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In the Beginning: A Commentary on Genesis and Its Reception in the New Testament
Author(s): James R. Edwards (Author)
- Publisher: Pillar
- Publication Date: May 5, 2026
- Language: English
- Print length: 768 pages
- ISBN-10: 080287939X
- ISBN-13: 9780802879394
Book Description
An innovative commentary on Genesis that illuminates the book’s relationship to the rest of the biblical canon
In the Beginning provides historical and critical exposition of the Hebrew text of Genesis while also explaining the book’s theological significance within the biblical canon as a whole. The result is a beautifully nuanced perspective―not only of the memorable events and colorful characters within the first book of the Bible, but also of the book’s place in the larger story of Scripture.
For each chapter of Genesis, author James R. Edwards offers a faithful reading that includes three elements: synopsis, exegesis, and kerygma. The synopsis briefly outlines and introduces the contents of the chapter; the exegesis develops a full discussion of the history, meaning, and purpose of the chapter; and the kerygma explores the influence of the various elements of the chapter on later Jewish tradition in the Old Testament and especially on Christian tradition in the New Testament. The commentary thus attends to “the whole counsel of God” by expounding Genesis in the context of salvation history as fulfilled in the subsequent history of Israel and proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Distinctive for its combination of depth and breadth, In the Beginning will be a valuable resource for students, pastors, and general readers interested in the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for the current volume:
“This is an impressive volume. The section-by-section commentary is well done, but the gold mine is the author’s careful analysis of the reception history of Genesis in the rest of the canon, especially the New Testament, as the title suggests. The writer shows awareness of a vast amount of literature from Second Temple, Roman, and rabbinic times that contributes to the history of interpretation of Genesis. This commentary is an invaluable resource for reading Genesis canonically for the sake of preaching the Gospel and living the Christian life.”
―Richard E. Averbeck, author of The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church: Reading the Torah in the Light of Christ
“I wish James Edwards would stay in his lane! Here he is, a noted New Testament scholar, commenting on Genesis at length, with great care and deep insight. Christian readers will find especially welcome Edwards’s attention to what he calls the kerygma of each interpreted unit. Here, not unlike Childs in his celebrated Exodus commentary, Edwards pays attention to the larger canonical context, including the New Testament. Readers will find much to savor here and will find themselves instructed if not also inspired. Who knows? I may take up Matthew myself!”
―Brent A. Strawn, author of The Old Testament: A Concise Introduction
Praise for the author’s Pillar New Testament Commentary on Mark:
“The present volume should have broad appeal to lay persons, ministers, and scholars as it fits within Pillar’s purpose of exacting, accurate exegesis without being overly technical. Yet, this commentary is not a lightweight: the text and footnotes reflect both rigorous research and a thorough use of the most recent Markan scholarship.”
―Southwestern Journal of Theology
Praise for the author’s Pillar New Testament Commentary on Luke:
“A first-rate commentary, written by a seasoned New Testament exegete, reflecting the wisdom and insight we have come to expect from its author. It is built on a foundation of excellent scholarship and in dialogue with the best secondary literature; its approach to the text is reverent and edifying. . . . Immensely rewarding.”
―Donald A. Hagner, author of The New Testament: A Historical and Theological Introduction
About the Author
James R. Edwards is Bruner-Welch Professor Emeritus of Theology at Whitworth University, where he taught for nearly two decades. His book Is Jesus the Only Savior? won the 2006 Christianity Today Book of the Year award in apologetics. His other books include The Hebrew Gospel and the Development of the Synoptic Tradition, In the Beginning: A Commentary on Genesis and Its Reception in the New Testament, and commentaries on the gospels of Mark and Luke.
