Kirjahaku

Scholars have long debated over the authorship and significance of the Pastoral Epistles-1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. From authorship by Paul himself to authorship by persons unknown writing in the spirit of Paul, the range of scholarly opinion is wide and varied. David Ackerman sifts through these differences and emerges with a well-informed perspective of his own. He expertly takes the reader beyond the debate to the timeless and transgenerational message of these canonical treasures.As with all New Beacon Bible Commentaries, this volume includes not only the helpful critical resources intrinsic to every commentary but also the skilled insights of an expert biblical interpreter.Engaging, perceptive, and academically thorough, the New Beacon Bible Commentary will expand your understanding and deepen your appreciation of the meaning and message of each book of the Bible.Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, this indispensable commentary provides pastors, professional scholars, teachers, and Bible students with a critical, relevant, and inspiring interpretation of the Word of God in the 21st century.

Many readers may agree with Peter in his second epistle, that Paul's letters are "hard to understand" and easily distort (3:15-16, NIV). But as David Ackerman in this latest Reading and Interpreting the Bible volume expertly shows, a proper approach to interpretation will yield rich rewards. Ackerman introduces readers to the social world of Paul, his life, and his mission. The reader learns about competing religions, the structure of ancient letters, rhetorical devices, and the pastoral purposes of Paul's writing. With clear explanations and illustrations using challenging texts, the reader is equipped with the tools needed to separate the timeless from the time-bound and to bridge the gap between Paul's world and ours. Reading the Bible with understanding is challenging. Without sound guidance, making sense of the different literary types, settings, and cultures found in the Scriptures can be overwhelming. The Reading and Interpreting the Bible Series opens the door to a proper and accessible method of biblical interpretation. Each volume concentrates on a specific literary type found in the Bible, highlighting its features and function. Social, political, and religious settings are examined, and a critical analysis of the biblical text brings to light its message and relevance for today. Readers will find in these volumes numerous illustrations of how to interpret specific texts, which can be used as a pattern for individual or group Bible studies.

Although Paul used language similar to the religions and cultures of his time, he had a unique understanding of the ""mystery"" of God. The once-hidden plan of God was revealed and fulfilled in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Saul of Tarsus experienced a fundamental change when he encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. This vision gave him new direction and purpose and profoundly changed his understanding of God's plan for humanity. Paul often uses the phrase ""in Christ"" or its variations to describe this plan. Being in Christ results in transformation into Christ's likeness of holiness and love through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Those in Christ form a new community that crosses ethnic barriers, is bound together in fellowship with the Triune God, and fulfills its purpose of holiness before him. Paul's answer to the struggles people face is simple: when one is united with Christ by dying to the old self and committing to his supremacy, one will find victory over any force opposed to us in this world. This book explores one of the most profound claims in the New Testament that demands a response of its readers. ""Transformation in Christ is a shining example of solid scholarship with an ecclesial purpose. Ackerman provides us with a well-researched and very accessible Pauline theology, which paints a picture of Paul's journey of transformation and his challenge to believers to embrace the now revealed divine mystery of the Spirit-filled, new life in Christ. This book is fitting for the student, the pastor, and the laity, for all those desiring to understand Paul better and to live a life of holiness and wholeness in Christ."" --Rob A. Fringer, Nazarene Theological College ""In these pages, Ackerman leads us step by step through the intricacies of scholarly discussions--expressed in accessible language--to an understanding of what it means to be in Christ that both incorporates and goes beyond these cognitive elements to matters of the heart."" --Darin H. Land, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary David A. Ackerman is a minister in the Church of the Nazarene, education specialist in Asia-Pacific, adjunct professor at various international colleges and seminaries, and author of 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus (2016) in the New Beacon Bible Commentary series and Lo, I Tell You a Mystery (2006).

Nazarene higher education faces many new opportunities and challenges around the world. Old paradigms and methods are proving inadequate to reach a rapidly changing world. Theological education is part of this change. For several centuries, the predominant mode of theological education was for students to sit in classrooms and listen to lectures. Although there is value in this time-tested method, the changing learning environment demands creative rethinking of our educational methods. For example, the rise of technology has significantly changed the ability to access information. What used to be found only in libraries or from experts can now be accessed on a cell phone. Those born after 1990 have had access to technology that previous generations could not even imagine. The majority of the world now has access to mobile technology or the internet.These new challenges require new methods. This book begins by looking at the reason for theological education. We must know the "why" before we explore the "what" or the "how." The authors are convinced that God is doing something new in, through, and even outside the church. The same Creator who spoke the universe into existence is stirring new and creative ideas in order to reach the world of today with the Good News of Jesus Christ. This book represents a new optimism fueled by Spirit-led imagination. God is doing a new movement around the world.