Living All In

From FBW: 

Feminists and egalitarian proponents often interpret Scripture through a gender lens, but editors of a new commentary offer a conservative woman-to-woman approach to Scripture interpretation. The Women’s Evangelical Commentary New Testament from LifeWay Christian Resources’ B&H Publishing Group offers verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible for women, by women.

With the help of more than 15 contributors, editors Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley systematically explain the purpose of the New Testament texts. The commentary is designed for women to use when teaching a class, directing a small-group Bible study or studying Scripture.

"Although the commentators are all women and write from that perspective, the Word of God is not to be interpreted through the ‘gender lens,’" write Patterson and Kelley. "God’s Word is for women and men, but this particular resource, without apology, is prepared primarily for women to use."

Conservative and scholarly, this resource uses the Holman Christian Standard Bible translation to accurately exegete Scripture and steers clear of predisposed bias toward 21st century social agendas, say the editors.

"Some Christian women have been influenced by gender issues today. Women often forsake the biblical role of women in the home and church and follow personal desires," Kelley said. "There also is a trend toward speculation or guessing what might be implied in the Scripture. Careful interpretation of the text will ensure accuracy in understanding the truth of God’s Word as applied in our lives."

Kelley serves as professor of women’s ministry and director of the women’s ministry and student wives programs at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where her husband, Chuck Kelley, is president.