In this second of two volumes, Ben Witherington explores the symbolic universe and the narrative thought world shared by all the New Testament writers, in an effort to discern how they might synthesize the theology and ethics within the New Testament as a whole. He proceeds by addition, looking first at the theology and ethics of Jesus and seeing how the New Testament writers add to and reinforce what they find there and also what they later de-emphasize. The result is that readers are able to soak in the thought world of the New Testament writers, learning to think with them in terns that do not separate theology from ethics, doctrine from discipleship. This integrated perspective offers fresh insights and an innovative approach to the whole of the New Testament.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
If you like this resource be sure to check out IVP New Testament Studies Collection (14 vols.).
By insisting that theology be placed in conversation with ethics, Witherington offers numerous insights on the necessary intersection of faith and works, church and society. He and I may disagree on the particulars of Jewish tradition and women’s roles in antiquity, but I have learned much from his canonically comprehensive, evangelically committed, historically informed and engagingly presented way of doing theology.
—Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament Studies, Vanderbilt Divinity School
Ben Witherington is a skilled historical exegete who has, probably uniquely in our generation, pursued his passion for the theological and ethical message of the New Testament through commentaries on every one of the New Testament books. Now he has given us a summation that is even more unusual—a New Testament theology that allows to every one of those books a voice that really counts. A magnificent climax to Witherington’s work.
—Richard Bauckham, Emeritus Professor, University of St. Andrews
Ben Witherington III (PhD, University of Durham, England) is Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of many books on the New Testament, including Women and the Genesis of Christianity, Jesus the Sage, The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest. A frequent contributor to Beliefnet.com, Witherington has also appeared on numerous TV news programs such as Dateline, 60 Minutes, 20/20 and the Peter Jennings ABC special Jesus and Paul—The Word and the Witness
“This is exactly correct. Human beings are supposed to be the ‘image’ or ‘reflection’ of the character of God on earth” (Page 737)
“What the text meant in the first century is still what it means today, though it may have different implications, applications, and significance for us in our time.” (Page 17)
“Here, in summary form, are the formative narratives that I see Paul grounded in, reflecting on, and using. They are five interwoven stories comprising one large drama: (1) the story of God, the one who existed before all worlds and made them; (2) the story of the world gone wrong in Adam; (3) the story of God’s people in that world, from Abraham to Moses and beyond; (4) the story of the Jewish messiah, the Christ, which arises out of the story of both humankind and of Israel, but in fact arises out of the larger story of God as creator and redeemer; (5) the story of Christians, including Paul himself, which arises out of the second, third, and fourth stories.” (Page 135)
“Johannes Bengel long ago: ‘Apply the whole of yourself to the text [not just your intellectual curiosity], and apply the whole of the text to yourself.’” (Page 17)
“The Spirit not only inspires prophetic speech, but also conveys wisdom, faith, grace, and the power to perform miracles” (Page 360)
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Marco Ceccarelli
11/24/2017