Colossians (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries): A New Translation With Introduction & Commentary - Softcover

Barth, Markus

Softcover

ISBN 10: 030013987X ISBN 13: 9780300139877

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2005

Synopsis

The Apostle Paul's epistle to the Colossians provides an intimate glimpse into the life of a first century Christian community as it struggled to define Christian theology and practice. Paul was prompted to address this fledgling Christian assembly when he heard that "false teachers" had joined its midst and were promulgating heretical and threateningtheories. His impassioned letter to the Colossians urges them to embrace a life in Christ and proclaims Christ as master of all of creation. In their astute commentary, New Testament sch Markus Barth and Helmut Blanke recreate the of first century Christians, and examine the multitude of outside influences--from cold, rational Hellenistic philosophy to exclusive, ethereal Gnostic thought--that often threatened Christian theology. "Colossians" not only provides a new and carefully balanced analysis of this pivotal New Testament text, but also traces the development of early Christian thought as it gradually spread throughout the Roman Empire. Detailed enough for any scholar, "Colossians" is designed for general readers. Anyone who wants to enter the dynamic world of early Christianity and witness the shaping of the faith from its very roots will benefit from this remarkable work.

About this title

About the Author

The late Markus Barth held a chair in New Testament studies at the University of Basel in Switzerland. He was the son of the great theologian Karl Barth.

 

Helmut Blanke was a student of Markus Barth’s and earned his Th.D. at the University of Basel.

From the Back Cover

The Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians offers a valuable and intimate glimpse into the life of a fledgling Christian community as it struggled to define Christian doctrine and theology. Paul was prompted to write to the Colossian assembly when he heard that "false teachers" had joined the congregation and were advocating dangerous, non-Christian practices. In an effort to appear superior, these heretical teachers were luring Christians to exercise asceticism, moral rigorism, and esoteric rituals, hallmarks of other "mystery" and pagan cults. In his passionate letter, Paul denounces these extreme and elitist practices and firmly defends a life in Christ. He proclaims that pure, simple worship of Christ alone is the most powerful statement of faith.
In their astute and lucid commentary, eminent New Testament scholars Markus Barth and Helmut Blanke re-create the turbulent age of the birth of Christianity and examine the myriad of "outside" influences -- from cold, rational Hellenistic philosophy to exclusive, ethereal Gnostic thought -- that often threatened the evolution of Christian theology. Colossians not only provides a new and carefully balanced analysis of this pivotal New Testament text, but also chronicles the development of Christian thought as it gradually spread throughout the Roman Empire

Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 030013987X
• ISBN 13: 9780300139877
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 580