Devotions on the Greek New Testament, ed. Duvall & Verbrugge

Devotions on the Greek New Testament: 52 Reflections to Inspire and Instruct, ed. by J. Scott Duvall & Verlyn D. Verbrugge (Zondervan, 2012).

This work includes contributions from various New Testament seminary professors such as Craig Blomberg, Darrell Bock, Scot McKnight, Ben Witherington III, and many others.

Each devotional is a brief two pages or so. They begin with either a brief sentence from the Greek New Testament or with a paragraph. The author then explains anything difficult about the sentence or paragraphs, breaking down the meaning of words, syntax, grammar, and anything else notable. This book was part of the inspiration for our series “Greek Matters,” which similarly tries to expound a practical point from the Greek text that isn’t as readily apparent from the translations (if at all).

Sometimes the devotional is a free-form explanation and application of the passage. For example, Mark Wilson focuses on the meaning of sbennute in 1 Thess 5:19-20 (do not “put out/extinguish” or “quench” the Spirit), wrapping up with a brief paragraph of application on the “quench” translation. Other devotionals include an intentional sermon-like structure. For example, Scot McKnight’s devotional on Matt 5:17-20 makes three points (notable in italics): “Jesus’ claim is rooted in Scripture….Jesus’ claim shapes discipleship….Discipleship means separation” (22).

This is a great resource for two different uses.

First, you may use this work as part of your devotional reading, whether you are a student, pastor, or professor. It’s probably most useful for the student and pastor who are learning or have learned Greek and want a unique way to stay in it. Professors may not find much new information in the brief exegesis portion of the devotionals, and the devotional application may be a bit too slim to be worth reading. For students and pastors, however, there is enough of both elements to make it a worthy read.

Second, you may use this work in the classroom while teaching Greek. So many students become flustered, frustrated, or simply give up while taking Greek. This book is full of 52 different examples of why Greek matters. Even if not every devotional makes a stunning revelation to the student that makes them scream inside, “I must learn Greek!,” it still may provide some motivation to keep them studying and perhaps suggest to them that they can make Greek practical, for themselves and for their church.

One way I think this work would have been improved would have been to have fewer entries and longer application sections. Tacking on a paragraph of application on the end of five exegetical paragraphs can make the purpose of the book seem unfulfilled. If these are really to be devotionals, there should be a stronger pastoral and mission oriented focus to each of the entries.

Nevertheless, I do suggest this book for use, both personally and in the classroom.

Find it here on Amazon.