The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible encourages readers to explore how the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition inform and shape faithfulness today. In this volume, a leading theologian known for his expertise on Barth offers a theological reading of Philippians. George Hunsinger draws on patristic and medieval theology and on Calvin, Edwards, Barth, and Torrance as he explores what the biblical text means for ecclesial interpretation today. As with other series volumes, this commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.
George Hunsinger (PhD, Yale University) is Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. He is best known for his critically acclaimed work in Barth’s theology and has been president of the Karl Barth Society of North American since 2003.
This is a lively exposition of Philippians that fairly crackles in its prose. Omitting lengthy discussions of textual technicalities in favor of major theological technicalities, Hunsinger manages to handle the latter with considerable clarity and accessibility. Most importantly, perhaps, is the way this volume serves as an introduction and example of what Hunsinger calls "ecclesial hermeneutics"--an approach to the text that finds its ground in the text's historic reception within the faithful, confessing church. As such readers will enjoy exposure to patristic (and especially Nicene!) interpretations of the text not often seen in other contemporary commentaries. Highly recommended.