An International Journal for Pastors and Students of Theological and Religious Studies
PDF Version
An International Journal for Pastors and Students of Theological and Religious Studies
PDF Version
As the academic year gathers its relentless pace, lecturers and teachers of the NT are often caught on the horns of a dilemma. “Do I teach Romans or Hebrews?” Far too often the “end of the NT” (Hebrews through to Revelation), while not ignored, is disappointingly neglected. A quick perusal of old class notes and handouts confirms this common experience. The authors of this volume have seen the need to address this issue and to provide a suitable introduction for these books of the NT aimed at lecturers and students.
Each letter is examined in its respective context, and the usual issues of authorship, destination, recipients, provenance, and purpose are discussed in turn. This allows for a uniform pattern to be employed throughout. However, the contributors also freely discuss those key themes and areas of interest unique to each particular book. This they do succinctly and clearly. Time is taken to discuss some of the contributions made by the more important scholarly works. Furthermore, the full footnotes and balanced bibliographies at the end of each chapter allow the student to pursue those avenues of study that have piqued their interest.
This is a very useful introductory resource. The book is clear, most of the major themes of each biblical book are discussed, and the content is well presented. Even when one disagrees with the authors’ own particular conclusions and emphases, they generally present their case in a balanced and irenic way.
The authors have succeeded in providing a volume that could be used as both a reference book and as a course textbook. Indeed, there is much here that would benefit a minister in preparing a series of sermons and Bible studies. One fears, however, that unless prompted to do so, cash-strapped students may decide to purchase only a standard introduction covering all the NT. While understandable, this would be a pity.
The authors should be thanked for being faithful to “the end.” Hopefully their faithfulness and hard work will stimulate lecturers to prepare and deliver courses on Hebrews through to Revelation for the benefit of both the academy and, more importantly, the church.