Faith And Obedience The Faithfulness Of Faith A Study Of The Letter Of James

Intended as sequel to the author's early study 'The Obedience of Faith': A Pauline Phrase in Historical Context, this book explores the interlocking themes of faith, obedience, and perseverance in the letter to the Romans. Don Garlington argues that Paul's phrase the obedience of faith is designed to say two things at the same time, that is, an obedience which consists in faith and which is the outgrowth of faith's commitment to Jesus Christ. The obedience of faith thus articulates both the inception of Christian existence and its continuation in the perseverance of the believer. The author reflects on Romans 2:22's allegation of disobedience (sacrilege) on the part of Israel. Since Paul's conception of (faith's) obedience stands in stark relief to the (unbelieving) disobedience of his Jewish contemporaries, it is only against the backdrop of his indictment of Israel that aspects of his teaching emerge with tolerable clarity. Garlington also examines Romans 2:13: only the doers of the law will be justified in eschatological judgment. Thus, there is in Paul's theology the idea of a future justification of the people of God, which forms an analogue to their present justification. And it is none other than the obedience of faith which provides the link between the two moments of justification. Romans 5 is focused on its portrayal of Christ as the obedient last Adam, who ensures the obedience of faith of his people. An exegesis of Romans 7:14-25 approaches the obedience of faith from the angle of the Christian's experience of the onslaught of the powers of this present evil age. The ideals of the age to come, as set out before, are seen to be tempered by the realism of this period of overlapping aeons. Finally the author reflects on the theological and practical significance of the exegetical materials, including a discussion of justification and sanctification in Christian thought.

A Practical Faith A powerful and inspiring letter written to Jewish Christians fleeing persecution at the hands of violent oppressors and to believers throughout the ages, exhorting them to seek God’s wisdom for understanding and perseverance, and to closely guard the fellowship with godly wisdom, and to express their faith through good and godly works.

Minear puts forward the significance of using the information uncovered from the last three chapters of Romans (14-16) to reconstruct the picture of the situation in Rome and to interpret the letter as a whole accordingly. He challenges the assumption held by many commentators that there was a single Christian congregation in Rome where different groups of Christians worshipped side by side. Minear proposes that Paul is trying to unite the strong and the weak communities in Rome. Paul does this by employing twelve axioms in efforts at reconciliation in 14.1-15.13. According to Minear, it is the purpose of the rest of Romans to explain, support, and defend these axioms.

Continuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, the completely revised Expositor's Bible Commentary puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands. A staple for students, teachers, and pastors worldwide, The Expositor's Bible Commentary (EBC) offers comprehensive yet succinct commentary from scholars committed to the authority of the Holy Scriptures. The EBC uses the New International Version of the Bible, but the contributors work from the original Hebrew and Greek languages and refer to other translations when useful. Each section of the commentary includes: An introduction: background information, a short bibliography, and an outline An overview of Scripture to illuminate the big picture The complete NIV text Extensive commentary Notes on textual questions, key words, and concepts Reflections to give expanded thoughts on important issues The series features 56 contributors, who: Believe in the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible Have demonstrated proficiency in the biblical book that is their specialty Are committed to the church and the pastoral dimension of biblical interpretation Represent geographical and denominational diversity Use a balanced and respectful approach toward marked differences of opinion Write from an evangelical viewpoint For insightful exposition, thoughtful discussion, and ease of use—look no further than The Expositor's Bible Commentary.

In this important study Hays argues against the mainstream that any attempt to account for the nature and method of Paul's theological language must first reckon with the centrality of narrative elements in his thought. Through an in-depth investigation of Galatians 3:1-4:11, Hays shows that the framework of Paul's thought is neither a system of doctrines nor his personal religious experience but the "sacred story" of Jesus Christ.