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In his commentary on Hebrews, Thomas R. Schreiner describes Hebrews as a sermon or exhortation in epistolary form that exhorts its readers to hold fast to their faith. While theories of authorship are fascination and alluring, it author remains unknown. Even though we do not know the author, everyone agrees on it's canonicity and importance to the Christian faith. Schreiner explores various themes within the book including promise-fulfilment, already-but-not-yet eschatology, typology, and spatial orientation. I found his discussion on typology especially interesting and impactful. The introduction begins with an excellent summation of the story line of the Bible that sets the scene for understanding Hebrews. Hebrews has a rich theology and some of the most contested or misunderstood passages in the New Testament, such as the warning passages and apostasy. "Hence, the events, institutions, and persons in which there is a typological relationship are not merely accidents of history, nor are they simply employed by God as helpful illustrations. On the contrary, the persons, events, and institutions were intended from the beginning as anticipations of what was to come… Biblical typology is characterized by escalation. This means that the fulfilment is always greater than the type." The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) focuses on the Biblical Theology expressed by their authors on their own terms and in their own historical contexts. Biblical Theology seeks to trace the central themes of the individual books of Scripture. This commentary intends to communicate the worldview of the biblical authors and how the original audience would understand the text. In focusing on the Biblical themes instead of a verse-by-verse exegesis, you begin to see the bigger story of Scripture as it was understood when it was written. "From one angle Hebrews can be read as a call to assurance. The warnings and admonitions are also given so the readers will be convinced they are on the right path, that they are truly clean before God by virtue of what Christ has done. The warnings aren't meant to cast doubt about the readers assurance but to strengthen and confirm it. The author doesn't want them to doubt whether they are Christians but to be encouraged to keep living as Christians." Each author of the EBTC volumes is given freedom in the order and structure to best suite the biblical material being presented. Schreiner has arranged the commentary with an introduction, verse-by-verse commentary/exposition followed by the Biblical Theology themes. After reading through the commentary, I felt like it would have been beneficial to read through the Biblical Theology section before the verse-by-verse commentary. I did not understand Schreiner's position on assurance and apostasy while reading through the commentary until I read the Biblical Theology section. The commentary utilizes the author's translation for the verse to verse commentary. Each section of Scripture is broken down into the outline, Author's translation of the Scripture passage, context, exegesis, and bridge. The binding and cover art provide for a quality and aesthetically pleasing addition to anyone's library which seems trivial but I greatly appreciate it. "Jesus lived a truly human life, knowing human suffering and temptation. He didn't live a privileged existence separated from the travails of ordinary human beings. He knew the anguish of temptation and the sorrows that blight human existence. He learned obedience in the midst of his sufferings and temptations… In 2:10 Jesus is said to be perfected through his sufferings. He wasn't purified of existing sin in his sufferings since he was already without sin, but he was qualified to serve as high priest by his sufferings. Merely being without sin did not qualify Jesus to serve as high priest. He needed to experience life, to be tested, and to suffer (2:18)." Thomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is associate dean and James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Schreiner is the author of numerous commentaries and books. "He [Jesus] sympathizes 'with our weaknesses.' The word sympathy is not limited to compassion and empathy but also denotes Jesus' ability to help those who are afflicted." I highly recommend Schreiner's EBTC commentary on Hebrews for pastors, church teachers, seminary students, and those wanting a faithful and insightful commentary of Hebrews. Schreiner writes in a way that makes the complex themes of Hebrews understandable and relatable. Our understanding of Scripture should never terminate on increased knowledge only, it should confront us and change us. Hebrews does just that, it encourages us to grow in our maturity while sympathizing with our weakness and dependence on Christ who is better in every way. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. [Full Review]

In the new revised edition of the BECNT commentary on 1 Peter, Karen H. Jobes update and revises one of the leading commentaries on 1 Peter. Jobes provides a credible theory of Peter's relationship to the churches in Asia Minor as well as why he refers to them as "foreigners and resident aliens." 1 Peter is rich with themes that applied to the particular situation the churches in Asia Minor faced as well as Christians throughout church history. Increasing, modern-day Christians are experiencing more persecution which makes 1 Peter more and more relevant and impactful. "Peter's call to holiness is concerned not only with the religious aspects of one's life but also with one's whole way of life... The call is to live differently, not just practice religion differently. In other words, to 'create a way of life" marked by reverent fear of God." While keeping much of what made the first edition so well received, Jobes take recent scholarship into account and utilizes the author's translation of passages throughout; among other revisions. Jobes keeps the excursus appendix which analyzes the Greek of 1 Peter to refute the prevalent opinion that the Greek is too good for Peter to have written. Not having read the first addition makes it difficult to identify the various changes from the first edition, but the second edition is well written and impactful on how I view myself when faced with difficulties and hostility. Christians can feel the pull to separate themselves and have nothing to do with the 'sinners' in the world but "Peter exhorts Christians to engage the world as foreigners and resident aliens, having a healthy respect for the society and culture in which they live while at the same time maintaining an appropriate separation from it." "Suffering for no reason other than being Christian presents the opportunity for the professing Christian to continue to choose allegiance to Christ even when it means that suffering will continue." Jobes rightly believes in the authorship of Peter. She theorize that the original recipients were Christians that were likely converted in Rome dispersed as part of an expulsion or deportation of Christians to various parts of the Roman empire. Therefore, Peter rightly refers to these Christians as foreigners and resident aliens which applies to future Christians metaphorically. Peter exhorts them to live lives marked by the Gospel while engaging society and submitting to the governing rule whenever possible. Where it is not possible, "the Christian community is to be an alternate society, a Christian colony, so to speak, where believers find brotherly love, compassion, and sympathy." "First Peter challenges Christians to reexamine our acceptance of society's norms and to be willing to suffer the alienation of being a visiting foreigner in our own culture wherever its values conflict with those of Christ." Karen H. Jobes (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis, Emerita, at Wheaton College and Graduate School. She is the author of several books, including John through Old Testament Eyes, Invitation to the Septuagint, Letters to the Church, and 1, 2, 3 John. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Until Christ returns, the battle between good and evil will persist, and suffering for faith in Christ will be the norm for the Christian calling. The believer shares in what is the common experience of all Christians and is not alone in this." This commentary presents a right view of Scripture and 1 Peter that compels Christians to orthopraxy in a contentious world. There are parts that are technical and difficult for some Christians but overall, it is very approachable for most. Ideally it is best suited for pastors, church leaders, seminary studies, and bible teachers. Reading it will leave the reader with a renewed desire to live a life marked by Christ while growing more into the identity of a foreigner and resident alien in a hostile world. Our citizenship is found in the kingdom of God first and foremost ushered in by the new birth. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. [Full Review]

Most see the Letter to the Romans as a dense, treatise of Paul's theology shape by a lifetime of missionary work. David G Peterson rightly contends that Romans must be read within its original context, "as a letter addressed to first-century Christians in the capital of the Roman Empire." While it is theological and contains some of the richest summation of Paul's theology, it contains much more. Three critical issues are seen: the gospel, Jesus Christ as the focus of the gospel, and the exposition and spread of the gospel. Furthermore, several significant biblical theology themes emerge. "Romans shows us how to the the Scriptures appropriately, revealing how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New and demonstrating that the gospel cannot be adequately grasped and related to our world unless it is understood in light of its Old Testament root." The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) focuses on the Biblical Theology expressed by their authors on their own terms and in their own historical contexts. Biblical Theology seeks to trace the central themes of the individual books of Scripture. This commentary intends to communicate the worldview of the biblical authors and how the original audience would understand the text. In focusing on the Biblical themes instead of a verse-by-verse exegesis, you begin to see the bigger story of Scripture as it was understood when it was written. "A distorted view of God brings a distorted view of human beings, made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27), meaning that the proper use of our bodies in human relationships becomes obscured." Each author of the EBTC volumes is given freedom in the order and structure to best suite the biblical material being presented. Peterson has arranged the commentary with an introduction, Biblical Theology themes, and finishing with verse-by-verse commentary. It utilized the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) as the base translation. The commentary uses extensive footnotes rather than parenthetical citations and asides to keep from breaking up the text; I find this makes the text much more readable. The binding and cover art provide for a quality and aesthetically pleasing addition to anyone's library. David G. Peterson (PhD, University of Manchester) is emeritus faculty member at Moore Theological College in Sydney and previously was principal of Oak Hill College, London. He is the author of several books, including Possessed by God (New Studies in Biblical Theology), Hebrews (TNTC), and Acts (Pillar). Peterson is an ordained minister of the Anglican Church of Australia. Romans is one of my favorite books of the bible, I contently find myself amazed by the way that it speaks to me every time I read through it. Peterson's commentary on Romans was less impactful on me than other commentaries and studies on Romans. It is theologically accurate and well written but lacking in its depth in the Introduction and Biblical and Theological Theme section. The Biblically and Theological Theme section did not seem to draw out new or insightful revelations of Romans for me. There is so much to mine from the depths of Romans, it left me wanting more substance. While the Biblical and Theological Theme section was adequate, the verse-by-verse exposition is excellent. The verse-by-verse exposition overwhelming comprises most of the commentary page count. Therefore, it still makes this commentary a great resource and helpful. It has a solid place in my library and I will certain use it often. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. [Full Review]

The Psalms are known as the heart of the bible, but it is also a theologically rich collection of poems that join together to tell a wider story. James M. Hamilton Jr. convincingly shows how (mainly) David and with the help of other authors wrote and arranged the Psalms in order to tell the about God's purpose in the world. He views David as the main author and the architect of the entire project. He further argues that the superscriptions came from the hand of the psalm's author. It is important to see how the Psalms are interconnected and tell this wider story. Most Christians rightly view the Psalms as a collection of poems or songs to the Lord. Because of this, it can seem less approachable for those that are more logical or theological minded. Hamilton does a great job showing how much theology is found throughout the Psalter by showing the Psalms to be a purposefully organized collection of poems that built upon and interpret each other. The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) focuses on the Biblical Theology expressed by their authors on their own terms and in their own historical contexts. Biblical Theology seeks to trace the central themes of the individual books of Scripture. The commentary intends to communicate the worldview of the biblical authors and how the original audience would understand the text. My education and background has been more towards Systematic Theology which is more topically oriented and focuses on contextualization with current settings. In focusing on the Biblical themes instead of a verse-by-verse exegesis, you begin to see the bigger story of Scripture as it was understood when it was written. Each author of the EBTC volumes is given freedom in the order and structure to best suite the biblical material being presented. Hamilton has arranged the commentary with an introduction, Biblical Theology themes found within the Psalter, and finishing with verse-by-verse commentary. This two-volume work covers Psalms 1-72 in the first volume, and Psalms 73-150 in the second volume. It utilized the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) as the base translation. Alongside the CSB translation, Hamilton has provided his own translation. When translating to another language, there are several considerations: readability, context, thematic relationships, repeated words or phrases, ect. In doing so, concessions are made, and the English-only readers lose out on some of the links with other verses. Hamilton's translation seeks to preserve the connection of these linking words to aid in understanding, even if it yields a more awkward reading translation. The commentary uses extensive footnotes rather than parenthetical citations and asides to keep from breaking up the text; I find this makes the text much more readable. The binding and cover art provide for a quality and aesthetically pleasing addition to anyone's library. James M. Hamilton Jr. (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and preaching pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church. He is the author of God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment, What is Biblical Theology? and his most recent must-read book, Typology-Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns. Hamilton's EBTC commentary on the Psalms stirred my affection and strengthened my understanding of the Psalms. This commentary is helpful for pastors and those studying the Psalms such as seminary students, scholars, or lay leaders. It is a resource that I will return to over and over again as my favorite Psalms commentary. I knew of the arrangement and overarching story of the Psalms, but Hamilton brought it to life. The biblical and theological themes section was briefer than I would have liked (about 11 pages), but helpful. I especially enjoyed the section on fear of God. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. [Full Review]

Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus (LTT) are often neglected in theology except in certain areas, such as ecclesiology (study of the church). Andreas Köstenberger rightly points out the intentional purpose of the LTT as one of Paul's final instructions to the church and to aid in his missional work. Even though the three letters are district, I believe Köstenberger is right to consider them together, "not as a corpus, but as a 'cluster,' being sensitive to both the things that bind them together and the things that make them distinct." Proper understanding of the LTT dovetails into a greater understanding of the Paul's earlier New Testament letters. Instead of focusing solely on a verse-by-verse commentary, the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) focuses on the Biblical Theology expressed by their authors on their own terms and in their own historical contexts. Biblical Theology seeks to trace the central themes of the individual books of Scripture. My education and background has been more towards Systematic Theology which is more topically oriented and focuses on contextualization with current settings. In focusing on the Biblical themes instead of a verse-by-verse exegesis, you begin to see the bigger story of Scripture. "... Ultimately the biblical theology of a given set of writings is an interwoven fabric of interrelated major and minor themes, a matrix not unlike a spiderweb that is characterized by a careful integration, cohesion, and interpenetration." Each author of the EBTC volumes is given freedom in the order and structure to best suite the biblical material being presented. In the letters to Timothy and Titus (LTT), Köstenberger has arranged the commentary with an introduction, a brief verse-by-verse commentary, and finishing with Biblical Theology themes found within the LTT. It utilized the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) as the base translation. The commentary uses extensive footnotes rather than parenthetical citations and asides to keep from breaking up the text; I find this makes the text much more readable. The original Greek is sparsely used throughout only to emphasize specific meanings or highlight themes. The Biblical Theology themes are organized by their prevalence and importance within the LTT. The binding and cover art provide for a quality and aesthetically pleasing addition to anyone's library. "...The church is at the heart of the biblical theology of the LTT. The letters were written to Paul's apostolic delegates to encourage them in conducting their ministries in the local congregations to which Paul had sent them, providing leadership, instruction in sound doctrine and correction of false teaching." Andreas J. Köstenberger (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is a research professor of New Testament and director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has authored numerous books, including one of my favorites God, Marriage, and Family, which provides a Biblical basis and study of marriage and family. If false teaching is rightly understood as the main problem across the three letters, it would make sense to say that "the fundamental interest of the Pastorals would appear to be "health' or sound teaching.' " Focusing on the specific theology of the letters to Timothy and Titus (LTT) was a fascinating and fruit journey. It helped me understand the importance of the LTT within the canon of Scripture. Köstenberger's commentary is helpful for pastors and those studying the letters to Timothy and Titus to understand its meaning, themes, and purpose. I found the verse-by-verse commentary a little too brief but provided more commentary and interaction than a study bible. The section on mission was particularly helpful in understanding Paul's message within the LTT and his emphasis towards sound teaching, and missional focus. The contributions of the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series are profound in our understanding and purpose of each book of Scripture and belong on every pastor and theologian's bookshelf as a source for reliable exegesis. "The theology of the LTT is firmly embedded in the Pauline mission. This is indicated not only by the presence of Paul's delegates but also by the congruence of the mission strategy in these letters with the other Pauline correspondents and Paul's modus operandi in the book of Acts." I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. [Full Review]