David A. deSilva, who is currently busy writing a commentary on Galatians for the NICNT series, has a punchy and controversial book out about justification by faith called Transformation: The Heart of Paul’s Gospel (Snapshots 1; ed. M.F. Bird; Bellingham, WA: Lexham, 2014). See Amazon.com or cheaper on Logos. The crux is that deSilva argues that for Paul “righteousness” is not forensic, but transformative, it includes both forgiveness and renewal. In this video, deSilva explains what led him to write this book:... Read more

A short and very pointed book about Israel and the Church has just been released: P. Chase Sears, Heirs of the Promise: The Church as the New Israel in Romans (Snapshots; ed. M.F. Bird; Bellingham, WA: Lexham, 2015). Available in paper back and esp. through Logos. $9.99. Here’s the blurb: In Heirs of Promise, P. Chase Sears answers these questions by taking a biblical-theological approach to the book of Romans. He argues that Paul views the Church as the new Israel—not a replacement... Read more

ABC Religion and Ethics has published my piece on: Whose Religion? Which Secularism? Australia Has a Serious Religious Literacy Problem Where I show the slipperiness of the term “secularism,” try to explain to secularists why people actually enjoy being religious, and assert that church and state should be separated but can and do work together for the common good! Mainly written for the Aussie context, but relevant for other places too. I conclude: Religion is more than dogma and rules.... Read more

SENIOR LECTURER/LECTURER IN NEW TESTAMENT (2016) Trinity Theological College, Perth an affiliated college of the Australian College of Theology, invites expressions of interest and nominations for the position of full-time Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in New Testament (to begin July 2016; earlier start date is possible). The successful candidate will demonstrate: a lively personal Christian faith and exemplary character, wholehearted adherence to evangelical doctrine, unreserved willingness to support the mission and ethos of Trinity Theological College (see www.ttc.wa.edu.au), excellent teaching and learning... Read more

I’m refurbishing an old essay on “Salvation in Paul’s Judaism” and Preston Sprinkle is a good dialogue partner to spring ideas off: Paul teaches that salvation comes from Judaism in a positive sense in terms of its point of origin because Christ himself came from Israel and to Israel (esp. Rom 9:4-5). In Pauline language, Gentiles have been grafted into a Jewish olive tree and they receive the patriarchal promises only because the Messiah served the circumcision (Rom 11:17-24; 15:8-9). Salvation... Read more

For those in Baltimore or nearby, you might wanna get to this: N.T. Wright Conference: The Royal Power of the Cross November 18-19, 2015 The Ecumenical Institute of Theology of St. Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore, MD Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7:30-9 pm (doors open at 6 pm) Dunning Lecture: “The Puzzles of the Cross: Ancient Text, Contemporary Challenge” Free and open to the public; no ticket required, seating as available Thursday, Nov. 19, 9am-4:15 pm (doors open at 8 am) Theology... Read more

John Goldingay  Isaiah for Everyone London: SPCK, 2015. Available at Amazon.com Many of us have favourite passages in Isaiah, such as the promises for the child to be born in Isaiah 9, or the suffering servant of chapter 53. Other passages are puzzling, such as the disturbing vision of the last words of the book, in chapter 66.24. The Old Testament for Everyone series has recently published Isaiah for Everyone, which should prove a helpful guide to a deeper grasp... Read more

John Goldingay  Jeremiah for Everyone London: SPCK, 2015. Available at Amazon.com Goldingay’s magnum opus is nearly complete with the publication of Jeremiah for Everyone, while Lamentations and Ezekiel for Everyone will be available in April 2016, followed by Daniel and the Twelve for Everyone in June 2016. Goldingay offers an introduction which sets the Book of Jeremiah in its Old Testament context at the time of the Babylonian Exile (587 BC). Jeremiah’s ministry lasted over 40 years. His warnings fell on... Read more

The guys at The Bible Project have produced probably the best intro video to Paul’s letter to the Romans that I’ve seen. I recommend this for churches, Bible study groups, and youth groups. Part 1 Part 2 Read more

From the good folks at Zondervan, this is just hilarious! I think this could be the future ecumenism!! Read more