Understanding The Times: New Testament Studies (Kostenberger)

First Chronicles speaks of “men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” In our rapidly changing, postmodern culture, we desperately need Christian leaders who understand the times and can guide us in our work as the body of Christ. D. A. Carson is such a man. Renowned as a gifted speaker, writer, theologian, and pastor, Carson has written extensively and persuasively on a wide range of topics, particularly in the field of New Testament studies. He has taught for over thirty years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he has influenced many students, a large number of whom have become pastors or scholars themselves.

In appreciation of Carson’s lifework, editors Andreas J. Köstenberger and Robert Yarbrough have assembled a team of his former students and colleagues to produce this volume of essays on contemporary New Testament studies. The book explores New Testament studies as they relate to special topics and ancillary disciplines, and it surveys the state of New Testament scholarship around the world. Readers will benefit not only from the example of Carson, as one who understands our times, but also from the high quality of essays produced for this volume.

Table of Contents:

Part 1: New Testament Studies and Ancillary Disciplines

1. Greek Linguistics and Lexicography – Stanley E. Porter

2. Hermeneutics and Theological Interpretation – Grant Osborne

3. The Church: A Summary and Reflection – Mark Dever

4. Evangelical Self-Identity and the Doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy – John D. Woodbridge

Part 2: Special Topics in New Testament Studies

5. Lifting Up the Son of Man and God’s Love for the World: John 3:16 in Its Historical, Literary, and Theological Contexts – Andreas J. Kostenberger

6. Justification in Galatians – Douglas J. Moo

7. God as the Speaking God: “Theology” in the Letter to the Hebrews – Peter T. O’Brien

8. The Language of Baptism: The Meaning of Baptizo in the New Testament – Eckhard J. Schnabel

Part 3: New Testament Studies around the World

9. New Testament Studies in Africa – Robert W. Yarbrough

10. New Testament Studies in North America – Craig L. Blomberg

11. New Testament Studies in Asia – David W. Pao

12. New Testament Studies in Europe – Robert W. Yarbrough

Appendix: D.A. Carson: His Life and Work to Date – Andreas J. Kostenberger   

Editors

Andreas J. Köstenberger (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the senior research professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is a prolific author, distinguished evangelical scholar, and editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. He is the founder of Biblical Foundations, a ministry devoted to restoring the biblical foundations of the home and the church. 

Bob Yarbrough (PhD, University of Aberdeen, Scotland) is professor of New Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He was previously professor of New Testament and department chair at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author or coauthor of several books and is active in pastoral training in Africa.

Endorsements 

“Don Carson is one of the most productive and capable evangelical scholars in the English-speaking world, and this volume by former students and teaching colleagues reflects the breadth of his interests and especially his concern for the development of biblical studies in a global context. Alongside fresh personal contributions to New Testament study, there are informative surveys of developments in New Testament studies in Africa and Asia, as well as in North America and Europe. This solid volume thus offers not only a worthy tribute to its honoree but also valuable assessments of the state of New Testament scholarship worldwide.” - I. Howard Marshall, Professor Emeritus, University of Aberdeen, Scotland

“D. A. Carson is the Renaissance man of North American evangelicalism. He is a biblical scholar of the highest caliber, a preacher and evangelist of renown, and a theologian of unswerving commitment to the gospel. His teaching ministry has spanned the globe; in fact, I’ve heard his sermon on Matthew 27 on three different continents and found it equally stirring each time. This book is a snapshot of issues in the international New Testament scene as it stands today. This erudite collection of essays is rightly dedicated to one who has committed his life to serving the global church.” - Michael F. Bird, Lecturer in Theology, Ridley Melbourne College of Mission and Ministry

“This lively book of essays represents a fitting tribute to the life of Don Carson, one of the liveliest and most learned biblical scholars of our time. It will only suit its honoree, however, if it leads its varied readers to the Scriptures he has studied for so long, increasing devotion and fidelity to the gospel they proclaim. I pray that God will make this so for Jesus’ sake.” - Douglas A. Sweeney, Professor of Church History, Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School