By N.T.
Wright
ISBN
978-0-664-22798
Westminster
John Knox Press
Reviewed by
Clint Walker
About the Series
A generation
ago, William Barclay wrote a New Testament commentary series called The
Daily Study Bible. Although the theology of its author was more
progressive than many of the American pastors who used Barclay’s commentaries,
the series sold well and was used often because of its readability, brevity,
and the ease in which it aided preaching and bible study.
In many
ways, Westminster John Knox’s “For Everyone” commentary follows in the
footsteps of Barclay’s Daily Study Bible. In other ways, this layman’s
commentary does MUCH better than Barclay. The New Testament commentaries in the
“For Everyone” series are written by N.T. Wright, who is clearly one of the
most accomplished and well-known theological scholars of the twenty-first century. The layout is
easily accessible, with each small periscope of Scripture newly translated,
followed by a one to two page comment on every passage.
Most of the
commentary articles in the series begin with a short illustration of what is
happening in the passage, followed by an explanation of what was happening in
Bible times, and then a few thoughts about what the passage means for believers
who are studying it today. With Wright’s deft communication skills, it combines
the best of scholarship with an explanation of the passage that everyone should
be able to understand.
About this Book
The Early
Christian Letters for Everyone is a small commentary volume about several of
the general epistles; namely James, I John, II John, III John, I Peter, II
Peter, and Jude. I found this commentary very helpful. I was pleasantly surprised
that even though this was a small volume covering several books of the Bible at
once, Wright several lengthy entries when necessary to thoroughly interpret the
passage. I enjoyed all of the commentary, but I especially enjoyed studying
through I John and Jude.
Wright’s
commentary on I John is especially helpful because he clears up a number of
misconceptions that can arise from the book. For instance, Wright guides his
readers through a proper understanding of the terms “world” and “flesh” so that
they will not misconstrue them in a way reinforces the material world as bad
and the non-material as good (p. 147). He also clearly explains why John ended
his epistle with the phrase, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (pp.
167-169).
What I
enjoyed about Jude (or Judah) is something different. From the first entry to
the end of this small epistle, Wright draws me into the story of this small
book. He helps me to feel and understand with my heart why Jude was writing
with such energy and urgency. He communicates this message in a way that when I
can teach it, I can help my congregation think and feel their way through this
passage as well, and get to the core of what he is trying to say.
I would
recommend this book to teachers and students of Scripture alike. I would
especially recommend it as a supplement to a Bible study one is doing as a
group or individually. Whether you are theologically educated, or just a
neophyte to reading God’s Word, there is something “for everyone” to learn.
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