Miguel G. Echevarría

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Blomberg and Johnson have made a stellar contribution to the New Word Biblical Themes series. After surveying themes such as trials and temptations, they convincingly demonstrate that ‘wholeness’ is the multifaceted, controlling theme of the letter of James. The authors do an admirable job at drawing on the insights of global scholars, particularly in their discussions of suffering and poverty. They are also skilled at making contemporary applications that challenge modern Christians, such as their understanding of James’s emphasis on obedience as relevant for both our personal holiness and our neighbor’s flourishing.”

Jesus the Purifier

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The quests for the historical Jesus have painted various portraits of Jesus. Some have painted him as a Jewish cynic, others as a sage, still others as an apocalyptic prophet. Blomberg’s impressive book shows that such portraits are based on the collective witness of the Synoptic Gospels with almost no regard for the Gospel of John. The witness of John shows that the historical Jesus was also concerned with the matter of purity, of cleansing people from things like diseases, demonic forces, and even death. Blomberg’s book paints a picture of Jesus worth placing alongside others—Jesus the Purifier.”

Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Everyone reads the Bible through their own cultural framework. It just so happens that Westerners do so through an individualist one, which is foreign to the collectivist worldview of the biblical authors. Richards and James argue winsomely that understanding social values such as patronage, honor, and shame will make us better readers of the Bible. Their book should be on every hermeneutics reading list!”