Interpreting the Parables

by Craig Blomberg

Publisher:

IVP

, 1990

Overview

In this introductory text, Craig Blomberg surveys and evaluates contemporary critical approaches to the parables, challenging the prevailing consensus and making his own important new contribution to parable studies. Within proper definitions and limits, he argues, the parables are in fact best seen as allegories.

The classic works of C. H. Dodd and Joachim Jeremias set the direction for nearly all further parable studies in this century. Embodied in both scholars’ approaches are at least two assumptions that, for the most part, have gone unchallenged: (1) Parables make one and only one main point. (2) They are not allegories. But can these assumptions be supported by the evidence?

In support of his thesis, Blomberg not only sets forth theoretical considerations but devotes attention to all the major parables, providing brief interpretations that highlight the insights to be gained from his distinctive method. He also provides a comprehensive survey and evaluation of contemporary critical approaches to the parables. A concluding chapter examines the implications of the parables for Christology and our understanding of the kingdom of God.

This groundbreaking book will be of value not only to students but to pastors and other serious readers of Scripture.

Contents

Top Highlights

“One of the major theses to be defended in this book is that a majority of the parables make exactly three main points.” (Page 21)

“1. The parables, as they stand in the Gospels, are much more allegorical than is usually acknowledged.” (Page 20)

“3. Many parables probably make more than one main point.” (Page 21)

“This is the second reason for its publication: there are good reasons to believe that in important ways the dominant approaches of the twentieth century to the interpretation of the parables are misguided and require rethinking.” (Page 14)

“ The kingdom of God is so valuable that it is worth sacrificing anything to gain it.^{64” (Page 279)}

Praise for the Print Edition

[H]ere is a book that will take its place beside and conceivably displace the standard evangelical treatments of parables. . .

—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Interpreting the Parables will appeal to theological students as what will, I suspect, become the standard evangelical textbook on the subject. . .much superior to its rivals.

—I. Howard Marshall, University of Aberdeen

Product Details

• Title: Interpreting the Parables
• Author: Craig Blomberg
• Publisher: IVP
• Print Publication Date: 1990
• Logos Release Date: 2007
• Pages: 334
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Jesus Christ › Parables
• ISBNs: 9780830875726, 9780830812714, 0830875727, 0830812717
• Resource ID: LLS:INTERPTPARBL
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:44:14Z

About Craig Blomberg

Craig Blomberg is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, where he has been teaching since 1986. Blomberg earned degrees from Augustana College, Trinity Divinity School, and Aberdeen University in Scotland. He previously taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and spent one year in Cambridge as a research fellow with Tyndale House. He has been on translation committees for the New Living Translation, English Standard Version, and the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

Blomberg is the author, coauthor, or co-editor of numerous books and more than 80 articles in journals or multi-author works. A recurring topic of interest in his writings is the historical reliability of the Scriptures, and he has also covered such diverse issues as wealth and poverty, hermeneutics, and women in ministry. His books include Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, 2nd ed., Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: James, A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis, Making Sense of the New Testament, Preaching the Parables, and The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Corinthians.