Colossians and Philemon

Michael F. Bird is lecturer in Theology and New Testament at Crossway College in Brisbane, Australia. He is the author of several books including Jesus and the Origins of the Gentile Mission, The Saving Righteousness of God, A Birds-Eye View of Paul, and Are You the One Who is to Come? The Historical Jesus and the Messianic Question.

• PrefaceAbbreviationsIntroduction to Colossians and PhilemonColossians1:1-21:3-14Fusing the Horizons: The Global Church1:15-20Fusing the Horizons: Christological Assertions1:21-231:24-2:72:8-23Fusing the Horizons: Common FaithExcursus: Colossians and the Roman Empire3:1-17Fusing the Horizons: Doctrine and Life3:18-4:14:2-18Fusing the Horizons: Christian LeadersPhilemon1-78-2223-25Fusing the Horizons: Ministerial FormationBibliographyName IndexScripture Index

Bird's commentary is readable and informative. Clear translations of Colossians and Philemon assist readers, and Greek words are transliterated. He keeps to the series [New Covenant Commentary Series, Ed.] principle of focusing on larger units and this works will. I particularly liked his use of archaeology, social and historical aspects. Moreover, the relationship between the NT text and current faith communities is well balanced, valuable and engaging.