As he sits in a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul does not focus on the difficulties of his own situation when he writes to the Philippians. Rather, he is most interested in encouraging the Philippian church that he and his ministry team had founded on his second missionary journey. He overflows with joy as he urges his readers to maintain unity by looking to role models—himself, their brother Epaphroditus, but above all Jesus Christ.
In Philippians Verse by Verse, Grant R. Osborne gets inside this letter to show readers Paul’s close partnership with the Philippian church. These believers were always willing to help Paul when he was in a tight spot, and his relationship with them brought him great encouragement even in the midst of being persecuted for the sake of the gospel. Osborne helps readers to learn about the Philippians’ service and Paul’s gratitude so that we too can maintain joy in the direst of circumstances.
Grant Osborne is one of the premier New Testament commentators of our day. This commentary and the series of which it is a part draws upon Dr. Osborne’s vast academic and ministry experience, and places it at the disposal of innumerable pastors and teachers around the world. The commentary introduces and treats difficult and critical problems, but the focus is on careful in-depth exposition of the meaning of the text verse by verse and its application in the life of the believer and the church. It is an offering of love to the Lord Jesus and his people that will bear much fruit for generations to come.
—Richard E. Averbeck, professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, director of the PhD program in theological studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Dr. Osborne’s latest work on Philippians adds to a commentary series that will become a favorite resource for the many preachers and teachers who are looking for straightforward clarity in both interpreting and applying God’s Word. There are rich exegetical insights on every page—including wonderful word studies from the original Greek text—all presented without becoming overly technical or academic. Bible students and communicators will equally appreciate the wealth of practical theology and useable application points which effectively point to the enduring relevance of the message of Philippians.
—Todd Habegger, senior pastor, Village Church of Gurnee (IL)
Lexham Press is proud to announce a New Testament commentary series from respected biblical scholar Grant R. Osborne. His seminal work, The Hermeneutical Spiral, has become a standard for biblical interpretation, and as a culmination of his life’s ministry, he's bringing his academic acumen to an accessible, application-focused commentary.
The Osborne New Testament Commentaries interpret Scripture verse by verse, bridging the gap between scholarship and the Church. This set of commentaries is for people seeking a straightforward explanation of the text in its context, avoiding either oversimplification or technical complexity. Osborne brings out the riches of the New Testament, making each book accessible for pastors and all who consider themselves students of Scripture.
Learn more about the other titles in this series.
With this new series, readers will have before them what we—his students—experienced in all of Professor Osborne's classes: patient regard for every word in the text, exegetical finesse, a preference for an eclectic resolution to the options facing the interpreter, a sensitivity to theological questions, and most of all a reverence for God's word.
—Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor in New Testament, Northern Seminary
The Osborne New Testament Commentaries draw from the deep well of a lifetime of serious study and teaching. They present significant interpretive insights in a highly accessible, spiritually nurturing format. This is a tremendous resource that will serve a new generation of Bible readers well for years to come. Highly recommended!
—Andreas J. Kӧstenberger, Founder of Biblical Foundations™, senior research professor of New Testament & biblical theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“There is an important principle here. Right teaching that fails to produce right living is an abomination to God, who demands that belief be lived out in practice, that the mind influence the lifestyle. Those who claim to know Christ but fail to live accordingly are ‘enemies of the cross.’” (Page 153)
“As missionary Frank Laubach once said, ‘The closer I get to Christ, the further I realize I still have to go.’” (Page 143)
“Conflict is almost always the result of self-seeking motives and behaviors, and Paul’s commands here are about pursuing the opposite course.” (Page 68)
“This is how Christian care takes place. God uses us as his tools to channel his loving care into the lives of others.” (Page 180)
“There can be no humility until Christ’s thought-life permeates and guides our every thought” (Page 74)
Grant R. Osborne (1942–2018) was professor emeritus of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of numerous books, including The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, and commentaries on Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Romans (IVP New Testament Commentary), Matthew (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), and John, James, 1-2 Peter, and Jude (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary). He has also taught at Winnipeg Theological Seminary and the University of Aberdeen, and has pastored churches in Ohio and Illinois.