AUTHOR: Aída Besançon Spencer
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2020, (352 pages).
- Translation and Grammatical Analysis
- Outline of chapter
- Literary Structure
- Exposition
- Theological and Homiletical Topics
- Other miscellaneous observations
Each chapter begins with a personal translation and grammatical analysis of the Greek text. Readers might find it helpful to see the analysis in brackets that are placed to help reinforce the grammatical emphasis. For those who need a refresher on grammar, the author has included a definition of terms used in grammar. I find that just going through the translation and grammatical analysis alone is already quite insightful. Then comes the outline which puts in a nutshell what to expect in the chapter. The literary structure gives us a brief description of the key themes in the chapter. Finally, the main component of the book is the exposition. Here we see the author's literary brilliance and exegetical diligence at work. The exposition is a delight to read as the author probes critical nouns and verbs plus other nuances associated with the context. Then, just before one gets unduly drowned by the technical details, Spencer pulls us back above the grammatical waterline to highlight key principles to learn. Enhancing the exposition are illustrative tables to show us repetitive patterns; similar references from other Bible passages; comparison of James's description with other biblical authors; and other interesting tidbits. For pastors and preachers, the theological and homiletical portion at the end of each chapter should be of interest.
My Thoughts
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Academic without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
First, this commentary reminds us that the Bible is living Truth. Think about how a short letter of five chapters could lead to such a large 352 pages commentary! I believe if the author were to read the commentary again, she might even come out with a brand new grammatical-literary analysis altogether as the truth gets nuanced over and over again. James might be clear and direct but the theological implications reach far and wide. In fact, the themes in James are most relevant today, such as the trials that come with following Jesus and the increasing need for wise living. Spencer not only presents the text per se, she pulls in exegetical insights from the rest of the Bible to show us why James belong in the canon. She also challenges the great reformer, Martin Luther, about him wanting to downgrade James as a lesser book compared to Paul's epistles. She supports John Calvins's more "balanced" assessment that James letter deals with a different problem than Paul's.
Second, Spencer makes a practical book even more practical. The theological and homiletical section is my favourite. For preachers, it is one section that could spur a sermon series that could range from trials and tribulations; to social topics such as poverty, wisdom matters; and theological themes to educate the congregation. Coupled with strong exegesis, the commentary aids preachers with the exegetical heavy lifting. It was practical then, and it is practical now. Some believers think prefer to study James thinking that it is easy to read and understand. Maybe at a superficial level. Seeing how Spencer takes us deep beyond mere words and passages, I am sure many readers would start wondering with questions like: "I never knew that!" One example of the practicality is how she applies the cost of discipleship to academia, something that not many of us would have thought about. In it, she deals with some of the unique challenges of academia like the quest for promotions; the issue of tenure; academic favouritism; and the practice of spirituality in the academic environment.
Third, be open. If any of us think we have understood James, this commentary makes us think again. The epistle of James is a popular book because of the simplicity and clarity of language used. It is also immensely practical. So popular that it is easy to mistake the ease of reading with the level of understanding. I would even say that the book can remind both audiences the importance of letting the Word speak to us instead of letting our own perceptions of the Word dictate our understanding. In general, be open. For those who have studied the book of James in the past, reading this commentary might inspire us to go through it again. For those who have not studied the book recently or at all, perhaps this is the spark to turn to that chapter.
I appreciate Spencer putting her work in print to let the rest of the world outside Gordon-Conwell learn from her academic expertise. This is one of the most comprehensive commentaries on a New Testament epistle I have come across. It should be high on the list of the library for preachers.
Aída Besançon Spencer (Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She has served as a community organizer, Protestant campus minister, adjunct professor at New York Theological Seminary, academic dean for the Alpha-Omega Community Theological School and pastor of organization of Pilgrim Church. Born and reared in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she has taught in the Caribbean and in Spanish on various occasions. She is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Dr Spencer has taught the book of James for many years to graduate students at Gordon-Conwell.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Academic without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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