Koinonia

What Has the Nile To Do With the Withywindle? Reading Isaiah Attentively

2013-05-23T10:16:33-04:00

Guest post by Emily Varner of AcademicPS.com.

When my devotional Bible reading landed me in the book of Isaiah, I decided to take the opportunity to read it alongside the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Isaiah. Since the material on Isaiah now exists on its own—separated from its grouping in the hefty hardcover volume that covers multiple books—it finally seemed like the right format for helping me slow down and pay better historical attention to the text without feeling like I was preparing a research paper.

This exercise has startled me, not merely with nuggets of understanding about Isaiah, but through conviction about how lazy my Bible reading has become. Rather than dig deeper into textual elements I didn't understand, I had perfected the skill of skimming over them.

Prophetic literature in particular can start to feel like the Lord of the Rings books—especially their longer poetic portions—except that finding a foothold through prophetic literature can prove even more challenging than keying into the next plot element of a great story. And readers miss so much in the process. I don't regret much allowing the words of Tom Bombadil wash over me, to be forgotten as soon as I read them. But applying this reading strategy to the Bible is a setup for trouble.

On one hand, I will gladly promote glossing over as a preferable error to asserting mistaken assumptions about a text. But reading Scripture in this default mode for too long stunted my ability to understand Isaiah's profound message about God's ways and work long ago: God simultaneously aligned with the military conquests of pagan nations while calling God's chosen people to hope, to difference, and to submission to God's ways and will.

And though I still have questions about exegeting prophetic literature in relation to the future, failing to consult historical background resources undoubtedly brings overly ahistorical, apocalyptic, or futuristic visions of God's word rushing into the void. Be very frightened when your Bible reading suggests an interpretation with little relevance to people in much different political, economic, and cultural circumstances than your own. I knew this much, but had been avoiding the cure.

Retraining myself as I go, I've carried on – slowing down, rereading, reminding myself at what point in history the author is addressing in a particular section. The many images and explanations of the biblical text contained in the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Isaiah are helping me accomplish those goals, as they transport my imagination to a different time, place, and culture.

I am marveling anew at how, even though I stand in the faith tradition of Isaiah, for centuries Isaiah's audience had much more in common with its surrounding nations than with me. For example, Isaiah uses language that fails to challenge the ancient understanding of many things: the structure of the cosmos, tacit assumptions of prevailing wisdom, a tough outlook of life born from a time when mere survival was brutal. Yet Isaiah vehemently challenges many aspects of the idolatry rampant in the ANE, attested in artifacts from all the main cultural groups whose reliefs, seals, and writings remain.

(Image: King anointed by gods, relief from Esna. Image by Brian J. McMorrow, excerpted from ZIBBCOT: Isaiah.)

Relishing the Withywindle's loquacious poet is unlikely to be a priority for me this side of Glory—and if we're being honest, it's not on the top of my list for eternal activities either. But my commitment to Christ, not to mention my education and work, demands relishing not only the Bible but the world of the Bible, God's choice for revelation in the ancient world and in mine. I am grateful for the gift that Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Isaiah and its sister commentaries on other books can be in this process of exploring the Bible and its world.

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Isaiah

General Editor: John H. Walton. Authored by David W. Baker.

Buy it Today:

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ChristianBook.com
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Wednesday Giveaway - From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya

2013-05-22T07:30:00-04:00

This week's giveaway is a classic text on missions history, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya.

In this book author Ruth Tucker guides readers through the 2,000-year story of Christian missions by focusing on the real life examples of missionaries throughout history.

Her biographical approach to history means we see these men and women as fallible and human, in their failures as well as their successes.

This second edition emphasizes missions in the modern era, including chapters focused on the Muslim world, Third World missions, and a comparison of missions in Korea and Japan. It also contains new graphics, photographs, and both a general and an “illustration” index where readers can easily locate particular missionaries, stories, or incidents.

From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya is a compelling and informative book, and an important resource for missionaries, mission agencies, students, and all who are concerned about the spreading of the gospel throughout the world.

To enter the giveaway, comment below with your answer to this question: Is there a missionary whose story you find particularly fascinating or inspirational?

Also, a bonus entry is available if you comment a second time letting us know that you shared a link to this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog.

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*If you are reading this via Facebook, email, or RSS, please visit the blog to enter. Two winners will be determined by Random Integer Generator. Giveaway ends midnight Thursday EDT. Due to the cost of international shipping, this giveaway is only open to contestants in the US.*

Is the subjunctive “shall” or “might”? - John 3:16 (Monday with Mounce 188)

2013-05-20T09:30:00-04:00

I was asked about the subjunctive in John 3:16. The concern was that the NIV/NLT reads “shall,” which makes it a promise of salvation. His contention is that the subjunctive makes it a “condition of salvation” and it should be translated as “may,” and the Greek grammar does not “allow” the translation “shall.”

First of all, let’s have a little humility. To say that two major translations mistranslate a famous verse, choosing a translation that the Greek does not “allow,” is quite a claim.

Is it possible for two major translations to make a major mistake? Sure. I think that translating οὕτως in John 3:16 as “so” is precisely that. But is it possible that two major translations violate Greek grammar in the same verse? Highly unlikely.

Please people. Be very careful before claiming that major translations have chosen a translation that the Greek (or Hebrew) does not allow. You may disagree. You may not like it. But to claim that the translators violate Greek grammar requires too much hubris.

The NIV reads, “For God so loved the world that (ὥστε) he gave his one and only Son, that (ἵνα) whoever believes in him shall not perish (ἀπόληται) but have (ἔχῃ) eternal life.”

Why are ἀπόληται and ἔχῃ in the subjunctive?

Is it because they are giving a “condition of salvation”? To be frank, I am not even sure what that means. Is there any question that if a person truly believes, he or she will truly be saved from perishing and will truly receive eternal life?

ἀπόληται and ἔχῃ are in the subjunctive because they are in a purpose clause. God sent his son for the purpose saving those who believe and for the purpose of bringing them safely to eternal life. Because purpose is not a statement of reality (indicative), it must be moved into the subjunctive.

The only remaining question is how to convey purpose in English. Some use “shall/will” (NIV, NLT, NASB, HCSB). Other translations use “should” (ESV, KJV) or “may” (NRSV,NJB). I don’t think there is any real difference in meaning.

Do you hear any difference?

William D. [Bill] Mounce posts about the Greek language, exegesis, and related topics at Koinonia. He is the author of numerous books, including the bestselling Basics of Biblical Greek, and is the general editor for Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of the Old and New Testament Words. He served as the New Testament chair of the English Standard Version Bible translation, and is currently on the Committee for Bible Translation for the NIV. Learn more about Bill at BillMounce.com, and visit his other blog on spiritual growth, Life is a Journey, at BiblicalTraining.org.

Extra-Curricular Activities 05.18.13

2013-05-18T08:30:00-04:00

Roger Olson - Is the Bible Unclear? A Guide for the Perplexed

“I don’t think the Bible is all that unclear if read and studied properly, that is, reasonably–recognizing the Bible for what it is… not a source book of propositional answers to curious questions but a complex narrative written and compiled by human authors led by but not over ridden by the Holy Spirit.”

Michael Kruger - The Difference Between Original Autographs and Original Texts

“Generally speaking, we can have confidence that the words we read are the words of the original authors. ”

[Image from The Archaeological Study Bible]

Ben Witherington - The Love Commandment in the NT, Part Two

“Sometimes we talk about whole-heartedly loving God, and while that is a good thing, Jesus had something far more profound in mind.”

Thaddeus Williams - The Secret to Becoming Irrelevent: Spend All Your Time Trying to Be Relevant

“In Derrick’s own words, ‘Whatever the world can do, Christians can do ten years later and worse...' The big irony was how so many of these Christian endeavors were aimed precisely at being relevant to guys like Derrick. The harder the church tried to be relevant, the more irrelevant she became.”

Ecclesia and Ethics – An Interview with Mariam Kamell

Extra-Curricular Activities is a weekly roundup of stories on biblical interpretation, theology, and issues where faith and culture meet. We found each story interesting, thought-provoking, challenging, or useful in some way – but we don't necessarily agree with or endorse every point in every story.

If you have any comments on these stories, we welcome you to share them here. We hope you enjoy!

- The Editors of Koinonia Blog

And the winners are...?

2013-05-17T08:00:00-04:00

Congrats to Bryan and Kathy, who were randomly selected as this week’s winners and will each receive a copy of Show Them No Mercy.

You can read an excerpt from this Counterpoints book here, and it is available for purchase here or at your favorite bookstore.

Just in Time for Pentecost - the Acts Commentaries eBook Sale!

2013-05-16T11:13:30-04:00

“The experience of Pentecost is the key that unlocks the book of Acts.” -Ajith Fernando, NIV Application Commentary: Acts With the church's commemoration of Pentecost Sunday just around the corner (May 19, 2013), we're thinking about Pentecost and its significance. We're also excited to present a great deal on Acts eBook commentaries from Zondervan. For a limited time, get the eBook commentaries below for only $7.99 each! You may know the Pentecost event in Acts 2 marks the fulfillment of Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit. As Fernando notes, the Pentecost event signals "that we as believers have a new power for ministry," and it signals "the breaking of barriers that have separated the human race since Babel." So, as Fernando notes, it's appropriate that the Acts 2 event takes place in Jerusalem during the Jewish harvest festival of Pentecost – when people from the ends of the earth were gathered together! (The term Pentecost is derived from the Greek, pentecoste [fiftieth], a harvest festival celebrated on the fiftieth day after the Passover.) The assortment of commentaries below on Acts, John-Acts, and Luke-Acts will help you in your personal study, preaching, and teaching. And, since you'll save up to 77%, now is the perfect opportunity to add these eBooks to your digital library. Sale ends Monday, May 27 (2013)
	NIV Application Commentary: Acts by Ajith Fernando Special Price: $7.99 \| Was: $24.99 This NIV Application Commentary will help you with both halves of the interpretive task: discover the ancient messages of Acts, and how it speaks powerfully today. Buy now: Amazon \| Apple \| Barnes & Noble \| ChristianBook.com \| Find More Retailers
	Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: John - Acts General Editor: Clinton E. Arnold. Authored by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Clinton E. Arnold. Special Price: $7.99 \| Was: $28.99 Brimming with lavish, full-color photos and graphics, this eBook will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Walk through John and Acts, verse by verse. Buy now: Amazon \| Apple \| Barnes & Noble \| ChristianBook.com \| Find More Retailers
	The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised Edition: Luke - Acts General Editors: Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland. Authored by Walter L. Liefeld and David W. Pao, Robert H. Mounce, and Richard N. Longenecker. Special Price: $7.99 \| Was: $35.99 This revision of the Gold Medallion Award-winning commentary series is up to date in its discussion of theological and critical issues and thoroughly evangelical in its viewpoint. The thoroughly revised features consist of a comprehensive introduction, a detailed outline, insightful exposition of passages and verses, overviews of sections of Scripture to illumine the big picture, and much more. Buy now: Amazon \| Apple \| Barnes & Noble \| ChristianBook.com \| Find More Retailers

Wednesday Giveaway - Show Them No Mercy

2013-05-15T07:00:00-04:00

In this week’s giveaway, Show Them No Mercy, four contributors discuss evangelical views on genocide in the Old Testament.

These difficult passages are often seen as in tension with other Biblical texts, especially when contrasted with Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament. And while the challenge such accounts pose, ethically, theologically, and hermeneutically, are significant, all four contributors affirm those accounts as the word of God, and so are committed to wrestling with that tension.

In typical Counterpoints format, this book explores four distinct views about the Old Testament command of God to exterminate the Canaanite population, as well as what that implies about continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

Those four points of view are:

* Strong Discontinuity - C . S. Cowles 
* Moderate Discontinuity -Eugene H. Merrill 
* Spiritual Continuity - Tremper Longman III 
* Eschatological Continuity - Daniel L. Gard

To enter the giveaway, comment below and tell us why you would be interested in winning Show Them No Mercy.

Also, a bonus entry is available if you comment a second time letting us know that you shared a link to this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog.

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The Imperfect and Aktionsart (Monday with Mounce 187)

2013-05-13T08:00:00-04:00

I am beginning to think that the imperfect is perhaps one of the more subtle tenses, and one whose full significance is most often overlooked.

Sunday school last week was on Mark 8:14-21. Jesus just finished the Feeding of the 4,000, and as they are traveling across the lake he says, “’Be careful,’ Jesus warned (διεστέλλετο) them. ‘Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod’” (NIV; cf. also NLT).

διεστέλλετο is imperfect, but there is no way someone would understand this from “warned,” which sounds more like an aorist. Other translations include “cautioned” (ESV, NRSV), “commanded” (HCSB), “ordered” (NET), and “charged” (KJV).

France comments, “The imperfect tense of διεστέλλετο suggests that Jesus’ warning against the Pharisees and Herod is not an isolated and unprovoked exclamation, as might at first appear, but rather a summary of a more extended discourse” (315).

I haven’t discussed the concept of “Aktionsart” in previous blogs, but maybe here is a good opportunity to say something. Wallace comments, “aspect and time constitute the ‘ontological meaning’ or unaffected meaning of a given tense in the indicative” (514). It is a meaning that never actually occurs but is only theoretical.

Meaning is communicated in more ways than time and aspect, and when we see a verb in a certain tense with a certain aspect, there are other factors that determine its meaning. This is Aktionsart.

Aktionsart is the meaning of a particular verb in context, taking into consideration tense (in the indicative), aspect, lexical meaning of the verb, grammatical constructions, and other pieces of information gleaned from the context (e.g., genre).

So coming back to the imperfect διεστέλλετο, does the simple “warned” convey the fuller sense of διεστέλλετο in its context. Perhaps. The lexical meaning insists that the discussion was more than an instantaneous outburst from Jesus; you can’t “warn” in an instance other than perhaps yelling, “Watch out.” But then you would expect an aorist and a car speeding down the road past your kids.

I still think that “warn” is too under-translated. It could be an inceptive, “began to warn.” But I think France is right on this one (as he is on most), and the reason is that it explains Jesus’ incredibly strong rebuttal in vv 17-18. “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Do you have hardened hearts? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?”

This is incredibly strong language, drawing on Jesus’ previous stated in 4:12 as to why he speaks in parables. He is using language reserved for those who are “outside” in reference to those who are “inside” (a dominate theme in Mark that France regularly discusses). It is his inner circle of 12 that he is accusing of having “hard hearts.” Ouch!

I think that Jesus warned the disciples for some period of time to beware of the consequences of unrepentant hearts, of hearts that don’t and eventually can’t look past the obvious (e.g., feeding 4,000 from 7 loaves), that insist on a sign when they had just seen one (vv 11-12), that get so preoccupied with their physical needs that they can’t see Jesus’ obvious care for them (v 16) and the spiritual realities that should be perceived in Jesus’ actions.

Only an ongoing warning explains the imperfect and the strength of Jesus’ rebuke of their lack of faith (Matt 16:8).

So the question we must ask is, “Are we truly looking through the events in our lives, superintended by God, that are meant to teach us the deeper things of Christ?” Or are we who are in the “inside” still living with hard hearts?

Extra-Curricular Activities 05.11.13

2013-05-11T09:02:28-04:00

Brian LePort - Tributes to Dallas Willard and Geza Vermes

David - Is Egalitarianism on a Slippery Slope?

Peter Leithart - What’s Wrong with “Family Values”

Mike Wittmer - The New Legalism?

Jason Schlude - Herod the Great: Friend of the Romans and Parthians?

Justin Taylor - The Loss of Historical Adam and the Death of Exegesis

J.R. Daniel Kirk - What, Exactly, Did God Breathe?

Peter Enns - Thoughts on Teaching Bible at a Christian College

Andrew Perriman - Some rough and ready “rules” for doing a narrative-historical reading of the New Testament

Kevin DeYoung - What We Mean When We Say Amen

Gavin Ortlund - Searching for Gospel-Centered Theology Before the Reformation

Tim Challies- The History of Christianity in 25 Objects: The Gutenberg Bible

Kevin Emmert - Up and Away: Why It Is Good that Christ Departed

Update 05.13.13 // Extra-Curricular Activities is a weekly roundup of stories on biblical interpretation, theology, and issues where faith and culture meet. We found each story interesting, thought-provoking, challenging, or useful in some way – but we don't necessarily agree with or endorse every point in every story.

If you have any comments on these stories, we welcome you to share them here. We hope you enjoy!

- The Editors of Koinonia Blog

NIV Application Commentaries: Get the Scoop on the Table of Contents in These eBooks

2013-05-10T08:17:18-04:00

You may have heard about the sale on NIV Application Commentary eBooks. (Get each NIVAC eBook for only $4.99! Sale ends Monday, May 13, 2013).

The sale has raised some questions about the tables of contents. How is the table of contents formatted in the NIVAC eBooks? There are two formats:

In newer NIVAC eBooks, the table of contents links to each unit within the commentary section.
Some of the older eBooks include an abridged table of contents, featuring one main link to the eBook's commentary section.

To help you know which eBooks feature what, we've compiled this list. We hope it's helpful!

Extended Table of Contents

The newer eBooks link to each unit within the commentary section. Here's an example:

19 NIVAC commentary eBooks feature an extended table of contents:

Old Testament

Leviticus, Numbers by Roy Gane

Deuteronomy by Daniel I. Block

Daniel by Tremper Longman III

Judges, Ruth by K. Lawson Younger Jr.

Esther by Karen H. Jobes

Job by John H. Walton

Isaiah by John N. Oswalt

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs by Iain Provan

Hosea, Amos, Micah by Gary V. Smith

New Testament

Mark by David E. Garland

Ephesians by Klyne Snodgrass

Philippians by Frank Thielman

1 and 2 Thessalonians by Michael W. Holmes

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus by Walter L. Liefeld

James by David P. Nystrom

1 Peter by Scot McKnight

2 Peter, Jude by Douglas J. Moo

Letters of John by Gary M. Burge

Revelation by Craig S. Keener

Abridged Table of Contents

Eighteen of the older NIVAC eBooks feature an abridged table of contents, with one link to the "Outline," or commentary section.

These 18 NIVAC eBooks include an abridged table of contents:

Old Testament

Genesis by John H. Walton

Joshua by Robert L. Hubbard Jr.

1 and 2 Chronicles by Andrew E. Hill

1 and 2 Kings by August H. Konkel

Jeremiah, Lamentations by J. Andrew Dearman

Ezekiel by Iain M. Duguid

Joel, Obadiah, Malachi by David W. Baker

Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah by James Bruckner

Haggai, Zechariah by Mark J. Boda

New Testament

Matthew by Michael J. Wilkins

Luke by Darrell L. Bock

John by Gary M. Burge

Acts by Ajith Fernando

Romans by Douglas J. Moo

1 Corinthians by Craig L. Blomberg

Galatians by Scot McKnight

Colossians, Philemon by David E. Garland

Hebrews by George H. Guthrie

Tip: When you're looking for commentary on a specific chapter within these eBooks, we recommend you use your device's search bar.

For the completists among you: You may like to know that eBooks have not yet been released for these volumes:

Exodus
1 and 2 Samuel
Proverbs
2 Corinthians
Psalms, Vol. 2 (Yet to appear in print)
Ezra/Nehemiah (Yet to appear in print)

If you seek a hardcover volume, browse here.

Don't miss out, the big sale on NIVAC eBooks ends Monday, May 13 (2013)! Get the eBooks just $4.99 apiece.

“The experience of Pentecost is the key that unlocks the book of Acts.” -Ajith Fernando, NIV Application Commentary: Acts With the church's commemoration of Pentecost Sunday just around the corner (May 19, 2013), we're thinking about Pentecost and its significance. We're also excited to present a great deal on Acts eBook commentaries from Zondervan. For a limited time, get the eBook commentaries below for only $7.99 each! You may know the Pentecost event in Acts 2 marks the fulfillment of Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit. As Fernando notes, the Pentecost event signals "that we as believers have a new power for ministry," and it signals "the breaking of barriers that have separated the human race since Babel." So, as Fernando notes, it's appropriate that the Acts 2 event takes place in Jerusalem during the Jewish harvest festival of Pentecost – when people from the ends of the earth were gathered together! (The term Pentecost is derived from the Greek, pentecoste [fiftieth], a harvest festival celebrated on the fiftieth day after the Passover.) The assortment of commentaries below on Acts, John-Acts, and Luke-Acts will help you in your personal study, preaching, and teaching. And, since you'll save up to 77%, now is the perfect opportunity to add these eBooks to your digital library. Sale ends Monday, May 27 (2013)
	NIV Application Commentary: Acts by Ajith Fernando Special Price: $7.99 \| Was: $24.99 This NIV Application Commentary will help you with both halves of the interpretive task: discover the ancient messages of Acts, and how it speaks powerfully today. Buy now: Amazon \| Apple \| Barnes & Noble \| ChristianBook.com \| Find More Retailers
	Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: John - Acts General Editor: Clinton E. Arnold. Authored by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Clinton E. Arnold. Special Price: $7.99 \| Was: $28.99 Brimming with lavish, full-color photos and graphics, this eBook will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Walk through John and Acts, verse by verse. Buy now: Amazon \| Apple \| Barnes & Noble \| ChristianBook.com \| Find More Retailers
	The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised Edition: Luke - Acts General Editors: Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland. Authored by Walter L. Liefeld and David W. Pao, Robert H. Mounce, and Richard N. Longenecker. Special Price: $7.99 \| Was: $35.99 This revision of the Gold Medallion Award-winning commentary series is up to date in its discussion of theological and critical issues and thoroughly evangelical in its viewpoint. The thoroughly revised features consist of a comprehensive introduction, a detailed outline, insightful exposition of passages and verses, overviews of sections of Scripture to illumine the big picture, and much more. Buy now: Amazon \| Apple \| Barnes & Noble \| ChristianBook.com \| Find More Retailers