The Well That Washes What It Shows: An Invitation to Holy Scripture
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Christianity Today Book Awards Bible and Devotional Award of Merit (2025)
An accessible introduction to the Bible that brings together theological insight with pastoral concerns
In this distinctive introduction to the Bible, Jonathan Linebaugh illuminates Scripture’s dual capacity for revealing human sinfulness and imparting divine love. Drawing on the language of the poet George Herbert, Linebaugh characterizes Scripture as “the well that washes what it shows”—that is, the living and active word that simultaneously reveals our need for Jesus and gives us Jesus.
Linebaugh begins by outlining Scripture’s overall story, subject matter, and shape. He then provides a broad overview of the Old and New Testaments, followed by a case study of the book of Romans that demonstrates how to bring together theological, historical, exegetical, and devotional concerns when studying Scripture. Whereas many introductions to the Bible prioritize one of these concerns at the expense of the others, Linebaugh shows readers how to synthesize them. In so doing, he demonstrates how reading the Bible can be both generative and regenerative: we attend to the gospel revealed in Scripture so that same gospel can be spoken afresh on the basis of Scripture. Grounded in Linebaugh’s combined expertise as a theologian and experience as an ordained minister, The Well That Washes What It Shows is a valuable resource for pastors, seminary students, and anyone seeking to read Scripture in ways that engage both the mind and the heart.
- Illuminates Scripture’s dual capacity for revealing human sinfulness.
- Provides a broad overview of the Old and New Testaments.
- Demonstrates how reading the Bible can be both generative and regenerative.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Story and Shape of Holy Scripture
Part 1: The Old Testament
1. The Law (Torah)
2. The Prophets (Nevi’im)
3. The Writings (Ketuvim)
Part 2: The New Testament
4. The Gospels
5. The Letters (and Life) of Paul
6. Hebrews to Revelation
Part 3: Case Study and Synthesis
7. Paul’s Letter to the Romans
Part 4: Ministers of the Word
8. Comfortable Words
Acknowledgments
Further Reading
Bibliography
Index of Subjects
Index of Scripture
This book is a passionate exposition of Scripture’s witness to the Gospel—the relentless, unstoppable grace of God’s creation and redemption of all humanity through the gift of Christ, the Word incarnate. But more than that, here is pastoral theology at its best, linking the diagnostic and liberating power of that living Word with the hurts and hopes of human hearts. Take up and read!
——Susan Eastman, Duke Divinity School
As one might expect from Jonathan Linebaugh, this book is based on rigorous scholarship as well as being elegantly written. But it is also short and very accessible—and studded with brilliantly chosen quotations from Madonna to Melanchthon. The Well That Washes What It Shows is a highly enjoyable read that packs a truly impressive amount of information and insight on the whole of the Bible into such a short space. It deserves a very wide readership; indeed, I can’t think of anyone who would not learn and benefit from it.
——Simon Gathercole, University of Cambridge
The word ‘invitation’ in the subtitle of this book is a key one: Jonathan Linebaugh is a delightfully charming, welcoming guide. He stands back to show us the shape of the whole Bible, moves in a little closer to show us the shape of an individual book, draws us quite near to see the intricate weave of a passage. Like George Herbert, the presiding saint here, Linebaugh shares with us holy wonderment at the Book in which, amazingly, ‘heaven lies flat.’
——Alan Jacobs, Baylor University
What book on the Book of books do you place in the hands of one who is seeking a thoughtful, non-technical, sympathetic introduction to sacred Scripture that is simultaneously an invitation to the ‘well that washes what it shows’? This one, I hope! With understated learning, simple eloquence, and uncommon insight, Jonathan Linebaugh leads readers to and through the biblical canon before offering a more expansive overview of Romans. Then in a final chapter, he encourages ministers of the Word to point people to the gospel and to Jesus, who alone has the words of love and life, comfort and hope. I will return to this book time and again as I consider—and encourage others to ponder—how best to approach and appropriate Holy Scripture.
——Todd D. Still, Truett Theological Seminary
In this learned, artful, and deeply pastoral book, Jonathan Linebaugh helps his readers realize that it is the work of God through his Word to change us, not our work to change ourselves by the Word for God. Not only does Linebaugh concisely tell us the story of the Bible while including the full spectrum of its various voices, but he also helps us understand its proper role and power in our lives. Thanks be to God!
——Ashley Null, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of North Africa
- Title: The Well That Washes What It Shows: An Invitation to Holy Scripture
- Author: Jonathan A. Linebaugh
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Print Publication Date: 2025
- Pages: 225
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- ISBNs: 9781467470032, 9780802885487, 0802885489, 1467470031
- Resource ID: LLS:THWLWHSVTNHLSPTR
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2026-05-01T01:08:18Z