40 Questions About Biblical Theology

by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, Andrew Naselli

Overview

An accessible survey of the meaning, methodologies, themes, and applications of biblical theology

To understand what the entire Bible teaches about any given subject, we must practice biblical theology. By surveying the whole canon of Scripture, we can best discern what God has revealed about any particular issue. But doing so requires answering a number of important questions:
• What type of biblical theology will we choose?
• What overall story does the Bible tell?
• How should we understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?
• How does our topic fit within salvation history?
• How do we apply the truths we discover?

40 Questions About Biblical Theology provides resources to answer these key questions in order to guide readers in their own study and practice of biblical theology. Other vital topics the authors address include how to understand typology, key themes in biblical theology, and how Christians should relate to Old Testament promises.

Ideal for courses on biblical theology, for pastors, and for anyone who teaches or interprets Scripture, 40 Questions on Biblical Theology will deepen your understanding and application of the whole counsel of God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825445606
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	11/24/2020
Series:	40 Questions Series
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	1,097,268
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Jason S. DeRouchie (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) currently serves as Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written numerous articles and books that wrestle with the message of the Old Testament and its relationship to Christians, including What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About and How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament. For nearly two decades he has proclaimed the excellencies of Christ and sought to nurture hope in the gospel from the whole of Scripture through his local church and academic ministry.

Oren Martin (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of Christian theology at Southern Seminary and Boyce College. Martin has published articles and book reviews for various publications including the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Trinity Journal, the Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and The Gospel Coalition. He currently serves as a pastor at Clifton Baptist Church.

Andrew David Naselli serves as associate professor of systematic theology and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis and as a pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Find his blog at AndyNaselli.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction 13

Part 1 Defining Biblical Theology

1 What Do We Mean by "Biblical Theology"? Andrew David Naselli 19

2 What Is Scripture's Storyline? Jason S. DeRouchie 29

3 How Does Biblical Theology Help Us See Christ in the Old Testament? Jason S. DeRouchie 41

4 How Do the Old and New Testaments Progress, Integrate, and Climax in Christ? Oren R. Martin 49

5 How Should Biblical Theology Trace a Themes Salvation-Historical Progression? Andrew David Naselli 55

6 How Should We Consider Continuity and Discontinuity between the Covenants? Oren R. Martin 63

7 How Should Biblical Theology Track Promise and Fulfillment? Andrew David Naselli 71

8 How Should Biblical Theology Approach Typology? Andrew David Naselli 81

9 How Does Biblical Theology Approach Later Scriptures Use of Early Scripture? Andrew David Naselli 89

Part 2 Exploring Method in Biblical Theology

10 What Are Different Ways That Evangelicals Do Biblical Theology? Andrew David Naselli 101

11 What Must We Presuppose to Do Biblical Theology? Oren R. Martin 111

12 How Does Biblical Theology Compare to Other Theological Disciplines? Oren R. Martin 119

13 How Do Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology Differ and Work Together? Oren R. Martin 131

14 What Role Does Authorial Intent Play in Biblical Theology? Oren R. Martin 141

15 Does the Bible Have One Central Theme? Andrew David Naselli 147

16 Is the Order of me Canon Significant for Doing Biblical Theology? Jason S. DeRouchie 159

17 How Does Dispensational Theology Understand Biblical Theology? Oren R. Martin 173

18 How Does Covenant Theology Understand Biblical Theology? Oren R. Martin 179

19 How Does Progressive Covenantalism Understand Biblical Theology? Oren R. Martin 187

Part 3 Illustrating Biblical Theology: Tracing Themes

20 How Can Fiction Illustrate Biblical Theology? The Case of Harry Potter Andrew David Naselli 201

21 What Role Does "Mystery" Play in Biblical Theology? Jason S. DeRouchie 205

22 What Is a Biblical Theology of the Covenants? Jason S. DeRouchie 215

23 What Is a Biblical Theology of the Serpent? Andrew David Naselli 227

24 What Is a Biblical Theology of the People of God? Jason S. DeRouchie 235

25 What Is a Biblical Theology of the Law? Jason S. DeRouchie 245

26 What Is a Biblical Theology of the Sabbath? Andrew David Naselli 257

27 What Is a Biblical Theology of the Temple? Andrew David Naselli 267

28 What Is a Biblical Theology of Mission? Jason S. DeRouchie 273

29 What Is a Biblical Theology of the Land? Oren R. Martin 283

30 What Is a Biblical Theology of Resurrection? Jason S. DeRouchie 291

Part 4 Illustrating Biblical Theology: The Use of Earlier Scripture in Later Scripture

31 How Does Isaiah 12:2 Use Exodus 15:2? Jason S. DeRouchie 303

32 How Does Matthew 2:15 Use Hosea 11:1? Jason S. DeRouchie 313

33 How Does Romans 11:34-35 Use Isaiah 40:13 and Job 41:11a? Andrew David Naselli 321

34 How Does Galatians 3:12 Use Leviticus 18:5? Jason S. DeRouchie 327

35 How Do Genesis 1-3 and Revelation 21-22 Relate as the Bible's Bookends? Andrew David Naselli 339

Part 5 Applying Biblical Theology

36 How Does Biblical Theology Help Us Teach and Preach the Old Testament? Jason S. DeRouchie 349

37 How Should a Christian Relate to Old Testament Promises? Jason S. DeRouchie 357

38 How Should Biblical Theology Impact the Christian Life? Oren R. Martin 367

39 How Can a Church Teach Biblical Theology? Oren R. Martin 373

40 What Should Motivate Us to Do Biblical Theology? Oren R. Martin 379

Scripture Index 383

Editorial Reviews

10/05/2020

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.)

Publishers Weekly

Biblical theology is among the most contested and misunderstood disciplines of biblical and theological study. It is also among the richest and most rewarding. And faithful teaching and preaching of the Bible depends on a clear understanding of biblical theology. This lucid and engaging 40 Questions volume is a comprehensive guide to its definition, presuppositions, major themes, and applications. Highly recommended for students and ministers alike.

Brian S. Rosner

DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli present the essence of biblical theology in moving and captivating ways. Though the level of scholarship is high, the question-and-answer format allows one to read and comprehend without difficulty. By defining, comparing, illustrating, and applying biblical theology, the authors magnify the overarching storyline of Scripture in such a vivid way that none can miss it. The book answers the key questions in the discipline and will serve as a foundational textbook. But even more, readers will not escape the intense urge to worship the Triune God as they grow in their understanding of the great salvation that Messiah Jesus has accomplished! DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli have given us a treasure that needs to be in the hands of pastors, laypersons, and scholars alike.

Frew Tamrat

In every era, the church stands or falls on its knowledge of the triune God from Scripture. Apart from the exposition and application of “the whole counsel of God,” the church will endlessly drift and wander. This is why the study of biblical theology is so important. Biblical theology is the theological discipline that seeks to understand all that Scripture teaches on its own terms. In this very helpful book, our authors introduce the reader to the study of biblical theology and its importance for the life and health of the church. By thinking through different approaches to biblical theology and then illustrating how biblical theology is done in practice, this book is a valuable resource for all those who want to know Scripture better.

Stephen J. Wellum

A bag of gold. DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli gift the church with an abundance of riches. These three fine scholars examine biblical theology from every conceivable angle—definition, methodology, hermeneutics, theology, typology, storyline of the Bible, and the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, to name a few. This volume is a wonderful entry point into the vast and complex field of biblical theology. My prayer is that lay people, students, pastors, and teachers would take up and read.

Benjamin L. Gladd

When people get a taste of biblical theology, it makes them hungry for more. They wonder where this way of understanding the Bible has been all their lives. They want to know how they can learn more. I’ll be telling them that 40 Questions About Biblical Theology is a great place to start and that it will continue to be a terrific resource to keep coming back to.

Nancy Gurthrie

This is not only a book for professionals and scholars; this is the book that every serious student of the Bible should own and refer to often. Although it proceeds on the basis of the evangelical faith, Christians of all persuasions will find this a mine of well-organized, clearly written, comprehensive, informative, and easy to understand discussions of the forty questions posed. The matters dealt with are not only relevant to those who focus on biblical theology as a discipline, but also concern the formation of systematic, historical, practical, and homiletic theology. The authors have used every means at their disposal to make this the kind of reference book in which every aspect of biblical theology is presented in a format that makes the information easy to find. I wish I had had a book like this when—over sixty years ago—I began my own journey in biblical theology.

Graeme Goldsworthy

What is biblical theology? What does it include? How do we do it? What themes can we better understand from it? How does it help us, as individuals and as the church? Old Testament scholar Jason DeRouchie, New Testament scholar Andy Naselli, and systematic theologian Oren Martin team up to address these questions and more. The result is this valuable, perceptive, and noteworthy volume.

Christopher W. Morgan

Good biblical theology is needed for a faithful and full reading of the Bible; it is thus essential for Christian living and teaching. 40 Questions About Biblical Theology provides the framework and theory by answering questions in bite-sized chapters. Examples of biblical-theological themes and readings of Bible passages highlight the value of this approach and draw out the richness of God’s Word. More than just an introduction, DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli’s book also provides a snapshot of the discipline in 2020, with references for the interested reader to chase. This book helps us see how the whole Bible fits together and points to and is fulfilled in Christ, and, as such, is a great safeguard against moralism. Highly recommended for Christians the world over.

Peter H. W. Lau

This is an outstanding resource for the study of biblical theology. The question-and-answer format makes it ideal for both classroom instruction and self-study. Not only do the authors define and compare approaches to biblical theology (Parts 1–2), they also illustrate and apply it (Parts 3–5) from a variety of important angles. DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli are to be commended for their work in the service of the church.

Miles V. Van Pelt

When three scholars who are committed to the Bible as the inspired Word of God combine efforts to write a book like this, you should not be surprised that you have a landmark product in your hands. Study biblical theology! When well understood, it is like a well-cut diamond that sparkles and bounces the light of Christ on every page of the Bible, leaving you worshipping the God of history as the God of wonders. Get this book, because it not only teaches you biblical theology, but also leaves you with a growing appetite for God’s Word.

Biblical theology can look like a maze with many twists and turns for novices and for experts, if there is an expert in Scripture. With the many intricacies, the more guides one has the better, as with many counselors success is most achievable. Here we have three escorts to lead us through the maze to behold the King in his beauty. These pastor-scholars have composed a primer to biblical theology that answers some of the most puzzling questions in the field. They do not disappoint as ushers into the world of biblical theology, giving us tools to mine the treasures of Christ. I heartily recommend this work.

Dieudonné Tamfu

When three scholars who are committed to the Bible as the inspired Word of God combine efforts to write a book like this, you should not be surprised that you have a landmark product in your hands. Study biblical theology! When well understood, it is like a well-cut diamond that sparkles and bounces the light of Christ on every page of the Bible, leaving you worshipping the God of history as the God of wonders. Get this book, because it not only teaches you biblical theology, but also leaves you with a growing appetite for God’s Word.

Conrad Mbewe

I was thrilled to see Kregel take on the subject of biblical theology in this particular series because the format makes this vitally important subject accessible to readers. I was doubly thrilled to see the trio of profs who wrote it! Pastors will benefit from 40 Questions About Biblical Theology because it contains important Christ-exalting observations and implications for the church and is written with a pastoral tone throughout. Professors will benefit from it as they look for supplemental texts on the subject. Church members will gain a good understanding of the themes and the redemptive storyline of Scripture. And I wouldn’t hesitate handing this book to some inquisitive skeptics, since I find the unity of the Bible to be a powerful apologetic—one that we should not overlook when giving a defense of the faith. May all who read it walk away with a deeper love for Jesus our Savior, who is magnified throughout the pages of Holy Scripture.

Tony Merida

DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli have written a beautifully clear introduction to biblical theology. They explain what biblical theology is, unpack how it works by considering key topics, illustrate it by considering central texts, and apply it to our lives today. We also benefit as readers in having an Old Testament scholar, a New Testament scholar, and a systematic theologian working together on the project. Their interdisciplinary collaboration gives the book both depth and breadth. I recommend enthusiastically this introduction to biblical theology.

Thomas R. Schreiner

Biblical theology can look like a maze with many twists and turns for novices and for experts, if there is an expert in Scripture. With the many intricacies, the more guides one has the better, as with many counselors success is most achievable. Here we have three escorts to lead us through the maze to behold the King in his beauty. These pastor-scholars have composed a primer to biblical theology that answers some of the most puzzling questions in the field. They do not disappoint as ushers into the world of biblical theology, giving us tools to mine the treasures of Christ. I heartily recommend this work.

Dieudonné Tamfu