Touchstone Texts – serie

The Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6, "The Lord bless you," is one of the most familiar and widely used liturgical texts in Christianity. Although often recited, it is not usually a subject of in-depth study.In this addition to the Touchstone Texts series, highly regarded Old Testament scholar Stephen Chapman provides a detailed, engagingly written exposition of the Priestly Blessing as well as a broader exploration of blessing in the Old Testament. He explores the historical and liturgical use of the Priestly Blessing in the Jewish and Christian traditions and discusses key issues related to the practice of blessing within contemporary Christianity. His interpretation of the Priestly Blessing highlights the importance of the divine name and the way the blessing offers a vision of religious faith as "name bearing." Chapman's volume will be a helpful resource for pastors and seminarians and an important reminder to all Christians of the centrality of blessing to the life of faith.The Touchstone Texts series addresses key Bible passages, making high-quality biblical scholarship accessible to the church. The series editor is Stephen B. Chapman.

Romans 6 is one of the most important texts on Christian living, conversion, and baptism, and it is foundational for Christian ethics. It profoundly challenges widespread cultural assumptions in the West about individual autonomy and what it means to be authentically human. It also challenges believers to live up to their gospel and its implications.In this exposition of Romans 6, two senior scholars offer guidance on preaching and teaching major Pauline theological concepts. Romans 6 reveals the foundation of Paul's theology and indeed the whole of Christianity: We must die with Christ to live with him. The authors place this important chapter within the context of the entire letter, trace its influence on theology and church doctrine, and show how this classic text can speak afresh to the life of the church today. The book is perfect for sermon preparation and small group study.The Touchstone Texts series addresses key Bible passages, making high-quality biblical scholarship accessible to the church. The series editor is Stephen B. Chapman, Duke Divinity School.