Studies in New Testament

In this important addition to Pauline scholarship on 1 Corinthians, Dr. Vuyani Stanley Sindo brings fresh insight to how Paul's use of the "in Christ" terminology supports his argument on leadership and community. Integrating social identity theory with a socio-historical approach, Dr. Sindo examines how identity discourse is an integral part of the leadership discourse in 1 Corinthians 1–4. From this solid base he provides a close and insightful investigation of the interrelationship between leadership and identity. This compelling and biblically rooted work will help Christians to understand the dangers of division within the church and how Christian leaders can overcome these divisions by reminding the community of their common identity in Christ.

The tradition of African ritual meals is an interesting topic of discussion in the fields of religious studies and cultural anthropology. In light of Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians, could these practices for honouring ancestors be perceived as idolatrous? Expanding on this comparison, Dr. Samantha Chambo expertly investigates the transformative power of rituals, examining the capacity of the Lord's Supper to impact our relationships with God and others. Weaving together African spirituality, ritual practices, and Pauline theology, Dr. Chambo offers a unique and culturally informed perspective through the lens of Victor Turner's ritual theory of liminality and communitas. Practical applications to ecclesiastical issues come together with an indigenous spiritual perspective to fulfil the need for a comprehensive exploration of the intersection of African ritual meals and Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 8–11. This fresh and innovative work is an essential read for scholars, theologians, and individuals interested in the dynamic interplay of cultural practices and religious teachings.

The problems of boasting, division, and human wisdom are apparent in 1 Corinthians 1–4. Addressing their interrelated nature, Dr. Richard Rojas argues they are rooted in a false understanding of wisdom. He skilfully explores how Paul's response to the issues is found in his wisdom teaching, especially the meaning and significance of "Christ, the wisdom of God." In this detailed study, Dr. Rojas presents a sociological and rhetorical analysis of 1 Corinthians 1–4 that brings a fresh perspective on Paul's response to church tension with important truths for churches today. Pauline scholars and church practitioners alike will find in these pages a rich resource on 1 Corinthians and Paul's teaching.

The world is in desperate need of trustworthy leaders—men and women of character, who demonstrate honesty, humility, courage, and compassion. Such leaders are crucial to the success and stability of governments, corporate bodies, institutions, and faith communities. In this study, Dr. Benea Alukwe explores the principles at work in Peter's leadership of the early church as it transformed from a frightened group of secret disciples into an indestructible force with world-changing potential. Examining the depiction of Peter's character in Acts 1—12 and 15, he demonstrates the parallels between Peter's leadership values and those practiced by the Qumran community as recorded in the Damascus Document. The ethical foundation depicted in both texts offers a powerful counter-cultural narrative of leadership capable of revitalizing nations, societies, and the church itself.

In an age of relativism, tolerance and political correctness, the church is called to walk in the footsteps of Christ. As his witnesses, we must reject all forms of coercion and violence while simultaneously refusing to shy away from the authority and conviction that come from carrying his revelation. Dr. Ervin Budiselić examines the concept of "witnessing" in the writings of Luke, contextualizing it within the larger framework of Scripture's emphasis on revelation and testimony. Like Judaism, Christianity is a religion of revelation, where specific content must be preserved, passed on and proclaimed to others. Dr. Budiselić explores the communal nature of this calling, as well as its pneumatological implications within Luke's writings. Acknowledging the tendency within the Western church to emphasize moral transformation over physical, he reminds readers that Jesus's kingdom ministry was accompanied by deeds as well as words. He specifically engages the dangers of normalizing a gospel disconnected from the supernatural or the miraculous, as partnership with the Holy Spirit was central to the calling given to the early church. This book offers a prophetic message for the church today as it seeks to fulfill its calling to faithfully witness to the revelation of Christ.

Land reformation is a relevant and important subject, especially in developing countries. With this significance in mind, what can we learn from the examples in Luke-Acts that speak to our current view of the redistribution of land ownership rights? In this skilful and pioneering work, Dr. João Paulo Thomaz de Aquino explores the present-day implications for viewing land as an economic factor through examining the parallels found in Luke-Acts. This in-depth study reveals how land was viewed and used in a radically different fashion by Jesus and his followers when compared to Israel under the rule of the Roman Empire. Exploring how Luke draws upon the Old Testament ethics, specifically the jubilee legislation, Dr. Thomaz de Aquino proposes that Jesus presents God as the ultimate owner of the land, and in light of that, we are called to steward it responsibly. An excellent resource for scholars and all those interested in the social implications of the gospel.

Christianity has rapidly increased across Africa, with much of this expansion taking place in Pentecostal expressions of the faith. With the growth of autonomous Pentecostal churches in Ghana, there is also the concern of leaders valuing material success over discipleship and spiritual formation. What can the epistle of Jude, which admonishes against the church's departure from biblical Christianity because of false teachings, offer to the concerns of Ghanaian Christianity? Weaving together biblical exegesis, social science, and field research, Dr. Emmanuel Kwasi Amoafo explores the theology and practices of the five leading autonomous Ghanian Pentecostal-Charismatic churches. Through an exegetical study of Jude, Dr. Amoafo identifies seven principles of biblical Christianity that can act as guidelines for a contextualized biblical Christianity in order that churches may be spiritually strengthened and more truly reflect the gospel. Jude's call to contend for the faith by upholding, preserving, and persevering in the seven principles remains incredibly relevant for the church today. This innovative work is an essential read for theologians and scholars interested in the Spirit-filled growth and development of African Christianity and its leaders.