Darrell L. Bock

The First Letter to the Corinthians

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Up to date, replete with many fresh readings, and rooted in the complex historical context that was first century Corinth, this commentary is in touch with those issues that make 1 Corinthians so relevant for the church. Both useful and edifying, Ciampa and Rosner's work is a partner to keep close at hand as one probes this ethically relevant epistle.”

The Future of Justification

Theology

“Piper's look at justification does this with a superb tone and a careful presentation of his case. Piper has put us in a position to hear both sides of the debate and understand what is at stake. Be prepared to be sharpened by a careful dialogue about what justification is.”

The Heresy of Orthodoxy

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The Bauer thesis, taken up in many university circles and popularized by Bart Ehrman and through TV specials, has long needed a thorough examination. The Heresy of Orthodoxy is that work. Whether looking at Bauer's thesis of diversity, at contemporary use made of the theory to argue for the early origin of Gnosticism, at the process that led to the canon, or what our manuscript evidence is, this study shows that Bauer's theory, though long embraced, is full of problems that need to be faced. What emerges from this study is an appreciation that some times new theories are not better than what they seek to replace, despite the hype that often comes from being the new kid on the block. It is high time this kid be exposed as lacking the substance of a genuinely mature view. This book does that well, and also gives a fresh take on what the alternative is that has much better historical roots.”

The Life and Witness of Peter

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“We have long needed a full treatment of Peter in the Gospels, Acts and in 1 and 2 Peter that includes a look at his theology and issues of introduction. The Life and Witness of Peter fills that need very nicely. Read and learn much about this key disciple and his contribution to the church.”

The Listening Road

Evangelism & Missions

“Our lives are so rushed we often have too little time to ask core questions of people and listen. Neil Tomba’s The Listening Road does that while detailing a challenging cross-country bike ride. People of all stripes appear with their reflections on the possibilities of faith. It is putting an ear to the ground of our country and searching for its soul beat. I think you will find these conversations as fascinating as I did, learning in the process how questions sometimes open up doors to the hearts of people.”

The Liturgy of Politics

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Liturgy is about worship and inner life. Kaitlyn Schiess takes a careful, hard look at how we do our politics and how we should do our politics, viewed from the inside not the outside. The difference is significant, and seeing it may give us a better heart for others. As a result, our politics may change us for the better as we seek to engage a world that needs to see what the gospel looks like in real-life practice.”

The Mirage Shall Become a Pool

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Justice and helping the poor is a contentious area in biblical studies . . . What is needed is a careful walk through this discussion in terms of what has been said, hermeneutics, and a close look at the texts with discernment on how the entire scope of texts works individually and together. Here is a solid study that does just that. It orients the reader to the levels of the discussion, walks through the texts, and gives categories of classification.”

The Mission of the Triune God

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Patrick Schreiner has given us a solid look at the theology of one of the most underappreciated books of the New Testament: the book of Acts. He shows clearly how Luke’s look at history and the promise that is at the heart of the early church is not about the acts of the apostles but about the unfolding acts of God that are still at work in our world. This work will develop your appreciation for what God has done and is doing, and who we are called to be as members of his church.”

The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Thinking through how the law relates to the gospel is like trying to cut a path through the Amazon jungle. Many have offered an array of approaches to this question. This book on the law and the life of the church cuts a fresh and revealing path to the refreshment the gospel offers without demeaning the law that helped to show the way there. It also makes a serious case for how the law can help us even now by keeping its eye on covenants, promises, and the progress of revelation. Well done.”

The Person Called You

Work, Money & Leadership

“Want to explore what makes you unique and what can drive you in life? What causes giftedness to thrive or fail? How should you think about your gifts and fit at work? How you fit with others in your life? This book will help you discover what can make you an even better YOU for the Father who created you and made you the way you are.”

The Place of God at the Bookends of the Bible

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The Place of God at the Bookends of the Bible is a full and careful consideration of how a multidimensional look at space helps us see what the Bible is doing. It is a fresh way to read the text and proves quite useful in understanding some of the biggest things the Bible is doing.”

The Prophets and the Apostolic Witness

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The Prophets and the Apostolic Witness is a real treat of a book. It wrestles in healthy dialogue with the content and relevance of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. It examines questions about how they work canonically as well. The book shows we should not ignore these prophetic voices, and it makes us think carefully about how to do that well.”

The Realia Jesus

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Realia is a look at the cultural backdrop and the archeological evidence of the first century that helps us to understand the world of Jesus in the first century. This is a solid survey and up-to-date discussion of what we have and what it may show about Jesus’ life. It is full of fascinating observations. Read it for a better glimpse of Jesus’ ministry.”

The Scandal of a Divine Messiah

Apologetics

“Combining philosophical analysis with historical study and scriptural concern, this reassessment of Orthodox Judaism and its critique of Christian faith is a key study on how to interact both with the influence of Maimonides and Kabbalah, as well as a look at how the Incarnation fits a biblical perspective. The journey goes deep but is profitable for those curious about how to engage with these major Jewish movements.”

The Sinner in Luke

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The Sinner in Luke is an important study of a key Lucan theme. When Jesus proclaims release for the sinners as a core element of his message, it is crucial to understand who the sinner is, whether he be a tax collector or a religious leader--or even us. Dwayne Adams's study shows the moral-relational base that is central to the term in the face of other claims about this term's meaning and role in Luke. If one understands this category, one can appreciate Jesus's mission better. The result is a study well worth reading.”

This Light of Mine

Christian Living

“People are not the enemy but the goal. The church is in great need of a different way to engage with Jesus to a non-Jesus world. Diving deeply into Scripture with a pastor's heart and a keen, sensitive eye, Joe Stowell calls the church to a better way to engage than being a shrill voice. Yes, the church is being marginalized and mocked, but so was Jesus. His way of reaching out and offering hope to those in spiritual need is still the way to go.”

Topical Preaching in a Complex World

Preaching & Worship

“what is required homiletically, theologically, pastorally, and exegetically with an eye on the cultural requirements that make communication work. This is a book I have longed to have. Every preacher should step into the pulpit confidently with its wisdom in hand.”

United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit

Theology

“United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit clearly and concisely presents the themes of Paul’s short but majestic letter to the Ephesians. The themes of individual union with Christ, the teaching about the church, and the call to walk well are all well handled. If you desire to understand the theme of this letter, this book is for you.”

Untangling Critical Race Theory

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“With great skill and care, Ed Uszynski untangles Critical Race Theory with the nuance needed for this controversial topic. He does so by interacting directly with the theory and not merely through critics of it. Yet there is a clear demarcation about both the value and limits of this approach to public space, honoring what should be heard in this conversation as well as what is problematic. If you read one book on this topic, here it is. You may hear things you have thought about reflected on with wisdom in this deep dive into this topic.”

War, Peace, and Christianity

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“As one who has written about just-war theory in the media during times of conflict, I find it refreshing to be able to recommend a book that explains that just war is not a theory that gives license to the use of violence, but one that attempts morally and responsibly to address the issue of the proper use of force. This book is well done and repays the time one gives to grapple with the difficult area of human conflict.”