For the Love of God's Word: An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

by Andreas J. Kostenberger, Richard Patterson

Overview

An introduction to a clear method of biblical interpretation


For the Love of God’s Word is an abridged, less technical version of Köstenberger and Patterson’s acclaimed Invitation to Biblical Interpretation. Students, teachers, and pastors alike will find this introduction to biblical hermeneutics to be an accessible resource with both breadth and substance.


Built on the premise that every passage requires careful scrutiny of its historical setting, literary dimension, and theological message, this volume teaches a simple threefold method that is applicable to every passage of Scripture regardless of genre. In addition, the book sets forth specific strategies for interpreting the various genres of Scripture, from poetry to epistle to prophecy. A final chapter is devoted to helpful Bible study resources that will equip the reader to apply Scripture to life.


This book will serve as a standard text for interpreting Scripture that is both academically responsible and accessible for pastors, teachers, and college students. This volume will enable students of Scripture to grow in love for God’s Word as they grow in the disciplines of study and discernment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825443367
Publisher:	Kregel Publication
Publication date:	05/27/2015
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Andreas Köstenberger is Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the Founder of Biblical Foundations, an organization devoted to encouraging a return to the biblical foundations in the home, the church, and society.

Richard D. Patterson (PhD, University of California, Los Angeles) is distinguished professor emeritus at Liberty University. He has written well over 100 articles for major publishers and periodicals, including commentaries on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah (Moody) and Joel and Kings (with Hermann Austel) for the second edition of the Expositor's Bible Commentary Series.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

A Personal Note to Teachers, Students, and readers 13

Chapter 1 Introducting the Hermeneutical Triad: History, Literature, and Theology 17

Part 1 History

Chapter 2 Setting the Stage: Historical-Cultural Background 33

Part 2 Literature

Unit 1 Canon

Chapter 3 The Old Testament Canon: Law, Prophets, and Writings 61

Chapter 4 The New Testament Canon: Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Apocalypse 85

Unit 2 Genre

Chapter 5 Enjoying a Good Story: Old Testament Historical Narrative 103

Chapter 6 A Word from the Wise: Poetry and Wisdom 123

Chapter 7 Back to the Future: Prophecy 163

Chapter 8 Hearing the Good News: New Testament Historical Narrative (Gospels and Acts) 191

Chapter 9 Calling for Discernment: Parables 215

Chapter 10 Going by the Letter: Epistles 239

Chapter 11 Visions of the End: Apocalyptic Literature (Revelation) 271

Unit 3 Language

Chapter 12 Context is King: Discerning Discourse Structure 305

Chapter 13 A Matter of Semantics: Discerning Word Meanings 329

Part 3 Theology

Chapter 14 Making the Connection: Getting Our Theology from the Bible 359

Chapter 15 Getting Down to Earth: Using the Tools, Applying the Word 375

Reference List 393

Glossary 395

Scripture Index 411

Subject Index 441