Books in the Wiley Blackwell Bible Commentaries series

The New Testament letters to Timothy and Titus, the Pastoral Epistles, have had a subtle but profound effect upon Christianity. The Pastoral Epistles Through the Centuries explores the important role of the Pastorals in the development of early Christianity and in the much broader impact and influence these letters have had throughout the ages.

A meticulous exploration of the reception history of Jonah in all its facetsJonah through the Centuries is a systematic examination of the reception history of the book of Jonah, long-recognized for its numerous theological implications and diverse interpretations. The first book of its kind written in English, this singular volume provides a lucid and coherent commentary on the most influential re-readings of Jonah in Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and secular traditions. Author Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer progresses slowly through the book of Jonah verse-by-verse--even word-by-word through key verses such as Jonah 1:1 and 2:1--to offer readers deep insight into the many and multifaceted interpretations of Jonah from early Jewish readings to modern literary retellings.Structured thematically rather than strictly chronologically, the text begins with the earliest interpretation and follows its trendline all the way through to modern times before turning to the next-oldest interpretation. The commentary covers a broad range of retellings in many languages and in various media including commentaries, sermons, prose, poetry, theatrical drama, art, and music. Throughout the text, the author demonstrates how all these retellings ultimately originate within the biblical text itself and highlights how many of the interpretations are fueled and influenced by the interpreter's religious background, cultural assumptions, and their preconceived notions of what the text should say.* Discusses how retellings of Jonah ultimately originate within the text's theological or literary ambiguities, choice of words, or syntactical construction* Explains how cross-cultural interchanges between Jews, Christians, and Muslims at different points throughout the centuries influenced the reception of Jonah* Highlights how several retellings form clusters according to the interpreters' religious affiliations* Covers various interpretations of both often-cited and lesser-known verses from the book of Jonah* Interacts with an international range of literary retellings of the book of Jonah, offered in English translationJonah through the Centuries is an invaluable resource for educated clergy, undergraduate and graduate students in both seminaries and universities, scholars and academics, and general readers with interest in the reception of biblical texts in literature, art, and music.

Charting the theological and cultural potency of Acts across the timespan of Christian history, this work of profound scholarship reveals the full extent of the New Testament book s religious, artistic, literary, and political influence.

In this latest addition to the Wiley-Blackwell Bible Commentaries series, the authors explore the astonishing variety of interpretations inspired by Lamentations, one of the shortest books in the Bible. It features a wealth of reactions to this ancient text s influential and unflinching account of the devastation wreaked by war.

This unique reception history of the Epistle of James is a prominent addition to the Blackwell Bible Commentaries series. Written by an outstanding New Testament specialist, it chronicles the major theological, political, and aesthetic responses to the text over the centuries, and to James as a historical figure.

Explores the interpretive history of the Book of Jeremiah, and highlights its influence on various cultures through the centuries Jeremiah Through the Centuries explores the reception history of this enigmatic prophet and his words. The book offers an introduction telling the story of the surprising ways in which both voice and persona of this elusive prophet were used in critical historical moments, as well as a complete chapter-by-chapter commentary that presents the significant historical effects of selected texts. The spiritual struggles of the faithful and critiques of philosophers and scientists are often presented in their own voices. The book offers original ideas about the effects of the "slipping figure of Jeremiah" on the developing idea of the self, shown in a wide range of liturgical, political, artistic, literary, and cultural contexts. The book guides readers through various interpretations of Jeremiah's poetry and prose, discussing the profound influence that Jeremiah and Western culture have had on each other through the centuries. Significant texts from every chapter of Jeremiah are presented in a chronological narrative as both conversation and debate - enabling readers to encounter the prophet in the text of the Bible and in previous exegeses. Throughout the text, the receptions reflect historical contexts and highlight the ways they shaped specific receptions of Jeremiah. This book: Illustrates how the Book of Jeremiah was adapted by readers to face new challenges, both in the past and present Includes examples of Jeremiah in social satire, Islamic tradition, political debate, and religious controversy Provides a detailed introduction that traces Jeremiah's influence on events and traditions Offers insights into both celebrated texts and lesser-known passages that are relevant to contemporary readers Features numerous, previously unpublished illustrations demonstrating the influence of Jeremiah on traditions in Western art Featuring engaging narrative and expert commentary, Jeremiah Through the Centuries is ideal for students, teachers, and general readers with interest in theology and biblical studies, Judaic studies, ancient literature, cultural criticism, reception history of the Bible, and the history of Western civilization.

This interdisciplinary commentary ranges from early midrashic interpretation to contemporary rewritings introducing interpretations of the only biblical book not to mention God.

This bible commentary looks at how Exodus has influenced and has been influenced by history, religion, politics, the arts and other forms of culture over the ages. * A bible commentary tracing the reception history of Exodus from Old Testament times, through the Patristic and Reformation periods, to the present day.

Explores the diverse themes and issues raised in John's Gospel, and considers its influence on figures from Saint Augustine, to Dorothy Sayers and Bob Dylan. This title treats well-known interpreters such as Thomas Aquinas along with lesser-known figures such as the Gnostic Heracleon, and the sixth-century hymn-writer, Romanos.

This ground--breaking commentary on The Revelation to John (the Apocalypse) reveals its far--reaching influence on society and culture, and its impact on the church through the ages. * Explores the far--reaching influence of the Apocalypse on society and culture. * Shows the booka s impact on the Christian church through the ages.

Traces the reception of "Judges" through the ages, not only by scholars and theologians, but also by preachers, teachers, politicians, poets, essayists and artists. This book discloses a long history of debate over the roles of women and the use of force, as well as Christian prejudice against Jews and 'Orientals'.

This is the first of a two-volume Bible commentary covering the Psalms and examining the role of these biblical poems throughout Jewish and Christian history. Volume One provides a fascinating introduction to the literary, historical, and theological background of psalmody.

The reception of the Gospel of Matthew over two millennia: commentary and interpretation Matthew Through the Centuries offers an overview of the reception history of one of the most prominent gospels in Christian worship. Examining the reception of Matthew from the perspectives of a wide range of interpreters, from Origen and Hilary of Poitiers to Mary Cornwallis and Bob Marley, this insightful commentary explains the major trends in various ecclesial, historical, and cultural contexts. Focusing on characteristically Matthean features, detailed chapter-by-chapter commentary highlights diverse receptions and interpretations of the gospel. Broad exploration of areas such as liturgy, literature, drama, film, hymnody, political discourse, and visual art illustrates the enormous impact Matthew continues to have on Judeo-Christian civilization. Known as "the Church's Gospel" Matthew's text has been the subject of apologetic and theological controversy for hundreds of years. It has been seen as justification for political and ecclesial status quo and as a path to radical discipleship. Matthew has influenced divergent political, spiritual, and cultural figures such as Saint Francis of Assisi, John Ruskin, Leo Tolstoy, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Mahatma Gandhi. Matthew's interest in ecclesiology provides early structures of ecclesial life, such as the resolution of community disputes, communal prayer, and liturgical prescriptions for the Eucharist and baptism. A significant addition to the acclaimed Wiley Blackwell Bible Commentaries series, Matthew Through the Centuries is an indispensable resource for both students and experts in areas including religious and biblical studies, literature, history, politics, and those interested in the influence of the Bible on Western culture.