Acts 1-9:42, Volume 37a - (Word Biblical Commentary) by Steve Walton (Hardcover)

About the Book

Volumes in the Word Biblical Commentary series provide a comprehensive treatment of the biblical text and balanced insight into the meanings of the text within the framework of biblical theology.

Book Synopsis

Over 2 million copies sold in The Word Biblical Commentary series.

This commentary series delivers the best in biblical scholarship from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation.

It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence, resulting in judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Overview of Commentary Organization:

• Introduction--covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology.
• Pericope Bibliography--a helpful resource containing the most important works that pertain to each particular pericope.
• Translation--the author's own translation of the biblical text, reflecting the end result of exegesis and attending to Hebrew and Greek idiomatic usage of words, phrases, and tenses, yet in reasonably good English.
• Notes--the author's notes to the translation that address any textual variants, grammatical forms, syntactical constructions, basic meanings of words, and problems of translation.
• Form/Structure/Setting--a discussion of redaction, genre, sources, and tradition as they concern the origin of the pericope, its canonical form, and its relation to the biblical and extra-biblical contexts in order to illuminate the structure and character of the pericope. Rhetorical or compositional features important to understanding the passage are also introduced here.
• Comment--verse-by-verse interpretation of the text and dialogue with other interpreters, engaging with current opinion and scholarly research.
• Explanation--brings together all the results of the discussion in previous sections to expose the meaning and intention of the text at several levels: (1) within the context of the book itself; (2) its meaning in the OT or NT; (3) its place in the entire canon; (4) theological relevance to broader OT or NT issues.
• General Bibliography--occurring at the end of each volume, this extensive bibliography contains all sources used anywhere in the commentary.

Review Quotes

A few decades after the tried and tested commentaries by F. F. Bruce and of C. K. Barrett, Walton provides an excellent fresh commentary on the book of Acts in the best British tradition: detailed and erudite explanation of the Greek text (that is, commentary on the actual text, rather than on research old and new) and a balanced focus on history and theology in Acts. Walton stresses the way in which God acted in all of the events and the responses he sought (and still seeks!) from people. Add to all of this clarity in style, a warm faith perspective and inspiring reflections on the meaning of the text for our day and age. Read, learn, enjoy and serve!--
--Christoph W. Stenschke, Department of New Testament and Related Literature, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, South Africa

I welcome this eclectic, traditional and conservative reading of this commentary based on the Greek text of Acts (1 -9). The variety of reading approaches allows the reader to gain a better understanding of the overall salvific message for all, rather than just the opinions of scholars. Expectantly, I await the culmination of the project. I plan to use the commentary in my classes.--
--Ruben Muñoz-Larrondo, associate professor of biblical studies, Andrews University

In this first volume of three, Steve Walton's expertise on the book of Acts is supremely evident. Careful and thorough, Walton's commentary keeps our eyes firmly fixed on the text of Acts, while illuminating key historical and theological matters, as well as the text's richly Jewish context. In doing so, Walton has provided an invaluable resource to students, scholars, and pastors alike for many years to come.--
--Brittany E. Wilson, associate professor of New Testament, Duke University

Steve Walton has dedicated decades to studying Acts and scholarship about this intriguing piece of scripture. His detailed exposition of Acts consistently keeps the biblical text in the center of the discussion. A storehouse loaded with knowledge and insight to feed scholars, ministry leaders, and students, Walton's commentary is no small achievement!--
--Matthew L. Skinner, Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary

Steve Walton is a master of exegetical conversation with rich detail and a teacher's voice. This volume is a valuable contribution to Luke-Acts scholarship and will be needed on the shelves of pastors, teachers, scholars and students.--
--Sarah Harris, research fellow, Carey Baptist College, New Zealand

Steve Walton is one of the leading scholars of the Acts of the Apostles of this generation. With this thorough commentary we have the benefit of sitting at the feet of a master interpreter of Acts and learning what he has to say about the entire corpus of Acts. You are in for a feast!--
--Osvaldo Padilla, professor of divinity and New Testament, Beeson Divinity School

Steve Walton's commentary is a long-awaited event in the study of Acts of the Apostles. Walton is rightly known for his mastery of the scholarly literature, and he puts that knowledge to admirable use in his reading of the text. Scholars, pastors, teachers, and students will all benefit from Walton's exposition.--
--C. Kavin Rowe, George Washington Ivey Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Duke University

The first volume of Steve Walton's Word commentary on Acts is a long-awaited publishing achievement. With his accustomed clarity and charity, Walton invites us to sit around the table with the Greek text of Acts in the center, engaging in conversation with a wealth of scholarship old and new. Walton explains the Greek text clearly (with 'intermediate' Greek students in mind), threading his way expertly through the intricacies of Acts interpretation, but never losing sight of the message of the text about the way God acts in the world and its importance for readers today.--
--Loveday Alexander, professor emerita, University of Sheffield

This wonderful commentary reflects decades of detailed study of the text of the Acts of the Apostles. It is a remarkable achievement: a commentary on the Greek text, fully informed by recent scholarship, which discusses all the important dimensions of the text of Acts and is rich in theological depth and insight. It will be a treasured resource for decades to come, assisting scholars and students alike to interpret the message of Acts.--
--Paul Trebilco, professor of New Testament studies, University of Otago, New Zealand

With critical attention to history and theology, literary and cultural contexts alike, Steve Walton invites us to read Acts in all its complexity so that Luke's storytelling can continue to nurture faithful communities today. This commentary will quickly become a vital resource on Acts for both scholars and preachers.--
--Eric Barreto, Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary