William Varner

William Varner provides a completely up-to-date introduction to the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. These 1st-2nd Century texts are foundational for the early Christian movement, and the interpretation of the New Testament in the earliest days of what was to later become known as Christianity. Beyond introducing the individual writers Varner also presents and situates their writings, with each chapter offering an introduction followed by key texts. Varner translates these works afresh, and situates them in their original contexts. The introductory materials help readers to interpret these various writings and outline the most important scholarly debates around them, whilst also giving readers access to the texts themselves. The book concludes with a chapter that shows how the Apostolic Fathers are relevant in the 21st century, drawing together threads of reception history and modern Christian theology.

William Varner provides a completely up-to-date introduction to the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. These 1st-2nd Century texts are foundational for the early Christian movement, and the interpretation of the New Testament in the earliest days of what was to later become known as Christianity. Beyond introducing the individual writers Varner also presents and situates their writings, with each chapter offering an introduction followed by key texts. Varner translates these works afresh, and situates them in their original contexts. The introductory materials help readers to interpret these various writings and outline the most important scholarly debates around them, whilst also giving readers access to the texts themselves. The book concludes with a chapter that shows how the Apostolic Fathers are relevant in the 21st century, drawing together threads of reception history and modern Christian theology.

Rarely read and even less rarely preached, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs have been compared to riddles wrapped in enigmas. While included in the trilogy of Solomonic works along with Proverbs, they are often ignored because one seems to be overly pessimistic and the other is almost risqu in its description of physical love. Sometimes readers wonder why these books are in their Bibles Employing a key that is found near the back door of each of these neglected books, William Varner attempts to shed light on the purpose and value of these treasures hidden away in a dark corner of the Old Testament. His suggested reading strategy sheds valuable light on their purpose and leads to a very practical message for our lives and for our loves.

Dr. William Varner has collected and adapted prayers from the Legacy Standard Bible. The result is a useful thirty-one day prayer guide that allows for anyone to easily implement praying Scripture into his or her life. Even seasoned Christians will enjoy the refreshing use of addressing God by His covenant name, Yahweh, a hallmark of the LSB. This easily portable edition also includes a week's worth of more intense prayers, seasonal prayers, and prayers to offer in difficult circumstances. The Handbook for Praying Scripture will enable you to cultivate a richer, more fulfilling prayer life.

An Introductory Commentary

The document now called the Second Letter of Clement was not originally a letter; nor was it written by Clement. Rather, it originated as an address to a congregation, and was subsequently preserved among the group of non-canonical writings known as the Apostolic Fathers. Unlike the much-studied First Clement, it is one of the least known of these writings, yet it preserves a fascinating window into the life of early believers. In his new study, William Varner combines a step-by-step commentary with a detailed theological introduction. Drawing on the text's structure and likely context, he shows that its overall message is that Christians should render a payback to God for his grace shown to them in Christ. The implications of this for the early church community at which it was directed, and for believers today, are momentous.

To read the Greek text of James is to face a rugged style and brief phrasing that match the fervency of the letter's meaning. The book of James powerfully exhorts the earliest Christian believers to faithful living. Biblical Greek experts Herbert W. Bateman IV and William C. Varner lay out the linguistic and grammatical features unique to James--such as his specialized vocabulary and prolific use of imperatives--to show how the book's many strong statements connect to one another in this masterwork on living according to the teachings of Jesus. The Big Greek Idea series provides all the relevant information from the Greek text for preaching and teaching the New Testament. Each New Testament book is divided into units of thought, revealing a big Greek idea (the author's main idea in the passage), and individual clauses are displayed visually to illustrate their relationships, portraying the biblical author's logical flow. Greek clauses are accompanied by an original English translation. Each volume in this series contains many practical features: - Helpful charts, tables, and diagrams illustrate key points - Numerous callouts provide deeper insights into word meanings and theological issues - Visual cues highlight important information - An introduction to each biblical book summarizes the grammar, style, and vocabulary, including reminders and explanations of key terms

The document called Second Clement was not a letter, nor was it written by Clement. It originated as an address to a congregation and is preserved among the group of writings known as the Apostolic Fathers. Unlike First Clement, it is one of the least known of these writings, yet preserves a fascinating window into the life of early believers. Its overall message is that Christians should render a payback to God for his grace shown to them in Christ. Second Clement offers a fascinating window into the life of the early church.

The document called Second Clement was not a letter, nor was it written by Clement. It originated as an address to a congregation and is preserved among the group of writings known as the Apostolic Fathers. Unlike First Clement, it is one of the least known of these writings, yet preserves a fascinating window into the life of early believers. Its overall message is that Christians should render a payback to God for his grace shown to them in Christ. Second Clement offers a fascinating window into the life of the early church.

The Gospels record Jesus' last days leading up to his crucifixion, but how attentive are we to the details of the account? Should we speak of Palm Sunday, or Monday? Have we misunderstood the Pharisees? Why do the four Gospels present the resurrection in different ways? Were the Jews really "fickle?" Varner focuses carefully on the details of the Gospels that we often overlook. This lively and carefully nuanced account of the Passion Week will bring you to a renewed sense of devotion for the Savior.

The Gospels record Jesus' last days leading up to his crucifixion, but how attentive are we to the details of the account? Should we speak of Palm Sunday, or Monday? Have we misunderstood the Pharisees? Why do the four Gospels present the resurrection in different ways? Were the Jews really "fickle?" Varner focuses carefully on the details of the Gospels that we often overlook. This lively and carefully nuanced account of the Passion Week will bring you to a renewed sense of devotion for the Savior.

A study of the religious role of women from the Old Testament through the New Testament periods. Emphasis is placed on both the privilege and the limitations of women's ministry in the early church.

William Varner, Professor of Bible and Greek at the Master's University, works skillfully through the Greek text of James, using modern linguistic tools and careful grammatical analysis to lay bare the meaning of this early Christian epistle. Each section contains the Greek text, text-critical notes, a discussion of literary context, a sentence flow with English translation, and thorough exegetical comments. Varner's commentary is useful for students, pastors, and scholars alike.

In 1873, a copy of the long lost Didache was discovered in a library in Constantinople. Since its publication a decade later, this little book has attracted a large amount of scholarly attention due to the light its sheds on the beliefs and practices of the early Christians. Dr. William Varner has written this volume to familiarize readers with these past and present scholarly discussions. Dr. Varner offers his own analytical translation of the Didache and sets forth some fresh ideas about the book's original purpose and its relationship to the New Testament. He also suggests how the message of this first Christian handbook can inform the church today. This is an accessible introduction, not only to an ancient Christian text, but also to how the earliest Christians responded to the challenge of their new lives.