Introduction to the New Testament by Louis Berkhof

by Louis Berkhof

In his book, Introduction to the New Testament, Louis Berkhof investigates the history and purpose of the Gospels and Epistles in the New Testament. Berkhof's sections begin with a brief outline followed by a comprehensive look at the characteristics, authorship, composition, and canonical significance of each New Testament book. Preceding his discussion of the Gospels, Berkhof discusses the nature and inspiration of the Gospels in general, and introduces the Johannine problem, in which the first three Synoptic Gospels are set apart from the latter Gospel, John. Berkhof's Introduction relies on the findings of a wide range of New Testament scholars including the early Church Fathers. Berkhof's references are very easy to navigate which makes Introduction to the New Testament a prime text for student study. In fact, Berkhof intended this work to be utilized in the classroom at Calvin Theological Seminary where he taught for nearly 30 years until becoming its president in 1944.

Genres: Theology

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1915

About the author

Louis Berkhof (1873–1957) was a Reformed theologian best known for his Systematic Theology (1932). He taught for almost four decades at Calvin Theological Seminary and served as its president from 1931–1944. In his work on systematic theology Berkhof followed in the line of John Calvin and embraced the development of Reformed theology by the Dutch theologians Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck.

Selected publications:

Systematic Theology. Eerdmans, 1932; New Combined Edition, 1996.

The History of Christian Doctrines. Baker, 1978; Banner of Truth, revised, 1996.

Principles of Biblical Interpretation. Baker Academic, 1981; republished, 1994.

A Summary of Christian Doctrine. Eerdmans, 1939; Banner of Truth, 1960.

Reviews

[Dr Author O Wright, PhD, MinD, ThD, DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduction to the New Testament by Louis Berkhof is truly a noteworthy and academic approach to studying the origin and development of the New Testament. Dr. Berkhof meticulously examined every historical record of the first century following Christ’s death in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of Christ’s teaching and the Pentecostal formulation of the church. Written with a smattering of Koine Greek, Latin, and German, he presented a critical study of the biblical world of the early church and carefully described the incomparable role each writer played in shaping the sacred and cononized books of the New Testament. Particular attention was also given to the records of many of the Early Church Fathers and historians during that time. This book is truly an indispensable aid to enriching your knowledge of the New Testament. It is also highly recommended for biblical students who desire a deeper approach in New Testament study.