Biblical Theology: Insights and Methodologies

Chapter 15 MAKING THE CONNECTION: GETTING OUR THEOLOGY FROM THE BIBLE

CHAPTER OUTLINE The Nature of Biblical Theology Issues in Biblical Theology The Method of Biblical Theology History of Biblical Theology Approaches to Biblical Theology Biblical and Systematic Theology The Use of the Old Testament in the New Sample Exegesis: John 12:37 41

THE NATURE OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Biblical theology is the theology of the Bible. In speaking of New Testament theology, we are saying that it is not the interpreter s own theology or that of his church and times that is examined but rather the theology expressed by the New Testament itself (Adolf Schlatter). We turn away decisively from ourselves and our time to what was found in the men through whom the church came into being. Our main interest should be the thought as it was conceived by them and the truth that was valid for them. We want to see and obtain a thorough grasp of what happened historically and existed in another time (Schlatter).

ISSUES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY First, it is commonly acknowledged today that no interpreter approaches Scripture without presuppositions. In this regard, it will be helpful for us to distinguish between the intended meaning of a passage itself and the degree of confidence to which we can reasonably expect to attain in having arrived at this meaning. While 100% confidence will often be elusive, this does not mean that we cannot be reasonably confident that a given interpretation accurately approximates the originally intended meaning.

ISSUES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Second, how does one determine the theology of the Bible? This raises the issue of hermeneutical method and procedure. As we explore the three major aspects of the hermeneutical triad, history, literature, and theology; as we interpret a given passage in its larger canonical context; and as we familiarize ourselves with the characteristics of the various biblical genres, we will be equipped not merely to analyze individual biblical passages but also to develop a synthesis of the biblical teaching on the major topics it addresses.

ISSUES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Third, our apprehension of the theology of the Bible hinges on various other important foundations: the extent and composition of the biblical canon; the way in which the New Testament writers use the Old Testament; the relationship of the Testaments more broadly conceived; the issue of the unity and diversity of Scripture; the question of whether or not the Old Testament, the New Testament (and certain New Testament writers such as Paul), and the Bible have a center and, if so, what it is.

ISSUES IN BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

THE METHOD OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY First, the method of biblical theology must be historical. Biblical Theology aims to understand a given passage of Scripture in its original historical setting. Second, biblical theology will seek to study Scripture on its own terms.

HISTORY OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY The recent history of Biblical Theology as an academic discipline is commonly traced to J. P. Gabler s inaugural address at the University of Altdorf, Germany, in 1787 entitled An Oration on the Proper Distinction between Biblical and Dogmatic Theology and the Specific Objectives of Each. Gablerdistinguished between biblical and what he called dogmatic theology (i.e., systematic theology) and called upon scholars to observe this distinction in their work.

HISTORY OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Increasingly, the study of Scripture was conceived not in theological but in historical terms. The study of the Old Testament often became a study in comparative religions where Israel s cult was compared to that of its neighbors and the New Testament church was discussed in relation to the mystery religions in the Hellenistic world and its practices of sacred meals and initiation and other rites.

HISTORY OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Some, such as Oscar Cullmann, sought to salvage theology by proposing a salvation-historical (heilsgeschichtliche) method. Others, such as Ernest Wright, pointed to God s mighty acts as the locus of revelation. A crisis was reached in 1970 when Brevard Childs, in Biblical Theology in Crisis, declared that biblical theology was itself in crisis. Childs himself, as well as Hans Frei (in his Eclipse of Biblical Narrative), sought refuge in the text or canon of Scripture, calling for a study of the Bible s literary feature while holding historical issues in abeyance. Recent years have shown signs of a revival of the discipline through the work of James Dunn, N. T. Wright, and D. A. Carson, among others.

HISTORY OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY The historical dimension of the biblical text can never be relegated to the sidelines since Christianity is by its very nature a historical religion whose truthfulness depends on the historical nature of events such as the incarnation or Jesus bodily resurrection from the dead (see esp. 1 Corinthians 15). For this reason, the literary study of Scripture, while a legitimate part of biblical interpretation, must be grounded in historical study and Scripture be seen not merely as a human witness or as an autonomous entity but as inspired, historically- grounded divine revelation.

APPROACHES TO BIBLICAL THEOLOGY First, there is what may be called the Systematic/Biblical approach. Guthrie Second is what may be called Biblical, One Author at a Time. Ladd and Morris Third, we find the approach that may properly be labeled Biblical, One Theme at a Time. Scobie, NSBT Yet another, fourth, approach may be called Integrative: The Symphonic Approach. Caird Other approaches may be labeled Historical- Theological (Rudolf Bultmann) or Biblical-Historical (I. Howard Marshall).

THEMES IN OTTHEOLOGY Creation Law Exodus Covenant Messiah

THEMES IN OTTHEOLOGY Covenants Adamic/Noahic covenant (Gen. 2:6 17; 9:1 17) Abrahamic covenant Gen. 12:2 3; 15:17 19; 22:16 18) Mosaic (Sinaitic) covenant (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5) Davidic covenant (2 Sam. 7:11 16) New covenant (Jer. 31:31 34)

THEMES IN OTTHEOLOGY Messiah The seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15) A ruler from Jacob (Gen. 49:10) A star out of Jacob (Num 24:17) The Davidic Messiah (Pss. 2:2; 110:1 2; etc.) Lord s Servant (41:8 20; 42:1 7; 52:13 53:12; 61:1 3) Son of Man (Dan. 7:13 14)

THEMES IN NTTHEOLOGY New covenant Righteousness and faith Life in the Spirit Agent of creation (Gen. 1:2) Agent of judgment (Gen. 6:3) Agent of wisdom in leaders (e.g. judges) Anointing of Messiah (Luke 4:18 19) Poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2) Agent of transformation in NT believers (Romans 8; Galatians 5) Giver of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12 14)

THE USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE NEW There are times when the New Testament s use of the Old is structurally, thematically, and theologically significant. While references to the Old Testament in the New are frequent, they are not evenly spread. An important question to ask in the case of the New Testament s use of the Old is that of warrant Beginning students of Scripture sometimes assume that there is only one way in which the New Testament writers use the Old Testament. Promise-fulfillment Typology Analogy Allegory Illustration

THE USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE NEW Direct citations of the Old Testament in the New are only one form of the New Testament s use of the Old. Allusions Echoes Constraints Authorial intent Verbal similarity A helpful indicator signaling the presence of an Old Testament quotation is the use of one of several introductory formulas. In some cases, the study of the use of the Old Testament in the New involves more technical biblical studies skills.

THE USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE NEW In other cases, the difficulty may not be so much on the level of source text and biblical languages but on the level of theology. A helpful distinction in the study of the use of the Old Testament in the New is that between a hermeneutical axiom and an appropriation technique. Jesus is the Messiah as hermeneutical axiom One final question relates to whether or not we should expect to be able to duplicate the use of the Old Testament by the New Testament writers.

BIBLICAL & SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY Inductive Nature & Danger of Anachronism Exegesis Biblical Theology [Historical Theology] Systematic Theology Systematic Theology & the Authority of Scripture Most emphatically, this point is neither belittling systematic theology nor an attempt to sidelines the discipline. When I warn against the danger of systematic theology domesticating what Scripture says, I nevertheless gladly insist that, properly deployed, systematic theology enriches, deepens, and safeguards our exegesis. The best of systematic theology not only attempts to bring together all of Scripture in faithful ways, but also at its best enjoys a pedagogical function that helps to steer exegesis away from irresponsible options by consciously taking into account the witness of the entire canon. (D. A. Carson)

BIBLICAL & SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY Biblical & Systematic Theology: A Collaborative Approach Distinction between establishing theological connections (Biblical Theology) and engaging in theological construction (Systematic Theology Example: Doctrine of the Trinity

SAMPLE EXEGESIS: JOHN 12:3741 History Literature Theology

GUIDELINES FOR THE STUDY OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Determine the focus of your study: Is it the study of a particular theme in one or several biblical books? The study of a theme in one Testament or the entire Bible? Is it a study of two or several related themes? Determine the relevant passages that need to be studied by means of lexical study, concordance work, Study Bibles, and other reference works. Engage in careful contextual study of each of the relevant passages in light of their historical context and the salvation-historical stage in the life of God s people Israel or the church. 1. 2. 3.

GUIDELINES FOR THE STUDY OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Determine the original message to the intended recipients at the respective stage of salvation history. Trace the Bible s teaching on your chosen theme throughout the respective books of the Bible or Testament or Scripture as a whole, carefully observing the terminology used by the respective biblical authors. If desired, systematize the biblical teaching in the form of a systematized biblical theology and make proper application. 4. 5. 6.