New Testament Studies
Book Reviews by
Fred G. Zaspel
General
Cities of the Biblical World by LaMoine F. DeVries (Hendrickson Publishers, 1997), 385 pages, $29.95
I will admit that my studies in archaeology have not been my most exciting, but I must also say that they have been extremely rewarding. And this is one of those books written to help in that regard. The historical background of a Biblical place is often valuable to a better appreciation – if not understanding – of biblical narratives. DeVries has done a good job "crunching" lots of information in a very readable style, thus making a great deal of information easily accessible. This book will not burden you with the dry details of archaeological investigation; it just gives you the cream of the study. A good and helpful and up to date historical survey of the major places of the biblical world.
Chronological and Background Charts of the New Testament by H. Wayne House (Zondervan Publishing House)
This will not be the most enjoyable evening reading you've ever done, but there is real value to these charts. At a glance you have access to summaries of all kinds of information useful to New Testament studies. Background and other information nicely surveyed and summarized and well laid out. Helpful for review and for teaching purposes.
Customs and Controversies: Intertestamental Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament by J. Julius Scott (Baker Book House, 1995)
When the apostle Paul stood before Agrippa he expressed delight that he could, in speaking to him, speak to one who was "familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews" (Acts 26:3). This is where this book gets its title. The setting and varied background of the New Testament – religiously, socially, culturally, philosophically – is perhaps the area of study which is least familiar to Christians today (I wish I had been taught all this in school!). We are so far removed that New Testament references to significant events, practices, or beliefs can pass us by virtually unnoticed. Scott has done a masterful job of filling that knowledge gap. His grasp of the history, religious developments and institutions, and culture of intertestamental Judaism is as firm as it is wide. He demonstrates an impressive acquaintance with the primary sources as well as secondary literature (his bibliography is 12 pages) and presents an interesting, comprehensive, and clear summary of New Testament backgrounds. A marvelous contribution; probably the best available on the subject. Extremely valuable and highly recommended for pastors and Bible students.
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters
Dictionary of the Later New Testament and It's Developments
For New Testament studies, this trilogy of dictionaries from InterVarsity Press is worth it's weight in gold. I am very disappointed by some of the critical assumptions reflected here and there, and so these must be consulted discerningly. But these resources form a treasure of NT scholarship that should not be overlooked by any student of the NT.
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig Keener (IVP)
Here's the book you always wished you had – one that "fills in" the historical background and setting of the passage you are studying, and in so doing helps you to understand the meaning and intent of the text. Keener has really done his work, and he has done it very well. He is both thorough and reliable. Highly recommended.
Readings from the First Century World by Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough (Baker Books, 1998)
This book, just released, is intended as supplementary reading for the Encountering the New Testament survey text mentioned below. Readings are culled from ancient sources (Josephus, Apocrypha, Philo, Tacitus, Eusebius, the Mishnah, Pliny, Plutarch, etc.) and arranged according to NT topics and passages for quick reference. It is really a handy resource to have -- the major relevant primary source readings are nicely gathered together in one binding for easy access. Readings on the land of Palestine, the Jewish sects, Jesus outside the NT, the Greek mystery religions, etc., all help supplement the reading of the NT. If you want some acquaintance with the primary historical literature, and unless you are willing to read them in fuller detail, then this is the book you want. In fact, its helpful arranging of readings alone makes the book worth the price. A very good resource -- lots of information at an easy grasp.
New Testament Introductions
An Introduction to the New Testament by Don Carson, Doug Moo, and Leon Morris (Zondervan, 1992)
If you've ever worked through any book of the Bible in a systematic fashion, you understand the value of Biblical Introduction. Questions of authorship and date do not affect interpretation at every turn, nor do matters of text and canonicity. But a knowledge of these and the surrounding circumstances (provenance, addressees, etc.) are often invaluable. And of all the works on Introductions which I have been familiar with, this one has been by far the most enjoyable. It is thorough but wonderfully concise and extremely user friendly. Perhaps most attractive are the discussions regarding each book's contents and contributions, which are filled with very helpful and useful information. And the bibliography for each book is extremely valuable as well. The new edition just out by Carson and Moo has some significant updates and additions. My favorite NT Introduction. Highly recommended. A most valuable resource and a really good read.New Testament Surveys
Encountering the New Testament by Elwell and Yarbrough (Baker, 1998)
This book was just released this month (June), and it's likely to become well known and well used very soon. The book, designed for the first year college student, provides a very good balance of history / background, survey, and thematic material. It's the book I most likely will adopt for the NT course I'll teach this year at Penn State. I'm even considering using it for a NT course at our church Sunday afternoon meetings. The only drawback is that it is a bit pricy ($44.99), but this is somewhat offset by the fact that (with its eye-pleasing visual orientation, "sound-byte" approach, and accompanying CD-ROM) it makes a great wealth of information more easily attainable than probably any other textbook. It is contemporary, copiously illustrated, has lots of summary sections, sidebars, and photos, plus a CD-ROM with over 200 photos of NT sites, video clips, interactive maps and review questions. It is aimed at undergraduates and billed as a historical and theological survey – goals which have been realized within an atmosphere that is realistic about first year college students' biblical literacy. Simple, very nicely laid out, well done, and Evangelical (although on some matters of authorship I do wish Elwell & Yarbrough would have come across a bit more confident). No doubt the leading textbook of choice for freshman NT Survey classes. Highly recommended.
The Message of the New Testament by F. F. Bruce (Eerdmans, 1972)
Bruce hardly needs introduction to New Testament students, but mention of this work should be made here. This is not a "survey" book as such, but it is a very helpful survey / summary of each New Testament book and how each contributes to "the message" of the New Testament. Bruce always has a careful eye to the text, and his presentation here of the New Testament kerygma is very good and very helpful.
A Survey of the New Testament by Robert Gundry (Zondervan; third edition, 1994)
Well, I said Encountering the New Testament would probably be my own choice for the freshman New Testament Course. Yes, but with considerable hesitation. Gundry has done an excellent job, although his book is perhaps better suited for a higher level. His survey of background material – historical, religious, political, literary, cultural, social – is excellent, as is virtually everything else about this book – the introductory questions at the head of each chapter, the sectional and marginal headings, the discussion questions, the review questions, the bibliographies at the end of each chapter, as well as the material itself. Perhaps most value is Gundry's "Reader's Digest" version of each NT book – an excellent condensation / review of of the books, a unique contribution among NT Surveys. Gundry's acquaintance with the NT and with other ancient sources is thorough and evident. An outstanding work. Very highly recommended.
Survey of the New Testament by Paul N. Benware (Moody Press1990)
One more in this category. This little book (part of Moody's very fine Everyman's Bible Commentary series) will be the one of choice of many for church, Sunday School, or Bible Study use. Benware warmer and less academic in tone. One nice touch is the brief biographical sketch of each of the authors of the NT books and other prominent persons (e.g., Timothy). His introductory material, in which he sets forth the NT Scriptures as the documents of the New Covenant – The New Covenant Instituted (Gospels), The New Covenant Proclaimed (Acts), The New Covenant Explained (Epistles), and The New Covenant Fulfilled (Revelation) – is excitingly rich and highly suggestive; however, his treatment of these themes is not carried through in the survey that follows. His summaries of the NT books are painfully brief but well done and quite sufficient as a guide for those who keep their New Testament in hand. Benware's outlook is rather traditionally Dispensational, which is not entirely satisfying to me, but his obvious commitment to the Scriptures and warm, humble approach is refreshing indeed. A pleasure to read. Highly recommended.Gospels & Jesus Studies
Blasphemy and Exaltation in Judaism: The Charge against Jesus in Mark 14:53-65 by Darrell Bock (Baker Books)
A careful and detailed study of what constituted blasphemy in 1st century Judaism and how this bears on the accusations which were brought against Jesus. No one else has provided this much work! A precise examination of the reason for the rejection of Jesus -- he claimed too much! More information on this subject than you'll find anywhere else.
Cynic Sage or Son of God? by Gregory Boyd (Bridgepoint Book, Victor Press, 1995)
You have no doubt heard much of the "Jesus Seminar" – the latest attempt to explain way the New Testament Jesus under the guise of finding the "real" Jesus. John Crossan and Burton Mack are two such men whose revisionist views, touted as "scholarly," are receiving wide attention: Jesus was but a wandering sage of the old Cynic variety who, after his untimely and unfortunate death, was "deified" by his later followers. Any trace of supernaturalism in Jesus must be rejected out of hand on presuppositional grounds, and the Biblical writers who thus present Him must be understood as merely fabricating myth in order to preserve the relevance of the Jesus whom they knew. This kind of reconstruction is not new, and each time someone has to bother to deal with it for the sake of those who want answers – but who don't want to do all that work! Boyd has done it for us very well. In Part 1 of the book ("Jesus the Cynic Sage") he lays out the distinctive approaches of Crossan and Mack in clear and concise yet comprehensive way. He then provides a fair criticism of their methodologies (which he demonstrates to be purely speculative) and conclusions (which he demonstrates to be unwarranted). I am always grateful for men who do this work for us! Part 2 of the book ("Jesus the Son of God") is a sheer delight to read. His detective work is thorough and precise. It is also devastating – Crossan and Mack are soundly defeated on their own ground. His conclusion: to believe in the Jesus of the NT requires a faith that fits all the evidence; to believe in the Jesus of the "Seminar" requires a faith that evades all the evidence. Boyd is penetrating in his analyses and clear in his judgments. I am severely disappointed with the direction Boyd has taken in other of his works -- his "Openness Theology" is unworthy of the God of the Bible. But if you want an acquaintance with and analysis of the work of the leading figures of the Jesus Seminar, you will find this book helpful.
Four Gospels, One Jesus? by Richard Burridge (Eerdmans, 1994)
In many ways this is a most delightful book. It is evident that Burridge has done much homework on the study of the Gospels, and he has much to offer. It is full of helpful information on the Gospels -- their histories, their relation to each other, and their individual emphases -- and in a style that makes the information enjoyable and easily attainable. However, there is little of exegetical value, and most disappointingly of all are his remarks in the latter section of the book where Burridge attempts simultaneously to maintain faith and unbelief. The question of the historical accuracy of the Gospels is brushed aside with an "It doesn't matter!" suggestion. Notions such as "The ancients understood that myth could be created in order to convey truth" are insulting at best and blasphemous at worst. And the very idea that truth about Jesus can be conveyed by false or inaccurate statements about him makes my brain tired. Because of this serious flaw, this book must receive a low grade. But if you want to further your study in the field, it does have a few helpful offerings.
Pontius Pilate by Paul L. Maier (Kregel)
Paul Maier of Western Michigan State University has distinguished himself as a historian of the first rate. His work is always both reliable and interesting. Here he provides a novel of the life of the politician whose foolish decision would change history forever. Historically accurate and enjoyably readable. If you like history and if you like to read novels -- and if you want to know more about this infamous man, Pilate -- you'll love this book.
A Short Life of Christ by Everett F. Harrison (Eerdmans, 1968)
I hope this book is still in print. I came across it 20 years ago and while reading it the first word that came to mind was "rich." Harrison was a competent NT scholar who gives attention to detail but in doing so is always warm and reverent. This examination of the primary events and aspects of Jesus' life is rewarding for any preacher or teacher, or for that matter any student seeking a better acquaintance with the earthly life, ministry, and character of our Lord. Guaranteed worth while reading. Highly recommended.
A Shorter Life of Christ by Donald Guthrie (Zondervan, 1970).
A very nice introduction to the life of Christ by a very competent NT scholar. It is as the title says -- a "shorter" version of the life of Jesus, and also a shorter version of his later Jesus the Messiah (Zondervan, 1972). But for brevity it is very helpful. He assumes that you will following along in the Scripture passages as he directs you through them in summary fashion, and his summary remarks are mature and insightful. Very helpful summaries of introductory questions and sources, the life of Jesus, His teaching, and his miracles. A valuable guide for the study of Jesus' earthly life.
Three Crucial Questions about Jesus Christ by Murray Harris (Baker Books, 1994)
This is one of a dozen or so books in the Three Crucial Question series from Baker Books. The three questions considered (and answered affirmatively) here are: Did Jesus Exist? Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Is Jesus God? Harris is a good writer who is able to crunch lots of information into few pages. His apologetic is thorough yet concise, well thought out, and convincing. He does a good job of handling the primary Biblical passages involved as well as the leading objections of the critics. Valuable perhaps particularly for the college level student who is searching for real answers. Very readable, simple, clear, and helpful. Although this provides no theology of the significance or implications of Jesus' existence, death, and deity, this book is probably the simplest and best brief introduction to these questions from the standpoint of apologetics that is available. Highly recommended.
Preaching the Gospel from the Gospels by George R. Beasley-Murray (1996, Hendrickson)
Beasley-Murray has long been recognized for his in-depth and insightful work, especially in the Gospels and the subject of the Kingdom of God. In this work he maps out the theological framework of the Gospels -- in the life, miracles, teaching, and parables of Jesus. As always he privides many theological and exegetical observations which valuably reflect his long years of study in this field. He of course is very well informed and up to date with the contemporary literature -- as well as the ancient literature, for that matter. I am sometimes frustrated by his concessions to critical presuppositions, but overall the book is a very helpful source of information on the Gospels.
Jesus of Nazareth by John A. Broadus (Baker Books)
Now out of print, this book presents a mild but warm apologetic for faith in Jesus Christ. Broadus, the famous nineteenth-century Southern Baptist NT scholar, delivered these three lectures to the YMCA of Johns Hopkins University in March 1890. His three topics are -- Jesus' Personal Character, Jesus' Ethical Teachings, and Jesus' Supernatural Works. Of the three the first chapter is my favorite -- a warm and rich overview of Jesus' perfect goodness. The other two chapters provide enjoyable reading but are of more limited value as a resource.
The Book of ActsInterpreting the Book of Acts by Walter Liefeld (Baker Books)
A most helpful survey of the broad categories of study associated with the book of Acts. As the other books in this series (Guides to New Testament Exegesis), this assumes some knowledge of Greek, but usually it will not be daunting for the non-Greek student. Covers areas of study such as Structure, Narrative, Major Themes, Speeches, Background, Purpose of the book. I'm always a fan of gaining a better grasp of the "big picture," and for the study of Acts this book is very helpful.
Pauline StudiesThere is so much available in the area of Pauline studies that is difficult to know where to begin. This will most likely be my own next major area of study, and so I'll be adding to this page as I can.
Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free is perhaps F. F. Bruce magnum opus, and what a great addition to his great legacy this work is. For a comprehensive overview of Paul's life (both before and after conversion), work (and the places he visited and people he knew), and theology this book stands almost alone. This is a seminary course in itself, and a very good one at that. Highly recommended for anyone desiring to enhance his understanding of the life and work of the mighty apostle.
The "New Perspective" on Paul
For more than 20 years the so-called "New Perspective" on Paul has been revolutionizing New Testament studies. This view constitutes a serious retreat from the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith as taught by Luther, the Reformers, and virtually all Evangelicals. But the view itself is not retreating -- it is making deep inroads, sadly, throughout Evangelicalism and is a threatening force which demands answer.
The following two books are the most recent and devastating answers to this "New Perspective." Seyoon Kim, Paul and the New Perspective (Eerdmans) offers a thorough examination of Paul's soteriology as viewed from his teaching in the epistles and from his conversion experience on the Damascus Road. He concludes that Paul was indeed opposing an attempt at works-righteousness on the part of the Jews of his day and proclaimed instead a gospel of justification by grace through faith alone.
D. A. Carson, Peter O'Brien, and Mark Seifrid (editors) Justification and Variegated Nomism, provide more a historical analysis of the writings and beliefs of first century Palestinian Judaism in regard to works, faith, and righteousness. They (and their collected authors) demonstrate clearly that the Jews of Paul's day were not at all as grace oriented as the New Perspective would have us believe.
These two books together provide a thorough and convincing defense and reaffirmation of the historic Evangelical gospel of justification. Very highly recommended!
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