The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon
Overview
This powerful reference tool is a book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, detailed look at the historical, geographical, cultural, and economic background of Acts–Philemon. Much more than simply theology or a word study, The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary transports the reader back into the setting of the New Testament to see, touch, and hear as much of that world as possible.
For the entire set, see The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: New Testament (3 vols.).
Key Features
- Provides a verse-by-verse commentary of Acts through Philemon
- Covers historical events, social customs, and figures of speech in the first century
- Establishes the setting of New Testament writings
Top Highlights
“Luke focuses on the significance of the name of Jesus throughout this volume underscoring that what was done by the early church was done by the authority and in the power of Jesus.” (Page 38)
“Philippi was located in northeastern Greece and was the first city in Europe in which the gospel was preached” (Page 573)
“Within the text of Phil. 2 Paul has neatly woven what seems to be an ancient hymn of unknown origin” (Page 571)
“Second, he wrote to warn the Philippians of false teachings (3:2–21; see Paul’s Opponents in Philippians below). Third, Paul wrote to inform them regarding their messenger, Epaphroditus. They sent him to care for Paul’s needs, but Epaphroditus turned desperately ill. Having recovered and successfully completed his task, the messenger is being sent back to Philippi and where he should receive honor for his service (2:25–30). Fourth, Paul writes to correct division within the Philippian church (1:27; 2:2–4, 16; 4:1–2). Fifth, the apostle exhorts this church to rejoice regardless of adverse circumstances, as he himself is doing (2:18; 3:1; 4:4). Finally, Paul writes to thank the Philippian saints for their gift, presumably of money, which relieved him in his situation (4:10–20).” (Page 571)
“Pentecost was a time when Jews from all over the Greco-Roman world came for the annual celebration. In time, but it is not clear that it occurred in the first century a.d., the time was eventually set aside in the rabbinic period (probably around a.d. 270) to celebrate the giving of the Law (Exod. 19:1) (see b. Pesahim 68b). This may have derived from Jubilees 6:15–22 where the Feast of Weeks was interpreted as a renewal of the covenant.” (Page 25)
- Title: Acts–Philemon
- Author: Craig A. Evans
- Edition: First Edition
- Series: The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary
- Publisher: David C. Cook
- Print Publication Date: 2004
- Logos Release Date: 2016
- Pages: 704
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Acts › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Romans › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 1 Corinthians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 2 Corinthians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Galatians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Ephesians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Philippians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Colossians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 1 Thessalonians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 2 Thessalonians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 1 Timothy › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 2 Timothy › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Titus › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Philemon › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780781440066, 9780781438681, 9780781442282, 0781440068, 0781438683, 0781442281
- Resource ID: LLS:BKBC65AC
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T17:13:06Z
Craig A. Evans earned his PhD in biblical studies at Claremont Graduate University and received his decretum habilitationis from Budapest. He is Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament; Acadia Divinity College Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada; John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins (Houston Theological Seminary); a New Testament scholar; and a prolific author and popular teacher/speaker.
Evans is well-known for his work on the Gospels, the Historical Jesus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the archaeology of the New Testament. His passion for archaeology has him frequently participating in Middle East digs and leading Holy Land tours. He has regularly appeared in television and radio interviews, such as the History Channel, BBC, and Dateline NBC, served as a consultant on the National Geographic Society's Gospel of Judas project and for The Bible television miniseries, and is featured in documentaries like Fragments of Truth and the Archaeology and Jesus series.
He's written hundreds of articles and reviews and published more than 70 books, including Jesus and His Contemporaries, Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies, Mark in the Word Biblical Commentary, Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels, God Speaks, and Jesus and the Remains of His Days: Studies in Jesus and Archaeology. He coauthored Jesus, the Final Days with N. T. Wright.
