What do you think?
Rate this book
From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation
From Pentecost to Patmos is professor Craig L. Blomberg’s follow-up companion to his 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion Award-winning book, Jesus and the Gospels. In the same style as that first acclaimed and widely used volume, the author goes deep into the biblical writings of Acts through Revelation, helping serious Bible students to better understand the historical, linguistic, and theological significances found in each book.
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2006
60 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Craig L. Blomberg
83 books97 followersDr. Craig Blomberg joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 1986. He is currently a distinguished professor of New Testament.
Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.
In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.
Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.
In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 29, 2013
The book of Acts, the Pauline Epistles, I and 2 Peter, Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation form the majority of the New Testament books of the Bible. Thus, it is vital to understand what these books are saying, their context, who the authors of these books are, why these books were written and to whom, as well as a number of other vital background information necessary to properly interpret what God is saying to His people in these books. A quality New Testament Commentary can oven serve the needed purpose of providing the student of Scripture with a solid overview of the content and purpose of the books its discusses. Dr. Craig Blomberg’s book, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation stands as one of those much needed quality New Testament surveys.
Blomberg takes his experience as a professor to the written page, providing the reader with a New Testament commentary that focuses on “surveying the actual structure and contents of each book, the main points in each section, the distinctive exegetical cruxes, and several key items for contemporary application.” His purpose in focusing on such elements is again based on his experience in the Seminary classroom, taking the areas he knows are important for understanding the New Testament books he discusses in an effort to provide the reader with the needed foundation for examining these texts. His underlying approach is really to give the reader who may not be able to sit in a Seminary classroom, the ability to exegete Acts through Revelation in a sound biblically based manner as well as a quite thorough background of just what is being discussed in these books and why it even matters.
The format of this book is very systematic in its structure with a consistent pattern of discussion found in relation to Acts through Revelation. Blomberg begins with a few opening comments on the particular book being focused on in the respective chapters, followed by a discussion of who the author was (if known), the date the book was penned, the audience of the book, the purpose or purposes of why the book was written, the genre and structure of the book, any particular issues of textual criticism or non-biblical sources of importance, any chronological matters such as for the book of Acts, questions for additional study and review, followed by his commentary.
Blomberg also provides the reader with a number of excellent resources throughout the book to include relevant maps, charts, excellent footnotes filled with additional study material, and solid discussion questions at various points in the commentary that help the reader engage the text and that provide that much needed additional food for thought so often missing from many Bible Surveys.
One particular section I really enjoyed was the overview of the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. While there certainly have been a number of quality books written on Paul, his life and ministry, nevertheless, Blomberg’s overview of Paul is equally useful. His discussion of Paul provides an excellent introduction to the discussion and overview of the Pauline Epistles that come immediately after that particular chapter. I firmly believe that many people truly do not understand this amazing individual called the Apostle Paul, let alone his life leading up to his entrance in the book of Acts. That lack of understanding of Paul’s background, his theological education, who he studied under, and any number of other important elements that comprised who Paul was, can greatly impact how one views his Epistles. In that regard, Blomberg provides the reader with excellent background information as to who Paul was prior to becoming the Apostle Paul as well as the impact this man had by the grace of God both in the ancient world as well as today. I also found the overview of the form and structure of an epistle to be quite fascinating. Given that was the method Paul used in writing his letters, it is certainly useful to have an understanding of how such a letter is put together. Certainly such a topic is what one might describe as “nerdy” material, but it is important nonetheless.
Overall, I found this survey of Acts through Revelation to be insightful, scholarly yet approachable for the non-scholar, replete with valuable information, and very well written. It certainly could find its way into any Bible College or Seminary curriculum and as a follow on volume to Blomberg’s previous effort, Jesus and the Gospels, provides the reader with a solid compendium on the entirety of the New Testament, truly useful tools for scholar and layman alike. Those who take the time to work through this solid biblical survey will find their time well spent and they will come away with a much better understanding of what Acts through Revelation are all about.
Blomberg takes his experience as a professor to the written page, providing the reader with a New Testament commentary that focuses on “surveying the actual structure and contents of each book, the main points in each section, the distinctive exegetical cruxes, and several key items for contemporary application.” His purpose in focusing on such elements is again based on his experience in the Seminary classroom, taking the areas he knows are important for understanding the New Testament books he discusses in an effort to provide the reader with the needed foundation for examining these texts. His underlying approach is really to give the reader who may not be able to sit in a Seminary classroom, the ability to exegete Acts through Revelation in a sound biblically based manner as well as a quite thorough background of just what is being discussed in these books and why it even matters.
The format of this book is very systematic in its structure with a consistent pattern of discussion found in relation to Acts through Revelation. Blomberg begins with a few opening comments on the particular book being focused on in the respective chapters, followed by a discussion of who the author was (if known), the date the book was penned, the audience of the book, the purpose or purposes of why the book was written, the genre and structure of the book, any particular issues of textual criticism or non-biblical sources of importance, any chronological matters such as for the book of Acts, questions for additional study and review, followed by his commentary.
Blomberg also provides the reader with a number of excellent resources throughout the book to include relevant maps, charts, excellent footnotes filled with additional study material, and solid discussion questions at various points in the commentary that help the reader engage the text and that provide that much needed additional food for thought so often missing from many Bible Surveys.
One particular section I really enjoyed was the overview of the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. While there certainly have been a number of quality books written on Paul, his life and ministry, nevertheless, Blomberg’s overview of Paul is equally useful. His discussion of Paul provides an excellent introduction to the discussion and overview of the Pauline Epistles that come immediately after that particular chapter. I firmly believe that many people truly do not understand this amazing individual called the Apostle Paul, let alone his life leading up to his entrance in the book of Acts. That lack of understanding of Paul’s background, his theological education, who he studied under, and any number of other important elements that comprised who Paul was, can greatly impact how one views his Epistles. In that regard, Blomberg provides the reader with excellent background information as to who Paul was prior to becoming the Apostle Paul as well as the impact this man had by the grace of God both in the ancient world as well as today. I also found the overview of the form and structure of an epistle to be quite fascinating. Given that was the method Paul used in writing his letters, it is certainly useful to have an understanding of how such a letter is put together. Certainly such a topic is what one might describe as “nerdy” material, but it is important nonetheless.
Overall, I found this survey of Acts through Revelation to be insightful, scholarly yet approachable for the non-scholar, replete with valuable information, and very well written. It certainly could find its way into any Bible College or Seminary curriculum and as a follow on volume to Blomberg’s previous effort, Jesus and the Gospels, provides the reader with a solid compendium on the entirety of the New Testament, truly useful tools for scholar and layman alike. Those who take the time to work through this solid biblical survey will find their time well spent and they will come away with a much better understanding of what Acts through Revelation are all about.
December 6, 2021
Summary: A New Testament Introduction covering Acts through Revelation, with introductory material and commentary, review questions and bibliography for each book, useful as a textbook or reference.
Some of the introductory New Testament texts for college or seminary that I have read are dense and turgid reads. Not this new edition in which Craig L. Blomberg and Darlene M. Seal combine up to date scholarship with a highly readable text. The text for each book of scripture includes some of the standard introduction sections including discussions of authorship, date, audience, purpose, genre, and structure. Where relevant, as in Acts, material on textual criticism, sources, and chronology vis a vis Paul are included. A commentary summarizing the text and dealing with textual and interpretive questions follows organized on the basis of the structure provided. Review questions are included for students as well as concluding applications. A select bibliography offers recommendations of advanced, intermediate, and introductory commentaries, as well as other relevant scholarly works on the book in question.
A fifty-eight page introductory article to the Pauline epistles is also included. The first portion covers the life of Paul including the question of the nature of the Damascus road encounter–conversion, call, or commission–or perhaps all three? Then the authors turn to epistolary writing, uses of rhetoric, genres, literary forms, their occasional nature, and the mechanics of letter writing. This part includes with questions about pseudonymity (they judge this lacking acceptance in the first century) and the collection and canonization of Paul’s epistles. They then turn to Paul’s theology, summarizing contemporary discussions of the New Perspective, the question of Paul and Jesus, Paul and the Old Testament and recent scholarship seeing apocalyptic and empire themes in Paul. I thought this an excellent, succinct discussion of Pauline scholarship with all the key figures appearing in the bibliography.
A few highlights of the authors’ discussion of various books may give a flavor of this introduction:
*While noting the boundary marker treatment of “works of the law” they see a more general reference to Torah-obedience, and justification referring to imputed righteousness–though relational and transformative rather than “impersonal and transactional.”
*They argue for the unity of 2 Corinthians (an A-B-A structure) with a lost letter between it and 1 Corinthians.
*They foresee a large scale turning of Jews to Christ foretold in Romans 11 but that this does not require repatriation.
*They favor the Pauline authorship of Ephesians, with Paul giving an amanuensis greater liberty in writing within directions on topics to address, and that the letter was likely intended to be a circular letter.
*They survey the discussion of the authorship of the pastorals, often thought to be pseudonymous works. They go with the unanimity of the church fathers and attribute these to Paul, allowing for an amanuensis, perhaps Luke, to account for the stylistic differences.
*On 1 Timothy 2:11-15, they offer a helpful chart of the interpretive decisions involved in this passage. They do not commit to a view, suggesting the need to hold views tentatively. They propose that even within more traditional interpretations, there are not constraints on women serving on pastoral teams or as part of church leadership. This seems like an attempt to find a via media between complementarian and egalitarian position with a complementarian flavor that will probably satisfy few.
*I found the outline of James structuring it around three iterations of three key themes quite helpful: trials in the Christian life, wisdom, and riches and poverty. Similarly, seeing Hebrews structured around five warnings was a rubric that seems to arise from the text.
*Perhaps the most difficult book to square with traditional claims of authorship is 2 Peter, which much of modern scholarship considers late, and pseudonymous, noting the dependence on Jude, and significant stylistic differences. They note the claim of the author to have witnessed the transfiguration, that the stylistic differences argue against pseudonymity, that Symeon Petros in 1:1 is elsewhere used only in Acts 15:14 and sounds like a signature.
*The treatment of Revelation takes a premillenial, though not dispensational reading.
Overall, the approach is theologically conservative and evangelical, though nuanced and appreciative of other scholarship. Reflective of the publisher, it seems its target audience would be Baptists schools and seminaries and educated pastors and laity. Yet the engagement with other scholarship and views makes it representative of the best of this tradition. It is an introduction where a committed evangelical is able to read with, rather than against, the grain of one’s convictions as it were, while being introduced to the range of scholarship. And as observed earlier, one of the great strengths of this work is the readable, flowing text that one needn’t fight with to understand. It’s greatest challenge comes in the trenchant applications that question how one will live and act on truth outside the study and classroom.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Some of the introductory New Testament texts for college or seminary that I have read are dense and turgid reads. Not this new edition in which Craig L. Blomberg and Darlene M. Seal combine up to date scholarship with a highly readable text. The text for each book of scripture includes some of the standard introduction sections including discussions of authorship, date, audience, purpose, genre, and structure. Where relevant, as in Acts, material on textual criticism, sources, and chronology vis a vis Paul are included. A commentary summarizing the text and dealing with textual and interpretive questions follows organized on the basis of the structure provided. Review questions are included for students as well as concluding applications. A select bibliography offers recommendations of advanced, intermediate, and introductory commentaries, as well as other relevant scholarly works on the book in question.
A fifty-eight page introductory article to the Pauline epistles is also included. The first portion covers the life of Paul including the question of the nature of the Damascus road encounter–conversion, call, or commission–or perhaps all three? Then the authors turn to epistolary writing, uses of rhetoric, genres, literary forms, their occasional nature, and the mechanics of letter writing. This part includes with questions about pseudonymity (they judge this lacking acceptance in the first century) and the collection and canonization of Paul’s epistles. They then turn to Paul’s theology, summarizing contemporary discussions of the New Perspective, the question of Paul and Jesus, Paul and the Old Testament and recent scholarship seeing apocalyptic and empire themes in Paul. I thought this an excellent, succinct discussion of Pauline scholarship with all the key figures appearing in the bibliography.
A few highlights of the authors’ discussion of various books may give a flavor of this introduction:
*While noting the boundary marker treatment of “works of the law” they see a more general reference to Torah-obedience, and justification referring to imputed righteousness–though relational and transformative rather than “impersonal and transactional.”
*They argue for the unity of 2 Corinthians (an A-B-A structure) with a lost letter between it and 1 Corinthians.
*They foresee a large scale turning of Jews to Christ foretold in Romans 11 but that this does not require repatriation.
*They favor the Pauline authorship of Ephesians, with Paul giving an amanuensis greater liberty in writing within directions on topics to address, and that the letter was likely intended to be a circular letter.
*They survey the discussion of the authorship of the pastorals, often thought to be pseudonymous works. They go with the unanimity of the church fathers and attribute these to Paul, allowing for an amanuensis, perhaps Luke, to account for the stylistic differences.
*On 1 Timothy 2:11-15, they offer a helpful chart of the interpretive decisions involved in this passage. They do not commit to a view, suggesting the need to hold views tentatively. They propose that even within more traditional interpretations, there are not constraints on women serving on pastoral teams or as part of church leadership. This seems like an attempt to find a via media between complementarian and egalitarian position with a complementarian flavor that will probably satisfy few.
*I found the outline of James structuring it around three iterations of three key themes quite helpful: trials in the Christian life, wisdom, and riches and poverty. Similarly, seeing Hebrews structured around five warnings was a rubric that seems to arise from the text.
*Perhaps the most difficult book to square with traditional claims of authorship is 2 Peter, which much of modern scholarship considers late, and pseudonymous, noting the dependence on Jude, and significant stylistic differences. They note the claim of the author to have witnessed the transfiguration, that the stylistic differences argue against pseudonymity, that Symeon Petros in 1:1 is elsewhere used only in Acts 15:14 and sounds like a signature.
*The treatment of Revelation takes a premillenial, though not dispensational reading.
Overall, the approach is theologically conservative and evangelical, though nuanced and appreciative of other scholarship. Reflective of the publisher, it seems its target audience would be Baptists schools and seminaries and educated pastors and laity. Yet the engagement with other scholarship and views makes it representative of the best of this tradition. It is an introduction where a committed evangelical is able to read with, rather than against, the grain of one’s convictions as it were, while being introduced to the range of scholarship. And as observed earlier, one of the great strengths of this work is the readable, flowing text that one needn’t fight with to understand. It’s greatest challenge comes in the trenchant applications that question how one will live and act on truth outside the study and classroom.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 19, 2023
Not even gonna lie, this was an excellent textbook and I wouldn’t even be mad if someone gifted me this absolute TANK of a book. Solid commentary. Some of the content shifted some old opinions and made way for new ideas. Something I appreciated wholeheartedly was Blomberg’s straight refusal to shy away from the difficult topics, such as the sexism that Paul is frequently accused of having. Two highlights for me:
“One can exercise the gift of pastoring or deliver sermons as a preacher, for example, without holding the office of elder (or senior pastor) in a congregation. In addition, the use of the term "elder" in many churches today confuses the issue and ends up imposing more restrictions on women than are justified by even a complementarian interpretation of Paul's argument. In traditions in which "elder" refers not to senior pastor but to a leadership or decision-making team or pastoral advisory board, there is no biblical justification for excluding women from this group, since this is not the New Testament meaning of "elder" (i.e., the senior teaching authority). In fact, it is inadvisable not to have representation of women on such a board, given that probably more than half of the congregation are women and their perspectives require firsthand representation.” (P. 536)
“… it is important for men to recognize that for women [their role in the church] has an existential importance that men have the privilege of not having to wrestle with in the same way, since their calling into ministry or leadership is not at stake.” (P. 536)
Like… a bold commentary that emphasizes the importance of women? An author that explicitly supports women using their spiritual gifts? A viewpoint that challenges the historical oppression of women in the church that’s been up-kept for the sake of “tradition” disguised as sexism? A viewpoint that does all this while being entirely backed by SCRIPTURE AND OTHER RESOURCES?! Oooooh yes. Absolutely. Sign me up. Blomberg’s book is full of critical thinking and in-depth analysis. Loved it. One of the best textbooks I’ve been required to consume. Would definitely consider dropping the $70 to add to my library.
“One can exercise the gift of pastoring or deliver sermons as a preacher, for example, without holding the office of elder (or senior pastor) in a congregation. In addition, the use of the term "elder" in many churches today confuses the issue and ends up imposing more restrictions on women than are justified by even a complementarian interpretation of Paul's argument. In traditions in which "elder" refers not to senior pastor but to a leadership or decision-making team or pastoral advisory board, there is no biblical justification for excluding women from this group, since this is not the New Testament meaning of "elder" (i.e., the senior teaching authority). In fact, it is inadvisable not to have representation of women on such a board, given that probably more than half of the congregation are women and their perspectives require firsthand representation.” (P. 536)
“… it is important for men to recognize that for women [their role in the church] has an existential importance that men have the privilege of not having to wrestle with in the same way, since their calling into ministry or leadership is not at stake.” (P. 536)
Like… a bold commentary that emphasizes the importance of women? An author that explicitly supports women using their spiritual gifts? A viewpoint that challenges the historical oppression of women in the church that’s been up-kept for the sake of “tradition” disguised as sexism? A viewpoint that does all this while being entirely backed by SCRIPTURE AND OTHER RESOURCES?! Oooooh yes. Absolutely. Sign me up. Blomberg’s book is full of critical thinking and in-depth analysis. Loved it. One of the best textbooks I’ve been required to consume. Would definitely consider dropping the $70 to add to my library.
May 6, 2019
Blomberg's breadth of knowledge never ceases to amaze. I think therein lies the problem though. While From Pentecost to Patmos (FPP) is an impressive survey of the Epistles and Revelation, it lacks the kind of depth one longs for when such a mind as Blomberg's is on task. FPP, at points, comes across as a mild apologetic for evangelicalism rather than a discovery of Bible-think. One would think that such a breadth of biblical knowledge would land in challenges to the status quo of theology. Not that the status quo is wrong, or always wrong, but creative thought and depth of knowledge, when put to good use, tend to challenge baseline thought rather than come to its rescue, especially since it does not normally need rescuing. Perhaps what I am grasping at is that, though Blomberg does a great job of compiling broad knowledge, the knowledge does not come across as original thought, or as anything that hasn't already been contributed. Blomberg's contribution is breadth not originality.
March 13, 2019
I use this text to teach a New Testament Survey course for High School students. It has challenged me to view scripture historically, in time and place. Dr. Craig gives fair view to multiple perspectives where there is disagreement on differing dates, authors or meaning and give adequate reason to maintain a view consistent with orthodox Christianity. As well he gives fair weight to both spectrums of Calvinism theology to Arminian theology.
March 12, 2025
Quality book that delves very deep into many scholarly views, both within and outside of Christian dogma. Clearly written with a pro-Christian belief bias, and overemphasizes Christian views over the scholarly views sometimes (for example the authorship of the pastorals), and ignoring stuff like the acts of Paul and thecla, still a very well written book
February 8, 2018
Wow, an outstanding book. I have read many dry Bible commentaries for my Seminary papers. This is not one of them. It is fairly short, but gives interesting pertinent background information for each chapter of the New Testament starting with the book of Acts. Can't recommend it enough!
November 26, 2020
Dr. Blomberg writes a very good book on the different books of the NT and this volume is a follow up to his book on the Gospels. When you want to get past square one in your Christian life, this is one of the books you need to read.
December 3, 2018
A great, concise and yet at times also detailed study of the NT books from Acts to Revelation.
August 9, 2021
An excellent introduction to Acts through Revelation.
March 25, 2016
As a follow-up volume to the highly acclaimed and widely used Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, Craig Blomberg directs his efforts towards the remainder of the New Testament canon. From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation is divided into three major sections with various divisions therein.
Section one, The Acts of the Apostles, begins with some of the standard introductory material, including authorship, date, audience, purpose, genre, etc. Following the introduction, the reader is guided through a sequence of brief section-by-section commentary on Acts, and questions for review. Maps and charts are included throughout. The section concludes with a brief unit dedicated to application and a healthy bibliography for further study. Blomberg’s work is well-researched and littered with footnotes.
Section two, Paul and His Letters, begins with an excellent discussion on the life of Paul and the various issues pertaining to his writings and the epistolary genre. This opening subsection also briefly details a Pauline theology and concludes with a selected bibliography for further study. Next, Blomberg directs attention more pointedly towards the Pauline epistles and tackles each in chronological order—from the epistle to the Galatians to the second epistle to Timothy. Each of the Pauline epistles are treated independently, beginning with introductory material, commentary, application, study questions and bibliography.
Section three, Other New Testament Writings, continues with the same format as the two prior sections. Blomberg provides introductory comments on each of the General Epistles, followed by brief section-by-section commentary, questions for review, application, and a selected bibliography for further study. The standout units from this section are undoubtedly found in the Book of Hebrews and the Book of Revelation. I found the introductory comments to be helpful, the commentary was balanced, despite some foreseen contention readers may have with Blomberg’s historic premillennial conviction, and the application section was well received with seasoned advice.
From Pentecost to Patmos is an excellent introduction to the New Testament writings outside of the Four Gospels. Blomberg is a seasoned scholar with a keen ability to communicate difficult concepts with clarity. This volume is accessible and could be used by readers of all backgrounds and interests. The introductory material and commentary are quality and the addition of an application section was a smart choice. However, with that said, I don’t think that this volume quite compares to the usefulness of its predecessor. Unlike Jesus and the Gospels, this volume has little-dedicated space outside the introductions to each section and/or book to comment on the larger critical issues that plague these writings. The issues are certainly there for the reader to see, but I think it lacks the detail of the previous volume. Nevertheless, I am still convinced that Blomberg has provided a volume that will be cherished by many—especially those who are willing to follow his research trail in the footnotes and lengthy bibliographies scattered throughout.
If you are looking for an inviting and well-executed investigation into the writings of the New Testament, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation by Craig Blomberg is an excellent resource. While there are certainly other options on the market that carry more substantial discussion surrounding some of the critical issues within these writings, few compare to Blomberg’s comprehensive accessibility. And for this reason, it comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Section one, The Acts of the Apostles, begins with some of the standard introductory material, including authorship, date, audience, purpose, genre, etc. Following the introduction, the reader is guided through a sequence of brief section-by-section commentary on Acts, and questions for review. Maps and charts are included throughout. The section concludes with a brief unit dedicated to application and a healthy bibliography for further study. Blomberg’s work is well-researched and littered with footnotes.
Section two, Paul and His Letters, begins with an excellent discussion on the life of Paul and the various issues pertaining to his writings and the epistolary genre. This opening subsection also briefly details a Pauline theology and concludes with a selected bibliography for further study. Next, Blomberg directs attention more pointedly towards the Pauline epistles and tackles each in chronological order—from the epistle to the Galatians to the second epistle to Timothy. Each of the Pauline epistles are treated independently, beginning with introductory material, commentary, application, study questions and bibliography.
Section three, Other New Testament Writings, continues with the same format as the two prior sections. Blomberg provides introductory comments on each of the General Epistles, followed by brief section-by-section commentary, questions for review, application, and a selected bibliography for further study. The standout units from this section are undoubtedly found in the Book of Hebrews and the Book of Revelation. I found the introductory comments to be helpful, the commentary was balanced, despite some foreseen contention readers may have with Blomberg’s historic premillennial conviction, and the application section was well received with seasoned advice.
From Pentecost to Patmos is an excellent introduction to the New Testament writings outside of the Four Gospels. Blomberg is a seasoned scholar with a keen ability to communicate difficult concepts with clarity. This volume is accessible and could be used by readers of all backgrounds and interests. The introductory material and commentary are quality and the addition of an application section was a smart choice. However, with that said, I don’t think that this volume quite compares to the usefulness of its predecessor. Unlike Jesus and the Gospels, this volume has little-dedicated space outside the introductions to each section and/or book to comment on the larger critical issues that plague these writings. The issues are certainly there for the reader to see, but I think it lacks the detail of the previous volume. Nevertheless, I am still convinced that Blomberg has provided a volume that will be cherished by many—especially those who are willing to follow his research trail in the footnotes and lengthy bibliographies scattered throughout.
If you are looking for an inviting and well-executed investigation into the writings of the New Testament, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation by Craig Blomberg is an excellent resource. While there are certainly other options on the market that carry more substantial discussion surrounding some of the critical issues within these writings, few compare to Blomberg’s comprehensive accessibility. And for this reason, it comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
June 16, 2016
Craig Blomberg followed up his highly successful volume on the Gospels with this title that covers the rest of the New Testament. While it might not be as good as his earlier volume as the Gospels are clearly his specialty, this Introduction is still one I found to be quite an asset.
He presents his material in the typical style taking one NT book at a time. The length of his chapters varies in a fashion corresponding to the length and importance of the NT book discussed. He used good judgment and covered what should be there for us. In fact, pastors and Bible students will love it despite some occasional sidewalks into critical study that some of us put little stock into.
He gave some of his most helpful information when he discussed the structure of the book. I also felt the overview commentary on each book was quite effective in one getting his or her bearings straight. There were more maps than in his earlier volume and some of the charts provided were eye opening for the study of the NT books.
I highly recommend this as a worthy study tool!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
He presents his material in the typical style taking one NT book at a time. The length of his chapters varies in a fashion corresponding to the length and importance of the NT book discussed. He used good judgment and covered what should be there for us. In fact, pastors and Bible students will love it despite some occasional sidewalks into critical study that some of us put little stock into.
He gave some of his most helpful information when he discussed the structure of the book. I also felt the overview commentary on each book was quite effective in one getting his or her bearings straight. There were more maps than in his earlier volume and some of the charts provided were eye opening for the study of the NT books.
I highly recommend this as a worthy study tool!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 13, 2021
Blomberg gives an overview of the New Testament from Acts to Revelation (Pentecost to Patmos). The book is laid out to mirror the structure of each book. The strength of this book is Blomberg's systematic and thorough treatment of the second half of the New Testament. The book manages to treat the various perspectives on dating and authorship fairly while still feeling confident to take a side. The book is best used in serious study alongside the New Testament text; it does not hold much interest without its source material. Another problem is that the book can be so dense in treating each individual section of a book that it can be disorienting to place it in context of the overall themes of each book. Blomberg does not do a good job of tying the text of each section into the stated themes and purposes of each book. Still, the work is solid scholarship and a worthwhile companion to any serious study of the New Testament. Recommended for serious NT students, Bible study leaders, academics, and pastors.
December 12, 2013
I just completed this book as part of a Bible Institute Series at my church and Dr. Blomberg was our instructor. The book is exceptional and the Chapter on Revelation I thought was especially good. I told him that as far as I'm concerned it is his Magnum Opus. He got a great laugh from that remark. After all this is only the second of his many books on the New Testament that I've read so I understand his amusement. Nevertheless, his thorough treatment of Revelation is the first I've ever understood; so for that alone I recommend this book. He covers ever section nearly verse by verse from Acts to Revelation - discussing who wrote it, when and where various books were written and the various theories and authors who refute the authenticity of the New Testament and helps the reader reach their own understanding of what these passages mean as well as what they say. I now know more than I ever dreamed possible about the New Testament because I read two of his books on the subject. Moreover, I will keep his books as references in my library.
April 30, 2014
This book is helpful in parts, but not recommended for those who have not read a solid introduction to the New Testament before. Blomberg is a clear writer and chapters are easy to read, however I disagree with several of his conclusions and interpretations. It may be better to start with The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, Leonard Scott Kellum, Charles Leland Quarles, Charles L. Quarles or An Introduction to the New Testament by DA Carson and Douglas Moo.
December 30, 2013
This companion piece to Blomberg’s Jesus and the Gospels surveys the remaining books of the New Testament. While Blomberg does give historical information, he spends the majority of time commenting on the text of Scripture itself, referencing his way through the New Testament canon. Although introductory in nature, Blomberg still manages to achieve a healthy level of depth and asks questions which prompt further study. The end result is a helpful resource for New Testament studies.
March 8, 2007
Good overview of the New Testament from Acts to Revelation by one of my fav professors at Denver Seminary Dr. Blomberg (a scholar and a gentleman). It helps one to think like a 1st century Christian. It is a bit heady but his theology and insights are totally worth it.
Currently reading
June 11, 2013For those who like the Christian History this is a good tool, It's amazing the way that the author explain the context and the social characteristics in the New testament times, I strongly recommend this book in English its name is From Pentecosts to Patmos enjoy it
December 12, 2022
Once again this commentary was a huge help for me and those I teach. This run through included Paul Epistles and The Letter to the Galatians. Craig is always a breath of fresh air, even when the material has been read through at a previous date.
December 10, 2008
Great commentary. I don't agree all the time with Blomberg, but found myself agreeing much more than not. As far as an introduction to N.T. (minus the gospels) he does a fine job.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews