Genesis: A Theological Commentary for Preachers by Abraham Kuruvilla

Genesis: A Theological Commentary for Preachers engages hermeneutics for preaching, employing theological exegesis that enables the preacher to utilize all the narrative units of the book to craft effective sermons.

This commentary unpacks the crucial link between Scripture and application: the theology of each preaching text, i.e., what the author is doing with what he is saying. Genesis is thus divided into thirty-five narrative units and the theological focus of each is delineated. The overall theological trajectory/theme of the book—divine blessing: creating for blessing (Gen 1–11), moving towards blessing (Gen 12–24), experiencing the blessing (Gen 25–36), and being a blessing (Gen 37–50)—is thus progressively developed. The specificity of the theological thrusts for their respective texts makes possible a sequential homiletical movement through each pericope of the book, enabling the expositor to discover valid application for sermons.

While the primary goal of the commentary is to take the preacher from text to theology, it also provides two sermon outlines for each of the thirty-five units of Genesis. The unique approach of this work results in a theology-for-preaching commentary that promises to be useful for anyone teaching through Genesis with an emphasis on application.

Sample Chapter

Get a taste of the commentary with this sample chapter on Gen 10:1−11:26. Download free chapter

Purchase Options

Paperback (xiv + 638 pages): Wipf & Stock | Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

Endorsements

Any preacher will find in this volume sound scholarship bred of wide research, as well as clear communication of the scriptural message. Kuruvilla attends not only to the cultural context and the details of the Hebrew text, but also to the theological message and the modern context. I am excited that pastors will have this sort of resource ready to hand.”

John Walton
Professor of Old Testament
Wheaton College, Illinois

Those who preach the Bible to God’s people face a daunting task. As they build a bridge from text to sermon, they must explain the text’s meaning in its ancient context and also demonstrate its modern relevance. Abraham Kuruvilla’s text-focused method, and sensitivity to the text’s literary-theological dimension, will give preachers of Genesis confidence that their messages are grounded in the text, and insight into how to make Genesis resonate with modern audiences.”

Robert B. Chisholm Jr.
Chair and Professor of Old Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas

Thank you for your volume on Genesis. It is a striking contribution to the field of expository preaching. When does a soul have time for writing such a weighty book?”

Kenneth A. Mathews
Professor of Divinity and Old Testament
Beeson Divinity School, Alabama

A magisterial work. You have struggled significantly with the hermeneutical and methodological issues in the text. Congratulations on an exceptional work.”

J. Scott Horrell
Professor of Theological Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas

This is a thoughtful and valuable commentary, from one who is both adept at exegesis, and in love with preaching. God willing, Abe hopes to provide us through the years with additional theological commentaries of a similar nature. May God give him good health and long life!

Donald R. Sunukjian
Professor and Chair, Department of Christian Ministry and Leadership
Talbot School of Theology, California