The IVP Introduction to the Bible: Story, Themes and Interpretation
Overview
Reading the Bible is meant to be exciting, but for many of us the reality falls short of the ideal. We try to study it, but cannot see how it all fits together, or understand the ancient context and unfamiliar concepts. And what on earth does it mean for us now? Perhaps we long for a guide to help us in our reading - one that will not take longer to read than the Bible itself!
The IVP Introduction to the Bible is a reference tool specifically designed to provide the key information we need to study the Bible effectively. Written by experts in biblical studies, it is reliable and rigorous, but also concise and accessible.
The book begins with an introduction to the Bible as a whole. It then tells the stories of the Old and New Testaments, explains their background, identifies their key themes and outlines their significance for today. One chapter also surveys the bridging period between them.
Central to the volume is an analysis and discussion of every main section of each testament, and of each individual book. So for every part of the Bible, we will find essential information to assist our understanding, and to share with others in our home or study group. If we want to go deeper, we will also find suggestions for further reading.
- Fills in the gap between the testaments
- Deals with overall background issues to the whole Bible
- Gives an overview of the main sections and each biblical book in turn
- Introduction — Philip Johnston
- 1. Introducing the Bible — Mark Strauss
- 2. Introducing the Old Testament
- Old Testament Story — Desmond Alexander
- Old Testament Background — Jamie Grant
- Old Testament Theology — Philip Johnston
- Old Testament Interpretation — Jamie Grant
- 3. Pentateuch — Desmond Alexander
- 4. Historical Books — Philip Johnston
- 5. Poetic Books — Tremper Longman III
- 6. Prophets — Ernest Lucas
- 7. Between the Testaments — Carl Mosser
- 8. Introducing the New Testament
- New Testament Story — Ian Paul
- New Testament Background — Carl Mosser
- New Testament Theology — Mark Strauss
- New Testament Interpretation — Brian Rosner
- 9. Gospels — Howard Marshall
- 10. Acts — Mark Strauss
- 11. Letters — Ian Paul, Brian Rosner, Carl Mosser
- 12. Revelation — Carl Mosser
- Reading the Bible
- Desmond Alexander
- Jamie Grant
- Philip Johnston
- Tremper Longman III
- Robert H. Gundry
- Ernest Lucas
- I. Howard Marshall
- Carl Messer
- Ian Paul
- Brian Rosner
- Mark Strauss
Both the Bible itself and the field of biblical studies are large and complex. But they are also immensely rich and rewarding. Here is a clear introduction by evangelical scholars who know what they're talking about. It is substantial enough to deliver what it promises without being ponderous and technical. A good introduction for the interested nonspecialist. I warmly recommend it.
Dr. Barry Webb, Research Fellow in Old Testament, Moore College, Sydney, Australia
Anyone who makes a serious effort at reading the Bible soon finds that it is not easy. This book is designed to help by providing both specific information and general perspective for today's readers. It does not assume much prior knowledge, but nor does it 'talk down.' Be prepared for some demanding reading, as acknowledged experts distill their specialist knowledge into an accessible text. And be prepared too to be led, gently but firmly, out of your 'comfort zone': the Bible is not a comfortable book, and this volume does not disguise the fact. But if you are ready to be stretched, welcome to an exciting voyage of discovery that will last a lifetime.
Dr. Dick France, former Principal, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
The IVP Introduction to the Bible will prove especially valuable to novice to intermediate biblical students and scholars. Highly recommended as a solid religious studies reference for public and college library shelves.
Wisconsin Bookwatch
This concise, compact distillation of the intended teachings of ancient writers of books of the Bible is very well done. Various knowledgeable contributors make this a valuable tool for anyone interested in understanding the Bible.
Libraries Alive
Gathers an impressive group of scholars writing brief introductions and overviews for each section of the Bible as well as an overall introduction to the Bible and a section on the history between the two testaments. There is much helpful material here nicely summarized.
Preaching.com, Bible and Bible Reference>
- Title: The IVP Introduction to the Bible: Story, Themes and Interpretation
- Author: Philip S. Johnston
- Publisher: Inter-Varsity
- Print Publication Date: 2014
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Pages: 292
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible › Introductions
- ISBNs: 9781783591848, 1783591846
- Resource ID: LLS:VPNTRDCTNBBL
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-02T23:51:25Z