1 & 2 Peter and Jude is one of the first volumes to be published in the brand new Christian Standard Commentary series. This volume is written by Thomas R. Schreiner, and it is published by Holman Reference.
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1-2 Peter and Jude: The Christian Standard Commentary
If you are familiar with the New American Commentary series, then you might be thinking to yourself, “Didn’t Schreiner already write a commentary on 1&2 Peter and Jude”? And the answer is, yes he did. The NAC series is being rebranded as the Christian Standard Commentary series!
Now with that being said, it’s important to point out that this particular volume is indeed a revision of his first edition, not simply a re-printing of the previous edition. He mentions this in his preface: “I have read widely (but not exhaustively) recent research for the sake of revision, and I have rethought every line written and made quite a few changes. I haven’t changed my mind significantly on major interpretive questions, but I have added new material and nuanced what was said in the first edition.”
Schreiner is an absolutely wonderful gift to the church today. His scholarly work has benefited us tremendously, and this volume is evidence of that. His writing style is very easy to understand (for both lay persons and pastors/scholars) and helpful in making interpretative decisions.
I appreciate how Schreiner often provides multiple views on an interpretation, even providing the best arguments that are offered for an opposing view. He then works through those arguments and shows why he finds them lacking, and he will then go on to show why he finds another view more convincing. And all of this is done with charity.
For those who do not like to see Greek or Hebrew in your commentaries, you will enjoy this book. All of the original languages are transliterated, with the exception of the footnotes. I think this is a very nice balance that will appeal to both laymen and pastors.
I greatly appreciated the look and format of this new series. It is very simple! Each section begins with an outline, and that is followed by a verse by verse treatment of the text. Each chapter and verse is to be found in bold, making it very easy to find a specific verse for reference. As far as aesthetics are concerned, this new look is a major improvement upon the NAC series in my opinion. The hardcover book is a grayish color with white print on the spine. The Christian Standard Version logo is found on the front and spine of the book. It’s (again) a very simple and yet elegant design. The dustjacket is a very nice blue color with white print. I think it’s a nice look on my bookshelves!
I highly commend this volume and series to you. I think Schreiner has produced one of the finest works on these two three biblical books. Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Holman for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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