The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude (Crowe)

The New Testament books of James through Jude—the General or Catholic Epistles—can be overlooked due to their brevity and location at the end of the canon. They contribute much, however, to our understanding of salvation and Christian living. In this accessible introduction for laypeople, pastors, and study group leaders, Professor Crowe explains the content of these letters and their implications for the church today.

Table of Contents:

Part 1: Scallywags

1. An Eternal Inheritance: Salvation in 1 Peter

2. Scallywags to the World, Beloved by God

Part 2: Scoffers

3. A Righteous Kingdom: Salvation in 2 Peter

4. Scuttling the Scoffers: Implications of Christ’s Return in 2 Peter

5. Keep Yourselves in the Love of God: The Message of Jude

Part 3: Schisms

6. This Is Love: Salvation in John’s Letters

7. That You May Know: Schisms and Assurance in John’s Letters

Part 4: Wisdom

8. The Wisdom of James

Author

Brandon D. Crowe (BA, Samford University; MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary; PhD University of Edinburgh) is assistant professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. 

Endorsements

“The General Epistles continue to be relatively ignored, to the church’s detriment. This book seeks to remedy that neglect and does so in a winsome and very helpful fashion. Written for a broader audience, it . . . will make an excellent resource for personal and group Bible study.” — Richard B. Gaffin Jr., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary

“Crowe has a way of gently disentangling thorny interpretative issues and exposing the spiritual fruit for believers to harvest. This is what ‘practical theology’ ought to be.” — Charles E. Hill, John R. Richardson Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando

“We ignore these letters to our peril, for they have an urgent message for the church today. . . . [Everyone] interested in the message of the Scriptures will benefit from this theologically faithful and pastorally applicable work.” — Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Peter, John, James, Jude—important early-church leaders who knew Jesus and wrote letters to churches. Why do we neglect them? . . . In a survey that is terse and gripping, Brandon Crowe shows how, in turbulent times not unlike ours, God furnished direction for his people and light for the world.” — Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary