On the way toward this synthesis, Marshall highlights clearly the theological voices of the individual New Testament books. Thus, his New Testament theology serves also as an introduction to the New Testament books. This allows New Testament Theology to double as an attractive complement to book-by-book introductions to the New Testament.
I. H. Marshall surveys the issues and themes of New Testament theology as only the dean of evangelical New Testament scholars could do. 
—Douglas J. Moo, Blanchard Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College Graduate School
"New Testament theology is essentially missionary theology," writes I. Howard Marshall. Founded on a sure-footed mastery of the data and constructed with clear thinking lucidly expressed, this 2005 ECPA Gold Medallion winner offers the insights born of a distinguished career of study, reflection, teaching and writing on the New Testament. Marshall's New Testament Theology speaks clearly to a broad audience of students and nonspecialists. But even on the most familiar ground, where informed readers might lower their expectations of learning something new, Marshall offers deft insights that sharpen understanding of the message of the New Testament.
Few who consult this book, whether for academic or ministry purposes, will fail to benefit.
—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Here is a New Testament theology that will not only guide students and delight teachers but also reward expositors with a lavish fund of insights for preaching.
Author Interview
Read the full interview here.
IVP: What can one hope to achieve in writing a New Testament theology? Is it something more than attempting to come up with a "good theological reading" of the New Testament?
I. Howard Marshall: I suppose that this question is really asking what New Testament theology is, and that is not an easy question to answer. What one can say is that all the New Testament authors are thinking and writing theologically whatever be the themes that they are addressing. What you are trying to do is to reconstruct the Christian beliefs that they must be presumed to have in order to write the things that they do. Similarly, you might try to reconstruct the political beliefs that shape the speeches of a politician, working back from what is explicit to what is implicit and gives content and coherence to the whole.
But then you have to go a bit further and ask whether the Christian beliefs of Paul, Luke, John and so on are essentially the same or diverse and even contradictory. A theology of the New Testament in the sense of a common body of belief held (with variations) by all the writers may be nothing more than a pious hope. Their views may have been so divergent that there is not enough of a common basis to warrant the name of "New Testament theology." I have tried to show that there is such a common core, while emphasizing that the different writers expressed and developed it in their own individual ways and at times not without problems (compare how Peter and Paul had a [in my opinion, temporary] difference of opinion, reflected in Galatians 2, and how James had to criticize what was probably a false understanding of Paul's theology). So a book on New Testament theology must exhibit the individual thinking of the various authors (and Jesus), show whether and how there is harmony between them, and bring out the particular nuances that may be peculiar to different writers.
IVP: But is it possible? How would you respond to those who say that writing a New Testament theology is like chasing a chimera?
Marshall: Heiki Raïaumlisaïnen has said more or less just that. The immediate response is to point to something like ten such works by leading scholars from across the theological spectrum that have appeared in the last few years, and to say that their works demonstrate that the task is profitable and useful, even though they do not agree with one another at every point. Some would argue that there is too much diversity in the New Testament for us to be able to extract "the theology of the New Testament," but I simply do not find this to be the case.
IVP: The layout of your New Testament theology seems to offer some extra benefits. For one, it could be very helpful for students who are studying New Testament introduction to have the theology of each book neatly summed up in one of your chapters. In addition, expository preachers and teachers should find it a very convenient resource for gaining theological overviews of New Testament books. Do you have any thoughts along these lines?
Marshall: Yes, I think that is a helpful analysis of what I have been trying to do. One thing that we need more of is preaching about Christian doctrines. Evangelicals under the influence of preachers in my country, such as D. M. Lloyd-Jones and William Still, have stressed the importance of exposition of passages of Scripture (as well as single texts), so that congregations appreciate the biblical books as books. I hope I may have done something to help expositors to see individual passages within the contexts of the books to which they belong. But it is also important that we preach on biblical doctrines, and I hope that my work may give some encouragement and help in this area too.
Praise for the Print Edition
For decades, Howard Marshall has been a voice of thoroughness, fairness and moderation in biblical studies. Now, in a time when some are questioning the very need and legitimacy of New Testament theology, Marshall demonstrates why it must still be done and how it should be done, and then, quite simply, he does it. Biblical scholars and students on both sides of the Atlantic are once again indebted to a man who has written much and been a friend and a mentor to many.
—J. Ramsey Michaels, Professor Emeritus, Southwestern Missouri State University
This New Testament theology, the work of a distinguished, mature scholar, is most welcome! It is methodologically sound, attuned to the current issues in the field, lucid and genuinely comprehensive. Marshall's idea of the New Testament texts as missionary theology is intriguing and deserves careful reflection. This New Testament theology should be regarded as today's standard in the field.
—David M. Scholer, Professor of New Testament and Associate Dean for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
This book is a stunning achievement by an outstanding scholar and gifted teacher. Here the fruit of wide reading and reflection over many years is set out most attractively. Students and scholars alike will appreciate the clarity of the discussion, the nuanced judgment on disputed issues and the guidance given to further reading. I particularly welcome the author's 'witness by witness' approach in his exposition of New Testament theology: the distinctive themes of the individual writings and the unifying threads both receive careful attention.
—Graham Stanton, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge
Additional Information
- Title: New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel
- Author: I. Howard Marshall
- 765 pages
- InterVarsity Press, 2004
About the Author
I. Howard Marshall is Honorary Research Professor of New Testament at the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland. Among his numerous publications on the New Testament are his commentaries on the Gospel of Luke, Acts, 1-2 Thessalonians, the Pastoral Epistles, 1 Peter and 1-3 John. He is coauthor of Exploring the New Testament: A Guide to the Letters and Revelation.
Benefits of the Logos Bible Software Edition
As the leading digital publisher of biblical resources, Logos Bible Software is the best choice for building a digital library that is comprehensive yet affordable, powerful yet easy to use. Whether you are a new Christian, seasoned pastor, or advanced scholar, Logos has thousands of high quality digital resources perfectly suited to meet your needs. All of our products can be used by themselves, but are greatly enhanced when added to one of our base packages. The Libronix Digital Library System dramatically enhances the value of any resource by enabling you to find what you are looking for with lightning speed and incredible precision. Your investment is safe when you choose Libronix. Your books and licenses are backed up on our server and are easily restorable.
Sample Pages from the Print Edition