From PROPHECY to TESTAMENT: The Function of the Old Testament in the New - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1565637658 ISBN 13: 9781565637658

Publisher: Hendrickson Pub, 2004

Synopsis

The theology of the New Testament is indebted to, and is a reflection of, major Old Testament themes, images, and language, because the New Testament authors wrote in the context of the Old Testament and the rich Jewish tradition of study and interpretation of scripture.

A group of ancient Jewish writers provided the Christian church with its Old Testament Greek text (the Septuagint) and provided Aramaic translations (the Targums) for some of the writers of the New Testament. This group also produced many works that, whether intentionally or not, offered interpretations, expansions, and explanations of difficult or obscure Old Testament passages works that influenced the New Testament authors.

From Prophecy to Testament opens with a basic overview of past work on the development of New Testament theology, and then offers a superb collection of essays exploring the numerous ways in which New Testament writers were formed and informed by the biblical and extrabiblical literature of the Israelite people of the Second-Temple period

About this title

From the Inside Flap

The study of the influence and use of the OT in the NT gains immeasurably in depth when we appreciate that the texts and traditions involved were not fixed or static but living, in dynamic interaction with the generations that pondered their words. This book and its various surveys, probes and well worked case studies will help bring home this insight with renewed force. I commend it warmly.

James D. G. Dunn
Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity,
University of Durham

This fine book is major contribution to our appreciation of the way the New Testament writers used and interpreted Scripture as the basis of their theological convictions. It will be welcomed warmly by students and by scholars alike. The editor’s substantial introductory essay is a mine of information on recent research in the field. The contributors are all leading specialists; their cutting edge essays on an impressive range of topics will stimulate discussion and further research.

Graham Stanton
Lady Margaret’s Professor of Divinity
University of Cambridge

How do the New Testament writers make use of the Old Testament? Or, how do the Old Testament writings function in the New Testament? Likewise, which version or versions of the Old Testament did the New Testament writers appeal to as their sacred scripture? These are highly complex questions that have many implications for Christian faith and for a careful understanding of the New Testament writings themselves. Whether we are speaking of the specific Old Testament texts selected for analysis or the languages involved (mostly Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic), interpreters of the New Testament will see that knowledge of these issues are carefully identified and sufficiently discussed by both younger and well-seasoned scholars who consistently offer good quality essays that are well researched and well worth the read. Though designed primarily for students, professors of biblical studies will also find much in this volume that will also enhance their understanding of this important subject. This is good reading!

Lee M. McDonald, Principal
Professor of Biblical Studies
Acadia Divinity College
Wolfville, Nova Scotia

About the Author

Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, is the author of many books and articles including Luke in the NIBC series and Noncanonical Writings and New Testament Interpretation. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Bulletin for Biblical Research and as a member of the editorial board of Dead Sea Discoveries.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hendrickson Pub
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1565637658
• ISBN 13: 9781565637658
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 280
• Editor: Evans Craig A.