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Sacra Pagina Philippians and Philemon Paperback

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Sacra Pagina
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Philippians and Philemon
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Sacra Pagina is a multi volume commentary on the books of the New Testament. The expression "Sacra Pagina" ("Sacred Page") originally referred to the text of Scripture. In the Middle Ages it also described the study of Scripture to which the interpreter brought the tools of grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, and philosophy.

This series presents fresh translations and modern expositions of all the books of the New Testament. Written by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars, it is intended for biblical professionals, graduate students, theologians, clergy, and religious educators. The volumes present basic introductory information and close exposition, with each author adopting a specific methodology while maintaining a focus on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves.

The goal of Sacra Pagina is to provide sound, critical analysis without any loss of sensitivity to religious meaning. This series is therefore catholic in two senses of the word: inclusive in its methods and perspectives, and shaped by the context of the Catholic tradition.

The Second Vatican Council described the study of "the sacred page" as the "very soul of sacred theology" (Dei Verbum 24). The volumes in this series illustrate how Catholic scholars contribute to the council's call to provide access to Sacred Scripture for all the Christian faithful. Rather than pretending to say the final word on any text, these volumes seek to open up the riches of the New Testament and to invite as many people as possible to study seriously the "sacred page."


Although relatively brief, Philippians is one of the most interesting and beloved of Paul's undisputed epistles. In Philippians and Philemon, Bonnie Thurston makes a convincing case that canonical Philippians is as Paul wrote it, one letter. Although there is not enough specific evidence to "name names," she suggests a number of possible audiences. A translation conforming as closely as possible to the original Greek is provided, along with a careful analysis of the language of the letter that yields insights into the context and theological underpinning of this epistle.

The apostle's very brief letter to Philemon stands solidly within the Pauline collection of authentic and canonical letters. In this volume, Judith Ryan argues that Philemon makes two specific appeals. The first seeks to elicit Philemon's partnership and his community's support in welcoming Onesimus back as both beloved brother and honored guest. The second requests that Onesimus be allowed to use the freedom he already has to serve Christ and his Gospel. In this commentary Ryan provides a fresh translation, critical notes for each verse, and interpretation on defined sections. She situates the letter in the historical context of slavery in the ancient world and shows how Paul combined his theology with contemporary rhetorical strategies to produce an effective challenge to his audience.

Format: Paperback book
Product code: LP5979
Dimensions: 6" x 9"
Length: 312 pages
Publisher:
Liturgical Press
ISBN: 9780814659793
1-2 copies $35.15 each
3-9 copies $33.55 each
10-49 copies $31.96 each
50-99 copies $31.16 each
100+ copies $29.96 each
Written by Bonnie B. Thurston and Judith M. Ryan

Praise

. . . an excellent introduction and discussion of pertinent issues that will be of interest and use to . . . scholars, students, clergy and religious educators. . . . a valuable contribution to the Sacra Pagina series.
Toronto Journal of Theology
Each of the authors of these commentaries does great justice to the beauty of these Pauline materials, providing a fresh working translation and theologically sensitive analysis of the text. Readers who might want to plunge deeply into Paul's theology could do well to start here.
The Bible Today
. . .form a formidable programme for continuous reading, but a sensible and judicious selection from the material offered will enrich any reader anxious to grow in the knowledge and love of Scripture, and of the world in which it arose.
The Way
I sincerely recommend this book to Bible professionals, clergy, theologian students, and laity committing to the Holy Scripture. Though it is not difficult to find good commentaries on the letter to Philippians and the letter to Philemon, this book has its own characteristic readers are not allowed to miss.
China Graduate School of Theology Newsletter
I have made use of the commentary in sermon preparation and it is very good.
West Virginia Christian Church News
Thurston's avowed concentration upon prayer and spirituality is to be welcomed in a field of scientific study that too often forgets the ultimate purpose of the Bible, which is to build up the community of faith.
Cistercian Studies Quarterly
. . . edifying to all Christian groups.
The Catholic Biblical Quarterly
. . . a welcome addition to the series, and will be useful to preachers in particular.
Interpretation

Author

Bonnie B. Thurston, PhD, lives in West Virginia in solitude. She is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the author of several books, including The Spiritual Landscape of Mark and Religious Vows, the Sermon on the Mount, and Christian Living (Liturgical Press) and Preaching Mark (Fortress Press).

Judith M. Ryan, PhD, STL, is associate professor of New Testament at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary's Seminary, Houston, Texas. Previously she taught at Catholic University of America, Fordham University, the University of Scranton, College Misericordia, and St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland.