Archives for February 2011

I may be the weird one. But for some reason, I like to have access to grammars that treat the Greek of the New Testament.

The problem is that they are seldom readable. While some grammars may be good for reference (like BDF and Robertson) you would be hard-pressed to sit down and read them through cover to cover. They’re just not meant to work that way.

When I saw Richard Young’s Intermediate New Testament Greek: A Linguistic and Exegetical Approach, however, I had hope. It was a manageable size (308 pages) and actually looked like I could sit and read it (no, really, check the sample scans at the bottom of the product page).

I wasn’t disappointed. I can still remember when I bought the print book (now at least 5 years ago). And I actually read it.

Did you know that Young’s grammar is available for Logos Bible Software? And it isn’t in any of the base packages, not even Portfolio? And that at $29.99, it is one of the more reasonably-priced intermediate Greek grammars that you can get for Logos?

Young’s is a winner for me. Maybe it’ll help you too.

I am a huge fan of the Apostle Paul. Not only does his life fascinate me, but I always find myself inspired by his teachings to the early Church. Love one another. Don’t be divisive. Be careful how you live. I can relate to so many of the struggles Christians went through nearly 2,000 years ago, and I’m grateful for Paul’s words that continually point me towards Christ, even in today’s very different times.

That’s why I’m excited about our newest Pillar New Testament Commentary offering. Pillar New Testament Commentary: The First Letter to the Corinthians has been on Pre-Pub for a while now and it’s getting ready to ship!
Noted theologians Brian S. Rosner and Roy E. Ciampa thoroughly unpack this New Testament epistle, basing their exposition on the Greek New Testament. They are deeply committed to a fresh wrestling with the text, using every means at their disposal to “loosen the Bible from its pages” to help readers understand what the text says and how to apply it to life today. Yet, the scholarship does not undermine the accessibility of this volume.

D. A. Carson—professor, theologian, and author/editor of more than 45 resources—wrote the preface to this commentary. In it, he says:

“Those with the responsibility to preach and teach 1 Corinthians will be grateful for this commentary for a long time, while more advanced students of the New Testament will learn some new things and be challenged to think through this epistle with fresh eyes. It is a pleasure to commend this work.”

There’s no doubt about it: the first book of Corinthians is rich with theology and early Church history, and the Pillar New Testament Commentary: The First Letter to the Corinthians does a great job of illuminating the text. Here’s the good news: if you act now, you can still take advantage of our Pre-Pub pricing. It’s not too late to pick this up before it ships.

While you’re at it, if you haven’t already, check out the other Pillar New Testament commentaries available from Logos.

Today’s guest post is by Bethany Olsen, from the Logos Bible Software marketing team.

Thomas Goodwin’s influence in the 17th century was larger than his immediate name recognition might suggest. His works provide the same kind of practical advice—both profound and readable—that you would expect to find with his more recognized contemporary Richard Baxter.

Goodwin’s Education

Goodwin entered Christ’s College, Cambridge in 1613—at the age of twelve—and received his B.A. in 1616. In 1619 he was transferred to Catherine Hall and, while working on his M.A. degree, was made a lecturer in the Hall. After the death of John Preston in 1628, he became a lecturer at Trinity Church sharing his influence with both Cambridge scholars and the surrounding town. Within four years Goodwin was presented to the vicarage by King Charles I.

The Church of England attempts to purge Puritanism

William Laud, the Bishop of London and close adviser to Charles I, was made Archbishop of Canterbury in 1633. Laud was greatly worried that the growing Puritan movement was a schismatic threat to orthodoxy in the Church of England. He quickly began enforcing laws against ministers who strayed from Book of Common Prayer. He also introduced new church ceremonies and forced ministers to conduct them or face exile, loss of goods, loss of livelihood, and even death. (For great insight into this period check out The History of the Puritans (5 vols.))

Goodwin resigned his position at Trinity Church and left Cambridge in 1634, aligning himself with the Congregationalists. He married in 1638 and was then was forced to flee persecution in Holland.

Goodwin’s return to England

With the inception of the Long Parliament by Charles I, all exiles due to nonconformity were invited to return to their homes. Goodwin returned home to London and ministered for many years at Paved Alley Church, Lime Street, in the parish of St Dunstans-in-the-East.

His distinction and influence continued to rise drawing the attention Oliver Cromwell, to whom he became chaplain, in 1656. As Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Cromwell was responsible for Presbyterianism in Scotland and preserving Protestantism in England. Goodwin remained one of Cromwell’s intimate advisers—even attending to Cromwell at his deathbed.

In 1653 Goodwin, with John Owen, composed an amended Westminster Confession.

Goodwin’s final years

For the last twenty years of his life Goodwin devoted himself to theological study while pastoring the Fetter Lane Independent Church. In a memoir to his son before his death Goodwin said,

“I am going to the three Persons with whom I have had communion: They have taken me, I did not take Them. I shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye; all my lusts and corruptions I shall be rid of, which I could not be here; those croaking toads will fall off in a moment.”

Goodwin’s works available on Pre-Pub

The Works of Thomas Goodwin (12 vols.) is currently featured on Pre-Pub from Logos Bible Software. You can pick up this collection of writings from this great man of depth and conviction—a hearty 6,228 pages—for 70% off the retail price! These kinds of collections not only provide edifying instruction, they offer insight and context into a tumultuous and important time for Christian freedom and expression.

For more great Puritan resources be sure to see:

• The Works of Richard Sibbes (7 vols.)
• The Lives of the Puritans (3 vols.)
• The English Puritans

And don’t miss out on Puritan Sermons 1659–1689 (6 vols.), currently available on Community Pricing.