Sampler Of Varied Richness
Apostolic History and the Gospel: Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F. F. Bruce on his Sixtieth Birthday, edited by W. W. Gasque and R. P. Martin (Eerdmans, 1970, 357 pp., $7.95), is reviewed by Richard N. Longenecker, professor of New Testament history and theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Bannockburn, Illinois.
We have become accustomed to the almost annual publication of some highly significant writing by F. F. Bruce, Rylands Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis in the University of Manchester. Now in Apostolic History and the Gospel we have both a fitting tribute to one who is “a stellar example of Christian scholarship, genuine devotion, and loyal stewardship” (Bastiaan Van Elderen’s tribute, p. 151) and a rich mine of valuable material on the apostolic age. The book contains twenty-four articles by twenty-four leading constructive scholars, and is carefully planned to parallel Bruce’s own interests and his type of critical, reverent, and expansive scholarship.
In a short review one cannot deal adequately with the variety and richness of a volume like this. Not all the articles are strictly evangelical in tone or in conclusions; Bruce himself would disagree with some of the authors at times, though I’m sure he is honored by their presence. But almost all the articles are significant and constructive. To mention only a few of worth: E. M. Blaiklock writes well on the historical authenticity of Acts (though in language too florid and verbose for my taste); Earle Ellis develops the theme of the Christian prophet in Acts as a teacher and interpreter of the Old Testament; A. J. Mattill, Jr., rehabilitates Schneckenburger’s thesis on the apologetic purpose of Acts (though he supports it with a dubious interpretation of Acts 21); George Ladd deals perceptively with the relation between the traditional and the revelationally unique in Paul’s experience and preaching; Alan Millard relates Near Eastern covenant studies to the Lord’s Supper in First Corinthians 11; and Margaret Thrall roots Paul’s essential Christology in his prophetic call on the road to Damascus.
For me, the most outstanding articles were those by Howard Marshall on the centrality of the resurrection of Christ in the Acts of the Apostles, William Barclay on Paul’s missionary and pastoral preaching, Leon Morris on the dominance of the “God-theme” in the letter to the Romans, and C. F. D. Moule on Philippians 2:5–11 (though I am not convinced that the “name” in question is simply that of Jesus and not Lord). Also of real value, though of more limited dimensions, are the contributions of Bruce Metzger on the claimed astrological geography of Acts 2:9–11, Bastiaan Van Elderen on archaeological evidence regarding Sergius Paulus and the location of Derbe, and Matthew Black on the CHIRHO sign among early Christians as testifying both to the person of Christ (the initial letters of the name) and the crucifixion of Christ (the figure of the cross).
Somewhat disappointing, not so much because of their conclusions (though I personally disagree) but because of their method of arguing probability and coherency of argument more than citing substantial evidence to support their conclusions, are Floyd Filson’s mild redaction-criticism treatment of the journey narratives in Luke-Acts and Bo Reicke’s case for a Caesarean provenance for Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians (if authentic). Rudolf Schnackenburg raises in his article the current issue of the relation of the Apostles and the Twelve in pre-Pauline and Pauline Christianity, but does little more than restate the problem and give his opinion.
For the scholar, this volume ranks alongside the Festschrift to Paul Schubert, Studies in Luke-Acts (1966). The two, in fact, could be spoken of as fraternal twins: they cover the same ground and are alike in styling: Bruce’s Festschrift, however, serves to balance Schubert’s, which with only a few exceptions moves far to the left. Interestingly, only C. F. D. Moule appears in both—though, perhaps characteristically, when among the left he moves to the right and among the right he moves to the left. For the student and alert Christian layman, here is a “sampler” on crucial issues in apostolic history, dealt with, usually constructively, by thoroughly competent scholars. It is a work to be read for theological enrichment and used repeatedly for reference.
Commenting On Paul
The Broadman Bible Commentary, Volume II: Second Corinthians-Philemon, edited by Clifton J. Allen (Broadman, 1971, 388 pp., $7.50), and six volumes of The Living Word Commentary, edited by Everett Ferguson (Sweet, 1968–71, varying lengths, $3.50 each), are reviewed by D. Edmond Heibert, professor of New Testament, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Fresno, California.
These two multiple-author commentaries, covering the Pauline epistles from Second Corinthians through Philemon, come from the evangelical wing of the Church. The writers are well aware of contemporary views in New Testament scholarship.
While quoting the RSV text, both commentaries are based on the Greek. (All Greek words used are transliterated.) The Living Word Commentary (LWC) is written by members of Churches of Christ (non-instrumental) and is essentially a systematic exegesis of the Greek, providing a careful unfolding of the meaning of the text. But little attempt is made to apply the ideas of the text to contemporary life. The Broadman Bible Commentary (BBC) is by Baptists and aims at a balance between exegesis and exposition. Some points of the text receive scant or no attention, while central points are elaborated. The two commentaries admirably supplement each other; neither is exhaustive.
In both, an introduction, outline, and bibliography precede the treatment of the text. The introductions are adequate and generally treat the critical problems in the epistle. Some of the bibliographies are disappointingly meager, failing to cite important works; others are quite adequate and balanced.
Space forbids detailed discussion of these significant commentaries; only a few distinctive points can be cited. Beasley-Murray (BBC) presents a strong case for the partition theory of Second Corinthians and tentatively accepts the view that chapters 10–13 chronologically precede chapters 1–9. Thompson (LWC) discusses the difficulties but holds to its unity.
Both commentaries prefer the South Galatian theory but both opt for a late date for Galatians. The treatment of the eschatological portions in First and Second Thessalonians is from an amillennial viewpoint in both. Mention is made of alternative views.
In his introduction to Ephesians (BBC) Ralph P. Martin accepts the compromise position that “the teaching of the epistle is Pauline but the composition and style of this letter were entrusted by the apostle to a colleague and amanuensis,” and suggests Luke as the real writer. He refers to Paul as the author in a modified sense since “we hear Paul’s voice speaking through his disciple.” This compromise seems to concede the heart of the controversy.
Both commentaries accept Philippians 2:5–11 as hymnic. After reviewing the varied scholarly views, Frank Stagg (BBC) aptly comments, “It is strange that scholars are so sure of the hymnic nature of the passage and so unsure of its poetic structure.” Both accept the probable unity of Philippians.
E. Glenn Hinson’s discussion of the authorship of the pastoral epistles (BBC) is a significant contribution to this thorny problem. Accepting the Pauline authorship “as posing fewer problems than the other views,” he insists that due recognition must be given to the “large number of quotations and near-quotations” in them in considering their authorship. He holds that the purpose of the letters is to assist Timothy and Titus as “personal ambassadors of Paul” to meet the Rome-based Judaistic opponents of Gentile mission. Spain (LWC) offers a critical evaluation of the statistical claims of P. N. Harrison and holds that the vocabulary is consistent with Pauline authorship.
Although the contributions in these commentaries are not of uniform excellence, all reveal a high level of competence. There is no effort to foster distinctive denominational views. Both commentaries offer valuable aid for systematic biblical study and expository preaching. For the price, the Broadman volume is the better buy.
The Lions In Missions
Mission Theology Today, by John Power (Orbis, 1971, 216 pp., paperback, $3.95), Christ the Liberator, by John Stott and others (Inter-Varsity, 1971, 288 pp., paperback, $2.95), and The Future of the Christian World Mission, edited by W. J. Danker and W. J. Kang (Eerdmans, 1971, 181 pp., $5.95), are reviewed by Donald McGavran, senior professor of missions, School of World Mission, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.
What changes are in store for Christian missions? In view of the radical changes in the world—particularly the rise of Afericasian denominations, and the end of European empires—in what new ways will denominations, missionary societies, and individual Christians carry out the Great Commission? What in missions is permanent, to be carried on till the Lord returns? What must be altered to fit today’s developments? Answers to these questions fill the three books considered here.
Christ the Liberator is most biblical, practical and evangelical. Its fifteen chapters are addresses given at the great Urbana Convention in December, 1970, to some 12,000 college and university students. It holds that missions mean world evangelization, though it stresses throughout that Christians should act for social justice, and that missions should serve as well as witness.
The speakers—foreign nationals and Americans, black and white—are men who know missions in six continents. Most of them are mission executives or leaders of the younger churches. A more competent panel of mission writers could scarcely have been assembled. Stott, Wagner, Ford, Skinner, Escobar, Howard, Little, Alexander, and others speak out on relevant biblical evangelism and its impact on a world in revolution. The fact that the writers are presenting missions, as they will be tomorrow, to collegians, many of whom declared themselves willing to serve Christ overseas, gives the volume a down-to-earth flavor. These chapters tell it like it is. The book is an excellent one for the minister to read and to give to the choice youth of his church.
Protestants engaged in mission will read Mission Theology Today with profit. Father Power, a professor of Scripture in Ireland (the volume has the imprimi protest of the archbishop of Dublin), has “put into simple words the conclusions reached by Roman Catholic theologians” discussing the value of non-Christian religions as roads to salvation and the place of “development work” in missionary activity today. The book, though sparked by a meeting of SEDOS (an organization to study contemporary mission facts and trends), is not a collection of addresses, but rather a systematic discussion of the enduring theological foundations of missions.
In this book “the church” means the Roman Catholic Church, and the theology and ecclesiology propounded are Roman Catholic. Yet Father Power speaks about “cooperation with other Christian churches” and writes, “If the Churches would turn their gaze from one another to the world, and look out on the millions of men who are totally ignorant of Christ’s message, then perhaps all Churches would … carry the news of Christ’s redemption by the most effective means possible.” Our separated brethren of Rome have probed the theological depths of many current issues in missions better than we have. The biblical base of missions is emphasized. The various options are shown with clarity. Evangelical Protestants have yet to publish a book on mission theology as wide and deep and (on the whole) as true as this.
The Future of the Christian World Mission is a festschrift in honor of Pierce Beaver. The editors and authors are all well-known writers on missions. Nine of the twelve are professors of missions. Harold Lindsell and Arthur Glasser present the conservative evangelical position; Prudencio Damboriena, the severe crisis in Roman Catholic missions; James Scherer, Richey Hogg, and Hans Gensichen, the ecumenical approach; and W. J. Kang and Kosuke Koyama, the viewpoint of the younger churches.
In this fine book one sees answers to the questions with which this review started stretched out along the liberal-conservative axis. Of the three books, this is perhaps the broadest—as well as the most uneven. Hogg’s brief opening chapter, “The Oikoumene,” seems to describe “missions to come” in terms of the whole world, with heavy stress on the ecumenical movement. Lindsell discusses the future of missions in view of the Western decline of orthodoxy. Glasser’s brilliant chapter on “The Evangelicals: World Outreach” is stimulating reading. Anderson has a fascinating chapter on “Mission Research, Writing, and Publishing.” Gensichen probes Christianity’s relation to non-Christian religions.
Except for Glasser’s chapter, the book tends to be unnecessarily pessimistic about missions. Dangers there certainly are. For example, those who construct extra-biblical theories of God’s relation to non-Christian religions and their hordes of nominal and secular adherents have certainly eroded the faith of many Christians. There are lions in the way. But lions have never deterred the faithful Christian and will not do so tomorrow. After reading this book, one should go on to read Christ the Liberator.
New Brief For Inerrancy
Biblical Revelation—The Foundation of Christian Theology, by Clark H. Pinnock (Moody, 1971, 256 pp., $4.95), is reviewed by Harold Lindsell, editor-publisher ofCHRISTIANITY TODAY.
This book by a younger and very keen theological mind is one of the most important contributions to the discussion of inerrancy in this century.
Pinnock’s main theses are fairly simple: God has chosen to reveal himself in Jesus Christ and in Scripture; Scripture in turn reveals Jesus Christ; God has not stuttered in his biblical self-revelation: it is inerrant not only in matters having to do with salvation but also in matters of fact, history, and science. While he candidly acknowledges the difficulties that attend this view, he urges evangelicals to apply themselves diligently to the study of Scripture, confident that they have nothing to fear from scholarship.
Pinnock grasps one nettle firmly: he decides for an inerrant Scripture on the basis of a historical apologetic rather than on a fideistic basis, that is, the Bible’s claim to authority alone. In this he joins Warfield over against men like Calvin, E. J. Young, John Murray, and Gordon Haddon Clark. It is important to note, however, that though the two paths of approach are different, the conclusion is the same: the Bible is wholly trustworthy.
At the heart of the book is the thesis that inerrancy is a watershed doctrine between two differing versions of Christianity, the version that puts the Bible above all else and the version that puts something above the Bible. Pinnock shows convincingly that inerrancy is taught in Scripture, that historically it has been the view of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, that the greatest of the churchmen through the ages believed and taught it, and that it is apologetically defensible and logically tenable. He uses excerpts from liberal scholars to prove a point: they acknowledge that inerrancy has been the accepted viewpoint even though they do not believe it. The late Kirsop Lake, a noted liberal on the faculty of the University of Chicago, said:
How many were there, for instance, in Christian churches in the eighteenth century who doubted the infallible inspiration of all Scripture? A few, perhaps, but very few. No, the fundamentalist may be wrong; I think that he is. But it is we who have departed from the tradition, not he.… The Bible and the corpus theologicum of the Church is on the fundamentalist side.
Pinnock deals with parts of Scripture that have caused some to stumble and demonstrates that many of the so-called errors have been or can be resolved. He admits that some problems are not yet fully answered but says that for the most part these are incidental. He makes an excellent case for his point that the ultimate logical consequence of denying inerrancy is to undermine historic orthodoxy, a consequence that those evangelicals who are hesitant on inerrancy but otherwise orthodox in doctrine do not appear to see clearly.
This book is unabashedly controversial and will raise the hackles of many. But irritation and anger won’t answer Pinnock’s arguments. Those who reject inerrancy owe it to themselves to read this literate, scholarly, and provocative book if for no other reason than to be aware that believers in inerrancy do have a case, that there are scholars who can present it effectively, and that the dispute is by no means settled in favor of those who opt for an errant Bible. This volume should grace the shelf of every minister and literate layman.
Newly Published
The Jesus Generation, by Billy Graham (Zondervan, 201 pp., $4.95 and $1.95). The bulk of the book is Graham’s worthwhile and time-tested sermonic advice to young people. It is not so much on the Jesus movement as addressed to it. Only the first chapter deals with the current spiritual explosion among young people, and much of that is a review of reports already published. In other chapters background material on the youth culture is inserted.
Rappings, edited by Robert Webber (Tyndale, paperback, $1.25). From a conservative Christian college (Wheaton) comes a book that should be circulated among non-Christian as well as Christian kids. Photography, layout, and writing “make it.”
Letters to Street Christians, by “two brothers from Berkeley” (Zondervan, 224 pp., paperback, $1.65). A right-on paraphrased summary of the major “message” portions of the New Testament epistles—in the sometimes shocking language of the street scene—by two leaders of the Christian World Liberation Front ministering in the scene. Perhaps helpful in bridging the communication gap at street level, but will alienate many church members, thus widening the gap at pew level.
Jesus People Come Alive, compiled by Walker L. Knight (Tyndale, 128 pp., paperback, $1.25). Mostly a reprint of a special issue of the Southern Baptist Home Missions magazine, and one of the better chronicles of the surging spiritual movement among young people, especially as it relates to churches. Knight’s last-chapter analysis, challenge, and caution should be must reading for every pastor.
Between Christ and Satan, The Devil’s Alphabet, and Occult Bondage and Deliverance, by Kurt Koch (Kregel, 192 pp., 156 pp., 198 pp., paperback, $1.25 each). In view of the resurgence of occultism, these new editions of some works by a leading evangelical writer are especially welcome. The first title examines fortune-telling, magic, spiritism, and healing. The second looks briefly at forty-seven topics from amulets through moon-mancy to yoga. The third is a guide to counseling occultists. Copious examples of involvement with the occult and its consequences permeate the books.
Mind, Man and the Spirits, by J. Stafford Wright (Zondervan, 190 pp., paperback, $.95), and Psychic Phenomena and Religion, by H. Richard Neff (Westminster, 176 pp., paperback, $3.50). Wright offers a fresh, offbeat study of the nature of man, probing into man’s mind and spirit realms, tackling such topics as psychic phenomena, miracles, ghosts, spirits of the dead, angels, and even speaking in tongues. Neff’s book is a disappointing rehash deliberately offering no conclusions.
The Untapped Generation, by David and Don Wilkerson (Zondervan, 256 pp., paperback, $1.95). A gold mine of advice and illustrations for those who counsel youth. Includes helpful insight into modern youth’s problems, from drugs and free sex to racism and radical politics. By the experienced co-directors of Teen Challenge.
Living With Anxiety, by Randolph Crump Miller (Pilgrim Press, 190 pp., $5.95). The author astutely analyzes anxiety, synthesizing biblical and modern psychological insights.
The Holiness-Pentecostal Movement in the United States, by Vinson Synan (Eerdmans, 248 pp., $5.95), and The American Holiness Movement: A Bibliographic Introduction, by Donald Dayton (Asbury Seminary [Wilmore, Ky. 40390], 59 pp., paperback, $2). Very competent works that can fill a gaping hole in most personal and institutional libraries. For too long evangelicals of baptistic and Calvinistic bent have condescendingly disregarded their “holy roller” brethren. These studies should help develop more accurate understanding.
Critical Guide to Catholic Reference Books, by James Patrick McCabe (Libraries Unlimited [Littleton, Colo. 80120], 287 pp., $11.50). All students of Roman Catholicism and of church history will be grateful for this annotated and classified list of more than 900 books useful for research. Should be in all seminary libraries.
Graduate Education in Religion, by Claude Welch (University of Montana, 279 pp., paperback, $3.95). Based on a thorough study of sixty-nine schools in the United States and Canada offering courses of study leading to research and teaching doctoral degrees (as distinguished from professional theological degrees). Should be read by all those connected with these schools and by any students considering enrollment in them.
The Sex Manual for Puritans, by Vernard Eller (Abingdon, 78 pp., $3). At first glance, a book not worth the price. But through humor (some of it pretty corny) and good sense, Eller speaks sanely about sex.
