Recent publications for Bible study
Mark (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries)
Eckhard J. Schnabel (InterVarsity Press, 2017). 441 pp.
This will be the first commentary I turn to when teaching and preaching from the Gospel of Mark. Schnabel, professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, is the editor of this third series of Tyndale NT Commentaries, the premier series for evangelical readers of the Bible. After a 13-page select bibliography, Schnabel has a short (30 pages) but substantial introduction looking at Mark among the Gospels, characteristics and origin of Mark’s Gospel, theological emphases, and the structure.
Each major section begins with a helpful one-paragraph description of the context, followed by comments on the passage, and a summary of the theology. Schnabel, who has written commentaries on Acts, Romans, and Corinthians (the latter two in his native German), writes clearly and with theological sensitivity (see his moving comments on Mark 15:33-39). The simplicity of his style masks remarkably deep study. For example, he writes, “The angel’s message in chapter 16 calls the women, and through the women, the disciples, to faith in the crucified Messiah Jesus, who is the risen Jesus, to perseverance in restored discipleship, and to an obedient participation in Jesus’ mission which now extends to all the nations” (p.441). This outstanding commentary belongs on the shelf of every missionary studying and preaching this gospel.
Reviewer rating is 5 of 5 stars ★★★★★
Commentary on 1-2 Timothy and Titus (Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation)
Andreas J. Kostenberger (B&H Publishing, 2017). 605 pp.
This fine commentary by Kostenberger, professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, is now my first go-to resource on these letters of Paul to his apostolic delegates. Kostenberger, from Austria, builds on his previous study of and writing on these letters and especially focuses on the biblical-theological dimension in this work.
After a 54-page introduction to the three letters (which offers a solid defense of Pauline authorship), Kostenberger gives a full exposition of each letter. A distinctive of this new series is a section devoted to the biblical and theological themes of the books. Kostenberger focuses on seven themes: Mission; Teaching; God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Salvation; the Church; the Christian Life; the Last Days; and these Letters and the Canon. Kostenberger’s reflections on the themes and how they relate to the Bible as a whole are penetrating and thorough (evidenced not least by a 29-page Scripture index!). Meticulously researched, Kostenberger’s commentary will help all those who study and seek to practice the principles Paul teaches in these letters.
Reviewer rating is 4.5 of 5 stars ★★★★½
How to Understand and Apply the New Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology
Andrew D. Naselli (P&R Publishing, 2017). 384 pp.
This excellent introduction to studying the New Testament is a delight to read and will profit all who want to understand and apply the Bible. As D.A. Carson, Naselli’s doctoral mentor at Trinity, says in his foreword, Naselli combines “an attention to little details with an eye on the big picture.” Naselli, assistant professor of New Testament and Theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, writes with clarity and simplicity so that even those with little or no formal theological training can profit from this book.
The first eight steps focus on exegesis: genre, textual criticism, translation, Greek grammar (the book’s most advanced and technical chapter), argument diagram, historical-cultural context, literary context, and word studies. The final four steps focus on theology—biblical, historical, systematic, and practical theology. Each chapter ends with key words and concepts, questions for further reflection, and resources for further study (with perceptive comments on each resource).
It is well organized and has helpful figures throughout. Naselli’s excellent illustrations and examples are an added bonus. He looks at the theological message of each book in the New Testament; shows how the whole Bible progresses, integrates, and climaxes in Christ in his rich chapter on biblical theology; and explains theological triage. Two appendices distill Naselli’s wisdom on how to organize one’s library and “Why and How to Memorize an Entire New Testament Book.” This book will help every reader “look at the Book more carefully and responsibly” (p.333).