40 Questions About Biblical Theology (Book Review)

40 Questions About Biblical Theology is a great addition to Kregel’s 40 Questions series. Being that Biblical Theology is one of my favorite topics, and Hermeneutics, in general, is the other, this book covers aspects of both.

The contributors to this fine volume are leaders in their fields, with previously published works, several of which I already owned. In fact, what you will find here is not only a treatment of key questions related to Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics but great synopses of the contributing author’s larger volumes.

The book is divided into five sections; Defining Biblical Theology, Exploring Biblical Theology, Illustrating Biblical Theology (Tracing Themes), Illustrating Biblical Theology (Use of Earlier Scripture in Later Scripture), and Applying Biblical Theology.

Like all things related to understanding the Bible, there is no need to have to agree with the authors on every point. There is so much great information distilled into bite-sized chunks in this volume, it is a great starting point for those just getting their feet wet with Biblical Theology, as well as a great read for more experienced theologians who want a concise summary of key issues related to Biblical Theology.

Due to the breadth of issues covered, there is bound to be at least one chapter that catches everyone’s attention (many more than one for most people).

Whether you have questions about the Bible’s storyline, how the Bible fits together, what Biblical theology is or how to go about doing it, what role “mystery”, covenant, the serpent, the People of God, Law, Sabbath, Temple, MIssion, the Land, Resurrection, or other themes in the Bible play in the larger narrative – all these and more are discussed in this volume.

Additional chapters cover how to flesh these topics out in our day-to-day living, preaching, teaching, and more. You’d be hard-pressed to be disappointed with this book.

This book will also give you a glimpse into what you will find (in much greater detail) in DeRouchie and Naselli’s two volumes; How To Understand And Apply The Old Testament: 12 Steps from Exegesis to Theology (DeRouchie) and How To Understand And Apply The New Testament: 12 Steps from Exegesis to Theology (Naselli), both of which are recommended purchases as well.

Disclaimer: This book was received free of charge from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.