God’s Goodness for the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study Season 4
is available now

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE / August 7, 2024 – From the authors of the Bible studies that tie hand-in-hand with The Chosen seasons 1, 2 and 3, Amanda Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, and Dr. Douglas S. Huffman’s newest Bible study God’s Goodness for the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study Season 4 addresses the issues of suffering and the goodness that comes out of it.

This study is inspired by season 4 of The Chosen and serves as a companion guide of the show, teaching readers how to reframe their hardships and see them as fertile soil for God’s goodness to grow in their lives. God’s Goodness for the Chosen takes readers through eight lessons which reveal how God uses suffering to bring about good things in the lives of those He loves. Readers will be challenged to embrace the hard things of life, to experience more of the goodness God offers on the other side.

Some topics explored in God’s Goodness for The Chosen:

• Death is eclipsed by life
• Grief is eclipsed by praise
• Questions are eclipsed by resolve
• Confusion is eclipsed by grace
• Temporary things are eclipsed by eternal things
• Heartbreak is eclipsed by love
• Sin is eclipsed by obedience
• Pain is eclipsed by the fullness of God’s plan

God’s Goodness for The Chosen is an eight-lesson study, ideal for Fall of 2024 & Spring of 2025 bible studies.

PRESS ASSETS

• Media Tip Sheet 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Amanda and Dallas Jenkins Headshots and Bios 
• For more information on The Chosen Bible Studies, visit davidccook.org
• For press materials, visit: 130a.com
• For interviews with Dallas and Amanda Jenkins, contact: Ashli Bock, 830-739-9145, ashli@130a.com
• You can order your Chosen Bible study today!
• Hear from Amanda and Dallas about God’s Goodness for the Chosen here.

About the Authors
Amanda Jenkins is an author and the lead creator of The Chosen’s additional content. Her husband, Dallas Jenkins, directed and produced over a dozen feature and short films before creating The Chosen, currently one of the most viewed TV shows in the world. They live in Texas with their four children. Dr. Douglas S. Huffman, the evangelical biblical consultant for The Chosen television series, is Professor of New Testament and Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) in California.

About David C Cook
David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the global Church with life-transforming, Christ-centered materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado—with offices in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and the United Kingdom—David C Cook produces resources that are published in over 150 languages and distributed in more than 170 countries. Originally founded in 1875 as a curriculum publisher, David C Cook now also publishes numerous bestselling books, resources, music (Integrity Music), and media from a variety of award-winning authors and artists. Learn more about David C Cook’s mission at DavidCCook.org.

For information, contact: Ashli Bock, 830-739-9145, ashli@130a.com

Santa Rosa, CA – Janet Kobobel Grant, founder and president of Books & Such Literary Management, announces Jen Babakhan, author, educator, and brand specialist has joined Books & Such Literary Management as an associate agent.

Janet Grant says, “Jen caught my eye right away when she served as an agency intern earlier this year. Her reviews of proposals and manuscripts showed she had a strong sense of structure, good writing, and marketability. And she wrote critiques filled with helpful suggestions for how to improve the material. I knew immediately that these natural instincts would serve her—and her clients—well as an agent.”

With a degree in communications and background in education, marketing, and traditional publishing, including more than 150 articles with Readers Digest and two nonfiction books, Jen Babakhan offers a well-rounded perspective to her authors.

Janet Grant adds, “With professional experience in marketing and in helping to brand an international company, Jen can offer to clients important mentoring in how to present their uniqueness as authors as well as how to create projects that stand out to industry insiders and potential readers. I’m proud to have her join our stellar lineup of agents, and I know she will enrich the publishing industry in this new role.”

“I am honored to be joining such an incredible agency,” Babakhan says. “The art of writing is such a personal act, and it’s a beautiful display of generosity when writers choose to share their work with others—to lift up, entertain, and inspire. I’m excited to be a part of this process, and to have a role in getting talented writers a place on readers’ bookshelves.”

Among Jen’s first clients is novelist Catherine Palmer, author of nearly 60 novels, with sales well over 3 million. She has received a Christy Award and a lifetime achievement award from Romantic Times Magazine. Jen will acquire adult fiction and nonfiction projects that match the needs of Christian publishing.

Books & Such Literary Management was founded in 1996 as one of the first agencies to serve the Christian market. The agency’s tagline—Discerning Literature—conveys the spirit of the team of seven agents. Books & Such’s focus remains on high-quality writing and manuscripts that make important contributions to culture’s ongoing conversations.

Books & Such Literary Management

August 2024 | LISLE, IL—IVP Academic authors and respected biblical scholars Nijay K. Gupta and Carmen Joy Imes will be turning their writing focus toward a much younger audience with a newly contracted IVP Kids book about women of Scripture. Written for children ages 6 to 12, this hardcover book will be available in 2026.  

Gupta released Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church in March 2023. In it he cast a light on the many inspiring contributions by women leaders of the early church. He wrote, “These women leaders of the early church are more than just extras on the set of the gospel drama. They were key figures.” 

Now Gupta, along with Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University, will introduce young readers to twenty-five women of the Bible, telling their stories of faith, gifting, courage, and wisdom. This collection will also offer an illustration depicting each figure. 

“Through their writing and teaching in Old and New Testament studies, Carmen and Nijay have helped us recognize the many ways that God has worked through women in Scripture. And we are eager to have them share this insight with the next generation,” said Elissa Schauer, IVP Executive Editor. “Our hope is that in hearing these stories and in learning more about these figures, kids begin to recognize that God can and will work through them too!” 

Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, University of Durham) is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. His books include Tell Her Story, A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies, Paul and the Language of Faith, and commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1–2 Thessalonians.  He has co-edited The State of New Testament Studies, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (2nd ed.), and The State of Pauline Studies.

Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton College) is the author of Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends, and Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters.  

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com  

August 2024 | LISLE, IL—In anticipation of the August 13 release of Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone! IVP Kids is kicking off the #GiftedWomen campaign to celebrate all the women who, as the subtitle says, are using their “good gifts” to inspire, encourage, and make a difference in the lives of others.

On August 7 the IVP social media team will set off the first wave of tags, asking people to share a word or video about three people they have seen sharing their gifts in impactful ways.

Allie Noble, IVP’s senior social media manager said, “We are asking our followers to post the names of gifted women they know and nominating others to do the same. Our goal is to create a chain reaction of empowerment, lifting up women in the church and beyond.”

Penny Preaches by Amy and Rob Dixon was written to inspire young people, especially girls, to embrace the gifts God has given them.

Amy Dixon is the author of three picture books—Maurice the Unbeastly, Sophie’s Animal Parade, and Marathon Mouse—as well as a middle grade novel. Rob Dixon is the author of Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships.

“Our desire in writing Penny Preaches was to catch our readers in that moment of radiant confidence—When I grow up, I’m going to be a mermaid!—to see that God gives good gifts to everyone, and to begin the sacred process of wondering, What good gifts has God given to me?” said Amy and Rob. “As Penny reminds us, God gives good gifts to everyone. And while being a mermaid is, sadly, not one of the gifts, parents and caregivers have a crucial role to play in the process of helping kids discover theirs. We pray that as more young people discover their good gifts and are given the freedom to exercise them in the church, we will grow into the flourishing community we were always meant to be.”

Publishers Weekly called Penny Preaches “one of IVP’s more provocative titles” in its portrayal of a little girl who longs to teach God’s words to others, since many Christian denominations don’t allow women in preaching or teaching roles.

“Our hope for every child is that they would be able to discern, embrace, and cultivate whatever gifts God has given them, even if those gifts push the boundaries of how the church has historically understood gifting for women and men. I pray that we are forming a church in the future where that isn’t a problem anymore,” said Amy and Rob.

Noble said, “We hope that this social media campaign is a celebration and awareness of all the women who are sharing their good gifts. Most importantly, we hope Penny Preaches and this social media campaign will inspire all the girls and young women who want to someday be like the women they look up to, the women using their good gifts.”

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (August 5, 2024) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) is delighted to announce the forthcoming release of Paws in His Presence: 50 Inspirational Animal Stories to Help You Pray and Ponder the Psalms by acclaimed author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley. Known for her animal-centered stories including Pawverbs for a Dog Lover’s Heart, which has sold over 100,000 copies since its release in 2020, Bleakley once again invites readers to discover spiritual truths through our animal friends.

In this new release, readers will see animals as living, breathing pictures of God’s love. Complete with stories, passages from Psalms, full-color photos, prayers, and reflection questions, Paws in His Presence is a great book for any animal lover.

Carol Traver, the director of content development at Tyndale House Publishers, stated, “We couldn’t be more excited about the release of Paws in His Presence. Regardless of where people stand spiritually, nearly everyone loves animals, and Jen Bleakley has such an incredible gift for showing how these friends and companions so perfectly reflect God’s grace, humor, and unconditional love. That’s the beauty of this book. The devotions are rooted in the Psalms, and because Jen’s stories are so delightfully disarming, you could literally gift Paws in His Presence to just about anybody.”

Paws in His Presence will be available October 1, 2024. For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com.

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is also the author of Joey, the Pawverbs devotional series, Project Solomon, and Finding Grace. Jen has a master’s degree in counseling and worked as a grief counselor for several years before staying home with her children. Somewhere in between countless loads of laundry, library story time, petting zoos, and the blessed hours of nap time, Jen discovered a way to combine her lifelong love of animals and her longing to encourage others with her passion for writing. Jen often says that animals have much to teach us about ourselves, about each other, and about God, but in order to learn from them we must paws and pay attention. (She also really loves a good pun!) Jen lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Darrell, their two children, Andrew and Ella, and a menagerie of pets, including a rescue cat, a sloth-like bearded dragon, and a very needy golden retriever. You can connect with Jen online at jenniferbleakley.com or on social media @jenbleakley.

Paws in His Presence by Jennifer Bleakley
ISBN: 978-1-4964-8771-1 | Hardcover: $19.99 | October 2024 | Tyndale.com

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact:  Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com, 630.784.5211

The Best News of All helps preschoolers remember the angel’s announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:10–11: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The birth of Jesus is truly the best news of all. The angel’s good news of the arrival of the Savior told to the shepherds long ago is still good news for us all today. It’s the reason why we celebrate Christmas each year!

In The Best News of All, Sally Michael helps parents to instruct the mind and engage the heart of their children as they learn Scripture. Each page shows pictures and asks questions to engage preschoolers in understanding the verse. Repetition of the verse throughout the book, helps children memorize the Bible verse after just a few readings. Also included are pointers for helping children memorize and suggestions for activities that will reinforce “Living by the Word.”  

• Christmas-themed edition of the Bible Verses to Remember series.
• Bright, fun illustrations by Sengsavane Chounramany bring the angels’ message to the shepherds to life.  
• Builds a foundation for memorizing Scripture and seeing God’s work in salvation.

The Best News of All
Bible Verses to Remember series
by Sally Michael
September 16, 2024 / Retail Price: $11.99
Print ISBN:978-1-64507-481-6
Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Celebrations / Christmas & Advent

Sally Michael is a cofounder of Truth78 and has authored curricula and books marked by a passion for developing God-centered resources for the spiritual development of children. For 16 years, Sally served as minister for children at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota under the leadership of John Piper and of her husband, David. She is the author of the Bible Verses to Remember series. Sally and David live in Indianapolis, Indiana. They enjoy spending time with their daughters, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.

For review copy and interview information, contact: Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com  

After celebrating 10 years in the US market in 2023, knk is an established leader in streamlining and supporting publishing and media businesses with its best-in-class software solutions. As the Microsoft partner for publishers and the media industry, knk continues to leverage incredible leaps in AI technology to introduce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at further empowering the publishing community.

To mark our first decade in the US market, knk is thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural knk Scholarship Program. This initiative is a testament to knk’s unwavering commitment to the book publishing industry and its belief in fostering a diverse ecosystem of publishers of all sizes. At a time when maintaining free speech and offering a wide variety of books is more critical than ever, knk’s new scholarship program offers substantial support to smaller publishers.

Program Overview
Over the next five years, knk will provide 10 small publishers with the opportunity to implement its award-winning software for free, a benefit valued up to $100,000 per recipient. This initiative allows smaller publishers to enhance their workflows with knk’s cutting-edge technology, bypassing the significant cost of implementation.

The 2024 scholarship will offer one publisher the free implementation of knk’s standard software package, designed to optimize publishing operations. The program is set to launch on July 23rd, with the first enrollment period ending on October 25th. The first scholarship recipient will be announced by November 8th.

Supporting the Future of Publishing
“After a decade of growth and learning in the US, we at knk are more committed than ever to the people who are the heart of the publishing industry. Our new scholarship program is a reflection of our deep respect for the diverse voices that make up this vibrant community,” said Sebastian Mayeres, CEO at knk Software. “We’re not just investing in technology; we’re investing in the dreams and aspirations of smaller publishers. By offering our scholarship, we hope to empower these passionate individuals to share their stories and ideas with the world, enriching our culture and preserving the invaluable tradition of free speech. It’s an honor for us to support the industry that does so much to educate, inspire, and entertain readers everywhere.”

knk invites publishers to apply for this transformative opportunity and to join the knk family.

For more information and to apply for the knk Scholarship Program, please visit our website at knkScholarship.com.

About knk Group
knk has been a pioneering force in the publishing and media software industry for over 35 years, serving over 450 businesses worldwide. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, knk continues to set the standard for publishing solutions. As the Microsoft partner for publishers and the media industry, knk integrates advanced AI technology to deliver unparalleled support to publishers of all sizes.

For further information please contact: 
Cheryl Spais, knk Software LP, Scholarship@knk.com, knkMediaSoftware.com 

Lisa Bevere, New York Times bestselling author and internationally known speaker, uncovers the truth about the dark agenda against women and provides guidance to how women can reclaim their divine identity in her new book, The Fight for Female, releasing September 3, 2024. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE / July 23, 2024 – From author of Without Rival, Girls with Swords, Lioness Arising, and Strong, Lisa Bevere’s newest book ‘The Fight For Female: Reclaiming Our Divine Identity’ recovers truth in a culture of lies and offers a way forward that encourages women to embrace their divine identity. 

You can pre-order your copy of Fight For Female today.

What is behind the widespread attempt to erase the essence of womanhood through manipulation, confusion, and sexualization? Lisa Bevere uncovers the truth, revealing the dark agenda against women and providing guidance to how women can reclaim their divine identity. The Fight for Female offers a biblically-grounded perspective on womanhood, equipping women everywhere to bring the fullness of their God-given femininity to a world in need of answers.
“I believe it’s a time for us to have real, honest, intimate conversations and emerge with god-inspired solutions, equal to the challenges of our day. This is a time for us as women to rise up, confident in our God-given identity, clear on our commission, and courageous in our calling.”Lisa Bevere

Lisa Bevere writes about the enemy’s attack on women in modern-day culture and points women to their divine birthright. She equips women to resist the false narratives around gender and to embrace the fulfillment that comes by living unashamedly as daughters of Christ.
The younger generation is fighting a battle within themselves that culture is telling them must be fixed from the outside. Lisa Bevere addresses these challenges with fresh, unapologetic boldness, arguing that we will never experience the deep transformation we long for if we reject our very formation in God’s image. 

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING 
“Lisa is a courageous and loving voice for truth. Her willingness to engage the most important and controversial topics of the day with boldness and compassion should be an example to others, especially when fear of offending tragically silences many good people. The culture today needs more passionate women willing to seek the truth and dedicated to live and speak it, even when it costs.”  
– Lila Rose, Founder of Live Action

“Lisa addresses what it means to be female with tender yet unapologetic truth. The answers we are searching for are found through transformation rather than by questioning our formation.”
– Christine Caine, Best-Selling Author & Founder of Propel Women. 

SYNOPSIS 
The very idea of womanhood is under assault. Women are being sexualized by culture, repressed and silenced by much of the church, and minimized and redefined by language. Make no mistake about it: We are at war—for ourselves, our families, and the very lives of our sons and daughters. The question is, why? And with whom are we fighting?

While it’s tempting to label people as our enemy, our true adversary is far more sinister, working in the shadows to undermine the very essence of womanhood, and with it, the divine image of male and female. Revelation 12 speaks of a dragon who is enraged with the woman and makes war on her children. This is a battle of cosmic proportions requiring heavenly solutions and insight. To win, we must first understand how he works and what he’s after.

In The Fight for Female, Lisa Bevere pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on in this cultural moment, and more importantly, what we can do about it, offering a way forward that transcends familiar talking points and drives us to find God-inspired answers.
This is not the time to cower or to compromise. Our marriages, children, churches, communities, and futures depend on us to be up to the task. This is your clarion call. Female is worth fighting for.

PRESS ASSETS
Media Tip Sheet Frequently Asked Questions Lisa Bevere Headshot and Bio 
For interviews, contact: Carly Hamilton – 575-621-0371 – carly@130a.com 
For more information on Lisa Bevere, visit lisabevere.com 
For press material, visit: 130a.com 

About Lisa Bevere 
Lisa Bevere is an internationally known speaker and the New York Times best selling author of Without Rival, Fiercely Loved, Godmothers, Strong, Girls with Swords, Lioness Arising, and more. She co-hosts the podcast Conversations with John & Lisa Bevere, is a frequent guest on At Home with the Beveres, and hosts The Fight for Female podcast. She co-founded Messenger International, which has given away more than sixty-five million resources and launched MessengerX, a discipleship app that reaches 238 countries in 129 languages. Lisa has empowered women for more than forty years and has been featured on Life Today, Better Together, Hallmark’s Home and Family, the Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff and Friends, and That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs, as well as in Relevant magazine and more. A cancer survivor and bold truth teller, Lisa has been married to her husband, John, for over forty years, and together they have four sons and nine grandchildren.

About Baker Publishing Group 
Baker Publishing Group (Bethany House, Revell, Baker Books, Chosen, Brazos Press, and Baker Academic) is a leading producer of Christian resources that give insight and inspiration to readers worldwide. Our divisions reflect the broadest scope of topics, which includes fiction, self-help, inspiration, professional books, Christian living and academic titles.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Carly Hamilton, 575-621-0371, carly@130a.com

July 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) has announced the expansion of its international reach with the signing of two contracts. IVP has entered into an arrangement with Ingram Publishing Services UK (IPS UK) for the warehousing and fulfillment of IVP’s titles in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe. The press has also signed a new agreement with the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) for its sales representation in the UK.

“IVP has always had strong representation in the UK and Europe, but these two agreements put the pieces in place to significantly impact the reach of IVP’s resources overseas,” said Shane White, IVP’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity. “We are grateful for these partnerships and look forward to working with both companies to bring our titles to more readers in the UK and Europe.”

The agreement with IPS UK will be effective October 1, 2024. Matthew Dickie, Senior Manager of IPS UK, said, “InterVarsity Press is a distinguished name in Christian publishing, and we’re honored to partner with them. We look forward to committing resources to maximize IVP’s sales and impact in new markets.”

“We’re excited to work with IPS UK,” said Ben McCoy, IVP’s Vice President of Operations. “This relationship will ensure our publications further our mission to inspire and equip Christian readers globally.”

In addition to the increased distribution in the UK, the new agreement with SPCK extends the reach of IVP titles overseas through SPCK’s established sales representation. SPCK, the United Kingdom’s leading Christian publisher, has been around since 1698, making it the third oldest English publishing house still operating today.

Sam Richardson, CEO for SPCK, said, “Through our long-standing relationship with our friends at InterVarsity Press in the US, we at SPCK are very familiar with their outstanding list and its potential in the UK and Europe. We are delighted to have extended this relationship, and our industry-leading sales team looks forward to working closely with the IVP team to deliver strong support and sales growth to IVP’s authors in the coming years.”

Over the centuries SPCK has distributed more than thirty million books and has provided the means for translating the Book of Common Prayer into more than two hundred languages. SPCK has more than 50,000 web visitors each month, and each year they sell half a million books and apps.

White said, “SPCK has a strong reputation as a longtime, influential Christian publisher in the UK, and we share with them the vision of publishing books that speak into the culture. We look forward to joining forces with our partners at SPCK to make an even greater impact in the world through life-changing resources.” 

Contact: Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com  

July 2024 | LISLE, IL—On Tuesday, July 23, Fuller Seminary hosted a launch party for the August 6 release of the highly anticipated The New Testament in Color, the first volume of its kind written by a multiethnic team of scholars.

IVP President Terumi Echols said, “The New Testament in Color serves as a laser-focused Bible commentary that digs deeper into Bible teachings to provide context from a multicultural perspective, which is pioneering for the North American church.”

“The New Testament in Color is a book I long hoped would eventually be written and is in many ways overdue,” said Max J. Lee, Paul W. Brandel Professor of biblical studies at North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.

Theologically orthodox and multiethnically contextual, The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary fills a gap in biblical understanding for both the academy and the church.

Esau McCaulley, Jonathan Blanchard Chair of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College and author of Sharing in the Son’s Inheritance and Reading While Black, served as the general editor for the volume. He said, “We wanted to create a project that embodies the North American church at its best. We wanted to bring together a diversity of cultures united by a common desire to read, understand, obey, and apply God’s word.”

Lee said, “The editors have done a superb job of gathering scholars from diverse ethnic backgrounds who interpret the biblical text adeptly using the familiar critical tools of exegesis, and who also demonstrate how reading from their particular social location provides theological insight germane to all of God’s people. They show how the New Testament addresses a range of issues important to today’s readers, including topics of restorative justice, immigration and hospitality, racial bias and violence, the priority of families and ecclesial communities, and so much more. Not to be missed are the excellent introductory essays, which trace the ethnic histories of peoples of color and their practice of reading the Bible with a hermeneutic of trust.”

In addition to the twenty-two contributing scholars, the associate editors for the project include Amy L. B. Peeler, Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College and author of Women and the Gender of God;Janette H. Ok, associate professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Constructing Ethnic Identity in 1 Peter; andOsvaldo Padilla, professor of New Testament and theology at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University. He has published on the Acts of the Apostles and Paul.

Each scholar who contributed to the volume brings exegetical expertise coupled with a unique interpretive lens to illuminate the ways social location and biblical interpretation work together.

Padilla said, “I have often found myself wrestling with what it meant to engage my own ethnic identity. We all have the gift of contributing scholarly insights because of our social location, but we also run the risk of missing important insights because of our social location. My own Hispanic background, for example, that helped me (I think) get at some hidden aspect of the text could also be used to smuggle in some of the idolatrous baggage that is also part of my background. I was surprised how much I had to grapple with the danger of becoming just like the ‘colonizers’ we passionately have criticized when forgetting that this is a two-way street.”

Ok said, “Our collaborative editorial process embodied the joys, challenges, and fruits of bring­ing together scholars with different expertise, expe­riences, perspectives, and social locations that you see reflected in the work of our contributors. Cre­ative processes of this magnitude are messy, but I have learned to embrace the messiness as a gift to the church. The ideas for this volume took shape over time and the con­tributors submitted and resubmitted their work in conversation with the edi­tors while keeping true to their voice and vision. I am proud of this collective labor of love.”

The editors collectively expressed a hope for the readers of The New Testament in Color to grow in appreciation for the wider perspectives on biblical interpretation.

Peeler said, “My deepest hope is that all readers grow in their appreciation for the beauty of many perspectives and when they do so, they also grow in their awe of the creativity and abundance of God’s truth.”

“I hope that people are neither hyper critical nor paternalistic,” McCaulley said. “All biblical commentaries worthy of the name help people understand God’s Word so as to be captured by the vision of the human life contained therein. We hope that it inspires the reader to live more faithfully. Since no one corner of the church has the market on faithful living, the varied cultures included within the commentary might provide fresh insight into the nature of Christian fidelity. I also hope that alongside the differences they hear, they also note elements of familiarity. We are not completely closed off from one another. The same Spirit that inspired the Scriptures also moves in and among the varied cultures in which the gospel has taken root.”

Contact: Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com