Theology of the New Testament, Volume 2
The Variety and Unity of the Apostolic Witness to Christ
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Published: 1983
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Publisher's Description
This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. This volume, the second of a two-volume work by Leonhard Goppelt, represents the most mature and comprehensive thought of this German New Testament scholar. Among German-speaking scholars it is distinguished as rivaling, if not replacing, the monumental work on New Testament theology by Rudolf Bultmann. One reason for this fundamental significance is that it attempts to reclaim a biblical theology that comprehends both Old and New Testaments. As in the first volume, Goppelt makes a thoroughgoing application of the most reliable tools and insights of New Testament scholarship. And while he views his work as "instructive dialogue between exegetical and systematic theology" and seeks always to maintain a balance between historical research and theological understanding, his goal is not simply to come to terms with the intent of the New Testament authors but to apply that knowledge in the context of present-day realities. Volume II treats a variety of apostolic witnesses to Christ (the primitive Christian community, Paul, and the post-Pauline writers). Yet, as the title indicates, with all the richness and variety of the New Testament proclamation, each of the witnesses expresses in various ways the apostolic kerygma. That witness alone is the norm of Christian faith and life that is to be developed reflectively in the contemporary context. Adding to the volume's usefulness are detailed bibliographies for each chapter, subject indexes for both Volume I and II, a literature supplement, and a list of the publications of Leonhard Goppelt.
Endorsements (3)
“The two books that I consider the most important achievements of the last ten years are Käsemann's Commentary on Romans and Leonhard Goppelt's uncompleted, posthumously published Theology of the New Testament.”
“The unfinished works of some scholars are of more value than the completed works of others. Such is the case with this second volume of L. Goppelt's Theology of the New Testament, which the author unfortunately did not live to complete. The discussions of the early church, of Paul and of Peter in particular, are of immense value. The author shows time and again how the theology of the New Testament must be understood in light of the Old Testament and provides a sane approach from a salvation-historical point of view. Had the author been able to complete it, this work would have stood very high in the list of theologies of the New Testament. In its present form it is still essential reading. Here is a first-class corrective to the work of Bultmann and his school. I am immensely grateful that it is now available in English.”
“Goppelt's Theology of the New Testament has become a standard text in Germany and may well become a standard text in the American scene as well. The work represents the most comprehensive treatment of New Testament theology available today. By treating the NT writings within a historical context, Goppelt's Theology reflects a developing Church engaged in the real world, a motif that marked Goppelt's own thought and concerns about theology and history. This work, thus, represents Goppelt's desire to wed historical and theological exegesis.”
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