Murray J. Harris (1)

As one who used the NIV from it's first (full) release n 1978, and had seminary professors involved in the work, I found this an interesting book. It is very much personal reflections by one of the NIV translators, the tone differs from the various official documents of the NIV Committee. At times it's defensive re the NIV, at times it is boastful & triumphantalist; and at times the author discusses where he wishes the NIV had followed a different choice.

If you’ve had even just a little bit of experience with the New Testament and Paul’s letters, you know that there’s a lot going on in Corinth.

In Renowned - But…: The Church of Corinth in the First Century AD and Its Relevance for the Twenty-First Century Church, Murray J. Harris provides a very accessible introduction to the church in Corinth from its inception until the times of 1 Clement.

The author surveys the geographical and historical background to Corinth and its situation show more when Paul arrived. He explores what we can know about the Corinthian church from Acts, 1 and 2 Corinthians, 1 Clement, and relevant archaeological and historical data.

In so doing he does well at showing the presence of many difficulties in Corinth and yet Paul’s regard for the Corinthian Christians, and draws applications regarding how Christians today can do well in navigating life in the 21st century in light of what Paul and Clement said to the Corinthians.

A very useful overarching exploration into the church in Corinth to help frame our understanding of that church, Paul’s work and ministry there, and how we can approach the relevant texts well. show less

Murray Harris provides a rich and clear exposition of the use of slavery metaphors and language in the New Testament. His description of the cultural practice of slavery in the Roman Empire is very helpful. One of the best parts of the book is his explanation of how Paul can paradoxically say that we are both slave and free in Christ.

Doulos is the distinctive Gk word for 'slave.' A slave is someone whose person and serve belong wholly to another.
From Harris book, Navigating Tough Texts: A Guide to0 Problem Pasages in the New Testament