Essays on Apostolic Themes: Studies in Honor of Howard M. Ervin

This collection of studies prepared in honor of one of the churchs distinguished teachers and pastoral servants Dr. Howard M. Ervin attempts to address some of the pressing theological issues of our day. Important matters of biblical interpretation in the evangelical and charismatic scenes are treated by three of the contributors including one by the honoree himself. The role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation is critiqued by professor Horner while professors F. F. Bruce and J. D. G. Dunn offer some penetrating insights into the work of the Spirit in Pauls churches and into the nature of the New Testament believer as understood by the great apostle. Professor Rea gives us his timely observations on the nature of spiritual experience in the lives of Old Testament believers drawing out appropriate lessons for today. We trust further that Essays on Apostolic Themes may have something to offer to the discipline of historical theology with five essays ranging from prophetic-type phenomena in Iranaeuss church and charismatic motifs in Calvins thoughts to critical assessments of Lewi Pethrus and Donald Gee who are within their own cultures appraised as being dynamic figures of leadership in the pentecostal tradition. Similarly based on his earlier book of the eighteenth century pioneer of pentecost Dr. Strachan presents a stimulating piece on the development of Edward Irvings thought. The early reception in America of the charismatic movement is sagaciously surveyed by Dr. Connelly and productive ideas on the mystical presence of Christ in our Lords supper are advanced by professor Gelpi. Essays concludes with a contribution to the much discussed issues of church growth wherein practical suggestions are tabled based on the potential implied by Lukes text of the book of Acts. Overall the editor and respective authors submit this anniversary volume to their colleague and friend Dr. Howard M. Ervin and to its readers everywhere in the hope that these fourteen studies may make a useful international contribution to scholarship and that Essays may be found helpful to preachers teachers and students of Gods word. These essays comprise a work of scholarship that makes a valuable contribution to charismatic literature. I am convinced that in addition to giving some deserved recognition to Dr. Ervin the work will contribute significantly to our understanding of the biblical and historical roots of the charismatic movement. The volume has been carefully edited and reflects contact with current literature. Happily the essayists represent a variety of theological traditions and enlist among their number biblical scholars of international stature. -- French L. Arrington Church of God Theological Seminary Dr. Ervins contribution not only as a scholar but as a speaker teacher and interpreter in the charismatic renewal has been highly esteemed and gratefully received by Catholics. I look forward to the appearance of this promising volume of essays written in his honor on the occasion of his 65th birthday. The editor has assembled an impressive array of scholars and I join these contributors to his anniversary volume in expressing my appreciation for his ministry. -- George T. Montague S.M. St. Marys University An extraordinary collection of essays representing a wide range of scholarly studies in the area of the Holy Spirit and related evangelical pentecostal and charismatic themes. This book should prove of great value to all who are interested in biblical historical and contemporary reflection on the activity of the Holy Spirit. -- J. Rodman Williams Regent University School of Divinity The editor Paul Elbert is a physicist-theologian with interests in New Testament studies and the Charismatic Renewal. He teaches at the Church of God Theological Seminary. Contributors: John Amstutz; F. F. Bruce;James T. Connelly CSC; James D. G. Dunn; Paul Elbert; Howard M. Ervin; Donald L. Gel