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Colossians and Ephesians
Contributor(s): MacDonald, Margaret Y. (Author)
ISBN: 0814658199     ISBN-13: 9780814658192
Publisher: Liturgical Press
OUR PRICE:   $61.70  
Product Type: Hardcover
Published: October 2000
Qty:
Annotation: Presented by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars, Sacra Pagina is a fresh series of translations and expositions of the books of the New Testament. The volumes provide basic information as well as sound, critical analysis in a highly readable manner -- yet remain sensitive to religious meaning. Each author has adopted a specific methodology while focusing on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves. The expression "Sacra Pagina" ("Sacred Page") refers to the text of Scripture. In the Middle Ages it also described the study of Scripture to which the interpreter brought the tools of grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, and philosophy. Thus, Sacra Pagina encompasses both the text and the act of interpretation.

The "very soul of sacred theology" (Dei Verbum 24). That's how the Second Vatican Council described the study of the "sacred page". These volumes open up the riches of the New Testament and invite all Christians to study seriously the "sacred page".

MacDonald unravels the nature of the relationship between Colossians and Ephesians, highlighting their distinct perspectives by drawing upon insights from sociology and cultural anthropology.

Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Biblical Commentary - New Testament - General
- Religion | Biblical Criticism & Interpretation - New Testament
- Religion | Biblical Studies - New Testament - General
Dewey: 227.507
LCCN: 00-27615
Series: Sacra Pagina (Hardcover)
Physical Information: 1.39" H x 6.34" W x 9.33" (1.71 lbs) 416 pages
Themes:
- Theometrics - Catholic
- Religious Orientation - Christian
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:
No two works in the Pauline Epistles resemble each other as closely as Colossians and Ephesians. Often recognized for their majestic tone and powerful theological statement, Colossians and Ephesians also present many challenges of interpretation. Most commentaries on these letters seem preoccupied with the same few issues, particularly the question of authorship. As MacDonald addresses these classic questions, she offers a fresh perspective on Colossians and Ephesians by making use of insights from the social sciences. Moreover, by paying attention to subtle differences between the two letters, she brings their distinct perspectives into sharp relief.

MacDonald highlights the interplay between Colossians and Ephesians and the social life of New Testament communities. She illustrates how the texts reflect ancient cultural values and are influenced by particular aspects of community life such as worship and household existence. In particular, she reflects on the issues faced by these communities as they formed institutions and interacted with the society around them. She shows the struggles of the New Testament communities to survive and maintain a distinct identity in first-century society.

Chapters under Colossians are Greeting (1:1-2), Thanksgiving for the Colossians (1:3-8), Prayer on Behalf of the Colossians (1:9-14, ) The Christ-Hymn (1:15-20), Application of Hymn to the Situation in Colossae (1:21-23), Paul's Authority in Colossae and Laodicea (1:24-2:7), Debate with the Opponents: The Power of the Risen Christ (2:8-15), Debate with the Opponents: Warnings Against Ascetic Practices (2:16-23), New Life in Light of the Resurrection (3:1-4), Ethical Guidelines for a New Life (3:5-17), The Households of Believers(3:18-4:1), Prayer, Mission, and Contact with Outsiders (4:2-6), Conclusion: Personal Notes and Greetings (4:7-18).

Chapters under Ephesians are Greeting (1:1-2), Blessing (1:3-14), Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:15-23), The Consequences of Life Together with Christ (2:1-10), The Unity of Jews and Gentiles Created by Christ (2:11-22), The Apostle as Interpreter of the Divine Mystery (3:1-13), Prayer and Doxology (3:14-21), The Unity of the Spirit (4:1-16), The Sons of Disobedience and the Children of Light (4:17-5:20), The Households of Believers (5:21-6:9), Doing Battle with Evil (6:10-20), Conclusion: Personal Matters and Final Blessing (6:21-24).

Margaret Y. MacDonald is a professor in the department of religious studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.


Contributor Bio(s): MacDonald, Margaret Y.: - Margaret Y. MacDonald is a professor in the department of religious studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. She and Carolyn Osiek have coauthored (with Janet H. Tulloch) A Women's Place: House Churches in Earliest Christianity (Fortress, 2006). Her research has been supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.