The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps readers navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the truth found in this commentary series.

In this fully revised commentary, Wayne Grudem builds on his original work to take into account almost four further decades of study and prayer. Peter's short letter to 'the exiles of the Dispersion' addresses many topics of ongoing relevance: holiness, the sufferings of Christ and his followers, God's sovereignty and grace, the work of the Holy Spirit, the church as the new people of God, the reality of the unseen spiritual world, and the challenge of trusting in God in the midst of daily life. For Wayne Grudem, these seemingly disparate themes are tied together by suffering as a form of imitating Christ. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (TNTC) have long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, these twenty volumes offer clear, reliable and relevant explanations of every book in the New Testament. These commentaries are designed to help readers understand what the Bible actually says and what it means. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration. The commentary itself examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. The aim throughout is to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today. "The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary "Tyndale commentaries are always useful, not least because they focus so clearly on the text of Scripture, and do not fall into the trap of paying too much attention to other commentaries and not enough to the scriptural text they are intended to expound and explain. So they retain their usefulness for preachers, Bible study leaders and for all readers of the Bible." Peter Adam, principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia "The evenness and quality of this series are remarkable." Christianity Today

Current burial practices in the West fail to confront us with the reality of death and make it harder to grieve properly. Burreson and Hoeltke argue that natural burial offers a more accurate picture of Christian hope and resurrection. This immensely practical guide is also an application of the hope of the resurrection to those grieving.

From the beginning, God created men and women in his own image, as the objects of his love. His intention has been to father mankind, raising us as his children. While the intimacy of this relationship was broken through the fall, our Father has never stopped loving us. His faithful lovingkindness is unchanged. And through Jesus we not only see the intimate relationship of Father and Son as the divine pattern but we find ourselves restored as children in his household. Through Jesus we can experientially live in relationship with our Father and, through the working of the Holy Spirit within, affectionately call him our Abba. The greatest opportunity is now afforded to us—to walk in loving intimacy with our Father as he raises us, teaches us his ways, and matures within us his divine nature of other-centered love. Our Father, Our Teacher is a biblical exploration of how God is drawing men and women to himself in an experiential relationship of love and learning.

Deacons:The diakon-words in the New Testament and the ministry of the deacon offers an in depth analysis of the concept of `deacon' in the New Testament and its significance for present day congregational practices. The essence and content of the service of the deacon within the community of God forms the focus of the study. Significant passages in the New Testament are considered in fine exegetical manner to determine the guidelines offered within the context of these NT texts. In this way different perspectives are highlighted that enrich the overall understanding of the concept of `deacon'. Obviously, this challanges some of the views held on this topic (that even influence the way several churches organise their diaconal service) and suggests some novel ideas related to the topic. Certain focal points are described, for instance, the centrality of the covenant and Kingdom in exercising diaconal service, or the interrelatedness of koinonia, diakonia and worship. This book offers a rich and responsible study of the concept of deacons in congregations, both on theoretical and practical levels. Prof Dr Jan van der Watt

The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps any reader navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the easily understandable truth found in this commentary series.

William Nelson's section-by-section commentary on Daniel is the newest volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series. This user-friendly commentary series helps any reader navigate the sometimes difficult terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become clear to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the easily understandable truth found in this commentary series.

The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps readers navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the truth found in this commentary series.

Martin Luther called Romans the clearest gospel of all. But centuries of interpretive tradition and dogma have muddied the waters. Edwards's careful exposition pays attention to literary detail and historical context to clarify the Epistle's significance for its original readers and for the church today. The NIBC format (section-by-section exposition of the NIV, all Greek transliterated, and separate textual and technical notes) make this commentary ideal for laypeople and pastors.

The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps readers navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the truth found in this commentary series.