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.
Brazos enlists leading theologians to read and interpret Scripture for today, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. Each volume is designed to serve the church—providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups—and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of Scripture.
Endorsements
"Judges & Ruth is a salutary reminder that the dichotomy between theology and biblical scholarship is a false one. Smit and Fowl gift us with rich textual insight against the backdrop of God's providential ordering of history." - Elizabeth Newman, Eula Mae and John Baugh Professor of Theology and Ethics, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond
"Judges, in the history of its interpretation, has been well served by astute literary and historical commentary, but to these Laura Smit adds robust theological engagement. She is not afraid to go where the text leads--to a God of election, a God who involves us in warfare, a God who demands sacrifice, a God who requires countercultural fidelity. This is a challenging reading of a challenging book and will encourage all Christian readers to reexamine their own theological commitments. In addition, Stephen Fowl offers a nuanced reading of Ruth, pondering Gentile inclusion in the people of God and reflecting wisely on the multiple challenges of theological interpretation. Together these two different voices model something of the variety of ways that theological reading can engage the scriptural text." - Richard S. Briggs, lecturer in Old Testament and director of biblical studies, Cranmer Hall, St. John's College, Durham University
Laura A. Smit (PhD, Boston University) is professor of theology at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has served in a variety of pastoral settings and is the author of Loves Me, Loves Me Not.
Stephen E. Fowl (PhD, University of Sheffield) is professor of theology at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. He has written numerous books, including commentaries on Philippians and Ephesians, and is the coauthor of Reading Scripture with the Church.
