Graham H. Twelftree

1-3 John

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“These greatly loved epistles are often only mined for spiritual sound bites. Now we have a commentary that emphasizes their great value as letters. Despite the author’s modesty, there is no other commentary like it on these epistles; it relates the Johannine Letters to aspects of Jesus’s work or teaching and brings into play ancient texts—Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Schlatter, for example—as well as the latest scholarly research. Yarbrough also writes as a seasoned scholar with a pastor’s heart and deep cross-cultural concerns. This rigorous yet very readable commentary is for students and pastors alike to guide their study and enhance their preaching.”

A Biblical Theology of the Holy Spirit

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Pentecost was not the debut of the Holy Spirit. In this broad yet sensitive sweep across the Bible, a team of international scholars shows that from eternity the Spirit has been an active member of the Godhead . . . In a stream of developing themes, this book offers the reader a unique opportunity to explore the generosity of God seen in the life-giving and resurrecting power of his Spirit in the pages of the Bible--and beyond!”

Cleansing the Cosmos

Theology

“In a well-informed study, Warren advances our understanding of evil. She shows that, in biblical traditions and from human experience, evil does not only invade and overrun, but violates boundaries, contaminates, and infects, and brings darkness, disorder, and chaos. . . . Warren shows evil is to be cleansed and relocated, involving the work of the Spirit and human choice to redefine sacred space and restore order.”

Colossians, Volume 44A

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This wonderfully rich and deeply informed commentary is a gift to both scholar and pastor. It is a goldmine, the fruit of a lifetime of research in Pauline literature and decades of work in this letter. Arnold has a keen eye for the political, social, geographical, religious, and literary contexts, as well as the particular challenges of those who first engaged with this letter. His wide-ranging and deeply informed introduction is a model of balanced discussion of magic and local belief, the rival teaching at Colossae, the problem of authorship, the author’s situation, and the date and purpose of the text. Every passage of the letter is clarified and enlivened by this magisterial commentary.”

Hispanic Muslims in the United States

World Religions

“Triggered by his own experience as a first-generation Hispanic American, Victor Cuartas offers an important, deeply aware, and sympathetic contribution to conversion studies. Studying the conversion of Hispanic Catholics to Islam, this is probably the first qualitative analysis of religious commitment among Muslim converts in the US. With a robust multidisciplinary approach focusing on personal, social, cultural, and religious aspects of changes in religious commitment, Cuartas significantly advances the theoretical base of conversion studies. We are grateful for this careful, sensitive, and thorough study.”

How to Read the Bible Well

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Is the Bible human words or the word of God? Is there a Big Story to it? Perhaps, as Stephen Burnhope suggests, it is a Box Set. Do we need to read the Old Testament? Where does Jesus fit? This book is a gift from a theologian for those who need answers. Readers will return to the Bible with renewed passion and confidence to hear its message afresh.”

Jesus as Healer

Theology

“Henriksen and Sandnes have here brought spiritual healing from out of the shadows of modern medicine and theology into the center of Jesus’ ministry and the Christian gospel. . . . Miracle and healing are redefined, God’s gracious activity across religions is affirmed, and the gospel is shown to be truly incarnated. This is a rich and challenging book that advances the conversation for students, practitioners, and academics.”

Jesus before Pentecost

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Written with clarity and verve by a Pentecostal for Pentecostals, Atkinson offers a highly readable and creative contribution to Jesus research. Appealing to Pentecostal religious experiences as analogues, Atkinson builds a hermeneutical bridge for the imagination to the Jesus tradition. Fully aware that there is no such thing as value-free historical enquiry, his Pentecostal grid is not imposed but generates questions around the Pentecostal foursquare gospel--Savior, Healer, Spirit baptizer, and soon-coming King. The result is studded with gems.”

Solving the Samaritan Riddle

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Is the Spirit received at conversion, as James Dunn and others have argued, or subsequently, as the Pentecostals claim? Beginning with testimony and moving personal stories, and written with delightful clarity, Zarley argues for another view, reaching some wise and helpful conclusions that both sides need to hear.”

The Church according to Paul

Theology

“According to Thompson, the crisis facing the Western church is not its survival but rediscovering its purpose. Probing the theological depths of Paul, this book offers a model for the contemporary church that is deeply challenging to the ‘emerging’ and ‘missional’ church and to those who see the church as a political action group, for example. Rather, chosen to participate in the destiny of the crucified Lord, the church lives for others. For Paul, the church, as Thompson argues, is characterized by holiness and as an outpost of the world to come—by bringing together different cultures in one community that is both local and ecumenically engaged. This is essential reading for those seeking a model for the contemporary church that is scripturally informed.”

The Humanity of Jesus in Matthew

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This book is important because it is the first narrative-critical examination of the humanity of Jesus in Matthew’s narrative, a Gospel in which the humanity of Jesus is prioritized. Jones asks three questions: How does Matthew prioritize his interest in the humanity of Jesus when compared to the other Gospels? Hoes does Matthew approach the human and transcendent identities of Jesus to encourage belief in him, and how and why does Matthew preserve and develop the human story of Jesus? With an increasing scholarly interest in the humanity of Jesus in the early church, this is a key book in the present conversation.”

Theology through Community

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“What role does the community play in theological creativity? In the context of current uncertainties, Pruitt uses Luke-Acts to show that the community can have—must have—a decisive role in theological creativity. With close attention to the text, Pruitt shows that, for Luke, the community functions as a hermeneutical bridge between its testimony of the Spirit’s work and its application of Scripture to a theological problem. This is an important book and should be read by all concerned with theological creativity, particularly in the Pentecostal and charismatic traditions.”