Genesis 1-11 - (Reformation Commentary on Scripture) by John L Thompson (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this new addition to the Reformation Commentary on Scripture, we read along as the Reformers return to the ancient stories of the six days of creation, the tragic fall of God's creature and the catastrophe of the flood and apply them to the tumultuous age of the Reformation. Here is a primary source for biblical renewal in the church today.

Book Synopsis

The first chapters of Genesis are the bedrock of the Jewish and Christian traditions. In these inaugural pages of the canon, the creation of the world, the fall of the human creature, the promise of redemption and the beginning of salvation history are found. Interwoven in the text are memorable stories of the ancient biblical patriarchs and matriarchs.Throughout the history of commentary, interpreters have lavished attention on the rich passages recounting the six days of creation, the tragic fall of God's creature--from the expulsion of the first parents to Cain's fratricide and the catastrophe of the Flood--as well as the allegorical sign of hope in the ark of Noah. Commentators in the Reformation continued this venerable tradition of detailed focus on these primordial stories, finding themselves and their era deeply connected to the tragedies and promises, the genealogies and marvels of God's providential election and governance. Above all, Reformation-era interpreters found anchor for their teaching, preaching and hope in the promise of Christ running through these first chapters, from creation to the calling of Abraham.While following the precedent of patristic and medieval commentators on Scripture, as well as Rabbinic midrash, the Reformers provide insightful and startling fresh readings of familiar passages, inviting readers to see the ancient text with new eyes. This volume collects the comments of not only the monumental thinkers like Luther, Calvin and Melancthon, but also many important figures of the time who are lesser-known today. Here we find rich fare from Johannes Brenz, Wolfgang Capito, Hans Denck, Wolfgang Musculus, Johannes Oecolampadius and Peter Martyr Vermigli.Readers will encounter comments from a wide array of perspectives, from the magisterial Reformers to radical Protestants like Balthasar Hubmaier, Menno Simons, Pilgram Marpeck and Dirk Philips, as well as some Catholic thinkers, such as Desiderius Erasmus and Cardinal Cajetan. Important contributions from female voices, like Katharina Schütz Zell and Anna Maria van Schurman are included also. The wealth of Reformation interpretation is brought together here for study and reflection, much appearing in English for the first time.

Review Quotes

"As you can imagine, this work is a goldmine of content on Genesis 1-11. . . . Fifty or more commentaries on Genesis appeared in the sixteenth century, and Thompson has concluded a labor of love in working through them and selecting useful excerpts. The Reformation was an era of biblical revival. May God use this series for similar work in our day."

--Vox Reformata, 2013

"This particular volume and this series promise to be welcome resources for exegetes, preachers, and theologians."

--Mark Mattes, Lutheran Quarterly, Volume XXVII (2013)

"This commentary provides a rich selection of interpretations, exposing readers to lesser-known interpreters like Christopher Pelargus rather than simply invoking the familiar names of Lutehr, Calvin and Swingli."

--Douglas Mangum, Bible Study Magazine, September/October 2012

"With regard to the express goals of this series, indeed, it broadens our exegetical horizons to include the voices of the Reformation. It will undoubtedly find its way into the contemporary preaching of the World, and as we are on the cusp of the 500th anniversary of the sixteenth-century Reformation, we will inevitable grow in our interest of the Reformers and their words, perspectives, theologies, and passions. What a better place to start this journey of reading the Bible with the Reformers than where the Bible begins--in Genesis. Not only is this commentary compilation of the Reformers enlightening and impactful but I must also admit that it is nothing short of--if I may use the word--fun."

--Aaron Hebbard, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, January 2014

About the Author

John L. Thompson is professor of historical theology and Galen and Susan Byker Professor of Reformed Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. He is a contributor to the Global Dictionary of Theology (InterVarsity Press), the author of John Calvin the Daughters of Sarah (Droz) and Writing the Wrongs (Oxford), and the coeditor of Biblical Interpretation in the Era of the Reformation (Eerdmans). He is married to another InterVarsity Press author, Marianne Meye Thompson.