Wednesday, May 1, 2013

REVIEW: CHARTS ON THE LIFE, LETTERS, AND THEOLOGY OF PAUL


CHARTS ON THE LIFE, LETTERS, AND THEOLOGY OF PAUL
Lars Kierspel (Kregel, Grand Rapids, 2012).
Charts on the Life, Letters, and Theology of Paul  -     
        By: Lars Kierspel

This is the second issue of Kregel Charts of the Bible. While books on charts can be limited, this series is the exception. This volume covers a wide range of issues. While the charts are divided into four sections: Paul’s Background and Context; Paul’s Life and Ministry; Paul’s Letters; Paul’s Theological Concepts. In these sections one will find numbers details that will aid any student of the Bible. The charts are timely and deal with up to date issues (even includes a chart on the new perspective, and modern Jewish views). It also has an up to date bibliography, including articles from major journals. It gives good snapshot charts of each of Paul’s epistles. I really appreciate the charts of key words in each epistle.

One weakness of many charts is the lack of explanations, however in this series there is a section on chart comments. I really appreciate this and find it a great help, although brief. What is helpful is that in many of the explanations there are references for more and deeper information.

There are two things I like about this series. First, as a student of the Word, it condenses what you get from wordy commentaries with good summaries; yet lets the student know where to go to find more detailed information. Second, it greatly aids the student, teacher, and preacher with useable and practical charts. Not all of the 111 charts have the same weight or value, especially for the Pastor. However, even those can aid his in study of the Word. It is a time saver. These charts provide a seed to use to help you blossom in deeper study of His Word. It will also stimulate you to deeper study of the subjects that the charts cover. This book is a true aid; not simple charts to show. It is simplistic with profound information what will aid any level of student. It is a valuable resource that should be in every teacher’s and Pastor’s library.

I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Academic in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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