Michael J Gorman

An engaging theological commentary on 1 Corinthians that emphasizes practical applications for Christian life and ministry Authored by renowned New Testament scholar Michael J. Gorman, this commentary is designed for pastors, students, scholars, and lay people who want a careful exposition of 1 Corinthians that stresses its theological content and considers its spiritual, pastoral, and missional implications for today. As Gorman leads readers through the biblical text, he explores key Pauline themes found in his previous work on Paul while he interprets 1 Corinthians as a pastoral letter about the marks of the church--a summons to the body of Christ then and now to be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Like Gorman's highly regarded commentary on Romans, this commentary on 1 Corinthians emphasizes the letter's practical applications and includes questions for reflection and sidebars on important topics, all of which make it an essential resource for teaching and preaching at any level.

This study explores the relationship between the individual person (the self), the divine, and other people in the writings of the apostle Paul and the Roman Stoic Epictetus. It does so by examining self-involving actions expressed with reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, etc.) in various kinds of sentences: for example, "Examine yourself" and "You do not belong to yourself." After situating the topic within the fields of linguistics and ancient Greek, the study then examines the reflexive constructions in Epictetus's Discourses, showing that reflexive texts express fundamental aspects of his ethic of rational self-interest in imitation of the indwelling rational deity. Next, the investigation examines the 109 reflexive constructions in Paul, providing an exegesis of each reflexive text and then synthesizing the results. Paul's reflexive phrases are essential statements of his theology and ethics, expressing an interconnected narrative Christology, narrative apostolic identity, and narrative ethic. Most importantly, the study finds that for Epictetus, concern for others is a rational means to self-realization, whereas for Paul, concern for others is a community ethic grounded in the story of the indwelling Christ and is the antithesis of self-interest.

This study explores the relationship between the individual person (the self), the divine, and other people in the writings of the apostle Paul and the Roman Stoic Epictetus. It does so by examining self-involving actions expressed with reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, etc.) in various kinds of sentences: for example, "Examine yourself" and "You do not belong to yourself." After situating the topic within the fields of linguistics and ancient Greek, the study then examines the reflexive constructions in Epictetus's Discourses, showing that reflexive texts express fundamental aspects of his ethic of rational self-interest in imitation of the indwelling rational deity. Next, the investigation examines the 109 reflexive constructions in Paul, providing an exegesis of each reflexive text and then synthesizing the results. Paul's reflexive phrases are essential statements of his theology and ethics, expressing an interconnected narrative Christology, narrative apostolic identity, and narrative ethic. Most importantly, the study finds that for Epictetus, concern for others is a rational means to self-realization, whereas for Paul, concern for others is a community ethic grounded in the story of the indwelling Christ and is the antithesis of self-interest.

"Above all, Romans is a letter about Spirit-enabled participation and transformation in Christ and his story, and thus in the mission of God in the world." This commentary engages the letter to the Romans as Christian scripture and highlights the Pauline themes for which Michael Gorman is best known--participation and transformation, cruciformity and new life, peace and justice, community and mission. With extensive introductions both to the apostle Paul and to the letter itself, Gorman provides the needed background on Paul's first-century context before proceeding into the rich theological landscape of the biblical text. In line with Paul's focus on Christian living, Gorman interprets Romans at a consistently practical level, highlighting the letter's significance for Christian theology, for daily life, and for pastoral ministry. Questions for reflection and sidebars on important concepts make this especially useful for those preparing to preach or teach from Romans--the "epistle of life," as Gorman calls it, for its extraordinary promise that, through faith, we "might walk in newness of life" with Christ.

Envisioning cruciform community built on resurrection hope After Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, he turned from coercion and violence to a ministry centered on the hope of Christ's resurrection. In earthly terms, Paul had traded power for weakness. But--as he explained in his subsequent letters--this "weakness" was actually the key to flourishing community that is able to experience God's transformation, restoration, and healing. What would it mean for pastors today to take seriously Paul's exhortation in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to "imitate me as I imitate Christ" and lead their congregations in this way? Instead of drawing leadership principles and practices from the worlds of business, education, and politics--which tend to orient churches around institutional power and image maintenance--Timothy Gombis follows Paul in resisting the influence of the "present evil age" by making cruciformity the operating principle of the church. Gombis guides the reader through practices and patterns that can lead a congregation past a focus on individual salvation, toward becoming instead a site of resurrection power on earth.

World-renowned scholar Michael Gorman presents a straightforward approach to the complex task of biblical exegesis. This third edition of Gorman's widely used and trusted textbook (over 60,000 copies sold) has been thoroughly updated and revised to reflect developments in the academy and the classroom over the past decade. The new edition explains recent developments in theological interpretation and explores missional and non-Western readings of the biblical text. Adaptable for students in various settings, it includes clear explanations, practical hints, suggested exercises, and sample papers.

Top-notch biblical scholars from around the world and from various Christian traditions offer a fulsome yet readable introduction to the Bible and its interpretation. The book concisely introduces the Old and New Testaments and related topics and examines a wide variety of historical and contemporary interpretive approaches, including African, African-American, Asian, and Latino streams. Contributors include N. T. Wright, M. Daniel Carroll R., Stephen Fowl, Joel Green, Michael Holmes, Edith Humphrey, Christopher Rowland, and K. K. Yeo, among others. Questions for reflection and discussion, an annotated bibliography, and a glossary are included.

Peter stands at the beginning of Christian theology. Christianity's central confessions regarding the person of Jesus, the cross, salvation, the inclusive nature of the people of God, and the end of all things come to us through the apostle who was not only the church's leader but also its first theologian. Peter is the apostle for the whole church and the whole church resonates with his theology. We sing his song, though we may not have glanced at the bottom of the page in the hymnbook to see who wrote the words and composed the tune. Peter is the "lost boy" of Christian theology, a person overlooked as a theological innovator and pillar, but his rightful place is at the head of the table. If we look closely, however, we may recognize that he has been seated there all along.

Peter stands at the beginning of Christian theology. Christianity's central confessions regarding the person of Jesus, the cross, salvation, the inclusive nature of the people of God, and the end of all things come to us through the apostle who was not only the church's leader but also its first theologian. Peter is the apostle for the whole church and the whole church resonates with his theology. We sing his song, though we may not have glanced at the bottom of the page in the hymnbook to see who wrote the words and composed the tune. Peter is the "lost boy" of Christian theology, a person overlooked as a theological innovator and pillar, but his rightful place is at the head of the table. If we look closely, however, we may recognize that he has been seated there all along.

World-renowned scholar Michael Gorman examines the important Pauline theme of participation in Christ and explores its contemporary significance for Christian life and ministry. One of the themes Gorman explores is what he calls "resurrectional cruciformity"--that participating in Christ is simultaneously dying and rising with him and that cross-shaped living, infused with the life of the resurrected Lord, is life giving. Throughout the book, Gorman demonstrates the centrality of participating in Christ for Paul's theology and spirituality.

One can hardly ignore the significance of suffering in Paul's letters. Respected scholars (e.g., Scott Hafemann, Christiaan Beker, and Ann Jervis) have demonstrated the indispensable role of suffering in Paul's teaching. Despite that, the topic does not often ""hit the headlines"" in Pauline studies. Meanwhile, Christians around the world testify to the encouragement and comfort Paul gives them in times of pain and distress. The purpose of this book is to arouse interest in Pauline scholarship on the topic and provide a resource for educators, theological students, and thoughtful pastors. New Testament scholars in five countries across three continents contribute to this volume. They study the texts, intertexts, and the language of suffering in Paul. They explore the notion of participation in Christ's suffering and glory, and examine the significance of identity formation and solidarity in the Christ community. In addition, the authors reflect on the implications for the church today from different social locations and cultural backgrounds. The result is an exegetical and critical reflection that invites the church to seriously engage with Paul on the topic. Contributors: Sunny Chen, Roy Ciampa, Timothy Gombis, Sanyu Iralu, Haley Goranson Jacob, Kar Yong Lim, David Starling, Sean Winter, Siu Fung Wu, and Xiaxia Xue. ""In a world awash with people and communities adrift, broken and degraded by suffering, we need this book. This international gathering of faithful Christian scholars looks deeply into Paul's writings and heart to find wisdom--and there they find Christ and his people who enter into the fellowship of his sufferings . . . To anyone who asks 'Why' or who cries 'How long, oh Lord', these authors sing out, 'Tolle lege; tolle lege.'"" --Gene L. Green, NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community ""This fresh exploration of the many facets of Paul's views on suffering is marked by its diversity of scholarship and its willingness to ask what this meant and what it means today. Insightful and rich, it is a valuable addition to any scholar interested in Paul or the nature of suffering "" --Beth M. Stovell, Ambrose University, Canada ""Siu Fung Wu is to be congratulated on gathering a group of Christian scholars from a range of contexts to address the underexplored theme of suffering in the writings of Paul. The outcome is a rich resource that enables us to hear Paul's language of suffering as it resonates with the lived experience and faith of different parts of Christ's Body."" --George Wieland, Carey Baptist College and Graduate School, New Zealand ""Suffering in Paul . . . offers substantial biblical and theological reflection on the relation of suffering, glory, and being in Christ in Paul's writings. It brings unique perspectives of minorities, where suffering is part of the normal Christian life. The rich diversity and Biblical scholarship of its writers invites a deep conversation with majority world, indigenous, and migrant Christians who have much to offer to those of us consumed by 'first world problems.'"" --Jill Firth and Len Firth, Ridley College, Australia Siu Fung Wu is Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Whitley College and Honorary Research Associate at University of Divinity, Australia. He received his MPhil from Trinity College, University of Bristol, UK, and PhD from University of Divinity. He was a factory worker in East Asia and a software developer in Australia before becoming a pastor in an inner-city church. He also worked in aid and development. He is the author of Suffering in Romans (Pickwick, 2015).

The Pauline letters bear witness to the prominent role that suffering played both in the life of Paul and in the lives of the communities to whom he writes. Startlingly, Paul does not express alarm or frustration at suffering’s presence, but instead identifies it as an essential and defining feature for faithful Christ-followers. Paul grounds his account of suffering in the concept of “participation with Christ.” This book explores the connection forged between suffering and participation by engaging in close readings of texts, resourcing letters usually dismissed because of doubts about authenticity, and pulling together an overall characterization of “Paul’s thought” on the basis of common patterns of reference that emerge. Utilizing a tripartite reading strategy of “exegesis,” “canon,” and “theology” offers nuance for and yields fresh insight into a central Pauline motif.

The Gospel of John would seem to be both the "spiritual Gospel" and a Gospel that promotes Christian mission. Some interpreters, however, have found John to be the product of a sectarian community that promotes a very narrow view of Christian mission and advocates neither love of neighbor nor love of enemy. In this book for both the academy and the church, Michael Gorman argues that John has a profound spirituality that is robustly missional, and that it can be summarized in the paradoxical phrase "Abide and go," from John 15. Disciples participate in the divine love and life, and therefore in the life-giving mission of God manifested in the ministry and death of Jesus. As God's children, disciples become more and more like this missional God as they become like his Son by the work of the Spirit. This spirituality, argues Gorman, can be called missional theosis. "Michael Gorman's book is a major step forward in contemporary Johannine scholarship. Its strength lies in Professor Gorman's focus upon the all-important 'other' in the Gospel: God. Once the dynamism of the relationship between Jesus and the Father is established, the central role of what he calls a 'missional spirituality' emerges with great clarity . . . This is a much needed book, appearing on the scene at a critical time in the history of Johannine scholarship." --Francis J. Moloney, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne "In this stimulating volume, Michael Gorman unpacks what the Fourth Gospel says about mission and missional spirituality. Through a careful exposition of missional hermeneutics, judicious exegesis, and an impressive handle of theological literature--both ancient and modern--Gorman makes a compelling case for what the lens of 'missional theosis' can contribute to our understanding of John's spirituality. This book will prove useful to conversations in both the academy and the church." --Christopher W. Skinner, Loyola University Chicago "This book from the prolific Gorman is a pioneering study of spirituality and mission in the Gospel of John under the single heading 'missional theosis.' It is refreshing, illuminating, and creative. With meticulous research, a broad theological scope, and practical implications for the Church, this book is challenging, accessible, and practical." --C. Bennema, Union School of Theology "Having successfully demonstrated the value of exploring the relationship among theology, spiritual formation, and mission in Paul's letters, Michael Gorman now fittingly turns to John. With his usual flair, Gorman provides a fresh and illuminating reading of how, in its own distinctive fashion, this Gospel too presents a spirituality of participation in both the divine life and the divine mission in the world. What is more, integral to this work is its reflection on how such a spirituality might be embodied in contemporary local communities." --Andrew T. Lincoln, University of Gloucestershire Michael J. Gorman holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He is the author of numerous books, including The Death of the Messiah and the Birth of the New Covenant, Reading Revelation Responsibly, and Reading Paul (all from Cascade), as well as Becoming the Gospel: Paul, Participation, and Mission.

The Gospel of John would seem to be both the ""spiritual Gospel"" and a Gospel that promotes Christian mission. Some interpreters, however, have found John to be the product of a sectarian community that promotes a very narrow view of Christian mission and advocates neither love of neighbor nor love of enemy. In this book for both the academy and the church, Michael Gorman argues that John has a profound spirituality that is robustly missional, and that it can be summarized in the paradoxical phrase ""Abide and go,"" from John 15. Disciples participate in the divine love and life, and therefore in the life-giving mission of God manifested in the ministry and death of Jesus. As God's children, disciples become more and more like this missional God as they become like his Son by the work of the Spirit. This spirituality, argues Gorman, can be called missional theosis. ""Michael Gorman's book is a major step forward in contemporary Johannine scholarship. Its strength lies in Professor Gorman's focus upon the all-important 'other' in the Gospel: God. Once the dynamism of the relationship between Jesus and the Father is established, the central role of what he calls a 'missional spirituality' emerges with great clarity . . . This is a much needed book, appearing on the scene at a critical time in the history of Johannine scholarship."" --Francis J. Moloney, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne ""In this stimulating volume, Michael Gorman unpacks what the Fourth Gospel says about mission and missional spirituality. Through a careful exposition of missional hermeneutics, judicious exegesis, and an impressive handle of theological literature--both ancient and modern--Gorman makes a compelling case for what the lens of 'missional theosis' can contribute to our understanding of John's spirituality. This book will prove useful to conversations in both the academy and the church."" --Christopher W. Skinner, Loyola University Chicago ""This book from the prolific Gorman is a pioneering study of spirituality and mission in the Gospel of John under the single heading 'missional theosis.' It is refreshing, illuminating, and creative. With meticulous research, a broad theological scope, and practical implications for the Church, this book is challenging, accessible, and practical."" --C. Bennema, Union School of Theology ""Having successfully demonstrated the value of exploring the relationship among theology, spiritual formation, and mission in Paul's letters, Michael Gorman now fittingly turns to John. With his usual flair, Gorman provides a fresh and illuminating reading of how, in its own distinctive fashion, this Gospel too presents a spirituality of participation in both the divine life and the divine mission in the world. What is more, integral to this work is its reflection on how such a spirituality might be embodied in contemporary local communities."" --Andrew T. Lincoln, University of Gloucestershire Michael J. Gorman holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He is the author of numerous books, including The Death of the Messiah and the Birth of the New Covenant, Reading Revelation Responsibly, and Reading Paul (all from Cascade), as well as Becoming the Gospel: Paul, Participation, and Mission.

THIS COMPREHENSIVE, WIDELY USED TEXT by Michael Gorman presents a theologically focused, historically grounded interpretation of the apostle Paul and raises significant questions for engaging Paul today. After providing substantial background information on Paul's world, career, letters, gospel, spirituality, and theology, Gorman covers in full detail each of the thirteen Pauline epistles. Enhancing the text are questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter as well as numerous photos, maps, and tables throughout. The new introduction in this second edition helpfully situates the book within current approaches to Paul. Gorman also brings the conversation up-to-date with major recent developments in Pauline studies and devotes greater attention to themes of participation, transformation, resurrection, justice, and peace.

The first detailed exegetical treatment of Paul's letters from the emerging discipline of missional hermeneutics, Michael Gorman's Becoming the Gospel argues that Paul's letters invite Christian communities both then and now to not merely believe the gospel but to become the gospel and, in doing so, to participate in the life and mission of God.Showing that Pauline churches were active public participants in and witnesses to the gospel, Gorman reveals the missional significance of various themes in Paul's letters. He also identifies select contemporary examples of mission in the spirit of Paul, inviting all Christians to practice Paul-inspired imagination in their own contexts.