MIQRA Institute of Biblical Studies
Reading Scripture, Hearing God
Achtemeier, P. J.; J. B. Green; and M. M. Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Eerdmans, 2001 (624 pp.). A moderately critical look at the NT and each of its books from literary, historical, and theological angles. Less distracted by historical-critical concerns than generally dominates this genre and in this way plows some fresh soil. Attempts to discuss in a balanced way the NT’s literature, message, and interpretive issues raised by an actual reading of its pages. Clear, comprehensible, engaging, ideal for beginning and advanced readers alike. Helpful but undetailed outlines and further readings.
Bauckham, R., ed. The Gospels for All Christians: Rethinking the Gospel Audiences. Eerdmans, 1998 (220 pp.). A powerful collection of essays by a fine selection of NT scholars from the UK. Attacks in no uncertain terms the false and unproductive notion that the Gospels were directed toward specified original audiences thus dispelling the myth that interpretation must be rooted in historical reconstruction. Argues instead that the Gospel accounts were likely circulated and intended for a general churchly audience. Enlightening both historically and theologically; a welcome addition to the serious student’s library.
Brown, R. E. An Introduction to the New Testament. Doubleday, 1997 (878 pp.). A highly acclaimed work by a prominent Roman Catholic scholar. Substantial content, but written for nonspecialists in the interest of encouraging them to read the NT and assisting them as they do. Some helpful emphasis on spiritual, theological, and ecclesiastical value of reading the NT. Attempts a mediating position (we believe not very successfully) between critical (his primary emphasis) and canonical concerns, resulting in multiple levels of “literal” and “wider” meanings.
Carson, D. A.; D. J. Moo; and L. Morris. An Introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 1992 (537 pp.). A standard conservative work by three well-known evangelical scholars. Generally traditional positions on familiar historicist interests resulting in warmed-over answers to the usual questions dealing with authorship, date, sources, occasion, purpose, destination, and the like surrounding the study of NT books. Strong on bibliography, weak on structure and outlines. Intended for lower seminary level textbook.
Childs, B. S. The New Testament As Canon: An Introduction. Trinity Press International, 1994 (572 pp.). With previous monumental contributions in the field of OT studies (his magnum opus Introduction, e.g., to which this is the companion volume), Childs is no less breath-taking here. With a bibliography near-legendary, he demonstrates a mature understanding of issues cutting to the heart of NT study—and bounds forward. Includes a 50 page Introduction section detailing the history of NT study and the rationale of a canonical approach, a book-by-book overview, a 52 page treatment of the canonical harmony of the four gospels, etc. Ideal for graduate curriculum as well as the pastoral shelf.
Trobisch, D. The First Edition of the New Testament. Oxford, 2000 (175pp.). A technical (46 pages of endnotes!) examination of the manuscript evidence of the Greek Bible by a German scholar boldly proposing an early dating (2nd century) for the canonization of the NT. Very helpfully emphasizes the shaping of the final form of the NT canon into an interwoven whole by an editor(s) and/or publisher(s). Cites numerous German and English sources. Contains several figures (7) and tables (7). Knowledge of Greek helpful. Half of his sources are German.
Wall, R. W.; and E. E. Lemcio. The New Testament as Canon: A Reader in Canonical Criticism. Sheffield, 1992 (376 pp.). A collection of essays, most previously published, considering the Gospels, Acts, the Letters, and Revelation as canonical units. They view canonical hermeneutics as “the ongoing relationship between canon and community” rather than the means of interpreting the canonical text, reflecting the stated influence of both B. S. Childs and J. A. Sanders (more the latter) much like Morgan’s work on the Writings in Between Text and Community: The “Writings” in Canonical Interpretation.
