Colossians - Paperback

by Christopher R. Seitz (Author)

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible advances the assumption that the Nicene creedal tradition, in all its diversity, provides the proper basis for the interpretation of the Bible as Christian scripture. The series encourages readers to extend the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition to our day.

In this addition to the acclaimed series, renowned scholar Christopher Seitz offers a theological exegesis of Colossians, bringing his expertise in canonical reading to bear on his interpretation of this Pauline letter. As with other volumes in the series, the book is ideal for those called to ministry.

Front Jacket

Praise for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible

"The series in which [Luke] appears shows what is gained when biblical commentaries are written by those who are expert in the related field of theology. In this case [David Lyle Jeffrey] is also learned not only in biblical studies but also (and primarily) in English literature. The resulting volume thus combines expert knowledge of the usual grist in the commentator's mill with other helpful disciplines. . . . The outcome is a surprisingly comprehensive approach to the text which pays attention to matters of literary structure that are theologically relevant."
--I. Howard Marshall, Expository Times

"[In Luke, David Lyle] Jeffrey is not afraid to grapple with theological controversies occasioned by the text. . . . I highly recommend to a wide ecumenical audience this elegant and religious theological commentary on Luke. It successfully reads the Lucan Gospel 'in the company of the saints and faithful of all ages.'"
--William S. Kurz, SJ, Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"[In 1 Samuel, Francesca Aran] Murphy provides something that is often lacking in many commentaries: an explication of the text that is equally focused on the details of the narrative as well as the overall arc and sense of the story as a whole. . . . As with most of the volumes in the Brazos Theological Commentary series, the theological background and depth of this author lends this commentary a highly nuanced and textured reading. . . . A welcome, rich addition to the conversation about the wondrous depth of the ways in which the Bible has spoken throughout history and continues to speak to us today."
--Roy L. Heller, Theology Today

"[Revelation by Joseph Mangina is] a good supplemental text. In keeping with its series, this commentary focuses on theological exposition with an eye for how the church has understood this book through the ages. For Revelation this historical awareness is especially helpful."
--Ray Van Neste, Preaching

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. Colossians, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.

"No one has spent more time than Christopher Seitz over the past generation writing about the relationship of the two testaments to one another and how that issue constitutes the defining feature of the Christian Bible. He is no doubt one of the best theological readers of the Bible. This is the first time he has dedicated himself to the interpretation of an entire book of the New Testament, and it will become a landmark volume in this prestigious series."
--Gary A. Anderson, University of Notre Dame

"It is a real pleasure to commend this commentary on one of the jewels in the New Testament by one of today's leading Old Testament scholars. Colossians is sometimes the neglected Pauline epistle among preachers because of its similarities to Ephesians. Nevertheless, it contains some unique Pauline themes, including the way in which believers in Christ have in some sense already been resurrected in Him. Preachers, teachers, and thoughtful Christians will appreciate Seitz's clarity, insight, and theological acumen as he navigates technical matters while pressing home theological and pastoral application."
--Carl R. Trueman, Grove City College

"Over against the trend in many contemporary commentaries, Christopher Seitz refuses to treat Colossians as a single, isolated letter. Instead he views Colossians as embedded in the world of Paul, imprisonment, Christian fellowship, and the scriptural canon as a whole. What emerges from Colossians is the sound of a brave and confident Pauline voice, singing of grace, truth, and shared ministry, surrounded by the full and rich choir of Scripture. This is a powerful and deeply theological commentary."
--Thomas G. Long, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

General editor: R. R. Reno (editor, First Things)
Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry)
Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)
Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)
Michael Root (Catholic University of America)
George Sumner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)

Author Biography

Christopher R. Seitz (PhD, Yale University) is senior research professor of biblical interpretation at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, in Toronto, Ontario, and is an ordained Episcopal priest. He previously taught at the University of St. Andrews and Yale University. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including "The Character of Christian Scripture," "Prophecy and Hermeneutics," "The Goodly Fellowship of the Prophets," and "Nicene Christianity."