Books in the Mcmaster New Testament Studies series

How does a Christian render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's? This book is the result of the Bingham Colloquium of 2007 that brought scholars from across North America to examine the New Testament's response to the empires of God and Caesar. Two chapters lay the foundation for that response in the Old Testament's concept of empire, and six others address the response to the notion of empire, both human and divine, in the various authors of the New Testament. A final chapter investigates how the church fathers regarded the matter. The essays display various methods and positions; together, however, they offer a representative sample of the current state of study of the notion of empire in the New Testament.

Many opinions contend in the church today for what constitutes true worship of God and how best it can be practiced. This collection of essays carries on a conversation between biblical scholars and church music practitioners. It begins with three studies investigating what we can learn about worship in the Old Testament, followed by essays on the teaching about worship in the Gospels, Epistles, and the book of Revelation in the New Testament. The church music practitioners featured in the book respond to each of these essays. The final essay by Wendy Porter takes a historical journey of theological reflection on Christian worship from the days of the early church, tracing worship developments in the Western church through the centuries to today. This is an important book for anyone who wants to think theologically about how and why Christians worship God.""I welcome this collection of the best of biblical and theological insights regarding Christian worship, combined with a serious attempt to address this matter by practitioners. It should provide a new starting point for the discussion and implementation of this key area of Christian life.""--Richard S. Hess, Denver Seminary, Denver, CO""There can never be too many interdisciplinary conversations as leaders pursue an understanding of Christian worship from God''s point of view. This collection of essays is unique: real dialogue transpires while not creating a dichotomy between scholar and practitioner. Ministerial borders are crossed throughout its pages, to the benefit of worship leaders everywhere.""--Cherry Constance, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN""Wow! Porter''s group of theologians and practitioners walk the reader through Scripture: Beginning with the Mosaic view of worship, progressing to the worship described and prescribed in the Revelation. Finally, Porter provides a worship walk through church history. This text is a resource for church musicians, pastors, and educators: it is a text to be read and referenced.""--MaryAnn Hawkins, Anderson University School of Theology, Anderson, IN""Rediscovering Worship brings together seven essays and seven responses that explore aspects of worship in the major parts of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. . . . This book successfully brings together biblical scholarship and applied theology.""--Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, NSWendy J. Porter holds a PhD from the University of Surrey, UK. She is Director of Music and Worship at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She teaches courses on music and worship, theological reflection, spiritual formation, and the history of worship and liturgy. She plans and leads worship in numerous settings, writes worship songs, and has recorded three vocal albums.

The papers in this volume focus on some of the ways in which God's people have been rejected and exiled throughout history so as to become a diasporic people. They also discuss the ways God's scattered people have had to deal and cope with the resulting alienation as they have sought after God. Articles and responses treat exile and diaspora in the Old Testament, in Second Temple Judaism and Jewish Christianity, and in the Acts and the writings of Paul, paying attention to insights from the emerging discipline of diaspora studies. A final section offers a case study of the modern Filipino diaspora phenomenon, including the mobility of Filipino Christians, and discusses the implications of such diasporas for the mission of the church in the world today.

Although the cry for justice in human society is an important theme in the Bible, in many church and academic circles action for and discourse about social justice is carried on without a thorough exploration of this theme in Scripture. This volume brings together chapters by experts in the various sections of the Old and New Testaments to give a full spectrum of what the Bible has to say about social justice, and to point to ways forward for Christians seeking to think and act in harmony with God in pursuing social justice in the world today.""This book is unique: in it, noted biblical scholars weigh in on what the Bible says about social justice, a topical domain typically populated by sociologists, ethicists, and activists. The volume is remarkably comprehensive, sampling texts from across the biblical canon, and its discussions are robust and insightful. The volume introduces devout, learned evangelical voices into a conversation of great import both for the church and the poor and powerless in our world. Hear them well!""--Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Professor (Emeritus) of Biblical Literature, North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago""Concern with social justice has rightly captured the imagination of those who follow Jesus. The Bible and Social Justice powerfully supports this passion with brilliant biblical exposition. I highly recommend this stimulating book that not only informs us but also stirs us to action.""--Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont CollegeCynthia Long Westfall is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College. Along with her academic work, she has ministered to those who are at risk for homelessness in Denver, Colorado, and Hamilton, Ontario.Bryan R. Dyer is the coeditor of Paul and Ancient Rhetoric (2015), and currently works for Baker Academic as an Acquisitions Editor.

Written at a time when his ideas and practices were provoking opposition even from fellow Christians, the Apostle Paul articulates in his Letter to the Romans his understanding of God's plan for humanity and discusses the implications of this plan for different groups of people. Romans is considered by many as the most theologically significant and sophisticated book of the Bible. This volume is designed to bridge the gap between studying Romans as an academic enterprise and experiencing how Romans can speak today in the life of the church. All of the chapters in this volume--especially those devoted to the content of Romans--were written with both exegesis and application in mind. All of the contributors to this volume believe that Romans has a crucial voice within the church today and that those who preach, teach, and study the book need to be attentive to its witness and to its timeliness.""It seems that there is always more to say about Romans because Romans always has more to say to us. Stanley Porter has assembled a fine collection of scholars for the task, and here we find helpful essays on historical background, how linguistics shapes our understanding of the letter, the use of the Old Testament, along with essays that survey the letter. We are treated here to stimulating exegesis and application to everyday life and are reminded afresh that Romans speaks to both the mind and heart.""--Tom Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary""The McMaster New Testament series is known for producing anthologies of studies of the statis quaestionis on important topics. In recent years, the format has morphed into creative and cutting-edge scholarship. This collection of essays on Romans combines each of these two categories. Learn here about major themes in Romans, but also about linguistics and intertextuality, from top scholars who also care about the church and the world.""--Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary""This collection of essays breaks new ground historically, exegetically, and linguistically. Pitched at an appropriate level, this volume will serve the academic, pastor, and any serious student who wants to explore fresh avenues for interpreting Romans.""--David Mathewson, Denver Seminary""The Letter to the Romans is an outstanding example of how the grammar, language, background, and train of thought should be analyzed and laid out for readers. Porter's many years of experience with ancient Greek texts and the book culture of late antiquity shine through on every page. We have here a truly significant contribution to the interpretation of Romans."" --Craig A. Evans, Houston Baptist UniversityStanley E. Porter is President, Dean, and Professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario. He also holds the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview. He is a prolific writer and editor in the area of New Testament studies.Francis G. H. Pang is Assistant Professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario. He is the Associate Director of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.

Is the Gospel Good News? was the theme of the 2015 H. H. Bingham Colloquium at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, held on June 4-5. The fourteen participants in this colloquium presented their own individual perspectives on the theme from three broad vantage points--Bible, theology, and crucial topics. The ""good news"" that Jesus proclaimed concerning the kingdom of God became the ""gospel"" proclaimed by his followers throughout church history. This gospel is about the coming of Jesus Christ in fulfillment of God's will for humanity. This volume presents some accounts of how this good news has been understood through the ages and continues to be understood in relation to some of the major topics and issues of our contemporary world. The papers in the Bible section discuss this good news from both Old and New Testament passages and themes. The papers in the Theology section address theological topics in light of the question of what constitutes the good news. Finally, the papers in the Crucial Topics section explore new and different perspectives on ways in which the gospel is good news. This volume highlights diverse perspectives and proposals by scholars from various locations in different stages of their academic careers, resulting in a stimulating discussion of the topic of the gospel as good news.""Can any 'good news' offset the fact that we live in such a bad-news world? Decidedly 'yes' answer the scholars and ministry practitioners contributing to this volume. Advanced students, pastors, and scholars alike will glean fresh vantage points and truths from interaction with these wide-ranging but skillfully focused studies, all arguing for the continuing validity and viability of the central Christian message. Think 'the gospel' is a yesteryear slogan? Read this for a valuable refresher course.""--Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological SeminaryStanley E. Porter is President, Dean, and Professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario. He also holds the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview. He is the author of nearly thirty volumes, and has edited over eighty others. One of his latest books is When Paul Met Jesus: How an Idea Got Lost in History.Hughson T. Ong is Assistant Academic Dean and Registrar, and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Emmanuel Bible College, Kitchener, Ontario. He is the author of The Multilingual Jesus and the Sociolinguistic World of the New Testament, and of a number of articles and essays on various New Testament topics that use sociolinguistic theories.

Is the Gospel Good News? was the theme of the 2015 H. H. Bingham Colloquium at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, held on June 4-5. The fourteen participants in this colloquium presented their own individual perspectives on the theme from three broad vantage points--Bible, theology, and crucial topics. The ""good news"" that Jesus proclaimed concerning the kingdom of God became the ""gospel"" proclaimed by his followers throughout church history. This gospel is about the coming of Jesus Christ in fulfillment of God's will for humanity. This volume presents some accounts of how this good news has been understood through the ages and continues to be understood in relation to some of the major topics and issues of our contemporary world. The papers in the Bible section discuss this good news from both Old and New Testament passages and themes. The papers in the Theology section address theological topics in light of the question of what constitutes the good news. Finally, the papers in the Crucial Topics section explore new and different perspectives on ways in which the gospel is good news. This volume highlights diverse perspectives and proposals by scholars from various locations in different stages of their academic careers, resulting in a stimulating discussion of the topic of the gospel as good news.""Can any 'good news' offset the fact that we live in such a bad-news world? Decidedly 'yes' answer the scholars and ministry practitioners contributing to this volume. Advanced students, pastors, and scholars alike will glean fresh vantage points and truths from interaction with these wide-ranging but skillfully focused studies, all arguing for the continuing validity and viability of the central Christian message. Think 'the gospel' is a yesteryear slogan? Read this for a valuable refresher course.""--Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological SeminaryStanley E. Porter is President, Dean, and Professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario. He also holds the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview. He is the author of nearly thirty volumes, and has edited over eighty others. One of his latest books is When Paul Met Jesus: How an Idea Got Lost in History.Hughson T. Ong is Assistant Academic Dean and Registrar, and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Emmanuel Bible College, Kitchener, Ontario. He is the author of The Multilingual Jesus and the Sociolinguistic World of the New Testament, and of a number of articles and essays on various New Testament topics that use sociolinguistic theories.

In 2016, the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis (CBLTE), a research center located at McMaster Divinity College, hosted the annual Bingham Colloquium. Scholars from around North America were invited to participate in a collegial and collaborative dialogue on what is currently happening (or could happen) at the intersection of linguistics and biblical studies, particularly in regards to the linguistic study of biblical languages, their translation, and the way that linguistic methods can contribute to the interpretation of the biblical texts. This volume of essays publishes many of the presentations that took place at the Colloquium.""This fascinating collection of essays showcases the value of modern linguistics for responsible exegesis and effective translation of the Greek New Testament. Readers will find the range of perspectives and applications of modern linguistics in this brief volume a helpful bridge into an interpretive tool that is often neglected.""--Martin Culy, Founding Editor, Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament, Director, Cypress Hills Ministries""One cannot possibly read what emanates from McMaster Divinity College without treading across that intersection between Hellenistic Greek and cutting edge linguistic exploration. Whether it's text corpora, discourse analytical, clausal, lexical, or other issues, the payoff is always fresh exegetical understanding allied with pastoral implications--i.e., exactly what is needed in study and informed ministry today, and presented here via a pleasant diversity of conceptual and textual connections.""--Jonathan M. Watt, Professor of Biblical Studies, Geneva College and Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary""Stanley Porter has been a leader in the field of application of linguistic theory to the interpretation of the New Testament and study of Greek grammar. In this collection of essays, he assembles an impressive group of scholars who address a wide range of issues related to the application of linguistics to interpreting the Greek text. More specifically, this volume focuses on the application of Systemic Functional Linguistics in the tradition of M. A. K. Halliday. This volume will provide a solid and up-to-date introduction and discussion of the importance and usage of Systemic Functional Linguistics for New Testament students. This book is a must-read for anyone unfamiliar with linguistic approaches to the New Testament, or anyone who wants to explore further the value and implications of Systemic Functional Linguistics for interpreting the New Testament. I highly recommend it.""--David Mathewson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Denver SeminaryStanley E. Porter is President, Dean, and Professor of New Testament, as well as holder of the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview, at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is a prolific writer and editor in the area of Greek linguistics and the Founder of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.Christopher D. Land is Assistant Professor of New Testament and Linguistics at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the Director of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.Francis G. H. Pang is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the Associate Director of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.

In 2016, the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis (CBLTE), a research center located at McMaster Divinity College, hosted the annual Bingham Colloquium. Scholars from around North America were invited to participate in a collegial and collaborative dialogue on what is currently happening (or could happen) at the intersection of linguistics and biblical studies, particularly in regards to the linguistic study of biblical languages, their translation, and the way that linguistic methods can contribute to the interpretation of the biblical texts. This volume of essays publishes many of the presentations that took place at the Colloquium.""This fascinating collection of essays showcases the value of modern linguistics for responsible exegesis and effective translation of the Greek New Testament. Readers will find the range of perspectives and applications of modern linguistics in this brief volume a helpful bridge into an interpretive tool that is often neglected.""--Martin Culy, Founding Editor, Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament, Director, Cypress Hills Ministries""One cannot possibly read what emanates from McMaster Divinity College without treading across that intersection between Hellenistic Greek and cutting edge linguistic exploration. Whether it''s text corpora, discourse analytical, clausal, lexical, or other issues, the payoff is always fresh exegetical understanding allied with pastoral implications--i.e., exactly what is needed in study and informed ministry today, and presented here via a pleasant diversity of conceptual and textual connections.""--Jonathan M. Watt, Professor of Biblical Studies, Geneva College and Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary""Stanley Porter has been a leader in the field of application of linguistic theory to the interpretation of the New Testament and study of Greek grammar. In this collection of essays, he assembles an impressive group of scholars who address a wide range of issues related to the application of linguistics to interpreting the Greek text. More specifically, this volume focuses on the application of Systemic Functional Linguistics in the tradition of M. A. K. Halliday. This volume will provide a solid and up-to-date introduction and discussion of the importance and usage of Systemic Functional Linguistics for New Testament students. This book is a must-read for anyone unfamiliar with linguistic approaches to the New Testament, or anyone who wants to explore further the value and implications of Systemic Functional Linguistics for interpreting the New Testament. I highly recommend it.""--David Mathewson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Denver SeminaryStanley E. Porter is President, Dean, and Professor of New Testament, as well as holder of the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview, at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is a prolific writer and editor in the area of Greek linguistics and the Founder of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.Christopher D. Land is Assistant Professor of New Testament and Linguistics at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the Director of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.Francis G. H. Pang is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the Associate Director of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.

Although the cry for justice in human society is an important theme in the Bible, in many church and academic circles action for and discourse about social justice is carried on without a thorough exploration of this theme in Scripture. This volume brings together chapters by experts in the various sections of the Old and New Testaments to give a full spectrum of what the Bible has to say about social justice, and to point to ways forward for Christians seeking to think and act in harmony with God in pursuing social justice in the world today.""This book is unique: in it, noted biblical scholars weigh in on what the Bible says about social justice, a topical domain typically populated by sociologists, ethicists, and activists. The volume is remarkably comprehensive, sampling texts from across the biblical canon, and its discussions are robust and insightful. The volume introduces devout, learned evangelical voices into a conversation of great import both for the church and the poor and powerless in our world. Hear them well!""--Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Professor (Emeritus) of Biblical Literature, North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago""Concern with social justice has rightly captured the imagination of those who follow Jesus. The Bible and Social Justice powerfully supports this passion with brilliant biblical exposition. I highly recommend this stimulating book that not only informs us but also stirs us to action.""--Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont CollegeCynthia Long Westfall is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College. Along with her academic work, she has ministered to those who are at risk for homelessness in Denver, Colorado, and Hamilton, Ontario.Bryan R. Dyer is the coeditor of Paul and Ancient Rhetoric (2015), and currently works for Baker Academic as an Acquisitions Editor.

Description:How did a first-generation Jewish messianic movement develop the momentum to become a dominant religious force in the Western world? The essays here first investigate the roots of God''s mission and the mission of his people in the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism, specifically in the Psalms, Isaiah, and Daniel. The contributions then discuss the mission of Jesus, and how it continued into the mission of the Twelve, other Jewish believers (in the Gospels, General Epistles, and Revelation), and finally into Paul''s ministry to the Gentiles documented in the book of Acts and his epistles. These essays reach backward into the background of what was to become the Christian mission and forward through the New Testament to the continuing Christian mission and missions today. Endorsements:""For too long now biblical scholarship and missiology have been progressing in splendid isolation with little reference to each other. This sparkling collection of essays not only demonstrates the interdependence of these disciplines but also takes seriously the Hebrew Scriptures and Second Temple Judaism as fertile soil in which the seeds for Christian mission were sown, came to flower in the New Testament, and continue to bear fruit in the ongoing global mission of the church at the beginning of the twenty-first century.""--Trevor J. Burkeauthor of Adopted into God''s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor""Biblical scholars and missiologists have much to learn from each other. This work, with contributions from notable scholars, offers some fresh biblical insights for thinking about Christian mission.""--Craig Keenerauthor of Romans: A New Covenant Commentary (Cascade 2009)""We have needed a work that presents the development of Mission from Israel to the early church. These essays, written by leading scholars in both fields, admirably accomplish that goal. Here is a work that covers the field, presents missional roots as well as strategy, is very readable, and would serve as a fine textbook both for courses and personal study. I highly recommend this book.""--Grant Osborneauthor of The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical InterpretationAbout the Contributor(s):Stanley E. Porter is President, Dean, and Professor of New Testament, at McMaster Divinity College. He has published extensively in the area of New Testament and Greek language and linguistics, including New Testament Greek Papyri and Parchments (with Wendy Porter, 2008).Cynthia Long Westfall is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College. She is the author of A Discourse Analysis of Hebrews (2006).