A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Ross Harmon
Biblical Theology is a truly joint work between two authors, containing no clear labeling of the individual scholars’ contribution outside of building the New Testament section upon Andreas Köstenberger’s previous work (The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown Köstenberger, Kellu, Quarles 2022). Neither author needs significant introduction because of their abundant contributions to the field of biblical studies. Köstenberger serves as the theologian in residence at Fellowship Raleigh (back cover). Previously, Köstenberger served as Research Professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his tenure includes other notable schools. Amongst Köstenberger’s publications are Signs of the Messiah (2021) and 1–2 Timothy and Titus: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (2021). Gregory Goswell “is academic dean and lecturer in biblical studies (Old Testament) at Christ College, Sydney” (back cover). His publications include, in-part, Text and Paratext (2022) and Ezra-Nehemia EP Study Commentaries (2014). The astute will note the combination of excellent biblical scholars, one who specializes in the NT and the other in the OT.
Biblical Theology appears to be a companion volume to Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives (2020) (Both are published by Crossway, have similar hardcover designs and related content). Where Covenant Theology uses multiple authors to discuss the theme of covenant throughout Scripture, Biblical Theology has two authors and focuses on individual biblical books’ respective theology and author. The book is divided into two sections: Section 1 is the Old Testament (Chapters 1–5), and Section 2 is the New Testament (Chapters 6–13). Following is a summary of the two major sections and two pivotal chapters.
Chapter one is titled “Biblical Theology: A Canonical, Thematic, and Ethical Approach” (1) and establishes foundational information regarding the authors’ understanding of biblical theology (BT) and provides the framework the reader requires to proceed. Thus, both veterans and newbies to BT should read this chapter. The chapter has five sections. Within the first section “The Nature of Biblical Theology” (1), the authors define key terms (e.g., systematic theology, biblical theology), discuss BT and TIS (theological interpretation of Scripture), and overview BT and hermeneutics. Within the second, “Practice of Biblical Theology” (22), the authors mention the method of BT, the four complementary forms of BT (i.e., major themes going book-by-book or classic, complete Bible themes, locating the “center” of Scripture, and metanarrative. The third section discusses the final form of Scripture against alternative book order and their influence on hermeneutics. The fourth section is on ethics and gives attention to moral teaching throughout Scripture concerning its relation to biblical theology, e.g., NT moral teaching compared to OT moral instructions and identifying moral teachings from poetry. The final section provides a family analogy to BT that is designed to show why every book in the Bible must be considered, i.e., every unique member contributes to the whole.
Chapter seven has the self-describing title, “Relationship between the Testaments” (367). The chapter analyzes the influence of OT book ordering on the ordering of the NT books, the level of unity and continuity between the testaments, and the NT use of the OT. Chapter seven bridges the gap between the OT and NT, discussing key components about Scripture that must be regarded in BT. Thus, chapter seven should be read before referencing the analysis of individual NT books.
Old Testament enthusiasts may be disappointed that the OT section has approximately 280 pages as compared to the NT section that extends to page 763. Section one has four parts: “the Old Testament Framework” (67), the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. The first part brings forth the importance of the Hebrew Bible’s tripart skeleton of the OT, i.e., the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings, to developing a biblical theology. Similarly, the chapter examines the Greek OT’s book order and the implications brought forth concerning BT. The OT book-by-book section, i.e., the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, has a consistent format: introduction, themes, ethics, and storyline.
The NT section discusses the order of the NT books, the relationship found among the NT and the OT, the Gospels, Acts, Paul’s epistles, the General letters, and “the Apocalypse” (675). In the beginning, the authors present a thorough examination of hypotheses surrounding the formation of the current order of the books in the NT and the consequences that book order has for BT. The NT book-by-book analysis is consistent with that found in the OT section.
Biblical Theology is an excellent stand-alone resource for all Christians desiring to study biblical theology. The book is a stand-alone resource because it covers the whole of Scripture and requires only the Bible to follow along with the content. The contribution to the field is clear through the dedicated analysis of every book of the Bible. Further, the authors discuss method and canonical order, describing BT, important elements to consider in BT, and how to do BT. In fact, the opening chapter and chapter seven (discussed above) were highlights of the book because they provide necessary introductory information for those new to BT. Köstenberger and Goswell are establishing a precedent moving forward by showing the significance of BT.
For church members, Biblical Theology would be a good accompaniment to their study Bible. Students will benefit also from the comprehensive coverage of Scripture, allowing students to acquire a single resource about BT in the Bible. Also, the book provides a BT for several biblical books (e.g., the minor prophets or the general epistles) that have little to no dedicated BT resources. Although books and commentaries focusing on BT are trending, there simply are no resources readily available for all books from Scripture. Readers may choose to read the book cover-to-cover, but most will use it as a reference guide, reading a relevant chapter for their study of one of the sixty-six books of Scripture.
The work will also benefit scholars, but they may find some limitations inherent in “comprehensive” volumes that appeal to a broad audience. First, scholars may desire further analysis in specific books, which the authors of Biblical Theology could not elaborate on in-depth. Second, academics may desire to further understand the methods, having specific ideas further sussed out. To be fair, the authors present a method section that provides case studies. However, it is unclear how inner-biblical connections are made, e.g., is shared language most important, how are metaphors to be interpreted and understood across Scripture, and when can scholars be certain about connections, rather than chasing ideas akin to literary red herrings.
All-in-all, Biblical Theology is highly recommended. This book makes an excellent gift for those serious about studying the Word because it is a stand-alone volume and applicable to all audiences. Students and pastors may get the most use from the book as their research may not necessitate deep dives or an investigation into alternative positions. Scholars likely can’t afford to, nor would they want to avoid seeing what Köstenberger and Goswell have to say on the topic of biblical theology, making this book a must reference for scholars.
Ross Harmon
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary