Books by Ceslaus Spicq

In this insightful work, the author explores the fundamental Christian virtue of 'agape.' Spicq's genius is the way he combines fine linguistic analysis, exegesis, and theological insight. The three volumes cover most of the New Testament books: Volume 1: 'Agape in the Synoptic Gospels' Volume 2: 'Agape in the Epistles of St. Paul, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of St. James, St. Peter, and St. Jude' Volume 3: 'Agape in the Gospel, Epistles and Apocalypse of St. John'The word 'agape,' in particular, had acquired so specialized and rich a meaning that it seemed almost a neologism. . . . The final word of the mystery of God and the source of the Christian life is always love. Everything is summed up in love. --from the Introduction

In this insightful work, the author explores the fundamental Christian virtue of 'agape.' Spicq's genius is the way he combines fine linguistic analysis, exegesis, and theological insight. The three volumes cover most of the New Testament books: Volume 1: 'Agape in the Synoptic Gospels' Volume 2: 'Agape in the Epistles of St. Paul, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of St. James, St. Peter, and St. Jude' Volume 3: 'Agape in the Gospel, Epistles and Apocalypse of St. John'In the writings of St. John there is one aspect of 'agape' which is brought out in singular relief--the aspect of manifestation and proof. Most of St. John's uses of the word should be translated 'manifest love,' 'love which proves itself,' or 'the economy, the development of the divine love.' --from the IntroductionCeslas Spicq, O.P., was an internationally recognized biblical scholar. He is also the author of 'Theological Lexicon of the New Testament' (3 vols.), 'The Trinity and Our Moral Life according the St. Paul,' and 'The Mystery of Godliness.'

In this insightful work, the author explores the fundamental Christian virtue of 'agape.' Spicq's genius is the way he combines fine linguistic analysis, exegesis, and theological insight. The three volumes cover most of the New Testament books: Volume 1: 'Agape in the Synoptic Gospels' Volume 2: 'Agape in the Epistles of St. Paul, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of St. James, St. Peter, and St. Jude' Volume 3: 'Agape in the Gospel, Epistles and Apocalypse of St. John' Agape is an active and effective love operating with a singular tenderness. The Sermon on the Mount stressed its heroic forms of patience and of gentleness. The parable of the Good Samaritan shows it to be attentive and tender, truly compassionate. . . . In the Gospel, to love means to give, to give oneself, to belong to another--to belong to God in obedience and consecration, to belong to neighbor in service and compassion. --from the ConclusionCeslas Spicq, O.P., was an internationally recognized biblical scholar. He is also the author of 'Theological Lexicon of the New Testament' (3 vols.), 'The Trinity and Our Moral Life according the St. Paul,' and 'The Mystery of Godliness.'

Roman citizenship was important to St. Paul for it brought privileges and powers granted to no other men. Yet with this in mind, after his conversion, Paul tells the community of Philippi, As for us, our commonwealth is in heaven. Christians thus, he says, are to claim the citizenship of heaven, fully aware of the privileges, powers, and responsibilities of that great destiny. From the writings of St. Paul, the author shows how the Saint wishes us to live as citizens of heaven: Christians, you are already saved from the moment of your baptism; you are already glorified with Christ here and now. The author first shows how the paganism of the times indicated the necessity of revelation from God and how this revelation came from the Father in the person of Christ in the New Testament. Christians as a result must express their gratitude to the Father by living anew in Christ Jesus. This Christian concept of life is not a mere institution involving a moral code and abstract doctrine, but is rather summed up in the Person of Christ. The Christian can accomplish this by the work of the Holy Spirit, who fosters a life of faith in Christ, dominated by a love and a freedom of the children of God. The fruit of this conformity to the Spirit is the beauty of the moral life. Yet for all its nobility, such a life is incomplete. Fulfillment comes only in heaven where those who have struggled to obtain the victory will merit the living and eternal crown of blessedness with the Trinity. Filled with the spirit of St. Paul, this volume will be of great value to those who seek a sound Scriptural theology. The great Pauline themes are marvelously interwoven and highlighted in presenting a unified spiritual doctrine.