Craig S. Keener

An image rich, passage-by-passage commentary that integrates relevant historical and cultural insights, providing a deeper dimension of perspective to the words of the New Testament Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into new focus. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. With the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, you'll:Deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. Discover the close interplay between God's kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Learn more about the real life setting of the Old Testament writings to help you identify with the people and circumstances described in Scripture. Gain a deeper awareness of the Bible's relevance for your life. In this volume, detailed exegetical notes are combined with background information of the cultural setting that will help you interpret the Gospel of John. THE ZONDERVAN ILLUSTRATED BIBLE BACKGROUNDS COMMENTARY SERIESInvites you to enter the world of the New Testament with a company of seasoned guides, experts who will help you understand and teach the biblical text more accurately. Features:Commentary based on relevant papyri, inscriptions, archaeological discoveries, and studies of Judaism, Roman culture, Hellenism, and other features of the world of the New Testament. Hundreds of full-color photographs, color illustrations, and line drawings. Copious maps, charts, and timelines. Sidebar articles and insights." Reflections" on the Bible's relevance for 21st-century living.

No stone is left unturned in this reference level introduction to the gospel of Mark. Craig S. Keener provides a thorough overview of both Mark’s textual history and every issue related to the authorship and context of the gospel. This volume lays the groundwork for Keener’s monumental International Critical Commentary on Mark. Keener begins by presenting an orientation to Markan studies as a whole, situating the reader within the scholarly debate and providing an overview of secondary sources and approaches. He then critically assesses the background to the gospel, with chapters on the Mark’s authorship, genre, sources, setting and date, and audience. Together, these provide an in-depth analysis of the gospel and its world, providing readers with measured interpretation of the evidence at hand and the wealth of secondary literature on these crucial topics. Keener is at his most creative in the chapters that follow on Markan style and narrative features, and in his synthesis of Mark’s theology. This rich and detailed volume provides readers with the perfect overview of all literary, historical and theological debates necessary for in depth study of the gospel of Mark, and outlines Keener’s key approach to the gospel, which will be developed further in his four commentary volumes on the gospel of Mark.

No book in the Bible has been interpreted as widely as Revelation. Many have found the visions that John depicts to be especially fertile ground for speculation and spiritualization. However, if we want to truly understand this fascinating book, we have to focus on what it meant to its original readers. In doing this, we do not deny its genre (apocalyptic), its purpose (prophecy), its methods (use of symbols), or its message for readers today. Rather, we seek the timeless truths the book relates to believers in Christ both past and present. While many details in Revelation are debated, the central message of the book is not. God has summoned us from our preoccupation with the world to recognize, in light of his ultimate plan for history, what really matters and what really does not. He has called us, a community called the "church," to live differently from the world and worship differently than the world. The choices we make about whom we serve—Jesus or the world—matter and carry consequences. Revelation was never meant for "casual" reading, either in the first century or today. Those who truly grasp its meaning recognize that God will ultimately extend his judgment on a world that exists in a state of perpetual rebellion against him. Each study in the NIV Application Commentary Resources series employs a three-step process to help you understand both the historical meaning of a biblical text and its relevance in modern times. The original meaning section reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing. The past to present section then explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance you can find in it today. Finally, the questions that accompany each section will help you specifically apply the author's words and teachings and find meaning in them for what you are facing in your life. Lessons:From God with Love (Revelation 1:1–20)Whoever Has Ears, Let Them Hear (Revelation 2:1–3:22)Catching the Vision (Revelation 4:1–5:14)Who Can Stand? (Revelation 6:1–17)Saints on Earth and in Heaven (Revelation 7:1–1:17)Last Call—Repent! (Revelation 8:2–11:19)A Battle for Souls (Revelation 12:1–14:20)Come Down, Angels (Revelation 15:1–16:21)A Need for Wisdom (Revelation 17:1–18:20)The Last Battle (Revelation 19:1–20:15)The Hope of the Saints (Revelation 21:1–27)God with Us (Revelation 22:1–21)

No stone is left unturned in this reference level introduction to the gospel of Mark. Craig S. Keener provides a thorough overview of both Mark’s textual history and every issue related to the authorship and context of the gospel. This volume lays the groundwork for Keener’s monumental International Critical Commentary on Mark. Keener begins by presenting an orientation to Markan studies as a whole, situating the reader within the scholarly debate and providing an overview of secondary sources and approaches. He then critically assesses the background to the gospel, with chapters on the Mark’s authorship, genre, sources, setting and date, and audience. Together, these provide an in-depth analysis of the gospel and its world, providing readers with measured interpretation of the evidence at hand and the wealth of secondary literature on these crucial topics. Keener is at his most creative in the chapters that follow on Markan style and narrative features, and in his synthesis of Mark’s theology. This rich and detailed volume provides readers with the perfect overview of all literary, historical and theological debates necessary for in depth study of the gospel of Mark, and outlines Keener’s key approach to the gospel, which will be developed further in his four commentary volumes on the gospel of Mark.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections:Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written. Volumes and authors in The NIV Application Commentary, New Testament Set: Matthew - Revelation, 20-Volume Collection include:Matthew by Michael J. WilkinsMark by David E. GarlandLuke by Darrell L. BockJohn by Gary M. BurgeActs by Ajith FernandoRomans by Douglas J. Moo1 Corinthians by Craig L. Blomberg2 Corinthians by Scott J. HafemannGalatians by Scot McKnightEphesians by Klyne SnodgrassPhilippians by Frank ThielmanColossians, Philemon by David E. Garland1 and 2 Thessalonians by Michael W. Holmes1 and 2 Timothy, Titus by Walter L. LiefeldHebrews by George H. GuthrieJames by David P. Nystrom1 Peter by Scot McKnight2 Peter, Jude by Douglas J. MooLetters of John by Gary M. BurgeRevelation by Craig S. KeenerThis set features newly designed covers for the volumes, updated from their original editions.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections:Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written. Volumes and authors in The NIV Application Commentary, New Testament Set: Matthew - Revelation, 20-Volume Collection include:Matthew by Michael J. WilkinsMark by David E. GarlandLuke by Darrell L. BockJohn by Gary M. BurgeActs by Ajith FernandoRomans by Douglas J. Moo1 Corinthians by Craig L. Blomberg2 Corinthians by Scott J. HafemannGalatians by Scot McKnightEphesians by Klyne SnodgrassPhilippians by Frank ThielmanColossians, Philemon by David E. Garland1 and 2 Thessalonians by Michael W. Holmes1 and 2 Timothy, Titus by Walter L. LiefeldHebrews by George H. GuthrieJames by David P. Nystrom1 Peter by Scot McKnight2 Peter, Jude by Douglas J. MooLetters of John by Gary M. BurgeRevelation by Craig S. Keener

Matthew was the most popular Gospel in the early church, widely read for its clear emphasis on Jesus' teaching. Drawing on its use as a teaching or discipleship manual, this clear, incisive commentary by Craig Keener expounds Matthew as a discipleship manual for believers today.

Learn what makes the Gospels trustworthy historical sources. For anyone who wonders how much can we really know about the historical Jesus, the answer hinges on a crucial question: can we trust the Synoptic Gospels as historical sources? Scholar Craig S. Keener explores this question using methods accessible to believers and non-believers alike. Setting aside theological questions about divine inspiration, he asks: How do historians evaluate ancient texts' reliability? What did first-century readers expect from contemporary biographies? And what could Jesus's followers still remember about him when Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written? Drawing on cutting-edge research in genre and memory studies, Keener demonstrates that the Synoptic Gospels function as ancient biographies--accounts deeply concerned with preserving historical information about a real person. By understanding how ancient biography worked and how early communities transmitted memories, readers gain powerful tools for assessing the reliability of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Keener previously explored this subject matter in Christobiography, an in-depth, fully documented study for advanced scholars. Now in The Gospels Are Reliable History, he makes this vital research readable and engaging for seminary students, pastors, and general readers. Here, readers will discover why the Synoptic Gospels deserve serious consideration as historical sources--and what that means for learning about Jesus.

For over 100 years the International Critical Commentary has had a special place amongst works on the Bible. In this fourth and final volume, Craig S. Keener continues his in-depth critical and exegetical commentary of the Gospel of Mark. Keener brings together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary and theological - to provide a complete overview and understanding of this crucial Christian document. Keener incorporates new evidence available in the field and applies new methods of studies. As is a hallmark of the series, the volumes on Mark are not bound by a single theological or critical approach, but rather present a comprehensive view of the text at hand.

For over 100 years the International Critical Commentary has had a special place amongst works on the Bible. In this third of four volumes, Craig S. Keener provides an in-depth critical and exegetical commentary of the Gospel of Mark. Keener brings together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary and theological - to provide a complete overview and understanding of this crucial Christian document. Keener incorporates new evidence available in the field and applies new methods of studies. As is a hallmark of the series, the volumes on Mark are not bound by a single theological or critical approach, but rather present a comprehensive view of the text at hand.

Craig S. Keener provides in-depth consideration of all major issues relevant to the study of Mark's gospel and its background, expanding upon key points and offering valuable context to his commentary on the gospel of Mark.

A balanced, accessible commentary for Spirit-filled ChristiansThe Spirit who inspired the authors of the New Testament is at work today around the globe, as evidenced by the explosive growth of pentecostal, charismatic, and renewalist movements; the number of adherents is now estimated at more than half a billion. The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament meets the need for a balanced, affordable, and accessible commentary series aimed at Christians who identify as Spirit-filled. Features include:· Written by pastorally sensitive biblical scholars from the Spirit-filled tradition· Paragraph-by-paragraph commentary· Images, illustrations, and sidebars on pentecostal/charismatic/revival history or insights· Engages biblical books in their ancient setting· Emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contextsSeries volumes explore how God works in the biblical texts and how Christians can expect God to work today, even if in new or culturally surprising ways. Series editors are Holly Beers, Westmont College, and Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary.

Craig S. Keener provides an in-depth critical and exegetical commentary of the first four chapters of Gospel of Mark in this first of four volumes of commentary on the Markan text. Keener brings together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary and theological - to provide a complete overview and understanding of this crucial Christian document. Keener incorporates new evidence available in the field and applies new methods of studies. As is a hallmark of the series, the volumes on Mark are not bound by a single theological or critical approach. Keener's own distinctive approach brings great erudition and scholarly expertise with careful and comprehensive consideration of every aspect of the text. This first volume of commentary covers the start of Mark's Gospel, the commissioning of the twelve disciples, the baptism of Jesus, and gives full attention to the teaching of Jesus in parables, and the culmination of this section of the Gospel in the calming of the storm.

In this second volume of his four volume work on the text of Mark's Gospel Craig S. Keener provides an in-depth critical and exegetical commentary on Mark chapters 5-9. As befits an ICC volume Keener brings together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary and theological - to provide a complete overview and understanding of these chapters. Keener provides a close reading of the text and incorporates the wealth of secondary scholarship in providing readers with a highly comprehensive commentary that offers new insights into the meaning and development of the text. The text covered in this volume focuses largely on the healings of Jesus including the raising of Jairus' daughter, the Canaanite woman's daughter, the deaf mute and the man born blind. Also featured are the feeding of the 5000, Peter's confession of faith, and Jesus' predictions of his death. This part of the Gospel finishes with the Transfiguration.

A balanced, accessible commentary for Spirit-filled ChristiansThe Spirit who inspired the authors of the New Testament is at work today around the globe, as evidenced by the explosive growth of pentecostal, charismatic, and renewalist movements; the number of adherents is now estimated at more than half a billion. The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament meets the need for a balanced, affordable, and accessible commentary series aimed at Christians who identify as Spirit-filled. Features include:· Written by pastorally sensitive biblical scholars from the Spirit-filled tradition· Paragraph-by-paragraph commentary· Images, illustrations, and sidebars on pentecostal/charismatic/revival history or insights· Engages biblical books in their ancient setting· Emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contextsSeries volumes explore how God works in the biblical texts and how Christians can expect God to work today, even if in new or culturally surprising ways. Series editors are Holly Beers, Westmont College, and Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary.

A balanced, accessible commentary for Spirit-filled ChristiansThe Spirit who inspired the authors of the New Testament is at work today around the globe, as evidenced by the explosive growth of pentecostal, charismatic, and renewalist movements; the number of adherents is now estimated at more than half a billion. The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament meets the need for a balanced, affordable, and accessible commentary series aimed at Christians who identify as Spirit-filled. Features include: - Written by pastorally sensitive biblical scholars from the Spirit-filled tradition- Paragraph-by-paragraph commentary- Images, illustrations, and sidebars on pentecostal/charismatic/revival history or insights- Engages biblical books in their ancient setting- Emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contextsSeries volumes explore how God works in the biblical texts and how Christians can expect God to work today, even if in new or culturally surprising ways. Series editors are Holly Beers, Westmont College, and Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary.

In this exciting volume, a renowned New Testament scholar provides his lectures on New Testament theology and provides us a window on his approach on a variety of issues. He describes the task as follows: "New Testament theology is the art of giving coherence to the collective witness of the twenty-seven New Testament documents as they attest to the Christian faith while not sacrificing the historical particularity of any one text or author within the canon, and to do this as clearly as possible and with as much consistency and unity as possible . . . New Testament theology deals with all the New Testament. We must resist the tendency to find a canon within the canon or to neglect some lesser figures in the New Testament canon . . . New Testament theology is first of all a descriptive task--i.e., we must first try to describe what is there. But given our stance toward Scripture, what we describe also becomes prescriptive or normative . . . We must never forget that the writings of the New Testament are ad hoc documents, written in each and every case to speak to a specific need. Thus, rather than careful, systematic presentations of theology (such as in a book or a lecture), the earliest Christian theology is worked out in the marketplace, as it were. Therefore, we must be careful not to force the New Testament writers to answer all of our questions, nor even to use our logic or thought forms." (excerpted from chapter 1)

In this exciting volume, a renowned New Testament scholar provides his lectures on New Testament theology and provides us a window on his approach on a variety of issues. He describes the task as follows: "New Testament theology is the art of giving coherence to the collective witness of the twenty-seven New Testament documents as they attest to the Christian faith while not sacrificing the historical particularity of any one text or author within the canon, and to do this as clearly as possible and with as much consistency and unity as possible . . . New Testament theology deals with all the New Testament. We must resist the tendency to find a canon within the canon or to neglect some lesser figures in the New Testament canon . . . New Testament theology is first of all a descriptive task--i.e., we must first try to describe what is there. But given our stance toward Scripture, what we describe also becomes prescriptive or normative . . . We must never forget that the writings of the New Testament are ad hoc documents, written in each and every case to speak to a specific need. Thus, rather than careful, systematic presentations of theology (such as in a book or a lecture), the earliest Christian theology is worked out in the marketplace, as it were. Therefore, we must be careful not to force the New Testament writers to answer all of our questions, nor even to use our logic or thought forms." (excerpted from chapter 1)