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NT COMMENTARIES: PHILIPPIANS-PHILEMON

The contributions of G.D. Fee in the New International Commentary on the NT (NICNT [Wm.B. Eerdmans, 1995]) and P. O’Brien in the New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC [Wm.B. Eerdmans, 1991]) continue to provide the most thorough treatments of Philippians. Fee brings his fine exegetical skills to the interpretive table while displaying a sensitivity to the letter’s rhetoric as well as its sociological background. O’Brien specifically hones in on the Greek text while exploring the traditional historical and cultural concerns surrounding its production and message. Both commentators succeed in positioning their own readings within the context of contemporary scholarly discussions, and most importantly, in elucidating the theological dimensions of the letter.

Building upon the work of the preceding authors, yet going beyond with respect to method, is the more recent work of M. Bockmuehl in Black’s New Testament Commentary (Hendrickson, 1998). While Bockmuehl attends to traditional methodological concerns (primarily historical) for interpretation, he is immensely interested in identifying the theological agenda of Paul in this letter. His concern is not to articulate a theology of Philippians, though, but to show how the theological force of the letter relates to the theology of Holy Scripture. At times in his discussion (one surely wishes for more!), the reader will observe Bockmuehl’s own methodological concern (Wirkungsgeschichte) finding its way into his discussion as he preliminarily explores “the letter’s history of interpretation and, equally, the history of its effects upon those who heard and interpreted it” (45). 

Any serious interpreter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians must consult the work of J.D.G. Dunn in The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (NIGTC, 1996). Dunn provides a fresh translation of the Greek text of Colossians (and Philemon) and explores an understanding of the problems being addressed in the letter against the backdrop of Judaism (contra many approaches) as opposed to gnostic and syncretistic tendencies. Along with this comprehensive and critical examination of Colossians, one will want to glean from the theological reflection of P. Pokorny (Hendrickson, 1991). Lastly, an interpreter of Colossians will find the work of Peter O’Brien in the Word Biblical Commentary (WBC; Colossians and Philemon [Word, 1982]) both reliable and insightful. In a style true to the WBC format (sectional bibliography, introductory thoughts on form, structure, and setting, followed by textual comment and explanation), O’Brien delivers helpful information on a host of technical and interpretive matters.

While most treatments of Paul’s shortest letter are covered alongside commentary on Colossians, major explorations of Philemon have surfaced in recent years that deal with the letter in its own right. M. Barth and H. Blanke, in the Exegetical Critical Commentary (ECC; Wm.B. Eerdmans, 2000), provide a comprehensive verse-by-verse exposition of the text (254 pages) while explicating the major Pauline themes in the letter. Perusing this volume for its exhaustive study of the ancient world, especially its focus on slavery, and its attention to the letter’s history of interpretation from the early fathers to modern-day liberation theologians (almost 240 pages) alone, is well worth the time taken to do so. On a much smaller scale, the work of J. Fitzmyer in the Anchor Bible (AB; Doubleday, 2000) explores not only the social background of the letter, but also the political and economic realities that stand behind a proper understanding of the text (a basic historical-critical approach), and suggests a new way of understanding the relational circumstances of the letter. Both the work of Barth/Blanke and Fitzmyer provide fine bibliographic information and interaction with other interpreters.

Insightful commentary is finally beginning to emerge on 1-2 Thessalonians following many years of unfortunate neglect. The work of E.J. Richards (SP; 1995) was a welcomed contribution when it surfaced mid-way through the last decade with its concern for the philological, rhetorical, literary, thematic, and theological shape of these letters. Recently, two additional treatments have emerged that are worthy of comment although operating with different concerns in mind. A. Malherbe, in 1&2 Thessalonians (AB; 2000), highlights his expertise in the literary and social dimensions of ancient literature as well as his acquaintance with Greco-Roman philosophy in exploring the social, cultural, religious, and philosophical context underlying these letters. His detailed introduction, along with his extensive bibliography, new translation, and engaging discussion, reveal Paul as a mature theological thinker who displays great concern for nurturing the moral and spiritual lives of the Thessalonians. B. Gaventa is specifically interested in illuminating the theological contributions of the letters for the tasks of teaching and preaching. In First and Second Thessalonians (Interpretation; Westminster/John Knox, 1998), she combines solid, exegetical exploration with insightful theological reflection. She thus challenges the modern reader to wrestle with how the theological implications of the letter impact the life of the church.

There is a proliferation of material relating to the Pastoral Epistles. For the last decade, the work of G.W. Knight III has been considered the benchmark for critical commentary on the Pastorals (NIGTC; 1992). As of late one can choose from four additional treatments, three massive in scope and length, and one more theological in nature. The critical work of I.H. Marshall in the International Critical Commentary (T&T Clark, 1999) takes its aim at the Greek text and seeks to reveal the argumentative flow of each of the letters. Those proficient with Greek will particularly benefit from this project by observing his illumination of the relationship between grammar and exegesis. Although teasing out the theology of this first-century text through his detailed exegesis and numerous excursuses, Marshall’s discussion is limited with respect to the history of exposition and how the epistles inform the theological task for modern readers.

The work of W.B. Mounce (WBC; Nelson, 2000) provides a bold reading of the epistles that will gain immediate attention because of his stance on Pauline authorship and a “traditional” understanding of the role of women in the church. Focusing on careful exposition (textual flow) and the meaning of key terminology as well as providing an adequate assessment of technical issues, Mounce provides the reader with a fine bibliography and food for thought as he emphasizes the relationship between theology and practical Christian living throughout his exposition. In The First and Second Letters to Timothy (ECC; 2000), W.C. Wacker completes the life work of the late J.D. Quinn and packs an enormous amount of information (historical, cultural, literary, philological, theological) into 840 pages. Although the format of the commentary is, at times, hard to navigate and many of the Greek words and phrases are left untranslated, this commentary should be consulted by any serious reader of 1&2 Timothy. The reading of this commentary in tandem with Quinn’s extensive work on The Letter to Titus in the AB (1990) provides the most exhaustive exploration of the Pastorals to date. 

For a more intentional effort in gaining a theological reading of the Pastorals, be sure to work through the most recent work of R. Collins in The New Testament Library series (1&2 Timothy and Titus [Westminster John Knox, 2002]). And those who desire to locate a reading of these letters—excluding Philippians—within the context of the early church fathers will want to consult the work of P. Gorday in the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (InterVarsity, 2000).

By J. Christian Stratton, Managing Editor of Catalyst.