This comprehensive exploration of the interpretive process, now available in paperback, has served as a successful textbook. It focuses on the three "worlds" of biblical interpretation--the world of the author, the world of the text, and the world of the reader--to help students develop an integrated hermeneutical strategy. The book offers clear explanations of interpretive approaches, which are supported by helpful biblical examples, and succinct synopses of various interpretive methods. Pedagogical aids include end-of-chapter review and study sections with key terms, study questions, and suggestions for further reading.

A comprehensive historical survey if patristic exegesis. Simonetti examines the changing understanding of the Word of God in the early Church, and describes the individual authors and 'schools' who wre active in this development. First there is a study of the role of Scripture in the infant Church. Simonetti describes the use of Scripture in orthodox circles, drawing comparisons from the Gnostic world. There follows an examination of Eastern exegesis in the 4th and 5th centuries (Eusebius, the Antiochian School, the Cappadocians, and later developments in Alexandria), and an examination of Western exegesis in the same period (including detailed discussions of Jerome and Augustine). Simonetti concludes with a study of developments in the Eastern and Western Church in the later 5th and 6th Centuries. A final section provides a theological perspective through a study of the theological interpretation of Scripture in the patristic era. Professor Manlio Simonetti teaches at the University of Rome and the 'Augustinianum', the Patristic Institute in Rome.

Early Christianity developed in a world where moral significance was often judged based upon physical appearance alone. Exploring the manifestations of this ancient "science" of physiognomy, Parsons rightly shows how Greco-Roman society, and by consequence the author of Luke and Acts, was steeped in this tradition. Luke, however, employs these principles in his writings in order to subvert the paradigm. Using as examples the bent woman (Luke 13), Zacchaeus (Luke 18), the lame man (Acts 3-4), and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), Parsons shows that the Christian community--both early and present-day--is established only in the image of Jesus Christ.

The Book of James Pamphlet is a perfect overview of one of the most important books of the Bible.

The Book of James Pamphlet will give you historical and cultural insights into the lives of early Christians living in Jerusalem at at the time that James wrote his letter. The Christians in Jerusalem at that time were Jewish believers, some rich, some poor, some educated, some ignorant. James wrote to help them deal with trials and temptations, solve the problems in their fellowship and to make them mature followers of Jesus Christ. This summary of the Book of James is a perfect supplement to a Bible study or Sunday school lesson.

Key Themes in Your Book of James Bible Study

1. Tame the tongue.
2. Deal with temptation.
3. Develop perseverance.
4. Depend on God-given spiritual gifts.
5. Back up faith with good works.
6. Foster humility, not hypocrisy.
7. Desire maturity and wisdom.
8. Resist evil.
9. Rely on prayer.

Diving deeper into these 9 areas changes the way you speak and act, drawing friends, loved ones, and even strangers closer to Christ through your behavior. But more importantly, applying these nine actions from The Book of James to your life will revolutionize your personal walk with God.

Grow your Christian walk not next week, not tomorrow, but today by studying The Book of James.

Introduction to the Biblical Background in The Book of James

The Book of James, a 14-panel pamphlet, is a fantastic introduction to the biblical book of James. It features full-color charts, pictures, scripture references, definitions, and study questions. Grasp the challenges and problems facing those first century Christians as they learned how to be true followers of Jesus Christ.

Size: 8.5 × 5.5 inches. Unfolds to 38 inches long. Fits in most Bibles. Full color, 14 panels, glossy coating for durability.

Features

• Easy to read. Explains the Bible visually.
• Attractive. Full-color, packed with fascinating charts and illustrations. .
• Easy to understand. Uses concise and simple language.
• Fast. This glossy attractive booklet can take less than 20 minutes to read.
• Durable. The Book of James's glossy coating helps it last.
• Convenient. This pamphlet's small size makes it easy to carry inside of your Bible, folder, or binder.
• Engaging. The Book of James offers fascinating facts and handy study tips that revitalize individual and group Bible studies.
• Lightweight. Easier to mail than a book, enabling you to uplift and equip friends, family members, and missionaries anywhere in the world.

The Book of James makes an excellent supplemental resource for the following bestselling titles:

• Beth Moore's upcoming Bible study James: Mercy Triumphs.
• John MacArthur's Bible study, James.
• Joyce Meyer's Me and My Big Mouth: Your Answer is Right Under Your Nose.
• R.T. Kendall's Controlling the Tongue: Mastering the What, When, & Why of the Words You Speak.
• Joseph Telushkin's Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How to Choose Words Wisely and Well.

Is fear causing you to lose sleep, stress out, or worry? Joni Eareckson Tada sheds light on the bondage of fear in her BRAND NEW pamphlet. Breaking the Bonds of Fear is about an unhealthy fear of man that a lot of Christians live their whole lives with. Joni explains that our aim is to decrease our sinful fear of man, and increase our reverent fear of the Lord. We can develop a fear of the Lord by trusting in Him and reading the Bible.

There might be times in your life where you're not sure if God really cares about your circumstances or realizes the state you're in, but taking a look at specific stories in the Bible will help you see God's bigger picture. God wants you to trust in him, and when you read this pamphlet, you will clearly see how much God cares for you.

Joni also talks about the fear that was generated from her tragic diving accident, and the steps that were taken to grow confidence in the Lord after her tragic accident that left her quadriplegic. Even death is not something to fear, when our trust rests in the only one who conquered death! Let Jesus be the ballast of your ship, for it is only then that you will find peace and restoration from fear.

About the Author

Joni Eareckson Tada offers hope to people struggling with health and emotional challenges. After a 1967 diving accident left Joni Eareckson Tada a spinal cord-injured quadriplegic, she embarked on a lifelong study to make sense of suffering from God's perspective. Joni Eareckson Tada is now an international advocate for individuals with disabilities, and the founder of the non-profit organization, Joni & Friends.

When Joni Eareckson Tada writes about hardship, it's real. When she says good can come from suffering, I wanted to know how....I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the adverse circumstance I'm in. I was surprised that such a small pamphlet could offer such a large portion of hope and courage.
Carol WitteI love how the pamphlets get to the point, saying exactly what I needed to hear in an easy-to-understand way. Plus, they are light weight and can fit in my purse, making them easy to take to the doctors' office or to my chemo appointments. If you know someone fighting a terminal illness or even their family members who need encouragement as well, I highly recommend you check out these pamphlets.
Cindy CurranThe new pamphlets from Rose Publishing by Joni Eareckson Tada are a treasure for both Pastors and Chaplains. Joni has the ability to answer so many hard asked questions by her experience. Her love of God and her knowledge of His Word linked with her genuine empathy for people that are suffering and questioning God is uncanny.
Dr. Skip Lewis, Director of Chaplaincy, Heart of FloridaAs one who is going through breast cancer for the second time in a year, Romans 8:28 means a lot, God is going to see me through. On page 6 where Joni writes, We aren't always responsible for the circumstances in which we find ourselves. However, we are responsible for the way respond to them., makes me realize others are watching us as we go through our trials.Can I say they see God working in me?
Bonnie Bruder

Joni is at once a student and a teacher. She searches for answers, and then ably guides those who are seeking to understand some of the same difficult questions she has asked about suffering, anger, God's sovereignty and prayer. She is candid about her personal struggles, but addresses each of them by providing biblical illustrations of how God is always present and in control. Through her practical counsel, Joni empowers anyone who has endured painful experiences in life to trust and turn toward God.
Jean Driscoll, Assistant Dean for Advancement, University of IL, College of Applied Health Sciences

Jean was born with spina bifida (an open spine). She began using a wheelchair at the age of 15 and after learning about wheelchair sports, she started pursuing athletic opportunities. During her career, Jean was the first eight time winner of the Boston Marathon. She also won two Olympic medals, 12 Paralympic medals, and still holds the world record in the 10,000 meters set during the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. Jean remains the only 12-time champion of the Lilac Bloomsday 12K Road Race held in Spokane, Washington. Jean retired from her successful racing career following the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

A Special Greeting from Joni Eareckson Tada