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Reading the Gospels Wisely: A Narrative and Theological Introduction
This textbook on how to read the Gospels well can stand on its own as a guide to reading this New Testament genre as Scripture. It is also ideally suited to serve as a supplemental text to more conventional textbooks that discuss each Gospel systematically. Most textbooks tend to introduce students to historical-critical concerns but may be less adequate for showing how the Gospel narratives, read as Scripture within the canonical framework of the entire New Testament and the whole Bible, yield material for theological reflection and moral edification.
Pennington neither dismisses nor duplicates the results of current historical-critical work on the Gospels as historical sources. Rather, he offers critically aware and hermeneutically intelligent instruction in reading the Gospels in order to hear their witness to Christ in a way that supports Christian application and proclamation.
282 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
138 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan T. Pennington
30 books82 followersJonathan T. Pennington (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is associate professor of New Testament interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew and has published a number of tools for learning biblical languages, including New Testament Greek Vocabulary and Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 25, 2023
This book really has changed how I read the gospels - praise God. So thankful to read this and be in dr. Pennington’s class!
April 30, 2021
Totally changed how I read the gospels - hopefully for the wiser. Great book
December 15, 2012
I was intrigued when I heard about this book, but was unfamiliar with Dr. Pennington and therefore uncertain about the book. But when I heard that he studied under Richard Bauckham and teaches at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (both things that commended him to me) I knew I wanted to read it. And I'm so glad I did.
Dr. Pennington doesn't just want you to read the Gospels, he wants you to be transformed by them. He aims to help us think rightly about what the Gospels are, how to interpret and apply them, and even how to preach and teach them. He is not interested in mere academics (though following his footnotes will prove he has taken no shortcuts on that front) but in the Gospels returning to their appropriate place of prominence in the life of the church.
One mark of the helpfulness and faithfulness of this book is the author's willingness to challenge the assumptions and practices of those in his own camp (Reformed Evangelicalism). You'll have to read it to find out what they are...
Perhaps because this book was so well written and so engaging, I found it hard to put down even late at night. It is easily one of my favorite books I read in 2012 and I would highly recommended it to anyone who is on the fence like I was.
Dr. Pennington doesn't just want you to read the Gospels, he wants you to be transformed by them. He aims to help us think rightly about what the Gospels are, how to interpret and apply them, and even how to preach and teach them. He is not interested in mere academics (though following his footnotes will prove he has taken no shortcuts on that front) but in the Gospels returning to their appropriate place of prominence in the life of the church.
One mark of the helpfulness and faithfulness of this book is the author's willingness to challenge the assumptions and practices of those in his own camp (Reformed Evangelicalism). You'll have to read it to find out what they are...
Perhaps because this book was so well written and so engaging, I found it hard to put down even late at night. It is easily one of my favorite books I read in 2012 and I would highly recommended it to anyone who is on the fence like I was.
March 8, 2022
How I read the Gospels has already changed through reading this work! Through deft scholarship, sound theology, and insightful history, Pennington shows us that Gospel studies involve more than just an excursion through modern critical approaches. No, Gospel studies should be aimed at building our love for God through the revelation of Christ in the Gospels. They – the Gospels – are theological, historical, and virtue-forming. If you’re looking for a book that will immediately make you a more careful –– and thus more faithful and wise –– reader of the gospels, encourage you to pick up a copy of this book!
June 6, 2024
This read was dense, challenging, refreshing, and even transformative in thinking for myself. Any Pastor seeking to effectively teach the gospels and be informed on the issues related to historical criticism and general hermeneutics/approach to the gospels should read this book. Here are my biggest takeaways personally:
1) Pennington offers a strong and needed response to respected Bible teachers and theologians claiming to have a "high view of Scripture" but, in practice, follow the goals/methodology of historical criticism. Rather than reading the Bible as Christian Scripture with Christian goals and approaches to hermeneutics, they have modern and enlightenment goals in approaching the Scriptures. (This is a dense part of the book but an important one)
2) The idea of a singular "meaning" in a text is oversimplified and overemphasized. Rather, the gospel stories are experienced. So, if one is seeking to know God in Jesus better and to be formed after Him, they will understand and apply the text in a variety of ways. He develops this theme throughout his work. He does not believe in subjective meaning but drives the point that the gospels are a rich narrative communicating much about Jesus and His Kingdom, and to limit these stories to a harsh meaning/application division with one meaning and further application is artificial and unhelpful. Rather, we should read with sensitivities to "hotspots" in the story and be prepared to draw from it a variety of God-centered truths forming our lives around it.
3) The gospels are entirely concerned about history and being reliable historical testimony. But, this historical testimony is a theological narrative intended to communicate the revelation of God's reign in Christ. This part of the book is technical and enters into debates about WHAT the gospels are (Greco-Roman bio?) and the nature of that debate. His position was helpful and nuanced.
4) The gospels are central to Christian formation and we should return to reading them often, reading them wisely (i.e. - understanding God's revelation and being shaped by it), and reading them as the center of Christian theology and practice. This was convicting personally. I appreciated his call to the Evangelical Church to come back to the gospels.
5) His method and approach to the gospels. According to Pennington, the gospels are about revelation and identification. We should read/experience each story to discover what it reveals about God's revelation and gift in Christ. Then, discover the call to virtue-forming action and character as taught in the story. This is taught in the following method:
- Read the story actively
- Walk each story through a narrative/literary analysis. This is done first by sensing the plot: rising action, climax, conclusion, and explanation. Second, pay attention to the characters in the story as they are often teachers and places of meaning/application.
- Summarize findings.
- Then, Consider the contexts of meaning behind and under the story. These contexts are intergospel contexts of acts, cycles, and units. Intragospel contexts of how the four-fold witness supports this story. Finally, canonical and historical-redemptive contexts.
- Resummarize findings seeing the overlap and expansion after thinking through the contexts.
- Finally, apply/teach by asking these questions: Fallen Condition Questions (what does this story reveal about broken humanity), Redemptive Solution Questions (what does this story reveal about God's solution in Christ), and finally Virtue Focus Question (what does this story call me into).
Pennington writes a fantastic book that would bring rich depth to your approach to the gospels. But, it is not written for a lay-audience. Certain sections would be effective for lay readers but the book is quite technical and requires certain vocabulary/background knowledge to glean from. But, for those prepared to wade into these waters (Pastors, Teachers, Educators) this book is invaluable.
1) Pennington offers a strong and needed response to respected Bible teachers and theologians claiming to have a "high view of Scripture" but, in practice, follow the goals/methodology of historical criticism. Rather than reading the Bible as Christian Scripture with Christian goals and approaches to hermeneutics, they have modern and enlightenment goals in approaching the Scriptures. (This is a dense part of the book but an important one)
2) The idea of a singular "meaning" in a text is oversimplified and overemphasized. Rather, the gospel stories are experienced. So, if one is seeking to know God in Jesus better and to be formed after Him, they will understand and apply the text in a variety of ways. He develops this theme throughout his work. He does not believe in subjective meaning but drives the point that the gospels are a rich narrative communicating much about Jesus and His Kingdom, and to limit these stories to a harsh meaning/application division with one meaning and further application is artificial and unhelpful. Rather, we should read with sensitivities to "hotspots" in the story and be prepared to draw from it a variety of God-centered truths forming our lives around it.
3) The gospels are entirely concerned about history and being reliable historical testimony. But, this historical testimony is a theological narrative intended to communicate the revelation of God's reign in Christ. This part of the book is technical and enters into debates about WHAT the gospels are (Greco-Roman bio?) and the nature of that debate. His position was helpful and nuanced.
4) The gospels are central to Christian formation and we should return to reading them often, reading them wisely (i.e. - understanding God's revelation and being shaped by it), and reading them as the center of Christian theology and practice. This was convicting personally. I appreciated his call to the Evangelical Church to come back to the gospels.
5) His method and approach to the gospels. According to Pennington, the gospels are about revelation and identification. We should read/experience each story to discover what it reveals about God's revelation and gift in Christ. Then, discover the call to virtue-forming action and character as taught in the story. This is taught in the following method:
- Read the story actively
- Walk each story through a narrative/literary analysis. This is done first by sensing the plot: rising action, climax, conclusion, and explanation. Second, pay attention to the characters in the story as they are often teachers and places of meaning/application.
- Summarize findings.
- Then, Consider the contexts of meaning behind and under the story. These contexts are intergospel contexts of acts, cycles, and units. Intragospel contexts of how the four-fold witness supports this story. Finally, canonical and historical-redemptive contexts.
- Resummarize findings seeing the overlap and expansion after thinking through the contexts.
- Finally, apply/teach by asking these questions: Fallen Condition Questions (what does this story reveal about broken humanity), Redemptive Solution Questions (what does this story reveal about God's solution in Christ), and finally Virtue Focus Question (what does this story call me into).
Pennington writes a fantastic book that would bring rich depth to your approach to the gospels. But, it is not written for a lay-audience. Certain sections would be effective for lay readers but the book is quite technical and requires certain vocabulary/background knowledge to glean from. But, for those prepared to wade into these waters (Pastors, Teachers, Educators) this book is invaluable.
March 9, 2024
I don’t doubt that this book will have an enduring influence on my reading of the Gospels and all of Scripture (hence the 5-star rating, which I try to reserve for life-altering reads).
I commend this book as worthwhile reading for any faithful Christian who has a nagging suspicion that something is missing when they get to the Gospels in their yearly Bible reading plan or hear them preached. It provides not only a blueprint for reading and understanding the Gospels in alignment with their purpose and character (historical, theological, and aretological or virtue-forming narratives which reveal Jesus as gift and example), but also gives one a foundational grasp of hermeneutics and the nature of history to the extent it is helpful for reading Scripture wisely. This book, most importantly, casts a vision for being the kind of person who approaches Holy Scripture with humility and wisdom, leading one to desire transformation of character through personal, spiritual engagement with God’s Word, in continuity with the way Scripture has been read and interpreted throughout the ages.
I commend this book as worthwhile reading for any faithful Christian who has a nagging suspicion that something is missing when they get to the Gospels in their yearly Bible reading plan or hear them preached. It provides not only a blueprint for reading and understanding the Gospels in alignment with their purpose and character (historical, theological, and aretological or virtue-forming narratives which reveal Jesus as gift and example), but also gives one a foundational grasp of hermeneutics and the nature of history to the extent it is helpful for reading Scripture wisely. This book, most importantly, casts a vision for being the kind of person who approaches Holy Scripture with humility and wisdom, leading one to desire transformation of character through personal, spiritual engagement with God’s Word, in continuity with the way Scripture has been read and interpreted throughout the ages.
February 12, 2019
Fantastic book. Pennington not only serves up good, thoughtful, precise, and insightful scholarship and guidance on reading the Gospels well, but he does so in an incredibly engaging, enjoyable, and understandable manner. I highly recommend this book for any serious student and/or teacher of the Bible wanting to increase his or her reading of, not only the gospels, but all Biblical narrative.
December 13, 2019
“Our canonical Gospels are the theological, historical, and aretological (virtue-forming) biographical narratives that retell the story and proclaim the significance of Jesus Christ, Who through the power of the Spirit is the Restorer of God’s Reign.”
This is the author’s definition of the Gospels. Scholarly, yet very pastoral. He def stirs you to want to read the gospels more frequently, seeing their vital significance to our understanding of theology. Strongly recommend this resource to gain a better understanding on how to read the gospels wiser and more responsibly.
This is the author’s definition of the Gospels. Scholarly, yet very pastoral. He def stirs you to want to read the gospels more frequently, seeing their vital significance to our understanding of theology. Strongly recommend this resource to gain a better understanding on how to read the gospels wiser and more responsibly.
December 31, 2012
Pennington provides an introduction to the Gospels from the perspective of an evangelical participant in the theological interpretation of Scripture "movement." Pennington's work reflects both the strengths and weaknesses of a TIS approach.
Strong points in the book in include:
○ Pennington's examination of what the Gospels are (including a survey of how the word "gospel" is used in the Gospels, Gospel as a genre, the relation of Gospel to bioi, and the purposes for which the Gospels were written. Pennington settles on the following definition: "Our canonical Gospels are the theological, historical, and aretological (virtue-forming) biographical narratives that retell the story and proclaim the significance of Jesus Christ, who through the power of the Spirit is the Restorer of God's reign" (35).
○ an examination of the historical nature of the Gospels that interacts with N. T. Wright's work on the historical Jesus. Pennington rightly refuses to pit history and theology against each other. But he faults Wright for "methodological naturalism" and for building his theology not upon the Gospel texts themselves but upon his reconstructed background. Pennington argues that the Gospels must be received as testimony. As such they are historical, but they are also theologically shaped.
○ Pennington's detailed method that moves the reader from narrative analysis through to personal and pastoral application. This may be the most useful part of the book. This section of the book will be received most beneficially if it is practiced on several Gospel texts rather than merely read. It is this section that is worth the price of the book.
Weak points include:
○ pitting the epistles, especially the Pauline epistles, against the Gospels. Pennington is a conservative evangelical, so he recognizes the full inspiration and importance of both the Gospels and the epistles. But he accepts the common charge that evangelicals privilege Paul and justification and the expense of the Gospels and the kingdom. He seems to over-react by arguing the Gospels should be privileged. Just as he argues that the Epistles cannot be understood apart from the storyline provided in the Gospels, so I would argue that the Gospels cannot rightly be understood apart from the more propositional revelation in the Epistles. All parts of the canon work together.
○ wrong reaction to the historical-critical method that emerged in the Enlightenment period. Like many theological interpreters Pennington argues for a return to patristic hermeneutics with an openness to spiritual sense of Scripture. But pre-critical interpretation cannot be limited to the fathers alone. The problems with their multi-sense approach to interpretation was already becoming clear by the end of the Middle Ages.* The Reformers are both pre-critical and decisively reject the allegorical method of the fathers. They provide a better hermeneutical model.** The approach of the Reformers will provide Pennington with all the richness of meaning that he desires to find. And in any event, the approach of the fathers cannot be adopted without addressing the problems that led it the abandonment of their approach.
In all Pennington's work provides a helpful approach to reading and understanding the Gospels, but he could strengthen his approach by engaging more critically with aspects of the Theological Interpretation "movement."
* See Nicholas M. Healy, "Introduction," in Thomas G. Weinandy, Daniel A. Keating, and John P. Yocum, Aquinas on Scripture (New York: T & T Clark, 2005), 7-9; Beryl Smalley, The Study of the Bible in the Middle Ages (University of Notre Dame Press, 1964), 281-92.
** See T.H.L. Parker Calvin's Old Testament Commentaries (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1986), 70, 81; idem, Calvin's New Testament Commentaries, 2nd ed. (Louisville: WJK, 1993), 282-85.
Strong points in the book in include:
○ Pennington's examination of what the Gospels are (including a survey of how the word "gospel" is used in the Gospels, Gospel as a genre, the relation of Gospel to bioi, and the purposes for which the Gospels were written. Pennington settles on the following definition: "Our canonical Gospels are the theological, historical, and aretological (virtue-forming) biographical narratives that retell the story and proclaim the significance of Jesus Christ, who through the power of the Spirit is the Restorer of God's reign" (35).
○ an examination of the historical nature of the Gospels that interacts with N. T. Wright's work on the historical Jesus. Pennington rightly refuses to pit history and theology against each other. But he faults Wright for "methodological naturalism" and for building his theology not upon the Gospel texts themselves but upon his reconstructed background. Pennington argues that the Gospels must be received as testimony. As such they are historical, but they are also theologically shaped.
○ Pennington's detailed method that moves the reader from narrative analysis through to personal and pastoral application. This may be the most useful part of the book. This section of the book will be received most beneficially if it is practiced on several Gospel texts rather than merely read. It is this section that is worth the price of the book.
Weak points include:
○ pitting the epistles, especially the Pauline epistles, against the Gospels. Pennington is a conservative evangelical, so he recognizes the full inspiration and importance of both the Gospels and the epistles. But he accepts the common charge that evangelicals privilege Paul and justification and the expense of the Gospels and the kingdom. He seems to over-react by arguing the Gospels should be privileged. Just as he argues that the Epistles cannot be understood apart from the storyline provided in the Gospels, so I would argue that the Gospels cannot rightly be understood apart from the more propositional revelation in the Epistles. All parts of the canon work together.
○ wrong reaction to the historical-critical method that emerged in the Enlightenment period. Like many theological interpreters Pennington argues for a return to patristic hermeneutics with an openness to spiritual sense of Scripture. But pre-critical interpretation cannot be limited to the fathers alone. The problems with their multi-sense approach to interpretation was already becoming clear by the end of the Middle Ages.* The Reformers are both pre-critical and decisively reject the allegorical method of the fathers. They provide a better hermeneutical model.** The approach of the Reformers will provide Pennington with all the richness of meaning that he desires to find. And in any event, the approach of the fathers cannot be adopted without addressing the problems that led it the abandonment of their approach.
In all Pennington's work provides a helpful approach to reading and understanding the Gospels, but he could strengthen his approach by engaging more critically with aspects of the Theological Interpretation "movement."
* See Nicholas M. Healy, "Introduction," in Thomas G. Weinandy, Daniel A. Keating, and John P. Yocum, Aquinas on Scripture (New York: T & T Clark, 2005), 7-9; Beryl Smalley, The Study of the Bible in the Middle Ages (University of Notre Dame Press, 1964), 281-92.
** See T.H.L. Parker Calvin's Old Testament Commentaries (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1986), 70, 81; idem, Calvin's New Testament Commentaries, 2nd ed. (Louisville: WJK, 1993), 282-85.
December 9, 2014
December 9, 2014. Edit: I just read for a second time. Upgraded the rating to 5 stars because of the subsequent impact this book has had on me since first reading.
First review: December 7, 2012
For its size, this book is deceivingly dense! Purchased after seeing lots of really fascinating dialogue happening on the internets in lieu of some arguments Dr. P proposed (e.g. the chapter on "canon within a canon"). I quickly realized that this was an introduction, though not at an introductory reading level.
Much of the content discussed I found wildly fascinating. Specifically, the chapter on the Gospels & History, "Why We Need the Gospels,"and the "Canon Within A Canon" chapter. Most notably, I felt very much introduced to certain scholastic discussions that I previously didn't know much about, but knew they were important.
But more than that, Dr. Pennington writes with pastoral warmth. From his clever illustrations (the mother-in-law with the refrigerator magnet of Jeremiah 29:11) to other helpful ways to bring otherwise "high knowledge" down to those dim-witted students like myself. I not only felt like I walked away with a greater knowledge and love for the Gospels, but in many ways, felt cared for by a friend and brother who, more than anything else, wants me to read the Gospels with wisdom.
Though there are some things that I'll likely walk away disagreeing with (I just finished so I haven't had much time to process as my brain is fried), it can't be said that I didn't think and feel challenged. I am very grateful for Dr. Pennington's work and will be recommending it to friends.
First review: December 7, 2012
For its size, this book is deceivingly dense! Purchased after seeing lots of really fascinating dialogue happening on the internets in lieu of some arguments Dr. P proposed (e.g. the chapter on "canon within a canon"). I quickly realized that this was an introduction, though not at an introductory reading level.
Much of the content discussed I found wildly fascinating. Specifically, the chapter on the Gospels & History, "Why We Need the Gospels,"and the "Canon Within A Canon" chapter. Most notably, I felt very much introduced to certain scholastic discussions that I previously didn't know much about, but knew they were important.
But more than that, Dr. Pennington writes with pastoral warmth. From his clever illustrations (the mother-in-law with the refrigerator magnet of Jeremiah 29:11) to other helpful ways to bring otherwise "high knowledge" down to those dim-witted students like myself. I not only felt like I walked away with a greater knowledge and love for the Gospels, but in many ways, felt cared for by a friend and brother who, more than anything else, wants me to read the Gospels with wisdom.
Though there are some things that I'll likely walk away disagreeing with (I just finished so I haven't had much time to process as my brain is fried), it can't be said that I didn't think and feel challenged. I am very grateful for Dr. Pennington's work and will be recommending it to friends.
September 17, 2019
Really helpful. "Our canonical Gospels are theological, historical, and arteological (virtue-forming) biographical narratives that retell the story and proclaim the significance of Jesus Christ, who through the power of the Spirit is the Restorer of God's reign." (Page 35)
Interviews here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl...
https://wheatonblog.wordpress.com/201...
Videos here:
(1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXRnz...
(2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s90rJ...
(3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmP4G...
Reviews here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/re...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl...
Website here:
http://readingwisely.com
Interviews here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl...
https://wheatonblog.wordpress.com/201...
Videos here:
(1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXRnz...
(2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s90rJ...
(3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmP4G...
Reviews here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/re...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl...
Website here:
http://readingwisely.com
September 12, 2022
Jonathan Pennington has spent time not only in the lofty libraries of theology and exegesis but also in the plain cornfields of everyday life. He writes in a way that farmers can understand and that seminary students can glean much from. His writing is fantastic. It has all the aspects of what I consider good communication: depth of thought, powerful command of language, clear organization, pointed argumentation, vivid illustration, and a humility that draws on the ideas of others such that the book’s effect on the reader feels like the effect of a hundred books. Pennington penetrates through the theologian’s bubble of abstraction in Lewis-like manner, calling his readers to see the fourfold Gospels as the keystone of all Scripture and to read them with the result of Spirit-empowered love for God and people. Reading the Gospels Wisely has not only earned a place among my top-five seminary books, but more significantly, I am convinced that its lessons will affect my Bible reading for the rest of my life. Bravo, Pennington, Bravo!
September 3, 2019
A useful book in addressing how we read and interpret the gospels. Full of useful tools for understanding narrative, for discerning theological and pastoral content within a narrative, and for applying the gospels to the Christian life.
Read this for the second time while preaching through Luke, and I was increasingly appreciative of his frustration with modern scholarship on the gospels, which is overly (sometimes exclusively) focused on answering questions of historicity and source criticism, to the neglect of addressing the authors' goal in recounting these particular events in Christ's life. His exhortations and considerations of how there is rich doctrinal, devotional, and practical insight in the gospels are more needed than I think I had realized before.
That said, the errors he aims to correct seem to me to be more the flaws of the academy than of regular Christians reading their bibles (ie, preferring Paul to Jesus).
While there are many useful exegetical tools here, there are also some bones to pick out. Pennington's reference and appeal to modern reader-responsive theory in arguing for multiple meanings in the text (mainly chapters 6&7) seem to depend on a reductionistic view of how a text can be used, and how the intended meaning of a text (by the human author) must relate to the way the text is utilized in building up the church (by the divine author). Moreover, while he at times seem to indicate that this is no more than reading the bible as the church fathers did, almost entirely his citations in these chapters are just from modern readers arguing the father read this way, rather than from the fathers themselves). Likewise, his closing argument for the gospels as the capstone for the canon feels far-fetched, and seems be grounded on arguments that equate the gospel accounts with Christ himself.
Pennington is both frustrating and insightful (frustratingly insightful?). Useful as a provocative conversation partner, and helps address some of the weaknesses of much of the modern gospel-commentary discussion, but gives away too much in other directions too.
Read this for the second time while preaching through Luke, and I was increasingly appreciative of his frustration with modern scholarship on the gospels, which is overly (sometimes exclusively) focused on answering questions of historicity and source criticism, to the neglect of addressing the authors' goal in recounting these particular events in Christ's life. His exhortations and considerations of how there is rich doctrinal, devotional, and practical insight in the gospels are more needed than I think I had realized before.
That said, the errors he aims to correct seem to me to be more the flaws of the academy than of regular Christians reading their bibles (ie, preferring Paul to Jesus).
While there are many useful exegetical tools here, there are also some bones to pick out. Pennington's reference and appeal to modern reader-responsive theory in arguing for multiple meanings in the text (mainly chapters 6&7) seem to depend on a reductionistic view of how a text can be used, and how the intended meaning of a text (by the human author) must relate to the way the text is utilized in building up the church (by the divine author). Moreover, while he at times seem to indicate that this is no more than reading the bible as the church fathers did, almost entirely his citations in these chapters are just from modern readers arguing the father read this way, rather than from the fathers themselves). Likewise, his closing argument for the gospels as the capstone for the canon feels far-fetched, and seems be grounded on arguments that equate the gospel accounts with Christ himself.
Pennington is both frustrating and insightful (frustratingly insightful?). Useful as a provocative conversation partner, and helps address some of the weaknesses of much of the modern gospel-commentary discussion, but gives away too much in other directions too.
December 26, 2024
I have read literally hundreds of books on theology, ministry, and biblical studies. If I had to choose just one book as the single most helpful, influential, and stand out book I've ever read on issues dealing with Scripture, this is the book I would choose. I've read it twice, taking extensive notes each time. I've given it away to a friend and bought another copy. I even chose this book to write a review for my masters program at Edinburgh. This book is truly a gift to the interpreter of the Gospels.
The book offers stellar insights on the Gospel accounts, and the Gospel massage. Insights that are from an evangelical perspective, but in many ways go against the grain of standard, cliched evangelical accounts of reading the Scriptures. Pennington engages with the most relevant scholarship of today, from multiple traditions, while never standing in judgment over the more liberal writers that he engages with. In fact he celebrates their value.
In perhaps the most helpful portion of the book, Pennington offers insightful critiques of historical critical models, and argues persuasively for a more narrative/literary reading model, a model I enthusiastically endorse. This is a phenomenal book that any reader of Scripture should read.
The book offers stellar insights on the Gospel accounts, and the Gospel massage. Insights that are from an evangelical perspective, but in many ways go against the grain of standard, cliched evangelical accounts of reading the Scriptures. Pennington engages with the most relevant scholarship of today, from multiple traditions, while never standing in judgment over the more liberal writers that he engages with. In fact he celebrates their value.
In perhaps the most helpful portion of the book, Pennington offers insightful critiques of historical critical models, and argues persuasively for a more narrative/literary reading model, a model I enthusiastically endorse. This is a phenomenal book that any reader of Scripture should read.
May 21, 2018
An indispensable introduction to the Gospels and overview of surrounding issues of composition, categorization, interpretation, and application of the Gospel narratives. The crux of the argument of the book is to encourage readers to recognize the prominence the Gospels deserve in the life of the church and her individual members. The greatest insights offered to me were a specific method of Gospel reading that leads to and encourages the real-life application of the stories as well as a compelling argument that the Gospels are the "keystone" of the archway of Scripture and are rightly understood as such.
May 13, 2013
The marks of a good book: it's well-written, thought-provoking, and a conversation-starter long after you finish the last page.
While I'm still wrestling through several issues, I have been challenged and encouraged to look at the Gospels anew and, especially, to approach them with a posture of humility and a desire for Christlikeness — in short, then, to read the Gospels wisely.
While I'm still wrestling through several issues, I have been challenged and encouraged to look at the Gospels anew and, especially, to approach them with a posture of humility and a desire for Christlikeness — in short, then, to read the Gospels wisely.
September 7, 2020
one of the best books of Biblical Scholarship I’ve read. Barth said that Bonhoeffer’s dissertation was a ‘theological miracle’ because it came out of Berlin. If you’ll allow me a little lattitude and a lot of hyperbole, Pennington’s work here is a ‘literary miracle’ coming out of Southern Seminary.
December 10, 2021
Really helpful book in understanding how to read, interpret, and apply in Gospels wisely. This booked changed the way I think about the gospels, and frankly changed the why I think about reading the entire Bible. It’s a technical read, but if you can press through the lofty vocabulary I think it would be a blessing to any Christian. Will definitely revisit this!
January 19, 2024
I typed out a whole review and then it kicked me out. I am too lazy to write it again. Read about 40% for class. His last chapter arguing that to read the gospels rightly is to read them as the Christian’s norming “canon with in the canon” was well argued, and has really challenged and convicted me of my disregard of the gospels. Just for my own memory, Dr. Compton said that his last chapter one was of the best he has ever written.
February 18, 2025
This was a challenging yet helpful overview of how to approach reading the gospels well. I appreciated both the historical background to the various criticisms and also the application in studying/reading/preaching. It is certainly an academic read - great for bible college students in later years or early masters work. The first half to three-quarters of the book is particularly dense but it lightens up in the later chapters. I don't doubt I will be re-reading this one at some point.
June 3, 2020
Part 1 was my favorite.
April 26, 2022
Great book that really redefined how I read and treat the gospels in my daily life and overall approach to Scripture.
January 20, 2024
I have a few questions about reader response criticism, but it’s a very good book.
May 1, 2025
The only thing I enjoyed about reading this book is that it turned into a good fan when I got hot. But I’m probably being a bit too harsh.
February 21, 2025
It was fine
November 19, 2024
Good content, HARD read
April 24, 2021
Decent? Read this for Senior Theology. Never got too much out of it, but Edwards had already covered a lot of the principles with us. Anyways 🤷♀️
June 9, 2024
Dense at times, overall very instructive. I appreciated how methodically Pennington built up his argument - it resulted in really compelling application later on in the book.
December 29, 2012
Pennington’s book is divided into three parts: “Clearing Ground, Digging Deep, and Laying a Good Foundation,” “Building the House through Wise Reading,” and “Living in the Gospels House.” The first part, by far the longest, discusses gospel studies on a general hermeneutical level as well as engaging with the current conversation in academia. Pennington’s communication of the current state of gospel studies is cogent and coherent, especially his discussion of history-as-theology and theology-as-history (and finding the proper balance between these two extremes). The part of this discussion that involved a brief history of interpretation and mild critique of N.T. Wright’s approach was especially insightful. Moreover, Pennington’s priority of the right “posture” of interpretation was a highlight of the book for me.
The second part covers the actual “nuts and bolts” of the hermeneutics of the Four-Fold Gospel. He makes a strong case for the validity of Narrative Analysis while providing some helpful guidelines for increased proficiency in gospel-reading. Pennington continues to focus on the “posture” of interpretation of the gospels by advocating for a strong emphasis on application in preaching and teaching after the hard work of narrative analysis is done. The third part ties together all loose ends and makes a case for seeing the gospels as the “keystone” of the canon, meaning the “interpretive lens” for all other canonical reading. While I am not sure I agree with all of his conclusions, Pennington’s work has certainly been a paradigm shifting work for me. After reading this work I can say that, by God’s grace, I will read the gospels more wisely, especially in regard to posture in reading and application in preaching and teaching. I highly recommend this book for any seminarian or series student of the gospels.
The second part covers the actual “nuts and bolts” of the hermeneutics of the Four-Fold Gospel. He makes a strong case for the validity of Narrative Analysis while providing some helpful guidelines for increased proficiency in gospel-reading. Pennington continues to focus on the “posture” of interpretation of the gospels by advocating for a strong emphasis on application in preaching and teaching after the hard work of narrative analysis is done. The third part ties together all loose ends and makes a case for seeing the gospels as the “keystone” of the canon, meaning the “interpretive lens” for all other canonical reading. While I am not sure I agree with all of his conclusions, Pennington’s work has certainly been a paradigm shifting work for me. After reading this work I can say that, by God’s grace, I will read the gospels more wisely, especially in regard to posture in reading and application in preaching and teaching. I highly recommend this book for any seminarian or series student of the gospels.
February 4, 2015
This book has easily been the highlight book of my entire seminary career. I have and will continue to encourage all of my seminary and pastor friends to not simply read this book but to meditate on it.
Pennington's focus is that readers of Holy Scripture would not simply be hearers but doers as well. He rightly begins with a clear definition of the gospel message that is not reduced to the "soterian gospel" as McKnight calls it, but rather that is focused on the meta-narrative of scripture, focused on the kingdom of God.
Pennington's most in-depth chapter was his chapter on history. He recognizes that our understanding of history, which has been highly affected by a modernistic worldview, has restricted our interpretation of scripture. Modernity, with its heavily influential notions regarding objectivity, have led us to seek a singular focus of scripture. This idea has led the work of biblical interpretation to not only be reduced to the scholarly level, but also to the almost near removal of the aretological (virtue forming) aspect of scripture.
Pennington's thesis, in regards to history, has been very foundational for my understanding of scripture. There is SO much more that I could say about this book, but these ideas have been fundamentally influential for me. I am very much looking forward to reading this book again!
Pennington's focus is that readers of Holy Scripture would not simply be hearers but doers as well. He rightly begins with a clear definition of the gospel message that is not reduced to the "soterian gospel" as McKnight calls it, but rather that is focused on the meta-narrative of scripture, focused on the kingdom of God.
Pennington's most in-depth chapter was his chapter on history. He recognizes that our understanding of history, which has been highly affected by a modernistic worldview, has restricted our interpretation of scripture. Modernity, with its heavily influential notions regarding objectivity, have led us to seek a singular focus of scripture. This idea has led the work of biblical interpretation to not only be reduced to the scholarly level, but also to the almost near removal of the aretological (virtue forming) aspect of scripture.
Pennington's thesis, in regards to history, has been very foundational for my understanding of scripture. There is SO much more that I could say about this book, but these ideas have been fundamentally influential for me. I am very much looking forward to reading this book again!
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