THE LETTERS TO THE COLOSSIANS AND TO PHILEMON
By Douglas J. Moo
Apollos. 472 pages. £26.99
ISBN 978-0-8028-3727-1
It’s been said about the Bible that its truth is like the ocean, deep enough for an elephant to swim in, but safe enough for a child to paddle in. Well, what’s so of Scripture applies also to Bible commentaries like this one from Douglas Moo on Colossians and Philemon.
The elephants in the analogy are the serious students of the New Testament: lecturers, preachers and Bible teachers, who will enjoy wading through the pages of the book to appreciate the sophisticated interaction of the author with the Greek text and with recent scholarship.
The children are those perhaps who want to grow in their basic understanding of the message of Paul — leaders of study groups, theological undergraduates, indeed any Christian with an appetite to learn how to read the Bible for all its worth. None of these will be disappointed, provided they are prepared to do the hard yards. For, with Professor Moo, we are in the assured hands of a commentator who has the knack of expressing complex truths simply.
The intention of the Pillar series of New Testament commentaries is to make clear the meaning of the text of Scripture. That aim is realised here with disarming skill.
Certainly you can buy cheaper studies of Paul’s letters. But I doubt that you will have a book which in years to come can still carry the positive impact this one generates. Be advised, though, to read it carefully with a Bible in hand, and relatively slowly. After 30 minutes of Moo, it’s time for a well-earned rest!
Peter Baker,
senior pastor, Highfields Church, Cardiff
