Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022) p. 235

Book Reviews

Colossians and Philemon by Adam Copenhaver and Jeffrey D. Arthurs. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2022. 335 pp., cloth, $30.99.

Colossians and Philemon is one of the most recent commentaries to be published in the Kerux series. A few others are now on the market, with more on the way. Adam Copenhaver is the pastor of Grace Church in Mabton, Washington. Jeffrey D. Arthurs is Robinson Chair of Preaching and Communication at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Their commentary should prove to be beneficial for preachers and teachers. Each chapter covers a passage from the text, usually seven to ten verses. The authors offer several sections for each passage. Those sections include brief topics such as exegetical idea, theological focus, preaching idea, and at least two paragraphs of preaching pointers. The longer portions are a literary structure and themes, a brief outline, followed by the exposition. An example will show how the exposition is structured. For the chapter on Colossians 2:16–23 there are some comments on the passage as a whole and then comments on 2:16, 17; 2:18, 19; etc. A good amount of technical information is presented but not much on difficult and/or controversial verses.

Another feature, which makes the work even more helpful, are the numerous sidebars. The vast majority of the pages have at least one. Topics include history, literary issues, background information, translation analysis, word study, and often an illustration. The chapters close with some reiteration (theological focus) but other previous matters are expanded (preaching and teaching strategies, and contemporary connections). The chapters conclude with 4 to 7 discussion questions. If page 9 is understood correctly (preface to Colossians and Philemon), the authors indicated that female preachers are acceptable. In part, the preface states the commentary will help preachers contextualize “in his or her particular milieu.” Aside from this matter, Colossians and Philemon is strongly recommended.

— Charles H. Ray
Bible teacher (Coppell, TX)

JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022) p. 236

A Primer on Biblical Literacy by Cory M. Marsh. El Cajon, CA: Southern California Seminary Press, 2022. xx + 130 pp., paper, $12.99.

Cory Marsh is a professor of New Testament at Southern California Seminary. He is concerned for biblical literacy, what it is, why Christians should be biblically literate, and how they can become biblic...