Saturday, March 7, 2015

Duane Liftin's Paul's Theology of Preaching

One forthcoming title I have had my eye on is Duane Liftin's Paul's Theology of Preaching: The Apostles Challenge to the Art of Persuasion in Ancient Corinth (InterVarsity Press; July 2015). Liftin, professor emeritus of Wheaton College, examines 1 Cor 1-4 in light of ancient rhetorical conventions, demonstrating Paul's unique approach, namely, a persuasion based upon the Holy Spirit in eliciting a proper response to his preaching in Ancient Corinth.

Here are some of the particulars:

Retail: $40.00
Pages: 400

Contents:


List of Excurses
 Preface
 Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
 Introduction Part I: Greco-Roman Rhetoric
 1. The Beginnings
 2. The Goal of Rhetoric
 3. The Power of Rhetoric
 4. The Reach of Rhetoric 
 5. The Genius of Rhetoric
 6. The Appraisal of Rhetoric 
 7. The Hazards of Rhetoric
 8. The Rewards of Rhetoric
 9. The Grand Equation of Rhetoric Part II: 1 Corinthians 1—4 
10. Paul and Rhetoric in Corinth 
11. The Setting of 1 Corinthians 1—4 
12. Paul's Argument Introduced: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 
13. Paul's Argument Begun: 1 Corinthians 1:17-20 
14. Paul's Argument Encapsulated: 1 Corinthians 1:21 
15. Paul's Argument Continued: 1 Corinthians 1:22—2:5 
16. Paul's Argument Completed: 1 Corinthians 2:6—4:21
 Part III: Summary and Analysis 
17. Paul's Ministry Model
18. Final Questions 
19. Appropriate Strategies 
20. Conclusion: The Pauline Model 
 Appendix One: Paul, Apollos and Philo
 Appendix Two: The Book of Acts Appendix
 Three: Paul's Epistemology 
Appendix Four: Implications for Preaching Appendix
 Five: Broader Implications
 Works Cited
 Author Index 
Scripture Index 

Endorsements:


In Paul's Theology of Preaching, Duane Litfin sets forth the Greco-Roman context of ancient Corinth, where the citizens of the city regarded themselves as 'connoisseurs of eloquence.' . . . It was a context where the Apostle Paul's preaching simply did not measure up—and came under withering criticism from some in the Corinthian church. The apostle's resulting defense set it down once and for all that those who preach the gospel are called to proclamation, not rhetorical persuasion. As such, it provides a needed corrective to preachers who uncritically assume that their calling is to persuade their hearers of the gospel. This important, beautifully written book deserves careful reading and wide discussion in the church and the academy." —R. Kent Hughes, senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, IL

 "In this wise—and provocative—study of Paul, Duane Litfin demonstrates that the apostle's intended meaning has often been seriously obscured by seeing him as engaged in various 'rhetorical ploys.' Making his case with a thorough grasp of ancient rhetoric, as well as with a profound commitment to the church's call to proclaim the gospel with clarity, Litfin exposes the confusion in the kind of preaching that aims at 'results' rather than being founded in an uncompromising desire to be obedient to the biblical text." —Richard J. Mouw, president emeritus and professor of faith and public life, Fuller Theological Seminary

 "This book does something too little seen in biblical studies today: it brings together deep learning and contemporary pastoral wisdom. A fresh look at Paul's theology of preaching and what it means for our proclamation of the gospel today." —Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture

 "Duane Litfin has identified in Paul and 1 Corinthians 1–4 the kind of rhetoric that I can wholeheartedly endorse. This is not a rhetoric of persuasion that is cozying up to those in Corinth, but Paul is demonstrating a rhetoric of proclamation that relies upon the Holy Spirit for response. This book provides an important introduction to preaching and rhetoric that makes crystal clear that Paul was doing something very different from the rhetoricians around him. Litfin also provides numerous important practical implications and observations. I think that both scholars and pastors will benefit greatly from reading this book." —Stanley E. Porter, president, dean and professor of New Testament, Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

No comments: