Craig R. Koester – författare

In this landmark commentary, Craig R. Koester offers a comprehensive look at a powerful and controversial early Christian text, the book of Revelation. Originally written for Christian communities in Asia Minor, Revelation depicts scenes of cosmic conflict in which God, the creator of the world, overcomes the forces of destruction and makes all things new. This often misunderstood portion of the New Testament repeatedly surprises readers by warning that judgment is imminent, only to interrupt the visions of terror with messages of hope and redemption.            Koester provides richly textured descriptions of the book’s setting and language, making extensive use of Greek and Latin inscriptions, classical texts, and ancient Jewish writings, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. While Revelation has often been viewed as world-negating, this commentary focuses on its deep engagement with social, religious, and economic issues. It also addresses the book’s volatile history of interpretation and its cultural impact over the centuries. The result is a groundbreaking study that provides powerful insights and sets new directions for the continued appreciation of this visionary religious text.

One of early Christianity's most carefully crafted sermons, Epistle to the Hebrews addresses listeners who have experienced the elation of conversion and the heat of hostility, but who now must confront the formidable task of remaining faithful in a society that rejects their commitments. The letter probes into the one of most profound questions of faith: If it is God's will that believers be crowned with glory and honor, why are the faithful subject to suffering and shame? Through the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and Rahab, whose faith enabled them to overcome severe trials and conflicts, and through the story of Jesus himself, whose sufferings opened the way to God's presence for all, the sermon confirms the foundations of the Christian faith.In a magisterial introduction, Koester presents a compelling portrait of the early Christian community and examines the debates that have surrounded Epistle to the Hebrews for two millennia. Drawing on his knowledge of classical rhetoric, he clarifies the book's arguments and discusses the use of evocative language and imagery to appeal to its audience's minds, emotions, and will. Providing an authoritative, accessible discussion of the book's high priestly Christology, this landmark commentary charts new directions for the interpretation of Epistle to the Hebrews and its influence on Christian theology and worship.

This accessible, engaging work explores the major theological dimensions of John's Gospel, including God, the world and its people, Jesus, the crucifixion and resurrection, the Spirit, faith, and discipleship. Craig Koester's Word of Life is notable for its comprehensive treatment of themes and its close, careful focus on the biblical text, on the narrative itself. In his introduction Koester provides a succinct overview of the Gospel and shows how disputes about John's theology throughout history have significantly shaped the church and wider society. In the course of his discussion, such expressions as being “born again” and Jesus as “the way” -- which evoke both interest and uneasiness today -- become much clearer in the context of the Gospel as a whole. Koester interacts with the best of current research and makes creative proposals about how to understand the many aspects of John's theology. His clear and highly readable guide to the theology of John's Gospel will appeal to a wide range of readers.  

Die Beiträge dieses Bandes stammen von Mitgliedern des internationalen Colloquium Ioanneum, einer Gruppe von Johannesforschern, die sich alle zwei Jahre zur intensiven Diskussion eines weiteren Abschnittes des Johannesevangeliums treffen. Die Vorträge des Treffens in Eisenach 2019 konzentrieren sich auf die Kapitel 5 und 6, die mit unterschiedlichen methodischen Ansätzen und aus verschiedenen Blickwinkeln gelesen werden. In diesen beiden Kapiteln kulminieren die literarischen und theologischen Probleme des Evangeliums. Die Wunder bzw. 'Zeichen' werden durch ausführliche Jesusreden ausgedeutet. Zentrale Aspekte der literargeschichtlichen Entstehung, der Christologie, Eschatologie, des Schriftverständnisses und des Verständnisses der Mähler bzw. der Eucharistie stehen hier zur Debatte. Die Beiträge des Bandes widmen sich auch der Charakterisierung wichtiger Erzählfiguren, der Frage nach der Hörerschaft der johanneischen Reden, der Konstruktion von Raum, der Schöpfungsmotivik und der Frage nach der Herausbildung der johanneischen Theologie.

En este comentario trascendental, Craig R. Koester ofrece una mirada exhaustiva a un texto primitivo, poderoso y controvertido, el libro del Apocalipsis, un texto a menudo malinterpretado, que sorprende repetidamente a los lectores. Koester ofrece descripciones ricamente detalladas del contexto y el lenguaje del libro, haciendo un amplio uso de inscripciones griegas y latinas, textos clásicos y escritos judíos antiguos, incluidos los manuscritos del Mar Muerto. Frente a la visión muy extendida del Apocalipsis como negador del mundo, este comentario se centra en su profundo compromiso con cuestiones sociales, religiosas y económicas, al tiempo que aborda la volátil historia de su interpretación del libro y su impacto cultural a lo largo de los siglos. El resultado es un estudio innovador que proporciona poderosas percepciones y establece nuevas direcciones para la comprensión de este libro fascinante.