Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament examines the biblical text in its original environment. Notable evangelical scholars carefully attend to grammatical detail, literary context, rhetorical flow, theological nuance, and historical setting in their interpretation. Critical scholarship informs each step, but does not dominate the commentary, allowing readers to concentrate on the biblical author's message as it unfolds. While primarily designed for those with a basic knowledge of biblical Greek, all who strive to understand and teach the New Testament will find this series beneficial. The general editor for this enterprising series is Clinton E. Arnold The following focused sections help readers understand the text: Literary Context: Explains how each passage functions within the book Main Idea: Summarizes the central message of the passage Translation in Graphic Layout: Presents a translation through a diagram that helps readers visualize the flow of thought within the text Exegetical Outline: Gives the overall structure of the passage Explanation of the Text: Provides interpretive insights into the background and meaning of the text Theology in Application: Discusses how the message of the text fits within the book itself and in a broader biblical-theological context, suggesting applications for the church today
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About the Author
Clinton E. Arnold (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is Dean and Professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology in LaMirada, California.
Craig L. Blomberg is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He is the author, co-author or co-editor of fifteen books and more than eighty articles in journals or multi-author works. A recurring topic of interest in his writings is the historical reliability of the Scriptures. Craig and his wife Fran have two daughters and reside in Centennial, Colorado. SPANISH BIO: Craig L. Blomberg tiene un doctorado del Nuevo Testamento de la Universidad Aberdeen en Escocia, una maestria de la Escuela Trinity Evangelical Divinity y una Licenciatura de la Facultad Agustana. Es miembro del cuerpo docente en el Seminario de Denver y tambien fue profesor en la Facultad Palm Beach Atlantic. Ademas, ha sido autor y coautor de varios libros, entre ellos De Pentecostes a Patmos. Craig, su esposa Fran y sus dos hijas residen en Centennial, Colorado.
Mariam Kamell (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a post-doctoral fellow at Regent College, Vancouver. She has published several articles on James focused on its economics or in comparison with Hebrews or 1 Peter; her dissertation focused on soteriology in James in comparison with earlier Jewish wisdom literature and the Gospel of Matthew.
Craig L. Blomberg is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He is the author, co-author or co-editor of fifteen books and more than eighty articles in journals or multi-author works. A recurring topic of interest in his writings is the historical reliability of the Scriptures. Craig and his wife Fran have two daughters and reside in Centennial, Colorado. SPANISH BIO: Craig L. Blomberg tiene un doctorado del Nuevo Testamento de la Universidad Aberdeen en Escocia, una maestria de la Escuela Trinity Evangelical Divinity y una Licenciatura de la Facultad Agustana. Es miembro del cuerpo docente en el Seminario de Denver y tambien fue profesor en la Facultad Palm Beach Atlantic. Ademas, ha sido autor y coautor de varios libros, entre ellos De Pentecostes a Patmos. Craig, su esposa Fran y sus dos hijas residen en Centennial, Colorado.
Mariam Kamell (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a post-doctoral fellow at Regent College, Vancouver. She has published several articles on James focused on its economics or in comparison with Hebrews or 1 Peter; her dissertation focused on soteriology in James in comparison with earlier Jewish wisdom literature and the Gospel of Matthew.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
For those pastors like myself who have enough Greek to make themselves dangerous, this new series is great.
I could not believe that the text was analyzed using sentence diagramming. What a concept! There are also concise summaries at significant junctures in the text.
Those of you familiar with Blomberg's skill as a scholar and expositor will not be suprised to find this is a great commentary.
You will not be buried in details, yet there is real meat here, interaction with current scholarly discussions, and support for why the author makes exegetical decisions.
I look forward to other volumes in this series.
I could not believe that the text was analyzed using sentence diagramming. What a concept! There are also concise summaries at significant junctures in the text.
Those of you familiar with Blomberg's skill as a scholar and expositor will not be suprised to find this is a great commentary.
You will not be buried in details, yet there is real meat here, interaction with current scholarly discussions, and support for why the author makes exegetical decisions.
I look forward to other volumes in this series.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Marcus Maher
Format:Hardcover
The layout of this series is unique and very helpful. One concern that I had seeing the commentary proper split into so many sections, was that there would be substantial overlap of material. My fear proved to be unfounded. The authors and editors did a stellar job at fully utilizing the format. I also must say that they hit their intended audience dead on. The amount of technical information was just right. They don't bog you down with gobs of detail on minutiae, but there's enough to inform you on important matters, whether they be grammatical, lexical, or of cultural/historical background.
As for the contents of the commentary, again I was quite pleased, though, of course, certain elements of the commentary were better than others. The introduction was brief but helpful. It covered the usual topics, such as authorship, dating, and the circumstances prompting the letter taking traditional stances and giving reasonable defense for their positions. Blomberg and Kamell also spent several pages explaining the overall structure of James. I found this to be the most beneficial section of the introduction as I've always struggled to see an overall cohesiveness to the letter. They argue in the introduction (and defend in the commentary proper) that the entire letter focuses on three themes: trials, wisdom, and riches and poverty. These are introduced initially in 1:2-11, reiterated in the same order in 1:12-27, and then developed at length in reverse order from 2:1-5:18.
Of the three main topics of the letter, I most appreciated Blomberg's and Kamell's discussion of wealth and poverty. Much of what James says on this topic sounds so harsh that it's easy to say that he didn't really mean it that strongly. Blomberg and Kamell don't go down that path. They're not afraid to make the conclusions that many of us don't want to hear like, 'It may well be true that it is impossible to be both rich and a Christian unless one is generous in giving from one's riches' (254 - emphasis mine). This does seem to be the clear emphasis of Jas. 2:14-26. At the same time I liked the balance of their approach. They don't go overboard like some liberation theologians do. James is not advocating salvation by social class, but again, that shouldn't make us wealthy Western Christians any more comfortable in our shoes.
At a broad level, several aspects of the commentary stand out. One is the way in which Blomberg and Kamell colorfully draw out the meanings of the various metaphors and adjectives that are sprinkled throughout James. For a reader familiar with the text it can be easy to gloss over these, but Blomberg and Kamell help you understand how they would have been heard by the first audience. One example is in the sexual and reproductive metaphor in Jas. 1:14-15. Specifically, they point out that James is using the metaphor to show how difficult it is to stop the process of desire, sin, and death once it has started. 'Here James uses a more vivid metaphor, showing the reproductive process as difficult to stop once it begins...One can almost envision three generations here: desire as a "parent," sin as a "child," and death as a "grandchild"' (72). This isn't a mind blowing observation, but it's easy to miss this type of thing and Blomberg and Kamell consistently make the easy to miss, obvious, while presenting it in a fresh way.
I also appreciated the way in which the commentary matched James in tone. James sometimes is very cordial and at other times rebukes his audience. Blomberg and Kamell are not afraid to wear both of those hats. At several spots throughout the commentary they addressed the reader directly. This is often not done in commentaries. Many commentators are willing to write purely at the level of description (and granted this may be a necessity in most academic series). I am very glad that they were willing to confront the reader on several matters, especially in a series geared towards pastors and teachers. If one is going to teach the text, one must first live the text. It's easy to try to get away without applying the text to yourself, but Blomberg and Kamell do their best to keep that from happening.
My only complaint with the commentary is that too much space was allotted to the issue of gender-inclusive translation. I favor gender-inclusive language, and I personally use the TNIV and NRSV as my primary translations, so it's not as if I disagree with their translation. It just seemed like every word that could be translated in a gender-inclusive manner drew substantial comment. In fairness much of this was relegated to the footnotes, but I am a compulsive footnote reader, so I quickly drew tired of the same issue being rehashed.
Overall, I have to say that James is an excellent commentary that will both inform and nourish the reader. Every pastor, seminary student, and serious lay student should have this volume on their shelf. It will provide you with the literary, lexical, and grammatical help that you need while also furthering your thought on the implications of the text in the life and ministry of your church.
As for the contents of the commentary, again I was quite pleased, though, of course, certain elements of the commentary were better than others. The introduction was brief but helpful. It covered the usual topics, such as authorship, dating, and the circumstances prompting the letter taking traditional stances and giving reasonable defense for their positions. Blomberg and Kamell also spent several pages explaining the overall structure of James. I found this to be the most beneficial section of the introduction as I've always struggled to see an overall cohesiveness to the letter. They argue in the introduction (and defend in the commentary proper) that the entire letter focuses on three themes: trials, wisdom, and riches and poverty. These are introduced initially in 1:2-11, reiterated in the same order in 1:12-27, and then developed at length in reverse order from 2:1-5:18.
Of the three main topics of the letter, I most appreciated Blomberg's and Kamell's discussion of wealth and poverty. Much of what James says on this topic sounds so harsh that it's easy to say that he didn't really mean it that strongly. Blomberg and Kamell don't go down that path. They're not afraid to make the conclusions that many of us don't want to hear like, 'It may well be true that it is impossible to be both rich and a Christian unless one is generous in giving from one's riches' (254 - emphasis mine). This does seem to be the clear emphasis of Jas. 2:14-26. At the same time I liked the balance of their approach. They don't go overboard like some liberation theologians do. James is not advocating salvation by social class, but again, that shouldn't make us wealthy Western Christians any more comfortable in our shoes.
At a broad level, several aspects of the commentary stand out. One is the way in which Blomberg and Kamell colorfully draw out the meanings of the various metaphors and adjectives that are sprinkled throughout James. For a reader familiar with the text it can be easy to gloss over these, but Blomberg and Kamell help you understand how they would have been heard by the first audience. One example is in the sexual and reproductive metaphor in Jas. 1:14-15. Specifically, they point out that James is using the metaphor to show how difficult it is to stop the process of desire, sin, and death once it has started. 'Here James uses a more vivid metaphor, showing the reproductive process as difficult to stop once it begins...One can almost envision three generations here: desire as a "parent," sin as a "child," and death as a "grandchild"' (72). This isn't a mind blowing observation, but it's easy to miss this type of thing and Blomberg and Kamell consistently make the easy to miss, obvious, while presenting it in a fresh way.
I also appreciated the way in which the commentary matched James in tone. James sometimes is very cordial and at other times rebukes his audience. Blomberg and Kamell are not afraid to wear both of those hats. At several spots throughout the commentary they addressed the reader directly. This is often not done in commentaries. Many commentators are willing to write purely at the level of description (and granted this may be a necessity in most academic series). I am very glad that they were willing to confront the reader on several matters, especially in a series geared towards pastors and teachers. If one is going to teach the text, one must first live the text. It's easy to try to get away without applying the text to yourself, but Blomberg and Kamell do their best to keep that from happening.
My only complaint with the commentary is that too much space was allotted to the issue of gender-inclusive translation. I favor gender-inclusive language, and I personally use the TNIV and NRSV as my primary translations, so it's not as if I disagree with their translation. It just seemed like every word that could be translated in a gender-inclusive manner drew substantial comment. In fairness much of this was relegated to the footnotes, but I am a compulsive footnote reader, so I quickly drew tired of the same issue being rehashed.
Overall, I have to say that James is an excellent commentary that will both inform and nourish the reader. Every pastor, seminary student, and serious lay student should have this volume on their shelf. It will provide you with the literary, lexical, and grammatical help that you need while also furthering your thought on the implications of the text in the life and ministry of your church.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By M. Farrell
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a commentary, I would rank this second to Luke Timothy Johnson's Anchor Bible commentary. It's quite different, focusing less on introductory issues and classical literature, and more on practical theology. The introduction is much briefer yet includes a helpful summary of the structure of James discerned by the authors, and some discussion of typical issues such as authorship.
Two main features were particularly helpful to me in teaching James throughout this year: (1) the presentation of structure with carefully worded interpretive descriptions that help the student grasp the overall flow of James; (2) the 'Theology in Application' sections that give suggestions for how to embody the text.
Finally, though I am competent in Greek, one last feature may be helpful for others, namely, that though the exegetical discussions include the Greek text, it is presented in a way that knowledge of Greek is not necessary making this commentary useful for wide readership.
I very much recommend this as a unique and helpful commentary on the shelf of pastors and Bible teachers.
Two main features were particularly helpful to me in teaching James throughout this year: (1) the presentation of structure with carefully worded interpretive descriptions that help the student grasp the overall flow of James; (2) the 'Theology in Application' sections that give suggestions for how to embody the text.
Finally, though I am competent in Greek, one last feature may be helpful for others, namely, that though the exegetical discussions include the Greek text, it is presented in a way that knowledge of Greek is not necessary making this commentary useful for wide readership.
I very much recommend this as a unique and helpful commentary on the shelf of pastors and Bible teachers.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great exegesis, great application
James is no "epistle of straw," as Martin Luther once (in)famously said of the book. But many-with Luther-find it difficult to reconcile Paul and James on faith and works. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Abram Kielsmeier-Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great theology in application sections
I really cherish this book. I believe the authors do a good job in each of the sections, such as the literary context, the main idea, and in the explanation of the text. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Zachary Snyder
3.0 out of 5 stars
Blomberg on James
The Epistle of James has sparked discussions for centuries and it continues to play a unique role in the New Testament canon. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Joshua Schwisow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Commentary!
Zondervan has just come out with a new exegetical commentary series on the New Testament. I recently received a free copy of the commentary on James as part of a blog tour from... Read more
Published on December 22, 2010 by Emily S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Commentary with Substance
The layout of this ZECNT is user friendly. The content is detailed and scholarly without it being strictly academic. Read more
Published on December 18, 2010 by Paul Nierengarten
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Addition to a Bulging Field
A few weeks ago I was privileged to join a group of reviewers for a new commentary series titled The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ZECNT). Read more
Published on December 17, 2010 by Jeffrey Borden
5.0 out of 5 stars
The ZECNT is great for the serious student of Scripture.
Suffice it to say that the layout of the ZECNT series is good. I like the print format, page size, layout, and everything about it.
The content is great. Read more
The content is great. Read more
Published on December 16, 2010 by PastoralMusings
3.0 out of 5 stars
The good, the goofy and the egregious
I received this copy for free on the condition of a review from me. I was very excited to receive a commentary for review. Read more
Published on December 15, 2010 by John Umland
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Have Commentary on James
Zondervan kindly sent me a review copy of their new James commentary in the ZECNT series, so I'm showing thanks by giving some feedback here. Read more
Published on December 15, 2010 by Shane
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