In many ways it seems unnecessary to write a Foreword for this volume. Some books speak for themselves, and before readers have digested two or three paragraphs they have been caught up in the author?s stream of thought. Probably that is not only due to the genius of the writer, but to the genuineness of his manner. The personality behind the words shines through the cracks, and we have been won over and want to read more. And may I say that when a volume lacks this compelling voice, no Foreword can make it come to life! NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY AND THEOLOGY
VOLUME 2 OF 3 - THE PAULINE EPISTLES
Dr. J. Renwick Wright
Originally delivered as class lectures at the
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
With Foreword by Rev. Kenneth G. Smith
Compiled and Edited by Pastor John McFarland,
Christ Our King Fellowship
Orange County, California
Copyright 1999
Foreword
A unique connection exists between the person behind this volume and that which he seeks to convey. When one scans the following pages, he finds a vibrant spirit at work. No one who has known J. Renwick Wright can miss it. His warmth and genuineness reach out and embrace you. And yet he does not rush nor overwhelm. He has an uncanny way of drawing out one?s interest and before long it seems like you have known eachother for years. That?s what I call the ?pastor? in him. He understands people and consequently begets trust and confidence.
Still, Dr. Wright is a reputable scholar and came by a good education. His background as a pastor?s son in the context of British Isles classicism graced him with a rich legacy of the meaning of words and their significance to life. What a wonderful discovery to find in one man this complementary mix: a pastor?s heart with a scholar?s mind! That?s the author of this book.
Now the chapters that follow introduce us to the books of the New Testament. It was not my privilege to sit in Dr. Wright?s classes where these things were first unfolded to his students. But you will sense as you read these pages an endeavor for us to get to know the Person behind this unique Book - in other words, the God Who breathed these words. Thus we are challenged to consider carefully how under the Spirit of God these various books came to be. He bids us dig in and grasp each book, to know it and to know it well. There is no place for shallowness here. The Scripture is not a collection of mythical stories. And it is not to be interpreted literally, but rather, as one of Renwick Wright?s colleagues, Clark Copeland, so aptly puts it, ?The Bible is to be interpreted literarally.? This requires knowing each book?s background, language, intended readers, and overall purpose. It summons inquiry into how it relates to the redemptive message of both Testaments, and all within the framework of the type of literature it is.
But yet his pastor?s heart shines through, reminding us there is more to the knowledge of the New Testament than just the scholarly facts, important as they are. The design of the Scriptures portrays the Author behind the writers. Each book calls us to appreciate the God of all grace Who brings all things together in the person of His Son Jesus. That comes through as the passion of this Testament. And here in these class notes we are introduced to it with the same passion.
I like to read Renwick Wright; that?s the way we met, by correspondence. Through those letters, as we planned an international conference together, I came to know him. And I continue to appreciate the man who would meet me there at the Aldergrove Airport in Belfast, 1966. He was as he wrote. Now you can read him. Through what he has given us, we can know more deeply the Lord Jesus Christ, God?s Son. And after all, that is God?s reason for giving us His Word.
Rev. Kenneth G. Smith
Syracuse, New York - 11/98
Preface and Acknowledgments
The idea for this book was born in Indianapolis, 1994. Dr. Renwick Wright graciously relocated to the center of Indiana for one month in order to teach this material to 24 eager students. Several have become pastors, and time alone will tell how many others will pursue that calling. But all of us were moved to love God?s word more by Renwick?s lectures and through the gracious manner of their delivery.After one lecture (of the 38), it was my great relief to discover that Dr. Wright had made his teaching manuscripts available to students at the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary in Pittsburgh when he taught the same course there. Rev. Ed Blackwood furnished me with his copy, which is still in my hand! This proved to be advantageous, not simply to help us ?make the grade,? but because we truly did not want to miss one precious word. I purposed immediately to put these manuscripts into a more useable format, and I received Dr. Wright?s permission to do so. Renwick is an extraordinarily patient man - for this first portion has been five years in coming! I intend to make all 38 lectures available as Chapters in this series. But you should not have to wait 10 more years, and these 13 chapters focusing on the Letters of Paul make a good grouping. Chapter 1 - The Things Said at the Beginning properly serves as the lead for all three Volumes. Lord willing, look for Volume 1 of 3 - The Gospels in 2001 from this same Publisher.
What you have in hand is Renwick?s work. His lecture notes were so thorough that he needed 45 minutes to read through 4 pages! Over the years his initial typewritten sheets (less than single-space) were treated to corrections, additions, abbreviations, and ellipses (?). Those were signals that Renwick knew what should come next; I asked him, I guessed, or they have become our collective loss! I have treated this project as a hobby - retyping chapters, pulling in appropriate Scripture references, identifying some quotes, making the Greek pronunciation accessible, and altering the language slightly to compensate for the change from spoken to written communication. I will be satisfied if Renwick?s friends recognize only him in these pages. Many thanks are owed for the existence of this Volume. Mrs. Jeanette Nagel, my sister, provided good editing suggestions. Rev. Smith was kind to answer the call for a Foreword; that call was made by Dr. Wright who asked for Ken specially. One of those privileged 24 from 1994 became my Anonymous Benefactor, providing the funds to pursue this project. Drew Gordon of Crown & Covenant has offered patient encouragement during the years he has known of this dream. And I thank members of Christ Our King Fellowship, an R. P. mission church in S. California. They encouraged this hobby and benefited from 2 sermons series growing from these Chapters.
Please communicate with me - if you have comments, questions, praises, criticisms, or if you are curious how the next Volumes are progressing. Also, I will be glad to pass along information to Dr. Wright.
Call (909) 737-6661 or e-mail - [email protected]. My prayer continues to be that God will use this material to open many eyes to the riches of His New Testament. You will be blessed to the utmost as you do God?s word and spread the news!
Pastor John M. McFarland
Corona, California - 12/98