The Letters Of James And Peter

An aim to make available to the non-technical reader a form that does not require a theological education to understand.

The letters of James, Peter, and Jude have been greatly neglected within the Christian tradition: James, because it seems both to attack Paul's gospel and also to lack any coherent, overall argument or theology of its own; Peter and Jude because they lack the specificity of the Pauline letters and because the personalities of the authors are hardly direct and immediate. Andrew Chester argues that James is more theologically significant than is usually considered the case, and has a distinctive role to play in the contemporary discussion of the Christian faith. He sets James in context and discusses its main themes, exploring its significance especially for issues of power, justice and Christian living. Ralph P. Martin similarly stresses the importance of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude and demonstrates how they cast light on Jewish Christianity in its early development and show how the post-apostolic church used the memory of Peter.

Through a detailed examination of the historical shaping and final canonical shape of seven oft-neglected New Testament letters, Reading the Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude as Scripture introduces readers to the historical, literary, and theological integrity of this indispensable apostolic witness. While most scholars today interpret biblical texts in terms of their individual historical points of composition, David Nienhuis and Robert Wall argue that a theological approach to this part of Scripture is better served by attending to these texts' historical point of canonization -- those key moments in the ancient church's life when apostolic writings were grouped together to maximize the Spirit's communication of the apostolic rule of faith to believers everywhere. Reading the Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude as Scripture is the only treatment of the Catholic Epistles that approaches these seven letters as an intentionally designed and theologically coherent canonical collection.

James is an oft neglected book of the New Testament and its place within scripture is still a cause of some conjecture, but with William Barclay's astute guidance, the true power of its instruction and inspiration is revealed to the reader. By contrast, Peter is one of the most loved books of the New Testament. Written to exiles with the love of a pastor's heart, it continues to offer comfort and hope, sustenance and encouragement to readers. Barclay affirms Peter's charm and reflects on its enduring influence on the faithful.

“This collection of studies in the New Testament books of James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude are filled with very practical explanations of the teachings of each letter. Comments address the biblical text according to its themes by paragraphs and segments, which help the reader to see the flow of thought in each letter. Bible study groups can benefit from this material both for its good information and as a stimulus for group discussions. Individuals will also gain a better understanding of these epistles as they seek to be guided in regular reading of Scripture.” — Theron Young, PhD, Lecturer on Bible and Biblical Languages at Emmaus Bible College, New South Wales

N. T. Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

Exploring New Testament theology based on the conference table approach, this book examines the plan and the need for salvation as expressed by the writers of the New Testament.

Biblical Foundations Book Awards Finalist The Catholic Epistles often get short shrift. Tucked into a few pages near the back of our Bibles, these books are sometimes referred to as the "non-Pauline epistles" or "concluding letters," maybe getting lumped together with Hebrews and Revelation. Yet these letters, Darian Lockett argues, are treasures hidden in plain sight, and it's time to give them the attention they deserve. In Letters for the Church, Lockett reveals how the Catholic Epistles provide a unique window into early Christian theology and practice. Based on evidence from the early church, he contends that the seven letters of James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude were accepted into the canon as a collection and should be read together. Here Lockett introduces the context and content of the Catholic Epistles while emphasizing how all seven letters are connected. Each chapter outlines the author, audience, and genre of one of the epistles, traces its flow of thought, and explores shared themes with the other Catholic Epistles. The early church valued the Catholic Epistles for multiple reasons: they defend orthodox faith and morals against the challenges of heretics, make clear that Christianity combines belief with action, and round out the New Testament witness to Christian faith and life. By introducing the coherent vision of these seven epistles, Letters for the Church helps us rediscover these riches.