40 Questions About Biblical Theology

In this helpful guide, evangelical seminary professors Derouchie (How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament), Martin (Bound for the Promised Land), and Naselli (How to Understand and Apply the New Testament) introduce biblical theology in 40 essays. The authors include scholarly references and ancient Greek vocabulary alongside discussions of translations, while also explaining common terms (for instance, organic means “how elements grow together as parts of a whole”). In the first part, the authors define biblical theology as the study of “how the whole Bible progresses, integrates, and climaxes in Christ.” The questions then turn to tracing themes throughout scripture, such as the role of covenants, the Sabbath, and resurrection. Through a close reading of repeated lines in Isaiah 2:12 and Exodus 15:2, for example, the authors explore how scripture continually refines God’s promises through new covenants. Chapters covering different views on dispensationalist theologies also make this a useful reference for anyone hoping to understand major threads in 20th-century American Christian scholarship. Aspiring pastors will get the most out of this diligent study. (Nov.)