Additional information
by Samuel Wells (Author), George Sumner (Author)
The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible advances the assumption that the Nicene creedal tradition, in all its diversity, provides the proper basis for the interpretation of the Bible as Christian scripture. The series volumes, written by leading theologians, encourage Christians to extend the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition to our day. In this addition to the acclaimed series, two respected scholars offer a theological exegesis of Esther and Daniel. As with other volumes in the series, this book is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.
Front Jacket
Praise for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
"This unique commentary series interprets the biblical text from a theological perspective in order to open up new vistas of meaning. . . . As a literary critic who is also attuned to biblical interpretation [David Lyle Jeffrey] brings a special quality to this task [in Luke]. His approach is to read Luke's gospel in the company of previous interpreters, ancient and modern. The end result is a beautiful exposition of Luke, blending in patristic comments and snatches of poetry along with medieval and modern interpretations of individual passages in the gospel."
--Donald Senior, CP, The Bible Today
"[Luke is] a fine work. . . .[David Lyle] Jeffrey excels in capturing the overall picture of each scene and helps us read the text with the church through the ages. . . . [A] great resource."
--Ray Van Neste, Preaching
"[1 Samuel is] a thoughtful, stimulating commentary. . . . In her discussion of the text, [Francesca Aran] Murphy draws on a variety of sources throughout church history, ranging from the Church fathers to modern commentators. Her familiarity with this entire range brings together a rich variety of perspectives that would be especially helpful to someone preaching through this book. . . . This is a worthwhile commentary on 1 Samuel. Anyone preaching on Samuel or studying Israel's united kingdom will find it a helpful resource."
--Michael A. Harbin, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
"Many commentaries exhibit a strange doubleness. On technical points they are sharp and decisive; on large questions they are evasive. Not Francesca Aran Murphy's 1 Samuel. . . . Murphy is almost belligerently forthright in laying out her interpretations, making her book a delightful read even when one disagrees. And whereas typical commentary is written with all the verve of an instruction manual, Murphy's prose is fresh, witty, at times exuberant--not to draw attention to itself, but in mimetic homage to the richness of the text."
--John Wilson, Christianity Today
Back Jacket
The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. Esther & Daniel, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.
"A fascinating conversation between two books that capture opposite aspects of the life of faith emerges in this volume of the Brazos Theological Commentary. In Esther, God seems to disappear from history, leaving the faithful to their own desperate devices. And in Daniel we read about God breaking into the chaos of history. Imaginatively and convincingly, Wells and Sumner show the theological, ethical, and even missional importance of these 'outlier' books within the Christian canon. Powerfully written, this book is designed to stimulate serious conversation in the church."
--Ellen F. Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School
"This volume in the Brazos Theological Commentary series shows two keen theological imaginations interacting with two challenging books of the Bible. Wells and Sumner offer readings of Esther and Daniel that display their insights as careful, thoughtful readers, while also revealing their roles as contemporary tradents passing on insights from their historic predecessors to their contemporary community. Preachers, students, and scholars who care about the possibility of responsible theological interpretation--especially with regard to the relation of Jewish and Christian readings of biblical books--will find much of great value here."
--A. K. M. Adam, tutor in New Testament and Greek, St. Stephen's House, University of Oxford
"Here is a form of biblical interpretation the church should never have forgotten. Wells and Sumner read not uncritically, not even postcritically, but with a form of criticism born of cross and resurrection. And just so, they remind us how beautiful are the books of Esther and Daniel."
--Jason Byassee, Butler Chair in Homiletics and Biblical Hermeneutics, Vancouver School of Theology
General editor: R. R. Reno (editor, First Things)
Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry)
Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)
Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)
Michael Root (Catholic University of America)
George Sumner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)
Author Biography
Samuel Wells (PhD, University of Durham) is vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church at Trafalgar Square in London, England. He previously served as dean of the chapel and taught at Duke University. Wells is the author of several books, including Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics, Be Not Afraid, and Transforming Fate into Destiny: The Theological Ethics of Stanley Hauerwas. George Sumner (PhD, Yale University) is bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. He previously served as principal and Helliwell Professor of World Mission at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, and has served in various pastoral roles.
