G.K Beale and D.A. Carson’s “Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament”
September 7, 2008 – 5:46 pmIf you have G.K Beale and D.A. Carson’s “Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament” you will find it interesting how the commentators David W. Pao and Eckhard J. Schnable tackle the rich ruler’s question to Jesus concerning obtaining eternal life in Luke’s gospel. I have found much of the commentary by Pao and Schnable troubling. If you have a copy open to page 352 point E. where you will find the following:
After accepting the magistrate’s response that he keeps the law (18:21) Jesus asserts that what he lacks is selling his possessions, giving the proceeds to the poor, and following him (18:22). Jesus thus emphasizes that keeping the law and maintaining covenant loyalty to Yahweh is no longer sufficient for entering eternal life: it is now necessary to to be loyal to him, to acknowledge the significance of his person and message for God’s covenant with Israel, to recognize the authority of Yahweh in his ministry and thus be willing, if summoned, to sell all possessions, trusting God to supply all needs in the following of Jesus. Obedience to God’s revelation in the covenant and in the Mosaic Torah is no longer sufficient to inherit eternal life; such obedience must be coupled with obedience to Jesus. Jesus’ initial answer to the magistrate confirms “the validity and continuing life-giving significance of the OT commandments of God” (Nolland 1989-1993:886;cf. Powery 1999:223)
Both David W. Pao and Eckhard J. Schnable are associated with TEDS. Though I am very disappointed by the inclusion of the above rubbish I would not forsake the use of what is otherwise an excellent resource.