I just received a Fed-Ex package that contained the latest volume I’ve been working on: A Biblical Theological Introduction to the New Testament (Crossway, 2016).
This volume collects together contributions from NT professors at Reformed Theological Seminary, both past and present. I edited the volume and contributed chapters on John and the NT canon.
Other contributors include: William B. Barcley, Robert J. Cara, Benjamin Gladd, Charles E. Hill, Reggie M. Kidd, Simon J. Kistemaker, Bruce A. Lowe, and Guy Prentiss Waters.
I have to say the cover looks and feels great. Crossway did a fantastic job with the physical appearance of the book. And, I might add, they also did a great job editing the internal content of the book.
Of course, the first question everyone ask is, “Do we really need another New Testament introduction? What’s unique about this one?” On one level, there is nothing new about this one. After all, it seeks to do the same thing as all introductions, namely to help the reader to understand the background, historical setting, and theological themes of each New Testament book.
But on another level, there are some distinctive features about this new volume. I cover this question at length in the introduction, but here is a quick summary:
1. It is accessible. Contrary to many intros, we don’t make higher-critical background issues the main point of discussion. We cover these issues–like Synoptic problem, textual criticism, and NT Canon–in the appendix.
2. It is theological. Due to spending less time on background issues, we devote considerably more time to the theological distinctives and themes of these books. This is designed to help the reader actually prepare sermons or bible study lessons.
3. It is redemptive-historical. This volume highlights the way each book fits in the flow of redemptive history, taking special note of how OT types and shadows find their fulfillment in the person and work of Christ.
4. It is Reformed. All the authors are committed to the theological truths of the Reformation, particularly as manifested in the five solas. Thus, the authors have a high view of the authority of Scripture and (among other things) affirm the traditional authorship of the New Testament books.
5. It is multi-authored. Unique to this volume is that there are nine individual authors, each who is/was a New Testament professor at Reformed Theological Seminary. This allows for authors to home in on their particular area of expertise.
6. It is pastoral. Finally, this whole volume is designed with one simple purpose, namely to help pastors, church leaders, and bible study teachers to teach and apply the Word of God to their respective audiences. Thus, the material is practically centered on the church and pastoral issues.
The distinctives mean that this volume is not only useful for pastors, but any leader in your church. In particular, home Bible study leaders, women’s ministry leaders, and college ministry leaders would benefit.
You can get it here.