Thomas E. Schmidt – författare

The argument of this interesting monograph is that hostility to wealth exists independently of socio-economic circumstances as a fundamental religious-ethical tenet consistently expressed in the Synoptic Gospels. Part one offers a critique of the view that economic conditions determined the origin and/or extant form of the relevant texts. Part two considers the ideological background of the Synoptic teaching by tracing the development of the tradition from the earliest written sources to the New Testament era. Five stages locate expressions of hostility to wealth in logical and general chronological sequence. The tradition is shown to have developed primarily among aristocratic, established groups. Part three examines the relevant Synoptic texts. Several important passages in Mark establish the existence of the tradition of hostility to wealth and its primary significance as a way of expressing trust in God. This significance distinguishes the tradition from economic resentment and from sympathy for the economically poor. Matthew shows continuity with Mark, while Luke evinces a fuller expression of the tradition.

The eschatology at the core of the New Testament has been one of the scholarly interests of Robert Gundry, of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. In this Festschrift for Gundry, twelve contributors, (representing scholarship from several countries, several traditions, and several generations), examine eschatological themes in Matthew (Birger Gerhardsson and Donald Hagner), the Synoptic Gospels I (vol 1.) Howard Marshall) 2 Corinthians (Jan Lambrecht), Galatians (Moises Silva), 1 Corinthians (Judith Gundry-Volf), Colossians (James D. G. Dunn), 2 Thessalonians (Gordon D. Fee), 1 John (D. A. Carson), Revelation (Thomas E. Schmidt), and the New Testament in general (Michael Goulder and J. Ramsey Michaels).

A reasoned response to the contemporary moral debate about homosexuality, taking into account the latest medical and social scientific research, and thoroughly examining biblical and theological concerns.

What do you think the Bible says? How does the way the Bible is written affect its meaning? Here is a concise introduction that invites you to interact with the primary text. Interspersed with brief explanations of biblical background and writing techniques are thought-provoking questions about specific readings with space provided for response. This user-engaging approach is enhanced by its sensitivity to readers across the spectrum of belief, from atheist to devout believer. So whether you come to the subject to satisfy historical interest or to appreciate the artistry of Scripture, Approaching the Bible as Literature will deepen your understanding.

If you could add a book to the Bible, what would it contain? Here is one answer to that question: a sequel to Acts, showing the later careers of the Twelve, Paul''s final travels before he faces Nero, the commission of the four Gospels, Jerusalem and its temple destroyed, the importance of the family of Jesus, and how close the apostles got to the ends of the earth in spreading the gospel. The Apostles after Acts includes a commentary that explains how the text was reconstructed from ancient sources and historical research. Here is a creative approach to the little-known but critical period when the New Testament record stops--and Christianity is just beginning.