Colossians & Philemon

Thompson’s book was the inaugural volume of the THNT series, which attempts to bridge biblical studies and theology. In the “theological horizons” section of the commentary, Thompson relates Colossians to Paul’s theology more generally, especially his Christology and eschatology. [Full Review]

 

A stellar commentary that brings the best of academic scholarship to the next level. Theological interpretation for the win.

Marianne Meye Thompson's commentary in the Two Horizon's series is a very interesting commentary. In the commentary proper she achieved the goal of the series, to produce a theological reading of Scripture. I was very encouraged and edified by it. The essays following the commentary were mostly good, especially the ones on 'The New Humanity.' When reading the commentary proper, one can see how she weaved the results of most of these essays back into the notes. The final essay, on 'How Do We Read Scripture?' is very thought provoking and all theologians and pastors should wrestle with it. Even though I probably wouldn't place the same stresses she does in interpreting Scripture, I think Thompson picks up on the most helpful strands of the post-modern critique of the way we traditionally have interpreted Scripture. Readers of all levels will benefit from Thompson's work, but pastors especially will as this is the best commentary I've seen in its engagement with the theology of Philemon. 5 stars out of 5. [Full Review]

[Full Review]

This is one of those commentaries I started with just browsing on google books. But when I found myself continually writing down her thoughts I decided this was a must buy. The book is laid out with both commentary section and a theological reflections section for both Colossians and Philemon. I used the book mainly for Colossians and found the commentary section the most helpful. The commentary section for Colossians is only about 100 pages but it is packed with good insights. Like Wright's, this is not a detailed commentary explaining all the ins and outs of each thought, but one which clearly elaborates on the larger meaning and implications of what Paul is saying. She has a great way of clearly explaining each section in light of the larger themes. She says a lot in a short space. Sometimes having a commentary which does not feel the need to comment on every thought which can be pursued makes for much clearer reading. So though this is a short commentary, I recommend it. And though she uses some thoughts and ideas of NT Wright, one will find so much more here that I would recommend investing in both. (Though I would get NT Wright first.) After the commentary there is about 80 pages of comments about Paul's theology as he presents it in Colossians.

[Full Review]

[Full Review]

I have long been an advocate of commentary series that are geared primarily for pastors or preachers, to give them a good feel for message of a particular text without bogging them down with every possible interpretation that has ever been proposed. The Two Horizons New Testament Commentary series, under the general editorship of Joel B. Green and Max Turner, promises to be one such series. Its goal is clearly stated: Seeking to bridge the existing gap between biblical studies and systematic theology, this distinctive series offers section-by-section exegesis of the New Testament texts in close conversation with theological concerns. Written by respected scholars, the THNTC volumes aim to help pastors, teachers, and students engage in deliberately theological interpretation of Scripture. What I want to do in this review is to show briefly how Marianne Meye Thompson achieves this goal in this commentary and also to give you a taste of its rich content. Thompson ably fills the stated goal in her discussion of Colossians and Philemon. [Full Review]