Product Overview
The Epistles to Colossians and to Philemon / Hardcover / Author: James D.G. Dunn
ISBN: 9780853645719
- Publisher : Send The Light (May 1, 1996)
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 085364571X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0853645719
- Item Weight : 1.54 pounds
Paul's Epistle to the Colossians merits detailed study for at least two reasons. First, it provides an unexpectedly interesting window into the character of Christianity in Asia Minor in the second half of the first century. With the information it gives about the religious tensions within which emergent Christianity was caught up, not least those between Christianity and diaspora Judaism, we begin to gain more insight into the influences and factors that shaped the transition from apostolic to subapostolic Christianity in the region. Second, Colossians represents a crucial stage in the development of Pauline theology itself. Whether it was written at the end of Paul's life or soon after his death, it indicates how Pauline theology retained its own vital character and did not die with Paul.
In this volume in the celebrated New International Greek Testament Commentary, James D. G. Dunn, author of numerous well-received works on the historical origin and theological interpretation of the New Testament, provides detailed expositions of the text of Paul's letters to the Colossians and to Philemon.
Dunn examines each of these letters within the context of the Jewish and Hellenistic cultures in the first century, and discusses the place of Colossians and Philemon in the relationship between the Pauline mission and the early churches that received these letters. Particular stress is also placed on the role of faith in Jesus Christ within and over against Judaism and on the counsel of these two important letters with regard to the shaping of human relationships in the community of faith.
"Up-to-date and well-informed expositions. James Dunn has developed into one of the best interpreters of the Pauline epistles. His positions on introductory and exegetical matters are solid and clearly argued, and his coverage of the secondary literature is impressive. One can learn a good deal about exegetical relevance from Dunn's Pauline commentaries."
"His commentaries reflect his careful attention to detail, his unusual ability to identify ancient parallels, and a keen insights into modern-day applications. It is a commentary characterized by careful exegesis of the Greek text, yet it is presented in language that is not beyond the grasp of the average minister. Even the footnotes are concise and not highly technical. In spirit of the number and variety of NT commentaries now available, this recent series, and this volume in particular, make a valuable contribution."
"The content of the commentary reflects first-rate scholarship."
"This commentary will take its place among the best on these two New Testament books."
"A serious academic commentary on the Greek text. A balanced study, carefully weighing alternatives."