Peter (Ancient-Future Bible Study): Fisherman and Shepherd of the Church

Ancient-Future Bible Study: Experience Scripture through Lectio Divina

by Stephen J. Binz

Ancient-Future Bible Study incorporates contemporary study of the Bible with an experience of the church's most ancient way of reading Scripture, lectio divina. This time-honored practice consists of five basic biblical study (lectio), reflection (meditatio), prayer (oratio), discernment (contemplatio), and contemplative action (operatio). In six clearly written volumes, bestselling author Stephen Binz helps readers study the Bible in a way that leads to spiritual transformation and brings them closer to God.Binz leads readers in a vivid study of key biblical characters, including Abraham, Paul, Peter, David, the women of the Torah, and the women of the Gospels. He shows all Christians who desire to have a transforming experience with the inspired Word of God how studying Scripture through lectio divina can enrich their discipleship. This ecumenical Bible study, designed for use by individuals or groups, includes questions for personal reflection and suggested action. Each volume includes leader's notes for guiding a study over the course of six sessions.

Genres: Christian

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Stephen J. Binz is a biblical scholar, writer, and speaker, with graduate studies from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Jerusalem. He has written over three dozen books in biblical theology and spirituality. His books have earned first and second place awards from the Catholic Press Association and three First Place awards from the Catholic Publishers Association’s Excellence in Publishing Awards.

As a popular speaker, Stephen Binz addresses audiences at national and regional conferences, offering keynotes, seminars, and workshops. His audiences include the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, the National Catholic Education Association, and Fashion Me People. He is also an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association.

He is the founder and author of Threshold Bible Study (Twenty-Third Publications), Ancient-Future Bible Study (Brazos Press), Lectio Divina Bible Study (OSV Publications), and the Conversing with God in Scripture series (Word Among Us Press). All of his books in print may be found at his website: www.Bridge-B.com

He lives in Baton Rouge, LA, where his wife Pamela is a member of the School of Music faculty at Louisiana State University.

Reviews

[Valerie Caraotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study on Peter by Stephen Binz is an Ancient-Future Bible study that incorporates five movements. The movements, described in detail are a listening ear, a reflection on the meaning of the text,praying in response to God's Word, along with resting in God and becoming a faithful witness in daily life. There are different reading plans given to help you choose the pace to suit your interest, along with the option of making it an individual or group study.

The life of Peter will be highlighted throughout Acts, Matthew, and John primarily and will focus on his character and mission both before and after Jesus death. Peter appears in the Gospels more frequently than all the other disciples and is an interesting man of contradiction. His impulsive, straightforward, and blunt personality collaborates with a continual pattern of invitation, risk, failure, and rescue. Author Stephen Binz states "When we fail while attempting great things, even when our failure is caused by doubt and fear, we are growing in faith." Learn how this man of intensity in his later life directs his efforts in exhorting Pastors to "tend to the flock", just as Jesus encouraged him to "feed my sheep" before his crucifixation.

You will gain a deep picture of Peter and grow to appreciate the depths of which his convictions stood for. This talented author will bring out truths in one of the finest bible studies you will find on Peter. In each of the 5 movements discussed at large at the beginning of the book will have each chapter theme that will prompt you as to how to use each to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject at hand.

I have never heard of these movements previously nor of this author, but both have been rewarding in my journey through this book. I highly recommend it to you with a 5 star rating.

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I got to this book in my TBR pile, I had forgotten it was designed to be a study and wasn't prepared to start a new study at that time. So I just read it through rather than spending a week on each section as recommended. Consequently, I didn't get the full benefit of Lectio Divina.

However, I am accustomed to using the Precept method of Bible study, where the student studies the texts and cross-references to know what the Scripture says before reading other commentaries. This gives a commentary immediately after the reading.

I really liked getting new insights into Simon Peter, although I didn't agree with everything that was presented (for example the description of sin as not being true to who we really are).

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of 30 excerpts from Peter's life, with brief thoughtful comment, and questions for lectio divina. All of it was solid, with the former perhaps more useful than the latter to me at this point. A good devotional, especially aimed at Christian service.