The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude

by Brandon D. Crowe

This volume considers the theological richness (indicative) and practical relevance (imperative) of the New Testament General Epistles—James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude—within a redemptive-historical framework. Although not the most familiar portion of the New Testament, these letters have much to say about the call to discipleship in the twenty-first century. Part One (“Scallywags”) focuses on 1 Peter. Here we see that Christ has accomplished salvation and that his life provides the pattern for faithful living in the face of worldly opposition. In Part Two (“Scoffers”) the truth of 2 Peter and Jude is set in contrast to the destructive doctrines of scoffing false teachers. Part Three (“Schisms”) reflects on the challenges of the Johannine letters that address who belongs to God’s family. Finally, Part Four (“Wisdom”) looks at the practical teaching of James in light of the teaching of Jesus.

Genres: Theology

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2015

About the author

Brandon D. Crowe (B.A., Samford University; M.Div., Reformed Theological Seminary; Ph.D. University of Edinburgh) is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and Book Review Editor for the Westminster Theological Journal.

Reviews

[Addison S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read which I greatly appreciated! :)

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good introductory book to those who haven't read much of these epistles. Crowe doesn't write the book for the scholarly or the person looking for an in-depth work on these letters, but for the person looking for introductory material, thematic understandings, and general truths pulled out of the text. I'd recommend it for somebody doing a brief study, a pastor looking for introductory material or looking for overarching themes, or for somebody doing a devotional study through a book. Crowe tends towards generalized results that are not necessarily particular to the book they're found in, but they are there nonetheless. There's better works on the same subjects for the General Epistles that concretize ideas, but this is a good starting point.

[Stephen Hoogerhyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crowe takes us through the books mentioned in the title not in a verse by verse way, but taking overall themes and tracing them through the various books. In the first section, "Scallywags", he traces the theme of elect exiles through the book of I Peter, and shows God's consistent love toward his people who are not at all loved by the world. In the next section, "Scoffers", he shows God's people obediently working and faithfully waiting for the second coming of Jesus while the world scoffs at us. In Part 3, "Schisms", he shows from the books of I, II, and III John how false teachers threaten the purity, peace, and unity of the body of believers. Finally, in Part 4, "Wisdom", he shows the wisdom for practical living contained in the book of James.

One of the aspects of the book that I appreciate most is his continuing focus on the indicative and the imperative. "Simply stated, the indicative refers to the saving work of God in Christ on our behalf. The imperative assumes and logically follows the indicative, and entails commands for how to live." Crowe goes on to explain the relationship between the two: "The primacy of the indicative keeps us from thinking that our works ever make us righteous before God. The necessity of the imperative means that we are not free to disregard the clear commands of Scripture, even though we are saved freely by grace alone." Finally, Crowe states that the indicative must always precede the imperative, and the indicative and the imperative can never be separated. In other words, before God says "do this", he first says "this is what I have done for you". Thus any good works that we do are not to earn God's favor but out of gratitude to God for his favor already given.

The book is aimed not at the professional theologian but at the person in the pew, and thus it is a very approachable read.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a solid introduction to the general epistles (1-2 Peter, Jude, 1-3 John, and James). The substance is taken from a course outline Dr. Crowe teaches, which I am sure would be a helpful course for his students. Dr. Crowe knows these books well at a scholarly level, yet doesn't clutter his text with academic discussion.

That said, overall the writing style here suffered from a tendency to make generic observations and exhortations that lacked power and cogency.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the concise, simplistic nature of Crowe's writing in this book. He gave just enough of each epistle that helped to provide the context and overarching themes of each book, all while encouraging me to want more. A helpful introductory to these short and packed books. Would be a great book to discuss with a group.

[Jeremy Hendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gives a clear overview of James, 1&2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude. Brandon Crowe shows throughout how the imperatives (commands) in the letters flow from indicatives (facts). He also concisely comments on some bigger theological questions these books raise.

[Joshua Centanni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad; don't know that anything particular set this book apart from others. Didn't feel quite as unified as I might have hoped. Decent on the whole.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good though simple read. I especially liked the indicative/imperative discussion outside of only Pauline writings.

[Matt Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough and readable overview of the general epistles. It was a joy to read, and in my opinion, would be a great resource for Bible studies or Sunday school classes in the local church.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple readable introduction to these letters giving the main message.

[Brian Derksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview and introduction to the General Epistles

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The letters of Paul (and perhaps James) can often be found in the preaching of the church. But other letters are sadly mostly “forgotten”. I have found that Brandon D. Crowe has written a helpful book to fill a vital gap.

Within this book, Crowe covers the general epistles, the letters of Peter, John, James and Jude. Although these are mostly short letters. Crowe takes time and effort to explain the letters to the readers. I especially appreciated how Crowe allocated one chapter to each letter. This really allows Crowe the space to explain each letter in depth and also allows the readers to have a deeper understanding of each letter.

For each letter, Crowe gives a good introduction for it. Next Crowe brings the readers through guided tour of the letter. He points out the main points of the passages, gives explanation for them and also brings out the relevant application for the readers. I have found the book to be a bridge between introductions to the letters and commentaries. For someone who is interested to study the letters but not keen to explore the technical aspects within a commentary or for those who wishes to work through the passages first before given an exegetical explanation, this will be an excellent choice for you. As I read, I thought that Crow gives a good extended introduction, but as the same time, he does not gives “answers” to the readers. he allows readers to think and examine the text for themselves.

For some time, I have been wanting to study the letters of Peter. This book comes as an excellent help for me and I recommend you to get it too. For pastors, this may be a good you want to recommend to your congregation. It is not as daunting as a commentary, yet it is not a watered down book that does not challenge your members.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review