The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (New International Greek Testament Com (Eerdmans))
America"Up-to-date and well-informed expositions. James Dunn has developed into one of the best interpreters of the Pauline epistles. His positions on introductory and exegetical matters are solid and clearly argued, and his coverage of the secondary literature is impressive. One can learn a good deal about exegetical relevance from Dunn's Pauline commentaries."Andrews University Seminary Studies"His commentaries reflect his careful attention to detail, his unusual ability to identify ancient parallels, and a keen insights into modern-day applications. It is a commentary characterized by careful exegesis of the Greek text, yet it is presented in language that is not beyond the grasp of the average minister. Even the footnotes are concise and not highly technical. In spirit of the number and variety of NT commentaries now available, this recent series, and this volume in particular, make a valuable contribution."Bibliotheca Sacra"The content of the commentary reflects first-rate scholarship."Church Libraries"This commentary will take its place among the best on these two New Testament books."Church Times (U.K.)"A serious academic commentary on the Greek text. A balanced study, carefully weighing alternatives."Expository Times"Retaining his close attention to detail and immense sweep of the literature, Professor Dunn provides a full discussion of critical and historical issues in the introductions to the two letters and his verse by verse comment. Useful for the minister as well as the scholar."Interpretation"Any commentary by James Dunn is worth reading, and this one is no exception. Clearly written and widely researched, the comments are well informed with respect both to the ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman thought-worlds and a wide range of early Christian traditions, and to contemporary scholarship. . . There are many useful insights in the volume for preachers and scholars alike, and it will richly repay a careful reading."Journal of Biblical Literature"James D. G. Dunn's well-known and formidable exegetical skills are amply displayed in his new commentary on Colossians and Philemon for the New International Greek Testament Commentary Series. On both these texts Dunn offers balanced and reasonable readings that will certainly become essential moments in scholarly discussion of these texts. . . A wonderful exegetical resource for at least two reasons: first, Dunn offers persuasive and plausible readings of these texts, and, second, he provides a wealth of information on scholarly debate on these texts. . . The exegetical balance and conceptual complexity of Dunn's readings will make this commentary an essential part of subsequent discussion of this text. . . Overall this is a stunningly successful commentary. Once again, Dunn shows that he is an instructive and persuasive reader of biblical texts."Journal of Theological Studies"In a lively and almost conversational way, he marshals the evidence with painstaking care so as to show exactly what his own conclusions are and how he reaches them. It is a mine of information."Religious Studies Review"Based on the Greek text and intended mainly for scholars, the commentary on both epistles is reliable, thorough, and fully engaged with the results of contemporary research."The Bible Today"Superb commentary. A fine, reliable commentary."The Catholic Biblical Quarterly"Bringing his well-known exegetical skills to two closely related NT letters, James D. G. Dunn offers a volume of interest to biblical scholars and theologians alike. Overall, this is an excellent, carefully crafted commentary eminently worth a place in the scholar's study."Themelios"The maturity and depth of Dunn's scholarship result in a commentary that is balanced and rich but not overwhelming in detail. The reader would have to look hard to identify someone better suited to comment on Colossians and Philemon and to find scholarship that is so consistently good. What in particular makes this volume worthwhile is the balance it strikes between depth and approachability: the commentary has the weightiness of a reference volume but its writing has a clarity and economy that engages the reader. It is one of the most readable commentaries around."