Preaching in the New Testament (Volume 42)

New Studies in Biblical Theology #42

by D.A. Carson, Jonathan Griffiths

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.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, New Testament, Christian

153 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2017

About the author

Donald A. Carson is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has been at Trinity since 1978. Carson came to Trinity from the faculty of Northwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he also served for two years as academic dean. He has served as assistant pastor and pastor and has done itinerant ministry in Canada and the United Kingdom. Carson received the Bachelor of Science in chemistry from McGill University, the Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto, and the Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Cambridge. Carson is an active guest lecturer in academic and church settings around the world. He has written or edited about sixty books. He is a founding member and currently president of The Gospel Coalition. Carson and his wife, Joy, reside in Libertyville, Illinois. They have two adult children.

Reviews

[Garrison Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Anyone seeking to grow in understanding the importance and centrality of the ministry of preaching would do well to read this book.

[Zach Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exegetical labors of this volume would be a helpful remedy to many ills in contemporary ministry.

[Ethan Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good introductory study to the concept of preaching in the NT. The book is exegetically driven so it primarily consists in the exegesis of key texts in the NT about preaching. The book does not claim to be comprehensive, but it lays a solid foundation on which one could explore the theology of preaching in the NT. My only criticism would be that Griffiths lacked an in-depth discussion on the distinction and relationship of preaching and prophecy in the NT. This would not necessarily have to be included in such a study, but because Griffiths made such a big point of connecting preaching to OT prophecy, it seems he needed to address this question. He did slightly touch on it in the conclusion, but he never defined NT prophecy and how it functioned in the church. It also seems that it would need to be addressed because in the history of interpretation, NT prophecy has very often been equated with preaching (e.g. many Puritans). This was the only glaring weakness in the book in my opinion. Griffiths established that preaching is performed by commissioned individuals, is focused on Christ throughout all the Scriptures, and is God himself addressing his people. These are helpful points both for those who preach and those who sit under preaching.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Laramie Gildon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. If you have the desire to preach, have been a preacher for a while or want to better understand the role of the preacher, this book will be really helpful.

I like to think of myself as a simple man who likes simple books or at least, read things in plain English or explained plainly. This book was a bit technical, but was very pastoral in its delivery. I believe I’ll be able to pass this book along to lay people and they will be able to grasp the intent of he book.

I’ve really grown to appreciate this series and look forward to reading more of them in the very near future. This book comes highly recommended from me, so take that for what it’s worth 🤷🏽‍♂️

[Timothy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much I could talk about with this one, so much. But two things, first, pastors are the mouthpiece of God, when they speak the word faithfully God speaks, and it has to be this way because it is only through the power of Gods word that we as sinners can be saved. The pastors are called to exhort, and exhortation that involves a warning and an invitation. We are given the privilege to hear the voice of God, with that comes immense responsibility. Second, the church is the most elegant and beautiful representation of the Holy City of Zion that we are all citizens of as believers. We are commanded to “approach” Christ corporately and boldly, just as the OT priest did through the veil, we are to do so with Christ as our high priest, that is the corporate priesthood all believers. When we do so we commune with not only the presence of Christ, but believers throughout the world and time. What a beautiful piece of grace offered to us!

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 4 out of 5]

No quibbles. If anything, I finished the book wishing I could ask Jonathan more questions to which I’m certain he would carefully and yet clearly be able to respond. This is a great resource, especially for those who want a distinct and biblically-rich view of “preaching.”

[Jack Schutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and helpful, but underwhelming. Probably needed more pages to fully make his case.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griffths takes nothing for granted in this brief survey of NT literature on the nature of preaching, which makes his findings very useful for establishing a firm foundation for our understanding of the pastor's weekly task. The author demonstrates exactly how important and weighty the unique work of proclaiming the word of God to the assembled Church is. Highly recommended for anyone who preaches, plans to preach, or wonders why we need preaching ministers.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This recent release in the New Studies in Biblical Theology (NSBT) series, written by Jonathan I. Griffiths and edited by D. A. Carson, is a winner! It matches the depth of the series that is respected all around while having something to say about preaching that will be meaningful to every preacher. While I have read and enjoyed many volumes on the subject of preaching in the New Testament, this one is different and lives up to its subtitle in that it goes hard after being an exegetical and biblical-theological study. In other words, it’s less a motivational approach and more of a declaration of what the New Testament specifically says about preaching. By the end of the volume, you will have no doubt that the task of the preacher, or “authoritative public proclamation”, is the design of the Lord revealed in the New Testament.

After a brief Introduction explaining the purpose of this book, the author tackles in Part 1 what he calls foundational matters. He will explain in three chapters the basis of the Word of God in biblical theology as well as the key Greek words for “preaching” in the New Testament. That chapter on those keywords is fascinating (don’t miss the fine charts) and really proves the authors premise by its end. This section is followed by an excursus on who the preachers are in Philippians chapter 1.

Part 2 covering chapters 4 through 9 exegetes six key passages where preaching is discussed in the New Testament. 2 Timothy 3-4, Romans 10, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 2-6, 1 Thessalonians 1-2, and Hebrews are all superbly covered. In some cases, the focus is on a few chapters while others trace words for “preaching” throughout an entire New Testament book. The author succeeds in both of these approaches, and again, in my opinion, proves the place of preaching in the New Testament beyond doubt.

Chapter 10 shares a summary and conclusions. He gives a summary of exegetical findings, followed by his biblical–theological conclusions. I found it easy to agree with every one of his conclusions made here after reading this book. In a day when preaching is held in less repute than former days, this book is just what we need. I’m glad it’s been written and glad to recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Kiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a long academic monograph series dedicated to biblical theology, this work focuses on mining the most salient exegetical data of the New Testament in order expose and expound a robust and clear biblical theology of preaching. I think it more than succeeds at its task. This series is especially helpful to the professional class and laity because it transliterates all original language references into English characters, and is designed to serve both scholar and pastor. After the analysis of linguistic data on preaching in then New Testament is complete the author asserts that it can be authoritatively said that preaching is a proclamation of God’s word, carried out by recognized leaders with a commission to preach, is an authoritative proclamation, and is carried out in a public context. The evidence leads the author to theological statements such as Christian preaching stands in a line of continuity with the preaching of Jesus and the apostles, and the Old Testament prophetic tradition, and that the nature of preaching uniquely reflects the nature of the gospel, among others. Two of the questions that are addressed that I found helpful are what are “word ministries” other than preaching that apply to the whole church and not just those commissioned to specifically preach? These were things such as other forms of teaching, or discipleship, or evangelism. Another key question addressed was if there is evidence for a post-apostolic practice of preaching like the apostles did embedded in the New Testament? Has just been created from church tradition as an addition to it? The clear answer provided in the study is that there is indeed a mandate for this manner of preaching, especially in Paul’s letters to Timothy. Overall just an excellent and uplifting book. 133 pages of biblical scholarship on the act of preaching and role of the preacher in the New Testament and after.

[Ian Caveny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jonathan I. Griffiths' helpful monograph on preaching in the New Testament (as the title suggests!) follows the contours of NT preaching ministries through a careful look at specific Greek terms (ευαγγελίζονται, καταγγέλλω, κηρύσσω), thorough reflection on our typical presuppositions, and quick (and sharp) investigation of key moments of NT discussion on the topic.

Griffiths' narrow focus allows for a helpful summation of views near the end, bolstered by his exegesis of the various passages, leading to a suitably authoritative set of claims. But there is a bunch of questions that, in the end, he leaves unanswered that the curious reader will surely be interested in pursuing.

For instance, Griffiths emphasizes the Scriptural insistence that the preacher is speaking the Word of God, a profound and heavy statement. But what are the bounds of that reality? Is this some type of Word-Sacrament? Can this be neutralized by a false preacher? What constitutes the "real" Word of God proclaimed by the preacher and the "false"?

Nevertheless, his regular focus on the specific task-on-hand is admirable - the desire to universalize and generalize is a common temptation to theological writers - and his readings in Hebrews are clearly well-versed by his own previous work on the book.

Overall, Griffiths provides a solid foundational text for beginning a theology of preaching, allowing for future theologians to begin to wrestle with the complexities revealed therein.

[Tyler Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in my seminary days, I wrote a paper interacting with a little clause in the Westminster Large Catechism that says that the sacraments are only to be administered by a "minister of the Word lawfully ordained." Practically, I was a bit confused why (in my tradition, the PCA, a two office reformed church) a ruling elder could not fence the table and lead the congregation in communion. That led me to need to wrestle the concept of the offices in the new covenant church and the idea of ordination more broadly. This work, was one that was in a lot of the footnotes: apparently arguing that Griffiths demonstrates that preaching (and by extension, administering the sacraments) is a job best suited for clergy.

While none of this was Griffiths central aim, I really enjoyed this book. It's very concise, clear, and persuasively argued. I'm convinced that euangelizomai, katangello, and kerysso are semi-technical terms for the unique act of preaching. I appreciate the acknowledgement that preaching is not the only form of word ministry (I may have pressed this point a tad harder). But preaching as a special place in the life of the church.

Also, I need to figure out what speech-act theory is.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a biblical theology of preaching in the New Testament. The author seeks to find the link, if it exists, from prophetic preaching, to Jesus, to Paul, to Timothy, and to post-apostolic preaching today. He makes a good argument in exegetical fashion with examination of three key terms for preaching in the New Testament and some key textual passages relevant to preaching.

This is not a how-to book, so it will not be much help to learn how to preach. The book deals more with the why of preaching and emphasizes that preaching God's word as he has given it is how God's voice is heard today. He focuses on the public proclamation of God's word in the assembly of God's people, but he also give some remarks to other facets of word ministry.

This book is more a foundational study of preaching. Though not teaching how to preach, explaining the foundation of preaching will surely shape how it is done. This book isn't light reading, but it isn't too technical. I enjoyed the thought provoking study and will return to it again for reference.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is “preaching” a requirement for churches and if so what it is? These are the questions that Jonathan Griffiths looks to answer in this book. In working towards an answer, the author provides an immense amount of exegetical work resulting in an avalanche of an answer. Yes, preaching is required for churches, and it consists in rightly commissioned authorities proclaiming Christ from the Scriptures. In Griffiths own words, “the public proclamation of the word of God in the Christian assembly has a clear mandate from Scripture and occupies a place of central importance in the life of the local church. Preaching is necessary and vital - but not all sufficient - for the nourishment and edification of the local church…The primary feeding and teaching of God’s people should come from preaching that takes place week by week in the assembly.” Whole the book is academic in nature, those willing to enter the exegetical mines will find much gold here.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on preaching in the NT. It is clearly written and beautifully unfolds the glory of preaching. My only criticism is that the author sometimes seems to not fully develop the implications of what his exegesis has demonstrated. One interesting example is that preaching in the NT is frequently shared or involves a team. He does not explore the implications of that observation in American church life where often one "senior pastor" does almost all of the preaching. I wondered a bit whether he might for one reason or another be hesitant to fully develop what he had seen in his study. But this is an excellent study and should encourage the reader with the glory of preaching.

[Carl Di-Palma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent examination of the place, purpose and power of preaching in the New Testament. This isn't a how to book, rather it is a why we should book that looks at the scriptural warrant for preaching in the New Testament and in doing so gives the current church affirmation of the importance and centrality of preaching as teaching, nurturing, feeding and pastoring in every age, for " The Church is formed through the word of God, and it is through the preaching of the word especially that God addresses his people and meets them" ( Griffiths, 2017,p. 132-133).

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book — very straightforward and insightful

This book was an incredibly helpful book in not only understanding the role of preaching in the New Testament but how the NT vision connects with the church today. It works through the major biblical words, texts, and ideas in a way that is straight forward and helps the reader see how the idea of preaching is carried forth across the NT canon. As one who preaches, this book left me invigorated and humbled, while also providing me have a solid biblical foundation for the work of preaching.

[Nick Loveless · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal book in the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. What is preaching? Is it necessary? Who can preach? How do we distinguish preaching from other ministries of the Word? These and other questions are answered by Griffiths in this short and insightful study of NT preaching. Anyone who desires to plant churches or lead God’s people would do well to read this book in one hand and their Bible in the other, weighing Griffith’s arguments.

[Peter Krol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen many books about how to preach, but far too few about what preaching is or why to do it. Griffiths does a marvelous job allowing Scripture to determine a theology of preaching. He doesn't proof-text; he exposits large passages that address the topic (1 Thess 1-2, 2 Cor 2-6, Hebrews 1-13, Romans 10, etc.). Highly recommended.

[Jason Kolar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has its place in classrooms, but ultimately I felt I could have read the conclusion summary and received the same knowledge. The points this book makes are good, though I found the answers needing more explanation.

If you enjoy technical reading, then you would enjoy this book more than I did.

[Faly & Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall approach

The author defends and affirms the Litteral Grammatical Historical interpretation of Scripture and demonstrates the way preaching was done in the New Testament : expositing Scripture and demanding a response.
Good work.

[Tim Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffiths makes a compelling case through the disciplines of biblical and exegetical theology that preaching in the post-apostolic era is a thoroughly biblical practice, and therefore we should make our preaching thoroughly biblical.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief and very helpful little study on key NT words translated as preaching as well as how and when they are used, implications for today, exegetical studies of key passages. Very accessible.

[Christian Wermeskerch · Rating 4 out of 5]

admittedly brief (by the author), but a great overview of the technical aspect of preaching in the New Testament

[Eric Honsberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful. Clear. Concise. We must think about what preaching actually is.

[Glenn Wishnew III · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly, a lot of good content here. But the writing is just atrocious. A slog of slogs.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, useful, important, and inspiring study of preaching in the NT. A must-read for churches, ministers, and laypeople.

[Erik Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terse writing with compelling exposition makes for a brief but solid work. Anyone faced with the postmodern chic denigrating proclamation in favor of “dialogue” would find a helpful ally here.

[Josiah Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sound exegetical analysis leading to a helpful biblical theology of preaching. Very well argued and articulated; a good reference point for the future. Several significant practical implications too.