New and Noteworthy
CPH is pleased to announce the twenty-second volume in the Concordia Commentary series, which will be released in June, 2012. The new commentary covers both of the biblical books of 2 Peter and Jude. The author, Dr. Curtis Giese, is a professor in the Theology Division of Concordia University Texas, located in Austin. We interviewed Dr. Giese about his new book.
What are some of the unique features of your commentary?
“The commentary discusses noteworthy aspects of these canonical books such as the usage of material from the extrabiblical books of 1 Enoch and the Assumption of Moses, the destruction of the present, corrupted world and introduction of the new creation, the condemnation of the rebellious angels, and the authorship of 2 Peter.”
How will your book impact the life of the church?
“2 Peter and Jude assure first-century Christians that the false teachers in their midst will not prevail but will suffer the dire judgment of evildoers long ago. Similarly, Christians today receive the comfort from these books that all who oppose the Church will ultimately receive divine judgment, and the Church will be vindicated.”
Who will most want to read your book?
“The Concordia Commentary series is intended for pastors, Bible translators, professors, and other teachers of sacred Scripture. Such scholars will want to have this particular volume in the series because it delves into two New Testament books that offer great riches of divine revelation.”
Why will they benefit from your book?
“This commentary contains a thorough study of the Greek text of 2 Peter and Jude, an overview of contemporary scholarship, and a theological exposition that deeply respects these two books as inspired Scripture.”
How did you come to be interested in these particular books of the Bible?
A portion of my Ph.D. studies at Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, concerned Jewish literature of the Second Temple Period. Since Jude uses material from two extra-biblical texts of this genre, I immediately welcomed the opportunity to write a commentary on Jude. Additionally, my longtime admiration of the apostle Peter plus 2 Peter’s connection with Jude made me eager to write on this epistle as well.
What are your thoughts upon the publication of your book?
“I was truly enriched in the research and writing of this commentary. The imminent publication of this volume brings great excitement, knowing that over five years of labor are coming to fruition. I pray that the Word of God in 2 Peter and Jude, which this commentary seeks faithfully to expound, will edify the readers and bring them to a deeper understanding of God’s mercy in Jesus Christ.”
Concordia Commentary Editors Meet, Announce New Commentaries
The expected publication of four new commentary volumes in 2012 and 2013 was announced by the editorial board of the Concordia Commentary series, which met March 16 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The forthcoming commentaries are on 2 Peter and Jude, by Dr. Curtis P. Giese, slated for publication in June 2012; the Epistles of John (1–3 John), by Dr. Bruce G. Schuchard (December 2012); Romans 1–8, by Dr. Michael P. Middendorf (June 2013); and Mark 1–8, by Dr. James W. Voelz (December 2013). Fraternal discussions by the editors covered the progress of current commentary authors, potential new authors, and cooperative arrangements to facilitate the ongoing faithful labor of the writers, who are drawn from confessional Lutheran church bodies around the globe. Central to the dialogue was the vital role of exegesis in the history of the church, particularly the Reformation, and the foundational role of the interpretation of Scripture in the life of the church today. The editors continue to pray that this series will further the mission of the church to proclaim the Gospel with clarity and fidelity throughout the world, until the return of Jesus Christ.
Pictured standing are, left to right, Rev. Paul T. McCain, Executive Director of Editorial and Publisher, CPH; Mrs. Julene Gernant Dumit, Production Editor, CPH; Dr. Christopher W. Mitchell, Old Testament Editor and CPH Editor for the series; Dr. Curtis P. Giese, Interim Assistant New Testament Editor for the series and Professor of Theology at Concordia University Texas. Seated, from left to right, are Dr. Jeffrey A. Gibbs, New Testament Editor for the series and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri; and Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, General Editor of the series and President Emeritus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dr. Michael P. Middendorf of Concordia University Irvine is completing his commentary on Romans 1–8. CPH anticipates that it will be published in June 2013. Dr. Middendorf was named the Trembath Professor in 2010–2011, allowing him extra time for research and writing. He then gave the Trembath Lecture at the university on February 7, 2012, titled “Romans: It's Not Really about You … and That's a Good Thing!” This lecture summarized some of his work on the first of two volumes on Romans in the Concordia Commentary series. According to R. C. H. Lenski (Romans, p. 84), “the great theme of Romans is the Sinner's Personal Justification by Faith.” Dr. Middendorf suggests that a close reading of the letter reveals that it is more about the community than the individual. Even more importantly, Paul directs our attention primarily toward God and his righteousness, which is his gift to us in our Lord Jesus Christ.
To learn more about the available volumes it the Concordia Commentary series, or how to become a subscriber and save 30% off the retail price, click here.
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