Bibles Bible Studies Books

I bought this book to use as a spring board for a study that I am doing in SS and it has worked very well for what I wanted it for. I would recommend it as a study guide for the book of John as well, it is well done and well written with thought provoking questions.

The size (692 pages; the bibliography and the indexes are not included) tells us about the terseness of the commentary but not the lack of clarity. Every paragraph is straight to the point without diffusion. Every discussion has significance, not only serving the purpose of delivering information. I enjoyed much of reading this form of presentation: terse yet unambiguous.

This is also not a commentary of commentaries, hence the brevity. However, he does well in quoting others, such that the commentary is neither mostly a pile of arguments about others' opinion nor only a gathering of others' view. The way he summarizes other's argument is well balanced. He is really writing a commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. This work is brief yet comprehensive.

The other concern in writing a commentary of the Gospels is that we have to treat each Gospel in its own right, which means that we are not supposed to do a synoptic comparison in order to gain the whole picture. I believe that the author has done it well. But sometimes such comparison is justified, because the differences will show us the uniqueness of each Gospel. In this point, I found out that the author tends to do only the first part, but offers no explanation of the differences so as to highlight its distinctiveness. (see, for instance, p. 108 about the difference of Matthew 3:3, compared with the other Gospels, in quoting the OT; others like pp.124, 129 etc.)

When commenting on a verb, the author emphasizes the implication of the Greek tense, which makes me a little uneasy about it. (Surprisingly, this is rarely found at the second half or even the last two third of the commentary) For instance, in commenting on 3:5-6 (p. 109) he writes, "The imperfect verbs exeporeueto (were going out) and ebaptizonto (were being baptized) indicate that this response was widespread and regular." (I omit the Greek words) I am wondering, does "imperfect" indicate the widespread and regularity of the verbs or is it the context that requires so? In another sense, I will agree with some of the conclusions, but not the reason. I may have such an understanding due to the fact that I am more influenced by the Aspect Theory rather than traditional grammatical analysis. But for sure, the latter approach is still a common practice. This, however, won't affect me in appreciating this commentary due to many other strengths.

It is nice to finally have the answers to the lessons in the Hebrew Learning books.

This book simply lacks behind most standard textbooks (Weingreen, Lambdin, Ross, LaSor,...) in terms of depth. Verbs are covered rather sparsely (one or two brief chapters), summary tables of verb patterns leave much to be desired and there is hardly any coverage of syntax and style. This was the first BH book (actually both the first and second volumes) I ever bought many years ago and I've hardly used them. I've tried to use them for self-study before I took up BH in college, but did not make much progress.

I think it is an excellent book to learn to read the Book of Genesis in Hebrew. The format is excellent, with the word in Hebrew and English. It really brings the Book Of Genesis to life, and it also gives it meaning. Thanks Menahem Mansoor for writing ths book.
Betty

This book is laid out in a very easy to use and progressive order. I have gone through half of the book and really enjoyed my studies. Each chapter has a new vocabulary list, grammar notes, examples and then plenty of exercises that cement the new concepts. The book will get you reading Hebrew very quickly with the Hebrew alphabet which is easier than reading hebrew with our english alphabet. It contains an English/Hebrew and Hebrew/English dictionary in the back with all of the vocabulary words. I wouldn't go very far without buying the answer key; it is very helpful. The vocabulary words are taken from the most used words in the Old Testament and the chapters contain verses from the Old Testament as reading exercises.

Menahem Mansoor was the Chair of Semitic studies at the University of Wisconsin, and his book serves as their textbook for beginners in Biblical Hebrew. As a teacher of Sunday Bible classes, I have found this book the most valuable for beginners. Lambdin is a classic text and a good reference book, Weingreen is too dense, and Ross is good for intermediate students.

The book reflects that Mansoor was a teacher for over 25 years, for the vocabulary is well-chosen, the exercises are excellent, and the lessons literally help you build your skills step-by-step. Once you learn the alphabet and the vowels, Mansoor has you reading simple sentences in Scripture within a few weeks!

The book also provides the reader with a brief history of the development of the Hebrew language, with its relation to ancient Semitic languages such as Phoenician and Aramaic, as well as a brief commentary on modern Hebrew as well.

There is a reason that Mansoor's Biblical Hebrew Step-by-Step is in its 24th printing!

Good Bible, I wondered about the binding and how complete it would be since it is a little big. The only complaint I have is that. But the NIV Study bible looks good with information...

What I love most about this bible is that it puts the historical and cultural context and history behind the authors and the books or letter. It connect the Old and New Testaments together in an understandable way. What a relief to find an intelligent, scholarly bible. It's lightyears beyond the King James version, but still needs gender inclusive language.

The author presents the book of revelation in a clear cut and easy to understand manner. Also, it doesn't come across of being biased as some books of theology can be. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the topic.

The introductory material was interesting, but I did not find the actual commentary particularly insightful. The author tends to repeat himself a lot, making the same comment or point numerous times in a chapter and during the book. He also ignores/misses much of the recapitulatory nature of the book. After criticizing dispensational premillenial views (and justly so) in the introduction, he fails to recognize that chapter 20 of Revelation begins a new cycle, taking us back to the first advent of Christ and the binding of Satan. He therefore tacks on the binding of Satan and the start of the millenial period AFTER the return of Christ and the end of history in chapter 19...i.e. he takes a premillenial view. The "great supper of God" in 19:17 is an image of hell. Notice the reference to "the wine press of the fierce wrath of God" in 19:15, which forms a parallel to the reference to hell in 14:19-20. Hence, chapter 20 begins a new cycle and goes back to cover the entire church age. Koester misses this and ends up not offering a particularly coherent or insightful perspective on the millenium, among other things.

Instead of Koester's book, I would recommend More Than Conquerors by William Hendriksen and The Returning King by Vern Poythress as superior short commentaries/guidebooks on Revelation. Both are idealist/amillenial in perspective, they get the structure of Revelation right, and they are more insightful in my opinion. Also excellent is the mid-sized commentary Triumph of the Lamb by Dennis Johnson.

I had a hard time with this book. I started out liking it, and I do 'get it', but I cannot agree with the overall conclusion of the book: that the book of revelation is simply a book applicable for any time in history where persecution and compromise are widespread. As I search through several different bibles, look at the world today in light of history, and search my own feelings about what John was actually writing about and to whom, I am struck with the overwhelming conclusion that the revelation was and is anything but a kind of fuzzy, nonspecific book of the bible. Far from it. It takes more than scholarly logic to understand it. It takes faith. Either you 'see the signs of the times' or you have closed your eyes to the obvious. This was one of my main problems with the book.
Nonetheless, if you have the patience, it may be a different perspective worth reading about, if only to see a 'possibly' incorrect interpretation. David W.

. . . But it will. This book by Craig R. Koester will make it a whole lot easier to teach my Sunday school class on Revelation without having to go to some modernist debunker to do it. This book clearly honors Christ in its writing while making it clear that Revelation's gift to the church is hope and not calamity. If you're a serious Christian who wants a Revelation that will inspire you through trials that may befall you because of your faith, through out all of your "Left Behind" crap and read "Revelation and the End of All Things" instead. Then pass it on to someone else who needs it.

simply outstanding! this book deals with the book of revelation and "end times" stuff related therein, with sobriety, sanity and a truly God honoring, Christ honoring manner and message. The author recognizes the need to understand revelation according to it's literary type and according to it's first century context as well, while yet recognizing that it is meant for all christians at all times. The author has truly done his homework for this book and handles the scripture with integrity and care. In this book, you will get background information on the book of revelation, differing interpretive methods, and a section by section running commentary/exposition. This book aims to help the reader make sense out of revelation by exploring what it most likely would have meant in the context of when and where revelation was written originally, and then at the same time showing how this meaning transposes to christians of all times and places. If you are steeped in the left behind series type of belief, please consider this book by Craig Koester as an alternative viewpoint. Thanks to the author for giving laypeople a solid, sane and scripturally honoring book on revelation! Also very helpful and sane treatments of the book of revelation are: Breaking The Code by Bruce Metzger: The Throne, The Lamb and The Dragon by Paul Spilsbury and: Return of The King by Vern Poythress.

I think for anyone already trying to have a closer relationship with Jesus that this book is really just common sense. No new tips for becoming "unfrazzled". However, if you know someone who doesn't realize what causes us to take on too much. be overburdened with the day-to-day, then this is a good gift book.

I purchased this book from Cindi Wood at a Women's Retreat I attended. I have been reading it for two weeks just one chapter (2-4 pages) each morning since that weekend. I am now ordering it for my sister and best friend. It has literally changed my daily life. Cindi Wood has wonderful ideas for getting and maintaining a positive daily attitude. Her scripture excerpts are applicable to all frazzled females! She encourages memorizing scripture (which I have never been successful at before); however, I have been able to memorize seven scriptures in just two weeks. Partly because the ones in her book are so appropriate to a women's hectic life and are short and to the point! I don't think it would be as effective if you just sat down and read the book cover to cover. In small doses along with a prayer time in the morning it can definitely impact your life.

This edition of he Bible is excellent. There are comprehensive notes alongside the text, which makes them easy to find. The maps are very useful and the dictionary/encyclopedia would certainly be of value to someone who had not had extensive knowledge of the Catholic Faith. I am reliably told that the translation is extremely accurate - I am not a linguist, so cannot verify this myself, but it is certainly in good English which is pleasingly expressed. It is a very good edition of the Bible for someone wishing to gain deeper knowledge of God's relationship with man, particularly through the person of Jesus Christ. Finally, it is exceedingly good value for money!

This bible has explanatory footnotes with cross-reference to other passages. It is in a easily-read type. Each book has an introductory section which gives an overview and historical context.

I think I have done all her studies and enjoyed them very much.

There are really only two things I have to say about them.

#1) I'm really not sold on the Calvinist beliefs, but could still do her studies without feeling like that perspective was shoved down my throat. She allows Scripture to speak to you for itself.

#2) She could really drop the "honey" and all the oozy, drippy sweetness and would lose nothing in the process. I grew tired of the condescending tones. I really imagine that in person, she probably relates that way and it comes across as truly loving and caring - but the written word somehow does not convey the same meaning. At least that was my perspective.

Yes, I highly recommend all her studies. You will grow for sure.

This book relates history to the Bible, giving readers a new perspective on world events at the time of events recorded in the Bible. It's certainly not a fast read, but it's interesting.

This book has proved more and more valuable over time. As a pastor and seminary student, it helps to place Biblical events in the proper context. As an aspiring Ancient historian, the clear, concise text and apt photos and illustrations make sense of some pretty dense reading in other texts. It's even a fun read for enjoyment!

I must admit that my expectation was for greater accuracy to proper verbage than was printed. Much of the time the authors used location names, like 'Palistine', when referencing 'BC' (BCE) rather than the true name 'Isreal.' Small verbal goofs like this was unexpected from an institution like the Oxford press. Most of the information, though, was excellent, and informative.

This truly is an excellent resource, as discussed by other reviewers. Unfortunately, though, the paperback version is not just a reprint of the hardback in floppy covers. Instead, many of the visual features that contribute so much to the appeal of the hardback edition have been removed. Admittedly several remain, including a section of color plates in the middle of the book, but one who is familiar with the hardback likely will be disappointed by the paperback.

Buyer beware. The chapter on the time of Jesus reads like an op-ed piece, not a history book. The author of it is Amy-Jill Levine, who describes herself on her website as a "Yankee Jewish feminist . . . with a commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies." If you are a Christian looking for a neutral, scholarly source of information, keep looking.