The Lectionary Commentary, Vol. 3: The Gospels

by Roger E. Van Harn

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2005

Overview

An unprecedented, monumental work, the three-volume Lectionary Commentary offers superb exegetical essays on 513 biblical texts from the Revised Common Lectionary spanning the three-year liturgical cycle. The present volume, The Third Readings: The Gospels, covers the lectionary readings from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Unique to this volume is an excellent essay by C. Clifton Black on Augustinian preaching and the nurture of Christians.

Contents

Top Highlights

“to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins, all in the name of Jesus.” (Page 469)

“Their ‘only following orders’ behavior is deadly and serves as an implicit call to examine where we collude with evil by not intentionally standing against it.” (Page 11)

“Jesus’ birth evokes hostility in those seeking to remain enthroned and will not bow down to anything other than themselves. Not all the world, then or now, welcomes God’s presence in human affairs. This struggle between Herod and the Christ is waged outwardly in the world and inwardly in every person. Who shall rule? To whom shall allegiance be given?” (Page 10)

“Herod slaughters innocent children in an attempt not only to kill Jesus but also to intimidate any of the local population who might have heard of the birth and whose messianic hopes might thereby have been aroused.” (Page 9)

“The horrifying slaughter of the innocent male infants of Bethlehem puts an end to overly sentimental understandings of Jesus’ birth, disconnected from the dire realities of the world into which he was born and in which the reader also dwells.” (Page 8)

Praise for the Print Edition

An excellent tool for studying the texts of the lectionary.

—Clergy Journal

A remarkable achievement for its scholarly exegesis and its concern to provide a basis for exposition...Will pay handsome dividends for preachers and congregations.

—Expository Times

Product Details

• Title: The Lectionary Commentary, Vol. 3: The Gospels (The Third Readings)
• Editor: Roger E. Van Harn
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 655

About Roger E. Van Harn

Roger E. Van Harn is retired from the pastorate of Grace Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Among his other books are Preacher, Can You Hear Us Listening? and Exploring and Proclaiming the Apostles' Creed.