The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, Volume 1: The Biblical Period
Overview
In this volume, Hughes Oliphant Old begins his survey of the history of preaching by discussing the roots of the Christian ministry of the Word in the worship of Israel. He then examines the preaching of Christ, the Apostles, and early church leaders.
Top Highlights
“In literary form Deuteronomy is a long sermon or series of sermons preached by Moses at a service of covenant renewal just before entering the Promised Land.16 If one takes this at face value, in Deuteronomy we have the first series of sermons that has come down to us from the biblical tradition.” (Page 28)
“The sermonic material in Deuteronomy portrays Moses as the first great preacher and the founder of the long tradition of biblical preaching.” (Page 28)
“Another component of preaching as we find it in Deuteronomy is the interpretation of the Law.” (Pages 38–39)
“Finally, we need to point to the fact that the preaching we find in Deuteronomy gives strong emphasis to exhortation.” (Page 40)
“Looking now at the individual sermons, we find that Origen had a consistent manner of approach. He takes the passage which has been read and goes over it verse by verse. He does not take every verse but rather those he figures will be most edifying to the congregation. He takes several words or expressions and, having explained them or thrown light on them or interpreted them, makes an application and then goes on to the next verse or group of verses. The result is that each sermon consists of a series of often unrelated points rather than there being a single theme for the sermon as a whole.” (Pages 315–316)
Praise for the Print Edition
Ecumenical in breadth, magisterial in authority, and pastoral in intentionality, Old's multivolume history of preaching is a landmark in American intellectual history. Old views preaching as an act of worship, and his own prodigious scholarship in service to God. Old has bequeathed to the church of the twenty-first century the definite history of preaching, a spiritual feast for scholars and preachers alike for years and years to come.
—James F. Kay, Princeton Theological Seminary
This volume's study of Scripture reading and preaching in the biblical period speaks a significant word for the church of the twenty-first century. Worship needs more Scripture and strong preaching. Old Calls us back to a tradition that has the power to reshpe our worship and restore preaching that is both biblical and relevant.
—Robert Webber, Wheaton College
Product Details
- Title: The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, Volume 1: The Biblical Period
- Author: Hughes Oliphant Old
- Series: The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Publication Date: 1998
- Pages: 372
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
7/13/2016
I have really enjoyed this first volume. This is the first book I've read from this Author, and he has quite an "easy to read" approach. So I am quite looking forward to the volumes that follow :) In this first volume, the Author takes quite an intriguing approach to the Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Church, by starting back in the Old Testament - and not just from the start of the Synagogue - but going way back, and examining how Prophets and others used Scripture. He then proceeds through the inter-testamental period (and beyond) with a good coverage of Judaism - covering both Temple and Synagogue. Then an excellent (though not exhaustive) look at the use of Scripture and Preaching in the New Testament. Finally covering the Second and Third Centuries - with good coverage of Justim Martyr, Tertullian, Melito, Clement of Alexander, Origen (quite a bit on him) and more. I have had a keen interest in Church History for about 35 years, and this is a brilliant way to go through this Early Period - examining the use of Scripture and how it was Preached. I am learning a lot, and in some cases I feel like I am visiting "old friends" and seeing new insights about them. This book is well referenced, and highly recommended for both those involved in Preaching and those with an interest in Church History. Expertise in either area is not a requirement, as the Author's style is very readable.