Sacra Pagina: Philippians & Philemon written by Bonnie B. Thurston and Judith Ryan is a biblical commentary edited by Daniel J. Harrington, S.J. This book is published by Liturgical Press, 9780814658208.
Although relatively brief, Philippians is one of the most interesting and beloved of Paul's undisputed epistles. In Philippians and Philemon, Thurston makes a convincing case that canonical Philippians is as Paul wrote it, one letter, suggesting a range of possibilities for whom it is that Paul is confronting. She makes the case that there is not enough specific evidence to "name names." Thurston uses a methodological approach and provides a literal translation of Philippians.
The apostle's brief correspondence to Philemon stands solidly within the Pauline collection of authentic and canonical letters. In Philippians and Philemon, Ryan argues that Philemon has both specific and dual goals. The first is an appeal that seeks to elicit Philemon's partnership and his community's support in welcoming Onesimus back as both beloved brother and honored guest. The second relates to Paul's request that Onesimus continue to use the freedom he already has to serve Christ and his gospel. In this commentary Ryan provides a fresh translation, critical notes for each verse, and interpretation on defined sections. She situates the letter in the historical context of slavery in the ancient world and looks at how Paul combined his theology with contemporary rhetorical strategies to write convincingly.
The Sacra Pagina (“Sacred Page”) series presents fresh translations and modern expositions of all the books of the New Testament. Written by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars, it is intended for biblical professionals, graduate students, theologians, clergy, and religious educators. The volumes present basic introductory information and close exposition, adopting specific methodological perspectives while maintaining a focus on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves.
The goal of Sacra Pagina is to provide sound, critical analysis without any loss of sensitivity to religious meaning. This series is therefore catholic in two senses of the word: inclusive in its methods and perspectives, and shaped by the context of the Catholic tradition.
Sacra Pagina: Philippians & Philemon Hardcover #9780814658208
