Stephen Motyer – författare

Is John's Gospel antisemitic? In John 8:44 Jesus tells the Jews, 'You are of your father the Devil', a charge used throughout the centuries by antisemites to fuel hatred of the Jews. And it is no one-off statement: throughout the Gospel, 'the Jews' appear as Jesus' sharpest opponents, ultimately seeking his execution. Who then are 'the Jews' in John's Gospel? Defending John against the charge of antisemitism, Motyer argues that, far from demonising the Jews, the Gospel seeks to present Jesus as 'Good News for Jews' in a late first century setting.

'The second coming of Jesus Christ is the core of the biblical worldview, the climax of the biblical message, the cornerstone of biblical theology, and the centrepiece of authentic biblical faith for the twenty-first century.'At the heart of this bold opening statement by Stephen Motyer is the conviction that Jesus Christ is the 'centre' of the Scriptures, even though he only appears at the end. For the New Testament writers, Jesus Christ revolutionized their understanding of the Scriptures and gave them a new centre around which to interpret the work of God in the world - and the climax of that work is the 'second coming' of that same Jesus Christ.Jesus himself used the language of the Scriptures to promise his 'coming again', the 'coming of the Son of Man'. Hence we need the whole of Scripture to understand what the second coming means for us today. The fact that the Bible ends with the prayer 'Come, Lord Jesus!' (Revelation 22:20) is deeply appropriate. The second coming is the 'end' of the biblical message, its 'omega point', its grand finale, the denouement when all the players in the drama of earth history, both human and angelic, are gathered in the drawing room to hear the Master unpack the plot and give the verdict.Motyer's comprehensive, stimulating study is divided into two parts. Part One, 'The biblical frame', examines three Old Testament passages and lays the foundation for Part Two, 'New Testament hopes and visions', which explores a series of key texts. He focuses on the second coming, rather than on millennialism or the 'end times', in order to provide the fundamental biblical theology that must underlie our whole sense of God's future for his world.

Wise and informed commentary on the lectionary readings for the principal service in Year C. The authors represent a wide spectrum of theology but their shared concern for excellence in preaching have combined to produce an inspirational volume.

For all who preach and for all who prepare for worship by prayerful reading of the Scripture passages for the day, Word of Promise is a practical and devotional companion which offers wise and informed commentary on the principal service lectionary readings for each Sunday and major holy day in Year A, the year of Matthew. The authors represent a wide spectrum of biblical theology, but their shared love of Scripture and concern for excellence in preaching have combined to produce a commentary that is at once insightful and inspirational. Drawing together Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle and Gospel readings, they provide many imaginative starting points for further reflection and application. Word of Promise will open minds and hearts to the Scriptures and encourage a greater sense of expectation in worship.

An essential handbook for preachers and a lively, informed devotional companion for those who prepare for worship by reading the Scriptures, this commentary on the Principal Service readings for Year C offers:•Variations in interpretation•Background history•Links between passages•Theological significance•Language sources •Illustrative quotes

An essential handbook for preachers and a lively, informed devotional companion for those who prepare for worship by reading the Scriptures, this commentary on the Principal Service readings for Year A offers:•Variations in interpretation•Background history•Links between passages•Theological significance•Language sources •Illustrative quotes