Theology of Christmas | Philippians 2

This commentary by Scot McKnight explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christian morality. McKnight addresses the historical context of the letter, including the conflict over Torah observance among early Christian communities, and provides contemporary applications of the biblical text. The book is part of the NIV Application Commentary series, which aims to bring ancient messages into today's context for preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.

The Book of Philemon is one of the shortest letters written by Paul and is part of the New Testament. It was written during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, around AD 60-62. The letter addresses Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, regarding his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had fled to Rome, where he encountered Paul and became a Christian. Paul writes to Philemon to appeal for Onesimus's return, asking him to treat Onesimus not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ. The letter emphasizes the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the equal status of believers in Christ, regardless of their social positions. Paul offers to take on any debt or wrongdoing attributed to Onesimus, demonstrating the principles of Christian love and grace.

The Book of Isaiah is a major prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It's attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in Judah during the 8th century BCE. The book contains a collection of oracles, poems, and prophecies addressing various aspects of Judah's history and the future. Key themes include God's judgment on Israel's sins, the promise of a future messiah, and the restoration of God's people. Isaiah's powerful imagery and evocative language have had a profound impact on religious thought and literature for centuries.

This book approaches the Epistle to the Ephesians in a unique manner, deviating from the traditional verse-by-verse analysis. It acknowledges the debt of biblical studies to historical method while offering a fresh and comprehensive examination of the text. The study provides a radical and insightful look at the Epistle, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in New Testament studies.

This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy. It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts. The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.

In this commentary, James Montgomery Boice provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the Book of Philippians. The book helps readers understand the biblical text and apply its practical message, emphasizing the themes of joy, unity, and the Christian life. Boice's commentary is designed to help both pastors and laypeople experience the exuberant joy of a well-lived Christian life as described in Philippians.

The Book of Colossians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a letter written to the church in Colossae. It emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, addressing theological issues and practical concerns of the early Christian community. Paul tackles false teachings that threatened the Colossians' faith, highlighting the fullness of Christ and the importance of living a life transformed by the Gospel. The letter offers guidance on various aspects of Christian life, including family relationships, and the importance of unity and love within the church. Colossians is a rich source of theological insights and practical advice for Christians today. It reminds us of the transformative power of faith in Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects His teachings.

In this commentary, Anthony Thiselton offers a clear and practical analysis of 2 Corinthians. The book is characterized by its brevity and focus on both exegetical and pastoral aspects, making it a valuable resource for those studying the letter. Thiselton's expertise in Paul's theology and hermeneutics is evident throughout the commentary, which is designed to be helpful without being overly lengthy.