Adam and Eve worked. Jacob and Joseph worked. So did Ruth, David, Daniel, Jonah, Martha, Priscilla and Aquila, Paul -- and most people in the Old and New Testaments. In Work Matters marketplace theology expert R. Paul Stevens revisits more than twenty biblical accounts -- from Genesis to Revelation -- exploring through them the theological meaning of every sort of work, manual or intellectual, domestic or commercial. Taken together, his short, pithy reflections on these well-known Bible passages add up to a comprehensive, Bible-based theology of work -- one that will be equally useful for seminars, classes, Bible studies, and individuals seeking to grasp more fully the theological dimensions of their daily labor. Jeff Van Duzer -- Seattle Pacific University "In a quick romp through Scripture Paul Stevens has condensed a lifetime of wisdom into this wonderfully accessible survey of Christian perspectives on work. Stevens invites us to look at work from every possible biblical angle and introduces us to a host of mystics, desert fathers, poets, novelists, CEOs, and other theologians who have walked this road before us. Whether read alone or used as a basis for group discussion, Work Matters is well organized in bite-sized pieces and punctuated with questions for reflection. One of the best introductions to a theology of work available to date!" Robert Banks -- Macquarie University "This book is vintage Paul Stevens, bringing together his love of exposition of the Bible and his concern for faithfulness in the workplace. Over the years Stevens has been compiling a range of scriptural case studies that bring these together. Too often we forget that key biblical figures are not just spiritual but vocational role models, helping us to discern the nature of everyday as well as religious work. Indeed he does not distinguish between these, rightly regarding all work undertaken with Christian commitment as godly. The questions for reflection attached to each chapter make the book an excellent basis for discussion." Journal of Markets & Morality “A summative work by an insightful and integrative leader. It is not trendy but full of wisdom. . . . Deserves a place on the desk of every ministry, organization, and think tank serious about biblical insights and work.”   The Bible Today ”Draws out solid pastoral reflections on the meaning, travails, and satisfaction of work undertaken from the perspective of faith. Suggested discussion questions at the end of each section enhance the value of the volume.”   R. Paul Stevens is professor emeritus of marketplace theology and leadership at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. Work Matters Lessons from Scripture By R. Paul Stevens William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Copyright © 2012 R. Paul Stevens All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8028-6696-7 Contents Foreword by Don Flow...................................................................viiIntroduction...........................................................................1PART ONE God-Given Work An Introduction to the First Five Books.......................91. Good Work—Adam and Eve........................................................162. Degraded Work—Cain............................................................213. Virtuous Work—Jacob...........................................................274. Vocational Work—Joseph........................................................335. Spirit Work—Bezalel...........................................................40PART TWO Stewardship Work An Introduction to the Historical Books.....................496. Survival Work—Ruth............................................................547. Royal Work—David..............................................................598. Shrewd Work—Nehemiah..........................................................669. Providential Work—Esther......................................................72PART THREE Soul Work An Introduction to the Wisdom Books..............................8110. Wild Work—God and Job........................................................8611. Slothful Work—The Sluggard...................................................9212. Entrepreneurial Work—The Businessperson......................................9713. Enigmatic Work—The Professor.................................................102PART FOUR Just Work An Introduction to the Prophets...................................10914. Imaginative Work—Ezekiel.....................................................11415. Exilic Work—Daniel...........................................................12016. Missionary Work—Jonah........................................................125PART FIVE Kingdom Work An Introduction to the New Testament...........................13317. Contemplative Work—Martha....................................................14018. Tent-making Work—Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla.................................14719. La