40 Questions about Biblical Theology (40 Questions)

“A bag of gold. DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli gift the church with an abundance of riches. These three fine scholars examine biblical theology from every conceivable angle—definition, methodology, hermeneutics, theology, typology, storyline of the Bible, and the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, to name a few. This volume is a wonderful entry point into the vast and complex field of biblical theology. My prayer is that lay people, students, pastors, and teachers would take up and read.”

“This is not only a book for professionals and scholars; this is a book that every serious student of the Bible should own and refer to often. Although it proceeds on the basis of the evangelical faith, Christians of all persuasions will find this a mine of well-organized, clearly written, comprehensive, informative, and easy to understand discussions of the forty questions posed. The matters dealt with are not only relevant to those who focus on biblical theology as a discipline, but also concern the formation of systematic, historical, practical, and homiletic theology. The authors have used every means at their disposal to make this the kind of reference book in which every aspect of biblical theology is pre- sented in a format that makes the information easy to find. I wish I had had a book like this when—over sixty years ago—I began my own journey in biblical theology.”

“When people get a taste of biblical theology, it makes them hungry for more. They wonder where this way of understanding the Bible has been all their lives. They want to know how they can learn more. I’ll be telling them that 40 Questions About Biblical Theology is a great place to start and that it will continue to be a terrific resource to keep coming back to.”

“Good biblical theology is needed for a faithful and full reading of the Bible; it is thus es- sential for Christian living and teaching. 40 Questions About Biblical Theology provides the framework and theory by answering questions in bite-sized chapters. Examples of biblical-theological themes and readings of Bible passages highlight the value of this approach and draw out the richness of God’s Word. More than just an introduction, DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli’s book also provides a snapshot of the discipline in 2020, with references for the interested reader to chase. This book helps us see how the whole Bible fits together and points to and is fulfilled in Christ, and as such, is a great safeguard against moralism. Highly recommended for Christians the world over.”

“When three scholars who are committed to the Bible as the inspired Word of God com- bine efforts to write a book like this, you should not be surprised that you have a land- mark product in your hands. Study biblical theology! When well understood, it is like a well-cut diamond that sparkles and bounces the light of Christ on every page of the Bible, leaving you worshipping the God of history as the God of wonders. Get this book, because it not only teaches you biblical theology, but also leaves you with a growing ap- petite for God’s Word.”

“I was thrilled to see Kregel take on the subject of biblical theology in this particular series because the format makes this vitally important subject accessible to readers. I was doubly thrilled to see the trio of profs who wrote it! Pastors will benefit from 40 Questions About Biblical Theology because it contains important Christ-exalting obser- vations and implications for the church and is written with a pastoral tone throughout. Professors will benefit from it as they look for supplemental texts on the subject. Church members will gain a good understanding of the themes and the redemptive storyline of Scripture. And I wouldn’t hesitate handing this book to some inquisitive skeptics, since I find the unity of the Bible to be a powerful apologetic—one that we should not overlook when giving a defense of the faith. May all who read it walk away with a deeper love for Jesus our Savior, who is magnified throughout the pages of Holy Scripture.”

“Biblical theology is among the most contested and misunderstood disciplines of bib- lical and theological study. It is also among the richest and most rewarding. And faithful teaching and preaching of the Bible depends on a clear understanding of biblical the- ology. This lucid and engaging 40 Questions volume is a comprehensive guide to its definition, presuppositions, major themes, and applications. Highly recommended for students and ministers alike.”

“DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli have written a beautifully clear introduction to biblical theology. They explain what biblical theology is, unpack how it works by considering key topics, illustrate it by considering central texts, and apply it to our lives today. We also benefit as readers in having an Old Testament scholar, a New Testament scholar, and a systematic theologian working together on the project. Their interdisciplinary collabora- tion gives the book both depth and breadth. I recommend enthusiastically this introduc- tion to biblical theology.”

“What is biblical theology? What does it include? How do we do it? What themes can we better understand from it? How does it help us, as individuals and as the church? Old Testament scholar Jason DeRouchie, New Testament scholar Andy Naselli, and system- atic theologian Oren Martin team up to address these questions and more. The result is this valuable, perceptive, and noteworthy volume.”

“Biblical theology can look like a maze with many twists and turns for novices and for experts—if there is an expert in Scripture. With the many intricacies, the more guides one has the better, as with many counselors success is most achievable. Here we have three escorts to lead us through the maze to behold the King in his beauty. These pastor- scholars have composed a primer to biblical theology that answers some of the most puz- zling questions in the field. They do not disappoint as ushers into the world of biblical theology, giving us tools to mine the treasures of Christ. I heartily recommend this work.”

“DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli present the essence of biblical theology in moving and captivating ways. Though the level of scholarship is high, the question-and-answer format allows one to read and comprehend without difficulty. By defining, comparing, illustrating, and applying biblical theology, the authors magnify the overarching story- line of Scripture in such a vivid way that none can miss it. The book answers the key questions in the discipline and will serve as a foundational textbook. But even more, readers will not escape the intense urge to worship the Triune God as they grow in their understanding of the great salvation that Messiah Jesus has accomplished! DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli have given us a treasure that needs to be in the hands of pastors, laypersons, and scholars alike”

“In every era, the church stands or falls on its knowledge of the triune God from Scripture. Apart from the exposition and application of ‘the whole counsel of God,’ the church will endlessly drift and wander. This is why the study of biblical theology is so important. Biblical theology is the theological discipline that seeks to understand all that Scripture teaches on its own terms. In this very helpful book, our authors introduce the reader to the study of biblical theology and its importance for the life and health of the church. By thinking through different approaches to biblical theology and then illus- trating how biblical theology is done in practice, this book is a valuable resource for all those who want to know Scripture better.”

“This is an outstanding resource for the study of biblical theology. The question-and- answer format makes it ideal for both classroom instruction and self-study. Not only do the authors define and compare approaches to biblical theology (Parts 1–2), but they also illustrate and apply it (Parts 3–5) from a variety of important angles. DeRouchie, Martin, and Naselli are to be commended for their work in the service of the church.”