1 & 2 Peter - Paperback

by Douglas Harink (Author), R. R. Reno (Editor), Robert Jenson (Editor)

Explore how the roots of the ancient Christian tradition inform and shape faithfulness today

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places.

A rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups, the BTC provides guidance for reading the Bible under the rule of faith. Each volume in the series includes

● a Christological focus and framework grounded in the Nicene Creed
● connections between biblical interpretation and today's social issues
● applications for contemporary faith and life
● devotional depth for meditation and reflection
● insights from literature, philosophy, culture, and more

This addition to the well-received Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible offers a theological exegesis of 1 & 2 Peter.

Ultimately the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible demonstrates the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.

"The Brazos Commentary offers just the right level of light to make illuminating the word the joy it was meant to be."--Calvin Miller, author of A Hunger for the Holy and Loving God Up Close

Front Jacket

Doug Harink's commentary on the Petrine epistles aptly demonstrates the guiding principle of the series to which this volume belongs: 'dogma clarifies rather than obscures.' While paying close attention to the biblical text, Harink also opens up for the reader interconnected vistas in patristics, speculative theology, ethics, politics, philosophy, and aesthetics, as well as 'some of the treasures of Orthodoxy.' The book is especially helpful in that it speaks to the generalist while also refusing to back off from some of the more controversial passages in these biblical books. Even where the reader does not agree, he or she will not be bored!--Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

"No theologian over the past decade has been more concerned to articulate the apocalyptic heart of the gospel faithfully than Doug Harink. In this commentary, Harink brings that concern to bear on the message of 1 & 2 Peter. The result is a passionate book that allows Peter to take his place alongside Paul as an apostle of God's world-transforming apocalypse in Jesus Christ. By way of insightful and provocative engagement with Petrine scholarship, contemporary theology, and critical theory, Harink brings the message of Peter into challenging conversation with the Constantinianism of contemporary North American culture. To those who feel acutely the weight of living as 'exiles of the Diaspora' in our culture today, the words of Harink's book will break forth as an indispensable, powerful witness to the decisive and liberating grace alone by which we live into the 'holiness and godliness' that Peter names as a sign of the coming new creation in Christ."--Nathan R. Kerr, author of Christ, History and Apocalyptic: The Politics of Christian Mission

Back Jacket

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. 1 & 2 Peter, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church--through aid in preaching, teaching, study groups, and so forth--and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.

"This is an example of theological interpretation of scripture at its best. Harink combines close attention to the text with thoughtful theological reflection. He is aware of various historical-critical issues but does not allow them to distract from the theological concerns he brings to these letters. Moreover, his generous engagement with a variety of theological traditions invites all Christians to look at these oft neglected epistles afresh."--Stephen E. Fowl, professor of theology, Loyola College in Maryland

"This volume on 1 & 2 Peter by Douglas Harink vindicates the concept of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible in one stroke. We are happily back in the company of the premodern interpreters, but--let this be noted--Origen, Augustine, Calvin, and their contemporaries are called upon by Harink to serve in one of the most immediately relevant, ethically rigorous, politically significant, and hermeneutically wide-ranging treatments of New Testament texts to appear on the postmodern landscape. There will be opposition to this enterprise, but preachers of the gospel should make no mistake--this is the real deal."--Fleming Rutledge, author of Not Ashamed of the Gospel and The Bible and the New York Times

"An outstanding, illuminating, impressive example of a commentary written in the canonical mode. Harink demonstrates the possibility of composing a commentary ancient in style, but contemporary in its cultural frame. This commentary displays instructive subtlety and scope in braiding scriptural, patristic, Reformation, modern, and postmodern wisdom together with the texts of 1 and 2 Peter, for the sake of the church, and therefore for the sake of the world."--A. K. M. Adam, University of Oxford

General editor: R. R. Reno (Creighton University)
Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry)
Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)
Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)
Michael Root (Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary)
George Sumner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)

Author Biography

Douglas Harink (PhD, University of St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology) is professor of theology at The King's University College in Edmonton, Alberta. He is a member of the Center of Theological Inquiry and the author of Paul among the Postliberals.