I have long been an admirer of Anthony L. Ash. Over the years, I was able to attend a few of his Bible lectures and in every instance; he exercised a great command of the classroom. His teachings were filled with witticisms’ and charm carefully placed to keep the students engaged. During one of his lectures on C.S.Lewis, Tony misplaced a page from his notes and recovered in style by telling us that, “We don’t know what C.S. Lewis did from 1946-1950.” The whole room burst into laughter and he let the energy from the crowd roll off him like a duck to water. So, when the opportunity came to study with his book College Press NIV Commentary, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, I jumped at the chance. I have fond memories associated with Anthony Ash and found the textbook a delightful commentary which does not disappoint the reader. Still, I found the writing to be predictable within the format but thought provoking.
Anthony Ash's commentary of the books of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon is part of The College Press NIV Commentary Series. All the books in this series are noted for clear exposition, fresh style, and Biblically sound exegesis. I have a few books in the series and found this entry to be straightforward to read because the text is broken up into short segments with logical separation. Still, the book fulfilled my academic curiosity about the book of Philippians. I am currently using the text to supplement a class I am teaching Wednesday nights on the Book of Philippians.
In his introduction to the book, Tony Ash lets us know that his research on the subject is not definitive and that even some of the most basic details can be questioned in our search for the truth. This tactic could leave the author open to criticism but he has confidence in the approach. For example, we cannot prove that Paul wrote his letter to the Philippian church while he was a prisoner in Rome. He writes, “Though Rome cannot be proved to be the place from which Paul wrote, it does seem to fit the circumstances better than the alternatives. If from Rome, the date of writing was probably the early 60s. While holding this view, students still should not close themselves to evidence suggesting other possibilities. Despite the details in Acts and his biographical statements in letters, there is still a great deal we do not know about Paul’s activities.” I like the fact that he leaves the door of truth open to additional discovery for the serious Bible Student. Some writers have a strong desire to claim their work is the ultimate in scholarship, while Anthony L. Ash doesn’t even add his PhD. title to his cover name. This shows me that he has a confident attitude in his research and scholarship and has no need to intimidate the reader with his academic accolades’, which are many. In short, he has mature humility, a precious Christian trait. It is my desire to emulate the humility that Tony Ash displays in my Christian walk in life. If only more Christians could exhibit such meekness. Our Lord says in the Gospel of Matthew chapter five that the meek will inherit the earth.
Tony Ash gives glory to God in his assessment of the Philippian Epistle, “Paul did not write Philippians (or any letter) so it could be the subject of a commentary—though commentaries have real value. To follow Christ meant to live a life not to judiciously make detailed observations about grammar, word meanings, syntax, etc. So if a commentary enhances understanding that is a noble thing. But understanding may stop short of salvation” The author hopes to enhance our discipleship in Christ, not our scholarship in academia. Yet scholarship is not the main purpose of reading and writing commentaries, but salvation and glory to God are the higher standards of living.
Speaking of living, the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of His resurrection.” In his comments about this verse, Tony Ash shares with us that the resurrection is not about the Apostle Paul receiving power but that Jesus has the power over death with His victory on the cross. That victory is the key to the Apostle Paul’s endurance over suffering and that victory can also be ours’.
There are many great bible verses in the book of the Philippians but of special meaning to me is verse eight found in chapter four, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” The Apostle Paul lists eight areas where the Christian is to concentrate his attention. These areas are truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admiration, excellence, and praise. In his book, Tony Ash offers great insight into these eight areas of thought, “Paul, who likes lists, concludes this series of exhortations with one. This one contains eight items-six ethical qualities followed by two summary words. The unusual thing about it is that two of these eight qualities are mentioned nowhere else in the New Testament; another is elsewhere only in the Pastorals, and still another is nowhere else in Paul’s writings…to the Greek mind these virtues were philosophical, not religious. Paul reoriented them by setting them in a Christian context. “
Since taking this class, I have tried to meditate on these eight exhortations when I wake up during the middle of the night. So far, thinking on these virtues in a Christian context has helped me find relaxation and contentment during a restless night of sleep and for that I am thankful.
Surprisingly, the Book of Philippians never quotes the Old Testament. The Apostle Paul uses these eight terms from chapter four to appeal to the reader’s gentile background. Earlier in the book of Philippians, we are told that the citizens of the city are prideful of their Roman citizenship. Dr Ash comments, “Though the issue has been debated, it has been suggested that Paul’s words had as their background the pride that citizens of Philippi would take in their citizenship. Thus he would have said they should be concerned to let their citizenship as Christians be appropriate, as people in Philippi were concerned about their Roman citizenship.” The study of verse eight calls the reader to engage in thought, reflection, and action. The practice of these eight virtues should lead to ethical Christian behavior. That is why this part of the commentary stands out for me. Our world needs to be more positive about life and so the thoughts are appealing.
Sadly, our author passed away on December 6, 2017. For nearly five decades, “Tony Ash” read, studied, lectured, and wrote about noted theologian C.S. Lewis. I was pleased and privileged to attend two of his lectures on C.S. Lewis in the 1990’s. A professor of Bible, missions and ministry for more than 40 years at ACU, Tony Ash was the author of more than a dozen books. He will be missed by students in search of higher education. He will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to teaching and preaching the Gospel.
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