Researching documents left by "common" readers, contributors suggest that American literature was experienced in a way not previously revealed by examinations of literary criticism. Ryan (English, U. of Missouri in Kansas City) and Thomas (English, Montana State U.) present 11 essays that discuss the act of reading as related to women's agency, "ordinary" critics of the critics, class and consumption, and societal reaction to single-parenthood. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Steve Walton has consistently focused his research and scholarship upon the theological perspective of Acts, while considering the book's nature and focus, its portrait of the early Christian communities and their mission in the culturally varied first-century world, and its major theological themes. Walton now collects several of his key essays into an expansive and coherent perspective, bringing together studies published over nearly two decades during his time of study and reflection in the process of writing the Word Biblical Commentary on Acts. The collection begins with an exploration of what 'reading Acts theologically' means, the divine perspective of Acts, and how Luke theologizes through narrative. Walton presents analyses covering the nature of the early Church and the main terms used by the communities; the believers' sharing of possessions; early Christian attitudes to the Jewish temple; decision-making among the earliest Christians; and the church's engagement with the Roman empire and its representatives. This volume studies theological themes in Acts such as Jesus' role as a character in the text while also located in heaven, and the cosmology and anthropology communicated by Acts, thus providing a new reflection on the early Christian understanding of God, Jesus and humanity.

William Shiell proposes that the book of Acts was performed orally by a lector in the early church following Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions for recitation and delivery rather than directly read by an audience that was minimally literate. Shiell’s study outlines the function of the lector in Greco-Roman times as a filter through which an audience would receive a text. He describes the conventions for performers’ gestures, facial expressions, and vocal inflections found in material from Greco-Roman literature and art that are mirrored in the book of Acts. He examines how a reading of Acts in this light can fill interpretive gaps left by literary and rhetorical-critical studies that focus on the reading rather than the hearing of biblical texts.

This book presents a new model for understanding the christological relationship between Luke 1-2 and the rest of Luke-Acts.

When lectors, readers, and proclaimers of the Word need the most trusted, accurate, and user-friendly tool to help them prepare for the Sunday readings, they rely on Workbook. For over 20 years, Workbook has provided confidence to lectors and readers, giving them vital tools to feel prepared in their ministry as proclaimers of the Word. Workbook provides: -Full, large-print text of the first, second, and Gospel readings approved for use in Canada, and the responsorial psalm for context -Annotated pronunciation aids adjacent to the word in question—a helpful way to build skill and confidence -Proclamation advice with notes on pacing and tone -Commentaries by Scripture scholars for the first, second, and Gospel readings that provide historical, theological, and liturgical context -Bolded text, indicating where stress and emphasis can be placed within the reading -Ongoing formation when studied each week Proclaiming the Word of God is a vital ministry in the Church. Workbook provides the needed context, ease-of-use, and guidance that those who read at Mass need in order to proclaim with confidence and clarity. When lectors, readers, and proclaimers of the Word read confidently and with conviction, the Word of God enlivens the parish community and the lives of its members.

This unique 365-day devotional infuses your daily Bible reading with deeper meaning, helping you develop the habit of looking for signs of Jesus woven throughout Scripture while meditating on the Bible with a chronological one-year reading plan. Jesus is the very essence of the Scriptures. The Old Testament points to Him and the New Testament reveals Him. If we look for Him, we will find Him on every page and in every story. When reading through the lens of Jesus, we find purpose in the Old Testament sacrifices; pictures of our Savior in the rejection and heartache of Joseph; a future hope pointing directly to Christ in the sweet love story of Ruth and Boaz; and meaning to even the deepest sorrows in Job. This daily devotional will help you learn to recognize Jesus written on every page of God's story. Come along on a journey that will... guide you in reading the entire Bible, chronologically, in one year help you see connections to Jesus throughout the Old Testament deepen your understanding of the themes of Scripture inspire you with 365 daily devotions to strengthen your love for Jesus and intensify your appreciation for God's Word Jesus, Day by Day will bring renewed life to your devotional time as you learn to recognize God's plan of love, mercy, and grace woven through every page of Scripture.

Saints Alive! introduces people to faith in God through the power of the Holy Spirit, helping them to be integrated into the life of the church and moving out into ministry in their everyday lives. For use in groups of any size, it does not matter how much or how little people know about the Christian faith all are welcome. Starting with the experiences of those in the group, Saints Alive! takes the leaders and participant s on a voyage of discovery. It begins by considering our relationships, and in particular our need for God in the centre of our lives. Two sessions look at Jesus what He taught and what He did, particularly studying the cross and the empty tomb, and then two sessions focus on the work of the Holy Spirit and His significance for our life today. Session six offers a time of ministry when people can respond to what they have learnt and receive whatever ministry is right for them, before the concluding sessions which explore how we can grow as Christians in fellowship with others in the Church and begin to minister to people you With a leader s manual, optional videos, and a journal for every member with teaching, Bible readings, and space to record their thoughts, Saints Alive! has been used by hundreds of thousands all over the world and with this new edition it will be used more widely still.