A Biblical Theology of the New Testament

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book on New Testament Theology for Beginners
Review: This is an excellent book on New Testament theology for those wanting good scholarship and conciseness. It is more directed towards seminary students and the laity who are interested in what the New Testament authors had to say about certain key theological topics of each NT book. The authors are all moderately dispensational, yet have views that comes close to mainline evangelicalism. As a progressive dispensationalist, I found much to agree with it and at the same time enriching. All the books of the NT are covered and each major theological issue is not shelved aside. Unlike Ladd's NT Theology book, the authors don't get into great exegetical detail on certain passages, but give adequate treatments on certain difficult passages (e.g., Hebrews 6:4-8; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 4:6 to name a few). Also, they discuss topics like the relationship of the OT Law to the Gospel, lordship salvation, and the issue of promise-fulfilment. David Lowery's treatment of Paul's Missionary Epistles (pp. 243-297) is outstanding and can be used as a "Pauline Theology" outline. This book has been underrated in evangelical circles due to its theological persuasion. However, all evangelicals (including those in the Reformed tradition) can find this book a valuable resource in NT studies. Also, the practical implications brought out in this book is excellent. It is not purely theological because the authors also put emphasis on how to use these theological themes into practical Christian living. The only negative side (a minor one) is that the editors did not put in a Scripture index. This would have greatly enhanced the book. Overall, though, a great NT theology book written by very competent scholars.