Colossians and Philemon
About
In this addition to the award-winning BECNT series, leading New Testament scholar and bestselling author G. K. Beale offers a substantive evangelical commentary on Colossians and Philemon. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, Beale leads readers through all aspects of Colossians and Philemon--sociological, historical, and theological--to help them better understand the meaning and relevance of these biblical books.
As with all BECNT volumes, this commentary features the author's detailed interaction with the Greek text and an acclaimed, user-friendly design. It admirably achieves the dual aims of the series--academic sophistication with pastoral sensitivity and accessibility--making it a useful tool for pastors, church leaders, students, and teachers.
Endorsements
"As we have come to expect from Beale's notable scholarship, this commentary on Colossians and Philemon models how thorough research, keen attention to Old Testament allusions, and meticulous study of the Greek text provide a basis for incisive, theologically grounded preaching and teaching. It should take its place on the shelf of definitive commentaries on the New Testament that truly help in these tasks."
David E. Garland, professor of Christian Scriptures, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
"Beale's commentary on Colossians and Philemon is everything we have come to expect from a veteran New Testament scholar. Introductory sections for each division clearly show in a brief compass the flow of argument in the text. Beale's exegesis is detailed and rich in insight and theologically profound, and his emphasis on the fulfillment of the temple in Colossians is illuminating. Old Testament allusions are mined, helping readers to see how Colossians and Philemon fit within the entire biblical witness. For pastors, students, and professors, Beale's work on these two letters will prove invaluable in their own research and study."
Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Beale is a first-rate New Testament scholar with proven expertise in the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament and biblical theology. Hence, it is not surprising that this fresh and readable commentary on Colossians and Philemon is marked not only by impressive erudition and judicious judgment on complex issues but also by extraordinary theological depth. It breaks new ground, especially in the area of the biblical and Jewish roots of Paul's teaching in Colossians. Highly recommended for scholars and students as well as pastors and teachers."
Brian S. Rosner, principal, Ridley College, Australia
"Colossians is an extraordinary gem among the letters of Paul and requires exegetical skill to discern the full extent of its message within its unique setting. Philemon too is an exceptional and unique letter, conveying the reconciling implications of the gospel in the social setting of Roman-era slavery. In this commentary, Beale skillfully guides the reader through the many interpretive issues and uses the relevant historical information to illuminate the context of the letters. His treatment of the grammar sheds much light on the meaning of the text. He also provides helpful insight into the numerous Old Testament allusions in Colossians. This is an outstanding exegetical commentary that I will gladly recommend to anyone wanting to explore the riches of these two letters."
Clinton E. Arnold, dean and professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
"Scholars and pastors will benefit immensely from the close reading of the Greek text, the judicious interaction with other interpreters, the fair evaluation of interpretive conundrums, the consistent attention to Paul's theological assertions--focused on God's revelation in and through Jesus, Israel's Messiah--and the concern for the theological and ethical integrity of the church. This commentary will undoubtedly be a standard work, both in studies of Colossians specifically and in Pauline studies more generally."
Eckhard J. Schnabel, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
The Author
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G. K. Beale
G. K. Beale (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. He has served as president and as a member of the executive committee of the Evangelical Theological Society....
Continue reading about G. K. Beale
Reviews
Praise for the BECNT Series
"In this age of unprecedented proliferation of biblical commentary series, it is an outstanding accomplishment for the Baker Exegetical series consistently to have produced what with only rare exceptions have become the best available commentaries on the Greek text of the New Testament book or books treated."
Craig Blomberg,
Denver Journal
"Rigorous exegesis by seasoned scholars with explicit evangelical commitments. This is also one of the best-designed, easy-to-read series as it includes intro matters, then each commentator's translation, commentary, and textual notes for every passage. Very reliable."
Bruce Riley Ashford and Grant Taylor,
Between the Times blog