Richard N. Longenecker

This volume presents a fresh look at the meaning of Jesus' parables for Christian living today through a collection of essays by some of the top contemporary biblical scholars.

The parables recorded in the Gospels are central for an understanding of Jesus and his ministry. Yet the parables are more than simple stories; they present a number of obstacles to contemporary readers hoping to fully grasp their meaning. In this volume, thirteen New Testament scholars provide the background necessary show more to understand the original context and meaning of Jesus’ parables as well as their modern applications, all in a manner easily accessible to general readers.

Contributions to this volume include:

"From Allegorizing to Allegorizing: A History of the Interpretation of the Parables of Jesus," Klyne R. Snodgrass
"The Genre of the Parables," Robert H. Stein
"Parables in Early Judaism," Craig A. Evans
"Mark's Parables of the Kingdom (Mark 4:1–34)," Morna D. Hooker
"Matthew's Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:0–52)," Donald A. Hagner
"Luke's Parables of the Kingdom (Luke 8:4–15; 13:18–21)," Richard N. Longenecker
"'Produce Fruit Worthy of Repentance:' Parables of Judgment against the Jewish Religious Leaders and the Nation (Matthew 25:1–22:14 par.; Luke 13:6–9)," Allan W. Martens
"On Being Ready (Matthew 25:1–46)," Richard T. France
Parables on God's Love and Forgiveness (Luke 15:1–32)," Stephen C. Barton
"Parables on Poverty and Riches (Luke 12:13–21; 16:1–13; 16:19–31)," Stephen I. Wright
Parables on Prayer (Luke 11:5–13; 18:1–14)," Walter L. Liefeld
"Strange Neighbors and Risky Care (Matthew 18:21–35; Luke 14:7–14; Luke 10:25–37)," Sylvia C. Keesmaat
"'Everyone Who Hears These Words of Mine:' Parables on Discipleship (Matthew 7:24–27/Luke 6:47–49; Luke 14:28–33; Luke 17:7–10; Matthew 20:1–16)," Michael P. Knowles

Top Highlights

“parables are intended to provoke, to challenge, and to elicit a concrete response to Jesus’ invitation to discipleship.” (Page 286)

“The message is not that God is a ‘rapacious capitalist’ (F. W. Beare, Matthew, 486), but that he is not satisfied with inaction. To play it safe and keep one’s slate clean is not enough. God looks for more than ‘a religion concerned only with not doing anything wrong’ (E. Schweizer, Matthew, 473). Discipleship in the kingdom of heaven is not a matter of safety but of risk, of losing life in order to gain it (cf. Matt 10:39; 16:25–26).” (Page 186)

“What the new approach has clearly observed about the parabolic genre is its affective dimension. Parables not only communicate information, they also disarm and persuade.” (Page 48)

“Now we move from the realm of animals and property as ways of talking about right priorities in the life of the kingdom to talk about people.” (Page 209)

“There are approximately ten parables in the Old Testament that loosely resemble those spoken by Jesus” (Page 54)

Endorsements
Clearly written, stimulating and challenging. The volume as a whole is to be strongly recommended and gives new insights into these fascinating stories. . . A welcome addition to the recent literature on the parables.
—The Expository Times show less

A reference commentary on the Epistle to the Romans for generations to come.

Meticulous exegesis, methodical expositions, and provides a cohesive understanding to the literary design of the Epistle.

Somewhat a cop-out in treatment of Ch. 9, particularly on "vessels of wrath".

Overall, an important work on studies of the Epistle and Pauline theology that should not be overlooked.

Richard Longenecker's volume on Galatians in the Word Biblical Commentary remains one of the strongest Evangelical treatments of this important epistle. Longenecker conforms to the WBC format, which results in a work more useful for scholars and preachers than laymen. Still, I have used the commentary in preparation for teaching Adult Sunday School as well as research. Longenecker is especially strong in presenting Galatians as an ethical as well as a theological work, and in this regard the show more commentary is an essential source for communicating the practical ethic of the early church to the contemporary one. show less

This revision continues the Expositor's Bible Commentary exalted purpose and stands on the shoulders of the expositors of the first edition under Frank Gaebelein et. al., but it seeks to maintain the usefulness of the commentary by interacting with new discoveries and academic discussions.