"Colossians and Philemon" (Adam Copenhaver and Jeffrey D. Arthurs)

TITLE: Colossians and Philemon: A Commentary for Biblical Preaching and Teaching
AUTHOR: Adam Copenhaver and Jeffrey D. Arthurs
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2022, (336 pages).
 

The Word of God is God's Message to us, which is one reason why a popular Bible paraphrase is entitled "The Message." The Greek word, "Kerux" is translated as "messenger or herald" of the message. With this as the main theme, the Kerux Commentary series aims to help us see the big idea of God's message in each passage of the Bible text. Written by two experts in their fields, this commentary combines the best of exegesis and homiletics, so as to benefit anyone seeking to do expository preaching of Paul's letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. These are two of the most important things needed for any teacher or preacher: Bible exegesis and homiletics. The former is for diligent study while the latter is for effective delivery. The two exercises need to go hand in hand. Good delivery requires adequate study of the text. A diligent study needs to consider how to deliver the message more accurately and clearly. 

Some of the other features include:

• Overview of Preaching Passages
• Detailed Introduction and Outline
• Literary structure and themes
• Preaching Pointers linking the ancient with modern times
• A thorough exposition of the text
• Sidebars of interesting and pertinent information for further background understanding
• Appropriate charts
• Theological focus
• Contemporary ideas
• Questions for study groups
• etc.

My Thoughts

What is so unique about this commentary compared to those verse-by-verse expository types? Let me give some comments. First, it is based on a big-idea type of exposition. Adopting the famous "Big Idea Preaching" first advocated by the late Dr. Haddon Robinson, this commentary can also be referred to as the Big Idea commentary of the book of Colossians and Philemon. Let me say something about Bible exposition. Exposition of Bible verses is not limited to a rigid verse-by-verse format that restricts one to follow the letter rather than the thought process and context of the biblical text. The Big-Idea enhances the exposition by helping the expositor maintain contextual perspective even as one attempts to uncover biblical truth verse by verse. Thus, right from the start, the authors give us an overview of all preaching passages. Each passage comes with an exegetical idea, a theological focus, a preaching idea, and some preaching pointers. Covering the full content of both letters, the overview alone is a bird's eye commentary in itself. Meant as some kind of a quick introduction to each pericope, the rest of the commentary unpacks the big idea behind the overviews. Second, the commentary is like a sermon that preaches first to the reader and provides ideas for possible application over the pulpit. Like any good preparation before a sermon, the Word of God must be spoken to the preacher/teacher first before any form of delivery. This is the fundamental process in any sermon preparation. There is a good amount of Greek exegesis that further throws light on the passages. This is important so that we do not let our own thoughts or personal understanding get ahead of ourselves. By remaining in the text, we situate ourselves in the faithful exegesis of what the text says before moving toward what we understand. Like a good Inductive Bible Study session, we ask "What does the text say?" even before trying to find out "What does it mean?" This prevents us from moving to eisegesis, which is reading our thoughts into the text. We need to let the text guide our thoughts and not the other way around. Third, the authors give us many helpful insights to appreciate the biblical contexts. The strength of this commentary lies in the double-pronged approach: Expert exegetical emphasis and a seasoned homiletical application. The authors have certainly brought their skills and knowledge to bear on this important commentary. Unlike commentaries that tend toward dry presentation of the material, the authors make a special effort to engage not only with the text but with the reader as well. Using various descriptions of the ancient contexts such as individual names, biblical worldviews, evangelistic resources, and interesting sidebars to illuminate the text, and to show us how the ancient text still has so many practical purposes for our times. There's also marital and parenting advice too!

In summary, this is one of the most inviting and refreshing commentaries I have come across. Well-balanced and interesting, not only does the commentary make the Bible come alive, it inspires the preacher to spread and share the Word.

Jeffrey D. Arthurs (PhD, Purdue University) is Robinson Chair of Preaching and Communication and Dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, S. Hamilton, Mass. He is an active scholar, regularly presenting papers at conferences and writing articles for several leading periodicals. His other books include Preaching With Variety and Devote Yourself to the Public Reading of Scripture.

Adam Copenhaver (PhD, University of Aberdeen) pastors Mabton Grace Brethren Church in Mabton, Washington, and teaches biblical studies courses for the Ezra Bible Institute. His recent publications include Reconstructing the Historical Background of Paul’s Rhetoric in the Letter to the Colossians.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book has been provided courtesy of Kregel Publications without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.