Signs of the Apostles

Rating:
Summary: Don't confuse me with the facts...
Review: If you are looking for a biblically, theologically and historically sound treatment of apostleship--as I was--don't waste your time and money on "Signs of the Apostles." It's not that Chantry has nothing worthwhile to say: he actually includes some useful discussion about the miraculous in the New Testament. However, he is a convinced cessationist; and though he is aware of the many claims from Pentecostals and charismatics to the contrary, he regards all contemporary experience of spiritual gifts as delusion or deception. On page 37, for example, he states categorically, "All modern prophecy is spurious! God's truth has come to us in a fixed and finished objective revelation. We must not accept the new 'revelations' of neo-pentecostalism." Chantry claims to have a much higher regard for Scripture as God's inspired and authoritative word than do Pentecostals and charismatics; but Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 14:30 couldn't be clearer: "Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues." Chantry says those who seek to hear or receive personal revelation or gifting from the Spirit of God are insulting God by denying the "all-sufficiency" of the Scriptures. Chantry needs to be reminded that "all-sufficiency" is an extra-biblical claim, not unlike, for example, the bodily assumption of Mary. This book is not about "signs" or "apostles." It is a one-sided diatribe which impugns every biblical, theological, historical--and personal--reality which doesn't support the author's preconceptions.

Rating:
Summary: Don't confuse me with the facts...
Review: If you are looking for a biblically, theologically and historically sound treatment of apostleship--as I was--don't waste your time and money on "Signs of the Apostles." It's not that Chantry has nothing worthwhile to say: he actually includes some useful discussion about the miraculous in the New Testament. However, he is a convinced cessationist; and though he is aware of the many claims from Pentecostals and charismatics to the contrary, he regards all contemporary experience of spiritual gifts as delusion or deception. On page 37, for example, he states categorically, "All modern prophecy is spurious! God's truth has come to us in a fixed and finished objective revelation. We must not accept the new 'revelations' of neo-pentecostalism." Chantry claims to have a much higher regard for Scripture as God's inspired and authoritative word than do Pentecostals and charismatics; but Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 14:30 couldn't be clearer: "Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues." Chantry says those who seek to hear or receive personal revelation or gifting from the Spirit of God are insulting God by denying the "all-sufficiency" of the Scriptures. Chantry needs to be reminded that "all-sufficiency" is an extra-biblical claim, not unlike, for example, the bodily assumption of Mary. This book is not about "signs" or "apostles." It is a one-sided diatribe which impugns every biblical, theological, historical--and personal--reality which doesn't support the author's preconceptions.

Rating:
Summary: If you want facts, Chantry has them!
Review: Without question, this is the most historically, exegetically accurate treatment of the ministry of the Apostles and their unique validating gifts that I have ever read. In a short, concise manner, Chantry lays out God's plan for the use of the miraculous gifts during the early church age. He carefully shows how I Corinthians 14:30: "Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues," plays itself out with I Corinthians 13:8: "...but where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled..." It's a rational, cogent, well-supported handling of Biblical truth in a non-emotional, straight-forward manner. He interprets human experience in the light of Biblical truth; he does not interpret Holy Scripture in the light of human experience. As Saint Peter beautifully put it, "We now have a more sure word of prophecy (i.e. more certain than mere human experience)..." If you are of the Charismatic persuasion, do not buy this book. Chantry's devastating Biblical logic will leave you with only your fallible human experience to cling to for support of your position. A positively brilliant piece of exegesis. If you're looking for truth, you can find it here in spades. Dollar for dollar, one of the best books I have purchased.

Rating:
Summary: If you want facts, Chantry has them!
Review: Without question, this is the most historically, exegetically accurate treatment of the ministry of the Apostles and their unique validating gifts that I have ever read. In a short, concise manner, Chantry lays out God's plan for the use of the miraculous gifts during the early church age. He carefully shows how I Corinthians 14:30: "Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues," plays itself out with I Corinthians 13:8: "...but where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled..." It's a rational, cogent, well-supported handling of Biblical truth in a non-emotional, straight-forward manner. He interprets human experience in the light of Biblical truth; he does not interpret Holy Scripture in the light of human experience. As Saint Peter beautifully put it, "We now have a more sure word of prophecy (i.e. more certain than mere human experience)..." If you are of the Charismatic persuasion, do not buy this book. Chantry's devastating Biblical logic will leave you with only your fallible human experience to cling to for support of your position. A positively brilliant piece of exegesis. If you're looking for truth, you can find it here in spades. Dollar for dollar, one of the best books I have purchased.