Colossians and Philemon

A New Covenant Commentary

by Michael F. Bird

Book cover: Colossians and Philemon

Extent: 192 pages

Publisher: The Lutterworth Press

Subjects: Biblical Studies

Series: NCCS

Language: English

Paperback (No longer our product)

(May 2011)

ISBN: 9780718892371

5.98 x 9.02 inches

Price: $29.00

On back order

PDF (No longer our product)

(May 2011)

ISBN: 9780718842819

Price: $23.00

A commentary on St Paul’s letters to Colossians and Philemon, shedding light on the context in which they were written, the rhetorical techniques employed, and the insights into Paul’s theology that they provide.


Michael Bird’s commentary on Colossians and Philemon in the New Covenant Commentary Series pays close attention to the socio-historical context, the flow and dynamics of the text, their argumentative strategy, theological message, and the meaning ofColossians and Philemon for the contemporary church today. Bird situates Colossians in the context of Paul’s Ephesian ministry and describes how Paul attempts to persuade a congregation in the Lycus Valley to remain firm in the gospel and to grasp the cosmic majesty of Jesus Christ over and against the views of certain Jewish mystics who have thrown the Colossians into confusion. He shows how, in the letter to Philemon, Paul intercedes for a slave estranged from his master through a carefully crafted feat of pastoral persuasion from a missionary friend of Philemon. The commentary combines exegetical insight, rhetorical analysis, theological exposition, and practical application all in one short volume. Bird shows Paul at work as a theologian, pastor, and missionary in his letters to the Colossians and Philemon.

  • By (author) Michael F Bird

"Bird's commentary is readable and informative. Clear translations of Colossians and Philemon assist readers, and Greek words are transliterated. He keeps to the series [New Covenant Commentary Series, Ed.] principle of focusing on larger units and this works will. I particularly liked his use of archaeology, social and historical aspects. Moreover, the relationship between the NT text and current faith communities is well balanced, valuable and engaging."Robert S. Dutch: Journal for the Study of the New Testament, Vol. 34 (5), August 2012
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