15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Omega, July 19, 2003
This review is from: The New Interpreter's Bible: Hebrews - Revelation (Volume 12) (Hardcover)
The New Interpreter's Bible is a twelve-volume series, updating the popular Interpreter's Bible from a few decades ago. There are several key features common to all of the volumes of this series. First, each includes a two-column, double translation of the Biblical text (NIV - New International Version, and NRSV - New Revised Standard Version) arranged by topical unit or story. Then, they provide commentaries that look at the passages as a whole, as well as verse-by-verse. Third, interesting Reflection pieces that relate the passages to each other, to history, and to current concerns occur at the conclusion of each passage. Fourth, introductory articles for each book are provided that discuss transmission, historical background, cultural setting, literary concerns, and current scholarship. Finally, there are general articles about the Bible, each Testament, and various types of literature (Narrative, Gospel, Wisdom Literature, etc.) are provided to give general placement and knowledge about the text overall.
The list of contributors, editors, and consultants on the project is a veritable Who's Who of biblical and theological scholarship, representing all major traditions and schools of thought liberal and conservative. Leander Keck, of the Yale Divinity School, is the primary editor of the series.
The volumes were published individually, and can be purchased individually, which is a good thing, given that they are a bit expensive. But for any serious biblical scholar, preacher, student, or enthusiast, they are invaluable.
--Volume XII--
The twelfth volume of the New Interpreter's Bible is the volume that completes the the New Testament and the series, containing the non-Pauline letters and the Revelation.
Fred Craddock, emeritus of Candler and perhaps the greatest living Disciples preacher, addresses the intriguing letter to the Hebrews. This makes sense, as Hebrews is essentially a sermon, in sophisticated language making arguments intricate and subtle.
Luke Timothy Johnson (a professor of mine from undergraduate days), also of Candler, looks at the letter of James. Johnson also wrote the Anchor series text on James, looking at it from various standpoints as ethical and wisdom literature.
David Bartlett of Yale writes about 1 Peter, a letter addressed to all churches generally (as opposed to specific churches, such as Paul's letters). Bartlett looks at social background, linguistic issues, and theological content.
Duane Watson of Malone College looks at 2 Peter and Jude. Most scholars do not attribute 2 Peter to Peter, but rather someone writing as Peter. Jude is the shortest book in the Christian Bible, remarkably complex for a mere 25 verses. Again, the authorship is unknown.
C. Clifton Black of Southern Methodist University studies the three Johannine letters. Black explores the relationship of these letters to the gospel of John and the Revelation, other texts traditionally ascribed to John, as well as theological content, linguistic issues and historical information.
Christopher Rowland of Oxford completes the volume with the Revelation. Like Luther (who found writing commentary on Revelation next to impossible), Rowland provides interesting images in colour plates (a rarity in this series). In addition to looking at the content of the book, Rowland also explores the history of interpretation of the Revelation, one of the most controversial and enigmatic of canonical texts.
High praise goes to the general editorial staff for working with such strong authors/scholars, that their work fits together well as part of this set while retaining their individual characteristics (much like the writers of the Bible itself!).
--Other volumes available--
The following is a list of each volume in this twelve-volume set, and the contents of each.
Volume I: General Articles on the Bible; General Articles on the Old Testament; Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus
Volume II: Numbers; Deuteronomy; Introduction to Narrative Literature; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; I & II Samuel
Volume III: I & II Kings; I & II Chronicles; Ezra, Nehemiah; Esther; Additions to Esther; Tobit; Judith
Volume IV: I & II Maccabees; Introduction to Hebrew Poetry; Job; Psalms
Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Book of Wisdom; Sirach
Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Baruch; Letter of Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel
Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature; Daniel; Additions to Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Johan; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi
Volume VIII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark
Volume IX: Luke; John
Volume X: Acts; Introduction to Epistolary Literature; Romans, I Corinthians
Volume XI: II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I & II Thessalonians; I & II Timothy; Titus; Philemon
Volume XII: Hebrews; James; I & II Peter; I, II & III John; Jude; Revelation
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8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best of the best, July 9, 2000
This review is from: The New Interpreter's Bible: Hebrews - Revelation (Volume 12) (Hardcover)
Most people understand that the study of Scripture is an enormous task; and that there is a considerable theological heritage to even the most benign of passages. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to translate that understanding into a willingness to genuinely delve into the vast pool of material out there. In addition, it's hard to know whom to trust.
You can trust the New Interpreter's Bible series. All of the scholars who contributed are the best in their field. In addition, the layout (which includes two complete translations - the NIV and the NRSV) is conducive to both scholarly and spiritual study of the texts.
Each text is broken down into discrete units followed by general commentary on the passage, verse by vers analysis of key issues, and then an overview of study questions. The commentators address issues of authorship, historical setting, translation, theological history, and personal application. In addition, they graciously point to excellent sources for further reading.
Speaking as a pastor, it is my strong opinion that every English-speaking Christian who is serious about Bible study should own the complete set.
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