Kostenberger for the Love of Gods Word Review

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· 73 ratings · ten reviews

Starting time your review of For the Love of God's Word: an Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

Dec 02, 2021 Jessi H rated it information technology was ok

What a dry out, repetitive book. I'm sure there are better books on interpretation and hermeneutics out there; employ those. The principal qualms I have with this book are repetition of basic principles and terms (I don't need an explanation on similes every chapter. We got it the first time around) and how the information is laid out. I felt like I needed a menses chart for every folio considering Kostenberger would say something like: "This topic can exist separated into Thing One and Thing Two. Affair 1 can be se What a dry, repetitive book. I'm certain there are amend books on interpretation and hermeneutics out there; use those. The main qualms I have with this book are repetition of basic principles and terms (I don't need an caption on similes every affiliate. Nosotros got it the first time around) and how the information is laid out. I felt like I needed a menstruum chart for every page because Kostenberger would say something like: "This topic tin can be separated into Thing 1 and Thing Two. Matter One can be separated into A, B, and C. A tin be separated into blastoff and beta. Blastoff is office of this related study, which can be broken downwardly into this and this...." You go the thought. I didn't. The reason it gets two stars at all is considering technically the information is withal adept; it's just really desperately strung together. ...more than

Jul 29, 2020 David Harris rated it it was astonishing

A condensed version of Köstenberger and Patterson's Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, this book offers a surprisingly detailed introduction to Christian hermeneutics in simply under 400 pages. The most important conversations are here, with careful guidance and thorough clarity. A condensed version of Köstenberger and Patterson's Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, this volume offers a surprisingly detailed introduction to Christian hermeneutics in merely under 400 pages. The most of import conversations are hither, with careful guidance and thorough clarity. ...more

Nov 26, 2021 Joey Coons rated it really liked it

Pretty good! I prefer Stuart and Fee's "How to Read the Bible for All Information technology's Worth" as my go to hermeneutical guide, just this is another valuable one to accept alongside. No major bug with this book with me.

Mar 18, 2019 Rebecca Pate rated it really liked information technology

I had to read the second half of this volume for class. Did not read the offset half.

Bully book on interpreting the Bible. Well thought out and organized. Read it for seminary.

At that place is a definite issue afoot when it comes to sound biblical interpretation and for that matter, biblical literacy. Many sermons are certainly preached in churches beyond the globe and many are being trained in bible colleges and seminaries. With that said, do people in the pews, the pastors delivering the sermons, the students in school, or the professors and academics training those jump for the ministry accurately understanding and applying Scripture? Unfortunately in some cases the answe There is a definite effect itinerant when it comes to sound biblical interpretation and for that thing, biblical literacy. Many sermons are certainly preached in churches across the world and many are being trained in bible colleges and seminaries. With that said, do people in the pews, the pastors delivering the sermons, the students in school, or the professors and academics training those bound for the ministry accurately understanding and applying Scripture? Unfortunately in some cases the reply is a resounding no.

This means in that location is the demand for sound biblical interpretation and to amend practise the discipline known as hermeneutics. Now this subject is not just for academics. However, many of the books on this bailiwick matter are written with the scholar, academic, and bible college/seminarian in mind with the average laymen often left out in the proverbial cold. Kregel Academic, in an effort to address this disparity, has provided an abridged version of Andreas Kostenberger and Richard Patterson'south excellent larger work Invitation to Biblical Interpretation. This abridged endeavor aptly named For the Beloved of God'due south Word makes the subject field of hermeneutics accessible to the laity, providing them a solid foundation upon which to understand and appoint in sound biblical interpretation.

Kostenberger and Patterson rightly notation that "Biblical estimation is hard work. The ane who wants to master the handling of God's Discussion must be like the apprentice of a master craftsperson. Over time, and through do, that apprentice will acquire to skillfully utilize many tools. Likewise, the biblical interpreter must know what interpretive tools to apply and how to use them. This is what it means to "correctly handle" the word of truth."

Throughout this excellent book, the authors provide the reader with those necessary tools of the biblical interpretation trade. By first setting the groundwork and foundation of the "hermeneutical triad" of history, literature, and theology, the authors enable the reader to have a working agreement of how to approach the biblical text. God's Word was written within the confines of actual history. Thus, when we read Scripture we are reading nearly existent life events involving actual people, bodily nations, both with impacts on non simply salvation history, but all of history in general. Understanding the setting of the prophetic books for instance, is essential in grasping what those prophets were addressing. Each book of Scripture is written in a specific genre significant at that place are hermeneutical rules for engaging history as opposed to grasping books of poesy. Finally, later engaging those two parts of the triad, i can swoop into the theological meaning and application of the passage.

I truly appreciated that the authors provide objectives for the reader to accomplish and the fact these objectives are provided at the kickoff of each chapter. This approach gives the reader something to think about as they are reading, helping them to hone in on the specific purpose the author is getting across in that chapter. Furthermore, an outline is provided and so the specific topics of that chapter are not a mystery.

Overall, I found the discussion and data to be audio, informative, insightful, and written in a style that all believers volition observe useful. In that location certainly are what I would call "nerdier" discussion points provided in some of the chapters such as an engagement of how to identify a chiastic structure in a passage or noting the various types of prophetic narrative. Even when those more bookish minded aspects of hermeneutics are discussed, the information is presented in a mode that will not be over the head of those who accept never seen or heard such terms before. In fact, they go far their focus to present the information in as practicable a manner as possible so that terms are not just nerdy terms, but rather are tools that can exist used in everyday Bible written report.

All believers are commanded to be students of Scripture. For that reason, I highly recommend For the Love of God'south Word as an essential treasure trove of information for those both new to the disciple of hermeneutics and even those who are familiar with and use all of the tools noted in this book. Most importantly, the information provided in this volume will help you lot better understand God Word and any book that has that focus and successfully accomplishes that mission will receive a resounding vote of support from me. This volume does but that and so I encourage yous to get a re-create and utilize the tools contained within its pages.

I received this volume for free from Kregel Bookish for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accord with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Role 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Sep 25, 2015 James rated it it was amazing

For the Love of God'southward Word is an introduction to biblical hermeneutics. Andreas Köstenberger and Richard Patterson take teamed up again to assistance serious Bible students interpret scripture well (they previously authored Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, and this volume is an abridgment of that text). Köstenberger and Patterson take a three part arroyo to interpreting scripture, what they telephone call 'the Hermeneutical Triad': History, Literature and Theology. This is similar to the arroyo of my ow For the Dearest of God'south Word is an introduction to biblical hermeneutics. Andreas Köstenberger and Richard Patterson have teamed upwards once again to help serious Bible students interpret scripture well (they previously authored Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, and this volume is an abridgment of that text). Köstenberger and Patterson have a three role arroyo to interpreting scripture, what they phone call 'the Hermeneutical Triad': History, Literature and Theology. This is similar to the approach of my own professors of Hermeneutics and Exegesis and does real justice to the interpretive task.

Köstenberger and Patterson are at their most brief in office I (, where they give a brief overview of Biblical history, discuss the contribution of archæology to our understanding of Ancient Near East and Greco-Roman culture, and they give some interpretive suggestions for distinguishing which biblical customs remain normative and those which are 'express in application.' They do all this in about xx pages.

Part 2 is far more than noun, occupying the largest chunk of the book . Köstenberger and Patterson discusses Literature, focusing on three units: canon, genre, and language. In discussing catechism, they discuss the applicability of the Old Testament, the concept of covenant and the way the Old Testament testifies to Jesus equally the long-awaited Messiah. They go on to discuss how the various parts of the New Testament broaden and supplement each other. They so move on to discussing the distinctives of each genre in scripture: historical narrative, poesy and Wisdom, prophecy, the narratives of the Gospel and Acts, parables, epistles and Apocalyptic. Finally they look at language (discourse structure and the meanings of words).

Role III examines theology. Köstenberger'south and Patterson'due south focus is to brand certain that our theology flows from the text (rather than our theology determining our reading of the text). The resources they suggest hither are from the discipline of Biblical theology, rather than the theological tradition. Their terminal chapter puts together a hermenuetical approach to getting an application out of the text.

This is a text book intended for an introductory form in hermeneutics. Nevertheless, its readable and understandable for the working pastor or any lay Bible teacher. For example, their department on interpreting biblical genres tin be a reference point for preachers planning to launch into unfamilar biblical terrain. Or at least a refresher. My criticism of the volume would be constricted to what'due south not hither (i.e. an in-depth test of narrative technique and poetic structure, discussion of how the wider theological tradition informs our understanding of the text, discussion of what the reader brings to the text, the role of the Spirit in estimation, etc). However this is an introductory text and does a dandy chore directing people on how to interpret the Bible in culturally and literary sensitive and canonically enlightened way. Every bit a pastor I can readily run across ways their approach is helpful to me. Those that follow Köstenberger's and Patterson's will read the Bible well. I give this five stars.

Annotation: I received this book from Kregel Academic in exchange for my review.

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Jun 16, 2015 Julius rated it information technology was astonishing

Adreas Kostenberger and Richard Patterson's For the Love of God's Word: An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation is an impressive and accessible abridgement of their earlier work, Introduction to Biblical Estimation. Kostenberger and Patterson hither call a hermeneutical triad that comprises of historical contexts, literary genres, and theological implications. This edition simplifies then much of Introduction's contents, just it also reduces by nearly half those items that volition be of involvement Adreas Kostenberger and Richard Patterson'southward For the Love of God's Word: An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation is an impressive and accessible abridgement of their earlier piece of work, Introduction to Biblical Estimation. Kostenberger and Patterson hither telephone call a hermeneutical triad that comprises of historical contexts, literary genres, and theological implications. This edition simplifies and so much of Introduction'due south contents, merely it also reduces past nearly half those items that volition exist of interest just to masters and doctoral students, making For the Love of God'due south Discussion a useful text for undergraduate courses on biblical interpretation. With clear outlines and suggestions for learning, each chapter is refreshed to exist more than reader- and convenient and easier to reference.

This volume begins where every text on biblical estimation should begin: Humility. For the Beloved of God's Word will train a new generation of exegetical amateurs (in the best sense of that word) to do the good work of estimation for the good of the Church. Learning to listen to the text and sharpening the spiritual insight that brings that skillful bulletin to and for the Church building requires we begin in listening, so the emphasis in the early pages on humility is a wonderful welcome to introductory texts on biblical interpretation.

The Hermeneutical Triad is the authors' way of helping us submit humbly to God by beingness respectful of the historical contexts; beingness sensitive to the literary genres; and being actively engaged with the theological implications of whatever passages we are studying. Each chapter comprises key guidelines for interpretation, key words to observe, and assignments to put what we read into practice. The entry outline helps readers to keep rails of where they are going in this abridged merely still sizeable volume. I similar the simplified description and the brevity of each section. The supporting tables and illustrations bulldoze dwelling house the pointers the authors try to brand. I appreciate the conclusions accompanying each chapter because it is practiced pedagogy to summarize and to echo important points.

This is, overall, one of the best textbooks for biblical interpretation I've seen in some time. This is a book students will come back to time and time once more.

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I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Academic in exchange for my honest review here.

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November thirteen, 2015 Chris rated it really liked it

Christian are ofttimes told to love the Word, just the Word is often a difficult book to read and understand. This volume notwithstanding will be a helpful volume for whatever christian. This volume aims to exist a substantial introduction for christians teaching them to practise basic hermeneutics and exegesis.

What readers should know is that this book is an abridgement of the thicker volume Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature and Theology. This book volition assist seriou

Christian are oftentimes told to love the Word, simply the Word is often a difficult book to read and empathise. This volume nonetheless will be a helpful book for whatever christian. This book aims to be a substantial introduction for christians instruction them to do basic hermeneutics and exegesis.

What readers should know is that this volume is an abridgement of the thicker volume Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature and Theology. This volume will help serious christian learnt he nooks and crannies of studying the bible.

Commencement the authors helps readers empathize the iii perspectives that the authors want readers to empathise. These are literature and theology. They showed how each of these topics helps a christian understand the bible better.

The departure betwixt this book and the thicker volume lies is what is existence covered in the history section. This book does not elaborate too much on this aspect, notwithstanding they help readers come across how history is of import to interpreting the bible.

Side by side, they move to the literature portion which really helps readers understand the literary aspect of the bible. First they requite a crude overview of each of the testament, next they showcase each of the genres institute in both testaments, and give pointers on how to read, understand and exegete the unlike genre.

Lastly, the authors bring in the importance of theology in the pursuit of understanding the bible and shows how our theology should exist derived from the Word, and non of anything else.

Having read the thicker volume, seminary students or pastors are certainty recommend to read that volume. Still, if y'all are a lay christian, or someone who is motivated to take up a substantial book, this will be i that y'all can plow to. The authors are able to explain and dribble their knowledge in an easily understandable format, but being a book that is more 400 pages, you need to be discipline and motivated to brand total employ of this volume. This book is good for those who are new to this topic. For those who are familiar in this area, they are recommended to turn to the larger book.

Rating: four / 5

Disclaimer: I was given this book gratis from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Jul 22, 2015 Doug Hibbard rated it it was amazing

I love books on understanding God's Word better. And I usually enjoy books from Kregel Academic and Ministry building. Then, I am pre-biased in favor of For the Love of God'due south Discussion by Andreas Kostenberger and Richard Patterson. Throw in that this is an abridgment of their Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, which I really liked, and I must acknowledge that it would take taken a consummate hack for me to dislike this piece of work.

For what it's worth, I hope the authors don't mind that I outset by saying this isn't a compl

I love books on agreement God'due south Word meliorate. And I usually enjoy books from Kregel Academic and Ministry building. Then, I am pre-biased in favor of For the Dearest of God's Word by Andreas Kostenberger and Richard Patterson. Throw in that this is an abridgment of their Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, which I really liked, and I must admit that it would accept taken a consummate hack for me to dislike this piece of work.

For what information technology's worth, I hope the authors don't listen that I first by saying this isn't a complete hack. In fact, information technology'due south a quite useful piece of work for the shelf of the local pastor. While y'all should, if that'southward y'all, have the larger work, hither's why this one is worth your shelf space as well:

1. It's only one-half the weight, and most an inch and a half thinner than the large volume. Having just moved, that'south a bigger deal to me than information technology is to yous.

ii. The material remains solid. The Kostenberger/Patterson idea of the "hermeneutical triad" is an excellent concept for studying Scripture. The three sides: history, literature, and theology are all disquisitional for grasping the concepts in a text. While all of these are more conspicuously teased out through the book, hither's the summary: "history" refers to the actual setting of writing; "literature" to the specific genre of the selected text; "theology" to how the text fits within the Bible'south overall message.

3. Throughout the book, these ideas are developed in better detail, including specific applications for each genre of the text. The second chapter provides an overview of the historical setting of the Bible. Obviously, deeper study needs specialty books in each of these areas, but this is a smashing introduction.

4. I like this as a "deeper" training work for ministry development. For example, if yous are working on mentoring time to come ministers and teachers without needing the academic information in a larger text, this is a good volume for that. There is no major dependence on original linguistic communication knowledge, allowing the text to work early in the mentoring process.

5. The title sums information technology upwards nicely: for those of us who love God's Word, it's worth studying well and doing it right.

I did receive a copy of this book from Kregel Academic in substitution for the review.

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