1, 2 Peter, Jude: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture

New American Bible Commentary, New Testament Set #37

by Thomas R. Schreiner

Thomas Schreiner, an articulate and highly respected biblical scholar and theologian, guides the reader carefully through these practical, yet profound epistles. The two letters of Peter and the epistle of Jude remind us that God's grace in Christ makes a difference in the way believers live. We were chosen not only for salvation but also for obedience. Too often our churches suffer from moral breakdown and a false view of tolerance. Christians often avoid any word of criticism or judgment because they fear that strong words compromise love. We learn from these epistles that love manifests itself in godly living and that right doctrine must be matched by Christlike lives. The Holy One calls us to be holy as well.

Genres: Reference, New Testament, Theology, Christianity, Christian, Biblical Studies, History

937 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Thomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including New Testament Theology; Magnifying God in Christ; Apostle of God's Glory in Christ; and Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Reviews

[Peter Krol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Schreiner's comments on 1 Peter, and they were superb. He does a great job at observing the text and explaining the flow of thought. He is easy to read, while still scholarly. Also, and I rarely find this done well in biblical commentaries, he handles Old Testament quotes and allusions very well. Sometimes in brief and sometimes at length, he goes back to the OT context to show what the passage meant then and how Peter is using it now.

This was very helpful to me as I prepared for a Bible study in 1 Peter this summer.

Just one beef I had was that he didn't do so well showing how grace drives our obedience in 1 Peter. His perspective often came across (as the usual evangelical approach) as though we need grace to become Christians, but then we need more discipline to grow as Christians. Grace was not absent, but he was not very skilled at connecting grace into the details of our sanctification.

For example, in the text, we're commanded to be holy as God is holy (1:15-16), but the power and resources for that holiness come through reminding ourselves of the Gospel and letting it change us (1:17-21), not just through our own elbow grease!

[Drew Norwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a scholarly commentary than I had hoped. It included much more on the debates among scholars than I wanted, and not as much exegesis and application.

[1nemind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent commentary to add to the The New American Commentary series by B&H. Scholarly, pastoral and thoroughly evangelical.

Thomas Schreiner is definitely one of my favorite commentators. And in his commentary on 1st, and 2nd Peter and Jude, he does not disappoint! He is scholarly, yet easy to read, in depth, yet not tedious, and, in my opinion, most importantly of all, he seems to be a genuine believer who writes with a desire to not only edify his readers but exhort and convict them. I also appreciate that he is quick to correct the NIV text where it errs, which is quite often.

He does a good job of capturing the purpose of the books. He shows an excellent ability to work through the text and he does a fantastic job of referencing early writings which have significance (see especially the plethora of quotations on Jude 5-7).

He handles Jude 5-7 as well as I've seen in any commentaries. He interprets the text seemingly leaving any biases he may have out of the way. He doesn't shy away from any of the difficult passages in these books but instead (which isn't always the case with some commentators) give extra special care and time to them.

All in all, you'll be hard pressed to find a better commentary on these books and also hard pressed to find a better commentator, he is up there with the likes of Carson and Moo but more readable in my opinion.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schreiner delivers a scholarly work that helped me gain a more complete understanding of 1 Peter, Jude, and 2 Peter.

1 Peter - We are pilgrims journeying towards our eternal home. We endure adversity, represent Christ with our lives, and, above all, we love each other. We do these things by the grace God has supplied unto the glory He is due.

2 Peter/Jude - Jude, I am convinced, precedes 2 Peter. Peter would expand upon Jude in his letter while Jude helps us with interpretive difficulties in 2 Peter.

We contend for the doctrine of the gospel which Jesus entrusted to His Apostles (Jude 3). Yet as we take a bold stand against destructive heresies that deny Jesus (2 Peter 2:1), we also stand in awe as we remember God's faithfulness to preserve His people (Jude 24, 2 Peter 2:9).

God is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) Even now, the offer for salvation through Jesus Christ stands through the GIFT of faith (2 Peter 1:1).

[Chuck Bonadies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding commentary! I've yet to come across a commentator that lays out the issues as clearly as Schreiner. His handling of the intertextual, non-canonical books (e.g. Jude's use of the Assumption of Moses)leads a reader to appreciate why Jude chose to include these Jewish texts. If I was only allowed a single work on Jude, I'd choose this one.

CB

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the 2 Peter portion of this commentary. Schreiner does a good job and confronts theological issues most commentators avoid.

[Despond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more updated commentary which includes more up to date books used. Schreiner has done a great work with this commentary. A lot of the technical aspects and research are put as footnotes, his commentary flows well from beginning to end. It is practical as well. Really well written Commentary on a difficult book of the Bible. I only read the 1 Peter commentary.

[Josh Westerlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly one of the more enjoyable commentaries I have read recently. Easier to read than most. While I don't prefer the fact that it is keyed to the NIV, the author utilizes a variety of translations and even outright states where he thinks the NIV botched the translation. If the other commentaries in this series are half as well done, I'll be picking up more.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got to read this commentary for a class I am taking. It is good read, has lots of good information on it. My only issue with it was his strong Calvinistic stance on the books. I agree with most of what He says except for that. If you are into reformed theology, then you will like this commentary.

[Donald Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schreiner is conservative, he does a fair job of discussing the text, but I think he sometimes likes to find novel points of view.

I do find his work informative, and often helpful, but he is not the top of my list.

[Daniel Warne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schreiner gives excellent thought, research, and insight into three of Scripture's most debated books and guides his readers to a clear understanding of the texts, rooted in firm belief in the inspiration of God.

[John Pawlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well balanced book full of scholarly insight, pastoral application, and solid reflection. This balanced out a more critical commentary I read very well

[Dan Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 2 Peter section of this book. Very clear, especially on giving different perspectives, while stating what he believes.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and accessible. Better on Peter than Jude.

[Jobe (Bookslayer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am only rating based on the 1 Peter Commentary. Quite helpful.

[Ben Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful- read for Jude.

[Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the best commentary in the series. I find everything to by Thomas Schreiner to be high-quality, well-researched, and most importantly true to the Scripture. Highly recommended.