Hebrews and the General Epistles (Reading & Interpreting the Bible)

Often neglected and misunderstood, the New Testament books of Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude present a number of interpretive challenges. From their placement in the biblical canon to their authorship and theological relationship to Paul's Epistles, these eight books have historically confronted scholars with an assortment of complex issues that require an adept approach for study and understanding. In this volume of the Reading and Interpreting the Bible Series, Kevin Anderson introduces readers to the essential tools for plumbing the depths of these colorful and often controversial writings and applying their meanings to the contemporary church. Helpful tables, diagrams, and an exceptional reference list round out this well-crafted resource. Reading the Bible with understanding is challenging. Without sound guidance, making sense of the different literary types, settings, and cultures found in the Scriptures can be overwhelming. The Reading and Interpreting the Bible Series opens the door to a proper and accessible method of biblical interpretation. Each volume concentrates on a specific literary type found in the Bible, highlighting its features and function. Social, political, and religious settings are examined, and a critical analysis of the biblical text brings to light its message and relevance for today. Readers will find in these volumes numerous illustrations of how to interpret specific texts, which can be used as a pattern for individual or group Bible studies.