Love Your Enemies (A History of the Tradition and Interpretation of Its Uses): Jesus' Love Command in the Synoptic Gospels and the Early Christian Paraenesis [Paperback]

John Piper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2012

“Love Your Enemies…”

This is one of the few statements Jesus made that is readily accepted by believers and skeptics alike. Its authenticity is not seriously questioned and yet it is a revolutionary command.

Giving attention to various critical theories, John Piper presents evidence that the early church earnestly advocated for non-retaliatory love, extending it to those who practiced evil in the world. Such love was key to the church’s own ethical tradition or paraenesis.

Piper illuminates the Synoptics and passages in Romans, as well as 1 Thessalonians and 1 Peter, with non-canonical evidence, investigating the theological significance of Jesus’s love command.

Originally published as #38 in the Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series, this is John Piper’s doctoral dissertation from the University of Munich. It is a serious work of Christian scholarship by a long-time respected author and pastor. This repackaged edition features a new, extensive introduction and will be of interest to scholars, students, and lay people who have training in New Testament studies.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JOHN PIPER (DTheol, University of Munich) is Chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary and pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. He has authored dozens of books, including What Jesus Demands from the World, The Future of Justification, and Think.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Crossway; Reprint edition (June 30, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433534754
• ISBN-13: 978-1433534751
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #497,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Piper is the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, where he first sensed God's call to enter the ministry. He went on to earn degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.) and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem. John is the author of more than 30 books, including Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, What Jesus Demands from the World, and Don't Waste Your Life.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#38 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#38 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Baker reprint August 20, 2012

By Customer

Format:Paperback

This book is certainly a worthwhile purchase but, because I already own the 1991 Baker copy, I thought a short comment might be useful for prospective buyers. I bought the 2012 Crossway edition because it was advertized as featuring a "new, extensive introduction." I was surprised to find an introduction less than 6 pages long. Again, I have no criticism whatsoever of this book but, if you already own the Baker edition, I just wanted to point out that buying this 2012 reprint will only get you 5 and a half new pages - the rest of the book is identical to what you already have.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for theologians, but should be required reading December 15, 2011

By Loyal

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I loved Piper's other books and have been waiting for a used book seller to price this one reasonably. Great book that outlines various theories on Jesus' command to love your enemies along with Piper's take on it. The Mennonite in me doesn't agree with his rationalization of violence, but he does at least address the issue and doesn't try to say Jesus wasn't serious or that he was exaggerating. The book is very thorough on addressing the many instances of the command to love your enemies and putting them in context with the surrounding scripture.

5.0 out of 5 stars another great read from Dr Piper.... December 23, 2012

By Susan M Nelson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A deeper look at loving our enemies that may likely become a real necessity in these darkening days before He returns for His bride!!