What do you think?
Rate this book
I & II Peter and Jude: A Commentary
The letters of 1 and 2 Peter and of Jude come from a time in Christian history about which we know little; thus they represent rare voices from a crucial time in Christianity's development. And the picture of early Christianity suggested by these letters is a fascinating one.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2010
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 12, 2018
Lewis Donelson contributes this volume on the Epistles of Peter and Jude in the New Testament Library (NTL) series. As with other volumes in the series, this commentary takes a critical approach in its exegesis. With these epistles being some of the more challenged in the New Testament, that critical outlook protrudes more distinctly.
After a wide-ranging bibliography, we are served a brief introduction to the three letters together. The author sees a connection as Christians in conflict, which is a reasonable proposition.
Next, 1 Peter gets its own introduction. He denies Petrine authorship completely. More helpful are sections on the letter’s recipients and the theme of persecution. After a discussion of date, he returns again to authorship this time suggesting pseudonymity. He doesn’t see much literary structure before offering his outline. There’s more theology before some brief comments on text and translation.
Each periscope in the commentary proper gives an overview of the passage, his translation, detailed exegetical notes, commentary on each verse, and a few concluding paragraphs. The exegesis is always on the critical side while there is robust theology.
Jude and 2 Peter follow a similar pattern for both Introduction and commentary. Both the critical outlook and commentary quality remain throughout.
Of the critical commentaries I’ve seen on these letters, this is the most in-depth, clear, and theologically helpful. For that perspective, this commentary is the one I’d recommend!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
After a wide-ranging bibliography, we are served a brief introduction to the three letters together. The author sees a connection as Christians in conflict, which is a reasonable proposition.
Next, 1 Peter gets its own introduction. He denies Petrine authorship completely. More helpful are sections on the letter’s recipients and the theme of persecution. After a discussion of date, he returns again to authorship this time suggesting pseudonymity. He doesn’t see much literary structure before offering his outline. There’s more theology before some brief comments on text and translation.
Each periscope in the commentary proper gives an overview of the passage, his translation, detailed exegetical notes, commentary on each verse, and a few concluding paragraphs. The exegesis is always on the critical side while there is robust theology.
Jude and 2 Peter follow a similar pattern for both Introduction and commentary. Both the critical outlook and commentary quality remain throughout.
Of the critical commentaries I’ve seen on these letters, this is the most in-depth, clear, and theologically helpful. For that perspective, this commentary is the one I’d recommend!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 12, 2016
Lewis R. Donelson is Ruth A. Campbell Professor of New Testament Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He received his MDiv from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and PhD in New Testament Studies from the University of Chicago. Donelson is the author of three books, including From Hebrews to Revelation: A Theological Introduction and the present commentary in the New Testament Library series.
I & II Peter and Jude: A Commentary is a mid-level critical commentary. Donelson begins with a brief introduction, followed by a longer introduction for each epistle that covers many of the standard introductory matters, including authorship and date, audience and occasion, and many theological themes. Donelson approaches the epistles from a critical perspective and rejects the authenticity of each.
The commentary proper is much of the same. Donelson is thoughtful in his interaction with the text and appears to be well-acquainted the peripheral Pauline issues, yet emphasizes numerous, theologically liberal conclusions (some rather telling) with little substantiation. This is especially noticeable when theological matters arise in the text. Like the other volumes in the NTL series, Donelson provides an original translation and textual notes. I have continually found this to be one of the most useful features of the NTL series. Donelson does well in this space, for the most part. But, much of the comments are more syntactically oriented and lack in matters of textual critical issues.
I & II Peter and Jude: A Commentary by Lewis R. Donelson is an excellent option for the pastor, student, or laymen who is familiar with and able to discern the critical presuppositions presented in this brief commentary. While I don’t see Donelson surpassing the more established works on the market, I do believe that he offers a well-positioned commentary to complement other works. If you are looking for a brief treatment of three historically difficult New Testament epistles from a critical perspective, then this is an excellent option. Donelson comes recommended for the careful reader.
I & II Peter and Jude: A Commentary is a mid-level critical commentary. Donelson begins with a brief introduction, followed by a longer introduction for each epistle that covers many of the standard introductory matters, including authorship and date, audience and occasion, and many theological themes. Donelson approaches the epistles from a critical perspective and rejects the authenticity of each.
The commentary proper is much of the same. Donelson is thoughtful in his interaction with the text and appears to be well-acquainted the peripheral Pauline issues, yet emphasizes numerous, theologically liberal conclusions (some rather telling) with little substantiation. This is especially noticeable when theological matters arise in the text. Like the other volumes in the NTL series, Donelson provides an original translation and textual notes. I have continually found this to be one of the most useful features of the NTL series. Donelson does well in this space, for the most part. But, much of the comments are more syntactically oriented and lack in matters of textual critical issues.
I & II Peter and Jude: A Commentary by Lewis R. Donelson is an excellent option for the pastor, student, or laymen who is familiar with and able to discern the critical presuppositions presented in this brief commentary. While I don’t see Donelson surpassing the more established works on the market, I do believe that he offers a well-positioned commentary to complement other works. If you are looking for a brief treatment of three historically difficult New Testament epistles from a critical perspective, then this is an excellent option. Donelson comes recommended for the careful reader.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews