Interpreting the General Letters: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis | HNTE)

by Herbert Bateman

Publisher:

Kregel

, 2013

Overview

Interpreting the General Letters provides important background material for the interpretation of the books of Hebrews, James, the Petrine letters, the Johannine letters, and Jude. New Testament scholar Herbert Bateman lays a strong hermeneutical foundation, detailing the component parts of letter writing, the importance of an amanuensis, the historical background of the Greco-Roman world, and implications of each of these factors for interpreting the general letters. He discusses the theology of the general letters, giving special consideration to the era of promise in Hebrew Scriptures, the era of fulfillment as underscored in the general letters, and how the theology of each letter contributes to the overall canon of Scripture. This practical guide includes Bateman’s nine steps to move from interpretation to communication, and examples of how to use them.

Key Features

• Guides readers in the interpretation and preaching of the General Letters of the New Testament
• Provides practical examples of sound exegesis
• Includes insight into the literary genres, historical context, and theological themes of these biblical books

Contents

Top Highlights

“Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), historical narrative (Acts), apocalyptic (Revelation), and the most represented genre, the letter.” (Pages 19–20)

Endorsements

This is a valuable introductory tool for students who are learning how to interpret the General Letters and a trustworthy guide for pastors.

—Edward Gleny, professor of New Testament studies and Greek, Northwest College

Product Details

• Title: Interpreting the General Letters: An Exegetical Handbook
• Author: Herbert Bateman
• Series: Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis
• Publisher: Kregel
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 320
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Hebrews › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. N.T. Hebrews › Hermeneutics; Bible › Catholic Epistles--Criticism, interpretation, etc
• Resource ID: LLS:EXGHBKGENLTRS
• Resource Type: text.monograph.handbook
• Metadata Last Updated: 2026-05-14T16:20:21Z

About Herbert Bateman

Herbert W. Bateman, IV (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is the author of numerous books and scholarly articles. He has taught New Testament Greek for over twenty years and now brings his Greek expertise to the Logos Grammatical Commentary on the Greek New Testament, serving as both general editor for the entire series and as author for several volumes.