Following the Holy Fathers

First repaid loan

2008-06-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Its pretty exciting to find out today that my first KIVA loan has been fully repaid. If you are unfamiliar with KIVA, its a great organization that facilitates loans to those throughout the world in order to break the cycle of poverty. Subgroup A of group Tuwezeshane from Tanzania repaid their loan in only six months. Since its actually a loan, my investment has been returned, and I was able to loan it out again to Thuo Chan Rong in Cambodia, who operates a grocery store. If you haven't yet, check out KIVA.org and make a loan (as little as $25) to break third world poverty.

Baptism in Boston

2008-05-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

I just returned after spending a week on the northshore of Boston. It was great to back in New England, visiting friends, attending GCTS' graduation, and most important, being present for Ainsley's baptism at Christ Church. If I get around to it, I will add more about the trip's highlights. But for now, this picture of Ainsley and I will suffice.

Some thoughts on applying to doctoral programs

2008-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Beginning this fall, I will be attending Fordham University to embark on the long journey towards a PhD in Historical Theology. That said, I figured I ought to write down a few thoughts that have come to mind as I reflect on this unbelievably stressful process of applying to doctoral programs. For when I began this process, and admittedly, even well into it, I often struggled with the overwhelming feeling that I had no idea what I was doing and how to find the best fit for me. But along the way, I picked up helpful tidbits, and ultimately landed myself at my top choice... so perhaps this might be helpful. Finally, all of my efforts were geared towards finding the right patristics program for me, so keep that in mind if you are working in a different field than mine.

1. What kind of program are you looking for?
Probably the most fundamental question I had to ask was US or UK. While UK programs tend to be much shorter (no coursework), they also seem to cost more as I believe they aren't typically funded, and I still have my reservations about landing jobs back in the US afterward. Also, I really wanted the additional coursework as I still feel relatively new to patristics. Then, what kind of environment do you want to work in? I had an incredibly helpful conversation with Paul Kolbet at BC about the state of patristics studies and which options might be good for me. I had no desire to work in a highly competitive (read: back-stabbing) environment, which eliminated several. Another factor some will have to consider is where you (and/or your spouse) are willing to actually live. Another big factor for me was where do I ultimately want to teach because all programs will open some doors and close others. Figuring out all of this takes time. For me, I started during my graduate studies at GCTS and then spent the better part of a year looking at school websites, talking with professors and students, really thinking about what type of program I wanted to work in and, finally, what type of scholar did I want to become. My initial list began with over fifty schools, but little by little, shrank to the four I ultimately applied to: Notre Dame, Fordham, Marquette, and St. Louis. And I applied to Yale Divinity for an MAR as a backup.

2. Its all about the faculty
I can clearly remember Dr. Rosell's firm admonishment during our historiography course that when it came to selecting doctoral programs, school names counted for little, what mattered was 'who' was there. At the end of the day, you are looking for a professor who will be your advisor. So if a big name school doesn't have anyone in your specific field, why bother? During my studies at GCTS and my year of searching, whenever I came across someone who was doing exciting work in my field, I added them to a list. That way, when it came to patristic exegesis, I knew who was out there and where they were. As I narrowed the list, I made it a point to start reading their books and articles, because I feel like you can learn a lot about how they think and approach historical theology. The next step in my opinion is to establish some sort of connection with them. I used mostly email, though if you can catch them at a conference, chatting over coffee might help a ton. Of course, you will want to meet with them when you visit the campus, but I suggest getting started before that. Another incredibly helpful bit of advice I discovered is talk to current students. They will be a great resource when it comes to knowing what each professor is like as an advisor. Also, make sure whoever you want to work with is not about to leave on sabbatical or retire.

3. GRE Scores
First of all, let me state very clearly... I despise the GRE with every ounce of my being. Okay, now I may proceed. For better or worse, the GRE plays a pretty central role in being accepted, and typically getting financial aid as well. I used a study book, but if I had it to do over again, based on feedback from friends, I would have taken one of the courses by Kaplan or the like. Build your vocabulary as much as possible! Though I will say that even after completely memorizing all six sections in my study book, there were still four words on my exam that I had never even seen in my entire life. Go figure. Also, be careful about not studying for the math section. Some might tell you that only your verbal and writing count, but your program might be like Fordham, where even your math scores are factored into awarding financial aid. One last word of encouragement, your GRE scores aren't everything. Mine were certainly not what I had hoped to get, and from what I had heard from the Director of the Graduate program at Fordham, they weren't even high enough for acceptance, but I still made it in. I know of another student who told me he 'bombed' and still made it into BC. So there are other mitigating factors, but still... study your ass off!

4. Visiting
I'll make this short and sweet. Visiting schools is a wonderful idea. Try to meet with the professors you are interested in (but as I said earlier, establish contact prior to this), several different students in the program (even if its just to grab their emails for questions later), and the director of the graduate program (as they can help you understand a lot of the nuts and bolts of the program).

5. Statement of Intent
As I came to understand it, the goal is to explain why their program would be a great fit for you. I tried to briefly outline my research interests, some of the work I've done in the area, things that were appealing about their program, and what my future goals are. Each of mine were one page, so precision was important.

6. Lots of prayer
Not to sound trite, but for me, applying to doctoral programs has been apart of pursuing what have I sensed to be my calling. Even with such a strong conviction that this was the Lord's will, there was still a lot of doubt and discouragement along the way. In the end, prayer played a significant role in continually strengthening me for each new day. And thus, I end with this prayer for you:

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fordham University - Updated

2008-03-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

After much prayer and counsel, I have made my decision to pursue my PhD in Historical Theology at Fordham. While the idea of studying at Yale Divinity was very enticing, the fact remains that Fordham was, and is, my top choice. I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to work with the phenomenal patristics faculty at Fordham. I also want to thank you for your prayers and encouragement along the way. This has certainly been a humbling and stretching journey. Also, in case you were wondering, my next big adventure will be presenting my first paper at the Pacific Northwest AAR/SBL meeting in early May on Second Clement's reading of Isaiah.

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

YDS

2008-03-13T16:44:00.001-07:00

I just received news today that I have been accepted to Yale Divinity School! It was one of the five schools that I had applied to, but unlike the others (which were all PhDs in Historical Theology), this is for a MA in Religion (History of Christianity concentration) along with a Certificate in Anglican Studies. This particular program is incredibly appealing for me because it enables me to continue in my patristics as well as satisfy my 'Anglican year' should I ultimately pursue priesthood. I am still awaiting responses from the other programs, but I am very excited about the possibility of attending Yale.

Walla Walla Wine Country

2008-03-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Troy, Betty, Dustin, Marie, and myself made our first pilgrimage to Walla Walla wine country. And what a weekend it was! Three days, twelve wineries, and seventy-four wines later (at least that was my personal tally), I think its fair to say we all have much more developed palates. Which is a good thing because that was our sole objective: increase our knowledge of wine so we better know whats out there and what we each like. (right, the crew at Kiona)

I was a little anxious as we headed east because I was in charge of planning our itinerary, but I had some great input from my parents and our friend, Jacky. Though, with a better grasp now of whats in Walla Walla, its pretty hard not to find great wineries. So a brief summary of our adventure... On friday morning, Marie, Dustin, and I all piled into my car for the long drive ahead (troy and betty would join us late that evening). Our first stop was actually in Richland at Barnard Griffin. Then we proceeded east, stopping at Woodward Canyon and L’Ecole No 41 just outside of town. After that we checked into the Holiday Inn Express, grabbed some dinner at the MillCreek Beerpub, and then hit the pool and hot tub when Troy and Betty caught up to us.

Saturday morning began fairly early with our heading out to Pepperbridge, followed by a stop at the joint tasting room of Trust and Chateau Rollat. Then we headed down to Milton-Freewater to visit Otis Kenyon, which was the unanimous highlight of the trip. I had emailed Muriel, the head of sales, at OK beforehand to schedule a visit since they do not yet have a tasting room. After driving up the gravel driveway, past the sketchy-looking house neighboring OK, Muriel greeted us with a big smile and took us into the converted appleshed which now houses their barrels. It was such a great atmosphere (above right, the crew while tasting amongst the barrels). We also met Dreux the assistant winemaker (whos been working with winemaker Dave Stephenson, and is taking a much more active role in the newer vintages). The two of then were absolutely fantastic and super friendly! And if there was such a proverb about the quality of people translating into the quality of their wine, it would certainly be true at OK. Their 05 Merlot and 05 Syrah were voted by our little party to be the favorites of the entire weekend. Dreux was also gracious enough to let us sample his unfinished Reisling, which was quite an experience for us and very enjoyable as well.

After Otis Kenyon, we took Muriel's advice at stopped at the Ice Burg drive-in for lunch. Then we continued on to Forgeron, and finally arrived at Seven Hills. It was a long day of wine tasting and by the time we made it to the last wines at Seven Hills (left, enjoying their tasting room), our palates were all struggling. We spent the rest of the afternoon back at the hotel taking it easy, and I was able to get into my most recent book, Reading the Old Testament with the Ancient Church by Heine. For dinner we hit up the bar at 26 Brix, which we had heard such great things about. Honestly, we weren't super impressed, but there were a couple tasty things there.

While we had entertained the idea of catching the 8am service at St Paul's Episcopal on Sunday morning, daylight savings stole our sleep and any chance to getting up that early. After our final breakfast at the hotel, we made our way out to the old Airport which has a number of wineries. We stopped at Cougar Crest after finding Tamarack mysteriously closed (must have missed the time change), and then after finding two other closed wineries, we headed back through town to Reininger, where they offered twelve wines to taste... not bad at all! We also made a quick stop at L'Ecole again so Troy and Betty could taste a couple of their wines. This brought our time in Walla Walla to a close, but our wine adventure wasn't done yet. We made another stop at Barnard Griffin, and our final destination (which took quite a few wrongs turns before we made it) was Kiona in Benton City.

As I look back on this weekend, I believe our trip was quite a success, both in terms of fun and great wines! Oh, and how could I not also share my absolute favorites of the weekend. In no particular order, my top picks were L'Ecole 41's 2005 Perigee, Otis Kenyon's 2005 Syrah and Merlot, Trust's 2005 Cab, Chateaux Rollat's 2005 Cab, Seven Hills 2005 Pentad (right, Dustin and I partaking), and Reiniger's 2002 Cima. Since many of these were simply out of my price range, my other favorites that I was able to bring home included Barnard Griffin's 2007 Rose of Sangiovese (great summer wine!), the two from Otis Kenyon, Cougar Crest's Dedication One, and Kiona's Vivacious Vicky Rose and their Late Harvest Riesling. I hope that before I head off to school in the fall, I will be able to make one more trek out there, so until then...

Democracy in action

2008-02-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

Throughout my life, I have always had a fondness for politics. Engaging the issues, arguing for one's beliefs, and ultimately making a difference in the world around us are all important for me. So today I took the opportunity to support my presidential candidate at the WA democratic caucus. Being my first caucus, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a fun experience. The turnout was incredible. They said they had split our caucus site into three different locations to accommodate projected turnout, and we still absolutely packed out the junior high cafeteria (which, as a side note, was quite a stroll down memory lane as I attended that school years ago).

When we were finally convened, we nominated a precinct captain as we did not have one, and then commenced our preliminary vote tally. After the first round, we had fourteen for Clinton, twelve for Obama, and one undecided, which using the formula given for assigning delegates gave two to each candidate. Now it was time for discussion and debate. Some were concerned about the conservative hatred of Clinton and how it might bog down any legislative agenda, while others feared that Obama is not experienced enough. Some honestly hadn't really made up their mind and thus came to hear what others had to say. Myself and others made our case for Obama as best we could. Then we had the opportunity to change our preference, and the new tally had seventeen for Obama, eleven for Clinton, and no undecideds. Unfortunately, even with winning over three Clinton supporters, the one undecided, and one that hadn't voted the first time, we were still one shy of getting Obama the third delegate! But I still consider it a victory for Obama. I was also nominated to be an alternate delegate to the next legislative council should one of our delegates not be able to make it. It was hard to tell, but I think we were one of the first precincts to finish. So thats the gist of my first caucus experience. It was definitely worthwhile and fun, and I look forward to seeing the final results from the state. (Update: Obama won with 68% and actually carried every county in the state)

Accepting his challenge

2008-02-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

One of the most formative books I have encountered is the Intellectual Life by Sertillanges. There is so much that I could comment on in this little red book, which has provided for me a manifesto of the life I seek to live. But for tonight, I shall limit myself to one passage. In discussing 'what things are to be remembered' he writes, "Nicole suggests to the religious man 'to learn by heart various psalms and texts of Holy Scripture, in order to sanctify the memory by these divine words.' It is a way of setting the seal on the heavenly vocation common to all of us, and of facilitating our effort after good. Nowadays very few people understand such advice. A man will declaim long passages from Virgil, Racine, Musset, who would be hard put to it to recite a psalm, who does not know his Angelus, his Salve Regina, his Te Deum, or Magnificat. That is evidently out of order. What is riveted in our mind by memory has more effect on us; a Catholic must desire that effect to be greatest with regard to what enlivens his faith. It would help me so much if he could from time to time during the day or when occasion arises repeat to himself forms of words full of Christian faith and devotion!" (177-178).

When I first read this, I was honestly convicted. For as much as I have taken the plunge into liturgical faith and the pursuit of the intellectual life, memorization of the Scriptures and the great texts of the Church has been absent. Also, since taking this past year off from school, I have been working as a hotel valet which entails much standing around and little intellectual exertion (and the nature of my work precludes any reading). So I have been resolved of late to accept Sertillanges' challenge and devote myself to committing the deep treasures of our faith to memory. The main source for my endeavor has been the morning prayer rites in the BCP. Last week, I mastered the Te Deum from Rite I, and now I am working on the Magnificat out of Rite II. It has certainly been enriching thus far, and I look forward to its long-term impact on my devotional life.

However, since I am still new to the Anglican tradition, I am interested in hearing from some liturgical veterans on whether either wording might be ultimately more beneficial in worship contexts. Or should I simply cowboy up and memorize both? :)

Heaven in a glass...

2008-01-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

As we celebrated my dad's birthday last night at Daniel's Broiler on Lake Union, I was once again able to partake of some fantastic wines. For dinner we brought a 1970 Mouton Rothchild and our last 1966 BV-GDL (which we had for my birthday as well). I will hopefully post fuller reviews of these two on my wine journal shortly, but for now, I will just say... delicious. We were also very thankful for the incredible service at Daniel's, especially from Eric, a manager/sommelier, who has risen to the challenge of opening decades old bottles with incredible skill every time.

Now, for dessert, my mom and I both love a good sauternes, but their sauternes by the glass is extremely limited (to one!), which we had last time and it wasn't very memorable (it was a 2004(?) Coutet). So we splurged and opted for their last bottle of 1983 Chateau Rieussec. While I have yet to enjoy a Y'quem, this was undoubtedly the best sauternes I have ever had! It was heavenly, rich with apricot and honey, and it just lingered on and on. Did you notice its color in my glass? Beautiful. Alas, it eventually ended and the bottle was empty, but it is certainly an experience I will long remember!

Its finally here

2008-01-03T18:18:00.001-08:00

I have been preparing for this for a while now, but this week I finally submitted the first two applications for doctoral programs. These next few months will be very interesting to see what doors open up for me. In case you're wondering, I'm applying to Notre Dame, Fordham, St. Louis, Marquette, generally in the field of historical theology. I'm also applying for a MA in Religion at Yale Divinity, which would enable me to spend another two years doing patristics and also get in my 'Anglican' year if I decide to pursue priesthood.

As I mentioned previously, I visited St. Louis and Fordham earlier in December. I have had a mixed bag of experiences visiting schools stretching back to checking out undergraduate programs in high school, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. Thankfully, it was an incredibly worthwhile trip and I have a much better picture of what these two programs have to offer. I especially enjoyed being able to interact with other doctoral students and pick their brains about the pros and cons of their experiences. At this point, I will just wait and see what doors open up and which, if any, programs want me.

I also just recently completed (at least part one of) my paper on Second Clement's reading of Isaiah. Since I am still very new to patristic exegesis I hope to present it at a conference or two this spring and get some feedback. I think I have some worthwhile things to say, but its always helpful to see which arguments can be strengthened and which ones are just out to lunch! :) Other than that, I've just been working as a valet at the Heathman Hotel, which I can't complain too much because december was a very good month.

So hollywood, eh?

2007-12-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

I honestly cannot believe I am actually writing about this, but out of a strange sense of whatever, I thought I would highlight something that happened today. This afternoon I ever so briefly met Matthew McConaughey. Kind of a random encounter, but hey, I've never met a hollywood star before. And since I bet you are wondering, yes, my personal favorite movie of his is U-571. So there you have it, my tidbit of exciting news. That and I finally got back into my greek now that the GRE is over and done with. I'm going easy on myself and working through the Gospel of John.

A date with destiny

2007-11-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

So, while I have been dreading this for a while now, I finally registered for the GRE next thursday. I have been studying for a while now, but the clock is now officially ticking. This is the last big hurdle before applying to doctoral programs. I must confess that I have never been fond of tests, especially standardized ones. But I have studied my ass off and what I get is what I get. Though I still personally think the GRE is retarded. But you have to play the game. And I am also in the midst of planning a visit to two of the programs I am interested in for the week after the exam, so I will post any updates on that adventure.

UPDATE: Well, its all over now. I did fairly well, but not quite what I was hoping for. But thankfully, I believe it will be good enough for the programs I am interested in, thus I will most likely not have to take it again. I just finished visiting St. Louis University yesterday and am now currently in NYC getting ready to visit Fordham tomorrow. Once I get back on friday I will try to post a fuller review of the whole trip.

Small loans that change lives

2007-11-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard about it already, Kiva is an awesome organization that is changing lives and breaking the cycle of third world poverty. The more I have been reading about microlending and how it works through organizations like Kiva or Five Talents (an Anglican microlending initiative), I am excited to see what lies ahead. I think Kiva is particularly great because you are given the opportunity to lend to a specific person, see who else is on the team (others who lent money with you), and receive updates on how things are going. You can also see how the field partner is and how reliable their track record is. As in all things, accountibility is always helpful. Mother Beth also furnished me with the great idea of printing the pictures of those I contribute to so I can add them to my daily prayers.

All this to say, I noticed something today that is pretty cool. On Kiva's website, you used to be able to donate/lend as little as $25.00. But now, because of such high user interest, they are limiting donations to $25.00, so as many people as possible can participate. Anyways, I just wanted to share about such a great movement to change the world one life and one family at a time.

The Lord's Prayer

2007-10-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Therefore, when you see untrained and incompetent bishops, priests, or monks, do not curse, condemn, or rebuke them, but regard them as a horrible plague from God by means of which he punishes you and us all for not praying the Lord’s Prayer and for not asking him for our daily bread.
– Martin Luther, 1519

Have you been praying the Lord’s Prayer lately?

And another one...

2007-10-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

As I have ventured into Anglicanism, I have found a deep satisfaction in ordering my life around the liturgical calendar. I think it is wonderful to have seasons in which you participate in the great movement of the faithful through the year. For me, it makes everything more meaningful and provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on your life and spiritual pilgrimage. All that to say, this past weekend has been significant in my own personal liturgy as I celebrated my twenty-sixth birthday. Instead of being out and about, I decided to take a different tact. I spent much of it reflecting on my life and experiences of this past year. And as many of you know, this year has been... well, surreal. A year of vivid emotions across the spectrum. And broken promises. And yet, I put my trust in the Lord.

Praise to the Lord; who doth prosper thy way and defend thee; surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee; ponder anew what the Almighty can do, who with his love doth befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that hath life and breath come now with praises before him! Let the amen sound from his people again; gladly forever adore him.

What wonderful verses indeed! We sang this hymn (390) at St Dunstans this Sunday, and these verses really blessed me as I now look towards what the Lord has for me in the year to come. Now regarding a very different kind of worship experience, I must share about my birthday dinner! My parents were generous enough to take me to my favorite restaurant in the world, El Gaucho. Now I could blather on and on about how perfect the dinner was... and it was, but the wine was absolutely heavenly. We had a 1966 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve. Its nose was addictive to the point where I almost didn't want to drink it. Its certainly ranks as one of my all-time favorites. And for my final birthday treat, Troy, Betty, Marie, and I will be attending a wine-tasting class at Pete's Fine Wines in Bellevue tomorrow, which should be a ton of fun.

The Whirlwind of the Last Two Weeks

2007-10-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

I have now been trying to find enough time to write something for my blog for about two weeks now, and while it might not amount to much tonight, I'm at least doing something. All in all, these last two weeks have been crazy. Most of my life has been consumed by my new valet job at the Heathman Hotel in downtown Kirkland. We finally opened last tuesday and its been fun to be apart the whole adventure. Prior to the Hotel's opening, we were able to take advantage of our restaurant, Trellis, as they prepared to open. Along with the hotel, its a 'green' restaurant, and follows the 'from farm to table' dining philosophy. After only one week, its already taking off. And finally, we also have the Penterra Spa. As they also were getting ready to open, the hotel staff were able to schedule a free session. So after working a fairly crazy week after the grand opening, I was able to get a hot and cold stone massage. Definitely a nice way to finish off your week!

However, while I have been enjoying my new job, its not as important as what consumes my other free time. I am planning on applying to doctoral programs for next year, so I am madly studying for the GRE (which is the most ludicris measurement of a student's abilities), and working on a paper which investigates the influence of Isaiah on 2 Clement. I am hoping to get it finished soon, and possibly present it at the Northwest regional meeting of the SBL/AAR, and maybe even the next North American Patristics society conference. I've also been playing around with some other ideas which I hope to blog about soon, but we'll see.

PS for those who know me well, you'll be amazed at my new schedule. Yeah, its true, I now get up at 530 in the morning. Though I still think its rather ungodly...

The Girl of My Dreams

2007-09-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine created this for his sister and brother-in-law, and I think its simply wonderful.

An Evening of Fine Dining with Friends

2007-09-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

One of the things I wish I did more often is cooking. I am always sidetracked by the simplicity of a sandwich (primarily peanut butter and jelly). They are so easy and quick to make. Unfortunately, I have discovered I find my most ambition to create something more spectacular typically occurs when I am starving. Thus, I dream of preparing wonderful dishes while I sit down to enjoy my sandwich which took 37 seconds to prepare (add 2.6 seconds if I don't get the lid of the peanut butter on correctly the first time). Also, after living by myself for a year in boston, I have been well schooled in the difficult reality of cooking for one. All that to say, I was finally able to muster up enough ambition well in advance. So the whole point of this blog is to talk about the dinner I prepared tonight and how much we (being myself, troy, and betty) enjoyed it as well as each other's company.

It all began yesterday when I was randomly talking to my mom about how I wanted more cookbooks. I got the mother of all cookbooks, The Joy of Cooking, for Christmas this last year, but I find it almost overwhelming. I also have the better homes and gardens cookbook (thanks to sarah!), and while it provided me with my favorite quiche recipe, I haven't bonded well with it either. So when she was at the public library yesterday, my mom picked up Giada De Laurentiis' Everyday Italian for me. It is spectacular! There are so many recipes that I can't wait to make. So I picked up the phone and invited them to dinner.

For this first dinner, I decided to try the Beef and Cheese Manicotti for the main course. Then I wanted to make the Cheese and Rosemary breadsticks (plain old garlic bread gets boring). I picked out a number of other side dishes, but my mom warned me about being too ambitious. In the middle of all the preparation, I discovered how wise her advice truly was. I rounded the meal off with a caesar salad that I picked up at the grocery store. Next time I want to try the bell pepper salad and fried polenta. As I was making the manicotti, fear started to taunt me. What if it turned out bad? What if I do something wrong and they hate it? What if they never want to come back for my cooking again? The 'what ifs' were silenced by the simple reminder that I wont know until I try it. Just be careful and read the directions. Last but not least, Troy brought a nice pinot noir that went splendidly with the meal.

All the 'what ifs' evaporated as troy and betty gave me their feedback. Apparently, it was spot on. But I didn't just have to take their word for it. The manicotti and the breadsticks were just perfect. Then after dinner, we walked down to the dock and enjoyed the sunset, followed by retiring to the living room for dessert. I had prepared a combination of pears, french triple crème with crackers, and a 2005 Amavi Ice Wine Semillon. I was nervous because I had never picked out pears before, but they were delicious. And if you have ever had french triple crème cheese, I don't have to explain... you already know. The dessert was perfectly rounded out by the wine. It doesn't have the botrytis like sauternes, which is one of my absolute favorite things in the world. It was, nonetheless, very delicious.

I am not entirely sure why I am even writing about this, other than to say, if you haven't in a while, I encourage you to try cooking something new. Take a little extra time one day to prepare something a little more special than usual. Invite a couple friends and have a wonderful evening together, simply because. And if you're anything like me, use it as an excuse to dress up. It’s amazing how the simplest of things can bring such fulfillment.

Lone Star Adventure - Day 3

2007-09-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

After waking up, Jeff cooked a wonderful breakfast. Then I headed off to the fitness center where Kate works, where she had scheduled an hour-long massage with one of their massage therapists. It was my first real massage, and I wasn't too sure of what to expect. But it was wonderful. When Kate and I got back, we met up with Jeff and their friend Mike before heading out to the lake with their boat. It was a beautful texas summer day on the glassy-smooth lake. Now I have only waterskied once in my life back in jr high school, and I think I only got up once. So my motto for the day was, 'Its nice when you suck, because accomplishing so little feels so great!' When it came time for my turn, it was a little slow going at first, but on my third try I made it up. Then I wiped out twice trying to get outside of the wake. After we all got some skiing in, we stopping in the middle of the lake and just jumped in. Floating around in a nice warm lake in texas with friends is not a half bad way to spend your day. Then more waterskiing. When I went, I wasn't feeling great and didn't make it up. I almost called it quits, but after Jeff went after me, I wanted one more shot at it. I didn't tell them, but my goal was to get up and outside of the wake (it sucks when you announce your goals and can't make them, so I kept my mouth shut). After looking entirely pathetic trying to get my skis on, I yelled I was good to go and Jeff gunned it. Trying desperately to do everything I was supposed to, I got up, and then with my best effort, swung to my right and made it over the wake's edge. I wish a had a video of it because I was so excited I had accomplished my goal, I let out quite the victory yell. So what if I didn't stay up much beyond that, I did what I wanted to do. We cruised around some more and then headed back in.

After getting all showered and dressed again, we headed over to Mike's house, and had bbq with him and his wife, along with a great german couple. As a side note, the fighter school that Jeff teaches at is actually a NATO joint venture, so they have got to know quite a few italians, germans, and norwegians over the last two years. After dinner, we played some texas hold'em and I implemented my motto of the day again since I am pretty bad at poker. Somehow I managed to hang in there and won big on some important hands to finish second. All in all, I am very thankful to Jeff and Kate for putting together such a wonderful day for me.

Lone Star Adventure - Day 2

2007-08-31T00:16:00.000-07:00

Today was simply incredible! One that I will not easily forget. After getting to sleep in, Kate took me out to the base to meet Jeff. He is currently a flight instructor on the T-38. After he finished up his work, we went out to see one up close (he showed me the one with 80 on its tail). They are quite amazing fighter jets, and he gave me the run through of what was what. I got to climb up the cockpit ladder and peering in, he showed me what all the controls were (which came in handy later...). Then he took me out to one of the runways, and I got to stand about a couple hundred feet from T-38s taking off. It was unbelievable! For the last one, Jeff suggested taking my ear plugs out to fully appreciate their roar. Again, it was breathtaking. Next, we headed back in, and ventured over to the sims. He showed me the three different kinds, and then I got to climb in one and take a simulated T-38 for a spin! Of course, Jeff was quite helpful. I managed to take off, fly around Wichita Falls, buzz some virtual houses at less than 100 ft, throw in some barrel rolls and loops, get up to mach 1.3 (supersonic), and head back to the base. The last part got a little hairy because I burned so much fuel I was flying on fumes. In fact, the left engine died on my approach, but I managed to hold it together and land safely. Granted all of this was possible because Jeff adjusted the settings so I basically couldn't crash (or die from G-forces, which in real life I surely would have a number of times). It was so freaking cool! I was so priveleged to have Jeff show me around as much as he did. Then we met up with Kate again and went to a fabulous Greek resturaunt, where I had my first gyro. I never knew what I was missing. We had a great time just hanging out the rest of the night.

I might not blog tomorrow as Jeff and Kate are hosting a naming party, where the new pilots get their call-signs. So it should be a pretty fun (and wild) night. And since I haven't read any more of The Intellectual Life, you should reread what I posted yesterday because its that good in my mind.

Journey to the Lone Star State - Day 1

2007-08-29T21:20:00.001-07:00

For Labor Day weekend, I wanted to go on an adventure. Not knowing entirely what I wanted to do, I began to bounce some ideas around. I have been wanting to visit my friends, Jeff and Kate, down in Texas for a while now, so I called them up, and they were thrilled at the idea of visiting them. After finishing packing and climbing into bed around 145am last night, I found myself cursing my alarm clock when it jolted me after less than 3 hours of wonderful sleep. And the adventure began.

My first highlight occurred when the Southwest Airlines pilot announced to us that we were going to be delayed a little bit because they discovered a puddle of fuel underneath one of our engines. You know, its at this point that I would be fine with 'we're experiencing maintenance delays' and that’s it. He reassured us that it was probably from the plane before us, but they wanted to double-check. So with a non-fuel-leaking (*cross our fingers), took off. Once I finally arrived at Dallas/Love (the smaller Dallas airport), I waited forever to get my suitcase. A whole bunch of luggage came off and then nothing... about 25 of us still lingered until they announced that due to lightning strikes on the runway, no more bags could be retrieved until it was safe (which could be 15 minutes or 3 hours). So Kate and I found a pizza place for lunch and then came back, at which point, my bag had finally been delivered. Traffic was bad through Dallas but it gave Kate and I a chance to catch up, which was nice. The rest of the evening was rather low key as we were all pretty tired. Tomorrow, Jeff is taking me to the base and if the weather permits, I'll be able to watch some fighter jets take off and land. I'm pretty excited!

While I was reading The Intellectual Life on the plane today, I came across a very compelling section on Cooperation with One's Fellows, which deals with the importance of belonging to a community of individuals committed to genuine friendship and cooperation in the pursuit of truth and the intellectual life. A community that lays aside individualism, pride, and the spirit of rivalry. Sertillanges writes that in such a community, "Friendship is an obstetric art; it draws out our richest and deepest resources; it unfolds the wings of our dreams and hidden indeterminate thoughts; it serves as a check on our judgments; tries out our new ideas; keeps up our ardor; and inflames our enthusiasm" (p. 56). I pray that we are all able to share in such a wonderful community as we venture through this life.

Let us not blaspheme the Lord's Name

2007-08-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

And so brothers, now at last we should repent and be alert for the good. For we are filled with great foolishness and evil. We should wipe our former sins away from ourselves; and if we repent from deep within we will be saved. We should not be crowd-pleasers nor wish to please only ourselves, but through our righteous activity we should be pleasing as well to those outside the fold, that the Name not be blasphemed because of us. For the Lord says, "My name is constantly blasphemed among all the outsiders." And again he says, "Woe to the one who causes my Name to be blasphemed." How is it blasphemed? When you fail to do what I wish. For when outsiders hear the sayings of God from our mouths, they are astonished at their beauty and greatness. Then when they discover that our actions do not match our words, they turn from astonishment to blasphemy, saying that our faith is some kind of myth and error. For, on the one hand, they hear from us that God has said, "It is no great accomplishment for you to love those who love you; it is great if you love your enemies and those who hate you." And when they hear these things, they are astonished by their extraordinary goodness. But then when they see that we fail to love not only those who hate us, but even those who loves us, they ridicule us and the Name is blasphemed. - 2 Clement 13 (LCL)

As I have been working on my research project all day, I have been engaging with this passage a good deal, which comes from an early second century sermon. I find its simplicity profound and its message as revelant today as ever.

What a steal!

2007-08-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

So I am always on the prowl to find a new book, some gem just waiting to be snatched up. And I scored today. In my random web-surfing, I came across a book entitled In Dominico Eloquio/in Lordly Eloquence: Essays on Patristic Exegesis in Honor of Robert Louis Wilken, edited by Angela Russell Christman, David Hunter, Robin Darling Young, and Paul M. Blowers. Since patristic exegesis (i.e., how the early christians interpreted the bible) has become one of my primary interests, this book will be perfect to mull over and see what others are doing in this field. And the best part of all? While its list price is $45, I found a brand new copy for only 49 cents!

Of Painters and Books

2007-08-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I visited the Portland Art Museum for the first time to see their special exhibit, "Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art: Treasures from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam." First of all, I must admit that I am by no means an art fiend. But in the last year, my interest has been growing (or at least growing beyond civil war paintings like that of Mort Kunstler). In any case, if you are able to visit Portland before the collection returns to Amsterdam, I would highly encourage you to do so. It is a simply fantastic exhibit.

Some of my favorites included the self-portrait of Rembrant as the Apostle Paul (above), Still Life with Books by Jan Davidsz de Heem, The Nieuwe Zijds Voorburgwal with the Oude Haarlemmersluis, Amsterdam by Jan van der Heyden, The Idolatry of King Solomon by Salomon Koninck (which is interesting because according to the exhibit, dutch protestants favored OT scenes, and this particular scene was intended to warn Catholics against the veneration of effigies). My favorite was easily A Watermill by Meindert Hobbema (left). It was the only painting that I was truly captivated by, I couldn't move on from it. As a stood before this beautiful work, with people strolling by me, all I could hear was the wind in the trees and the rush of the water in the mill. It was delightfully intoxicating.

And what is better after seeing wonderful works of art than to visit the largest bookstore in the world - Powell's. Last time I was there I actually didn't buy a thing, but this time I found some real gems, particularly Opening the Sealed Book: Interpretations of the Book of Isaiah in Late Antiquity by Joseph Blenkinsopp (since I am currently working on a paper which deals with the influence of Isaiah on 2 Clement).

Anyways, it was a fun day and now I am off to see the Bourne Ultimatum.

Friedman and The Myth of Incompatibility

2007-08-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

If you have noticed in the column to the right, one of the books I have been reading lately is called Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman. This out-of-print treasure was recommended to me by a good friend who labeled it as one of the most influential books he's ever read (notably, he received it from his pastor with the same admonishment). Friedman was a pioneer in family systems therapy, which he defines as an approach that "deemphasizes the notion that our conflicts and anxieties are due primarily to the makeup of our personalities, and suggests, instead, that our individual problems have more to do with our relational networks, the makeup of others' personalities, where we stand within the relational systems, and how we function within that position" (13).

There is much I could share from this book, and perhaps I will post some additional highlights down the road. But for today, I wanted to share an excerpt from his chapter on the marital bond. It is a section called 'the myth of incompatibility'. In an age that it seems as if compatibility is king in making relationships (or explaining broken ones), I found this voice to refreshing and challenging.

-----------------------------------
There is an ancient story in which a Roman woman comes up to a rabbi and asks: “What does your God do now that he has created the world and set it in order?”
She is answered: “He tries to match up couples.”
“Is that all?” She says. “Why I could do that myself.”
“Maybe so,” she is told, “but for Him it is as difficult as splitting the Red Sea.”
In another version the rabbi tells her, “Go try it!” She tries, but returns after total failure; in her ‘match-making,’ the partners had afflicted one another in various ways.

The antiquity of this story suggests that it may be misleading to assume that marriage failure is more a modern phenomenon. If this 2000-year-old story seems to refute one myth about the marital bond, it perpetuates another. The framing of this parable supports the widespread assumption that the key to successful marriage is finding the ‘right match.’ Emphasis on compatibility confuses cause and effect. When partners do not make it together, this kind of thinking leads to the notion of ‘incompatibility.’ Then, when strikingly different personalities, or partners from different backgrounds, do make it, thinking in terms of compatibility reverses its explanation to say that ‘opposites attract.’ A more accurate perspective is that it is not the ingredients of the mixture but the emotional crucible into which they are poured.

Incompatibility in marriage has less to do with the differences than with what is causing them to stand out at any given time. All differences, cultural or personal, tend to stand out more at times of stress, but in any relationship, the same difference is not necessarily ‘differed over’ every time it appears. In addition, while partners when they are ‘differing’ can remember every issue between them back to day one of their relationship, if they can achieve a more comfortable level of interdependency, they will forget all those ‘sore points’ as if they had never existed, even though they are still there.

Emphasizing compatibility is also misleading because it tends to isolate the marriage relationship from the two emotional fields in which it is always situated, the nuclear family and the extended families of origin of both partners. It is precisely these two emotional systems that are most likely to influence or change the balance of a marriage.

*Friedman, Generation to Generation, pgs. 67-68.

Church Attendance in Second Century Thought

2007-07-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

I believe that one of the most intriguing aspects of Christianity is church attendance. When one thinks about their faith, what does it mean to 'be a christian'? What does it mean to be a member of the body of Christ? And in light of that, what exactly is the church? Can one be a christian without some real connection to the church? And if not, what then is necessary for that connection? Is simply hanging out with other christians enough? If you have dinner with three other christians, does that constitute 'church'? One of my points in asking all of these questions is to demonstrate how such a seemingly simple issue such as church attendence might be anything but. And while I do not intend to provide a full and definitive theology of the church, I was hoping to share some thoughts from the second century church as well as my own reflections. At this point I am also less concerned with "how" the early church worshipped, but rather what the second century church thought about "why" it gathered on sundays and whats so important about that? Let's take a look at some passages I've come across.

* Let us also, then, being gathered together in harmony with intentness of heart, cry out to him earnestly, with one mouth, that we may come to share in his great and glorious promises. 1 Clement 34.7 (written same decade as Revelation, from the church in Rome to the church in Corinth)

* But let us come here more frequently and strive to advance in the commandments of the Lord, in order that all of us, being of one mind, may be gathered together into life. 2 Clement 17.3 (2nd century, earliest homily outside of NT)

* Gather together frequently, seeking the things that benefit your souls, for the all the time you have believed will be of no use to you if you are not found perfect in the last time. Didache 16.2 (manual on church instruction, some date parts to mid 1st century)

* Let no one be misled: if anyone is not within the sanctuary, he lacks the bread of God... Therefore whoever does not meet with the congregation thereby demonstrates his arrogance and has separated himself, for it is written: “God opposes the arrogant.” Ignatius' Epistle to the Ephesians 5.2-3 (bishop of Antioch en route to his martyrdom in Rome, ca. 90-110AD)

Thus, it seems as one peruses the writings of the early second century church, you will discover that they remain in the same mind of the author of Hebrews, who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10.24-25). In my opinion, there is a clear motif for church attendance: command, consequence, and reward. We are commanded to be apart of the worshipping church. Consequences for forsaking such fellowship appear to result in separation from God as well as the loss of Christ's promises and offer of life. Yet, by joining in the life of the church, we shall share in his great and glorious promises, and be gathered together into life. Another thing that comes to mind is that I have not found any early christian who separated membership in the body of Christ from actual, physical participation in a congregation. And so I remain convinced at this point that Cyprian, the bishop of Carthage in the third century, was right: "He can no longer have God for his Father, who has not the Church for his mother."

What true friendship is all about

2007-07-21T11:46:00.001-07:00

In light of the rather serious nature of my recent posts, or at least parts of them, I have decided to share a little something that my friend Troy passed on to me. Hopefully, this will make you feel as warm and fuzy on the inside as it did for me. I pray that you will be as lucky as me to have friends like Troy who so graciously share their deep appreciation for your friendship.

Rock climbing, Zeus, and Trespassing

2007-07-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, while hanging out with Josh and Nathan, we decided to go have some fun. Josh has already blogged about the specifics of said adventure which include expensive beaches, random closed signs, and almost being thwarted by private property signs. Ultimately, we decided that "Private property, climbing on rocks is extremely dangerous" did not, in fact, mean we weren't supposed to continue. Just simply that we ought to be careful. If they really didn't want us to press on, they would have used "no trespassing" signs. At least thats what we concluded. In any case, we had a lot of fun, especially as Nathan repeated hurled large rocks into the water as if he were Zeus or something. I also must admit that being able to climb up onto ledges overlooking the beach and ocean stirred in me a sense of dominion over all below. Of course, until I nearly slipped and fell, discovering much more affinity with Icarus. All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon.

Rattlesnake Ridge

2007-07-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I am not exactly the biggest outdoorsman around. In the past, I have enjoyed the handful of times I've gone camping and fishing, but not so much an avid frontier man. Though lately I have wanted to spend more time outdoors. Now that I think about it, before this weekend, the last time I went hiking was with my friend Lydia back in New Hampshire. While I managed to forget my lunch back in my apartment, she was gracious enough to share so I didn't starve, and we had a great time.

Well, this last saturday I met up with my friends Teresa and Dan (whom I had the privilege of officiating their wedding before I gave up my credentials) and we headed down to North Bend. They have gotten more serious with their desire to hike and I was grateful to tag along. Our destination was the Rattlesnake Ridge trailhead. (*top-the ridge from the lake, middle-part of the trail, bottom-the view from the ridge)

It turned out to be a beautiful day and it was a great beginners hike. The trail is about two miles each way and about 1000 foot incline. So all in all, about a half day's trip including lunch at the top. It is rather amusing though how much talking while hiking really wears you out, especially since we had a lot of catching up to do. I also managed to completely forget to eat breakfast until I was driving down the road (what is it about food and hiking with me?).

We made it up without too much difficulty and enjoyed a nice peanut butter sandwich picnic. The views were spectacular, but since we all forgot our cameras I had to find these off the web. In the end, it was a great hike and I look forward to spending more time in the Cascades if I can.

Mission Accomplished: Save the Blue!

2007-06-24T22:39:00.001-07:00

For years and years, my grandfather ran a little nursery out of his backyard before he died. It was always a lot of fun to go exploring and see what was in each of the greenhouses. Not only did he sell plants, but also every winter he helped hundreds of families really get ready for the holidays with Christmas trees. In fact, helping him sell Christmas trees was really my first job. Towards the end, he had these four little blueberry plants that for some reason I became very attached to. So he let me have them and when we moved to our new house, my dad replanted them for me. Well, after several years of being gone, I am back and ready to enjoy my blueberry plants. Even though they haven't really been taken care of recently, at least they are still alive. One of them even has blueberries growing on it this year. I learned a long time ago that one must protect them from the birds because they are also interested in my precious delicacy. So I came up with a plan. With a little help from my dad, I finished my blueberry cage. In about a week or so, I will now be able to enjoy my small palmful of berries and remember all of the good times I had with my grandfather.

Perhaps I am a snob for orthodoxy

2007-06-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Even though I was up extremely late working on a research project of mine (trying to make some headway on final punishment in 2 Clement), I made the decision that as painful as it would be I would get up to make it to the 8am traditional service at St. Luke's. For the liturgy, the Eucharist, and worshipping Christ with the Church, it’s all worth it to me. Father John, who rocks, was out of town this weekend to officiate a wedding in India, so we had guest priest preside over the small service and a missionary preach/testify.

As with probably any tradition, there is almost certainly some bad teaching/heterodoxy that you can't escape. I wish it wasn't so. I wish you didn't just have to grin and bear it. Or, for that matter, to feel like you're being judgmental. But alas, this morning was ripe with gems. I am tired of hearing poor teaching on sin and the devil. I didn't know that I simply don't sin and then fear can't enter into me. Good thing I'm no longer a sinner. Oh wait... crap! Who also knew that Paul wasn't really serious when he said you shouldn't speak in tongues publicly without interpretation? That's great. What else can I ignore? I guess my biggest frustration with this morning is that it struck me that these are people who should know better. It’s not like a teenager who just accepted Christ and doesn't know any better.

So what? Often we think that it is a more serious offense for teachers to propagate bad teaching because of James 3.1. However, I discovered that at least one early church father saw it a bit differently. Second Clement, the earliest sermon we have outside of the NT (ca. 100-140AD), admonishes his congregation: "It would be tolerable if they alone were doing these things; but now they persist in teaching such evil notions to innocent people, not knowing that they will bear a double penalty-both they and those who listen to them" (10.5). Throughout the sermon, there is a sense in which, for better or worse, listeners are bound to the fate of their teachers. I think this early preacher knew what he was talking about and therefore we should take very seriously what we teach in our churches.

Purgatory has been located!

2007-05-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

As my title suggests, I believe I have actually located verifable evidence of purgatory. No, its not found in the writings of the New Testament, or the Hebrew Scriptures (and that includes the LXX), or the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical texts... nor have I found it in the writings of the early Fathers. Where then, you might ask? In the combination (a one-two punch you might say) of both the commonwealth of Massachussetts and car insurance companies.

Now for a bit of clarification, I want to point out that I am not leveling my indictments against the people of said commonwealth, but rather their roads. It is the only state I am aware of where roads nicknames such as 'the intersection of doom' (where 1A meets dodge st in beverly) or for that matter, stop signs at the end of onramps before merging onto the highly scary and dangerous highway 128. Right before I finished my semester, I was leaving the Northshore Mall. It was dark... and raining... and while I was pulling onto 114 to head home, my car violently rocked. As it turns out, there was a massive pot hole full of rainwater so you couldn't see it. At first it seemed okay, but while having it serviced, the kind folks at Ira Audi discovered the pot holes legacy and in the end it caused $1400 damage to my front right tire.

What about insurance companies? Since I have never filed a claim, I am rather new to this whole business. I understand that when you cause an accident you are at fault and your policy reflects that. I also understand there are things that fall under the category 'comprehensive' that don't effect your rate, such as a rock hitting your windshield. In case you were wondering, accidently driving over a rainfilled pothole at night (that you never even suspected was there in the first place!) falls under 'collision' because its 'my fault'. Thanks a ton car insurance company. Now lets just hope my gamble that the claim will return more money than I will have to pay in additional premiums over the next three years (and yes, they said they can't predict what that number might be, so let's just cross our fingers, thanks again!).

In any case, maybe my initial claims about locating purgatory are, perhaps, a bit dubious. First of all, isn't purgatory supposed to purify you and cleanse you of your sins? I have to admit, so far it seems I have only more to unload at my next confession. Where does that leave me? Thankfully in a far-away land where roads are substantially more Christ-like.

Niebuhr and Mortality

2007-05-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

First of all, as I was skimming through a collection of random documents I can't seem to find homes for, I came across one with some quotes which I had saved for various reasons. I particularly liked this one when I first came across it and it still stands out. Its interesting that what he seems to be describing would be very similar to the critique that orthodox christians would have lodged against the gnostics and their Gospel of Thomas. Amazing how things just keep coming back.

"A God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross." – Niebuhr in ‘The Kingdom of God in America’

Secondly, regarding mortality, I have been thinking a lot lately about life and death as we unexpectedly lost a good family friend. His memorial service was incredibly moving and powerful as friends, co-workers, and family all shared their memories and the impact of this man on their lives. I was particularly moved by what his son (25) and daughter (23) said. I know a lot of folks who have been blessed with very wonderful fathers (myself included), however he was able to take it to the next level with them. While they were only in their twenties, he had forged more than just parent-child relationships, but true friendships. For example, recently after both he and his daughter got off work, they met up at a bar and had some beers, talking about life, more as friends and equals than anything else.

Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you;
In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.

Not only our family friend, but I also mourn the loss of Robert Webber and Meredith Kline, two wonderful scholars who have given much to the church and academia. In particular, Webber played a vastly influential role in my life through his book, Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail. This book gave voice to the longing in my heart and much-needed guidance for my spiritual journey. In fact, I still recommend it constantly as the best single explanation why I left pentecostalism for anglicanism. I never personally met him, but I am thankful to the Lord for Webber's ministry to me.

Into thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine
own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own
redeeming. Receive him into the arms of thy mercy, into the
blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious
May your rest be this day in peace,
company of the saints in light. Amen.

When you don't pay attention to history...

2007-04-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting epiphany this past weekend as I read an open letter from a female Vineyard pastor whose chief end was to rebuke another very influential pastor in the Seattle area for his remarks about gender roles and women's ordination. In her letter, she berates him with “You teach that… if the church allows women in ministry then homosexuals in ministry would be the next logical conclusion. This is not only offensive to me, it is demeaning of my personhood.” Then it hit me. She didn’t get it. From her comments I realized for the first time that, for the most part, pentecostals (I'm also including charismatics here) are separated by a chasm of ignorance when it comes to the dynamics involved in the current Anglican crisis in North America. Before I elaborate any further, I would like to add for those who don't know me well, I belonged to the pentecostal tradition for about a decade before swimming the Thames. So it is with this unique perspective that I wish to share some thoughts. I realize that I am painting in very broad strokes that might sweep over exceptions, but neither do I make any claim of precision.

The crux of the problem is the historic dynamics involved in women's ordination. Within the pentecostal tradition, women have played an integral role in its development (consider the example of Aimee Semple McPherson). Though at times, they have also lost their place of equality with their male counterparts as well as suffered from discrimination (for example, men's travel expenses to the first general council of the A/G in Hot Springs were reimbursed, while women's expenditures were not). Yet, it seems that it was never an issue of whether or not they could be ministers, but rather where they would fit on the totem pole of pentecostal leadership. To my knowledge, there has never been the ardent opposition in any major pentecostal body to women's ordination on the basis of scripture or tradition (pentecostals and tradition, lol!) like there has been in other traditions. Therefore, it is fair to say that women's ordination has been a component of the general ethos of pentecostal theology and mission since its inception.

However, that is hardly the case when it comes to Anglicanism. Anglicanism, in the form of Episcopalianism, had existed in America for close to three centuries with an exclusively male clergy. Until, that is, the push in the 1960s and 1970s. Now one might expect that such a major shift might befit rigorous debate over scripture and tradition, but that was hardly the case. In fact, the case was not argued from scripture or early christian history, but upon the merits of their civil rights. And here is where pentecostals don't get it. It is this same rationale and notion of civil rights that has enabled the liberal wing of the Episcopal Church to push forward with the ordination of active, non-celibate homosexuals (i.e., the consecration of Gene Robinson, left). And hence, the pastor, who chastised Episcopalians over women's ordination and its subsequent evolution to the other, demonstrated a better awareness of the dynamics at play.

In the end, when it comes to the issue of women's ordination, it is my hope that the Anglican Church would engage itself in a vigorous theological debate instead of claiming civil rights and/or using the doctrine of reception. In fact, I wouldn't mind if we scraped the whole doctrine of reception at the next Lambeth, but that’s a whole different post! All this to say, it’s important to understand the historical factors at play before rebuking other believers.

Which Father am I?

2007-04-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

You’re St. Melito of Sardis!

You have a great love of history and liturgy. You’re attached to the traditions of the ancients, yet you recognize that the old world — great as it was — is passing away. You are loyal to the customs of your family, though you do not hesitate to call family members to account for their sins.

Find out which Church Father you are at The Way of the Fathers!

My first lecture

2007-04-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had the privilege of delivering my first lecture to undergraduates at Northwest University. My old NT professor, Dr. Charette, invited me to speak to his Jesus of the Gnostic Gospels class. I think it is so great that we engage these texts and be able to discuss and evaluate them within the context of historic, orthodox Christianity. Thankfully, I had somewhat of an foundation for this lecture as I took Gnosticism with Dr. Kroeger at GCTS, but as I soon discovered, there is a significant difference between general knowledge, and the specifics needed for a lecture on a precise topic.

After several weeks of preparations, I have learned quite a bit about the process of crafting a lecture for this setting. While I am intimately famaliar with writing research papers, teaching in sunday school classes, and preaching quite a bit, I have found that there is still something distinct about teaching undergraduates. Its fascinating how several of the books that I purchased were completely useless, whereas two books I picked up from the library on a whim provided a treasure-trove of great information. All in all, I am much more aware of what is worth getting when it comes to the Gospel of Thomas. Which brings me to the lecture itself.

After coming up with a rough outline, and then having it completely changed upon conferring with Dr. Charette, I had my parameters and felt good about the direction I was headed. I plan on actually posting short summaries of my lecture, but today I will at least give you a teaser of the whole endeavor. By the end of the class, they will have studied the Protevangelium of James, the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of the Nazaraeans, the Gospel of the Ebionites, the Gospel of Truth, the Gospel of Philip, the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Judas, the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Peter, and the Gospel of Nicodemus. My particular subject matter was the Gospel of Thomas.

First, I wanted to grapple with the issue of style and literary format of the Gospel of Thomas. Since I accept a late second-century date for this document (see Jenkins' Hidden Gospels; Evans' Fabricating Jesus), one must ask the question: why would the author of the Gospel of Thomas choose to compose a sayings gospel rather than a narrative gospel (like the four canonicals which were all composed mid-late first-century). I believe that there are several different explanations that are all feasible: 1) the Gospel of Thomas is exhibiting a rejection of Judaism, and particularly their narrative scripture tradition; 2) the Gospel of Thomas is likewise demonstrating a rejection of orthodox Christianity; 3) the author also chooses a sayings gospel in order to drop all narrative context of the teachings of Jesus thus enabling a sort of free-for-all interpretation. I will share my fuller arguments in later posts, as well as my discussion of the relationship and similiarities, or lack thereof between the Gospel of Thomas and Q.

Second, I dealt with the theme of the Kingdom of God in both the Synoptic tradition and the Gospel of Thomas. My first portion of this piece of the lecture dealt with defining the Kingdom of God as understood in the Synoptic Gospels, and also dealing with the following questions: 1) is it a present or future reality? 2) is it an inner, spiritual reality? 3) is it a hidden reality? Then I moved to the Gospel of Thomas. Students received a handout with the eighteen 'kingdom' sayings in the Gospel of Thomas. I had them break up into pairs and they were to find the similiarities and differences between these sayings and the Synoptic tradition. We didn't have as much time as I had hoped, but we were able to have some discussion at the end, which went well. Finally, I shared a couple of my concluding thoughts on the subject.

All in all, it was a very fun night. I definitely learned a lot through the whole process and look forward to hopefully getting another opportunity to lecture at some point. Thanks for making it through to the end. And as I mentioned, I will be posting summaries of my different arguments down the line.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end!

Lewis on Dissenting Priests

2007-03-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

I just came across this quote by CS Lewis, which I found very appropriate in the midst of this crisis in the Anglican Communion. As a side note, I have found my new home in Seattle: St. Luke's. They are a wonderful parish and I am very excited to make St Luke's my home. Anyways, back to Lewis...

It is your duty to fix the lines (of doctrine) clearly in your minds: and if you wish to go beyond them you must change your profession. This is your duty not specially as Christians or as priests but as honest men. There is a danger here of the clergy developing a special professional conscience which obscures the very plain moral issue. Men who have passed beyond these boundary lines in either direction are apt to protest that they have come by their unorthodox opinions honestly. In defense of those opinions they are prepared to suffer obloquy and to forfeit professional advancement. They thus come to feel like martyrs. But this simply misses the point which so gravely scandalizes the layman. We never doubted that the unorthodox opinions were honestly held: what we complain of is your continuing in your ministry after you have come to hold them. We always knew that a man who makes his living as a paid agent of the Conservative Party may honestly change his views and honestly become a Communist. What we deny is that he can honestly continue to be a Conservative agent and to receive money from one party while he supports the policy of the other. ”

(C.S. Lewis, “Christian Apologetics,” Easter 1945; reprinted in God in the Dock, 89-90)

Two weeks, eight books, and two-thousand three hundred twenty eight pages later*

2006-11-04T18:32:00.001-08:00

As the title of this blog explains, these last two weeks have been an incredible surge forward in academia. I have now completed my assigned reading for my Christianity During the American Civil War class. It has been a great adventure and I have certainly learned a lot along the way. Perhaps either later tonight or tomorrow I will further edit this post to include brief summaries of the following books, in case you might be interested in them. So with that said, here are the books I have conquered...

• While God is Marching On: The Religious Life of Civil War Soldiers by Steven Woodworth (406 pgs)

• Religion and the American Civil War by Miller, Stout and Wilson (422 pgs)

• The Civil War as a Theological Crisis by Mark Noll (216 pgs)

• Upon the Altar of a Nation: A Moral History of the Civil War by Harry Stout (576 pgs)

• Confederate Morale and Church Propaganda by James Silver (120 pgs)

• A Shield and Hiding Place: The Religious Life of the Civil War Armies by Gardiner Shattuck (161 pgs)

• For Courageous Fighting and Confident Dying: Union Chaplains in the Civil War by Warren Armstrong (171 pgs)

• Faith in the Fight: Civil War Chaplains by Brinsfield, Davis, Maryniak, and Roberston Jr. (256 pgs)

The reason for the asterisk in the title is that I have also managed to tackle several of my other books including The Apostolic Fathers: An Essential Guide by Jefford, and The Reception of the New Testament in the Apostolic Fathers edited by Gregory and Tuckett. They will, however, get a post all to themselves...

The Joy of Finding Jesus

2006-10-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Now that I am no longer a card-carrying minister of the Assemblies of God, I feel a little more at liberty to talk more freely about the ancient spiritual discipline that I have been practicing more or less over the last year and the fruit its borne in my life. I realize that the following admission is likely to cause much consternation to some of my more evangelically-minded friends, but when Christ is at work in one’s life, it is hard to remain silent!

I have long struggled with the practice of Christian meditation. The endless prayer meetings along with countless evenings beside my bed trying to contemplate the depths of Holy Scripture sometimes seem only to exacerbate my frustration with my perceived inadequacy in meditating. As a charismatic, I have found great comfort and joy in praying in tongues, but it is still not what I consider ‘meditation’.

So after beginning my spiritual journey towards the Ancient Faith and Order of the Church found in the Anglican tradition (as well as Roman and Orthodox), I purchased my first Catholic rosary just prior to coming home for Christmas last year. I also got a little brochure that explained how one actually ‘prayed the rosary’. As an aside, I find it rather amusing how many of those little brochures I have given away to fellow seminarians.

For those that know little to nothing about the rosary, it is simply a device that countless Christians have found to be a beneficial aid in their spiritual devotions. There is a certain structure that the Roman Catholic Church endorses, but it really can be adapted in any number of ways. In fact, after sharing how beneficial the rosary had become to me, one of my very Protestant friends went out and got one, modifying it in such a way to accommodate her evangelical sensibilities. Many others (myself included at times) substitute the ancient Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”) for the Hail Mary. Anyways, there are four sets of mysteries (or events from Christ’s life) that one meditates on while reciting their prayers. The Joyful Mysteries, which are usually used on Saturdays, include the Annunciation of Christ, the Visitation between Elizabeth and Mary, the Birth of Christ, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple.

So the whole point of this blog is that tonight I experienced a new depth of my experience with Christ as I meditated on the final mystery. Reciting my Hail Marys, I encountered in a new and powerful way the joy of finding Christ. As I meditated on the narrative of the Child Jesus being found in the Temple dialoguing with the religious teachers, I discovered anew the great joy and wonder of happening upon the Incarnate Word enfleshed in a teenage human body. Indescribable joy at his feet! O how my soul delights in my Savior and finds rest in His Presence!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Farewell to the Assemblies of God

2006-09-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

On the eve of one of the most important decisions of my life, I have decided to share the letter that was just sent to the Assemblies of God, so that you can have a glimpse into my life.

Rev. Otis D. Stanley, Southern New England District Superintendent
Rev. Leslie E. Welk, Northwest District Superintendent

Dear Superintendents,

It is with a unique combination of deep sorrow and much excitement that I must share the following. On September 24, 2006, the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw of the Diocese of Massachusetts will administer the sacrament of confirmation, thus receiving me in the Episcopal Church, and on a broader level welcome me to the Anglican Communion. With this sacramental act, I am effectively surrendering my License to Preach with the Assemblies of God. Further, after completing my Masters of Art in Church History at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I will be seeking Holy Orders through the Anglican Communion Network.

Borrowing from liturgical terminology, my decision to seek Holy Orders with the Anglican Communion has not been made unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with Holy Scriptures and the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, the purpose of this letter is not to offer a full apology of my decision, but to share my gratefulness to the Assemblies of God for its role in my conversion, spiritual growth, education, and ministry, as well as provide a glimpse of my pilgrimage to Anglicanism.

In leaving the Assemblies of God, I desire to clearly articulate my deep gratitude. I have been incredibly blessed with great churches, exceptional pastors, and a phenomenal undergraduate education at Northwest College. Particularly noteworthy events also include A/G short-term missions trips, camps and district youth conferences, and the Fine Arts Festival, in which I was twice invited to Nationals in the short sermon category. The strength of my faith is certainly and deeply indebted to the Assemblies of God. Therefore, in making my decision to leave the A/G, I do not perceive this result in any way as a failure of the fellowship, and I especially do not want you to think that you have failed me in some fashion.

I believe it is also necessary to also share a few thoughts about Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It would be a drastic mistake to associate the education I received at GCTS with my leaving the Assemblies. In fact, the seminary has been incredibly sympathetic and supportive of Pentecostalism. I have been continually impressed with the professors and administrators who were either personally charismatic, or at least very supportive of my tradition. As the Assemblies continues to flourish and contribute more and more to the Body of Christ, and specifically in academia, I remain an ardent supporter of Gordon-Conwell as a strong evangelical seminary which can help further equip young Assemblies of God ministers. I should also add that my experience at Northwest College, where I received my BA in Pastoral Ministries, also contributed to my appreciation and commitment to the Assemblies of God.

Why, then the decision to leave? Over the last several years of personal study and pursuing the Lord on a pilgrimage that I did not anticipate, I have become convinced of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the centrality of the Eucharist in Christian worship. With that, I have also come to a more sacramental understanding of how I believe God has interacted with his church over the centuries, and desire to enter more fully into sacramental worship and ministry. Finally, I believe that the Lord has ordained Apostolic Succession, at least, for the fullness (plene esse) of the Church (BCP, p. 510). It is under this episcopal structure that I believe the Lord has called me to serve his church. There are certainly other factors that have also contributed to my decision to follow the Lord into the Anglican Communion, but these three particulars serve as the essentials that preclude me from continued ministry within the Assemblies of God fellowship.

Faithfully in Christ Jesus,

When following the fathers costs you something...

2006-09-19T23:25:00.000-07:00

I have been living in the warm and tender theological womb of seminary for the last two years. Unlike a traditional denominational seminary, Gordon-Conwell is very interdenominational, with faculty from twenty-two different denominations and students representing over hundred. It has been in this environment that different perspectives have challenged me and my very assumptions have needed to be overhauled at times. Looking back over the last two years, I must confess that I arrived here a very prideful Pentecostal. Yet with all of my flirting with different theological paradigms and ministerial methodologies, what I specifically believe has not personally cost me anything. Sort of an unspoken maxim of seminary life and education is that you are here to be formed and equipped, thus if there were ever a time to check out different denominations or ways of doing things, this is the time!

I am sure that it probably began earlier, but last Thanksgiving was really the official embarking on an unexpected spiritual pilgrimage that the Lord would lead me on. It would bring me ever so near to Rome and Canterbury, and when it was all said and done, I am now a firm believer in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, along with a myriad of other elements of sacramental theology and liturgical worship. I have been trying dearly to hold firmly to the denomination of my youth, my undergraduate studies, and notably my credentials, while embracing this new, or rather, ancient way of faith. Unfortunately the chasm has grown too wide and I must follow my Lord into new fellowship.

As I grappled with my decision to cast my lot, I knew that I was risking more than a label change. It could very well cause much tension or discord among the many relationships I have built over the years. All of the connections I have carefully fostered could simply disintegrate as wind disperses the ashes of a campfire. Nevertheless, I am certain that this is where the Lord is calling me. And it is at this point, this day, that for the first time in my life, my faith has now cost me something that I eagerly desired.

About two years ago I was meeting with a former professor of mine from my alma mater for dinner. As we were discussing my future plans, which include doctoral studies in the field of patristics, he brought up the idea of doing some adjunct teaching at my former college in either New Testament or early Church, in order to better prepare me for PhD work. I have kept that offer in mind over the years and now as I am poised to graduate, I began to really investigate this incredibly opportunity. I was really hoping to adjunct a class or two for the next year and a half while I prepared for my doctoral work. However, I just received the news that because of my denominational affiliation switch, this opportunity is no longer available. My professors wish it weren’t so, but the politics of the greater institution simply prevent me from even being a candidate for an adjunct course. It is rather ironic that if I had been a member of this other denomination all along, I would be considered, but because I am now viewed as disloyal to the fellowship, I am blacklisted.

Is it worth it? Is my understanding of Christian faith and practice as it now stands worth the sacrifice of the teaching opportunity I have dreamed about for the last several years? Absolutely. I have no regrets. Perhaps I am even thankful that this Sunday when I kneel at the altar to receive the body and blood of my Savior, it will mean that much more to me as it has now actually cost me as well.

All praise and glory to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who spiritually nourishes His Church through the Sacrament of His Body and Blood!

what can I say... its all I know

2006-07-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

The other day I was enjoying some incredible ice cream at Richardson's Dairy (I opted for a scoop of chocolate peanut butter and one of cookie dough ice cream) with my team from CBD since we won the contest for June. There is something sweet about enjoying great ice cream with people you enjoy in the 90 degree sunshine, while you are getting paid for it as well. It can't get too much better. Among the many things that we discussed while I fervently licked away at my ice cream as now it was melting all over my hand, Pastor Joel Olsteen came up. From there we meandered to the questionable health of the North American church as we can be so preoccupied with ourselves, the latest self-help gimmick clothed with the garments of religiousity. Then as we digressed into the usual self-loathing that seems to be part and parcel of our existence, specifically white, middle class, north american Protestants. Then someone said something that has since struck me in that irksome, 'I can't forget it' fashion. She said, "But this is all I know. I have no other framework to understand my Christianity." For some reason, that really resonated with me. What's my point? I'm not certain that I even have one, other than to say, for all the time I've been blessed to spend overseas, I still find it difficult to understand my faith outside of the culture of my particular Christianity. Maybe more of this will come, maybe not.

So last night was great. My priest gave me a copy of the 1928 Prayerbook. Its nothing fancy. He simply found a box of them in the church and was giving them out. Now I feel a little more equipped with both my '28 and '79. Though I hope to get one of the really cool prayerbook/hymnal all-in-one combo. How freakin' cool is that!

Three things that endure: Faith, Sin, and Hope*

2006-07-22T00:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last year or so, I have really been wrestling with something time and again. That is what exactly is the Christian faith and how should it be manifested in one’s life? Now some might simply write this question off because they doubt the existence of God or believe there are other ways to God than Christianity. But perhaps another reason is that they see Christians and don’t notice any difference. Christians don’t always seem to be that holy. In fact, they might even be known to hurt others. These are very viable possibilities for some, but not for me. For I have studied and experienced simply too much to ever be able to deny that Jesus of Nazareth is truly God. That said, let's return to the big question. Certainly the biggest driving factors behind these questions for me is that I am pursing a life of teaching and pastoring as well as come from a Christian tradition (Pentecostalism formed by Wesleyan holiness) that views the ultimate level of the victorious Christian life as one that is wholly sanctified and never sins. I have particularly noticed that unlike most Catholics, Lutherans, and Presbyterians, there seems to be no concept of personal confession of sin (as well as absolution) as part of the ongoing Christian faith within Pentecostalism. So what happens when a Christian sins? What does that mean about the validity of their faith?

Over the last year or so, I have watched friends of mine, who are passionately pursuing their Christian faith, continue to be ravaged by sin. Everything from struggling with suicidal thoughts, premarital sex, pregnancy out of wedlock, addictions of all sorts that wont go away, and on the list goes. Then I need only to look into a mirror to see my own depravity. This is not at all to say I’m out on the weekends shooting up drugs, sleeping around, and robbing banks… because I’m not. But when I look back when I was young in the faith, there seemed to be a certain grace for my sin. I remember doing things that I simply hadn’t learned yet that I wasn’t supposed to (hey, the Bible’s not a short book and I was more interested in reading about the ancient Israelites conquering the Promised Land than Paul’s theology and ethics, so it takes a while to get to how we ought to live). Yet, here I am with my B.A. in pastoral ministries, getting two Masters degrees in New Testament and Church History… shouldn’t I have figured out sanctification and holiness yet? Sometimes I feel like I’ve got it down, but right when I do I usually do or say something that reveals my fallenness, my sinful nature. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who was executed by the Nazis in 1945, wrote “At the cross of Christ we learn to see ourselves and others as sinners. What sin can be greater than the godlessness which Christ took to the cross? We show an impoverished understanding of the cross of Christ if we are ‘shocked’ by a great sin which we learn about, for example, in confession. These are the realities all of us deal with as sinners.” So it seems that we live in the already/not yet. Christ has saved us, but our ultimate deliverance comes at death, when we are granted our final pardon from sin before Christ’s judgment seat and enter into his everlasting kingdom. A great analogy for this concept is the Normandy D-Day landings during WWII. While it confirmed the inevitable defeat of Nazi Germany, it would take almost another year of costly battles to realize this victory. Likewise, when we accept Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit establishes a beachhead in our lives, but there are still many battles and temptations to be fought (some of which are won; some are lost). Nevertheless, the war for eternity is ultimately won.

For that reason, as a follower of Christ and a future pastor, I can stand in the face of sin (of others and my own) and still find peace as I rest in the shadow of the Cross. We are still to resist sin and temptation, but the façade of perfection in this life can thankfully fade away. Thus we are not perfect followers, but forgiven disciples that bear witness before the world to the true perfection found only in the Son of God, that is, Jesus of Nazareth.

*I wrote this awhile ago, but wanted to repost it.

Azusa meets Canterbury and says hi to Rome

2006-06-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

So this is where I imagine I will post new blogs about stuff... like my life...

Such wonderful grapes...

2006-06-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have been falling ever so much in love with wine recently. And it seems only fitting to rate the ones I have enjoyed (or not for that matter!).

2005 The Ghost of 413 Red Wine (approx. $13)
This red is a blend of cab (65), merlot (25), and cab franc (15). Its palate consists of a strong oak with berries, and vanilla on the finish. Full-bodied with both high tannins and firm acidity. High alcohol (14.2%). This wine did not sweep me off my feet, but for its value, its a nice everyday wine. I think it might go well with roasted chicken and meatloaf. Tasted: by itself 11/05/2007. Rating: 85.

2006 Seven Hills Reisling (approx. $12)
Has a nice palate of apple and floral notes, with a crisp mineral finish. With a light sweetness (not a lot of RS), it is very enjoyable and would be perfect for sipping on a hot summer afternoon. Moderate alcohol (12%). Drink now, but will also benefit from a year or two of age. Tasted: by itself on 11/01/2007.

2003 Seven Hills

2002 Pepperbridge

1966 BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve

1976 french...

2003 de Cosse

Norton Reserve

My Wish List

2006-06-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have put together the following lists for two different reasons. One is that I like making lists, and since I am working on furnishing my apartment, its helpful to remember things I want to eventually get. Secondly, I always seem to forget to put together birthday and christmas lists, so this is my attempt to keep an ongoing one.

Amazon
• General
• Movies

Crate and Barrel

Macys

Pottery Barn (they frustrate me because they don't have a wishlist feature)
• ~~Glass Cocktail Shaker~~ - thanks Josh and Sarah!
• Barona Cheese Board ($69)

Accordance*
• Church Fathers & Church History ($129)
• Essential IVP Reference Collection ($144)
• Zondervan Scholarly Bible Study Suite ($149)
• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ($50)
* There is no question that Accordance software is very expensive, but it is truly amazing. While I love having "real" books, the benefits of building an electronic library are substantial. I'm particularly thinking about the ability to travel with such an incredible research library in your laptop.

Random Things I Want
• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice Poster
• Subscriptions to Robert Parker and Wine Spectator

The Biggest and Most Unreasonable Wishes
Like many people, I enjoy driving nice cars. And being a valet in an affluent area I get to drive the best. Even then, it is rare that I climb behind the wheel of a car that I would describe as perfect... until this week. So, in case you were unsure of what to get me for christmas, my birthday, or groundhog day, alas, be uncertain no more. Its the Lexus GS350AWD and its only about $53,590.00 fully loaded.

On the off chance that I am ever forced to spend a meager $227,000 on only one collection of wine, I am at least now prepared for it. I have discovered this ultra-rare collection of one-hundred bottles of Chateau d'Yquem, which includes every vintage produced from 1883 to 1989. This is so beautiful, I simply had to add it to my wishlist. :) You can check it out here

Introduction to the BIble Commentary List

2006-06-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Old and New Testament Commentaries

Introduction
For most of us who desire to be good students of the Bible, we know and appreciate how much a good commentary can help. As Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart confirm in How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, “A good commentary is every bit as much a gift to the church as are good sermons, good lectures on tapes, or good counselors” (265). In light of this, biblical scholars often find themselves being asked, “What is the best commentary on…?” Well, I am hardly an accomplished scholar by any means, but I love books and I love helping people. Therefore, I have spent the time to compile a master commentary list from a number of bibliographic helps. I will try to continue to update the list as I acquire additional input from other bibliographic books. Some final words on my methodology. For the primary sections, I have tried to include the commentaries that received the highest marks from the most sources. I have also attempted to create diversity in both technicality and theological biases. Thus, you can expect the primary sections to include both highly technical (ICC) and expository (NIVAC), as well as conservative, evangelical (NICNT) and liberal, higher-critical (OTL). It is also worth noting that the commentaries are listed alphabetically, rather than specific ranking. One final note regarding the ‘secondary’ category. For all intensive purposes, you should actually avoid any commentaries in this category.

List of Compiled Sources
• An Annotated Guide to Biblical Resources for Ministry by David Bauer (Hendrickson, 2003)
Definitely a helpful resource. Tends to appreciate higher-critical scholarship (such as the OTL series)
• New Testament Commentary Survey by D.A. Carson (5th ed., Baker, 2001)
Very good. Though structure is not conducive for quick access.
• Old Testament Commentary Survey by Tremper Longman (3d ed. Baker, 2003)
Simply wonderful. Easy to follow. Gives rating *(1-worst) - *****(5-spectacular). Also emphasizes level of readership, L-layperson, M-minister or seminary student, S-scholar.
• Commentary and Reference Survey by John Glynn (Kregel, 2003)
Also great. However, doesn’t rank them.
• Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Zondervan, 2001)
Appendix of biblical exegesis book geared for layperson or evangelical undergraduate.
• Annotated Old Testament Bibliography by M. Daniel Carroll R. and Richard Hess
• New Testament Exegesis Bibliography by Craig Blomberg and William Klein
Both Denver Seminary lists come from solid evangelical scholars.

OT Commentaries

2006-06-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

1. Author, Title, Vols., Series, Publisher, Year, Recs. (Longman Rating, G-Glynn, B-Bauer, W-Duvall/Hays, D-Denver Seminary Journal)

The Pentateuch: General Works

• Alexander, Desmond, From Paradise to the Promised Land, 2d ed., Baker, 2002, N/A-G (Wenham highly recommends)
• Blenkinsopp, Joseph, The Pentateuch: An Intro to the First Five Books of the Bible, ABRL, Doubleday, 1992, N/A-B
• Brueggemann, Walter, and Hans Wolff, The Vitality of Old Testament Traditions, 2d ed., WJK, 1982, N/A-B
• Clines, David, The Theme of the Pentateuch, 2d ed, JSOTSS-10, JSOT, 1997, N/A-B (Wenham highly recommends)
• Crusemann, Frank, The Torah: Theology and Social History of Old Testament Law, Fortress, 1996, N/A-B
• Livingston, G. Herbert, The Pentateuch in Its Cultural Environment, 2d ed., Baker, 1987, N/A-B
• Sailhamer, John, The Pentateuch as Narrative, Zondervan, 1992, N/A-GB
• Wenham, Gordon, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Pentateuch, IVP, 2003, N/A-G

Genesis
Primary
1. Hamilton, Victor, The Book of Genesis, 2 vols., NICOT, Eerdmans, 1990, MS*****GBW
2. Waltke, Bruce, Genesis, Zondervan, 2001, LM*****GW
3. Walton, John, Genesis, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2001, LM****G
4. Wenham, Gordon, Genesis, 2 vols., WBC, Nelson, 1987/94, LM*****GBWD
5. Westermann, Claus, Genesis, 3 vols., Continental, Fortress, 1984-6, MS****GB
Secondary
1. Brueggemann, Walter, Genesis, IBC, WJK, 1982, LM****B
2. Hartley, John. Genesis, NIBCOT, Hendrickson, 2000, LM****
3. Kidner, Derek, Genesis, TOTC, IVP, 1967, LM***
4. Matthews, Kenneth, Genesis, 2 vols., NAC, B&H, 1996-, LM****G
5. Ross, Allen, Creation and Blessing, Baker, 1988, LM****
6. Sarna, Nahum, Genesis, JPSTC, JPS, 1989 (not ’66 ed.), MS****
7. von Rad, Gerhard, Genesis, OTL, Westminster, 1972, S***B
8. Westermann, Claus, Genesis: An Introduction, Fortress, 1992, N/A

Exodus
Primary
1. Childs, Brevard, The Book of Exodus, OTL, Westminster, 1974, MS*****GBWD
2. Enns, Peter, Exodus, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2000, LM*****GW
3. Durham, John, Exodus, WBC, Word, 1987, MS****BW
4. Propp, Brian, Exodus, 2 vols, AB, Doubleday, 1993/2003, MS****D
Secondary
1. Cole, R. Alan, Exodus, TOTC, IVP, 1973, LM***
2. Fretheim, Terence, Exodus, IBC, WJK, 1991, LM****B
3. Gowan, Donald, Theology in Exodus, Westminster, 1994, N/A-B
4. Houtman, Cornelis, Exodus, 3 vols., HCOT, Peeters, 1993-2000, N/A-G
5. Sarna, Nahum, Exodus, JPSTC, JPS, 1991, MS***

Leviticus
Primary
1. Harrison, R.K., Leviticus, TOTC, IVP, 1980, LM***GW
2. Hartley, John, Leviticus, WBC, Word, 1992, MS*****GB
3. Milgrom, Jacob, Leviticus, 3 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1991/2000/01, MS*****GBD
4. Wenham, Gordon, Leviticus, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1979, MS*****GBWD
Secondary
1. Bellinger, W.H., Leviticus, Numbers, NIBCOT, Hendrickson, 2001, LM****
2. Knight, George, Leviticus, DSB, Westminster, 1981, LM****
3. Levine, Baruch, Leviticus, JPSTC, JPS, 1989, MS****
4. Rooker, Mark, Leviticus, NAC, B&H, 2000, LM****G
5. Ross, Allen, Holiness to the Lord, Baker, 2002, N/A-G

Numbers
Primary
1. Ashley, Timothy, The Book of Numbers, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1993, MS****GBW
2. Cole, R. Dennis, Numbers, NAC, B&H, 2000, LM*****G
3. Milgrom, Jacob, Numbers, JPSTC, JPS, 1990, MS*****G
4. Olson, Dennis, Numbers, IBC, WJK, 1996, LM*****B
5. Wenham, Gordon, Numbers, TOTC, IVP, 1981, LM****GWD
Secondary
1. Bellinger, W.H., See under Leviticus
2. Douglas, Mary, In the Wilderness, Oxford, 2001, N/A-G
3. Harrison, R.K., Numbers, WEC?, Baker, 1993, MS***G
4. Levine, Baruch, Numbers, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1993/2000, S****BD
5. Philip, James, Numbers, NCC, Word, 1987, LM****
6. Wenham, Gordon, Numbers, OTG, SAP, 1997, N/A-G

Deuteronomy
Primary
1. Craigie, Peter, The Book of Deuteronomy, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1976, LM****GBWD
2. McConnville, J. Gordon, Deuteronomy, Apollos, IVP, 2002, MS*****G
3. Miller, Patrick, Deuteronomy, IBC, WJK, 1990, M****BW
4. Weinfeld, Moshe, Deuteronomy, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1991/2002, MS*****
5. Wright, Christopher, Deuteronomy, NIBCOT, Hendrickson, 1996, LM****GWD
Secondary
1. Christensen, Duane, Deuteronomy, 2 vols., WBC, Nelson, 2001/02, MS**GB
2. McConnville, J. Gordon, Grace in the End: A Study in Deuteronomic Theology, SOTBT, Zondervan, 1993, N/A-B
3. Merrill, Eugene, Deuteronomy, NAC, B&H, 1994, MS***G
4. Payne, David, Deuteronomy, DSB, Westminster, 1985, LM****
5. Ridderobos, Herman, Deuteronomy, BSC, Zondervan, 1984, ML****
6. Thompson, John, Deuteronomy, TOTC, IVP, 1974, LM****
7. Tigay, Jeffrey, Deuteronomy, JPSTC, JPS, 1995, MS****G

The Historical Books: General Works

1. Endres, John, William Millar, John Burns, eds., Chronicles and Its Synoptic Parallels in Samuel, Kings, and Related Biblical Texts, Liturgical, 1998. N/A-G
2. Hamilton, Victor, Handbook on the Historical Books, Baker, 2001, N/A-G
3. Howard, David, An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books, Moody, 1993, N/A-G
4. Nelson, Richard, The Historical Books, IBT, Abingdon, 1998, N/A-B

Joshua
Primary
1. Butler, Trent, Joshua, WBC, Nelson, 1983, MS****GB
2. Hess, Richard, Joshua, TOTC, IVP, 1996, LM*****GWD
3. Howard, David, Joshua, NAC, B&H, 1998, LM****GW
4. Woudstra, Marten, Joshua, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1981, LM***GBW
5. Younger, Lawson, Ancient Conquest Accounts, Sheffield AP, 1990, N/A-G
Secondary
1. Auld, Graeme, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, DSB, Westminster, 1984, LM***B
2. Nelson, Richard, Joshua, OTL, WJK, 1997, S**B

Judges
Primary
1. Block, Daniel, Judges & Ruth, NAC, B&H, 1999, LM*****GWD
2. Younger, Lawson, Judges & Ruth, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2002, LM****G
3. Webb, Barry, The Book of Judges, JSOT-46, SAP, 1987, N/A-GB
Secondary
1. Auld, Graeme, See under Joshua
2. Boling, Robert, Judges, AB, Doubleday, 1975, MS***G
3. Cundall, Arthur and Leon Morris, Judges and Ruth, TOTC, IVP, 1968, LM**B
4. McCann, J. Clinton, Judges, IBC, WJK, 2002, N/A-B

Ruth
Primary
1. Block, Daniel, See under Judges
2. Bush, Frederic, Ruth & Esther, WBC, Word, 1996, MS*****GB
3. Campbell, Edward, Ruth, AB, Doubleday, 1975, MS***GB
4. Hubbard, Robert, Ruth, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1988, MS*****GBD
5. Sasson, Jack, Ruth, 2d ed., JSOT, SAP, 1989, S****G
6. Younger, Lawson, See under Judges
Secondary
1. Atkinson, David, Ruth, BST, IVP, 1983, LM***G
2. Gow, Murray, The Book of Ruth, Apollos, 1992, N/A-G
3. Larkin, Katrina, Ruth and Esther, OTG, SAP, 1996, N/A-G
4. Sakenfeld, Katharine, Ruth, IBC, WJK, 1999, LM****

Books of Samuel
Primary
1. Anderson, Arnold, 2 Samuel, WBC, Word, 1989, MS****G
2. Arnold, Bill, 1 and 2 Samuel, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2003, LM****G
3. Baldwin, Joyce, 1 and 2 Samuel, TOTC, IVP, 1988, LM****GW
4. Bergen, Robert, 1 and 2 Samuel, NAC, B&H, 1996, LM***GWD
5. Brueggemann, Walter, First and Second Samuel, IBC, WJK, 1990, LM****
6. Gordon, Robert, 1 and 2 Samuel, Zondervan, 1988, MS****G
7. Hertzberg, Hans Wilhelm, 1 and 2 Samuel, OTL, Westminster, MS***B
8. Klein, Ralph, 1 Samuel, WBC, Word, 1983, MS****G
9. McCarter, P. Kyle, 1 and 2 Samuel, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1980/84, MS****GBD

Books of Kings
Primary
1. Brueggemann, Walter, 1 and 2 Kings (w/ cd), Smyth and Helwys, 2000, LM****B
2. Cogan, Mordechai, 1 Kings, AB, Doubleday, 2001, MS****GD
3. Cogan, Mordechai and Hayim Tadmor, 2 Kings, AB, Doubleday, 1988, S****GD
4. Hobbs, T.R., 2 Kings, WBC, Word, 1985, MS****GB
5. House, Paul, 1 and 2 Kings, NAC, B&H, 1995, LM****GWD
6. Nelson, Richard, First and Second Kings, IBC, 1987, M****B
7. Provan, Iain, 1 and 2 Kings, NIBCOT, Hendrickson, 1995, LM*****GWD
8. Wiseman, Donald, 1 and 2 Kings, TOTC, IVP, 1993, LM***GW
Secondary
1. Ellul, Jacques, The Politics of God and the Politics of Man, Eerdmans, 1972, N/A-B
2. Gallagher, William, Sennacherib’s Campaign to Judah, Brill, 1999, N/A-G
3. Gray, John, 1 and 2 Kings, 3d ed., OTL, WJK, 1985, S***B

Books of Chronicles
Primary
1. Allen, Leslie, 1 and 2 Chronicles, NCC, Word, 1987, LM****G
2. Braun, Roddy, 1 Chronicles, WBC, Word, 1986, MS****GBW
3. Dillard, Raymond, 2 Chronicles, WBC, Word, 1987, MS*****GBW
4. Japhet, Sara, 1 and 2 Chronicles, OTL, WJK, 1993, MS*****GBD
5. Hill, Andrew, 1 and 2 Chronicles, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2003, N/A-G
6. Selman, Martin, 1 and 2 Chronicles, 2 vols., TOTC, IVP, 1994, LM****GBW
7. Williamson, Hugh, 1 and 2 Chronicles, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1982, MS****GB
Secondary
1. Allen, Leslie, 1 and 2 Chronicles, NIB, vol. 3, Abingdon, 1999, N/A-G
2. De Vries, Simon, 1 and 2 Chronicles, FOTL, Eerdmans, 1989, S***
3. McConnville, J. Gordon, 1 and 2 Chronicles, DSB, Westminster, 1984, LM****
4. Tuell, Steven, First and Second Chronicles, IBC, WJK, 2001, LM***B
5. Wilcook, Michael, The Message of Chronicles, BST, IVP, 1987, LM****

Ezra- Nehemiah
Primary
1. Blenkinsopp, Joseph, Ezra-Nehemiah, OTL, Westminster, 1988, MS****B
2. Frensham, F. Charles, Ezra-Nehemiah, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1982, MS****GB
3. Williamson, Hugh, Ezra-Nehemiah, WBC, Word, 1985, MS*****GBWD
4. Kidner, Derek, Ezra-Nehemiah, TOTC, IVP, 1979, LM****G
5. Throntveit, Mark, Ezra-Nehemiah, IBC, WJK, 1992, LM****B
Secondary
1. Clines, David, Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1984, LM****
2. Klien, Ralph, Ezra-Nehemiah, NIB, vol. 3, Abingdon, 1999, N/A-G
3. McConville, J. Gordon, Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther, DSB, Westminster, 1985, LM****

Esther
Primary
1. Baldwin, Joyce, Esther, TOTC, IVP, 1984, LM****GBW
2. Berlin, Adele, Esther, JPSTC, JPS, 2001, N/A-BD
3. Bush, Frederic, Esther, WBC, Word, 1995, MS*****G
4. Fox, Michael, Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther, 2d ed., Eerdmans, 2001, N/A-GB
5. Jobes, Karen, Esther, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1999, LM*****GW
Secondary
1. Bechtel, Carol, Esther, IBC, WJK, 2002, N/A-B
2. Levenson, Jon, Esther, OTL, WJK, 1997, MS****B

Wisdom Literature: General Works

1. Blenkinsopp, Joseph, Wisdom and Law in the Old Testament: The Ordering of Life in Israel and Early Judaism, Rev. ed., Oxford Bible Series, OUP, 1995, N/A-B
2. Clifford, Richard, Wisdom Literature, IBT, Abingdon, 1998, N/A-G
3. Crenshaw, James, Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction, Rev. ed., WJK, 1998, N/A-B
4. Murphy, Roland, The Tree of Life, 3d ed., Eerdmans, 2002, N/A-GB
5. Murphy, Roland, Wisdom Literature: Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Canticles, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, FOTL, Eerdmans, 1981, S****
6. Perdue, Leo, Wisdom and Creation: The Theology of the Wisdom Literature, Abingdon, 1994, N/A-B

Job
Primary
1. Alden, Robert, Job, NAC, B&H, 1994, LM***GW
2. Andersen, Francis, Job, TOTC, IVP, 1976, LM***GB
3. Clines, David, Job, 2 vols., WBC, Word-1989/Nelson-2002, MS*****GBWD
4. Hartley, John, Job, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1988, MS***GBW
5. Janzen, Gerald, Job, IBC, JK, 1989, LM****B
Secondary
1. Gibson, John, Job, DSB, Westminster, 1985, LM***
2. Gordis, Robert, The Book of Job, KTAV, 1978, MS****
3. Habel, Norman, Job, OTL, WJK, 1985, MS***B

Psalms
Primary
1. Allen, Leslie, Psalms 101-150, rev. ed., WBC, Nelson, 2002, MS****GBW
2. Cragie, Peter, Psalms 1-50, WBC, Word, 1983, MS****GBWD
3. Kraus, Hans-Joachim, Psalms, 2 vols., Continental, Augsburg, 1988/89, S****GB
4. Tate, Marvin, Psalms 51-100, WBC, Word, 1990, MS****GBW
5. Kidner, Derek, Psalms, 2 vols., TOTC, IVP, 1973/75, LM****W
6. Mays, James, Psalms, IBC, JK, LM*****GBW
7. VanGemeren, Willem, Psalms, vol. 5, EBC, Zondervan, 1991, LM*****W
8. Wilson, Gerald, Psalms, 2 vols., NIVAC, Zondervan, 2002, LM*****G
Secondary
1. Broyles, Craig, Psalms, NIBCOT, Hendrickson, 1999, LM***G
2. Gerstenberger, Erhard, Psalms, Pt. 1-Psalms and Lamentations, 2 vols., FOTL, S****
3. Terrien, Samuel, Psalms, ECC, Eerdmans, 2002, N/A-GD
4. Wilcock, Michael, The Message of the Psalms, 2 vols., BST, IVP, 2001, L****G
5. Williams, Donald, Psalms, 2 vols., NCC, Word, 1986/89, LM****
Theology
1. Kraus, Hans-Joachim, Theology of the Psalms, Augsburg, 1986, N/A-B
2. Mays, James, The Lord Reigns: A Theological Handbook to the Psalms, Westminster, 1994, N/A-B
3. McCann, Clinton, A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms, Abingdon, 1993, N/A-G
4. Westermann, Claus, The Living Psalms, Eerdmans, 1989, N/A-G
5. Wilson, Gerald, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter, Scholars, 1985, N/A-G

Proverbs
Primary
1. Clifford, Richard, Proverbs, OTL, WJK, 1999, MS****GBD
2. Fox, Michael, Proverbs, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 2000/03, MS*****GBD
3. Murphy, Roland, Proverbs, WBC, Nelson, 1998, MS****G
4. Garrett, Duane, Proverbs, NAC, B&H, 1993 LM***GW
5. Kidner, Derek, Proverbs, TOTC, IVP, 1964, LM****GW
6. Van Leeuwan, Raymond, Proverbs, NIB, vol. 5, Abingdon, 1997, LM*****G
7. Longman, Tremper, How to Read Proverbs, IVP, 2002, N/A-G
Secondary
1. Hubbard, David, Proverbs, NCC, Word, 1989, LM****G
2. Murphey, R. and E. Huwiler, Proverbs-Ecclesiastes-Song of Songs, NIBCOT, Hendrickson, 1999, LM**
3. Keil, C.F and F. Delitzch, Proverbs-Ecclesiastes-Song of Songs, LM****
4. McKane, William, Proverbs, OTL, Westminster, 1970, MS****B
5. Perdue, Leo, Proverbs, IBC, WJK, 2000, LM****B

Ecclesiastes
Primary
1. Crenshaw, James, Ecclesiastes, OTL, Westminster, 1987, MS****B
2. Longman, Tremper, Ecclesiastes, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1997, N/A-GBWD
3. Murphy, Roland, Ecclesiastes, WBC, Word, 1992, MS****GB
4. Seow, Choon-Leong, Ecclesiastes, AB, Doubleday, 1997, MS****GBD
5. Provan, Iain, Ecclesiastes-Song of Songs, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2001, LM****GW
Secondary
1. Eaton, Michael, Ecclesiastes, TOTC, IVP, 1983 G
2. Fredricks, Daniel, Qohelet’s Language, Mellon, 1986, N/A-G
3. Fox, Michael, A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build Up, Eerdmans, 1999, MS****
4. Hubbard, David, Beyond Futility, Eerdmans, 1976, LM****
5. Hubbard, David, Ecclesiastes-Song of Songs, NCC, Word, 1992, N/A-G
6. Kidner, Derek, The Message of Ecclesiastes, BST, IVP, 1976, LM****GW
7. Whybray, Norman, Ecclesiastes, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1989, MS****B

Song of Songs
Primary
1. Gledhill, Tom, The Message of Song of Songs, BST, IVP, 1994, LM*****W
2. Keel, Othmar, The Song of Songs, Continental, Fortress, 1994, MS*****BW
3. Longman, Tremper, Song of Songs, NICOT, Zondervan, 2001, N/A-GB
4. Murphy, Roland, The Song of Songs, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1990, MS****BWD
5. Pope, Marvin, Song of Songs, AB, Doubleday, 1977, MS*****B
Secondary
1. Davidson, Robert, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, DSB, Westminster, 1986, LM****
2. Fox, Michael, The Song of Songs and the Ancient Egyptian Love Songs, University of Wisconsin, 1985, N/A-G
3. Provan, Iain, See under Ecclesiastes

Prophetic Literature: General Works

1. Blenkinsopp, Joseph, A History of Prophecy in Israel, Rev. ed, WJK, 1993, N/A-B
2. Brueggemann, Walter, The Prophetic Imagination, Fortress, 1978
3. Chisholm, Robert, Handbook on the Prophets, Baker, 2002, N/A-G
4. Gowan, Donald, Theology of the Prophetic Books, WJK, 1998, N/A-B
5. Heschel, Abraham, The Prophets (2 vol. in 1), Harper, 1969, N/A-B
6. Petersen, David, The Prophetic Literature, WJK, 2002, N/A-G
7. VanGemeren, Willem, Interpreting the Prophetic Word, Zondervan, 1990, N/A-B

Isaiah
Primary
1. Blenkinsopp, Joseph, Isaiah, 3 vols., AB, Doubleday, 2000/02/03, S****B
2. Childs, Brevard, Isaiah, OTL, WJK, 2000, MS***GB
3. Goldingay, John, Isaiah, NIBCOT, Hendrickson, 2001, MS****G
4. Motyer, J. Alec, The Prophecy of Isaiah, IVP, 1993, MS****GW
5. Oswalt, John, Isaiah, 2 vols., NICOT, Eerdmans, 1986/98, MS****GBWD
6. Seitz, Christopher, Isaiah 1-39, IBC, WJK, 1993, MS****GB
7. Sweeney, Marvin, Isaiah 1-39, FOTL, Eerdmans, 1996, MS*****
8. Wildberger, Hans, Isaiah, 3 vols., Continental, Fortress, 1991/96/02, S****GB
Secondary
1. Baltzer, Klaus, Deutero-Isaiah 40-55, Hermeneia, Fortress, 2001, S****
2. Beuken, W. Isaiah Part II, vol. 2, HCOT, Peeters, 2000, N/A-G
3. Hanson, Paul, Isaiah 40-66, IBC, WJK, 1995, M****B
4. Kaiser, Otto, Isaiah, 3 vols.(?), OTL, 1983/1974, S***
5. Keil, C.F and F. Delitzch, Isaiah, LM****
6. Koole, J., Isaiah, 3 vols., HCOT, Peeters, 1997/99, N/A-G
7. Motyer, J. Alec, Isaiah, TOTC, IVP, 1999, ML****G
8. Oswalt, John, Isaiah, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2003, N/A-G
9. Seitz, Christopher, ed., Reading and Preaching the Book of Isaiah, Fortress, 1988, N/A-B
10. Watts, John, Isaiah, 2 vols., WBC, Word, 1985/87, MS***B
11. Westermann, Claus, Isaiah 40-66, OTL, Westminster, 1969, MS****D
12. Young, Edward, The Book of Isaiah, 3 vols., Eerdmans, 1965-72, MS**

Jeremiah
Primary
1. Brueggemann, Walter, A Commentary on Jeremiah, Eerdmans, 1997, LM****B
2. Holladay, William, Jeremiah, 2 vols., Hermeneia, Fortress, 1986/89, MS****GBD
3. Lundblom, Jack, Jeremiah, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1999, MS*****G
4. Thompson, J.A., Jeremiah, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1980, MS****GBW
5. Dearman, Andrew, Jeremiah, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2002, LM*****G
Secondary
1. Bright, John, Jeremiah, AB, Doubleday, 1965, MS***
2. Craigie, Kelly, Drinkard, Jeremiah 1-25, WBC, Word, 1991, MS****
3. Davidson, Robert, Jeremiah-Lamentations, 2 vols., DSB, Westminster, 1985, LM****
4. Huey, F., Jeremiah-Lamentations, NAC, B&H, 1993, LM**G
5. Keil, C.F and F. Delitzch, Jeremiah-Lamentations, LM****
Special Studies
1. Friebel, Kelvin, Jeremiah’s and Ezekiel’s Sign Acts, SAP, 1999, N/A-G
2. King, Philip, Jeremiah: An Archeological Companion, WJK, 1993, N/A-GD
3. Lundbom, Jack, The Early Career of the Prophet Jeremiah, Mellen, 1993, N/A-G
4. McConville, Gordon, Judgment and Promise, Eisenbrauns, 1993, N/A-G

Lamentations
Primary
1. Berlin, Adele, Lamentations, OTL, WJK, 2002, MS*****GB
2. Dobbs-Allsop, F., Lamentations, IBC, WJK, 2000, LM*****GB
3. Hillers, Delbert, Lamentations, rev. ed., AB, Doubleday, 1992, N/A-GBD
4. Provan, Iain, Lamentations, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1991, LM*****GW
5. Renkema, J., Lamentations, HCOT, Peeters, 1998, N/A-GB
Special Studies
1. Dobbs-Allsop, F., Weep, O Daughter of Zion, Pontifical Biblical Institute, 1993, N/A-G
2. Salters, Robin, Jonah and Lamentations, OTG, SAP, 1994, N/A-G
3. Westermann, Claus, Lamentations, Fortress, 1994, N/A-GB

Ezekiel
Primary
1. Allen, Leslie, Ezekiel 1-19/20-48, 2 vols., WBC, Word, 1990/94, MS****GB
2. Block, Daniel, Ezekiel, 2 vols., NICOT, Eerdmans, 1997/98, MS*****GBWD
3. Duguid, Iain, Ezekiel, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2000, LM*****GW
4. Zimmerli, Walther, Ezekiel, 2 vols., Hermeneia, Fortress, 1979/83, MS*****GBD
5. Stuart, Douglas, Ezekiel, NCC, Word, 1983, LM****G
Secondary
1. Blenkinsopp, Joseph, Ezekiel, IBC, JK, 1990, LM****B
2. Cooper, Lamar, Ezekiel, NAC, B&H, 1994, LM**G (dispensational/premill)
3. Craigie, Peter, Ezekiel, DSB, Westminster, 1983, LM****GW
4. Greenberg, Moshe, Ezekiel, 3 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1983/97, MS****
Special Studies
1. Davis, Ellen, Swallowing the Scroll, Almond, 1989, N/A-G
2. Duguid, Iain, Ezekiel and the Leaders of Israel, Brill, 1994, N/A-G
3. Hals, Ronald, Ezekiel, FOTL, Eerdmans, 1989, S****G
4. Renz, Thomas, The Rhetorical Function of the Book of Ezekiel, Brill, 1999, N/A-G

Daniel
Primary
1. Collins, John, Daniel, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1993, MS*****GBD (Late comp)
2. Goldingay, John, Daniel, WBC, Word, 1989, MS*****GBWD (Amillennial)
3. Lucas, Ernest, Daniel, Apollos, IVP, 2002, MS***G (canonical approach)
4. Longman, Tremper, Daniel, NIVAC, Zondervan, N/A (Amillennial)
5. Baldwin, Joyce, Daniel, TOTC, IVP, 1978, LM****GBW (Amillennial)
Secondary
1. Brensigner, Terry, Daniel, BCBC, Herald, 1999, N/A-G (Amillennial)
2. Collins, John, Daniel with an Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature, FOTL, Eerdmans, 1984, S****G
3. Ferguson, Sinclair, Daniel, NCC, Word, 1988, LM****
4. Miller, Stephen, Daniel, NAC, B&H, 1994, LM***G (Dispensational)
5. Montgomery, James, Daniel, ICC, CSS, 1927, S****
6. Wallace, Ronald, The Lord is King: Message of Daniel, BST, IVP, 1979, MS****G (Millennial: this is Glynn’s label)

Minor Prophets
Primary
1. Craigie, P., Twelve Prophets, 2 vols., DSB, Westminster, 1985, LM***
2. Floyd, M.H., Minor Prophets, Part 2, FOTL, Eerdmans, 2000, S*****
3. McComiskey, Thomas, ed., The Minor Prophets, 3 vols., Baker, 1992-98, MS*****GBW
a. McComiskey, Thomas, “Hosea”, vol. 1, MS*****G
b. Dillard, Raymond, “Joel”, vol. 1, MS*****
c. Neihaus, Jeffrey, “Amos”, vol. 1, MS****
d. Neihaus, Jeffrey, “Obadiah”, vol. 1, LM****
e. Baldwin, Joyce, “Jonah”, vol. 2, MS***
f. Waltke, Bruce, “Micah”, vol. 2, MS*****G
g. Longman, Tremper, “Nahum”, vol. 2, MS
h. Bruce, F.F., “Habakkuk”, vol. 2., MS***
i. Motyer, J. Alec, “Haggai”, vol. 3, LM***
j. Motyer, J. Alec, “Zephaniah”, vol. 3, MS****
k. McComiskey, Thomas, “Zechariah”, vol. 3, LM****G
l. Stuart, Douglas, “Malachi”, vol. 3, LM***
4. Smith, Gary, Hosea-Amos-Micah, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2001, LM***GD
5. Stuart, Douglas, Hosea-Jonah, WBC, Word, 1987, MS****GWD (forthcoming: Micah-Malachi, WBC, replacing Ralph Smith’s contribution)
6. Sweeney, Marvin, The Twelve Prophets, Berit Olam, Liturgical Press, 2000, N/A-B

Hosea – Joel – Amos
Primary
1. Andersen, Francis, and David Freedman, Hosea, AB, Doubleday, 1980, MS*****GB
2. Andersen, Francis, and David Freedman, Amos, AB, Doubleday, 1989, MS*****GB
3. Crenshaw, James, Joel, AB, Doubleday, 1995, MS****B
4. Smith, Gary, Amos, rev. ed., Mentor, Christian Focus, 1998, MS****GW
5. Wolff, Hans, Hosea, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1974, MS****GB
6. Wolff, Hans, Joel and Amos, Hermeneia, 1977, MS****GBD
Secondary
1. Barton, John, Joel and Obadiah, OTL, Westminster, 2001, MS****BD
2. Finley, T.J., Joel-Amos-Obadiah, WEC, Moody, 1990, MS****G
3. Garrett, Duane, Hosea and Joel, NAC, B&H, 1997, LM****G
4. Hubbard, David, Hosea, TOTC, IVP, 1990, LM****GW
5. Hubbard, David, Joel and Amos, TOTC, IVP 1989, LM****W
6. Jeremias, Jorg, Amos, OTL, WJK, 1998, N/A-GB
7. Kidner, Derek, The Message of Hosea, BST, IVP, 1987, LM****
8. Macintosh, A.A., Hosea, ICC, TTC, 1997, N/A-GB
9. Mays, James, Amos, OTL, Westminster, 1969, MS****B
10. McKeating, Henry, Amos-Hosea-Micah, CBC, Cambridge, 1971, LM****
11. Paul, Shalom, Amos, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1991, MS*****BD
12. Smith, Gary, Hosea-Amos-Micah, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2001, LM***GD

Obadiah – Jonah – Micah
Primary
1. Allen, Leslie, Joel-Obadiah-Jonah-Micah, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1976, MS***GWD
2. Andersen, Francis, and David Freedman, Micah, AB, Doubleday, 2000, LM****GB
3. Raabe, Paul, Obadiah, AB, Doubleday, 1996, MS*****GB
4. Sasson, Jack, Jonah, AB, Doubleday, 1990, MS*****BD
5. Baker, David, Desmond Alexander, and Bruce Waltke, Obadiah-Jonah-Micah, TOTC, IVP, 1988, LM****W
Secondary
1. Ben Zvi, Ehud, A Historical-Critical Study of the Book of Obadiah, de Gruyter, 1996, N/A-G
2. Ben Zvi, Ehud, Micah, FOTL, Eerdmans, 2000, MS****
3. Hillers, Delbert, Micah, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1984, MS***
4. Limburg, James, Jonah, OTL, WJK, 1993, MS****B
5. Trible, Phyllis, Rhetorical Criticism: Context, Method and the Book of Jonah, Fortress, 1995, N/A-D
6. Wolff, Hans, Obadiah and Jonah, Continental, Fortress, 1986, MS****B

Nahum – Habakkuk – Zephaniah
Primary
1. Andersen, Francis, Habakkuk, AB, Doubleday, 2001, MS****GB
2. Berlin, Adele, Zephaniah, AB, Doubleday, 1994, MS*****GB
3. Roberts, J., Nahum-Habakkuk-Zephaniah, OTL, Westminster, 1991, MS****GBD
4. Robertson, O. Palmer, The Books of Nahum-Habakkuk-Zephaniah, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1990, LM****GBWD
5. Spronk, K., Nahum, HCOT, Peeters, 1999, N/A-GB
6. Vlaardingerbroek, J., Zephaniah, HCOT, Peeters, 1999, N/A-GB
Secondary
1. Bailey, Waylon, Micah-Nahum-Habakkuk-Zephaniah, NAC, B&H, 1999, LM****G
2. Baker, David, Nahum-Habakkuk-Zephaniah, TOTC, IVP, 1988, LM****
3. Ball, Ivan, Zephaniah: A Rhetorical Study, Bibal Press, 1988, N/A-G
4. Barker, Kenneth, Micah-Nahum-Habakkuk-Zephaniah, NAC, B&H, 1999, LM***G (Dispensational)
5. Ben Zvi, Ehud, A Historical-Critical Study of the Book of Zephaniah, de Gruyter, 1993, N/A-G
6. House, Paul, Zephaniah: A Prophetic Drama, Almond Press, 1988, N/A-G
7. Maier, Walter, The Book of Nahum, Concordia, 1959, LM***GB
8. Patterson, R., Nahum-Habakkuk-Zephaniah, WEC, Moody, 1991, MS****

Haggai – Zechariah – Malachi
Primary
1. Hill, Andrew, Malachi, AB, Doubleday, 1998, MS****GB
2. Meyers, Carol, and Eric Meyers, Haggai and Zechariah 1-8, AB, Doubleday, 1987, MS****GBD
3. Meyers, Carol, and Eric Meyers, Zechariah 9-14, AB, Doubleday, 1993, MS****GBD
4. Petersen, David, Haggai and Zechariah, OTL, Westminster, 1984, MS****GB
5. Petersen, David, Zechariah 9-14 and Malachi, OTL, Westminster, 1984, MS****GBD
6. Verhoef, Pieter, The Books of Haggai and Malachi, NICOT, Eerdmans, 1986, MS***GBWD
7. Wolff, Hans, Haggai, Continental, Fortress, 1988, MS****GB
Secondary
1. Baldwin, Joyce, Haggai-Zechariah-Malachi, TOTC, IVP, 1972, LM***GW
2. Glazier-McDonald, Beth, Malachi, Scholars, 1987, N/A-G
3. Merrill, Eugene, Haggai-Zechariah-Malachi, Moody, 1994, N/A-G (Dispensational)

NT Commentaries

2006-06-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

Still needs formatting...

Author, Title, Vols, Edition, Series, Publisher, Year, Recs. (G-Glynn, B-Bauer, W-Duvall/Hays, D-Denver Seminary Journal, C*-Carson/outstanding, C-Carson/useful)

Matthew
Primary
1. Blomberg, Craig, Matthew, NAC, B&H, 1992, X-GCWD
2. Davies, W.D. and Dale Allison, Matthew 1-7, 8-18, 19-28, 3 vols., ICC, TTC, 1988/91/97, X-GC*B
3. France, Richard, Matthew, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1988, X-GC
4. Hagner, Donald, Matthew, 2 vols., WBC, Word, 1993/95, X-GBD
5. Keener, Craig, A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Eerdmans, 1999, X-GC
6. Wilkins, Michael, Matthew, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2004, X-D
Secondary
1. Carson, D.A. Matthew, EBC vol. 8, Zondervan, 1984, X-GW
2. Green, Michael, Matthew, BST, IVP, 1992, X-G
3. Gundry, Robert, Matthew, 2d ed., Eerdmans, 1994, X-
4. Keener, Craig, Matthew, IVPNTC, IVP, 1997, X-G (go for larger work)
5. Luz, Ulrich, Matthew, 3 vols., Hermeneia, Fortress, 1992-, X-GB
6. Morris, Leon, Matthew, PNTC, Eerdmans, 1992, X-W
7. Mounce, Robert, Matthew, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1991, X-C
8. Schnackenburg, Rudolf, The Gospel of Matthew, Eerdmans, 2002, X-
9. Bonnard, P., Evangile selon S. Matthieu,2d ed., CNT, 1970, X-C* (French)
Sermon on the Mount
1. Betz, Hans, The Sermon on the Mount, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1995, X-
2. Guelich, Robert, The Sermon on the Mount, Word, 1982, X-G
3. Patte, Daniel, Discipleship According to the Sermon on the Mount, Trinity Press International, 1996, X- (multiple views)
4. Stott, John, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, BST, IVP, 1978, X-
Special Studies
1. Aune, David, ed., The Gospel of Matthew in Current Study, Eerdmans, 2000, X-G
2. Bauer, David, The Structure of Matthew’s Gospel, Almond, 1988, X-G
3. Brown, Raymond, Death of the Messiah, 2 vols., ABRL, DD, 1994, X-G
4. Brown, Raymond, Birth of the Messiah, rev. ed., ABRL, DD, 1993, X-G
5. Charette, Blaine, Restoring Presence: The Spirit in Matthew’s Gospel, SAP, 2000, X-
6. France, Richard, Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher, IVP, 1998, X-GC*B
7. Senior, Donald, Matthew, IBT, Abingdon, 1997, X-G
8. Stanton, Graham, A Gospel for a New People, WJK, 1993, X-GC*
9. Stendalh, K., The School of St. Matthew and its use of the OT, Sigler, 1991, X-C
10. Wilkins, Michael, Discipleship in the Ancient World and Matthew’s Gospel, 2d ed., Baker, 1995, X-G

Mark
Primary
1. Evans, Craig, Mark 8:27-16:20, WBC, Thomas Nelson, 2001, X-GCB
2. Guelich, Robert, Mark 1:1-8.26, WBC, Word, 1989, X-GCBD
3. Edwards, James, The Gospel According to Mark, PNTC, Eerdmans, 2001, X-GD
4. France, R.T., The Gospel of Mark, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 2002, X-GC*B
5. Garland, David, Mark, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1996, X-GWD
6. Gundry, Robert, Mark: A Commentary on His Apology of the Cross, Eerdmans, 1992, X-GCB
7. Lane, William, The Gospel of Mark, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1974, X-GC*BW
Secondary
1. Brooks, James, Mark, NAC, B&H, 1991, X-GC*
2. Cole, R. Alan, The Gospel According to St. Mark, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1989, X-
3. Cranfield, C.E.B., The Gospel According to St. Mark, CUP, 1959, X-GC*
4. Hooker, Morna, Gospel According to St. Mark, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1993, X-GC*
5. Hurtado, Larry, Mark, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1989, X-
6. Mann, C.S. Mark, AB, Doubleday, 1986, X-C* (Griesbach Hypothesis)
7. Marcus, Joel, Mark 1-8, AB, Doubleday, 2000, X-GC
8. Witherington, Ben, The Gospel of Mark, Eerdmans, 2001, X-B
Special Studies
1. Beasley-Murray, George, Jesus and the Last Days, Hendrickson, 1993, X-G
2. Best, Ernst, Mark: The Gospel as Story, TTC, 1983, X-C
3. Bock, Darrell, Blasphemy and Exaltation in Judaism, Baker, 2000, X-G
4. Kingsbury, Jack Dean, The Christology of Mark’s Gospel, Fortress, 1983, X-B
5. Rhoads, David, J. Dewey, and Donald Michie, Mark as Story, 2d ed., Fortress, 1999, X-G
6. Telford, William, ed., The Interpretation of Mark, 2d ed., TTC, 1995, X-G
7. Telford, William, The Theology of the Gospel of Mark, NTT, CUP, 1999, X-B
8. Thurston, Bonnie, Preaching Mark, Fortress, 2002
9. Williams, Joel, Other Followers of Jesus: Minor Characters as Major Figures in Mark’s Gospel, SAP, 1994, X-G

Luke
Primary
1. Bock, Darrell, Luke 1-9, 10-24, 2 vols., BECNT, Baker, 1994/6, X-GC*W
2. Bock, Darrell, Luke, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1996, X-GCWD (abridgment of BEC, don’t get IVP)
3. Bovon, Francios, Luke, Hermeneia, Fortress, 2002, X-G
4. Fitzmyer, Joseph, The Gospel According to Luke 1-9, 10-24, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1981/85, X-GC*B
5. Green, Joel, The Gospel of Luke, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1997, X-GC*BWD
6. Marshall, I. Howard, The Gospel of Luke, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1978, X-GC*B
7. Nolland, John, Luke, 3 vols., WBC, Word, 1989-1993, X-C
Secondary
1. Evans, Craig, Luke, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1990, X-G
2. Johnson, Luke, The Gospel of Luke, Sacra Pagina, Liturgical, 1991, X-B
3. Leifeld, Walter, Luke, vol. 8, EBC, Zondervan, 1984, X-G
4. Morris, Leon, Luke, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1988, X-C
5. Stein, Robert, Luke, NAC, B&H, 1993, X-GW
Theology of Luke-Acts
1. Fitzmyer, Joseph, Luke the Theologian, Paulist, 1989, X-GC
2. Green, Joel, The Theology of the Gospel of Luke, NTT, CUP, 1995, X-
The Holy Spirit In Luke-Acts
1. Dunn, James, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Westminster, 1970, X- (anti-charismatic)
2. Menzies, Robert, Empowered for Witness, SAP, 1994, X-
3. Menzies, Robert, The Development of Early Christian Pneumatology with Special Reference to Luke-Acts, SAP, 1991, X-
4. Stott, John, Baptism and Fullness, rev. ed., IVP, 1999, X- (anti-charismatic)
5. Stronstad, Roger, The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke, Hendrickson, 1984, X-
Special Studies
1. Alexander, Loveday, The Preface to Luke’s Gospel, CUP, 1993, X-G
2. Forbes, Greg, The God of Old, SAP, 2000, X-G
3. Green, Joel, and Michael McKeever, eds., Luke-Acts and New Testament Historiography, IBR, Baker, 1994, X- (bibliography)
4. Tannehill, Robert, The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts, 2 vols., Fortress, 1986-90, X-G
5. Marshall, I. Howard, Luke: Historian and Theologian, rev. ed., IVP, 1988, X-B

John
Primary
1. Barrett, C.K., The Gospel According to St. John, Westminster, 1978, X-GC*B
2. Brown, Raymond, The Gospel According to John, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1966/70, X-GCB
3. Burge, Gary, John, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2000, X-GWD
4. Carson, D.A., The Gospel According to John, PNTC, Eerdmans, 2001, X-GCWD
5. Morris, Leon, The Gospel According to John, rev. ed., NICNT, Eerdmans, 1994, X-GC*BW
6. Keener, Craig, The Gospel of John, 2 vols., Eerdmans, 2003, X-G
7. Schnackenburg, Rudolf, The Gospel According to St. John, 3 vols., Seabury/Crossroad, 1968-82, X-GCB
Secondary
1. Bauckham, Richard (NIGTC, Forthcoming)
2. Beasley-Murray, George, John, rev. ed., WBC, Thomas Nelson, 1999, X-CB (have older edition)
3. Blomberg, Craig, The Historical Reliability of John’s Gospel, IVP, 2002, X-G
4. Brown, Raymond, The Gospel and Epistles of John: A Concise Commentary, Liturgical, 1988, X-
5. Bruce, F.F., The Gospel of John, Eerdmans, 1983, X-C (bound with Epistles)
6. Kostenberger, Andreas, John, BECNT, Baker, 2004, X-D
7. Kruse, Colin, The Gospel According to John, rev. ed., TNTC, IVP, 2004, X-
8. Michaels, J. Ramsey, John, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1995, X-
9. Morris, Leon, Expository Reflections on the Gospel of John, Hendrickson, 2000, X-
10. Ridderbos, Herman, The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary, Eerdmans, 1997, X-G (originally in Dutch)
John as Story
1. Ashton, John, Studying John, OUP, 1995, X-G
2. Ashton, John, Understanding the Fourth Gospel, OUP, 1991, X-G
3. Culpepper, R. Alan, John, IBT, Abingdon, 1996, X-G
4. Pryor, John, John: Evangelist of the Covenant People, IVP, 1992, X-G
5. Smalley, Stephen, John: Evangelist and Interpreter, 2d ed., IVP, 1998, X-GB
Special Studies
1. Bauckham, Richard, ed., The Gospel for All Christians, Eerdmans, 1997, X-G (refutes ‘Johannine community’)
2. Beasley-Murray, George, Gospel of Life, Hendrickson, 1991, X-
3. Brown, Raymond, Community of the Beloved Disciple, Paulist, 1979, X-
4. Culpepper, R. Alan, John: the Son of Zebedee, Fortress, 2000, X-G
5. Ensor, Peter, Jesus and His Works, Mohr, 1996, X-G
6. Kostenberger, Andreas, Encountering John, Baker, 1999, X-G
7. Motyer, Stephen, Your Father the Devil?, Paternoster, 1997, X-G
8. Smith, D. Moody, The Theology of the Gospel of John, NTT, CUP, 1995, X-
9. Thompson, Marianne Meye, The God of the Gospel of John, Eerdmans, 2001, X-G

Acts
Primary
1. Barrett, C.K. Acts of the Apostles, 2 vols., ICC, TTC, 1994/99, X-GC*BD
2. Bruce, F.F., The Book of Acts, rev. ed., NICNT, Eerdmans, 1988, X-GCBW
3. Fitzmyer, Joseph, Acts of the Apostles, AB, Doubleday, 1999, X-GB
4. Marshall, I. Howard, Acts, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1980, X-GC
5. Longenecker, Richard, Acts, vol. 9, EBC, Zondervan, 1981, X-GCW (bound with John)
6. Stott, John, The Message of Acts, BST, IVP, 1990, X-GC
Secondary
1. Barrett, C.K., Acts: A Shorter Commentary, TTC, 2002, X-G (abridgement minus technical notes)
2. Bruce, F.F., The Acts of the Apostles (on the Greek Text),, 3d ed., Wipf & Stock, 2000, X-G
3. Fernando, Ajith, Acts, NIVAC, IVP, 1995, X-D
4. Johnson, Luke, The Acts of the Apostles, Sacra Pagina, Liturgical, 1992, X-GB
5. Larkin, William, Acts, IVPNTC, IVP, 1995, X-GC
6. Polhill, John, Acts, NAC, B&H, 1992, X-GW
7. Williams, David, Acts, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1990, X-
Socio-rhetorical Studies
1. Soards, Marion, The Speeches in Acts, WJK, 1994, X-G
2. Spencer, Scott, Acts, SAP, 1997, X-G
3. Wall, Robert, Acts, vol. 10, NIB, Abingdon, 2002, X-G
4. Witherington, Ben, The Acts of the Apostles, Eerdmans, 1997, X-GCWD
Special Studies
1. Arrington, French, The Acts of the Apostles, Hendrickson, 1988, X- (Pentecostal commentary)
2. Gasque, W. Ward, A History of the Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles, Hendrickson, 1989, X-GC
3. Hemer, Colin, The Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History, Mohr, 1989, X-GC
4. Jervell, Jacob, The Theology of the Book of Acts, NTT, CUP, 1996, X-
5. Johnson, Dennis, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption, P&R, 1997, X-GC
6. Marshall, I. Howard, and David Peterson, eds., Witness to the Gospel, Eerdmans, 1998, X-GB
7. Pao, David, Acts and the Isianic New Exodus, Baker, 2003, X-G
8. Porter, Stanley, Paul of Acts, Hendrickson, 2001, X-G
9. Walton, Steve, Leadership and Lifestyle, CUP, 2000, X-G
10. Winter, Bruce, ed., The Book of Acts in Its First-Century Setting, 6 vols., X-C* (esp. if skimming)

Romans
Primary
1. Cranfield, C.E.B., The Epistle to the Romans, 2 vols., ICC, TTC, 1975, X-GC*D
2. Dunn, James, Romans, 2 vols., WBC, Word, 1988, X-CB (new perspective)
3. Edwards, James, Romans, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1992, X-C (new perspective)
4. Fitzmyer, Joseph, Romans, AB, Doubleday, 1993, X-CB (ignores new perspective)
5. Moo, Douglas, The Epistle to the Romans, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1996, X-GC*BWD
6. Morris, Leon, Romans, PNTC, Eerdmans, 1988, X-GW (doesn’t engage new perspective)
7. Schreiner, Thomas, Romans, BECNT, Baker, 1998, X-GC*
Secondary
1. Achtemeier, Paul, Romans, IBC, John Knox, 1985, X-B
2. Barrett, C.K., Epistle to the Romans, rev. ed., BNTC, Hendrickson, 1993, X-
3. Barth, Karl, The Epistle to the Romans, OUP, 1933, X- (classic)
4. Bruce, F.F., The Epistle to the Romans, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1985, X-C
5. Kasemann, Ernst, Commentary on Romans, Eerdmans, 1980, X- (provoking, modern Lutheran)
6. Moo, Douglas, Romans, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2000, X-GW
7. Mounce, Robert, Romans, NAC, B&H, 1995, X-
8. Nygren, Anders, Commentary on Romans, Fortress, 1944, X-
9. Osborne, Grant, Romans, IVPNTC, IVP, 2004, X-D
10. Stott, John, The Message of Romans, BST, IVP, 1995, X-GW
11. Stuhlmacher, Peter, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, WJK, 1994, X-C
12. Wright, N.T., Romans, vol. 10, NIB, Abingdon, 2002, X-G
Special Studies
1. Donfried, Karl, ed., The Romans Debate, rev. ed., Hendrickson, 1991, X-B
2. Moo, Douglas, Encountering the Book of Romans, Baker, 2002, X-G
3. Piper, John, The Justification of God, 2d ed., Baker, 1993, X-G
4. Siefrid, Mark, and Randall Tan, The Pauline Writings, IBR, Baker, 2002, X-G
5. Soderlund, Sven, and N.T. Wright, eds., Romans and the People of God, Eerdmans, 1999, X-G
6. Wagner, J. Ross, Heralds of Good News, Brill, 2002, X-G

1 Corinthians
Primary
1. Barrett, C.K., The First Epistle to the Corinthians, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1987, X-GCB
2. Blomberg, Craig, 1 Corinthians, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1995, X-GCWD
3. Fee, Gordon, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1987, X-GC*BWD
4. Hays, Richard, First Corinthians, IBC, WJK, 1997, X-GCB
5. Thiselton, Anthony, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 2000, X-GC*BD
Secondary
1. Bruce, F.F., 1 Corinthians, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1981, X-C (covers both)
2. Collins, Raymond, First Corinthians, Sacra Pagina, Liturgical, 1999, X-C
3. Garland, David, 1 Corinthians, BECNT, Baker, 2003, X-
4. Morris, Leon, 1 Corinthians, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1983, X-
5. Prior, David, The Message of 1 Corinthians, BST, IVP, 1985, X-
6. Soards, Marion, 1 Corinthians, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1999, X-G
Socio-rhetorical Studies
1. Litfin, Duane, St. Paul’s Theology of Proclamation, CUP, 1994, X-GC
2. Peterson, Brian, Eloquence and the Proclamation of the Gospel in Corinth, Scholars, 1998, X-G
3. Pogoloff, S., Logos and Sophia, Scholars, 1992, X-G
4. Welborn, Larry, Politics and Rhetoric in the Corinthian Epistles, Mercer University Press, 1997, X-G
5. Winter, Bruce, Philo and Paul Among the Sophists, CUP, 1997, X-G
6. Witherington, Ben, Conflict and Community in Corinth, Eerdmans, 1995, X-GCB (covers both)
Special Studies
1. Barth, Karl, The Resurrection of the Dead, Wipf & Stock, 2003, X-C
2. Carson, D.A., Showing the Spirit, Baker, 1987, X-
3. Cheung, Alex, Idol Food in Corinth, SAP, 1999, X-G
4. Clarke, Andrew, Secular and Christian Leadership in Corinth, Brill, 1993, X-G
5. Furnish, Victor, The Theology of the First Letter to the Corinthians, NTT, CUP, 1999, X-C
6. Gardner, Paul, The Gifts of God and the Authentification of a Christian, University Press of America, X-G
7. Martin, Ralph, The Spirit and the Congregation, Wipf & Stock, 1997, X-C (also WBC Themes)
8. Murphy-O’Conner, Jerome, St. Paul’s Corinth: Texts and Archaeology, Liturgical, 1983, X-C*
9. Smedes, Lewis, Love within Limits, Eerdmans, 1978, X-C

2 Corinthians
Primary
1. Barnett, Paul, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1997, X-GC*BWD
2. Belleville, Linda, 2 Corinthians, IVPNTC, IVP, 1995, X-GWD
3. Martin, Ralph, 2 Corinthians, WBC, Word, 1986, X-GC*BD
4. Barrett, C.K., The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1993, X-GC*B
5. Hafemann, Scott, 2 Corinthians, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2000, X-GCW
6. Furnish, Victor, 2 Corinthians, AB, Doubleday, 1984, X-GC*
Secondary
1. Barnett, Paul, The Message of 2 Corinthians, BST, IVP, 1988, X-
2. Garland, David, 2 Corinthians, NAC, B&H, 1999, X-GC
3. Harris, Murray, 2 Corinthians, vol. 10, EBC, Zondervan, 1976, X-G
4. Kruse, Colin, 2 Corinthians, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1987, X-G
5. Scott, James, 2 Corinthians, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1998, X-C
6. Thrall, Margaret, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, 2 vols., ICC, TTC, 1994, X-CB
7. Witherington, Ben, Chaos and Community in Corinth, Eerdmans, 1995, X-G
Special Studies
1. Carson, D.A., From Triumphalsim to Maturity, Baker, 1986, X-G
2. Hafemann, Scott, Suffering and Ministry in the Spirit, Eerdmans, 1990, X-G
3. Hafemann, Scott, Paul, Moses, and the History of Israel, Hendrickson, 1996, X-G
4. Murphy-O’Connor, Jerome, The Theology of the Second Letter to the Corinthians, NTT, CUP, 1991, X-
5. Savage, Timothy, Power through Weakness, CUP, 1995, X-GC

Galatians
Primary
1. Bruce, F.F., Epistle to the Galatians, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1982, X-GC*
2. Fung, Ronald, The Epistle to the Galatians, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1988, X-C*W
3. George, Timothy, Galatians, NAC, B&H, 1994, X-GC (rebuts new perspective)
4. Longenecker, Richard, Galatians, WBC, Word, 1990, X-GBWD
5. Witherington, Ben, Grace in Galatia, Eerdmans, 1998, X-GCBD
6. Hansen, Walter, Galatians, IVPNTC, IVP, 1994, X-GWD
Secondary
1. Betz, Hans, Galatians, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1979, X-C*B
2. Cole, R. Alan, Galatians, rev. ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1989, X-
3. Dunn, James, The Epistle to the Galatians, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1993, X-G (new perspective)
4. Hays, Richard, Galatians, vol. 11, NIB, Abingdon, 2000, X-G
5. Jervis, Ann, Galatians, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1999, X- (new perspective)
6. Martyn, J. Louis, Galatians, AB, Doubleday, 1997, X-CB
7. McKnight, Scot, Galatians, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1995, X-C (new perspective)
8. Morris, Leon, Galatians, IVP, 1996, X-
9. Stott, John, The Message of Galatians, BST, IVP, 1986, X-C
10. Skilton, Moses, ed., Machen’s Notes on Galatians, o/p, X-C
Special Studies
1. Barclay, John, Obeying the Truth, TTC, 1988, X-GC (new perspective)
2. Buckel, John, Free to Love: Paul’s Defense of Christian Liberty in Galatians, Eerdmans, 1993, X-C
3. Dunn, James, The Theology of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, NTT, CUP, 1993, X- (new perspective)
4. Hansen, Walter, Abraham in Galatians, JSOT, 1989, X-G
5. Hays, Richard, The Faith of Jesus Christ, 2d ed., Eerdmans, 2002, X-G
6. Kern, Philip, Rhetoric and Galatians, SNTSMS 101, CUP, 1998, X-C (critique of Betz)
7. Longenecker, Bruce, The Triumph of Abraham’s God, Abingdon/ TTC, 1998, X-GC
8. Silva, Moises, Interpreting Galatians, 2d ed., Baker, 2001, X-G

Ephesians
Primary
1. Best, Ernst, Ephesians, ICC, TTC, 1998, X-GC*B
2. Hoehner, Harold, Ephesians, Baker, 2002, X-GD
3. Lincoln, Andrew, Ephesians, WBC, Word, 1990, X-GCBD
4. O’Brien, Peter, The Letter to the Ephesians, PNTC, Eerdmans, 1999, X-GC*WD
5. Snodgrass, Klyne, Ephesians, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1996, X-GWD
Secondary
1. Barth, Markus, Ephesians, 2 vols., AB, Doubleday, 1974, X-CB
2. Bruce, F.F., The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1984, X-W
3. Foulkes, Francis, Ephesians, 2d ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1989, X-
4. Mitton, C.L., Ephesians, NCBC, 1982, X-C
5. Patzia, A.G., Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, NIBC, Hendrickson, X-
6. Schnackenburg, Rudolf, The Epistle to the Ephesians, TTC, 2001, X-B
7. Stott, John, The Message of Ephesians, BST, IVP, 1979, X-GW
Special Studies
1. Arnold, Clinton, Ephesians, Power and Magic, Baker, 1992, X-G
2. Best, Ernst, Ephesians, NTG, SAP, 1993, X-G
3. Best, Ernst, Essays on Ephesians, TTC, 1998, X-G
4. Dahl, Nils, Studies in Ephesians, Mohr, 2000, X-G
5. Dawes, Gregory, The Body in Question, Brill, 1998, X-G
6. Harris, Hall, The Descent of Christ, Baker, 1998, X-G
7. Klein, William, The Book of Ephesians: An Annotated Bibliography, Garland, 1996, X-
8. Lincoln, Andrew, and A.J.M. Wedderburn, The Theology of the Later Pauline Letter, NTT, CUP, X-
9. Neufeld, Thomas, Put on the Armor of God, SAP, 1997, X-G
10. Van Roon, A., The Authenticity of Ephesians, SuppNovT 39, Brill, 1974, X-C*

Philippians
Primary
1. Fee, Gordon, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1995, X-GC*BWD
2. Hawthorne, Gerald, Philippians, WBC, Word, 1983, X-GC*B
3. O’Brien, Peter, Commentary on Philippians, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1991, X-GC*BD
4. Silva, Moises, Philippians, BECNT, Baker, 1992, X-GC*W
5. Bockmuehl, Markus, The Epistle to the Philippians, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1998, X-GC*B
6. Thielman, Frank, Philippians, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1995, X-GWD
Secondary
1. Beare, Francis, Philippians, 3d ed, HNTC, Harper, 1973, X-
2. Bruce, F.F., Philippians, 2d ed, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1989, X-
3. Marshall, I. Howard, Philippians, Epworth, 1991, X-C
4. Martin, Ralph., Philippians, 2d ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1987, X-
5. Osiek, Carolyn, Philippians and Philemon, ANTC, Abingdon, 2000, X- (good on slavery/women’s issues)
6. Witherington, Ben, Friendship and Finances in Philippi, NTC, Trinity Press Int’l, 1995, X-C
Special Studies
1. Bakirtzis, Charalambos, and Helmut Koester, eds., Philippi at the Time of Paul and after His Death, Trinity Press International, 1998, X-
2. Martin, Ralph, A Hymn of Christ, IVP, 1997, X-G
3. Oakes, Peter, Philippians, CUP, 2000, X-G
4. Peterlin, Davorin, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians in Light of Disunity in the Church, Brill, 1995, X-G
5. Peterman, Gerald, Paul’s Gift from Philippi, CUP, 1997, X-G

Colossians/Philemon
Primary
1. Dunn, James, The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1996, X-GC*
2. O’Brien, Peter, Colossians, Philemon, WBC, Word, 1982, X-GC*WD
3. Garland, David, Colossians and Philemon, NIVAC, Zondervan, X-GCWD
4. Lohse, Eduard, Colossians and Philemon, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1971, X-GC*
5. Wright, N.T., Colossians and Philemon, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1987, X-GC*
Secondary
1. Barth, Markus, and Helmut Blanke, Colossians, AB, Doubleday, 1994, X-BD
2. Barth, Markus, and Helmut Blanke, Philemon, ECC, Eerdmans, 2000, X-B (great on slavery)
3. Bruce, F.F., See under Ephesians
4. Hay, David, Colossians, ANTC, Abingdon, 2000, X-
5. Lucas, R.C., The Message of Colossians and Philemon, BST, IVP, 1980, X-
6. Martin, Ernst, Colossians and Philemon, BCBC, Herald, 1993, X-G
7. Martin, Ralph, Colossians and Philemon, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1981, X-G
8. Fitzmyer, Joseph, Philemon, AB, Doubleday, 2000, X-GB
9. Schweizer, Eduard, The Letter to the Colossians, Augsburg, 1982, X-G
Special Studies
1. Arnold, Clinton, The Colossian Syncretism, Baker, 1997, X-G
2. Barclay, John, Colossians and Philemon, SAP, 1997, X-G
3. Harris, Murray, Colossians and Philemon, EGGNT, Eerdmans, 1991, X-GC*
4. Martin, Troy, By Philosophy and Empty Deceit, SAP, 1996, X-G

1 & 2 Thessalonians
Primary
1. Best, Ernst, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1987, X-GC
2. Bruce, F.F., 1 and 2 Thessalonians, WBC, Word, 1982, X-GC*B
3. Malherbe, Abraham, The Letters to the Thessalonians, AB, Doubleday, 2000, X-GBD (Pauline)
4. Wanamaker, Charles, Commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1990, X-GC*BD
5. Holmes, Michael, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1998, X-GWD (post-trib)
6. Marshall, I. Howard, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1983, X-GCB
Secondary
1. Furnish, Victor, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, ANTC, Abingdon, 2002, X-G
2. Green, Gene, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, PNTC, Eerdmans, 2002, X-G
3. Morries, Leon, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, rev. ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1985, X- (don’t need if have NICNT)
4. Morris, Leon, The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians, rev. ed., NICNT, Eerdmans, 1991, X-W
5. Stott, John, Gospel and Time: The Message of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, BST, IVP, 1992, X-GW
6. Thomas, Robert, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, vol. 11, EBC, Zondervan, 1978, X- (pretrib, dispensational)
7. Williams, David, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1992, X-C
Special Studies
1. Donfried, Karl, Paul, Thessalonica, and Early Christianity, Eerdmans, 2002, X-G
2. Donfried, Karl, and Johannes Beutler, eds., The Thessalonians Debate, Eerdmans, 2000, X-GB
3. Donfried, Karl and I. Howard Marshall, The Theology of the Shorter Pauline Letters, NTT, CUP, 1993, X-
4. Weima, Jeffrey and Stanley Porter, An Annotated Bibliography of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Brill, 1998, X-

Pastoral Epistles
Primary
1. Fee, Gordon, 1 and 2 Timothy/Titus, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1988, X-GW (Egalitarian)
2. Johnson, Luke, The First and Second Letters to Timothy, AB, Doubleday, 2001, X-GBD
3. Johnson, Luke, Letter’s to Paul’s Delegates, NTC, Trinity Press Int’l, 1996, X-GC*
4. Knight, George, Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1992, X-GC*B (Complementarian)
5. Liefeld, Walter, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1999, X-G
6. Marshall, I. Howard, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles, ICC, TTC, 2000, X-GC*BD (Egalitarian)
7. Mounce, William, Pastoral Epistles, WBC, Thomas Nelson, 2000, X-GCBW (Complementarian)
8. Quinn, Jerome, and William Wacker, The First and Second Letters to Timothy, ECC, Eerdmans, 1999, X-GC*B
9. Quinn, Jerome, The Letter to Titus, AB, Doubleday, 1990, X-GC*B
10. Towner, Philip, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, IVPNTC, IVP, 1994, X-GCD (Egalitarian)
Secondary
1. Barrett, C.K., The Pastoral Epistles in the New English Bible, NClar, 1963, X-C
2. Guthrie, Donald, The Pastoral Epistles, rev. ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1990, X-C
3. Kelly, J.N.D., The Pastoral Epistles, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1993, X-GC
4. Oden, Thomas, First and Second Timothy and Titus, IBC, WJK, 1989, X-GC
5. Stott, John, Guard the Gospel (2 Timothy), BST, IVP, 1986, X-C
6. Stott, John, Guard the Truth (1 Timothy and Titus), BST, IVP, 1996, X-C
Special Studies
1. Donelson, Lewis, Pseudepigraphy and Ethical Argument in the Pastoral Epistles, Mohr, 1986, X-G
2. Knight, George, The Faithful Sayings in the Pastoral Epistles, X-C
3. Kostenberger, Andreas, Thomas Schreiner, and S. Baldwin, eds., Women in the Church, Baker, 1995, X-G
4. Lau, Andrew, Manifest in Flesh: The Epiphany Christology of the Pastoral Epistles, Mohr, 1996, X-G
5. Piper, John, and Wayne Grudem, eds., Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Crossway, 1991, X-G (Complementarian)
6. Prior, Michael, Paul the Letter-Writer and the Second Letter to Timothy, SAP, 1989, X-G
7. Richard, Earl, The Secretary in the Letters of Paul, Mohr, 1991, X-G
8. Young, Frances, Theology of The Pastoral Epistles, NTT, CUP, 1994, X- (Egalitarian, non-Pauline)

Hebrews
Primary
1. Attridge, Harold, Hebrews, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1989, X-GC*B
2. Bruce, F.F., The Epistle to the Hebrews, rev. ed., NICNT, Eerdmans, 1990, X-CBWD
3. Ellingworth, Paul, Hebrews, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1993, X-GC*B
4. Guthrie, George, Hebrews, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1998, X-GCWD
5. Lane, William, Hebrews, 2 vols., WBC, Word, 1991, X-GC*BWD
Secondary
1. Brown, Raymond, Hebrews, BST, IVP, 1988, X-G
2. deSilva, David, Perseverance in Gratitude, Eerdmans, 2000, X-G
3. Guthrie, Donald, Hebrews, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1983, X-
4. Hagner, Donald, Hebrews, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1990, X-G
5. Hughes, Philip, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Eerdmans, 1977, X-
6. Koester, Craig, Hebrews, AB, Doubleday, 2001, X-B
7. Lane, William, Call to Commitment, Hendrickson, 1988, X-CW
Special Studies
1. Croy, Clayton, Endurance in Suffering, CUP, 1998, X-G
2. deSilva, David, Despising Shame, Scholars, 1995, X-G
3. Guthrie, George, The Structure of Hebrews, Baker, 1998, X-C
4. Horton, Fred, The Melchizedek Tradition, SNTSMS 30, 1976, X-C
5. Kasemann, Ernst, The Wandering People of God, Augsburg, 1984, X-C (written while jailed by Nazis)
6. Laansma, John, “I Will Give You Rest”, Mohr, 1997, X-G
7. Lehne, Susanne, The New Covenant in Hebrews, JSOT, 1990
8. Lindars, Barnabas, The Theology of the Letter to the Hebrews, NTT, CUP, 1991, X-B
9. Peterson, David, Hebrews and Perfection, SNTSMS 17, 1982, X-C
10. Rhee, Victor, Faith in Hebrews, Lang, 2001, X-G
11. Trotter, Andrew, Interpreting the Epistle to the Hebrews, Baker, 1996, X-G

James
Primary
1. Davids, Peter, James, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1982, X-GC*BD
2. Johnson, Luke, James, AB, Doubleday, 1995, X-GC*B
3. Martin, Ralph, James, WBC, Word, 1989, X-GC*B
4. Laws, Sophie, James, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1987, X-GC*
5. Moo, Douglas, James, PNTC, Eerdmans, 2000, X-GC*WD
Secondary
1. Adamson, James, The Epistle of James, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1976, X-
2. Davids, Peter, James, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1989, X- (replace with NIGTC if Gk-friendly)
3. Mitton, C., James, Eerdmans, 1966, X-
4. Moo, Douglas, James, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1986, X-
5. Nystrom, David, James, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1997, X-W
6. Stulac, George, James, IVPNTC, IVP, 1993, X-
7. Wall, Robert, Community of the Wise: The Letter of James, NTC, Trinity Press Int’l, 1997, X-
Special Studies
1. Bauckham, Richard, James: Wisdom of James, Disciple of Jesus the Sage, New Testament Readings, Routledge, 1999, X-
2. Chester, A., and Ralph Martin, The Theology of the Letters of James, Peter, and Jude, NTT, CUP, 1994, X-
3. Chilton, Bruce, and Jacob Neusner, eds., The Brother of Jesus, WJK, 2001, X-

1 Peter
Primary
1. Achtemeier, Paul, 1 Peter, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1996, X-GC*B
2. Davids, Peter, 1 Peter, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1990, X-GCBWD
3. Marshall, I. Howard, 1 Peter, IVPNTC, IVP, 1992, X-GC*D
4. McKnight, Scot, 1 Peter, NIVAC, 1996, X-GC
5. Michaels, Ramsey, 1 Peter, WBC, Word, 1988, X-GC*BWD (also Word Biblical Themes)
6. Schreiner, Thomas, 1 Peter, NAC, Broadman, 2003, X-G
Secondary
1. Clowney, Edmund, 1 Peter, BST, IVP, 1989, X-C
2. Elliot, John, 1 Peter, AB, Doubleday, 2001, X-GB
3. Goppelt, Leonard, A Commentary on 1 Peter, Eerdmans, 1993, X-GCB
4. Grudem, Wayne, 1 Peter, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1988, X-W
5. Hillyer, Norman, 1-2 Peter/Jude, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1992, X-
6. Kelly, J.N.D., The Epistles of Peter and Jude, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1993, X-GC
7. Waltner, E., and J. Daryl Charles, 1-2 Peter/Jude, BCBC, Herald, 1999, X-G

2 Peter/Jude (Watch for Forthcoming)
Primary
1. Bauckham, Richard, 2 Peter-Jude, WBC, Word, 1983, X-GC*BD
2. Green, Michael, 2 Peter-Jude, rev. ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1987, X-GCW (Annihilationist)
3. Moo, Douglas, 2 Peter-Jude, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1996, X-GCWD
4. Schreiner, Thomas, 2 Peter-Jude, NAC, Broadman, 2003, X-GD
Secondary
1. Gardner, Paul, 2 Peter-Jude, FoB, 1998, X-C
2. Hillyer, Norman, See under 1 Peter
3. Lucas, Dick, and Christopher Green, 2 Peter-Jude, BST, IVP, 1995, X-G
Special Studies
1. Bauckham, Richard, Jude and the Relatives of Jesus in the Early Church, TTC, 1990, X-G
2. Charles, Daryl, Virtue Amidst Vice, SAP, 1997, X-G
3. Watson, Duane, Invention, Arrangement, and Style, Scholars, 1988, X-G

Johannine Epistles
Primary
1. Brown, Raymond, Epistles of John, AB, Doubleday, 1982, X-GC*BD
2. Burge, Gary, Letters of John, NIVAC, Zondervan, 1996, X-CWD
3. Kruse, Colin, Letters of John, PNTC, Eerdmans, 2000, X-GCW
4. Marshall, I. Howard, Epistles of John, NICNT, Eerdmans, 1987, X-GCBW
5. Schnackenburg, Rudolf, The Johannine Epistles, 7th ed., Crossroad, 1992, X-C*B
6. Smalley, Stephen, Epistles of John, WBC, Word, 1984, X-GC*BD
7. Stott, John, Epistles of John, rev. ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1988, X-GC
8. Strecker, Georg, Epistles of John, Hermeneia, Fortress, 1996, X-C*B
Secondary
1. Akin, Daniel, Epistles of John, NAC, B&H, 2001, X-G
2. Brown, Raymond, See under John (concise version)
3. Bruce, F.F., Epistles of John, Eerdmans, 1970, X- (bound with Gospel of John)
4. Grayston, Kenneth, Epistles of John, NCBC, Eerdmans, 1984, X-C (supplemental, provocative)
5. Johnson, Timothy, 1, 2, and 3 John, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1996, X-
6. Thompson, Marianne Meye, Epistles of John, IVPNTC, IVP, 1992, X-
Special Studies
1. Lieu, Judith, The Second and Third Epistle of John: History and Background, TTC, 1986, X-GC
2. Lieu, Judith, The Theology of the Johannine Epistles, NTT, CUP, 1991, X-GC

Revelation
Primary
1. Aune, David, Revelation, 3 vols., WBC, Thomas Nelson, X-C*BD
2. Beale, Gregory, Book of Revelation, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1999, X-GC*B (Amillennial)
3. Beasley-Murray, George, Revelation, rev. ed., NCBC, Eerdmans, 1978, X-GCW (Premillennial)
4. Caird, George, Revelation of St. John, BNTC, Hendrickson, 1993, X-GCB
5. Keener, Craig, The Book of Revelation, NIVAC, Zondervan, 2000, X-GWD (Premillennial)
6. Mounce, Robert, The Book of Revelation, rev. ed., NICNT, Eerdmans, 1997, X-GC*BWD (Post-trib)
7. Osborne, Grant, Revelation, BECNT, Baker, 2002, X-GD
Secondary
1. Johnson, Dennis, Triumph of the Lamb, P&R, 2001, X-G (Amillennial, great for laity)
2. Kistemaker, Simon, Exposition of the Book of Revelation, Baker, 2001, X-G (Premillennial)
3. Ladd, George, A Commentary on the Revelation of John, Eerdmans, 1972, X-GC
4. Michaels, J. Ramsey, Revelation, IVPNTC, IVP, 1997, X- (good, but short)
5. Morris, Leon, Revelation, rev. ed., TNTC, Eerdmans, 1987, X-C
6. Murphy, Fredrick, Fallen is Babylon, NTC, Trinity Press International, 1998, X-G
7. Sweet, J.P., Revelation, TPINT, 1990, X-C
8. Wall, Robert, Revelation, NIBC, Hendrickson, 1991, X-
9. Walvoord, John, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, Moody, 1966, X-G (Dispensational)
10. Wilcock, Michael, Revelation, BST, IVP, 1984, X-G (Premillennial)
Primary Special Studies
1. Bauckham, Richard, The Climax of Prophecy, TTC, 1994, X-GB
2. Bauckham, Richard, The Theology of the Book of Revelation, NTT, CUP, 1993, X-
3. Beale, Gregory, John’s Use of the Old Testament in Revelation, SAP, 1998, X-G
4. Bock, Darrell, ed., Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond, Zondervan, 1999, X-G
5. Bewes, R., The Lamb Wins, X-C (good for laity)
6. Hemer, Colin, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting, Eerdmans, 2001, X-G
7. Koester, Craig, Revelation and the End of All Things, Eerdmans, 2001, X-G
8. Farrar, Austin, The Rebirth of Images, o/p, X-C
Secondary Special Studies
1. Minear, P.S., I Saw a New Earth, o/p, X-C (good on present day)
2. Stevenson, Gregory, Power and Place, de Gruyter, 2001, X-G (the temple in Revelation)
3. Wainwright, Arthur, Mysterious Apocalypse, Wipf & Stock, 2001, X-G (history of interp)

Commentary Abbrievations

2006-06-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

AB – Anchor Bible Commentary
ABRL – Anchor Bible Reference Library
ANTC – Abingdon New Testament Commentary
B&H – Broadman & Holman
BCBC – Believers Church Bible Commentary
BECNT – Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
BNTC – Black’s New Testament Commentary
BSC – Bible Study Commentary
BST – The Bible Speaks Today
CBC – Cambridge Bible Commentary
CNT – Commentaire du Nouveau Testament
CUP – Cambridge University Press
DSB – Daily Study Bible
EBC – Expositor’s Bible Commentary
ECC – Eerdmans Critical Commentary
EGGNT – Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament
FoB – Focus on the Bible
FOTL – The Forms of the Old Testament Literature
HCOT – Historical Commentary on the Old Testament
HNTC – Harper’s New Testament Commentary
IBC – Interpretation
IBR – Institute for Biblical Research
IBT – Interpreting Biblical Texts
ICC – International Critical Commentary
IVP – Intervarsity Press
IVPNTC – IVP New Testament Commentary
JK – John Knox
JPS – Jewish Publication Society
JPSTC – JPS Torah Commentary
JSOT – Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
JSOTSS – Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplemental Series
KTAV – Jewish Theological Seminary of America
NAC – New American Commentary
NCBC – New Century Bible Commentary
NCC – The New Communicator’s Commentary
NClar – New Claredon Commentary on the NEB
NIB – The New Interpreter’s Bible
NIBC – New International Bible Commentary
NIBCOT – New International Bible Commentary on the Old Testament
NICNT – New International Commentary on the New Testament
NICOT – New International Commentary on the Old Testament
NIGTC – New International Greek Testament Commentary
NIVAC – NIV Application Commentary
NTC – New Testament Commentary
NTG – New Testament Guides
NTT – New Testament Theology
OTG – Old Testament Guides
OTL – Old Testament Library
OUP – Oxford University Press
P&R – Presbyterian and Reformed
PNTC – Pillar New Testament Commentary
SAP – Sheffield Academic Press
SNTSMS – Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series
SOTBT – Studies in Old Testament Biblical Theology
SuppNovT – Supplements to Novum Testamentum
TNTC – Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
TOTC – Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries
TTC – T&T Clark
WBC – Word Biblical Commentary
WEC – Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary
WJK – Westminster John Knox