Philippians and Philemon - Paperback

by Bruce W. Longenecker (Author), James W. Thompson (Author), Mikeal C. Parsons (Editor)

New in the Acclaimed Paideia Commentary Series

Two respected senior New Testament scholars examine cultural context and theological meaning in Philippians and Philemon in this addition to the well-received Paideia series. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs, showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits, and making judicious use of maps, photos, and sidebars in a reader-friendly format. Students, pastors, and other readers will appreciate the historical, literary, and theological insight offered in this practical commentary.

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Critically Acclaimed Commentaries from Today's Top Scholars

"A first-rate commentary for contemporary students. The authors provide a guide to larger scholarship but offer their own assessments based on scrupulously careful readings of the text. The theological comments offer a model of how careful readings of these texts can and cannot be used in discussions of contemporary issues. I recommend it enthusiastically."
--Gregory E. Sterling, Yale Divinity School

"A worthy contribution to the distinguished collection of commentaries in the Paideia series. Paul's letters to the Philippians and to Philemon, so different and yet related, are thought through carefully, with the many alternate interpretations sifted and weighed and with theological implications for today thoughtfully presented."
--Carolyn Osiek, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University

"With informed imagination and exegetical skill, Thompson and Longenecker open up two of Paul's most personal and engaging letters. With attention to Paul's scriptural, rhetorical, and cultural resources, they take us deep into Paul's faith and thought-world in ways that show the creative power of the gospel. The interweaving of Christian theological reflection with the authors' own wisdom opens the way for the essential next step in reading Scripture: contemporary appropriation. Highly recommended!"
--Stephen C. Barton, Durham University

"Paul's letters to the Philippians and Philemon combined are just five chapters in length but are incredibly rich in theological content as well as socio-historical and hermeneutical complexity. Interpreters of Paul can thus rejoice that Thompson and Longenecker have expounded these two epistles with admirable exegetical skill, theological sensitivity, and enviable clarity. Highly recommended."
--John T. Fitzgerald, University of Notre Dame

"Philippians and Philemon is a quality commentary composed by quality commentators. Thompson and Longenecker are to be congratulated for making these two beloved Pauline letters more understandable and, as a result, even more meaningful. I encourage readers of this valuable volume not just to dip into but to dive into this work."
--Todd D. Still, Truett Seminary, Baylor University

"Thompson and Longenecker transport their readers to a Roman colony in northern Greece and to the household of an ancient slaveholder, allowing us to discern what Christian converts in those environments would have heard in Paul's brief but influential letters of exhortation. Those seeking a companion to reading Paul's letters to the Philippians and Philemon will be well served by this addition to the Paideia series."
--Jeffrey Peterson, Austin Graduate School of Theology

Author Biography

James W. Thompson (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is scholar in residence at the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas.

Bruce W. Longenecker (PhD, University of Durham) is professor of Christian origins and W. W. Melton Chair of Religion at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.