A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Exegesis: Taking the Fear out of Critical Method

by Richard J. Erickson

Let's face it. Just the word exegesis puts some of us on edge. We are excited about learning to interpret the Bible, but the thought of exegetical method evokes a chill. Some textbooks on exegesis do nothing to overcome these apprehensions. The language is dense. The concepts are hard. And the expectations are way too high. However, the skills that we need to learn are ones that a minister of the gospel will use every week. Exegesis provides the process for listening, for hearing the biblical text as if you were an ordinary intelligent person listening to a letter from Paul or a Gospel of Mark in first-century Corinth or Ephesus or Antioch. This book by Richard Erickson will help you learn this skill. Thoroughly accessible to students, it clearly introduces the essential methods of interpreting the New Testament, giving students a solid grasp of basic skills while encouraging practice and holding out manageable goals and expectations. Numerous helps and illustrations clarify, summarize and illuminate the principles. And a wealth of exercises tied to each chapter are available on the web. This is a book distinguished not so much by what it covers as by it removes the "fear factor" of exegesis. There are many guides to New Testament exegesis, but this one is the most accessible--and fun!

Genres: Theology, Reference, New Testament

239 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2005

Reviews

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Subjectively, this is 2/5, but if I were to be more objective, I'd give it 4/5. This book is assigned in a mandatory Exegesis course I have to take (it is better than the OT Exegesis book also assigned!). Part of the problem is that it feels like reading a high school math textbook that explains a mathematical concept (e.g. algebra) to you without you having to apply the teaching through doing the (algebra) work. I DO have to do exegesis assignments, but I don't have to consult this book. But if I was looking for a helpful guide as I begin writing a sermon and engaging in the exegetical process, this would be a valuable book. Richard J. Erickson writes clearly and reassuringly. He cracks jokes. He constantly encourages the developing exegete by reminding them they can only "do their best" and that perfection is impossible, especially since there is so much material to consult and the simple fact that daily life means we often have less time that we think we need to craft an ideal sermon. Erickson offers lots of tips and recommendations throughout, including that readers work through 1-2 non-biblical texts every year so as to immerse themselves in the biblical world's milieu. Erickson is also incredibly courteous; for instance, even though he clearly disagrees with extremist views on Revelation, he praises such radical Christians for trying to be faithful to the Bible and take it seriously.

[Neil Harmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could, I would have given a 3.5 rating. I just finally finished this book. It was a secondary textbook for a New Testament course that I took last year. All-in-all, I found the "Elements of Biblical Exegesis" alternate text a little more practically useful. It had more step by step suggestions and sample exegetical writings. Having said that, this book added some useful dimensions and was well worth reading. It spent some time discussing Biblical Greek as well as how to use the popular (I.e. UBS) Greek and interlinear Bibles. It also discussed the role of Exegesis in the routine life of today's clergy. He also has a very reassuring style encouraging today's exegetes to work but not expect or get discouraged by not achieving perfection. He also explained the relationship between exegesis and hermeneutics very clearly!

[Adam Balshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars [Literary]
A decent book on New Testament exegesis and hermeneutics. His organization (especially chapter content decisions) and style were sub-par, though his syntax was at times excellent. Moderate use of xenocultural classifications and parallels (always enjoyable). I underlined often, and might keep it as a worthy reference, but I will certainly not read it through again.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to many of the issues involved with Greek and New Testament Exegesis. Erickson explains any terms that readers may not be familiar with in helpful ways and with some humor at times as well. Helpful introduction to the topics.

[Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you tell me if exist one of this one in Spanish?????? I want buy it in Spanish!!!!
My Email: jfarrat@aol.com

Thanks

Pastor Jorge Farrat
Christ for The Nations Institute Dallas