Quick Look I have decided that some books I get and read are worth talking about, worth engaging with and sometime promoting, but ones that I don’t want to do a full-blown “review” (esp trade books and textbooks): so, here is a new type of review on this blog I call “Quick Looks.” I have long admired the work of James D.G. Dunn (aka “Jimmy”). His Theology of Paul the Apostle is a master piece. His commentaries are spectacular (Romans, Colossians,... Read more

I have already offered my suggested exegetical resources (including exegetical commentaries) Here I want to pass on my favorite theological resources to move from biblical text to theology and application Commentaries There are many good commentaries that delve into the theological dynamics of the text. Here are some worthwhile series. BNTC (Black’s) This series balances exegetical study with theological examination Two Horizons This unique series offers theologically-sensitive exposition, and then also thematic analysis NTL (New Testament Library) Similar to BNTC... Read more

Dr. Andy Johnson has produced a concise, annotated list of recommended commentaries for pastors on Philippians, Colossians, Philemon,  1-2 Thessalonians, and the Pastorals. CHECK IT OUT HERE. I like all of Johnson’s recommendations, but would nod to the following in addition: Philippians  – Morna Hooker has a stellar commentary in the NIB (New Interpreter’s Bible, Abingdon) series, with end-of-section theological reflections. For those who know Greek, the best resource is Joseph Hellerman’s EGGNT commentary, hands down. Colossians – NT Wright’s little TNTC... Read more

  On March 5 (6pm), I will be giving the Spring 2019 Public Faculty Lecture at George Fox University. My title is: People of Faith: Why the First Christians Called Themselves “Believers” This lecture comes out of new work I am doing on why Paul and other early Christians focused on the language of faith and belief, especially in contradistinction to Roman religion. Anyone in the Portland metro/Newberg area is welcome to this free lecture. I am told it will not be live-cast,... Read more

Pastors of different types and in different contexts have varying levels of time for “sermon prep.” We all known 5 hours is not enough, but most do not have the luxury of 20+ hours. So, let’s say that we are working in a given week with 15 hours for sermon prep. Everyone approaches this differently, but I tend to try to have a few big chunks to really dig in (e.g., 3-hour block x2) and then some daily re-working, and... Read more

Dare I try to talk about the art of preaching when I am not a full-time preacher? I wondered about this before deciding to start a blog series on preaching. Perhaps it does seem a bit audacious. But what else are blogs for? My hope is simply to talk about my approach to preaching, and offer some tips on resources from a Bible scholar. Also, I have been preaching at area churches more and more as I settle down in... Read more

This spring Mike Bird and I are finishing up a co-written commentary on Philippians (New Cambridge Bible, Cambridge University Press). Over the years, I have spent significant time in Philippians, but this month I have been getting deep into Phil 2:19-30, a passage I haven’t examined much before: 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. 20 I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned... Read more

Zondervan is running a big sale on Word Biblical Commentary ebooks ($8/volume). This is one of the best technical commentary series. I would especially recommend: -Romans (James D.G. Dunn) -2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin) -Ephesians (Andrew Lincoln) -Philippians (Gerald Hawthorne/Ralph Martin) -1-2 Thessalonians (F.F Bruce) -1 Peter (J. Ramsey Michaels)   Read more