~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl”
by Kirkus Reviews ~
Reproduced
immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book has received. This
one is from Kirkus Reviews.
Russell, Robert Lloyd
ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church
Infinity (138 pp.)
$14.95 paperback
November 12, 2010
ISBN:
978-0741462329
An in-depth exploration of one famous
passage.
Though most Christians have a passing
familiarity with Matthew 13:45-46, regarding a pearl of great price or great
value (translations vary), few have considered these two verses with as much
depth and curiosity as have Russell. In this book, Russell explores the passage
from every possible angle and includes varying evangelical interpretations.
Structured with short chapters, “Key Concept” summaries and questions for
discussion, Russell’s book can easily serve as a source for personal or group
study. He begins by discussing the passage in its immediate context, as one of
seven parables in the 13th chapter of Matthew. Russell then goes on to describe
three differing interpretations of the parable that have been raised by past
theologians.
In his view, the pearl represents either the
kingdom of heaven or the church, and in both cases most lessons from the
parable apply equally. The merchant in the parable most likely represents Jesus
Christ, “the Son of Man, Israel’s Kinsman-Redeemer.” Moving forward, Russell
lists seven ways in which a pearl is a unique gem, all of which make it
analogous to the church or the kingdom of God. For instance, it is formed in
suffering, its spherical shape represents unity and it is the one gem that is
most valuable if humans have not interfered with its shape or condition. Not
stopping there, Russell also provides eight significant aspects of the pearl.
These include its cost, symbolism, growth, history, appearance and hidden
nature. A problem brought up in the text that is never fully resolved is the fact
that pearls were not especially valued by Jews, and in fact came from a treif
source, oysters. This presents a striking paradox coming from a Jewish
source.
Russell has structured a meaningful study
for the layperson and a useful go-to resource for preachers. Without delving
into an extensive exploration of the original Greek, Russell makes about as
thorough a study of the passage as one could expect.
Worthwhile
resource on the pearl of great price.
Kirkus Discoveries, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411
Burleson Rd., TX 78744
In
the short time since “ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church” was
released, it has received many accolades including being named
“2011 Book-Of-The-Year” (Religion:
Eastern/Western) by Reader Views
Literary Awards,
“2011
Runner-up” (Religion:
Christianity) by the International Book Awards, and
“2011 Winner” (Book: Biblical Studies)
by The Word Guild.
“2011 Finalist” (Religion:
Christianity) by The USA “Best Books of
2011” Awards
“2011 Gold” (1 of 3 Gold Awards across all
genres) by the World Book Awards
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
There
is more information about One Precious Pearl at the author’s website.
You
may order directly from
Amazon
or from Infinity
Publishing.
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