Baker Hermeneutics Collection (14 Vols.)

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

• Editors: D. A. Carson and G. K. Beale
• 1,280 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 2007

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Christianity Today 2008 Book Award Winner

Readers of the New Testament often encounter quotes or allusions to the Old Testament that may be unfamiliar or obscure. In this volume, G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson have brought together a distinguished team of scholars to isolate, catalog, and comment on both the obvious Old Testament quotations and the more subtle allusions found in the New Testament. The result is a comprehensive commentary on the Old Testament references that appear from Matthew through Revelation. It is a vital resource for the reference library of every student of the New Testament.

Contributors:

• Craig L. Blomberg (Denver Seminary) on Matthew
• Rikk E. Watts (Regent College) on Mark
• David W. Pao (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) and Eckhard J. Schnabel (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) on Luke
• Andreas J. Kostenberger (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) on John
• I. Howard Marshall (University of Aberdeen) on Acts
• Mark A. Seifrid (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) on Romans
• Roy E. Ciampa (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) and Brian S. Rosner (Moore Theological College) on 1 Corinthians
• Peter Balla (Karoli Gaspar Reformed University, Budapest) on 2 Corinthians
• Moisés Silva (author of Philippians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) on Galatians and Philippians
• Frank S. Thielman (Beeson Divinity School) on Ephesians
• G. K. Beale (Wheaton College Graduate School) on Colossians
• Jeffrey A. D. Weima (Calvin Theological Seminary) on 1 and 2 Thessalonians
• Philip H. Towner (United Bible Societies) on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus
• George H. Guthrie (Union University) on Hebrews
• D. A. Carson (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) on the General Epistles
• G. K. Beale (Wheaton College Graduate School) and Sean M. McDonough (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) on Revelation

D. A. Carson (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is author or editor of numerous books, many of which are found in the D. A. Carson Collection and the D. A. Carson 'Love of God' Collection.

G. K. Beale (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies and professor of New Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is the author or editor of several books, including The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Texts?, and commentaries on Revelation and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

This really is a new sort of commentary! For the first time we are given a continuous exegetical reading of the way each New Testament book quotes, alludes to, and evokes the Old Testament Scriptures. This volume will be an immensely useful resource for all kinds of study of the New Testament.
—Richard Bauckham, professor of New Testament Studies and Bishop Wardlaw Professor, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews

Finally a volume that surveys the use of the Old Testament in each book of the New Testament. Written by top-tier scholars with unsurpassed expertise in New Testament exegesis, these essays model sound engagement with Scripture that quotes Scripture. This excellent collection is a must-read for all who wish to understand how the New Testament writers understood and used their Bible. This long-awaited volume deserves to become a standard text that will hopefully launch a new stage of fresh work in biblical research.
—Karen H. Jobes, Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis, Wheaton College

More than a generation ago, C. H. Dodd and a few other scholars began sowing the seeds of a new and fruitful approach to reading Scripture, by studying the New Testament writers' use of Old Testament texts. The present commentary thus represents the harvest of decades of research into the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. By carefully observing various factors, ranging from the textual to the theological, each contributor shows how the New Testament writers were not only careful readers of the Old Testament but also profound theologians themselves. The scholars on this superb team assembled by Beale and Carson distill many new and remarkable insights for exegesis and theology, all of which serve to demonstrate the explanatory power of this approach for the present and the future. This landmark volume should prove to be an invaluable resource for both the church and the academy—for pastors, teachers, and students alike, whether Protestant or Catholic—and for anyone wanting to go deeper into the heart of sacred Scripture. Indeed, Beale and Carson are to be thanked and congratulated for a momentous accomplishment.
—Scott Hahn, Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation, St. Vincent Seminary; professor of scripture and theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Every scholar would profit by having a copy of this thorough and judicious work on his or her desk. The authors have collected for us an immense amount of material and insight in a relatively short space, and many of us will be grateful for their efforts. This commentary is a profound witness to the unity of the Testaments in the mystery of Christ.
—Francis Martin, Cardinal Adam Maida Chair of Biblical Studies, Sacred Heart Seminary

Finally we have a work that examines the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament and covers the entirety of the New Testament in a single volume. Pastors, students, and scholars will profit from the careful attention to both the Old and New Testament contexts in which the citations occur, and they will be enriched by the theological depth represented in this important book.
—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Few areas of New Testament study are as often discussed as the New Testament's use of the Old. There has long been a need for a careful case-by-case treatment, since the use we see in the New Testament is so varied and diverse. This commentary meets that need admirably. It is thorough yet concise, clear yet detailed. All will be led into helpful reflection on this important area of study. Well done to the editors and authors of this useful and unique commentary.
—Darrell L. Bock, research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible

• General Editor: Kevin J. Vanhoozer
• Associate Editors: Craig G. Bartholomew, Daniel J. Treier, and N. T. Wright
• 896 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 2005

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Christianity Today 2006 Book Award Winner; Catholic Press Association 2006 Book Award Winner; ECPA 2006 Christian Book of the Year Award Winner

The Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible is a groundbreaking reference tool that seeks first of all to marry the tasks of exegesis and theology with the goal of theological interpretation of Scripture—that is, interpretation that has recovered a focus on the subject matter of Scripture: the nature and activity of God and the gospel. Second, it aims to provide a guide to understanding various interpretative approaches and a tool for evaluating them in light of this goal.

The dictionary covers a wide range of topics related to biblical interpretation with both depth and clarity. Topics include the theological interpretation of individual books of the Bible, issues of hermeneutics, various biblical interpreters and interpretative communities, and the interplay of interpretation with various doctrines and doctrinal themes. The contributors represent a diverse range of theological backgrounds and interpretative approaches and are experts in their respective fields.

Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author or editor of many books, including Is There a Meaning in This Text? and Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends.

A landmark volume for the church's engagement with Scripture. It will be a basic resource on the role and use of the Bible.
—Christianity Today

In this remarkable dictionary, the Bible is reclaimed as a book of and for the church. I predict that when the history of theology of our time is written what Vanhoozer, Bartholomew, Treier, and Wright have done will be seen as a watershed. In this book theology returns to its source, that is, Scripture.
—Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School

Both the academy and the church have awakened to the need to bring exegesis and theology back into relationship with one another. This dictionary, partly because it covers such a wide range of topics, provides a useful resource for those engaged in learning how to read the Bible, with all its historical particularity, as a word from God to his people of this generation.
—Douglas Moo, Blanchard Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College

This dictionary will be an exceedingly useful addition to the library of every Christian, professional and lay, who wants to learn skills for reading the Bible more insightfully. Scholarly yet accessible, historically grounded yet forming us for the future, broadly global in perspective yet enabling readers to see the theological implications of biblical books and study methods for their own lives and their communities, the articles gathered here equip us all to know the triune God more thoroughly and to offer Christian alternatives to our world more gracefully and purposefully. This is an outstanding resource presented by many of my favorite teachers.
—Marva J. Dawn, teaching fellow in spiritual theology, Regent College

A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible: Playing by the Rules

• Author: Robert H. Stein
• 224 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 1997

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No one can read the Bible for long before wondering what the Bible “means” and who or what determines that meaning. Moreover, no on can read the Bible without possessing some purpose in reading.

This book, in practical and nontechnical terms, guides readers in discovering what the goal of reading the Bible should be and how they can achieve this goal for themselves. The author promises that they will acquire “an interpretive framework that will help them understand better the meaning of biblical texts and how to apply that meaning to their own life situation.”

Along the way, readers learn what is at stake in such issues as inspiration, inerrancy, continuing revelation, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their study will be facilitated by exercises and discussion questions, as well as a comprehensive glossary.

Robert H. Stein (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) was most recently senior professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He previously taught at Bethel Seminary. A world-renowned scholar of the Synoptic Gospels, Stein has published several books, including Luke, A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible, Studying the Synoptic Gospels, and Jesus the Messiah.

The treatment is devout, sane, and well informed…The book will give light to those who are troubled at most of the passages discussed.
—John Wenham, Christian Arena

The quality of this study is academically high. The study of this little book will profit almost any mature Christian.
—L. Russ Bush, Southwestern Journal of Theology

Anyone who has tried to provide sanity and order to the hermeneutical montage that surfaces during home Bible studies will welcome this eminently readable book by Robert Stein. He writes for those new to the field of biblical interpretation, avoiding wherever possible technical terms and jargon, and clearly defining his terms when such language is unavoidable…What the reader will find helpful, especially when using this book for teaching purposes, is its numerous scriptural examples, timely illustrations and clarifying schematics. Teacher and student are served by the discussion questions at the end of each chapter…Stein has given us a most illuminating and helpful tool for guiding students of the Bible to a clear path leading to a more accurate interpretation and application of the Scriptures.
—James D. Hernando, Encounter Journal

Biblical Interpretation Then and Now: Contemporary Hermeneutics in the Light of the Early Church

• Author: David S. Dockery
• 248 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 2000

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Biblical Interpretation Then and Now examines the use of the Bible in the early church and relates apostolic and patristic interpretation to contemporary trends in hermeneutics. Dockery traces the developments in early Christian interpretation, noting both continuities and discontinuities. His study begins with Jesus, and observes the developments in interpretation to the time of the historic Council of Chalcedon, noting the philosophy, theology, and traditions which influenced each period.

David S. Dockery is president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn. Formerly professor of New Testament at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, he is the author or editor of over ten books, including Interpreting the New Testament, Theologians of the Baptist Tradition in the Broadman & Holman Baptist History Collection (11 Vols.), and the Holman Concise Bible Commentary in the Holman Reference Collection (11 Vols.).

Provides readers with a generally able and well documented survey of patristic biblical interpretation and a significant discussion of the potential importance of earlier patterns of interpretation to contemporary hermeneutical discussion.
—Richard A. Muller, Calvin Theological Journal

Those seeking a general introduction to patristic hermeneutics will be grateful once again for this book's availability.
—Amos Yong, Religious Studies Review

A useful survey for beginning students: the writing is clear, the overall appraisal of the period follows generally accepted lines, and the attention to contemporary concerns can help the reader approach the topic with a valuable perspective.
—Moisés Silva, Westminster Theological Journal

A well-documented, readable, and welcome addition to one's theological library.
—Roy B. Zuck and Joe Walters, Bibliotheca Sacra

The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story

• Authors: Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
• 256 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 2004

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In The Drama of Scripture, Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen provide an engaging overview of the story line and theology of the Bible. As the authors suggest in their introduction, it is only as we read and appropriate the Bible "as our story" that we fully understand it and allow it to have authority over us. As we enter into the story of the Bible, we find God revealed there and are called to participate in his continuing activity. The biblical story, then, is foundational to Christian thinking and living.

Working from this perspective, the authors survey the story in Scripture. Their work is part introduction, part commentary, part theology, and thoroughly engaging. They suggest two over-arching themes running throughout the story—"covenant" in the Old Testament and "the kingdom of God" in the New Testament. These two themes effectively summarize the activity of God throughout human history. They are ways of looking at the story in order to gain an understanding of God's purposes and to let them claim us.

Bartholomew and Goheen work their way through the Bible as a drama with six acts—creation, sin, Israel, Jesus, mission, and new creation. Their study provides an introduction to the Bible and a commentary on important passages, but it is more than that. It is also a theological reflection on the ongoing story and a call for participation in God's grand narrative. It will be a useful work for students who study Scripture and a helpful resource for pastors and teachers looking for assistance in developing a compelling presentation of the biblical story.

Craig G. Bartholomew (Ph.D., Bristol University) is the H. Evan Runner Professor of Philosophy and professor of religion and theology at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario. He is the author of Reading Ecclesiastes, coauthor of Living at the Crossroads, and coeditor of a number of volumes, including the award-winning Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of Scripture. He is also a priest in the Church of England.

Michael W. Goheen (Ph.D., University of Utrecht) is the Geneva Professor of Worldview and Religious Studies at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia. He is also the minister of preaching at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church. He is the author of As the Father Has Sent Me, I Am Sending You.

Much recent scholarship has emphasized the narrative quality of Scripture. This book takes that insight and brings it to life, enabling even the beginner to grasp the sense of Scripture as a single great story—a drama in which we are all invited to play a part. I am delighted to see solid scholarship made easily accessible in this splendid fashion.
—N. T. Wright

Bartholomew and Goheen have produced a volume that will help inexperienced readers of the Bible get a view of the big picture before moving into more atomistic treatments of the Bible. It will serve well in introductory level Bible courses and may serve equally well in basic courses in hermeneutics. Its easy, nontechnical language will make it a popular text with such students.
—Jeffrey S. Lamp, Review of Biblical Literature

Here is a book whose time has come. Bartholomew and Goheen have produced a brief, accessible presentation of the entire biblical story that highlights both the unity of Scripture and its profound cultural relevance today. For readers who think of the Bible as a succession of unrelated devotional fragments geared primarily toward individual morality and spirituality, this book will come as a salutary shock, a reminder that the Christ-centered canonical Scriptures constitute a coherent Word of God that challenges the underlying religious direction of Western civilization. Based on deep and wide scholarship, but engagingly written for a broad audience, The Drama of Scripture promises to be an indispensable tool for the many Christians who have been awakened to God's call for serious cultural engagement, in the name of Christ, with a post-Christian world in thrall to the idols of both modernism and postmodernism.
—Albert M. Wolters

Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation, 2nd ed.

• Authors: Henry A. Virkler and Karelynne Gerber Ayayo
• 256 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 2007

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This accessible text, which combines hermeneutical theory with practical steps for exegesis, has been translated into eight languages and has been used in a variety of settings to teach students how to study the Bible responsibly. The authors outline a five-step hermeneutical procedure that includes:

1. Historical-cultural and contextual analysis
2. Lexical-syntactical analysis
3. Theological analysis
4. Genre identification and analysis
5. Application

The second edition adds co-author Karelynne Gerber Ayayo and includes updated material covering developments in hermeneutics over the past twenty years.

Henry A. Virkler (Ph.D., Georgia State University) is professor of psychology at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He has written five books, including A Christian's Guide to Critical Thinking.

Karelynne Gerber Ayayo (Th.D., Boston University) is assistant professor of New Testament at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

[A] helpful and accessible volume…Virkler deals with most of the key issues in hermeneutics…He does so in language that is understandable to non-specialists…His explication of the various hermeneutical approaches is evenhanded and readable. This would be an excellent text to teach hermeneutics in a church setting. Its accessibility, fair-mindedness, and quality make it a work with wide appeal. Recommended as an introduction to biblical study for any non-specialist.
—Steve W. Lemke, Southwestern Journal of Theology

A useful introduction to the field from a psychologist who teaches at the intersection of psychology and theology…[The] emphasis on practical application is a noteworthy goal which the author consistently addresses throughout the book…Several features of the book commend themselves. In 250 pages the author addresses the major topics which a textbook in a hermeneutics course must cover…His sensitivity to the fundamental hermeneutical problems of continuity-discontinuity…and cultural dynamics…is especially noteworthy. The chosen format is well suited to classroom use. It offers explicit goals stated at the head of each chapter, clear definitions, 'brain teasers,' summaries, practical 'exercises' (questions for discussion), and resource lists.
—Timothy S. Laniak, Bulletin for Biblical Research

This edition includes developments in hermeneutics over the past two decades. Written primarily as a textbook on biblical interpretation, it will be of value to church leaders who have never had any serious study in this area or who are looking for a refresher.
—PreachingNow