1 & 2 Peter
About
Pastors and leaders of the ancient church interpreted the Bible theologically, believing Scripture as a whole witnessed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Modern interpreters of the Bible questioned this premise. But in recent decades, a critical mass of theologians and biblical scholars has begun to reassert the priority of a theological reading of Scripture. The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret Scripture for the twenty-first century. In this addition to the series, Douglas Harink offers an insightful theological exegesis of 1 & 2 Peter that will be of use to professors and students in New Testament, the Epistles of Peter, and theological interpretation courses, as well as pastors, church leaders, and libraries.
The general editor for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible is R. R. Reno (editor, First Things). Series editors include Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry); Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia); Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto); Michael Root (Catholic University of America); and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas).
Volumes in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
R. R. Reno (editor, First Things) on Genesis Thomas Joseph White (Thomistic Institute at the Angelicum in Rome) on Exodus Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Leviticus David L. Stubbs (Western Theological Seminary) on Numbers Telford Work (Westmont College) on Deuteronomy Paul Hinlicky (Roanoke College) on Joshua Laura A. Smit (Calvin University) and Stephen Fowl (Loyola University Maryland) on Judges & Ruth Francesca Aran Murphy (University of Notre Dame) on 1 Samuel Robert Barron (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles) on 2 Samuel Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Kings Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Chronicles Matthew Levering (Mundelein Seminary) on Ezra & Nehemiah Samuel Wells (St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, London) and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas) on Esther & Daniel Ellen T. Charry (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Psalms 1–50 Jason Byassee (Vancouver School of Theology) on Psalms 101–150 Daniel J. Treier (Wheaton College Graduate School) on Proverbs & Ecclesiastes Paul J. Griffiths on Song of Songs Robert W. Jenson (1930–2017; Center of Theological Inquiry) on Ezekiel Phillip Cary (Eastern University) on Jonah Stanley Hauerwas (Duke Divinity School) on Matthew David Lyle Jeffrey (Baylor University) on Luke Jaroslav Pelikan (1923–2006; Yale University) on Acts Kimlyn J. Bender (Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University) on 1 Corinthians Kathryn Greene-McCreight (The Episcopal Church at Yale) on Galatians Michael Allen (Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando) on Ephesians George Hunsinger (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Philippians Christopher R. Seitz (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Colossians Douglas Farrow (McGill University) on 1 & 2 Thessalonians Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki) on the Pastoral Epistles with Philemon & Jude Douglas Harink (The King’s University College) on 1 & 2 Peter Joseph L. Mangina (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Revelation
Endorsements
"No theologian over the past decade has been more concerned to articulate the apocalyptic heart of the gospel faithfully than Doug Harink. In this commentary, Harink brings that concern to bear on the message of 1 & 2 Peter. The result is a passionate book that allows Peter to take his place alongside Paul as an apostle of God's world-transforming apocalypse in Jesus Christ. By way of insightful and provocative engagement with Petrine scholarship, contemporary theology, and critical theory, Harink brings the message of Peter into challenging conversation with the Constantinianism of contemporary North American culture. To those who feel acutely the weight of living as 'exiles of the Diaspora' in our culture today, the words of Harink's book will break forth as an indispensable, powerful witness to the decisive and liberating grace alone by which we live into the 'holiness and godliness' that Peter names as a sign of the coming new creation in Christ."--Nathan R. Kerr, author of Christ, History and Apocalyptic: The Politics of Christian Mission
"Doug Harink's commentary on the Petrine epistles aptly demonstrates the guiding principle of the series to which this volume belongs: 'dogma clarifies rather than obscures.' While paying close attention to the biblical text, Harink also opens up for the reader interconnected vistas in patristics, speculative theology, ethics, politics, philosophy, and aesthetics, as well as 'some of the treasures of Orthodoxy.' The book is especially helpful in that it speaks to the generalist while also refusing to back off from some of the more controversial passages in these biblical books. Even where the reader does not agree, he or she will not be bored!"--Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
"This is an example of theological interpretation of scripture at its best. Harink combines close attention to the text with thoughtful theological reflection. He is aware of various historical-critical issues but does not allow them to distract from the theological concerns he brings to these letters. Moreover, his generous engagement with a variety of theological traditions invites all Christians to look at these oft-neglected epistles afresh."--Stephen E. Fowl, professor of theology, Loyola College in Maryland
"This volume on 1 & 2 Peter by Douglas Harink vindicates the concept of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible in one stroke. We are happily back in the company of the premodern interpreters, but--let this be noted--Origen, Augustine, Calvin, and their contemporaries are called upon by Harink to serve in one of the most immediately relevant, ethically rigorous, politically significant, and hermeneutically wide-ranging treatments of New Testament texts to appear on the postmodern landscape. There will be opposition to this enterprise, but preachers of the gospel should make no mistake--this is the real deal."--Fleming Rutledge, author of Not Ashamed of the Gospel and The Bible and the New York Times
"An outstanding, illuminating, impressive example of a commentary written in the canonical mode. Harink demonstrates the possibility of composing a commentary ancient in style, but contemporary in its cultural frame. This commentary displays instructive subtlety and scope in braiding scriptural, patristic, Reformation, modern, and postmodern wisdom together with the texts of 1 and 2 Peter, for the sake of the church, and therefore for the sake of the world."--A. K. M. Adam, tutor in New Testament and Greek, St. Stephen's House, University of Oxford
Praise for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible:
"What a splendid idea! Many preachers have been longing for more commentaries that are not only exegetical but theological in the best sense: arising out of the conviction that God, through his Word, still speaks in our time. For those of us who take our copies of Martin Luther's Galatians and Karl Barth's Romans from the shelves on a regular basis, this new series in that tradition promises renewed vigor for preaching, and therefore for the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church in our time."--Fleming Rutledge, author of The Bible and The New York Times and The Seven Last Words from the Cross
"This new series places the accent on 'theological' and reflects current interpretive ferment marked by growing resistance to the historical-critical project. It may be that scripture interpretation is too important to be left to the exegetes, and so a return to the theologians. We will wait with great anticipation for this new series, at least aware that the outcomes of interpretation are largely determined by the questions asked. It is never too late to ask better questions; with a focus on the theological tradition, this series holds the promise of asking interpretive questions that are deeply grounded in the primal claims of faith. The rich promise of the series is indicated by the stature and erudition of the commentators. Brazos has enormous promises to keep with this project, and we wait with eagerness for its appearing!"--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
"The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible makes a most welcome contribution to the church, the academic world, and the general public at large. By enlisting a wide range of Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox theologians who differ on much, but who agree on the truth of the Nicene Creed, the series also represents ecumenical activity of the very best kind. It is always a daunting challenge to expound the church's sacred book both simply and deeply, but this impressive line-up of authors is very well situated for the attempt."--Mark A. Noll, University of Notre Dame
"Preachers and teachers in particular, but thoughtful Christians more generally, have long lamented the slide of biblical scholarship into hyper-specialized critical studies of ancient texts in remote historical context. It is no wonder, therefore, that the Brazos Theological Commentary is being so warmly welcomed. The outstanding array of authors, beginning with Jaroslav Pelikan's splendid commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, is, at long last, reclaiming the Bible as the book of the living community of faith that is the church."--Richard John Neuhaus, author of American Babylon: Notes of a Christian Exile
"Contemporary application of the Bible to life is the preacher's business. But no worthy contemporary application is possible without a thorough understanding of the ancient text. The Brazos Theological Commentary exists to provide an accessible authority so that the preacher's application will be a ready bandage for all the hurts of life. We who serve the pulpit want a commentary we can understand, and those who hear us expect us to give them a usable word. The Brazos Commentary offers just the right level of light to make illuminating the word the joy it was meant to be."--Calvin Miller, author of A Hunger for the Holy and Loving God Up Close
"For pastors, wanting to get at the theological heart of a text, there is some good stuff. When I am preaching, I usually try to take a peek at the Brazos volume."--Nijay K. Gupta, assistant professor of New Testament, Northeastern Seminary, Roberts Wesleyan College
The Author
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Douglas Harink
Douglas Harink (PhD, University of St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology) is professor of theology at The King's University College in Edmonton, Alberta. He is a member of the Center of Theological Inquiry and the author of Paul among the...
Continue reading about Douglas Harink
Reviews
Word Guild 2010 Canadian Christian Writing Award
"A good commentator of the biblical texts is expected to be well acquainted on the one hand with the original languages, their grammar, and the meanings of words, phrases, and idioms of those languages, and on the other with the context and language of the target audience. Douglas Harink masterfully combines these qualities with his insightful works of Euro-American scholars who have examined the two letters bearing the name of Peter. His christological orientation, his commitment to the ministry of the church, and his deep desire to serve the people are evident throughout this commentary. . . . Every student of theology will benefit from engaging with this commentary."--Daniel Jeyaraj, Theological Book Review
"A good theological exposition, often bringing in the thoughts of systematicians and ethicists in a helpful way, as well as making pointed application."--Ray Van Neste, Preaching
"[Harink] writes here in a theological commentary series. That must be understood as one reads this commentary, for it is just what it intends to be--a theological commentary, not an exegetical commentary. . . . That allows Harink to jump right into each book with its first verse and briskly to start to unravel the theological threads. I find the approach rather refreshing, for it quickly reveals major themes that are often unwittingly obscured in the detail of the major exegetical commentaries. . . . Nor is this work devoid of cultural and exegetical observations. . . . As long as readers understand the perspective of this work and its limitations, they will find here a rich theological reflection."--Peter H. Davids, Catholic Biblical Quarterly