Showing posts with label Andreas Köstenberger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andreas Köstenberger. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

2 New Academic Titles Worth Mentioning

There are at least two new academics worth your notice.  I have previewed the sample pages only, so I do not have much to say other than I have learned much from each of these others through some of their other works.

1) G. K. Beale. A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New. Baker Academic, 2011. Hardcover, 1072 pages.

G. K. Beale (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the coeditor of the Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament and the author of seven books, including commentaries on Revelation and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.


Endorsements 
ExcerptCover - 87 (PDF) // vii-ix, 88-116 (PDF)
Purchase  

From the book: [t]his biblical theology of the NT first attempts to trace the canonical storyline of the OT and tries to distill the major biblical-theological themes from that storyline (chap. 2). Since, as we will see, “movement toward an eschatological goal” is one of the major themes of the OT storyline, the third, fourth, and fifth chapters look respectively at the eschatology of the OT, then of Judaism, and finally of the NT. The themes composing the OT storyline found in chapters 2–3 become the basis for the NT storyline, which is stated in chapter 6. The NT plotline is a transformation of the OT storyline through developing it and fulfilling its prophetic features. 
Chapter 6 then discusses methodological problems in the search for “centers” in the OT and the NT and how this is similar yet different from the search for a storyline, the latter of which the present project prefers. What is meant by the word “storyline” is explained further in chapter 2 (under the heading “The Repeated Cosmic Judgment and New Creation Episodes of the Old Testament”) and especially in chapter 6. It is argued that a storyline reflects a unified story yet contains multiple themes that are incased in a narratival canonical plotline. 
Then the components of the NT storyline, as noted earlier, serve as the organizing outline of the remainder of the book (chaps. 7–28). Each chapter discusses and traces throughout the NT a thematic component of the storyline (along with subthemes to be traced that are subordinate to each major thematic component). This NT section is the bulk of the book. Each theme discussed in the NT section is seen from the perspective of its roots in the OT, its development in Judaism, and through the lens of the “already and not yet end-time fulfillment” in the NT. Accordingly, chapters typically are structured, to one degree or another, by discussion of relevant OT background, then Jewish developments, followed by analysis of the NT material (sometimes but not always in the order of Gospels, Acts, Paul, General Epistles, and Revelation). In some cases, when the relevant material is concentrated in only certain parts of the NT, there is more focus on those parts than others, as alluded to earlier. 
The OT storyline that I posit as the basis for the NT storyline is this: The Old Testament is the story of God, who progressively reestablishes his new-creational kingdom out of chaos over a sinful people by his word and Spirit through promise, covenant, and redemption, resulting in worldwide commission to the faithful to advance this kingdom and judgment (defeat or exile) for the unfaithful, unto his glory. The inductive basis for the formulation of this statement is found in chapters 2–3. 
The NT transformation of the storyline of the OT that I propose is this: Jesus’s life, trials, death for sinners, and especially resurrection by the Spirit have launched the fulfillment of the eschatological already–not yet new-creational reign, bestowed by grace through faith and resulting in worldwide commission to the faithful to advance this new-creational reign and resulting in judgment for the unbelieving, unto the triune God’s glory. At first glance, some of the conceptual categories that compose various chapters may not seem to grow out of the foregoing storyline components, but I will argue that they indeed do. 
I contend that the goal of the NT storyline is God’s glory, and that the main stepping-stone to that goal is Christ’s establishment of an eschatological new-creational kingdom and its expansion. The main focus of this book is on the development of this new-creational kingdom and its spread as the penultimate means to divine glory. Others have argued well that the glory of God is the final goal of Scripture, so I concentrate my efforts here on the major instrumentation that accomplishes that goal. (15-16)


2) Andreas Köstenberger and Richard Patterson. Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology. Kregel Academic, 2011. Hardcover or PDF, 880 pages.


Andreas J. Köstenberger is director of doctoral studies and professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He translated Adolf Schlatter’s two-volume theology of the New Testament into English and is editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society.  


Richard D. Patterson (PhD, University of California, Los Angeles) is distinguished professor emeritus at Liberty University.
Companion Item: Invitation to Bibblical Interpretation Presentation Slides 
ExcerptEndorsements - 94 (PDF)
Purchase  
From the book: This volume is based on such respect both for the ultimate author of Scripture and for its human authors. We are committed to taking the text of Scripture seriously and to practicing a hermeneutic of listening and perception. We aim to take into account the relevant historical setting of a given passage and to pay close attention to the words, sentences, and discourses of a particular book. We purpose to give careful consideration to the theology of the Bible itself and to interpret the parts in light of the canonical whole.  Last but not least, we seek to operate within the proper framework of the respective genres of Scripture. (58-59)

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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Notable: "Köstenberger’s Guide to the Best of 2010"

Dr. Andreas Köstenberger offers his "Guide to the best of 2010" here.
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Monday, June 7, 2010

D. A. Carson's Endorsement of The Heresy of Orthodoxy

What creativity!  You've gotta love this endorsement for The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture's Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity (Foreword by I. Howard Marshall) by Andreas J. Kostenberger and Michael Kruger (Crossway, 2010).


"In the beginning was Diversity. And the Diversity was with God, and the Diversity was God. Without Diversity was nothing made that was made. And it came to pass that nasty old 'orthodox' people narrowed down diversity and finally squeezed it out, dismissing it as heresy. But in the fullness of time (which is of course our time), Diversity rose up and smote orthodoxy hip and thigh. Now, praise be, the only heresy is orthodoxy. As widely and as unthinkingly accepted as this reconstruction is, it is historical nonsense: the emperor has no clothes. I am grateful to Andreas Köstenberger and Michael Kruger for patiently, carefully, and politely exposing this shameful nakedness for what it is."
D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School


AUTHORS:
Andreas J. Köstenberger is director of PhD Studies and professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is a prolific author, distinguished evangelical scholar, and Editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. Dr. Köstenberger and his wife have four children.

Michael J. Kruger (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is associate professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, and the author of a number of articles and books on early Christianity.

DESCRIPTION:
Evaluating historical evidence, this book defends early Christian orthodoxy from the legacy of New Testament criticism: the modern "orthodoxy of diversity."

Beginning with Walter Bauer in 1934, the denial of clear orthodoxy in early Christianity has shaped and largely defined modern New Testament criticism, recently given new life through the work of spokesmen like Bart Ehrman. Spreading from academia into mainstream media, the suggestion that diversity of doctrine in the early church led to many competing orthodoxies is indicative of today's postmodern relativism. Authors Köstenberger and Kruger engage Ehrman and others in this polemic against a dogged adherence to popular ideals of diversity.


Köstenberger and Kruger's accessible and careful scholarship not only counters the "Bauer Thesis" using its own terms, but also engages overlooked evidence from the New Testament. Their conclusions are drawn from analysis of the evidence of unity in the New Testament, the formation and closing of the canon, and the methodology and integrity of the recording and distribution of religious texts within the early church.

  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Expected: Jun 30, 2010

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Forthcoming from Crossway Books

I just read a notice from Andy Naselli regarding a new book by D. A. Carson on the doctrine of Scripture.  Here's the title and description:

D. A. Carson. Collected Writings on Scripture. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.
It reprints and slightly updates five essays and five reviews:
  1. Approaching the Bible
  2. Recent Developments in the Doctrine of Scripture
  3. Unity and Diversity in the New Testament: The Possibility of Systematic Theology
  4. Redaction Criticism: On the Legitimacy and Illegitimacy of a Literary Tool
  5. Is the Doctrine of Claritas Scripturae Still Relevant Today?
  6. Three Books on the Bible: A Critical Review
  7. Three More Books on the Bible: A Critical Review
  8. Review of Jeffrey L. Sheler, Is the Bible True?
  9. Review of Alan G. Padgett and Patrick R. Keifert, eds., But Is It All True?
  10. Review of Roland Boer, Rescuing the Bible

(HT: Andy Naselli)

I went to the Crossway website to see if they listed any further details, but I could not find any.  I'm sure it will be posted shortly.  However, while I was there I browsed through their list of forthcoming titles and the following books caught my eye:

George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century - Arnold A. Dallimore
This fast-paced, easy-to-read narrative reveals how God used one man of great courage, discipline, and humility to bring countless souls to Christ.
$17.99 Trade Paperback
Available Mar 31, 2010
9781433513411
Note: This is an abridged edition of the classic, larger, two-volume edition published by Banner of Truth.

Surprised by Grace: God's Relentless Pursuit of Rebels - Tullian Tchividjian
As today's Christians struggle to grasp the gospel's true power, Surprised by Grace unfolds a liberating story that helps us come to grips with the shocking extent of God's compassion.
$18.99 Hardcover w/Jacket
Available May 31, 2010
9781433507755
Note: I really appreciated Tchividhian's Unfashionable and expect this to be just as helpful.

God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation (Second Edition) - Andreas J. Köstenberger and David W. Jones
This updated edition of Köstenberger and Jones's acclaimed work tackles the latest challenges to God's plan for the home and urges a return to a biblical foundation.
$22.99 Trade Paperback
Available May 31, 2010
9781433503641
Note: Köstenberger is passionate about this subject.

The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture's Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity (Foreword by I. Howard Marshall) - Andreas J. Köstenberger and Michael Kruger
Evaluating historical evidence, this book defends early Christian orthodoxy from the legacy of New Testament criticism: the modern "orthodoxy of diversity."
$17.99 Trade Paperback
Available Jun 30, 2010
9781433501432
Note: Köstenberger and Kruger are very thoughtful and thorough scholars.  I expect that the product of this joint effort will be excellent.

Crossway ESV Bible Atlas - John D. Currid and David P. Barrett
This groundbreaking, full-color companion to the ESV Bible combines visual appeal with state-of-the-art historical and geographical resources in one user-friendly volume.
$55.00 Hardcover
Available Jun 30, 2010
9781433501920

Evangelicalism: What Is It and Is It Worth Keeping? - D. A. Carson
D.A. Carson presents a biblical/theological definition of evangelicalism that is rooted in the New Testament's description of the gospel and that retains its relevance today.
$14.99 Trade Paperback
Available Sep 30, 2010
9781433511226
Note: Here's another topic about which Carson is passionate.

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Noteworthy: Around the Blogoshpere (part 2)

Here are a few more highlights:
  1. A Hebrew inscription dating from the 10th century BC (the period of King David's reign) has recently been desciphered (read here). (HT: Prof. Darrell Bock @ Bock's Blog)
  2. Anthony Selvaggio reviewed Andreas Köstenberger's A Theology of John's Gospel and Letters (Zondervan, 2009).
  3. It appears that John Goldingay (Fuller Theological Seminary) will be writing the Old Testament counter-part to the popular Wright series The New Testament For Everyone.  The first two volumes available are on Genesis (vol. 1: 1-16; vol. 2: 17-50). (HT: Nijay Gupta)
  4. Nijay has also been busy interviewing a couple of commentators:  Gordon Fee on Galatians & Craig Keener on Romans - part 1 and part 2.
  5. Pete Enns pointed out a very interesting short video of NT Wright commenting on the issue of myth history and theological interpretation of Genesis 1-3.  The video is posted at BioLogos.
  6. A couple of weeks ago, Rod Decker (@NT Resources Blog) posted a selection of quotations from John Nolland, Andrew T. Lincoln and R. T. France on the subject of writing commentaries.  This is a MUST READ for everyone who makes use of commentaries.  (I'm adding a permanent link to this in the header of this blog.)
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Thursday, August 13, 2009

CCC is NOW AVAILABLE at the Westminster Bookstore

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles (B&H Academic, August 2009) is now available for purchase at the Westminster Bookstore.






Other books by Dr. Köstenberger that come highly recommended are as follows:


John (BECNT) by Köstenberger, Andreas J.
$31.49

Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel (New Studies in Biblical Theology) (Paperback) by Köstenberger, Adreas & Scott R. Swain
$14.52

Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission (New Studies in Biblical Theology Vol 11) (Paperback) by Köstenberger, Andreas
$16.38

Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15 by Köstenberger, Andreas J.
$20.80


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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Book Giveaway Continues

So far I have been privileged to give away 3 copies of The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles (B&H Academic, August 2009). The first was awarded to a friend who teaches a NT survey class who interacted with me on Facebook concerning my post: A Twofold Dynamic to Understanding the NT. The second was sent to a Baptist, preacher friend who has contributed greatly to my TheoSource bibliography project (see especially his bibliography of the works of G. Campbell Morgan: here and here). The third was given away this morning to Armenian Calvinist. Congratulations to all of you!

This, for me, has been the most exciting Giveaway made available here at TheoSource. This is a large and extremely useful volume. CCC contains 976 pages, weighs a little over 4 lbs., and sells for $45-$50 depending on which store you shop. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been anticipating this volume for a couple of years and my expectations have been exceeded. I have already benefited from reading and referencing this volume for sermon preparation. CCC's primary purpose is to be used as a textbook for colleges and seminaries, but it will reward Bible students of all types--from laypersons to pastors.



I still have a couple more copies to give away. Please visit and read the Giveaway post, follow the simple instructions, and leave a comment on that post (if you are reading this post on Facebook, please leave a comment here). This giveaway is open to anyone willing to discuss this volume. My primary criterion is interaction. If a handful of you begin to interact, I will draw a name using Random.org.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Mark and pastorlamusings. I will be sending out complimentary copies of CCC to these men for their participation in this book giveaway. Thank you very much! With that the giveaway comes to a CLOSE.
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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Book Giveaway: The Cradle, The Cross, and the Crown

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles (B&H Academic, August 2009). I would like to thank Jim Baird, VP of Marketing and Sales, for giving me the opportunity to announce, review, and giveaway this this excellent volume.


Andreas J. Köstenberger (Mag. et Dr. rer. soc. oec., Vienna University of Economics; M.Div., Columbia Biblical University; Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and director of Ph.D. Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He also serves as editor for the Journal of the Evanelical Theological Society (JETS). Books.

L. Scott Kellum
(B.A., The University of Mississippi; M.Div., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of New Testament and Greek at SEBTS. Books.

Charles L. Quarles is vice president for Integration of Faith and Learning, professor of New Testament and Greek, and chairs the division of Christian Studies at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. Books: Buried Hope or Risen Savior, editor (2008); Passionate Conviction, contributor (2007); Midrash Criticism (1997).


ENDORSEMENT:
"Among the finest such studies of recent decades in classic matters of New Testament introduction. What sets it apart includes: (1) attention to theology and the history of interpretation; (2) extended presentation of the history of New Testament times and the rise of the canon; (3) appropriate rigor; (4) frequently creative layout features; and (5) conceptual clarity. Beyond an impressive digest of scholarship, it is an appeal to faithful appropriation of the New Testament's message."

--
Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament and department chair, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament (hereafter CCC) is one of the latest additions to the abundance of Introductions available to students of the NT. According to my research CCC is the third of four NT Introductions to be published this year in the US (a German translation of Carson and Moo [2nd ed.] will also be published in October in Germany). Since the turn of the millennium, there have now been well over 50 NT introductions published in English, German, French, and Italian.


GIVEAWAY:
I have recently acquired review copies of CCC, and I have a few to give away. I am still working through this volume reading and comparing it to a few other Introductions that I own and will post a review soon. This past week I contacted a few friends who have been teaching NT Introduction, and I posed a few questions to them about the textbooks they have used. Their comments were very useful and it has been a tremendous help having their concerns in mind as I have been evaluating the format and contents of CCC. I would also like to have your input as I finish evaluating this volume. In exchange, I am offering a free copy (or two) to the readers of this blog.

INSTRUCTIONS:
For a chance to receive a free copy of CCC, I would like to interact with you about CCC. Please respond to one (or more) of the following questions:
  • Which NT Introduction(s) do you own and have used? What have you found to be the strengths or weaknesses of it (them)?
  • If you teach (or have taught) NT Introduction, which Introduction(s) have you used? Which is your favorite? Why?
  • What content or features would you like to see in a new NT Introduction?
Browse through this volume. Watch the three short videos posted on the B&H Academic website (here).

  • What do you like about CCC?
  • What would you like to know about CCC?
  • What interview question(s) would you suggest for the authors?
  • Do you reference NT Introductions in your sermon/Bible study preparation? Why or why not?
If I can't answer your question, I will contact the authors. I will select a winner(s) based on the amount of interest and interaction. One volume has already been mailed out to a friend who has already been a help to me in evaluating this volume. Who will be next? Please leave your responses in the comments to this post.

Related Posts:
UPDATE: Congratulations to Kerry, Brian, Mark and pastorlamusings. Each have been rewarded with a complimentary copy of CCC for their participation in this book giveaway. Thank you very much! With that the giveaway comes to a CLOSE. However, comments are still open.

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Monday, July 27, 2009

The New Covenant Roots of the NT Canon

[T]he idea of a NT canon was not the idea of some fourth-century Christians or even the product of a second-century reaction to the truncated canon of Marcion. Rather, the concept of a New Testament flows organically from the establishment of a new covenant, predicted by the OT prophets and instituted in and through the Lord Jesus Christ himself, who thus became the very fount not only of all Christian salvation blessings but also of the NT canon.

(Köstenberger, Andreas J., L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles. The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament. [Nashville: B&H Academic, August, 2oo9], p. 30.)


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A Twofold Dynamic to Understanding the NT

There is a twofold dynamic to understand the NT. It is important to read each individual book within its own context and frame of reference. In this regard, the critical issues of author, date, purpose, and so on (the standard fare for NT Introductions) are important foundational issues in interpreting the NT. But the book must also be read within its larger canonical framework. In this way, attention can be given to all the major elements of a given piece of writing: (1) the unique set of historical circumstances that occasioned a given book; (2) its own narrative development or flow of argument; (3) significant theological themes; and (4) the way in which a particular NT document sustains a variety of historical, literary, and theological interrelationships with other books included in the biblical canon.102


102 The preceding observations provide the underlying rationale for why the material is treated in the remainder of this volume the way it is (note especially that the book follows a chronological, rather than canonical, order of Paul's letters). The present remarks also provide the foundation for the final chapter on the subject of the unity and diversity of the NT.

(Köstenberger, Andreas J., L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles. The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament. [Nashville: B&H Academic, August, 2oo9], p. 29-30.)


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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Early Arrival: The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament

Yesterday afternoon, the UPS man stopped in front of the house with a package. To my delight is was an early copy of The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles (B&H Academic, August 2009). I would like to thank Jim Baird, VP of Marketing and Sales, for giving me the opportunity to announce and review this title for our readers.



While I give it a closer look, I recommend that you read through, or at least, browse through the sample chapter.
"An all-new comprehensive introduction to the New Testament,
paying close attention to the historical, literary, and theological
dimensions of the biblical text."

I also recommend watching the three video interviews posted on the B&H Academic website (here).

Release Date: August 1, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-8054-4365-3
Retail Price: $59.99
Format: Printed hardcover
Page Count: 960
Trim Size: 7 x 10
Spine Width: 2”
Weight: 4.1 lbs

See also my previous announcement which includes a few key endorsements here.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Forthcoming and Highly Recommended: The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown

There is a brand new Introduction to the New Testament in the works to be released this coming August that I want you to be aware of. The title is The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum and Charles L. Quarles. It is being published by B&H Academic.



I first heard about this volume a couple of years ago during a visit to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. During my time on the campus I sat in on a New Testament Intro class being taught by Dr. Andreas Köstenberger. In an early conversation he made mention of his work on an NT introduction text, and through the class I was afforded a preview of his careful, meticulous, and pastoral approach to the details of the New Testament.

B&H Academic put together a short video interview with Dr. Köstenberger introducing the purpose and features of this new NTI text. One purpose that caught my attention was this:
In The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown, what we try to do is to show our students that we want them to fall in love with the New Testament.
What I like about this statement is that it expresses the fact that this text is more that an "academic" book. The publisher has posted a sample chapter online which I took time to read this past weekend. I found that the text is very thorough without being exhaustive (and exhausting), extremely well documented in the footnotes, and enormously practical. The prose is inviting and readable. The outline is clear and logical with smooth transitions. Charts are simple and useful. The Unit-By-Unit Discussion follows a detailed Outline of the book and provides a quick summary of the text which would be very useful for pastors and Sunday School teachers when preparing book studies. Finally, each chapter concludes with Study Questions and an up-to-date bibliography of some of the most helpful sources For Further Study.

Take time to read through the sample chapter (The Book of Acts). It will richly repay your time.

About the Authors:
Andreas J. Köstenberger is professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and director of Ph.D. Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He also serves as editor for the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (JETS).
L. Scott Kellum
is associate professor of New Testament and Greek at SEBTS.
Charles L. Quarles
is vice president for Integration of Faith and Learning, professor of New Testament and Greek, and chairs the division of Christian Studies at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana.
Endorsements:
"Simply an outstanding work. Its up-to-date research alone makes The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown an invaluable resource. Add to this its comprehensive survey of the crucial issues related to New Testament studies, and you have a textbook well suited for the college or seminary classroom."

--Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC

"Among the finest such studies of recent decades in classic matters of New Testament introduction. What sets it apart includes: (1) attention to theology and the history of interpretation; (2) extended presentation of the history of New Testament times and the rise of the canon; (3) appropriate rigor; (4) frequently creative layout features; and (5) conceptual clarity. Beyond an impressive digest of scholarship, it is an appeal to faithful appropriation of the New Testament's message."

--Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament and department chair, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL

"Clear, thorough, up to date, and engaging all the contemporary alternatives people are putting forward . . . discerning and judicious. Well done and highly recommended."

--Darrell L. Bock, research professor of New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX

"The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown sets a new standard for excellence among textbooks dealing with New Testament introduction (and) offers a veritable gold mine of information often found only in several texts. A distinctively unique textbook that displays not only careful and balanced scholarship, but is lucidly written and Òuser friendly."

--Richard D. Patterson, emeritus professor, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA


Related Post: Early Arrival
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Two Book Lists Worth Considering

These lists are not in response to my call, but they are very helpful:


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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Book Review: Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel

Today, we have posted the following review at SharperIron. David Wenkel, a graduate student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, wrote the following review. I, the book review editor for SharperIron, added the forward and endnotes to this review. Although it is a very detailed academic book, it was a very rewarding book to read. Köstenberger is a fantastic biblical theologian and his heart for evangelical missions is contageous. He and Swain, together, have done a great service to the Church in producing this volume. Here is the review:

Köstenberger, Andreas J. and Scott R. Swain. Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John’s Gospel. New Studies in Biblical Theology 24. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2008. 224 pages. Softcover. $22.00.

(Review copies courtesy of InterVarsity Press.)

Purchase: IVP | WTS | Amazon | CBD

ISBNs: 0830826254 / 9780830826254

Table of Contents

Andreas J. Köstenberger (Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina. He is also coauthor of Salvation to the Ends of the Earth and author of the article “Mission” in IVP Academic’s New Dictionary of Theology.

Scott R. Swain is assistant professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Book Review Editor’s Foreword: It has been both forcefully stated and denied that the doctrine of the Trinity is central to the Christian faith.1 Köstenberger and Swain show with precision and lucidity how that the Trinity is indeed not only central to the Christian faith, but also central to the mission of God (missio Dei) and to “the love and unity among Jesus’ followers and for their mission to the world” (p. 43). Although the term trinity is a theological expression devised by the early Church Fathers in countering various heresies, such as Gnosticism, Sabellianism, and Arianism, and not to be found explicitly in the Bible, it is everywhere assumed and alluded to.2 With regard to the question of the role of the Gospel of John in the doctrine of the Trinity, Timothy George states,

Had the Gospel of John never been written, there is sufficient evidence in the rest of the New Testament to confirm the biblical basis of the doctrine of the Trinity. However, it is in the Fourth Gospel that we find “the supreme biblical pattern of Trinitarian thought.”3

Introduction

Having recently attended the debate on the Trinity and eternal subordination4 between Bruce Ware and Wayne Grudem vs. Tom McCall and Keith Yandell,5 I read Father, Son and Holy Spirit: The Trinity and John’s Gospel with anticipation. I was not disappointed. I had previously read Salvation to the Ends of the Earth by Köstenberger, and this volume intentionally builds upon some of its conclusions. This volume is distinct in that it was co-written with Scott R. Swain, professor of systematic theology from Reformed Theological Seminary. This partnership reflects the goal of both authors to fill the void of scholarship with a book-length volume on John’s trinitarian theology.6 As the authors indicate, this void reflects the unfortunate and enduring bifurcation between dogmatics (“theological reflection”) and exegesis (“biblical interpretation”). This collaboration between disciplines is exciting to see because it demonstrates what type of work is possible when scholars are willing to be humble enough to see their name next to someone else’s. I hope we see more volumes such as this!

Content

The structure of the book is fairly straightforward, and the reader will likely understand how the layout flows from focus on the Trinity in John’s gospel. Methodologically, the authors lay out an approach guided by salvation history and narrative criticism. Put another way, the Gospel of John is viewed as a story (or narrative) that is the continuation of the Old Testament history of redemption. The three sections of the book include the following: (1) an endeavor to locate John’s trinitatianism in its historical context (i.e., Second Temple monotheism); (2) an exegesis of John’s trinitarian theology tracing the occurrences of God (theos), the Father, the Son, and the Spirit; followed by (3) theological and practical reflection.

Those looking for relevant data and discussion on the Trinity and eternal subordination debate will also be pleased. The authors essentially take the same position as Bruce Ware and Wayne Grudem when they state, “Temporal missions reveal and are rooted in eternal processions” (p. 180). The footnotes interact with a range of sources including patristic authors7 and Reformers.8 The book engages other issues such as the Son’s status as autotheos (p. 184), the meaning of parakletos (pp. 193ff), the meaning of monogenes (“one-of-a-kind Son,” pp. 75-79), the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son (pp. 177-79), and the background of saliah (messenger, pp. 118ff) terminology.

One issue that was left unresolved in my reading of this volume was whether the authors understand “in” language (e.g., the son is “in” the Father and Father is “in” him) to refer to unity of purpose or unity of being. On page 71, John 14:10-11 is understood in terms of unity of purpose while the discussion of John 14:17, 23 on page 177 is understood in terms of mutual indwelling. This may simply reflect the respective positions of the authors.

Conclusion

I highly recommend this volume for pastors as well as those interested in more technical debates regarding the Trinity. The conclusions and theological reflections will provide the reader with a solid basis to begin thinking critically about issues such as missions and evangelism. Although this volume is the work of two scholars from two disciplines, it is largely a work of biblical theology rather than systematic theology. The content is very readable, and the stylistic differences between the authors are not distracting. The footnotes open up areas for exploration, but the text is short and relatively easy to read.9 The book will also provide small group leaders and Sunday school teachers with great curriculum ideas.

Co-Reviewed by:

David WenkelDavid H. Wenkel graduated from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with an M.A. in Christian Thought: Systematic Theology (2004) and from Bob Jones University with an M.A. in Bible (2006). He returned to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2008) to do a Th.M. with a focus on the New Testament.

jb.jpgJason Button received a B.A. in Bible from Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC). He serves as the Book Review Editor for SharperIron and is the creator of TheoSource, a project to compile comprehensive lists of recommended books for Bible study. He is married to Tiffany, and they have two children, Caris Joelle and Asa Livingstone.

1. According to Millard Erickson, not only is the doctrine of the Trinity “one of the truly distinctive doctrines of Christianity,” but also, “The doctrine of the Trinity is crucial for Christianity” (Christian Theology, [2nd edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000], 347). Wayne Grudem states that “The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most important doctrines of the Christian faith” (Systematic Theology [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995], 226). Charles Hodge stated that the doctrine of the Trinity “underlies the whole plan of salvation, and determines the character of the religion (in the subjective sense of that word) of all true Christians” (Systematic Theology, Originally Published 1872. [Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997], 1:442-443). Hodge goes on to quote Meyer, who states that “the Trinity is the point in which all Christian ideas and interests unite; at once the beginning and the end of all insight into Christianity” (G. A. Meyer, Die Lehre von der Trinität in ihrer historischen Entwicklung, [Hamburg, 1844], 1:42, quoted in Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology [1872], 1:443).

2. See Robert L. Reymond’s A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith (2nd revised edition. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998), 206.

3. Timothy George, “The Nature of God: Being, Attributes, and Acts” in A Theology for the Church, edited by Daniel L. Akin, (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2007), 186, with a quotation by Arthur W. Wainright, The Trinity in the New Testament, (London: SPCK, 1962), vii. Millard Erickson adds that “It is in the Fourth Gospel that the strongest evidence of a coequal Trinity is to be found” (Christian Theology, [2000], 357).

4. Definition: “There is, then, an eternal and immutable equality of essence between the Father and the Son, while there is also an eternal and immutable authority-submission structure that marks the relationship of the Father and the Son” (Bruce Ware, “Equal in Essence, Distinct in Roles: Eternal Functional Authority and Submission among the Essentially Equal Divine Persons of the Godhead” (paper presented at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society) [Download MP3]).

5. This debate was held at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School on November 5, 2008. The question debated was: “Do relations of authority and submission exist eternally among the Persons of the Godhead?” For further information about the Trinity Debates, click here. Listen now, download, or play video.

6. The authors cite Royce Gruenler’s The Trinity in the Gospel of John: A Thematic Commentary on the Fourth Gospel (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1986) as the only exception. Gruenler’s work, though “full of excellent insights” left “much work to be done” (p. 20, n. 5).

7. Especially Athanasius, Augustine, Gregory of Nazianzus, and John of Damascus.

8. Particularly John Calvin. The authors also interact with many contemporary authors, particularly D. A. Carson, Richard Bauckham, Marianne Meye Thompson, L. W. Hurtado, A. T. Lincoln, Leon Morris, Herman N. Ridderbos, M. W. G. Stibbe, D. F. Tolmie, and N. T. Wright.

9. I found one typographical error in the text worth noting: in footnote 32 on page 85, the second to the last reference ought to be 34 instead of 24 (i.e. 12:34). One other complaint would be the lack of a subject index. (Book Review Editor)

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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Like Father, Like Son, Like Disciple (Köstenberger on the Trinity in John)

The Trinity and Mission

Here is a summary statement from Part 2: Biblical Foundations. This will surely repay careful rumination.
Thus not only is the ministry of the Son grounded in the love and commission of the Father, but the ministry of Jesus' followers is grounded in the love and commission of Jesus, and by virtue of his relationship with both the Father on the one hand and the Spirit on the other, also in the unity of Father, Son and Spirit among one another. At the same time, this does not obliterate all distinctions of person and role. Just as Jesus is the Son who does the bidding of the Father who sent him, so his followers are to pursue their mission in total dependence on the Son and under the direction of the Holy Spirit. In the end, Father, Son and Spirit are shown to provide redemption and revelation to a community that is itself sent on a redemptive and revelatory mission. (106)
Even more simply put, form Chapter One: John's Gospel and Jewish monotheism:
The triunity of Father, Son and Spirit forms the paradigm and basis for the love and unity among Jesus' followers and for their mission to the world as they re-present his message and follow their Lord (John 20:21; cf. John 17:18). (43)

Andreas J. Köstenberger and Scott R. Swain, Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel. New Studies in Biblical Theology. Downers Grove: IVP, 2008. [IVP | WTS | Amazon | CBD]
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