1 & 2 Peter and JudeTheologian and church historian Catherine Gunsalus González studies three often overlooked books in the New Testament, 1 and 2 Peter and the Letter of Jude. These writings from the late first century or early second century helped guide the young church as it faced a variety of issues, both internal to the church's life, and external in the social and political culture in which it was growing. The letters help us focus on the character of the church and the importance of congregations in the church's ongoing life. They raise basic issues of authority, on how the church knows the directions to follow, how Christians should live, and how diverse views should be considered. González uses a variety of resources to illuminate these letters. She very helpfully centers on their theological importance for contemporary churches and for Christian living. |
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abuse ancient angels apostles assume authority baptism baptized become beginning behavior believe blessing body of Christ bondage called catechumens century Chris clear community of faith congregation creation culture death early church end of history epistle eschatology evil false teachers fear forgiveness Friedrich Schleiermacher Further Reflections gatherings Gentile given glory God’s gospel grace Holy Spirit household human husbands interpretation intruders irenaeus isaiah 53 Israel issue jesus Christ jewish jewish Christian john Calvin Jude judgment Karl Barth Karl Rahner lead letter lives lord lord’s matter means midst Old testament one’s Onesimus passage pastors paul paul’s persecution person prayer preaching promised prophets protestant reformation redemption resurrection roman empire rome salvation Satan Scripture Second peter seek sense shepherd simply sins slavery slaves society suffering teachings theologians theological things tians tion tradition true understanding verses whole witness wives words worship writing