The Witness of Jesus, Paul and John: An Exploration in Biblical Theology

by Larry R. Helyer

Publisher:

IVP

, 2008

Overview

In this practical textbook Larry Helyer introduces you to the goals and practice of biblical theology and the problem of the unity of the Bible. He then explains two evangelical approaches to biblical theology—dispensational and covenant theology. In the heart of the book Helyer turns to three major witnesses of the New Testament: Jesus, Paul, and John. In these three witnesses he finds the climax of the biblical message and the key to unlocking the message of the Bible.

Here is a book that introduces students to the big questions in evangelical biblical theology and then takes them into the heart of the New Testament. Students will gain an appreciation for biblical and New Testament theology, and how the New Testament unlocks the central message of Scripture. This clearly written survey will equip students for a lifetime of studying Scripture.

Key Features

• Unlocks the central message of Scripture
• Explains two evangelical approaches to biblical theology
• Explores historical theology and biblical studies

Contents

Top Highlights

“Biblical theology is the culmination of an intensive, systematic study of the Christian canon, Holy Scripture. It summarizes the message of the Bible and articulates its leading themes and ideas in a coherent, organized manner.” (Page 19)

“Here is the distinction between systematic and biblical theology. Biblical theology is primarily historical in approach; systematic theology is primarily logical. This does not mean that biblical theology is illogical or that systematic theology is ahistorical.” (Pages 24–25)

“The culmination of exegetical theology is biblical theology.” (Page 23)

“Historical theology deals with the growth and development of Christian thought and doctrine, focusing upon leading theologians, creeds, confessions, and traditions that have shaped the church from the earliest period of the church to the present day.” (Page 23)

“Calvin’s theology, however, is fundamentally structured not around the concept of covenant, but rather the Trinity. Covenant theology, or ‘federal theology,’ as it is sometimes called, is really a post-Calvin development.” (Page 85)

Praise for the Print Edition

Though a scholarly work, Witness is readable and accessible. It includes short forays into academic biblical studies and historical theology making it a helpful resource for pastors.

—Frederick S. Tappenden, Tappenden for Bible Study Magazine, May/June 2009

An outstanding work that accomplishes its objectives and fills a gap in the contemporary literature admirably. Theological students, pastors and teachers and thoughtful laypeople alike can benefit from its well chosen and well defended contents. Thanks, Larry, for giving us a retirement gift!

—Craig L. Blomberg,professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Witness of Jesus, Paul and John: An Exploration in Biblical Theology
• Author: Larry R. Helyer
• Publisher: IVP
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 432
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Theology; Bible. N.T. › Theology
• ISBNs: 9780830879205, 9780830828883, 083087920X, 0830828885
• Resource ID: LLS:JESUSPAULJOHN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:51:59Z

About Larry R. Helyer

Larry Helyer is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Taylor University, Upland, Indiana, and currently resides in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. He is the author of Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period (2002), Revelation for Dummies (2008), The Witness of Jesus, Paul and John (2008), The Life and Witness of Peter (2012), and The Good News of Revelation (2014). He and his wife Joyce regularly host Bible Lands tours.