Description
Book SynopsisWhile it is all concerned with the story and significance of Jesus Christ, the New Testament is a collection of twenty-seven books, by at least nine different authors, and addressed to individuals or groups in several different locations over a number of years. The books adopt very different styles, and they often appear, at least on the surface, to be talking about different issues. They are written in the heat of the missionary activity of the early church, in its living, ever-changing context. This diversity adds richness to our understanding of the Christian faith and its fundamental beliefs – but how might we discover coherence in the teaching of the New Testament without imposing a false synthesis on it, or distorting the emphasis of any individual writer? In a novel approach, Derek Tidball presents a round-table conversation between the New Testament authors that both reveals how much they have in common and permits them to make their distinctive or even unique contributions. An imaginary ‘chair’ presides over the discussion, and an ‘observer’ enables further commentary on selected topics. Tidball’s chosen integrating theme is the ‘good news’, ‘the gospel about Jesus the Messiah’ (Mark 1:1). He explores why we need the gospel; the person and work of Christ, who is the gospel; the nature of salvation; how we respond to and live out the gospel; and the ultimate fulfilment of the gospel in terms of a new creation.
Trade ReviewThis is brilliant! Derek Tidball begins with capsule summaries of other kinds of New Testament theologies and instances of each; these are gold dust for students. But that’s just the starter — where the book goes next is truly extraordinary. Many authors have written about how the New Testament speaks with different voices, but Derek gives them voice, bringing to life a conversation that is powerful and transformative and simply glorious. Have you ever imagined sitting in on a dialogue between Paul and James or between Mark, Matthew and Luke? Now you can. * Conrad Gempf, Lecturer in New Testament at London School of Theology, author of Jesus Asked and How to Like Paul Again *
well written, clear, and accessible text * Evangelicals Now *
