Book Reviews

Paul and His Letters. By John B. Polhill. (rather traditional) chronology. The Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1999, vii apostle’s conversion is dated at 32 A.D. + 485 pp., $29.99. and the first missionary journey from 45/ 46-47/48, with the “silent years” falling John B. Polhill has provided students of in between this period. The second the New Testament with a brilliantly mission is dated from 48-52 and the third researched and highly readable volume mission from 53-57. The Caesarean on the life and letters of Christianity’s imprisonment is identified during the great apostle. Building on the widely used years of 57-59, the house arrest in Rome work of F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the from 60-62, and Paul’s martyrdom prior Heart Set Free, and his own outstanding to 68 (see pp. 78-80). exegetical commentary on the Book of In dealing with the hotly debated Acts in the New American Commentary Pauline issues, Polhill adopts a “north series, Polhill has given us a comprehen- Galatian” setting for the Epistle to the sive treatment of the Pauline materials. Galatians (contra F. F. Bruce’s strong case There is no question that this new volume for south Galatia). Polhill defends the will serve as a standard textbook and integrity of the Thessalonian letters, dat- resource for years to come. ing both early in Paul’s ministry. Contrary The author makes clear that he is not to the traditional position of placing Paul writing a “life of Paul.” At the same time, in Rome (60-62) for the writing of Philip- the book is laid out chronologically, fol- pians, Polhill leans toward an Ephesian lowing the order of the events and trav- imprisonment (52-55). Capably discuss- els of the apostle as they are presented in ing the issues surrounding the Corinthian the Book of Acts. Given the disjunction correspondence, Polhill is especially help- between Paul and Luke often proposed ful in dealing with the challenges of by contemporary Pauline scholars, Pol- 2 Corinthians. He presents Ephesians as hill’s coherent work is a welcomed con- a circular letter from the apostle to the tribution to the field of New Testament churches of Asia Minor. This feature studies. plus the doxological language explain Polhill is at his best in the early chap- the “non-personal” nature of this majes- ters as he surveys the background mate- tic letter. rial behind the life and thought of the Polhill defends the Pauline authorship apostle Paul. As a citizen of two cities, the of the disputed letters: 2 Thessalonians, apostle’s background in Tarsus and Rome Colossians, Ephesians, and the Pastoral is ably portrayed. Next the reader is Epistles. His arguments are cogent and introduced to the significance of Paul the persuasive, taking seriously the issues of Jew, Paul the Pharisee, and Paul the Per- style, setting, content, and the role of an secutor. By correlating the Pauline mate- amanuensis. Colossians, Philemon, and rials with the Book of Acts, Polhill Ephesians are placed in Paul’s Caesarean sketches the events surrounding Paul’s imprisonment. The comparisons and con- conversion followed by a proposed trasts between 1 Timothy and Titus will 90 be extremely valuable for beginning great missionary rather than a great students. The second letter to Timothy theologian may explain this shortcoming and the tradition surrounding Paul’s (see pp. 440-442). Of course, any serious martyrdom conclude the work. Pauline student can pick areas where he Key issues in contemporary Pauline or she will disagree with some of Polhill’s studies such as the nature of Rabbinic conclusions, but the overall treatment of Judaism during this time period, Paul’s the life and letters of Paul in this volume meaning of law, covenant, and justifica- is nothing less than outstanding. The tion/righteousness are thoughtfully pre- work of thirty years of teaching New sented for the reader. Beginning students Testament provides a gold mine for are introduced to the more recent propos- interested readers. I know of no better als of Beker, Dunn, Sanders, Cranfield, textbook on this subject for beginning Stuhlmacher, Käsemann, Betz, Wright, students. I hope the book is also discov- and others. Polhill is fair and balanced in ered by pastors, for it provides a wealth his treatment of others, carefully demon- of information that could enrich preach- strating the strengths of positions he ing week after week in the churches. rejects. The treatment of many of these Certainly, John Polhill is to be heartily issues is especially prominent in Polhill’s congratulated on this significant achieve- discussion of Romans and Galatians. ment. Every letter is presented with appro- priate background material, and a sum- David S. Dockery mary of the letter built on Polhill’s own Union University outlines. The theme and arguments of each letter are laid out for all to understand. Each discussion is carefully 1, 2, 3 John. The New American Commen- documented demonstrating Polhill’s tary, vol. 38. By Daniel L. Akin. Nashville: interaction with a wide variety of Pauline Broadman & Holman, 2001, 296 pp., scholars. Each chapter concludes with a $29.99. list of sources for further study including Polhill’s choices of the finest commentar- Daniel Akin is Dean of the School of ies available on the Greek and English Theology and Vice President for Aca- text. Obviously written with the student demic Administration at The Southern in mind, the book accomplishes its pur- Baptist Theological Seminary. His volume pose. It is one of the finest textbooks ever on the Johannine epistles is a welcome published by Broadman and Holman and addition to the New American Commen- deserves wide usage (I hope the Broad- tary series. It is particularly successful in man & Holman marketing people can get fulfilling the purpose of that series to com- the good word out on this outstanding bine the best contemporary scholarship book). with a practical application to the life of The shortcomings of the book are few. the church. One could wish for a stronger theologi- Akin provides commentaries on all cal treatment of the letters or of Paul’s three epistles with a separate introduction theology overall, but the fact that Polhill to each. The introduction to 1 John cov- primarily sees Paul as the early church’s ers 28 pages of which 8 are devoted to the 91 questions of authorship and place of writ- conclusion is perhaps best summarized ing. Akin argues strongly for the apostle on page 113: “Perhaps John never John as the author of all three epistles as intended for scholars to outline his epistle well as the Fourth Gospel. Typical of his nicely and neatly.” His own choice is to approach throughout the commentary, he divide the epistle into two main sections: presents all viewpoints on the issue in a God is Light (1:5-3:10) and God is Love fair, balanced manner and provides exten- (3:11-5:122). He admits much overlap sive footnotes. The footnotes are one of between the two divisions. the most valuable components of the com- Akin’s commentary is thorough. He mentary, giving in detail the fine points covers all the major exegetical issues, of issues and pointing the reader to the giving particular attention to the more most valuable bibliography for further problematic passages. For example, he research. Akin covers the major literature treats in some detail the tension between on the epistles, regularly citing the main the statements that the one who claims to commentaries and significant articles. He have no sin is deceiving himself (1:8-10) includes the gamut of scholarship but and the equally strong statement that no always makes his own position clear. one who sins truly abides in God (3:5-6). Four pages of the introduction to Akin deals with this by giving attention 1 John are devoted to the occasion and to the original setting in the false theol- purpose of the epistle, which Akin sees ogy of the heretics and by noting the as the threat of false teachers who have present tense of the latter statement: no departed from the Johannine congrega- one who truly belongs to God lives a tions and who espoused a docetic Christo- sinful lifestyle. This is a good example logy akin to that of Cerinthus. His fullest of Akin’s careful attention to the Greek treatment of the heresy is found in the text throughout the commentary. He commentary itself in the relevant pas- often refers to the Greek but always in a sages of 1 and 2 John. clear manner, which should not distract Akin’s background as a teacher of the reader who is unfamiliar with the Systematic Theology is apparent in the language. introduction’s brief summaries of the Akin treats the issue of the atonement major theological themes in the epistle— at some length. In particular, he deals with the doctrines of God, sin, Christ, Holy the meaning of hilasmos in 1 John 2:2 and Spirit, salvation and eschatology. 4:10. He argues convincingly that one By far the most extensive treatment in must not eliminate the concept of propi- the introduction—nearly half—is devoted tiation from these passages as has been to the structure of 1 John. Akin provides done by Dodd in his insistence on trans- an excellent summary of the main lating the word group as “expiation.” approaches and the scholars who repre- Akin provides a very helpful excursus on sent them, providing detailed outlines. this issue (pp. 253-65). Akin has obviously wrestled with the At the beginning of his first major question of the epistle’s structure, done division of the epistle, “God is Light” (1 extensive research and given as able a John 1:5-3:10), Akin includes helpful summary of scholarship on the question excurses on the theme of light in both the as is to be found anywhere. His own Johannine Gospel and first epistle. He 92 ably demonstrates his own conviction Akin argues against the originality of the that the Gospel and epistle are by the disputed lines. He presents the issues same author, showing how an examina- clearly and reasonably in an excursus (pp. tion of the Gospel’s treatment of light 198-200), in which he demonstrates in a greatly enhances one’s understanding of manner anyone should be able to under- this motif in the epistle. stand that the issue is not a theological but Akin insists on understanding the a textual one. epistles in their original context. A good Akin provides a very thorough com- example of this is his relating John’s mentary for both 2 and 3 John, devoting references to “Anti-Christs” to the false nearly 20 pages to each of the single-chap- teachers who went out from John’s ter books. He sees 2 John as being writ- churches. A succinct excursus on the ten to a single congregation which was concept of Anti-Christ is provided on being threatened by the same docetic pages 267-70. heresy as the congregations of 1 John. The Akin’s commentary is particularly most problematic passage in the epistle is valuable for its discussion of major theo- verse 10, where John directs the congre- logical issues raised by the text. For gation not to greet or receive the heretics example, he treats the issue of the limita- into their homes. The author provides a tions of Christ’s atoning sacrifice as raised very helpful appendix, which offers a by 1 John 4:15. He concludes that “the practical approach to dealing with con- atonement of Christ is unlimited in its temporary sectarian proselytizers who provision (the world) and limited in its come to one’s front door. For 3 John, Akin application (applied only to those who gives particular attention to Diotrephes, have faith)” [p. 183, fn. 129]. In connec- outlining the various scholarly views as tion with the “sin unto death” of 1 John to what lay behind his conflict with the 5:16-17, he demonstrates that this cannot elder. A final appendix provides twenty refer to apostasy. After discussing the expository sermon outlines, which cover main suggestions of scholars as to what the whole of 1 John. Following the usual constitutes this “mortal sin,” he concludes NAC format, the commentary concludes it likely refers to one’s total rejection of the with a bibliography and subject, person, gospel. Examples of the theological and Scripture indexes. The bibliography insight provided by Akin could be multi- provides rather comprehensive coverage plied. One of his commentary’s greatest of the commentaries, monographs, and contributions is that it incorporates the articles on the Johannine epistles for the skills of one who is both an informed past 20 years, as well as a number of theologian and an able exegete. significant earlier works. It reflects the As one who sometimes teaches textual depth of Akin’s research. criticism, I would be remiss not to note When I first prepared the Johannine Akin’s fine discussion of the infamous epistles for a January Bible Study some Comma Johannaeum, the reference to the thirty years ago, commentary and Trinity found in the Textus Receptus at research sources were limited. The situa- 1 John 5:7-8, but not included in almost tion has changed radically in the past all of the Greek manuscripts and conse- decade or so, as Akin’s bibliography quently not in most modern versions. reflects. One now has a wide choice 93 among the many available commentaries events of the Conservative Resurgence, on the epistles. I recommend Akin’s com- Jerry Sutton has written just the book for mentary as one of the very first choices. you. It is my hope that this book will sell It provides a thorough overview of the well and circulate widely for years to come. major scholarship on the epistles, a clear If it does, future generations may avoid the presentation of the significant exegetical mistakes of the past, which made the Con- issues, an equally cogent discussion of the servative Resurgence in the Southern Bap- main theological issues raised by the text, tist Convention necessary. College and and an able application of the message of seminary classes on Baptist History will the epistles to the life of the contemporary neglect this book only at a great loss to the church and individual believer. students who need to know what happened and why it happened. John Polhill Sutton’s book is well researched and is written by one who often had a ringside seat at the events he describes. The root The Baptist Reformation. By Jerry Sutton. causes of the conflict are carefully uncov- Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2000, 542 ered, dealt with honestly, and interpreted pp., $29.99. fairly. Unlike most moderate missives, Sutton acknowledges his colors from the The “Conservative Resurgence” within beginning. He is a theological conserva- the Southern Baptist Convention was tive and he judges what happened from launched in 1979 with the election of this vantage point. In my judgment this Adrian Rogers in Houston, Texas as Presi- honest admission enhances the treatment dent. By the year 2000 the movement was of the history. Facts and perspectives are solidified with inerrantists leading every easily discerned and kept separate. denominational agency and institution, The book is comprised of four sections and with the overwhelming adoption of with twenty-three chapters. It is endnoted the revised Baptist Faith and Message 2000. and indexed. A bibliography is not Baptist moderates have drained many an included, though its addition would have ink well with book after book giving their been helpful. The book begins by noting perspective on what they call the “Fun- “the way things were” (Part I) and why damentalist Takeover.” Conservatives had theological erosion and institutional been slow to write about the controversy, bureaucracy made the Conservative with only Jim Hefley’s Truth In Crisis Resurgence necessary. The Resurgence at series (5 volumes) telling the story as its heart was a return to our historic roots they saw it. That situation, however, has and a back to the Bible movement. now changed. If you would like an auto- Part II catalogues “the way the conven- biographical viewpoint of the past 20 plus tion changed.” Here Sutton examines years, pick up Paul Pressler’s A Hill On each president of the SBC from Adrian Which to Die (Broadman & Holman, 1999). Rogers (1979) to Paige Patterson (2000), It is fascinating and provocative. If, on the and captures the high points of their other hand, you are looking for a history terms and the seismic shifts that began to that meticulously details and documents take place. Insightful vignettes of the blow by blow the key personalities and main characters of the movement and an 94 eye for detail in the context of the larger to biblical inerrancy. In addition, some picture makes this an especially impor- sections of the book do not flow smoothly tant and interesting section. and on occasions, Sutton assumes a con- Part III provides a blow by blow analy- textual awareness of an issue he is dis- sis of the changes that took place in the cussing that I am not sure most Baptists institutions and agencies of the SBC. The have (for example, the Burnett Case, radical transformations which took place, p 287, 297ff). There is also some unneces- for example, at Southeastern and South- sary repetition, overuse of certain terms ern Seminaries were things I personally and phrases, and too many typos. A bet- witnessed with my own eyes (I served at ter proofing of the final manuscript Southeastern from 1992–1996 and at should have been done on such a crucially Southern from 1996 to the present), and important work. Sutton’s treatment of both are right on These minor criticisms noted, Southern target. I am often asked if both institutions Baptists owe Jerry Sutton an enormous were as bad off theologically as I was led debt of gratitude. With the mind of a to believe and my ready answer for both scholar (Ph.D. in Church History) and the is the same, “No, it was much worse!” heart of a pastor (Two Rivers Baptist Ma and Pa Baptist, had they known what Church in Nashville, TN), Sutton helps was being taught, would not have called us understand better the miraculous and for a Reformation. They would have unprecedented theological turnaround declared war. that took place in the Southern Baptist Part IV provides Sutton’s analysis and Convention. His account is accurate and interpretation. The crucial issues of bibli- it indeed provides, as Paige Patterson cal authority, the nature of salvation, and well said, “the rest of the story.” the priesthood of believers receive care- ful attention. Sutton’s study of the Peace Daniel L. Akin Committee proceedings is superb, and here we learn things previously not cov- ered in print anywhere else to my knowl- The Greco-Roman World of the New Testa- edge. The book concludes with Southern ment Era: Exploring the Background of Early Baptists’ search for their identity and Christianity. By James S. Jeffers. Downers what the future may hold. Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1999, 352 pp., There are a couple of areas where a $19.99 paper. word of critique is in order. As a student at Southwestern Seminary from 1980– What did a city in the ancient world smell 1983, I found Sutton’s evaluation of her like? How were ancient cities organized? condition too favorable. Things were not What was it like to live in an apartment in as healthy as he indicates. I had profes- an urban area? How did the rich live and sors who questioned Mosaic authorship how did their lives differ from the poor? of the Pentateuch, the unity of Isaiah, the What was the role of women in various integrity of Daniel, the accuracy of Paul, geographical settings in the first century? and miracles in the Bible. They affirmed The answer to these questions and many women as pastors and at best, shied away more can be found in this book. The rel- from confessing a personal commitment evant material set forth here would help 95 one have a much better understanding of attitude toward religion. Chapters six and the world of Jesus and the early church. seven explore how Rome ruled its mas- Each chapter is replete with examples sive empire. Topics in these chapters from the New Testament illustrating their include Roman governance of its prov- relevance for a more thoughtful under- inces, the collection of taxes, its legal sys- standing of the Bible. The reader of this tem, and military. Chapters eight through book will find Biblical narratives come eleven explain the social order of the first- alive. The author is an expert in both century world and how these issues Roman history and early Christianity affected believers. The final chapter sets and writes from the perspective of an forth the structure of the family includ- evangelical Christian. ing the role of women and education in The author divides the book into the ancient world. The author concluded thirteen chapters. A cursory survey of the book with two appendixes. The first chapter two can illustrate the valuable is a twenty-eight page summary of Greco- information contained in the book. Chap- Roman history and the second is a chro- ter two is entitled “Life & Death in the nology of events from 50 B.C. to A. D. 90. First Century.” In this chapter Jeffers gives The book contains a few minor errors. the reader an idea of what it must have For example, Jeffers refers to 1 Corin- been like to live in the first century, both thians 7:34-36 as Paul’s admonition on the in a Mediterranean setting as well as in a silencing of the women in church; instead Greco-Roman setting. He describes how it is found in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 people in the first-century worked, what (p.252). He also attributes Luke’s com- they did for recreation, how they traveled, mendation to the Bereans in Acts 17:11 to what they ate, what they wore, and how the Thessalonians (p.257). Nevertheless, they cared for their deceased. despite these minor errors and a few A brief comment on the other chapters questionable biblical interpretations, the will allow one to see the breadth of infor- book provides a wealth of insight into the mation the author has brought together first century world. If you are interested in one volume. The first chapter intro- in a book that provides a lucid, straight- duces the reader to the cultural and forward portrayal of life during the days political atmosphere in first-century of Jesus and the apostles you will want Jerusalem via a fictional dinner party. to read this book. Chapter three describes city life in the Greco-Roman world and its impact on the Bill Cook church. While most people in the ancient world lived in the countryside, Paul planted many of his churches in influen- The Book of Revelation, A Commentary on the tial cities. The fourth chapter examines Greek Text. NIGTC. By G. K. Beale. Grand how the early believers organized them- Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999, lxiv + 1,245 pp., selves and how other organizational $75.00. structures in the cities might have influ- enced them. Jeffers, in chapter five, G. K. Beale is Kenneth T. Wessner Chair surveys various religious systems of the of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College ancient world and he examines Rome’s Graduate School. This commentary is a worthy addition to the outstanding series, 96 The New International Greek Testament Com- flict,” the following articles appear: “The mentary. Beale has published extensively, End-Time Exodus against the Background frequently in the area of the use of the of the First Exodus,” “The Desert as a Old Testament in the New, particularly Place of Both Trial and Protection,” “The with reference to Revelation. He was Background of the ‘Three and a Half Year’ guided in this area of study by his first Period,” “The ‘Place’ of Refuge in the doctoral supervisor at Cambridge, Desert as the Spiritual Sanctuary,” “How Barnabas Lindars. Christ’s Redemptive Work Resulted in The 175 page introduction and the 37 Satan’s Expulsion from Heaven,” and page bibliography are sufficient to guide “The Jewish Legal Background of Satan one in a comprehensive study of Revela- as an Accuser and Its Relation to 12:10.” tion, but the book offers much more Segregated from the exegesis, these besides. The introduction focuses on those articles stand alone and add much to the issues applicable to interpretation of the commentary. The Greek text is treated content, such as date and occasion, struc- carefully and fully. Beale provides English ture, argumentation, and the use of the translation of most Greek words, so that Old Testament in Revelation. Less atten- readers limited to English can follow the tion is given to canonicity, authorship, argument and benefit from the exegesis. genre, destination, source criticism, rhe- In Beale’s treatment of the interpretive torical criticism, and similar concerns, approaches to Revelation, the fifteen or so since these are less important for his historic approaches have been reduced to rigorous, inductive, historical-exegetical four, plus his own proposal. Seven might approach. Beyond these, important intro- be more accurate, but each of the four, as ductory concerns addressed include sym- categorized by Beale, are briefly but fairly bolism, grammar, text-critical matters, presented. If his subcategories were major interpretive approaches to Revela- divided, the number would be larger. His tion, and the theology of Revelation. The categories are Preterist, Historicist, Futur- concise explanation of the textual history ist, and Idealist. The Preterist view he of Revelation is especially well done. divided into two forms. The first sees the The heart of the commentary is verse- book as a prophecy of the fall of Jerusa- by-verse exegesis, but there is a conscious lem in 70 AD. The second sees Revelation effort to follow the thought within para- as prophecy of the fall of the Roman Em- graphs and from paragraph to paragraph. pire in the fifth century AD. Weaknesses Main points of paragraphs and longer sec- include limiting the book’s relevance to tions are summarized. Special attention is the first or early centuries of Church his- paid to Jewish interpretation and exege- tory and limiting judgment to Israel. The sis of Old Testament passages alluded to Historicist view has many versions, with in Revelation and the influence of their interpreters in each era seeing fulfillment Jewish usage on Revelation. A prominent of the book’s predictions related to their feature is that within major divisions and own times. Numerous examples of this smaller sections are articles of various type of interpretation occurred through- length pertinent to the interpretation of out church history. Beale suggests that the section. For instance, within the historical over-specification and an major division, “12:1-15:4: Deeper Con- absence of relevance to the first century 97 are major weaknesses. series is “something less technical than a The futurist view is divided into full-scale critical commentary,” but it is dispensational futurism and a modified difficult to see any deficiencies in that futurism. The elements of dispensational regard with this volume. They further premillennialism are so well known as to state that these volumes are intended to not need explanation here. Modified interact with current scholarship and futurism does not hold as firmly to a chro- make a scholarly contribution to New nological sequence of the prophecies of Testament study. This work admirably Revelation, sees the church as the true succeeds in both these regards, treating all Israel, and does not hold to a pretribu- important problems of history, exegesis, lation rapture. Weaknesses include and interpretation rising from the text. reduced relevance to the first century and Beale said that his book took seven years not identifying the events of Revelation to write, and another year to edit and up- with final judgment or with any historical date. The care he took in the preparation events. The idealist view presents Revela- of this volume is obvious. tion as a symbolic portrayal of the conflict Beale’s personal goals were: to study between God and Satan, good and evil. carefully the Old Testament allusions and Beale advocated what he called an their significance; to study Jewish exegeti- “Eclecticism,” or a “Redemptive-Histori- cal use of the Old Testament allusions and cal Form of Modified Idealism.” He how Jewish interpretation related to their acknowledged a final salvific consumma- use in Revelation; to trace precisely the tion, with judgment. exegetical argument in Revelation; and to No other historical events are seen interact with the vast amount of second- beyond the final coming of Christ to ary literature of the last several decades. deliver His people, to judge, and to set up These are ambitious goals, but he met his his kingdom. But there are a few excep- objectives effectively. tions. Symbolic portrayals of historical The commentary clearly advocates events demonstrate the sovereignty of the and develops a particular interpretive Lamb and his guidance of the events that approach to Revelation, which many will unfold before the end. Some events readers may not accept. The careful exege- may be depicted by one narrative or sis and thorough treatment of relevant symbol. Taking the historicist practice of matters, however, may be well used identifying specific historical events, regardless of one’s own view of Revela- Beale denied that the identification could tion. Glowing recommendations of the be limited to one historical reality. Rather, book have come from important New Tes- multiple identifications are possible. He tament scholars and their statements are affirms that there are prophecies of the not undeserved. Beale’s commentary will future in Revelation, but suggested that take its place on the front line of recent careful exegesis would recognize past, Revelation scholarship. If careful study of present, and future relevance. The closest Revelation is the objective, then Beale’s interpretive frameworks to his are those book should be acquired. of Caird, Johnson, Sweet, and especially Hendriksen and Wilcock. Charles W. Draper The editors stated that the design of the 98 Proverbs 1-9: A New Translation with Intro- references in other parts of the book duction and Commentary. The Anchor Bible, indicate that the book is “a sampling of vol. 18A. By Michael V. Fox. New York: the collective wisdom of ancient Israel” Doubleday, 2000, 720 pp., $42.50. (6). The reader should note the headers in 10:1 and in 25:1, plus references to Michael V. Fox is a Jewish biblical scholar, unknown “sages” in 22:17 and 24:23, who teaches in the Department of Hebrew along with the teaching of Agur (30:1) and and Semitic Studies at the University of the mother of Lemuel (31:1). The sayings Wisconsin-Madison. He is well known for in Proverbs date from various periods, his work on Hebrew wisdom literature. but Fox agrees with most scholars that This volume is the first of a two-volume Proverbs 1-9 is a later part of the book, commentary on Proverbs. The commen- serving as a prologue to the rest of the tary is divided into a Preface, followed by collections, and likely dates from the Per- five parts: Introduction, Translation and sian or early Hellenistic period. Precision Commentary, Essays and Textual Notes in the dating of individual sayings is not on Proverbs 1-9, Textual Notes on Prov- possible, according to Fox. erbs 1-9 (concerned with textual variants The author is concerned at more than from the Masoretic Hebrew text, mostly one place in the commentary with the dis- LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate), and a Bibliog- putes in current scholarship about the raphy. Fox has produced an outstanding social setting of the book of Proverbs and commentary and every serious reader of the figure of Wisdom. He concludes that the book of Proverbs should have access the book was drawn from different social to it. In a comment about the book, Roland groups and domains, but that “learned E. Murphy, one of the foremost expositors clerks” were “the membrane through of the wisdom literature, calls it a “stun- which principles, sayings, and coinages, ning commentary” that “combines eru- folk and otherwise, were filtered” (11). In dition with clarity, originality with the the case of the personification of wisdom necessary dialogue with previous schol- in the figure of Woman Wisdom, Fox arship.” He adds that the essays on wis- forcefully rejects postulations of a setting dom are “masterful, sweeping away past in the post-exilic period of a breakdown misunderstandings.” Perhaps these of religion and faith, with the need for a words are somewhat too exuberant (and more personal understanding of the pres- highly pleasing to the publisher!), but this ence of God (342-45). He contends that the is an exciting piece of work. idea that Yahweh had become less Some features of the book seem espe- approachable in the postexilic period is cially appealing to me. The Introduction the result of “the caricature common contains a very helpful survey and analy- among nineteenth-century scholars” who sis of the words for wisdom (28-43). The thought of the Judaism of this period as reader of Proverbs needs to know these “a cold legalistic formalism” (345). Fox’s words and how they are used. The Intro- point that there was no lack of intense duction includes, of course, brief attention feeling of the presence of God in the later to matters of date and authorship. Prov- period is well-taken, but he seems to me erbs is traditionally ascribed to Solomon, to take the socioeconomic situation of the as in Proverbs 1:1, but the headers and exilic experience too lightly and never 99 seems to come to a satisfying explanation inner light that guides its possessor for the development of Wisdom. More through life.” Wisdom is something to be attention to the continuing sense and both learned and loved with desire: “Wis- experience of “exile” in the period after dom is a configuration of soul, it is moral 587 BC would help. He also gives only character” (348). limited attention to the significance of the The feminine figure of Wisdom is a feminine nature of Wisdom. striking feature of the Interludes. Before The content of Proverbs 1-9 is divided coming directly to Fox’s treatment of that into what Fox calls the Ten Lectures, with subject, I will pause to note his interpre- five somewhat extensive Interludes. The tation of the much debated ‘amon in 8:30a. Lectures are found in 1:8-19; 2:1-22; 3:1- He notes that there are three basic catego- 12; 3:21-35; 4:1-9; 4:10-19; 4:20-27; 5:1-23; ries of explanation for this word: (1) arti- 6:20-35; 7:1-27. The Interludes are found san, (2) constantly, and (3) child/ward/ in 1:20-33; 3:15-20; 6:1-19; 8:1-36; 9:1-18. nursling. His solution is to work within For each Lecture and Interlude, Fox pro- the third category and read the ‘amon as vides translation, commentary, discussion an infinitive absolute serving as an adver- of the literary design, and other features, bial complement, and translates the line including attention to the message of each as “I was with him growing up.” He reads passage. Textual variations relating to the next line as “and I was his delight by each passage are found on pp. 360-423. day,” supplying a “his” to the Hebrew Four essays deal with the following sub- text, as in the LXX and probably implicit jects: (1) The Formation of Proverbs 1-9, in the Hebrew. This means that God, (2) The Origins of Personified Wisdom, (3) rather than Wisdom is the one who Wisdom in the Lectures, and (4) Wisdom delights. In v. 31, Wisdom is “frolicking” in the Interludes (322-59). before God and has delight in mankind In an important introductory note to (Fox takes the ambiguous “my delight” essays 3 and 4 on page 346, Fox maintains in v. 31b as the delight of Wisdom rather that wisdom is a central theme through- than the delight she gives to humans— out the book of Proverbs. Wise behavior God delights in Wisdom and Wisdom is a major consideration, of course, but the delights in humankind). Thus he thinks book is “not only about doing, it is about that the picture here is that of “a little knowing.” Wisdom is most clearly mani- child near her divine paternal guardian fest in Proverbs 1-9, but Fox finds that it as he goes about his great work.” This is pervasive throughout the book. Indeed, does not allow for any role or function of it is “so pervasive that it usually escapes Wisdom in creation (see also, p. 354). This notice.” Fox could have added here what may be correct, of course, but the concept he says about wisdom in the Ten Lectures of an artisan and co-worker with God (347-8). Wisdom cannot be reduced to a does not exclude exuberance, delight and collection of precepts and sayings, but it play. The idea that these qualities are is aimed at a higher goal of “wisdom as restricted to children is obviously false. power.” The knowledge of wisdom pre- Furthermore, the strong presence in later cepts resides in the learner “as a poten- traditions of the idea of an artisan or tial and must be activated by God in arranger should make one wary of order to become the power of wisdom, an detaching Wisdom from the divine work 100 of creation. 22; 5:1-23; 6:30-35; 7:1-27. This figure has In understanding the figure of Lady been identified in six ways: (1) a foreign, Wisdom, Fox argues that the primary secular harlot, (2) a foreign devotee of a model is that of teacher, similar to that of foreign god, (3) a foreign goddess, (4) a father in the Ten Lectures (340). However, social outsider, (5) a native prostitute, and he wisely contends that no one model is (6) another man’s wife. Fox discusses all adequate and that Lady Wisdom in real- of these briefly, but he has no doubt the ity is a new and independent literary fig- last one is correct. The Strange Woman is ure, constructed from elements drawn “a type-figure representing any seductive, from a variety of models. Lady Wisdom adulterous woman” (434). He argues his is treated as a “mythos” in the sense of conclusion through the passages with a Plato, meaning: “a narrative trope that fervor like that of a Puritan preacher serves as an explanatory paradigm in denouncing the evil of adultery. Unlike areas where literal discourse must be the case of Lady Wisdom, he allows supplemented by poetic imagination” no “mythos” for the Strange Woman (352). The “mythos” requires decoding, (although this is tempered slightly on and Fox takes his readers on a turbulent page 253, with reference to 7:26-27). His flight of reading through several tightly argument seems too constrained to me, packed pages of discussion (353-59). If he especially since he allows that Lady Folly never quite lands, it is to his credit, in in 9:13-18 has her human counterpart in keeping with the nature of the subject as the Strange Woman (302). mythos, and with the elusive nature of Fox writes in a direct, pithy, and con- wisdom/Wisdom herself. Wisdom is temporary style of English that his read- greater than the total of all teachings and ers will enjoy. His remarks are sometimes transcends all human efforts to grasp and pungent, but he is fair when dealing with hold her in a precise way. My difference viewpoints that differ from his own. His with Fox is that he seems to restrict the style has a clarity that is commendable, function of Wisdom as the living presence and his commentary is an exegetical trea- of God, if he permits it at all. He concedes sure for which we can all be grateful, even that she is “god-like,” but limits this to “a if we may differ with him here and there. literary guise” (354). She is also “a child to God” (366) and has “angelic proximity Marvin E. Tate to God” (359), but her activity is severely limited in the reading by Fox. Undoubt- edly, she is a personification of the The Mystery of Godliness and Other Sermons. “actual teaching of human sages” (354), By John Calvin. Morgan, PA: Soli Deo but this does not mean that she is totally Gloria, 1999, 212 pp., $12.99. other than God. I would prefer to see her as a literary construct whose primary ref- No one reads Calvin without benefit. This erent is the actual presence of God in the includes those who do not agree with him world, apprehended through the teach- on every point of doctrine. This particu- ings of the father, mothers, and sages. lar work was first published in 1830 by The counterpart of Lady Wisdom is the S. & D. A. Forbes and again in 1950 by Strange Woman found in Proverbs 2:16- Eerdmans. The book consists of 14 ser- 101 mons based on texts in the Pastoral Why? Because nearly one million people Epistles, and they provide an excellent in America have and the book has hov- overview of Calvin’s thought in sermonic ered near the top of numerous Bestsellers form on crucial theological issues. A lists for months. If you want to know and sampling of titles and texts include “The be in touch with what the people in the Doctrine of Election” (2 Tim 1:9-10); “The pew are reading (this alone justifies com- Word Our Only Rule” (Titus 1:15-16); “The petent familiarity with the Left Behind Salvation of All Men” (1 Tim 2:3-5); “The series), this is something of a no-brainer. Privilege of Prayer” (1 Tim 2:8); and “The Still, there are a couple of additional rea- Only Mediator” (1 Tim. 2:5-6). The clear- sons a small time investment is prudent. ness of Calvin’s presentations and the First, the book has motivated people to cogency of his arguments continue to read the Bible. Second, many have been amaze generation after generation. These encouraged to a greater devotion to particular sermons are among his best, to prayer and a greater faith in God. At its my mind, and the challenge to honor God best the book hearkens to themes seen, for and pursue the lost both find a home in example, in the writings and life of these messages. “Those who do not William Carey: “Expect great things from endeavor to bring their neighbors and God. Attempt great things for God.” These unbelievers to the way of salvation plainly are obviously good things concerning show they make no account of God’s which we can rejoice and rejoice greatly. honor, and that they try to diminish the However, the serious shepherd of souls mighty power of His empire … they like- should read The Prayer of Jabez because of wise darken the virtue and death of our some real and present dangers as well. Lord Jesus Christ, and lessen the dignity What might these be? The book comes given Him by the Father” (“The Only close to affirming an almost “magical Mediator,” p. 200). This is but a small taste view” of prayer. Pray the precise words of the delightful delicacies one will find of the prayer of Jabez and get blessed and in these fine biblical expositions of the have your territory enlarged. The appeal sacred Word. Would to God that more of of a marketplace prosperity theology is Calvin’s most devoted followers would too obvious to ignore and this may show the same heart and balance as their explain, in part, the phenomenal success hero. of this little book. One cannot help but wonder why books on our Lord’s model Daniel L. Akin prayer (Matt 6:9-13) have never struck such a chord. Now to be fair, I do not think Bruce Wilkinson either holds to or The Prayer of Jabez. By Bruce Wilkinson. would endorse a “claim it and get it” Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah, 2000, 93 pp., theology. Still, sections of the book can $9.99. easily be read this way if one is not care- ful, and ministers need to be prepared to Should a minister, in particular, give a provide a balanced perspective concern- couple of hours to a 93-page book on an ing God’s sovereign will, prayer and the obscure prayer found in 1 Chronicles 4:10? Christian life. “It’s only what you believe You bet your ordination papers he should! will happen and therefore do next that will 102 release God’s power for you and bring Wittgenstein. about a life change. But when you act, you There is a richness and depth in will step up to God’s best for you” (p. 87), Dilman’s writing that makes this work is one example of what I have in mind. more than merely a flat historical survey. This comes close to a blanket promise for For example, the discussion includes not blessing; does it not? How do we square only the usual philosophical notions of this with those who suffer for Jesus, some free will and necessity and the scientific to the point of martyrdom? If they had concept of causation, but also considers just prayed the prayer of Jabez, would it the bondage of the will to moral evil and have been different? This is problematic compulsion. Dilman engages the views of biblically and theologically. these thinkers in an ongoing interdiscipli- So, should we encourage the reading nary dialogue of ideas from classical of the little Jabez book? I think so, though theology and philosophy as well as from not without a warning label being at- literature and modern psychology. While tached. While desiring to break through Dilman never fully explains his own to the “blessed life” is understandable, position in this historical survey, he does breaking through to the “obedient life” is contribute his own evaluation throughout preferable. the book. The product is a thoughtful discussion that contributes not only to Daniel L. Akin knowledge of the major issues involved, but also to wisdom for life. In particular, it reminds us that a life dragged down by Free Will: An Historical and Philosophical what Simone Weil calls the “moral grav- Introduction. By Ilham Dilman. New York: ity” of self-centeredness is not freedom Routledge, 1999, 273 pp., $26.95 paper. but bondage, and true freedom comes only through submission to the will of Ilham Dilman, Professor Emeritus of Phi- God. losophy at the University of Wales, offers This book raises issues that impact in this work a helpful and accessible Christian theology in dialogue with the introduction to the philosophical prob- broader world of ideas. While some might lems associated with human free will. be reluctant to hear such a diverse menag- Dilman dedicates a chapter each to sur- erie of ideas including many secular veying the contributions on the subject of thinkers, the book raises important issues free will from the perspective of a variety worth reflection. Recommended for the of thinkers: the classical approaches of thoughtful reader. Homer, Sophocles, Plato, and Aristotle; the Christian theological approaches of Steve W. Lemke Augustine and Aquinas; the Enlighten- New Orleans Baptist ment philosophical approaches of Theological Seminary Descartes, Spinoza, Hume, Kant, and Schopenhauer; the psychological approach of Freud; the existentialist Chaplain to the Confederacy: Basil Manly and approaches of Sartre and Weil; and the Baptist Life in the Old South. By A. James linguistic approaches of Moore and Fuller. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State Uni- 103 versity Press, 2000, xvi + 343 pp., $49.95. addresses as pastor of First Baptist Church, Charleston; these discussions Basil Manly, Sr. (1798-1868) was one of the might have been profitably summarized leading Southern Baptists of his day— in a single chapter rather than extending pastor of First Baptist Church, Charleston, them over three. In addition, Fuller refers co-founder of Furman University, presi- to the “Charleston style” in chapter three dent of the University of Alabama, and five without disclosing what he co-founder of the Southern Baptist Con- means. It appears that the Charleston vention, and co-founder of the Southern style was a southern ethic of honor and Baptist Theological Seminary. In Chaplain gentility that required Baptists to aspire to the Confederacy, A. James Fuller, assis- to upward social mobility in order to take tant professor of history at University of part in the city’s social order, but this Indianapolis in Indiana, offers the first bio- reader had to read between the lines in graphical narrative of Manly. Well- order to piece that together. This might researched and carefully written, the work in a dissertation, but in a finished biography succeeds as a narrative of biography, it appears sloppy. Another Manly’s life and the institutions with example of this immaturity is the issue of which Manly was associated. Manly’s move from South Carolina to However, Fuller’s book fails to deliver Alabama. Fuller fails to place Manly’s more due to its lack of a thesis. Though migration in the larger pattern of move- Fuller appears to recognize his thesis-less ment during the 1830s and 1840s, in approach in the introduction, where he which South Carolinians left for the Ala- notes that the book does not trace a bama frontier in droves. In particular, it “grand argument” from Manly’s birth to would have been instructive to compare death (3), he is unable to tie the different Manly with James Henry Hammond, parts of his narrative together in any later governor of South Carolina who significant fashion. Instead, the reader is nearly migrated to Alabama but decided led through a forest of historical ideas to remain at home. Fuller simply fails to which are pointed out as the narrative ask the questions that one would expect progresses—duty and honor, mastery and in a revised project. slavery, science and religion, revivalism Fuller also appears less than confident and social control, mercy and judgment, in dealing with theology and church pol- republicanism and states’ rights. None of ity. He identifies Manly as a General Bap- these ideas stands out as a thesis that tist, a strict Calvinist, and a follower of holds the narrative together. The result is Jonathan Edwards and Andrew Fuller a frustratingly disjointed narrative that (62-64)—three identifications that would careens from event to event without let- appear to be mutually exclusive. While ting the reader know why the reported the Manly papers in the Southern Semi- events are important to Manly’s life story. nary Archives have several sermons that Moreover, the book reads more like a would assist in portraying Manly’s theo- dissertation than a revised and mature logical position, Fuller spends a scant discussion of the subject matter. For seven pages on Manly’s theology. Surely example, Fuller offers close textual Manly’s theology was more influential studies of several of Manly’s important than such limited treatment indicates; as 104 a “public man” who sanctified southern The Catholic relationship to Protestantism rights and social order, Manly’s theologi- is certainly a curious topic these days. cal concerns produced a public theology Over the last half-century Rome has that undergirded public life in the South. moved from viewing Protestants as apos- With church polity issues, Fuller high- tates, to cousins, to “separated brethren,” lights Manly’s approach to church whom she now wants to bring back into discipline as well as his role in the cen- the fold. Many in the non-Catholic camp tralizing of Southern Baptist life in the have interpreted these shifts as represent- creation of the SBC. However, this reader ing a fundamental moderation of some of did not gain a sense of Manly as a pastor the more distinctive (and anti-gospel) or the churches that he served. Short aspects of Roman Catholic theology. pages were devoted to Manly’s approach Growing up in a (Landmark) Baptist set- to pastoral issues while large sections ting as a youngster, I was taught that the were taken up with his promotion of Catholic church was a false church with a revivalism. Perhaps if Fuller had investi- false gospel, that it taught many heretical gated the church minutes books from the doctrines, such as purgatory, prayers to churches Manly served, he would have the saints, and some strange ideas about been able better to portray life under Mary, and that most if not all of its mem- Pastor Manly. bers were lost. In this day of “live and let What makes Fuller’s life of Manly frus- live,” there has been a tendency in non- trating is that there are wonderful, fairly Catholic circles to assume that Catholics recent examples of biographies with now are actually becoming more “protes- theses—one that comes to mind is Drew tant,” and that they are shedding some of Gilpin Faust’s James Henry Hammond and the theological trappings of a bygone era. the Old South: A Design for Mastery (Baton James White is here to tell us that, at least Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, in regard to Mariology, nothing could be 1982). Perhaps if Fuller had allowed his further from the truth. He relates how in book to gestate a little longer, and if he a public debate with Catholic apologist had been prodded more by his editors, he Gerry Matatics, that his opponent noted would have been able to produce a first- that evangelicals are always asking, rate biography of Manly, a historical fig- “Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord ure who clearly deserves more. If one and Savior?” Matatics then posed this to does not expect a “grand argument” from White, “Well, have you accepted Mary as Chaplain to the Confederacy, then Fuller’s your Mother?” work serves as a useful, though flawed, White’s introduction to this issue con- introduction to this Southern Baptist cerns the recent push for the Pope to founder. authorize the doctrine of Mary as core- demptress (or coredemptrix). In 1997, 4.5 Sean Michael Lucas million petitions from 155 countries were submitted to the pope, asking him to seek the official authorization of this doctrine. Mary—Another Redeemer? By James R. Among the petitioners were over 500 White. Minneapolis: Bethany House Pub- bishops, including forty-two cardinals lishers, 1998, 158 pp., $9.99 paper. (page 12). No official action has yet been 105 taken. telling him, “In vain will he invoke me as White spends most of his effort in the a Father who has not venerated Mary as remainder of the book explicating, a Mother” (73). According to another through Catholic primary sources (mostly saint, along with the text in John in which official documents from Councils, papal Jesus says, “No one comes to me unless bulls, and other official sources), and the Father draws him,” Jesus also affirms, through the writings of various Catholic “No one comes to me unless my Mother saints and theologians, the Catholic first of all draws him by her prayers” (76). doctrine of Mary. Though I was fairly Other saints write, “At the command of familiar with this material from previous Mary, all obey, even God,” and “Yes, Mary research, there were a few quotes that is omnipotent” (79). A major Catholic raised my eyebrows. theologian has written, “We often obtain Briefly, White shows not only that more promptly what we ask by calling on the Catholic Church considers Mary to the name of Mary than by invoking that have been perpetually virginal (29-34), of Jesus.” (71). immaculately conceived (and therefore White also gives some excellent refu- completely sinless, 35-43), “assumed” into tations of these doctrines from Scripture, heaven without dying (51-55), and “ven- and shows many of them to be contrary erated” (57-84), but also that official to the gospel of free grace through sola Catholic dogma has made even more fide, solo Christo. This is a very fine little extreme asseverations about Mary. They book, one which anyone must read who consider her, for instance, to be the ministers in a Catholic community. Its use “Spouse of the Spirit” or “Spouse of God” of primary sources, and its demonstration (11, 31, 77, 104, 114), and the Mediatrix of from official Catholic writings of these the redemptive benefits of Christ’s pas- heterodox views is worth far more than sion (37, Vatican II called her Mediatrix, the price of the book (don’t tell the pub- 93, Pope John Paul II has so referred to lisher). All of White’s books are excellent, her in his encyclical Lumen Gentium, 103). and this little one is a true jewel. John Paul II has said in public state- ments, “There is no better approach to her Chad Owen Brand Son than through [Mary],” and “to Christ through Mary” (112). His personal motto, inscribed on his coat of arms, is Totus Tuus sum Maria (“Mary, I am totally yours”). Pope Benedict XV in the 1918 Apostolic Letter Inter Sodalicia affirmed Mary’s “atonement” for sinners, “To such an extent did she suffer and almost die with her suffering and dying Son . . . in order to appease the justice of God, that we may rightly say she redeemed the human race together with Christ” (126). Mary is the “ladder to paradise” in Catholic thought (73). God revealed himself to one saint, 106