📖 Overview
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament is a comprehensive reference work examining how New Testament writers incorporated and referenced Old Testament scriptures. The volume brings together contributions from leading biblical scholars who analyze quotations, allusions, and theological connections between the two testaments.
Each chapter follows a systematic approach, identifying specific Old Testament citations, exploring their original context, and explaining how New Testament authors applied these passages to their writings. The commentary maintains academic rigor while remaining accessible, providing detailed analysis of both explicit quotations and subtle scriptural echoes.
The work spans the entire New Testament, with individual scholars focusing on specific books or groups of epistles. Contributors include Craig Blomberg on Matthew, I. Howard Marshall on Acts, and G.K. Beale himself on Colossians and Revelation.
This commentary serves as a key resource for understanding the theological and literary relationship between the Old and New Testaments, illuminating how early Christian writers interpreted and built upon Hebrew scriptures. The volume offers insights into both ancient interpretive methods and the development of early Christian theology.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a comprehensive reference work that helps explain how New Testament authors cited and interpreted Old Testament passages. Many note its value for sermon preparation and deeper Bible study.
Likes:
- Detailed analysis of each NT citation with cultural/historical context
- Clear organization by NT book order
- Thorough documentation and bibliography
- Accessible for pastors and students
Dislikes:
- Dense academic writing style
- Complex Greek/Hebrew discussions
- Book size (1280 pages) makes it cumbersome
- Price point ($59.99) seen as high
- Some find the depth overwhelming for casual study
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.8/5 (175 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.5/5 (156 ratings)
Notable Review: "An invaluable resource but requires patience to work through. Not a quick reference - more like a technical commentary." - Amazon reviewer
Multiple readers note it works better as a reference to consult than to read straight through.
📚 Similar books
Hermeneutics and the Rhetorical Tradition by Kathy Eden
Explores the historical methods of biblical interpretation from ancient to modern times, providing context for how New Testament authors interpreted Old Testament texts.
Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. Hays Examines Paul's intricate use of Old Testament texts and themes in his epistles through detailed textual analysis.
The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Texts? by G.K. Beale Presents essays from scholars addressing how New Testament writers used Old Testament passages in ways that differ from their original contexts.
Biblical Exegesis in the Apostolic Period by Richard Longenecker Analyzes the interpretive methods used by Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament figures when engaging with Old Testament scripture.
Christ in the Old Testament by Walter Kaiser Traces Messianic prophecies and Christian theological concepts through the Old Testament texts cited by New Testament authors.
Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul by Richard B. Hays Examines Paul's intricate use of Old Testament texts and themes in his epistles through detailed textual analysis.
The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Texts? by G.K. Beale Presents essays from scholars addressing how New Testament writers used Old Testament passages in ways that differ from their original contexts.
Biblical Exegesis in the Apostolic Period by Richard Longenecker Analyzes the interpretive methods used by Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament figures when engaging with Old Testament scripture.
Christ in the Old Testament by Walter Kaiser Traces Messianic prophecies and Christian theological concepts through the Old Testament texts cited by New Testament authors.
🤔 Interesting facts
⚜️ The book's co-editor, G. K. Beale, is a Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary and previously taught at Wheaton College for 27 years.
⚜️ There are approximately 4,105 Old Testament references found within the New Testament, making this type of commentary particularly valuable.
⚜️ The commentary covers all 27 books of the New Testament, with each chapter written by a different biblical scholar specializing in that particular text.
⚜️ The project took over a decade to complete, involving extensive collaboration between scholars from various theological backgrounds and institutions.
⚜️ The work addresses a phenomenon known as "intertextuality" - the shaping of text's meaning by other texts - which was a common literary practice in ancient Jewish writings.