Title: In the Steps of Saint Paul: An Illustrated Guide to Paul's Journeys
Series: Theology
Published by: Lion Books; New edition
Release Date: January 20, 2012
Contributors: Peter Walker
Genre: Theology
Pages: 216
ISBN13: 978-0745955551

In this highly engaging book, Peter Walker uses his expertise in Biblical studies and his wide experience of leading tours around the Mediterranean to bring the world of Saint Paul vividly to life. Following Luke's account in the Book of Acts and using evidence from Paul's own letters, he reconstructs the apostle's wide-ranging travels and describes the many places Paul visited as a visitor might encounter them today. In doing so he helps us to appreciate the issues that Paul confronted and to understand the motivation that drove him on. Superbly illustrated with color photographs, maps, and street plans, and supplemented with more detailed material in a series of boxed features, this book offers a splendid, rounded portrait of a most extraordinary man and of the world in which he lived.

Title: The Illustrated Life Of Paul
Series: Theology
Published by: B&H Academic
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Contributors: Charles L Quarles
Genre: Theology
Pages: 300
ISBN13: 978-0805494532

Except for the Lord Jesus himself, no person has been more influential in the history of the church than Saul of Tarsus. Paul’s influence upon the early church’s most cherished convictions is so clear and powerful that some scholars have dared to describe him as the founder of Christianity.

Paul had a greater impact on the formation of the Christian church than any other apostle. He wrote thirteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament so that nearly half of the New Testament documents bear his name. Although some of Paul’s letters are brief compared to other New Testament books, his epistles compromise approximately one-fourth of the total volume of the New Testament.

Approximately sixteen chapters of the Book of Acts focus on Paul’s persecution of the church, conversion, missionary labors, arrest, and imprisonment. When these chapters are combined with Paul’s letters, Paul may be recognized as the author or subject of nearly one-third of the New Testament. Paul was not only the most effective Christian missionary and church planter in history, but also the most significant and influential interpreter of Jesus’ teachings and of the significance of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and return.

This book introduces readers to this amazing man and his incredible story. It explains the background of each of Paul’s letters and offers a summary of the beliefs of one of the keenest theological minds in the history of the church. All along, it enables the reader an opportunity to step into the world of Paul with over 150 photos, maps, illustrations, and charts.

Title: Institutes of the Christian Religion
Series: Theology
Published by: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.
Release Date: December 1, 2007
Contributors: John Calvin
Genre: Theology
Pages: 1059
ISBN13: 978-1598561685

At the age of twenty-six, Calvin published several revisions of his Institutes of the Christian Religion, a seminal work in Christian theology that altered the course of Western history and that is still read by theological students today. It was published in Latin in 1536 and in his native French in 1541, with the definitive editions appearing in 1559 (Latin) and in 1560 (French). The book was written as an introductory textbook on the Protestant faith for those with some learning already and covered a broad range of theological topics from the doctrines of church and sacraments to justification by faith alone. It vigorously attacked the teachings of those Calvin considered unorthodox, particularly Roman Catholicism, to which Calvin says he had been "strongly devoted" before his conversion to Protestantism. The over-arching theme of the book--and Calvin's greatest theological legacy--is the idea of God's total sovereignty, particularly in salvation and election.

This book was written as a theological introduction to the Bible and a vindication of Reformation principles. After appearing in several editions beginning in 1536, Calvin's 'Institutes' was finally published in this authoritative 1559 edition.

John Calvin (1509-1564) was a French Protestant theologian during the Protestant Reformation and was a central developer of the system of Christian theology called Calvinism or Reformed theology. In Geneva he rejected the authority of the Pope, established a new scheme of civic and church governance, and created a central hub from which Reformed theology was propagated. He is renowned for his teachings and writings.

Title: The New Testament in Antiquity, 2nd Edition: A Survey of the New Testament within Its Cultural Contexts
Series: Theology
Published by: Zondervan Academic
Release Date: April 14, 2020
Contributors: Gary M. Burge, Gene L. Green
Genre: Theology
Pages: 624
ISBN13: 978-0310531326

This completely revised and updated second edition of The New Testament in Antiquity skillfully develops how Jewish, Hellenistic, and Roman cultures formed the essential environment in which the New Testament authors wrote their books and letters. Understanding of the land, history, and culture of the ancient world brings remarkable new insights into how we read the New Testament itself.

Throughout the book, numerous features provide windows into the first-century world. Nearly 500 full-color photos, charts, maps, and drawings have been carefully selected. Additional features include sidebars that integrate the book's material with issues of interpretation, discussion questions, and bibliographies.

Title: The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament
Series: Theology
Published by: B&H Academic
Release Date: June 15, 2011
Contributors: Eugene H. Merrill, Mark Rooker, Michael A. Grisanti
Genre: Theology
Pages: 560
ISBN13: 978-0805440317

The World and the Word is a fresh introduction to the Old Testament driven largely by the fact that so much Christian preaching and teaching today increasingly ignores what is eighty percent of the Bible. Authors Eugene Merrill, Mark Rooker, and Michael Grisanti work through the world and text of the Old Testament always making three major points:

• The Old Testament is a rich source of theology and doctrine that is presupposed by the New Testament. Without it, Christian theology would be seriously deficient.

• Mastery of the Old Testament is crucial to an understanding of the New Testament.

• The Old Testament offers, by teaching and example, practical principles of belief and behavior for contemporary times. Who God was and what He did then can be replicated in the lives of men and women today.

Separating the verifiable biblical and extra-biblical data from the various interpretations of that same information, the book further shows how the Old Testament forms the platform and matrix from which sprang the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus and the church. The World and the Word will help students see an entry point into the very heart and design of God who loves them and wishes to make them the special object of His grace.

Title: Giving the Sense: Understanding and Using Old Testament Historical Texts
Series: Theology
Published by: Inter-Varsity Press
Release Date: January 1, 2004
Contributors: Hermann Austel, Richard E. Averbeck, Robert D. Bergen, Daniel I. Block, C. Hassell Bullock, Robert B. Chisholm Jr., R. Dennis Cole, Byron G. Curtis, David Fouts, Michael A. Grisanti, David M. Howard,Jr., Gordon H. Johnston, Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Eugene H. Merrill, Richard D. Patterson, Carl G. Rasmussen, Mark F. Rooker, Allen P. Ross, William H. Shea, Bryan G. Wood, Edwin M. Yamauchi
Genre: Theology
Pages: 482
ISBN13: 978-1844740161

Brimming with insights, this volume by evangelical scholars explores a broad range of Old Testament studies. The contributors explore methodological issues, survey the five major areas in Israel's history, and focus on specific issues related to understanding Old Testament historical texts--such as the dating of the Exodus, the use of large numbers during Israel's monarchy, and the literary features in the book of Esther. Compiled in the honor of Eugene H. Merrill, this volume helps Old Testament students understand how to "give the sense" (in the words of Nehemiah 8:8) of what God's Word says in historical narratives.

Editors: David M. Howard Jr., Michael A. Grisanti

Title: The Qur'an
Series: Theology
Published by: Oxford University Press
Release Date: June 15, 2008
Contributors: M. A. S. Abdel Haleem (Translator)
Genre: Theology
Pages: 502
ISBN13: 978-0199535958

One of the most influential books in the history of literature, recognized as the greatest literary masterpiece in Arabic, the Qur'an is the supreme authority and living source of all Islamic teaching, the sacred text that sets out the creed, rituals, ethics, and laws of Islam. Yet despite the growing interest in Islamic teachings and culture, there has never been a truly satisfactory English translation of the Qur'an, until now.

This superb new translation of the Qur'an is written in contemporary language that remains faithful to the meaning and spirit of the original, making the text crystal clear while retaining all of this great work's eloquence. The translation is accurate and completely free from the archaisms, incoherence, and alien structures that mar existing translations. Thus, for the first time, English speaking readers will have a text of the Qur'an which is easy to use and comprehensible. Furthermore, Haleem includes notes that explain geographical, historical, and personal allusions as well as an index in which Qur'anic material is arranged into topics for easy reference. His introduction traces the history of the Qur'an, examines its structure and stylistic features, and considers issues related to militancy, intolerance, and the subjection of women.

Clearly written and filled with helpful information and guidance, this brilliant translation of the Qur'an is the best available introduction to the faith of Moslems around the world.

Title: Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters
Series: Theology
Published by: IVP Academic
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Contributors: Carmen Joy Imes
Genre: Theology
Pages: 240
ISBN13: 978-0830852697

Have you ever wondered what the Old Testament―especially the Old Testament law―has to do with your Christian life? You are not alone. Some Christian leaders believe we should cast off the Old Testament now that we have the New. Carmen Joy Imes disagrees. In this warm, accessible volume, Imes takes readers back to Sinai, the ancient mountain where Israel met their God and explains the meaning of events there. She argues that we've misunderstood the command about "taking the Lord's name in vain." Instead, Imes says that this command is about "bearing God's name," a theme that continues throughout the rest of Scripture. Readers will revisit the story of Israel as they trudge through the wilderness from a grueling past to a promising future. The story of Israel turns out to be our story too, and you'll discover why Sinai still matters as you follow Jesus today.

Title: How to Read and Understand the Biblical Prophets
Series: Theology
Published by: Crossway
Release Date: June 30, 2017
Contributors: Peter J. Gentry
Genre: Theology
Pages: 144
ISBN13: 978-1433554032

A Concise Guide to Reading the Prophetic Books

The Prophetic Books of the Bible are full of symbolic speeches, dramatic metaphors, and lengthy allegories–a unique blend of literary styles that can make them hard to comprehend. How can we know if we are reading them the way God intended them to be read?

In this accessible guide, leading Old Testament scholar Peter Gentry identifies seven common characteristics of prophetic literature in the Bible that help us understand each book’s message. With illustrations and clear examples, Gentry offers guidance for reading these challenging texts–teaching us practical strategies for deeper engagement with the biblical text as we seek to apply God’s Word to our lives today.

Title: Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel
Series: Theology
Published by: Baker Academic
Release Date: January 1, 2008
Contributors: Eugene H. Merrill
Genre: Theology
Pages: 560
ISBN13: 978-0801031991

Kingdom of Priests provides a comprehensive introduction to the history of Old Testament Israel. Now updated and revised, this volume addresses and interacts with current debates in the history of ancient Israel, offering an up-to-date articulation of a conservative evangelical position on historical matters. The text is accented with nearly twenty maps and charts.

"Kingdom of Priests has served several generations of students and colleagues with distinction, so it is with delight that I welcome this second edition. Judiciously updated throughout, its most important improvement is the engagement of recent historiographical discussions, including a burgeoning literature among evangelicals. I am pleased to recommend it."--David M. Howard, professor of Old Testament, Bethel Seminary

"The second edition of Eugene Merrill's now-classic Kingdom of Priests is a model of the seamless relationship of Old Testament history and theology. While technically a history of Israel, updated and refurbished by the latest biblical research, this book illustrates by its structure, style, and content that OT history was written for theological purposes. But history is not the unwitting servant of theology; rather, they stand alongside one another as co-servants of the message of redemption."--C. Hassell Bullock, professor emeritus of Hebrew Bible, Wheaton College

"In Kingdom of Priests, Eugene Merrill follows a sound methodology that uses explicitly stated and well-reasoned principles in analyzing Old Testament events. He demonstrates how the 'facts' of Old Testament history emerge only after sound hermeneutics that gives attention to issues of style, genre, and rhetorical strategies are applied to the biblical text. Merrill provides historical background for each biblical book and period of Israel's history and gives up-to-date information from extrabiblical sources regarding nations and rulers with whom Israel often found itself in conflict. This work is a crowning achievement of a distinguished career devoted to the study of Old Testament history and is destined to become the standard evangelical treatment of biblical history for decades to come."--Mark F. Rooker, senior professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Title: Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction
Series: Theology
Published by: IVP Academic
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Contributors: Craig G. Bartholomew, Ryan P. O'Dowd
Genre: Theology
Pages: 336
ISBN13: 978-0830852185

The books of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are rooted in the order created by the one true God. Their steady gaze penetrates to the very nature of created reality and leads us toward peace and human flourishing. Craig Bartholomew and Ryan O'Dowd tune our ears to hear once again Lady Wisdom calling in the streets. Old Testament Wisdom Literature provides an informed introduction to the Old Testament wisdom books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. Establishing the books in the context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions and literature, the authors move beyond the scope of typical introductions to discuss the theological and hermeneutical implications of this literature.

Title: Awake O Harp: A Devotional Commentary on the Psalms
Series: Theology
Published by: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Release Date: July 8, 2017
Contributors: Dr William C. Varner
Genre: Theology
Pages: 404
ISBN13: 978-1548743789

Awake O Harp is a rich and encouraging study of the Psalter, focusing on its devotional impact. It combines clear writing with a thorough knowledge of the message of the OT and NT, a passion to recognize the Messiah in the OT, and a great appreciation for the biblical psalms. Awake, O Harp offers us a great companion to reading the Psalter, encouraging us to read, pray, sing and meditate on these powerful passages.