are not central to the text.

No one should use this as your first overall commentary on Acts (John Stott is infinitely better for that). Certainly not the first commentary for technical matters either (try Bruce for that; or maybe Howard Marshall). Or even as the basic homiletical one (Kent Hughes is more consistent; even Boice is probably better most weeks). But it is a GREAT idea starter for the discerning reader. No preacher should be without it. One of the better volumes in the (highly uneven) Interpretation series.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Acts, September 27, 2002

By 

Matt Medford "Matt Medford" (Hubbard, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acts: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching & Preaching) (Hardcover)

This is a superb commentary! In fact, in twenty years of ministry, I've never even thought of reading a commentary cover to cover -- yet I couldn't stop myself with this one! I can't praise this enough: it conveys the excitement of the Early Church all the while making connections with today. Thank you Mr. Willimon!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good place to start, July 26, 2007

By 

H. K. Derr "Dodinel le Savage" (Melrose Park, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acts: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching & Preaching) (Hardcover)

Wilimon does a nice job at opening the door to the book of Acts, this is a non-technical commentary and it does this job well. It is a good place to start doing research on Acts. It will not take you in the technical aspects of the Greek text, and will be limited in what it does with the history behind the text.