Colossians and Philemon - (Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament) by Holly Beers

About the Book

This commentary on Colossians and Philemon by a New Testament scholar from the Spirit-filled tradition emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contexts.

Book Synopsis

The Spirit who inspired the authors of the New Testament is at work today around the globe, as evidenced by the explosive growth of pentecostal, charismatic, and renewalist movements; the number of adherents is now estimated at more than half a billion. There is a clear need for a balanced, affordable, and accessible commentary series aimed at Christians who identify as Spirit-filled.

The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament series emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contexts. Written by pastorally sensitive biblical scholars from the Spirit-filled tradition, these commentaries explore how God works in the biblical texts and how Christians can expect God to work today, even if in new or culturally surprising ways. Series editors are Holly Beers, Westmont College, and Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary.

In this addition to the series, respected New Testament scholar Holly Beers engages Colossians and Philemon in their ancient setting and explores their message for Spirit-filled Christians today. Images, illustrations, and sidebars on pentecostal/charismatic/revival history or insights are included.

From the Back Cover

The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament series emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contexts.

"A wonderfully readable initiation into the letters of Colossians and Philemon. Holly Beers is a trustworthy and winsome guide to the history, text, and theology of these New Testament letters. Her writing is fresh and insightful, warm and inviting. The accent on hearing the text within the pentecostal tradition is a welcome lens for understanding and contemplation."
--Jeannine K. Brown, Bethel Seminary, Saint Paul, Minnesota

"From the early days of Christianity, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus have understood the Bible as a book of power, not just a relic of history or a collection of sound advice. Beers does more than recognize that fact; she lives, moves, and has her being in that reality. She speaks the language. She has created a series and written a commentary that emerge from a world infused with the Spirit. Well informed. Nuanced. And at times downright colloquial. A careful reader may feel the Spirit wind blowing across these pages."
--David B. Capes, Lanier Theological Library

"Beers offers a clear and thoughtful exploration of Paul's letters, balancing diverse interpretations while uncovering each passage's core meaning. Drawing on textual nuances and insights from the pentecostal tradition, this commentary invites readers into a deeper engagement with Paul's message of faith and discipleship for today."
--Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III, Vanguard University

"Beers brings two undervalued Pauline letters out of the shadows and reestablishes their contributions to God's redemptive plan for humans and the renewal of creation. Beers establishes that in Colossians the ever-pastoral pastor Paul links his cosmic Christology to daily discipleship. In discussing Philemon, she extends Paul's specific exhortation toward communal embodiment of restorative hospitality. Beers reminds readers that gospel-centered theology prepares a path for flourishing Christian relationships and communities."
--Martin Mittelstadt, Evangel University

About the Author

Holly Beers (PhD, London School of Theology) is associate professor of religious studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She formerly served on the board of the Institute for Biblical Research and is a participating member of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. Beers is the author of The Followers of Jesus as the "Servant" and A Week in the Life of a Greco-Roman Woman. She regularly preaches and teaches in her charismatic church.