Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians

Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians is now available!

First and Second Thessalonians are likely the earliest surviving records from the primitive Christian era. Both appear to have been written a mere twenty years after the Lord’s ministry closed. These Epistles show how certain aspects of the Christian religion were understood, taught, and promulgated. They also show that the earliest Christians wrestled with aspects of their religion and were trying to understand them more fully. Some Christians misunderstood certain teachings and, as a result, opened the door to forces that could destroy the nascent Church.

In these two Epistles, the Apostle Paul aims to address these misunderstood teachings and halt the potential danger. Paul’s doctrinal degree of sophistication clearly stands out. Every word, phrase, and sentence has both a historical and a social context. He writes in language that the Thessalonians can understand, and he does so with force, insight, power, and love. The Epistles dwell richly on the hope these people found in the gospel of Christ and emphasize the meaning and earnestness of what being a Christian meant during a time of great persecution.

Paul’s purpose in writing is the starting point of our work. To the highest degree possible, we have diligently tried to capture the thrust and trajectory of his ideas such that the modern reader can understand the writings of this deeply spiritual and profoundly insightful leader in their context. Paul offers context and answers to various issues that both the Thessalonians Saints and those of today face. His answers bolster faith, provide understanding, and offer counterpoints to views opposed to the restored gospel. This commentary, though focused on the text of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, clearly elucidates and examines these same issues.

This work is the first comprehensive study of Thessalonians ever produced by Latter-day Saint scholars. In addition to providing commentary on every verse in these two important letters, it also provides a rendering of the preserved Greek text into modern English. The result is that many passages become clearer and more understandable. This rendition is set side by side with the King James Version for easy comparison.

You can purchase the print book on the BYU Studies website. You can buy the eBook on Amazon, Deseret Bookshelf, or Nook.

2024 BYU New Testament Commentary Conference: I Am a Disciple of Christ

This year’s BYU New Testament Commentary Conference, titled “I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ,” will be held on Friday, May 10, from 9 AM to 5 PM in the Harold B. Lee Library’s Reynolds Auditorium. Speakers are selected authors of the New Testament Commentary series. Attendance is free and tickets are not required.

You can view the full schedule here.

Essential Tools for Understanding the New Testament

Cover of Essential Tools for Understanding the New Testament.Essential Tools for Understanding the New Testament is now available!

This volume, edited by S. Kent Brown and Joshua M. Matson, provides a single resource for Latter-day Saints that illuminates the history and scholarship behind the sacred text of the New Testament.

A key mission of the BYU New Testament Commentary series is to make New Testament scholarship accessible to Latter-day Saints as they study this book of sacred scripture. As stated on the project’s website (byuntc.com), “With a rapidly growing number of studies on the New Testament, the time has come to offer a responsible, carefully researched, multi­volume commentary that illuminates both the historical and cultural settings as well as the linguistic heritage of this scripture for Latter-day Saints. A virtual river of discoveries during the past one hundred years in the Near Eastern and the Mediterranean regions highlights the need to bring together information that not only elucidates the New Testament documents but also unpacks their rich legacy for all readers.” While individual volumes in the series provide information about these discoveries as they relate to specific books of the New Testament, this volume provides a ­single resource for readers that illuminates the history and scholarship behind these sacred texts collectively. This volume sheds light on the historical and cultural settings of the New Testament and serves as a complement to the renditions and commentaries provided in each volume of the series. We invite you to study each chapter and become immersed in the world of the people and texts of the New Testament.

Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians Now Available

We are excited to announce the publication of a new book in the BYU New Testament Commentary Series: Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians. This book is the result of years of research by Richard D. Draper and Michael D. Rhodes.

Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians is a rich and powerful text that addresses many issues that are relevant for Latter-day Saints today. Paul deals with topics such as forgiveness, hope, affliction, faith, service, leadership, and reconciliation. He also bears a strong witness of Jesus Christ and his gospel.

This book offers a comprehensive study of Paul’s epistle, based on the original Greek text and informed by the Latter-day Saint doctrine and teachings of modern prophets. It includes a new English version of the text that serves as a companion to the King James Version. It also provides extensive commentary that explains the historical and cultural background, the literary structure, and the doctrinal implications of Paul’s words.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians. It will help readers to apply Paul’s teachings to their own lives and circumstances. It will also inspire them to follow Paul’s example of being faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in a challenging world.

Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians: A New Rendition (all versions free)

Conference: April 29, 2023

You can watch the April 2023 conference at this link.

CELEBRATING THE NEW TESTAMENT AND ITS COMMENTARIES

This conference will be held in the Harold B. Lee Library Auditorium, Brigham Young University. The conference is free and open to the public. Presentations will be recorded and posted later.

9:00 — Welcome and Conference Announcements — Cecilia M. Peek

9:10 — “‘Becoming One in Thine Hand’: The New Testament and the Book of Mormon”

— Elder Tad Callister, keynote address

The book cover for Relational Faith: The Transformation and Restoration of <i>Pistis</i> as Knowledge, Trust, Confidence, and Covenantal Faithfulness by Brent J. Schmidt

Relational Faith: The Transformation and Restoration of Pistis as Knowledge, Trust, Confidence, and Covenantal Faithfulness by Brent J. Schmidt

The Most Recent Volumes

9:40 — “Excavating Ephesians” — D. Corydon Hammond (reviewer) and S. Kent Brown

10:10 — “Unpacking the Ancient Meanings of Faith and Grace” — Brent J. Schmidt

10:40 — Break

Soon-to-be-Published Volumes

10:55 — “Creating the Commentary on Second Corinthians” — Richard D. Draper and Michael D. Rhodes

11:25 — “Enticements in the Introductory Volume” — Joshua Matson

11:55–1:00 — Lunch Break 

Food courts and buffets are available at the Wilkinson Center. Books for sale at the BYU Studies office, 1063 JFSB.

Coming Attractions

1:00 — “Diving Deep into the Book of Acts” — Andrew C. Skinner

1:30 — “Discovering the Celestial Reach of Matthew and His Message” — John W. Welch

2:00 — “Lacking Wisdom: Insights from the First Verses of James” — John Gee

2:30 — “Uncovering the Majestic Letter to the Romans” — Brent J. Schmidt and Tom Roberts

3:00 — Conclusion and benediction

Video recordings will be made and posted later on this website.

The Epistle to the Ephesians, by S. Kent Brown

The commentary The Epistle to the Ephesians, by S. Kent Brown, is available now. Order online at BYU Studies or call the BYU Studies office at 801-422-6691 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 to 5 MT).

The New Rendition of Ephesians is free to read online here.

Tucked into the New Testament after Galatians and the Corinthian correspondence, the Epistle to the Ephesians casts a warm, quieting glow when compared to the strident character of Galatians and the rather tough lines that Paul penned to former associates in Corinth, one of the first branches established on European soil. In Ephesians, by contrast, the Apostle Paul has shown a bright light on both an overly generous God the Father, who “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that
we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20), and the Gentiles  whom he has recently welcomed into the celestial fold, making them “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (2:19). These are two aspects that commentators always feature. But there is much more, for the letter opens on the scene of the premortal council and ends with church members clothed in God’s sacred, protective armor that helps them “to stand against the wiles of the devil,” an indicator of the looming apostasy (6:11). In addition, enfolded within Ephesians are not only
a tightly woven strand of family-centered interests, including an expectation of eternal families, but sharpened pointers to sacred rituals. Furthermore, the letter spells out the joyous assurance to believers that Christ “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:6). This exalted position is made possible because of one of the grandest gifts that comes from the Father through the Son—“redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (2:7). Hallelujah!

Interview with S. Kent Brown about his commentary on Ephesians

Terry Hutchinson, a friend affiliated with the Interpreter Foundation, has interviewed S. Kent Brown about his volume The Epistle to the Ephesians, the newest volume in the BYU New Testament Commentary series. The interview is posted at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreter-radio-show-december-11-2022/. It’s the third segment of the broadcast, titled “General Discussion: S. Kent Brown’s volume on The Epistle to the Ephesians.” This segment is 31 minutes long.

The volume is now available for sale at BYU Studies for $29.99. Please contact the BYU Studies by phone during business hours (9 to 5, MST) Monday-Friday, 801-422-6691.

 

 

Good tidings for Christmas

These short articles are designed to be used for Christmas talks, gatherings, and study. We hope they enhance your Christmas season.

Are the Christmas stories in Matthew and Luke reconcilable? by John W. Welch 

The Christmas Creche, by Eric D. Huntsman 

How the Wise Men Became Kings, by Eric Huntsman

Why Did the Wise Men Give Gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh? by John W. Welch 

What on Earth Are Swaddling Clothes? by John W. Welch

The Chronicles of Zacharias and Elisabeth: Part 1 of 3, The Angel Comes to the Priest Zacharias, by S. Kent Brown 

The Chronicles of Zacharias and Elisabeth: Part 2 of 3, Elisabeth, by S. Kent Brown

The Chronicles of Zacharias and Elisabeth: Part 3 of 3, The Birth of John, by S. Kent Brown

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 1 of 4, An Angel Comes to Galilee, by S. Kent Brown 

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 2 of 4, Mary, by S. Kent Brown

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 3 of 4, Joseph and Mary, by S. Kent Brown

The Chronicles of Mary and Joseph: Part 4 of 4, Bethlehem and Beyond, by S. Kent Brown

Teaching Matthew’s Genealogy, the Story of Jesus’ Genealogy, by Eric D. Huntsman 

Titles of the Messiah from Isaiah 9:6, by Eric D. Huntsman

What Do We Know about “the Sixth Month” in the Infancy Story? by S. Kent Brown

Peace on Earth–To Whom? by Eric D. Huntsman 

How Did the Shepherds Find the Christ Child? by S. Kent Brown

Why Were the Shepherds in the Field at Night When the Angel Came? by S. Kent Brown

What Do We Know about the Inn at Bethlehem? by S. Kent Brown

How Christmas Came to Be on December 25, by Eric D. Huntsman

 

 

Readings for Holy Week

Here are selected short articles from our website, designed to enhance your study of Christ’s Atonement. 

“The Question of Authority and Jesus’s Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21,” John W. Welch
As Jesus entered the Temple the morning after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the chief priests questioned his authority. Jesus answered with a parable about a father and two sons. But these are no ordinary father, no ordinary vineyard, nor any ordinary pair of sons. 

“Seven Versions of Jesus’ Prophecy on the Mount of Olives,” by S. Kent Brown
This prophecy is a crucial part of Jesus’ final ministry. This part of the Gospels includes the story of the poor widow’s two mites placed interestly before the sermon about the fate of Jerusalem.

“A Warning to the Jews (Matt. 23),” Richard D. Draper
Two days after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he revealed information that was startling and frightening to his disciples.

“Farewell Discourses and the High Priestly Prayer,” Eric D. Huntsman
The Gospel of John enriches our understanding of the events and teaching of Jesus’ last night with passages that include Jesus’ last discourses and his beautiful Intercessory Prayer (John 13:31-17:26)

“Jesus Is Anointed (Mark 14:1-11),” Julie M. Smith, from The Gospel According to Mark. The anointing story is the narrative bridge between Jesus’ life and death; it is both the last story relating events from the daily life and the first part of the story of his death. Its location in the text mirrors its theological function since the anointing story explores the link between Jesus’ life and death.

“John’s Account of the Last Supper: The Lamb of God: Unique Aspects of the Passion Narrative in John,” Eric D. Huntsman
John’s account of the Last Supper contains unique elements recorded nowhere else.

“Why Should the Cross be Meaningful to Latter-day Saints?”Gaye Strathearn
The events on the cross are in integral part of the Atonement. The cross, as the place of being “lifted up,” is a symbol of God’s great love for his children. We are asked to take up our cross as disciples of Christ. Jesus kept the signs of the crucifixion on his resurrected body.

“The Trial and Death of Jesus,” John W. Welch
Why was Jesus killed? Who was responsible? Looking at the legal circumstances, it is clear that Jesus was in full control from beginning to end.

“The Legal Cause of Action against Jesus in John 18:29-30,” John W. Welch
The accusation in John 18:29-30 holds a key for understanding the legal cause of action and strategy of the chief priests in the proceedings against Jesus.

“Raising Lazarus: Jesus Signing of His Own Death Warrant,” John W. Welch
Without seeing the raising of Lazarus as a background, it is hard to imagine a reason why a large multitude of people would have followed Jesus into Jerusalem shouting, “Hosanna! Save us now!” and why the chief priests turned the crowds away and were able to execute him so quickly.

“Preparing for Easter,” Eric D. Huntsman

This blog includes scripture readings, commentary, artwork, and music for personal study of Holy Week and Easter.

The Garden Tomb

 

Online Conference March 6, 2021

The Epistle to the Hebrews: Radiating the Great Principles of the Restored Gospel

9:00  Zoom Webinar, no registration or password required: https://zoom.us/j/95770639916.

Welcome: John W. Welch, Michael Rhodes, Richard Draper, and Eric Huntsman

9:05  John W. Welch, What Should a Scholarly LDS Commentary on Hebrews Look Like? (Introduction: Eric Huntsman)

9:35  Michael Rhodes, Highlighting Unique LDS Interpretations of Three Passages in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Introduction: Camille Fronk Olson)

9:50 Richard Draper, Using the Joseph Smith Translation in the BYU New Testament Commentary (Introduction: Camille Fronk Olson)

10:15 Q&A with Michael Rhodes and Richard Draper. Use the chat function for asking questions.

Videos: For the playlist of all the video presentations on March 6, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXbAVRWvW61YxGGxH2xqj1MulRbjefwqs

Joshua Matson, Placing Hebrews amidst Studies of the New Testament among the Latter-day Saints (Introduction: Eric Huntsman) 

Alan Farnes, Appreciating the Great Value of the Earliest Surviving Copies of the Greek New Testament (Introduction: Cecilia Peek)

Eric Huntsman, Evaluating Families of Greek Texts and Their Preferences behind New Testament Translations (Introduction: Cecelia Peek)

Andrew Skinner, Feeling the Power of the King James Version Generally and in the Epistle to the Hebrews in Particular (Introduction: Eric Huntsman)

 Brent Schmidt, Who Wrote the New Testament Epistles and What Differences Might that Make? (Introduction: Camille Fronk Olson)

Tom Roberts, Taking a Theological Spin through the Epistle to the Hebrews (Introduction: Camille Fronk Olson)

S. Kent Brown, Assessing Apocryphal Accounts of Isaiah’s Death in Hebrews (Introduction: Cecelia Peek)

David Larsen, Detecting Jewish Sources Quoted in the New Testament Not Found in the Old Testament (Introduction: Eric Huntsman)

Avram Shannon, Seeing the New Testament in Its Several Surrounding Cultural Contexts (Introduction: Cecilia Peek)

 John Gee, What We Can Learn from Joseph Smith’s Approaches to Reading James 1:5 (Introduction: Camille Fronk Olson)