Preaching in the New Testament: An Exegetical and Biblical-Theological Study

✍ Scribed by Jonathan Griffiths

• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Year: 2017
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 173
• Series: New Studies in Biblical Theology
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Many Christians share the assumption that preaching the word of God is at the heart of God's plans for the gospel in our age, that it is vital for the church's health, and that it is the central task of the pastor-teacher. Many helpful books on preaching are available. The vast majority are concerned with "how-to," but relatively few focus primarily on the character and theology of preaching according to Scripture. Two key, interrelated questions need to be addressed. First, is there such a thing as "preaching" that is mandated in the post-apostolic context--and, if there is, how is it defined and characterized? Second, how does post-apostolic "preaching" relate to the preaching of the Old Testament prophets and of Jesus and his apostles? In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume Jonathan Griffiths seeks answers to these questions in the New Testament. In Part One he gives an overview of the theology of the Word of God, surveys Greek terms related to preaching, and looks at teaching concerning the scope and character of other word ministries in the life of the church. In Part Two his exegetical studies concentrate on teaching that relates especially to the post-apostolic context. In Part Three he summarizes the exegetical findings, sets them within the context of biblical theology, and proposes a number of broader theological implications. Griffiths's accessible, scholarly investigation will be of value to scholars, pastors, preachers, and Bible teachers. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship, and to point the way ahead.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Series preface
Author’s preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
Why another book on preaching?
Why these questions matter
The shape and scope of this study
Chapter One: The word of God in biblical theology
God speaks through his word
God acts through his word
God is encountered in his word
Chapter Two: The language of ‘preaching’ in the New Testament
Euangelizomai
Katangellō
Kēryssō
Summary, conclusions and further reflections
Excursus 1: The identity
Chapter Three: The word ministries
Chapter Four: 2 Timothy 3 – 4:
Paul’s charge to Timothy establishes a bridge between apostolic and post-apostolic preaching
Timothy is to make an authoritative proclamation of God’s word
Timothy’s preaching is to address the believers in Ephesus
Timothy is a commissioned and authoritative speaker of God’s word
Summary
Excursus 2:
Chapter Five: Romans 10: The preacher’s commission
Preaching reflects the nature of the gospel as something given and received
Christian preaching stands in a line of continuity with Old Testament prophetic proclamation
Preaching rests upon and involves the action of Christ
Preaching requires a commission, but is not restricted to the apostles
Summary
Chapter Six: 1 Corinthians: The power
Preaching is the central function of Paul’s ministry in Corinth
Preaching is distinct from other forms of oratory in its style and source of ‘power’
Preachers have a specific identity and role within the church, carrying particular rights and obligations
Christian preaching is the delivery of the received gospel of Christ
Preaching requires a believing response and leads to salvation
Summary
Chapter Seven: 2 Corinthians 2 – 6: Beholding the glory of God
Paul is reflecting on the nature of new-covenant ministry
The ministry he has in view is a shared ministry
The particular ministry he has in view is a ministry of public proclamation
The ministry of proclamation is grounded in Scripture
God the Trinity is at work in the ministry of proclamation
The glory of God is revealed in the ministry of proclamation
The people of God are transformed through the ministry of proclamation
New-covenant preaching ministry has affinities to old-covenant prophetic ministry
Summary
Chapter Eight: 1 Thessalonians 1 – 2: Preaching the very words
The ministry Paul recalls is a ministry of authoritative public proclamation
This ministry was a shared ministry
The proclamation is made by ‘approved’ agents
God stands behind this proclamation as the primary actor
The proclaimed word effects change in the hearers
Summary
Chapter Nine: Hebrews: Preaching to the gathered people of God
Hebrews is a sermon intended to be read aloud in the Christian assembly
Hebrews provides a model for us of the shape of Christian preaching
‘Speaking the word’ through preaching is a characteristic function of the post-apostolic leaders of the church
The writer believes that in his sermon he is speaking God’s word
The preaching act carries judicial implications and offers the opportunity to access the place of divine rest
The writer expects the congregation to encounter Christ as he preaches the word
Summary
Chapter Ten: Summary and conclusions
Summary of exegetical findings
Biblical-theological conclusions
Final reflections
Praise for Preaching in the New Testament
About the Author
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