Ridley Hall, Cambridge

Resources: Biblical Studies Bulletin 12

Vol 12: June 1999

Three Quick Picks

• Richard Bauckham's James (Routledge, 1999) looks to be a superb, if pricey, study of this early but often overlooked and undervalued epistle.
• Craig Keener's new commentary on Matthew (Eerdmans, 1999) ought to be worthwhile; his little book Paul, Women & Wives (Hendrickson, 1992) is very good.
• Ben Witherington's The Paul Quest (IVP, 1999) will help people gain a quick overview of what recent scholars have said about the Apostle.

Old Humour

A new vicar moved into town and went out one Saturday to visit his parishioners. All went well until he came to one house. It was obvious that someone was home, but no one came to the door even after he had knocked several times. Finally, he took out his card, wrote on the back 'Revelation 3:20' and stuck it in the door. The next day, he found his card in the collection plate. Below his verse was written the words 'Genesis 3:10'. Look it up.

Our 'Humour in the Style of Leviticus' in the past two issues brought several positive comments, but also a negative one. Apologies for any offence taken at what was never intended to be disrespectful parody...

Comments on Commentaries

An assessment of commentaries on a book of the Old & New Testament to keep you up to date with what will help in preaching and teaching in the local church.

OT: Deuteronomy

The first great critical commentary in English is still a standard reference work. Written in the heyday of literary criticism, S R Driver's ICC volume (T&T Clark, 1895) is regularly cited today for its detailed description of the style of Deuteronomy. The interpretation offered owes much to the then novel documentary hypothesis, yet retains an independence and sobriety. Most importantly the commentary contains a wealth of detailed information, not only about parallel texts, but on the Hebrew. While it is inevitably out of date on background studies, it is still an indispensable tool.

G von Rad's landmark commentary in the Old Testament Library series (SCM, 1966) represents the move into tradition-criticism, based in turn on form-criticism. Von Rad turns his attention away from documents to settings and theological concepts, and finds the origins of Deuteronomy in covenantal cultic traditions of the Northern Kingdom. This has fruitful consequences for theology, and von Rad somewhat anticipated the comparative studies that found models for Old Testament covenantal theology in ancient Near Eastern treaties. His recognition that Deuteronomy has the characteristics of preaching has endured. Exegetically the commentary is not as detailed as one would like.

J A Thompson (Tyndale OTC; IVP, 1974) was the first conservative commentator to give full weight to the analogy between Deuteronomy and ancient Near Eastern treaties. He also interacted carefully with prevailing Old Testament criticism of Deuteronomy, both giving a useful review of it to date and offering critical responses to its main arguments. In his view Deuteronomy preserves the core of Mosaic teaching but is likely to have assumed its final form around the beginning of the monarchy. Thompson thoughtfully considers how Deuteronomy might have come to have a place in the life of Israel. Moses is the inspiration here, but the treaty analogy gives the book an ongoing presence in Israel.

P C Craigie's commentary (NICOT; Eerdmans, 1976) is the second pillar, with Thompson's, of relatively recent conservative work on Deuteronomy. Between them they form a tremendous resource for those who are cautious about accepting the dominant critical view. Craigie is, if anything, more direct about Mosaic authorship than Thompson. He also takes the dialogue about the relevance of the Hittite and Assyrian treaties further. The commentary contains the author's translation, which is informed by his expertise in comparative Semitic linguistics.

A D H Mayes (New Century Bible; Marshall's, 1979) gives us probably the most often quoted critical commentary in English in contemporary discussion. Mayes represents the tradition criticism that took its inspiration from Martin Noth's work on the Deuteronomistic History. The commentary's main distinguishing feature is the tracing of the literary development of Deuteronomy from its deuteronomic core to its two 'deuteronomistic' layers. In pursuing this thesis, Mayes introduces a vast amount of contemporary scholarship. He offers a sure-footed guide to modern thinking about the book (to the date of publication). His detailed interpretations often illuminate what is characteristic of deuteronomic thought, even if one does not follow his literary analysis.

The Interpretation series (John Knox Press) is intended for readers who preach or teach, and may be broadly characterized as neo-orthodox. P D Miller (1990) is one of the foremost interpreters of Deuteronomy. Attention to critical matters is relatively brief. The point of view on authorship is not unlike that of Mayes, but the commentary itself is very different, focusing on the force of the message to its audience. The interpretation is therefore closer to 'expository' than exegetical. The commentary is not exhaustive, but rather selects what are seen as the most important sections. But no other commentary is so dedicated to theological interpretation, and this one makes an important and distinctive contribution.

C J H Wright's contribution in the New International Bible Commentary series (Paternoster, 1996) is an important new development. Like Miller's it aims at theological interpretation, in this case taking on the whole text. On dating, it is cautiously conservative (rather like Thompson). Critical matters are addressed in a careful and informed way, but are not the main interest of the commentary, being frequently dealt with as Additional Notes to the main argument. The interpretation is essentially a careful elucidation of the text, which is treated as a unity. The distinctive feature is not only its theological interpretation but its orientation to missiology, for which Deuteronomy is shown to have interesting and unexpected implications (relevant, incidentally, to the troublesome problem of the book's attitude to the non-Israelite peoples of Canaan).

E H Merrill's volume for the New American Commentary (Broadman and Holman, 1994) is the most rigorously conservative of recent commentaries. Merrill argues for Mosaic authorship, and opts for the earlier of the two possible periods for the exodus from Egypt (C15th rather than C13th). He places the book carefully in the context of the middle to late second millennium, paying special attention to Egypt, even putting a date on Moses' birth (1526 BC), and tying the events of the exodus closely with known Egyptian chronology. The speeches of Moses take place in 1406 BC. In the interpretation, Merrill is concerned to harmonize Deuteronomy with the other Pentateuchal narratives. That said, he always interacts carefully with non-conservative scholarship, and brings a wide range of learning to the exegesis.

The highly distinctive commentary by D L Christensen (on Deut 1-11; Word Books, 1991) is notable for its extensive and very useful bibliography of Deuteronomy studies. The interpretation is based on what the author calls a 'prosodic analysis' of the text, that is a division of the entire discourse into units, from the highest to the lowest levels, the latter applying metrical models. The discourse is organized in this way because Deuteronomy was written to be used in worship to the accompaniment of music. The detailed interpretation is helpful, but has been somewhat overshadowed by the theory. The present writer understands that the second volume has been completed and begins with chapter 16; the first volume will be revised and reissued covering 1-15.

The vast commentary (xiv + 455 pages) on Deut 1-11 by M Weinfeld (Anchor Bible; Doubleday, 1991) is the result of his extensive work on the book over several decades. The book's text falls into categories: a translation is followed by Textual Notes, then Notes (detailed exegetical), Comment (highlighting comparative and theological significance), Structure and Composition. These, however, are not uniformly followed. Weinfeld offers extensive comparisons of Deuteronomy's language, style and terminology with ancient Near Eastern literature, which in itself makes the book extremely important. For those who are not daunted by the sheer volume of information, the commentary repays careful study.

If I had to choose just one of these to help in preaching I would go for Wright. With the luxury of two I would back it up with one from Thompson, Craigie or Merrill. It's hard to choose among these; my favourite is still Craigie, but Merrill has the advantage of being up to date.

NT: The Acts of the Apostles

Let's start with the giants and get them out of the way. Undoubtedly the heaviest is C K Barrett's recent two volumes for the International Critical Commentary series (T&T Clark, 1994, 1998). Over twelve hundred pages of densely packed citations in the ancient languages dancing cheek-to-cheek with up-to-the-minute bibliography citations. If you're writing a research project, you want to know where you can borrow one of these; if you're wanting to preach on a passage from Acts, you'll be better off looking elsewhere.

Next in the Many Pages Race is Simon Kistemaker's commentary (Baker Books, 1991), just a half an index over the 1000-page mark. But this one is aimed more at preachers who are willing to do serious preparation than at the scholar in the academy. For each short chunk of text, we are presented with the translation and general comments followed in turn by short additional sections under the headings of 'Practical Considerations' and 'Greek words, Phrases and Constructions'. Kistemaker's conservative evangelical views won't sit well with everyone, but the layout makes him a good dialogue partner.

Ben Witherington III stops just short of 900 pages in his 'Socio-Rhetorical Commentary' (Eerdmans, 1998). This is a fabulous book for teachers, full of wonderful background that brings the book of Acts alive in its own setting. But it will frustrate those who want to look up what verse 24 means today. Witherington is very readable but it's a book to be read rather than a reference work to be consulted.

I think that John Polhill's contribution for the New American Commentary series (Broadman and Holman. 1992) is a research commentary trying to be compact. I'm not sure that it has anything to offer that you won't find elsewhere except another voice, which can be useful. On the other hand, John Stott's older piece for the Bible Speaks Today series (IVP, 1990) is a popular commentary trying to be higher brow, and much more successful. You'll find enough scholarship (albeit beginning to show its age) to point you further, but also a heart for the practical applications. Speaking of older pieces, the two commentaries by F F Bruce (New International Commentary on the New Testament; Eerdmans, 1965; on the Greek text [3rd ed]: Apollos, 1990) and the famous one by Howard Marshall for the Tyndale series (IVP, 1980), are approaching but not beyond their sell-by dates. Don't toss them out yet.

The book most likely to change how you view Acts is David Gooding's artistic True to the Faith (Hodder & Stoughton, 1990). Way ahead of its time, it is an appreciation and celebration of Luke's narrative genius. Rather than offering a strictly logical 'outline', Gooding approaches Acts more like a symphony with movements.

Disappointment of the month might be the famous J D G Dunn's commentary in the Epworth series (1996). It has its high points, but it is predominantly predictable and uninspiring. Better is the brand new entry to the Westminster Bible Companion series by Paul Walaskay (Westminster John Knox, 1998). In format a very traditional commentary, it is readable and informative, considering it is also the shortest of the volumes considered here, at just a hair under 250 pages. Best of the shorties may be Scott Spencer's entry in Sheffield's 'Readings' series (1997). Commenting on paragraphs rather than verses, it might take some getting used to, but there's brilliant stuff in its 270 pages.

[Ed: R N Longenecker's bit in the Expositor's Bible Commentary Vol 9 (ed. F E Gaebelein; Zondervan, 1980) is old but worthwhile & now published separately]

Letters to the Editor

As you have written the commentary comments on Colossians and Philemon, may I ask if you know the Believers church Bible commentary? There is a volume on these books in the series by Ernest D Martin. Victor Perry

I wasn't aware of this series until Victor kindly lent me the Martin volume (Herald Press, 1993). It looks to be a helpful and practical commentary from a Mennonite perspective. Thanks for the tip.

Christopher Allen of Knighton in Leicester writes from the vicarage to remind us that the commentary survey on John's gospel in BSB 11 missed out two major works: F J Moloney in the Sacra Pagina series (Collegeville MD: Liturgical Press, 1998); and T L Brodie, The Gospel According to John. A Literary and Theological Commentary (New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993). He finds Brodie to be a wonderful resource for teaching and preaching. He also notes two other older books: G R Beasley-Murray in the Word series (Waco, 1987); and R Kysar in the Augsburg Commentary series (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1986). Thanks for the reminder, Christopher. Sometimes we are too ruthless with the word limit on our contributors, and good books get left out. We'll offer more updates in future issues.

Computer Corner

• A summary of a lecture by Richard Bauckham on New Testament apocryphal writings may be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~www_sd/ntapocr.html
• The Corpus Paulinum is a moderated academic e-mail list 'dedicated to the scholarly discussion and evaluation of critical questions surrounding the life, influence, teaching, theology, and the writings of the Apostle Paul.' Most participants are lecturers or graduate students, but pastors and others interested in what scholars are saying are welcome to subscribe. Be forewarned: the list generates quite a bit of daily e-mail, and the discussion is not always representative of mainstream scholarship. For more information go to http://www.ibiblio.org/corpus-paul/. For Johannine studies, try http://myweb.lmu.edu/fjust . Both sites feature helpful links to other pages that may be of interest.
• The Perseus Project has made available a web version of the Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites (PECS). This standard reference work, edited by Richard Stillwell and originally published by Princeton University Press in 1976, includes articles on over 5,000 Greco-Roman sites, with accompanying bibliography and links to more than 4,400 new photographs. PECS may be accessed through its table of contents (http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/text?lookup=pecs+toc ).

Grove Biblical Series

This month's title is an outstanding study by Richard Bauckham on Scripture and Authority Today. It engages with both modernist and postmodernist criticisms of the idea of biblical authority, and considers what it means for individual texts to be part of an authoritative biblical narrative.

September's title will be by Howard Marshall on Jesus at 2000. It will give a helpful assessment of the state of Jesus research which will build confidence in the reliability of the gospel accounts and should be of apologetic value.

In December we plan to publish Making Sense of Jonah by Philip Jenson at Bristol. Whilst not ignoring the historical issues, this booklet will focus on how Jonah shapes our understanding of discipleship and mission.

Next year we plan to publish a booklet on Easter to complement John Proctor's booklet on Christmas, a study on the Wisdom literature, and a look at different ways of reading and studying the Bible. Make sure you renew your subscription!