1, 2 Peter and Jude Through the Centuries - (Wiley Blackwell Bible Commentaries) by Rebecca Skaggs (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Although small, 1 Peter addresses at least briefly all of the major doctrines of Christianity. Of course, these 'kernels' would be elaborated, debated and developed as the Church moved through the centuries, but an exploration into the reception of this text indicates that these ideas existed at a very early time and that Peter had a serious effect on their later development. The main theme of 1 Peter introduced in Chapter 1 is the transformed life which for Peter almost always (necessarily?) includes the element of suffering. Peter also weaves throughout, admonitions on the behavior of the transformed life and how to embrace this joyfully by God's grace and hope. In fact in spite of the dark undertones of severe persecution through the epistle, there is a remarkable emphasis on grace, joy, hope and peace. He provides three special metaphors of this life for the individual as well as the community - grass, milk and living stones"--

Book Synopsis

Explores the epistles' reception history and their effects in sermons, music, art, literature, and politics over time

1, 2 Peter and Jude Through the Centuries considers three small epistles which are often overlooked in controversial discussions of theology, culture, art, music, politics, and literature. This book offers fresh perspectives on the epistles' effects in numerous theological and cultural contexts such as slavery, the role of women in marriage, the nature of Christology, and how believers should relate to the government.

Author Rebecca Skaggs traces the reception history of 1 Peter, Jude, and 2 Peter and investigates the texts' effects on diverse doctrinal, social and political issues. Their influence on artists, musicians, dramatists and literary writers is explored, especially the Doctrine of the Descent of Christ into Hades. Each chapter includes an overview of central issues and topics, a selection of ancient readings with interpretations and a brief survey of modern scholarship on the subject. Illuminating how readings vary across historical periods and interpretive communities, this book:

• Traces the multi-faceted contributions of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude to theological discussions
• Provides a sampling of the kinds of effects available from each of the texts in various contexts
• Shows how the epistles engage in the discussions and controversies of the Medieval Ages
• Offers discussions of the epistles' contributions to doctrinal debates on the inspiration of scripture and how to respond to heresy in the church
• Features detailed treatment of topics such as Christ's visit to the spirits in prison, the dispute between Michael and Satan over Moses' body and the final judgment by fire
• Features commentary from a leading scholar in New Testament Studies and Christian Theology

Offering enlightening essays and new approaches, 1, 2 Peter and Jude Through the Centuries is an ideal book for anyone interested in the rich contributions of these epistles, such as Biblical and Theological Studies students, and pastors looking for original insights on reception material.

From the Back Cover

Explores the epistles' reception history and their effects in sermons, music, art, literature, and politics over time

1, 2 Peter and Jude Through the Centuries considers three small epistles which are often overlooked in controversial discussions of theology, culture, art, music, politics, and literature. This book offers fresh perspectives on the epistles' effects in numerous theological and cultural contexts such as slavery, the role of women in marriage, the nature of Christology, and how believers should relate to the government.

Author Rebecca Skaggs traces the reception history of 1 Peter, Jude, and 2 Peter and investigates the texts' effects on diverse doctrinal, social, and political issues. Their influence on artists, musicians, dramatists, and literary writers is explored, especially the Doctrine of the Descent of Christ into Hades. Each chapter includes an overview of central issues and topics, a selection of ancient readings with interpretations, and a brief survey of modern scholarship on the subject. Illuminating how readings vary across historical periods and interpretive communities, this book:

• Traces the multi-faceted contributions of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude to theological discussions
• Provides a sampling of the kinds of effects available from each of the texts in various contexts
• Shows how the epistles engage in the discussions and controversies of the Medieval Ages
• Offers discussions of the epistles' contributions to doctrinal debates on the inspiration of scripture and how to respond to heresy in the church
• Features detailed treatment of topics such as Christ's visit to the spirits in prison, the dispute between Michael and Satan over Moses' body, and the final judgment by fire
• Features commentary from a leading scholar in New Testament Studies and Christian Theology

Offering enlightening essays and new approaches, 1, 2 Peter and Jude Through the Centuries is an ideal book for anyone interested in the rich contributions of these epistles, such as Biblical and Theological Studies students, and pastors looking for original insights on reception material.

About the Author

Rebecca Skaggs is Professor of New Testament and Greek at Patten University, Oakland, California. Previously, she was Fellow at the Kierkegaard Library, St. Olaf College and is author of several books and numerous journal articles on the New Testament and the early Christian Church.