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In All the Scriptures: The Three Contexts of Biblical Hermeneutics
Biblical Foundations Book Awards Finalist
No one reads the Bible without some interpretive principles, or hermeneutics, in place. The question every student of Scripture needs to ask, then, is Are your interpretive principles and methods legitimate and ethical?
In this accessible introduction to biblical hermeneutics, Nicholas G. Piotrowski presents an approach that explores three layers of literary, historical, and christological. Because no text exists in the abstract, interpreters must seek to understand a passage's the flow and argument of the entire biblical book, the world of the original author and audience, and the movement of redemptive history that culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Careful interpretation is both a science and an art, Piotrowski argues, and it has powerful implications for what we believe and how we apply God's Word. Featuring numerous examples, further reading lists, and a glossary, In All the Scriptures equips students, pastors, and thoughtful readers to build a solid foundation for interpreting the Bible.
No one reads the Bible without some interpretive principles, or hermeneutics, in place. The question every student of Scripture needs to ask, then, is Are your interpretive principles and methods legitimate and ethical?
In this accessible introduction to biblical hermeneutics, Nicholas G. Piotrowski presents an approach that explores three layers of literary, historical, and christological. Because no text exists in the abstract, interpreters must seek to understand a passage's the flow and argument of the entire biblical book, the world of the original author and audience, and the movement of redemptive history that culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Careful interpretation is both a science and an art, Piotrowski argues, and it has powerful implications for what we believe and how we apply God's Word. Featuring numerous examples, further reading lists, and a glossary, In All the Scriptures equips students, pastors, and thoughtful readers to build a solid foundation for interpreting the Bible.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2021
23 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas G. Piotrowski
6 books1 followerNicholas G. Piotrowski (PhD, Wheaton College) is the president and academic dean at Indianapolis Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he also teaches hermeneutics and New Testament studies. Piotrowski is the author of Matthew's New David at the End of Exile.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 23, 2025
Man, this book challenged me...very thankful that Dr. P showed all the steps through which the text must be interpreted ethically and legitimately before any application can be made; often times I want to get to the application to the Christian life, the takeaway, the outcome, the 'what then shall I do?' And he wisely pumped the brakes on that, saving application for the last chapter, re-framing how to read and interpret the Scriptures. Ultimately, they are about God and His plan for redemption and recreation, and if we focus primarily on getting to the application we will miss the whole point of the text, the book, and the whole Bible overall.
Ch. 5 on biblical theology & Ch. 8 on application are must read's.
"[The Bible] is, therefore, a historically embedded revelation about God, and by God, for the glory of God, through the salvation of God's people. It is not an encyclopedia of pithy one-liners or a collection of disparate stories that we can abstract as we please to help us navigate the difficulties of life. It is not a counseling sourcebook or preaching lectionary. It does not aim to distill ten principles of leadership. It is certainly not a recipe book of placebos to distract us from reality. To be clear, it does help us navigate life, provide counseling wisdom, and give us material to preach. But that is not what it is. It is a historical record of God's saving acts. Understanding that first will guide us in what legitimate and ethical application looks like." p. 236
Ch. 5 on biblical theology & Ch. 8 on application are must read's.
"[The Bible] is, therefore, a historically embedded revelation about God, and by God, for the glory of God, through the salvation of God's people. It is not an encyclopedia of pithy one-liners or a collection of disparate stories that we can abstract as we please to help us navigate the difficulties of life. It is not a counseling sourcebook or preaching lectionary. It does not aim to distill ten principles of leadership. It is certainly not a recipe book of placebos to distract us from reality. To be clear, it does help us navigate life, provide counseling wisdom, and give us material to preach. But that is not what it is. It is a historical record of God's saving acts. Understanding that first will guide us in what legitimate and ethical application looks like." p. 236
January 16, 2025
I’m privileged that Dr. Piotrowski is not only in the Indianapolis area, but a member of my local church. The previous few years I have enjoyed listening to his teaching and giving his insight on the scriptures. Dr. Piotrowski’s love for Lord and the Bible radiates every time he has the opportunity to speak.
“In All the Scriptures” is no exception to that. He opens the book speaking into the reality that we all fall victim to bringing the lens of our cultural zeitgeist to our reading of the scriptures. Everyone who partakes in Bible reading does so with preconceived notions and beliefs that deeply embedded from the culture we live in. While we can’t completely detach ourselves from this, nor should we, Piotrowski urges the reader to interpret the bible in literary, historical, and christological contexts.
In a culture where the predominant way of reading the Bible is merely focused on application and asking “what does this verse/passage mean to me?”, the true challenge is to discover what the inspired biblical author’s originally intended, who their audience was and how it fits into the grand narrative of redemptive history. A weighty and difficult task, but nonetheless well worth the effort.
“In All the Scriptures” has served as momentum to my Bible reading in 2025 in seeking to draw all the depth and beauty the scriptures have to offer.
“In All the Scriptures” is no exception to that. He opens the book speaking into the reality that we all fall victim to bringing the lens of our cultural zeitgeist to our reading of the scriptures. Everyone who partakes in Bible reading does so with preconceived notions and beliefs that deeply embedded from the culture we live in. While we can’t completely detach ourselves from this, nor should we, Piotrowski urges the reader to interpret the bible in literary, historical, and christological contexts.
In a culture where the predominant way of reading the Bible is merely focused on application and asking “what does this verse/passage mean to me?”, the true challenge is to discover what the inspired biblical author’s originally intended, who their audience was and how it fits into the grand narrative of redemptive history. A weighty and difficult task, but nonetheless well worth the effort.
“In All the Scriptures” has served as momentum to my Bible reading in 2025 in seeking to draw all the depth and beauty the scriptures have to offer.
September 13, 2025
Simply a great book on understanding the importance and practice of having good hermeneutics. Before reading this book, I had not thought deeply about the markers of a proper interpretation of scripture vs. an improper one. However, after reading, I now not only feel able to recognize a legitimate interpretation of scripture, but am also able to utilize the tools that Dr. Piotrowski had laid out to reach a faithful interpretation of scripture!
While this book is an introduction to hermeneutics, each chapter of the book walks through a lot of information and requires a slow and careful reading. I recommended this book for those wanting to gain a better understanding of how it is that we are to interpret scripture. As God’s people we called to know and love His word, and learning to interpret His word rightly is part of that calling!
While this book is an introduction to hermeneutics, each chapter of the book walks through a lot of information and requires a slow and careful reading. I recommended this book for those wanting to gain a better understanding of how it is that we are to interpret scripture. As God’s people we called to know and love His word, and learning to interpret His word rightly is part of that calling!
March 8, 2025
"Hermeneutics must ground exegesis. And exegesis must direct homiletics. And, finally, homiletics have for nearly 2,000 years guided the church (and will continue to do so) into its ethical behavior in the world, including its worship and witness. Thus if our hermeneutics are bad, then the entire Christian ministry is off-kilter from its foundations."
The landscape of American Christianity could change tremendously if more pastors were bought into the hermeneutical principles that Piotrowski lays out here. This book is insightful, careful, and accessible (The ecology analogies, text examples, and diagrams in each chapter really brought concepts to the ground for me). I also appreciated his intentional movement from the foundations/history to the literary, historical, and Christological contexts to genre and then finally to Christological application ("...because without a legitimate and ethical approach to reading the Scriptures we will make hasty application. That can lead to unwise application, or even downright wrong application."). This book has completely changed how I approach scripture for the better.
The landscape of American Christianity could change tremendously if more pastors were bought into the hermeneutical principles that Piotrowski lays out here. This book is insightful, careful, and accessible (The ecology analogies, text examples, and diagrams in each chapter really brought concepts to the ground for me). I also appreciated his intentional movement from the foundations/history to the literary, historical, and Christological contexts to genre and then finally to Christological application ("...because without a legitimate and ethical approach to reading the Scriptures we will make hasty application. That can lead to unwise application, or even downright wrong application."). This book has completely changed how I approach scripture for the better.
May 23, 2023
If I could recommend one accessible primer on biblical hermeneutics, this would probably be it. Piotrowski lays out a clear grammatical-historical-biblical-theological hermeneutic that is both persuasively argued and concretely illustrated. His book is very well written and ordered, distilling a lot amount of hermeneutics-related discussions and concepts down into an easy-to-understand text, just over 250 pages, that is replete with useful diagrams, a glossary of hermeneutical terms, and a short list of recommended books for further reading at the end of each chapter.
June 18, 2022
Probably the best entry-level book on hermeneutics I’ve read to date.
April 17, 2023
Best hermeneutics book I’ve read, hands down.
Very accessible and digestible in style (he wrote for those totally new to the subject) yet theologically and vocally dense enough to keep you thinking and pondering long after reading. Read this before you think hermeneutics books can simply be boring textbooks
Very accessible and digestible in style (he wrote for those totally new to the subject) yet theologically and vocally dense enough to keep you thinking and pondering long after reading. Read this before you think hermeneutics books can simply be boring textbooks
March 2, 2023
Away with allegory!
In All the Scriptures is about contexts: literary, historical and theological realities encompassing the writings of the Bible. This provides first principles to be considered.
The author defines hermeneutics as “the theoretical study of the science and art of how to legitimately and ethically interpret texts” (4). He emphasizes that it’s not just a matter of mastering the mechanics. There is an art to it, which can only come through “time, trial and error, reading and rereading with others” (4). Furthermore, it is all about properly interpreting texts, so that the main idea becomes clear and the interpreter is not reading into the text.
Piotrowski’s approach starts with the literary: discovering the flow of thought in a book. Individual verses and passages must be considered in light of the whole. The historical is learning something of the culture or time that pertains to a given passage. Christological or theological consideration looks at how themes “develop, flow and climax in Christ” (13).
The primary focus is on the underlying principles for interpretation rather than spending time on application. The exceptions being illustrating and briefly covering application in the last chapter, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Initially, I was a little disappointed hoping for more of the latter but the author convincingly argues for the necessity of sound hermeneutics. Plus, listening to popular sermons and teachings in our day one might conclude that application takes precedence. Making teaching practical is a noble aim but if the meaning is wrong than it’s counterproductive.
To start this journey you find an excellent overview of hermeneutic highlights from the past to the present. This section contains the first mention of allegory: “Allegory attempts to dig under the straightforward and historical sense of texts to find hidden, mystical meanings” (21). The author argues against allegory in favor of typology. The latter “starts from the historical sense and perceives the way persons, events, and institutions in the Old Testament prefigure the person and work of Christ” (21). The problem with allegory is that it “has no need for history and often enough runs around Christ” (27). There is more: “Allegory connects to derivative ideas outside the text. Moreover, the Bible was not written as an allegory. Thus it is a violation of genre. What kind of misinterpretation would one produce if they read a history book like a novel, or vice versa?”(70).
Deconstructionism also gets a mention: “Deconstructionism is complex, but we can define it here simply as an attempt to read (and/or rewrite) narratives (in texts or anywhere narratives are told) in a way that moves the center of attention away from traditional (and sometimes obvious) interpretations and give voice to the characters and ideas at the margins. There are social, political, and economic forces at work in all this that now make it hermeneutically in vogue as well” (43). He cites a TED talk by Malcolm Gladwell as an example where the meaning of the David and Goliath story is changed.
This book is a challenge to do interpretation with integrity. It shows the hard but rewarding work involved. It’s much easier to take an isolated verse or verses out of context, reading into it an unintended meaning. Any interested in the legitimate use of Scripture will do well to familiarize themselves with this content. This book can be read with profit many times over.
One reason I read this volume was my exposure to teachings that critics label hyper-dispensationalism. I wondered if it would indirectly address their errors. If their doctrines are measured against these guidelines where would there be problems? It would seem that at least in some areas their hermeneutic and application are defective. I suspect it has to do with the presuppositions that inform their hermeneutic. It highlights why this stage in interpreting scripture is critical. Getting the approach wrong leads to bad theology. Getting it right from the start and along the way is no guarantee of soundness but increases the chances of a better outcome.
As a side note, those who share the author’s ecological or science background will appreciate how he introduces each chapter with an illustration showing how his former field of study relates to the discipline of interpreting texts. It’s a fascinating way to introduce the different topics showing the correlations and making the material more accessible, even if you are not a student of the sciences.
Away with allegory! It’s hard to argue with the logic of the arguments, but the case might be stronger if it included some examples that differentiate application from allegory. Sometimes I wonder if applications made from the pulpit or in books go too far or are they legitimate? This is something that I would ask about if I had the chance to question the author or those who are knowledgeable on the subject.
In All the Scriptures is about contexts: literary, historical and theological realities encompassing the writings of the Bible. This provides first principles to be considered.
The author defines hermeneutics as “the theoretical study of the science and art of how to legitimately and ethically interpret texts” (4). He emphasizes that it’s not just a matter of mastering the mechanics. There is an art to it, which can only come through “time, trial and error, reading and rereading with others” (4). Furthermore, it is all about properly interpreting texts, so that the main idea becomes clear and the interpreter is not reading into the text.
Piotrowski’s approach starts with the literary: discovering the flow of thought in a book. Individual verses and passages must be considered in light of the whole. The historical is learning something of the culture or time that pertains to a given passage. Christological or theological consideration looks at how themes “develop, flow and climax in Christ” (13).
The primary focus is on the underlying principles for interpretation rather than spending time on application. The exceptions being illustrating and briefly covering application in the last chapter, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Initially, I was a little disappointed hoping for more of the latter but the author convincingly argues for the necessity of sound hermeneutics. Plus, listening to popular sermons and teachings in our day one might conclude that application takes precedence. Making teaching practical is a noble aim but if the meaning is wrong than it’s counterproductive.
To start this journey you find an excellent overview of hermeneutic highlights from the past to the present. This section contains the first mention of allegory: “Allegory attempts to dig under the straightforward and historical sense of texts to find hidden, mystical meanings” (21). The author argues against allegory in favor of typology. The latter “starts from the historical sense and perceives the way persons, events, and institutions in the Old Testament prefigure the person and work of Christ” (21). The problem with allegory is that it “has no need for history and often enough runs around Christ” (27). There is more: “Allegory connects to derivative ideas outside the text. Moreover, the Bible was not written as an allegory. Thus it is a violation of genre. What kind of misinterpretation would one produce if they read a history book like a novel, or vice versa?”(70).
Deconstructionism also gets a mention: “Deconstructionism is complex, but we can define it here simply as an attempt to read (and/or rewrite) narratives (in texts or anywhere narratives are told) in a way that moves the center of attention away from traditional (and sometimes obvious) interpretations and give voice to the characters and ideas at the margins. There are social, political, and economic forces at work in all this that now make it hermeneutically in vogue as well” (43). He cites a TED talk by Malcolm Gladwell as an example where the meaning of the David and Goliath story is changed.
This book is a challenge to do interpretation with integrity. It shows the hard but rewarding work involved. It’s much easier to take an isolated verse or verses out of context, reading into it an unintended meaning. Any interested in the legitimate use of Scripture will do well to familiarize themselves with this content. This book can be read with profit many times over.
One reason I read this volume was my exposure to teachings that critics label hyper-dispensationalism. I wondered if it would indirectly address their errors. If their doctrines are measured against these guidelines where would there be problems? It would seem that at least in some areas their hermeneutic and application are defective. I suspect it has to do with the presuppositions that inform their hermeneutic. It highlights why this stage in interpreting scripture is critical. Getting the approach wrong leads to bad theology. Getting it right from the start and along the way is no guarantee of soundness but increases the chances of a better outcome.
As a side note, those who share the author’s ecological or science background will appreciate how he introduces each chapter with an illustration showing how his former field of study relates to the discipline of interpreting texts. It’s a fascinating way to introduce the different topics showing the correlations and making the material more accessible, even if you are not a student of the sciences.
Away with allegory! It’s hard to argue with the logic of the arguments, but the case might be stronger if it included some examples that differentiate application from allegory. Sometimes I wonder if applications made from the pulpit or in books go too far or are they legitimate? This is something that I would ask about if I had the chance to question the author or those who are knowledgeable on the subject.
June 27, 2022
Hermeneutics is a big word, but basically it just means a method of interpretation. At some level, everything is interpretation. We experience nothing objectively, but everything is subject to some form of interpretation and it’s the common structures we create to talk about how we interpret things that makes all the difference. In All the Scriptures in an academic look at the three contexts of biblical hermeneutics: literary context, historical context, and Christological context. Basically, Nicholas Piotrowski writes, when we come to Scripture, we must put it through the lens of these three contexts. The result helps us read and interpret Scripture as it was meant to be read and interpreted.
Even though it’s an academic text, In All the Scriptures is accessible and foundational. The introductory chapters clearly explain the need for hermeneutics, a history of hermeneutics, and hermeneutics as worked out in the New Testament. This foundation sets readers up for the meat of the book which is whole chapters on literary context (“In the Text”), around the text (“Historical Context”), and Christological context. Piotrowski then closes with an important chapter on genre and a chapter on application.
Throughout In All the Scriptures, Piotrowski relates the work of hermeneutics with his love ecology, showing how interpretive structures exist outside of just Scripture or even just literature. This not only helps Piotrowski illustrates hermeneutical observations in fields outside of literature, but infuses the book with personality. This isn’t just a clinical, sanitized hands-off discussion of hermeneutics—it’s personal, practical, and individual. With books on hermeneutics abounding, probably the best thing Piotrowski could have done was invested himself into the work. The result is an accessible but challenging work that is a joy to read because it feels more like a rousing conversation than a dry lecture.
One criticism that I’ll note is that the way in which Piotrowski defines deconstructionism is slightly different and more negative in tone than the way I, and other scholars writing about it, would define it. Piotrowski defines deconstructionism as an attempt to read (and/or rewrite) narratives in a way that moves the center of attention away from traditional (and sometimes obvious) interpretations and give voice to the characters and ideas at the margins. By way of illustration, he uses Malcolm Gladwell’s explanation of Goliath as someone with sight and mobility issues, making David’s victory over him more palatable. This isn’t really what I would see as a fair analysis of most deconstructionism, though it is an example of deconstructionism as Piotrowski defines it. Instead, I would define deconstructionism as a careful analysis of one’s faith tradition that is critical of certain elements that, on analysis, aren’t as clear-cut as that faith tradition had made it seem. Deconstructionism happens in social areas (think beliefs on women in ministry or same-sex behavior), but also in theological realms (emphasis on other atonement theories over penal substitution, etc.). Using a silly example by someone who is not a Bible scholar holding a position rejected by every major OT scholar is not a great example of deconstruction.
Despite that, I would uphold In All the Scriptures has right up there alongside Grasping God’s Word for its value in teaching biblical hermeneutics and a contextual interpretation of Scripture. Piotrowski’s writing and teaching style is clear, conversational, and substantive. He deftly manages to be comprehensive while still being accessible, offering further reading resources at the end of each chapter for those who want to dive deeper. Every section comes with multiple examples from Scripture, teaching students along the way how to apply what they are learning.
Biblical illiteracy is a major problem in the church—even from the pulpit. So many people don’t know how to read the Bible or understand that the Bible they read has already (literally!) been interpreted. Understanding Scripture in its context makes for better theology and better practice. Maybe at very least, it’ll teach us to stop saying “the Bible is clear” when what we mean is that “my preferred English language translation with all of its hermeneutical presuppositions that align with my own presuppositions from my culture and faith tradition make it clear.” Piotrowski writes that he wants to guide others toward a better, more ethical reading of Scripture. I’d say he accomplishes that admirably.
Even though it’s an academic text, In All the Scriptures is accessible and foundational. The introductory chapters clearly explain the need for hermeneutics, a history of hermeneutics, and hermeneutics as worked out in the New Testament. This foundation sets readers up for the meat of the book which is whole chapters on literary context (“In the Text”), around the text (“Historical Context”), and Christological context. Piotrowski then closes with an important chapter on genre and a chapter on application.
Throughout In All the Scriptures, Piotrowski relates the work of hermeneutics with his love ecology, showing how interpretive structures exist outside of just Scripture or even just literature. This not only helps Piotrowski illustrates hermeneutical observations in fields outside of literature, but infuses the book with personality. This isn’t just a clinical, sanitized hands-off discussion of hermeneutics—it’s personal, practical, and individual. With books on hermeneutics abounding, probably the best thing Piotrowski could have done was invested himself into the work. The result is an accessible but challenging work that is a joy to read because it feels more like a rousing conversation than a dry lecture.
One criticism that I’ll note is that the way in which Piotrowski defines deconstructionism is slightly different and more negative in tone than the way I, and other scholars writing about it, would define it. Piotrowski defines deconstructionism as an attempt to read (and/or rewrite) narratives in a way that moves the center of attention away from traditional (and sometimes obvious) interpretations and give voice to the characters and ideas at the margins. By way of illustration, he uses Malcolm Gladwell’s explanation of Goliath as someone with sight and mobility issues, making David’s victory over him more palatable. This isn’t really what I would see as a fair analysis of most deconstructionism, though it is an example of deconstructionism as Piotrowski defines it. Instead, I would define deconstructionism as a careful analysis of one’s faith tradition that is critical of certain elements that, on analysis, aren’t as clear-cut as that faith tradition had made it seem. Deconstructionism happens in social areas (think beliefs on women in ministry or same-sex behavior), but also in theological realms (emphasis on other atonement theories over penal substitution, etc.). Using a silly example by someone who is not a Bible scholar holding a position rejected by every major OT scholar is not a great example of deconstruction.
Despite that, I would uphold In All the Scriptures has right up there alongside Grasping God’s Word for its value in teaching biblical hermeneutics and a contextual interpretation of Scripture. Piotrowski’s writing and teaching style is clear, conversational, and substantive. He deftly manages to be comprehensive while still being accessible, offering further reading resources at the end of each chapter for those who want to dive deeper. Every section comes with multiple examples from Scripture, teaching students along the way how to apply what they are learning.
Biblical illiteracy is a major problem in the church—even from the pulpit. So many people don’t know how to read the Bible or understand that the Bible they read has already (literally!) been interpreted. Understanding Scripture in its context makes for better theology and better practice. Maybe at very least, it’ll teach us to stop saying “the Bible is clear” when what we mean is that “my preferred English language translation with all of its hermeneutical presuppositions that align with my own presuppositions from my culture and faith tradition make it clear.” Piotrowski writes that he wants to guide others toward a better, more ethical reading of Scripture. I’d say he accomplishes that admirably.
December 23, 2024
Great read. Very accessible book on hermeneutics.
June 5, 2022
When you begin to study the Bible more deeply, one of the first words you often hear or read is “context”. Personally, in my first year in seminary, I heard a colleague say in relation to a passage from Hosea, the following: “well, it depends on the context of the biblical passage” and I thought “what does that word mean?”
Seminary students, pastors, or those who are interested in the Scriptures today can find literature that facilitates their approach to hermeneutics and exegesis (yes, other words you hear often). One of those books is "In all the Scripture", written by Dr. Nicholas G. Piotrowski, in which the reader will find himself before an introduction to biblical hermeneutics.
The book is not really an introduction, rather its focus is to help the reader better understand the Scriptures by approaching three contexts, which are literary, historical, and Christological. But don't worry, this is not a work in which you find a huge amount of information, the author offers a variety of examples of the issues he explains, aided by graphics that will help the reader to have more clarity in the ideas that are transmitted.
There are eight chapters that make up this book, in the first chapter, we find an introductory approach to hermeneutics and its development in history. The second chapter focuses on how Jesus and the apostles make use of the three aforementioned contexts. From chapter three to six, the author offers an exposition of the literary, historical and Christological context, giving greater scope to the latter. Chapter seven is dedicated to the literary genre in the Scriptures. A subject that is currently being of great interest to students of Scripture. And finally, chapter eight refers to the applications derived from our biblical study.
I personally really enjoyed chapter six, in which the author addresses such matters as OT allusions and citations. in the NT; as well as his approach to biblical typology. He writes at the end of this chapter: “Christological context is like a locomotive, where literary context and historical context are the rails that keep the train properly tied to the Bible's topography. All three contexts working together…” (pp.196)
An issue on which I expected more explanation was about the allegorical method, however the author does not expand further on the issue, in terms of its current use, advantages or disadvantages.
“In all the Scripture”, will be the book that I will begin to recommend for those who have no idea of Hermeneutics, for three simple reasons: a) it is an accesible and academic reading; b) multiple examples and tips; c) at the end of each chapter, the author offers recommended literature to delve into the subject matter.
Let's study the scriptures and get to know Jesus Christ.
Seminary students, pastors, or those who are interested in the Scriptures today can find literature that facilitates their approach to hermeneutics and exegesis (yes, other words you hear often). One of those books is "In all the Scripture", written by Dr. Nicholas G. Piotrowski, in which the reader will find himself before an introduction to biblical hermeneutics.
The book is not really an introduction, rather its focus is to help the reader better understand the Scriptures by approaching three contexts, which are literary, historical, and Christological. But don't worry, this is not a work in which you find a huge amount of information, the author offers a variety of examples of the issues he explains, aided by graphics that will help the reader to have more clarity in the ideas that are transmitted.
There are eight chapters that make up this book, in the first chapter, we find an introductory approach to hermeneutics and its development in history. The second chapter focuses on how Jesus and the apostles make use of the three aforementioned contexts. From chapter three to six, the author offers an exposition of the literary, historical and Christological context, giving greater scope to the latter. Chapter seven is dedicated to the literary genre in the Scriptures. A subject that is currently being of great interest to students of Scripture. And finally, chapter eight refers to the applications derived from our biblical study.
I personally really enjoyed chapter six, in which the author addresses such matters as OT allusions and citations. in the NT; as well as his approach to biblical typology. He writes at the end of this chapter: “Christological context is like a locomotive, where literary context and historical context are the rails that keep the train properly tied to the Bible's topography. All three contexts working together…” (pp.196)
An issue on which I expected more explanation was about the allegorical method, however the author does not expand further on the issue, in terms of its current use, advantages or disadvantages.
“In all the Scripture”, will be the book that I will begin to recommend for those who have no idea of Hermeneutics, for three simple reasons: a) it is an accesible and academic reading; b) multiple examples and tips; c) at the end of each chapter, the author offers recommended literature to delve into the subject matter.
Let's study the scriptures and get to know Jesus Christ.
October 8, 2023
A profound, transformational overview of Biblical hermeneutics, focusing on the literary, historical and Christological purpose of each verse, chapter, book and testament of the Bible. This life-changing treatment of Biblical interpretation provides careful students and scholars with a consistent approach to understanding Scripture as the Word of God. Among many other gems of wisdom, I especially appreciated Piotrowski's thoughtful distinction between typology, an invaluable tool for Biblical application, and allegory - an attempt to derive generic spiritual insights loosely based on the Bible yet stripped of their historical and Christocentric contexts.
One tiny point to quibble about - I believe the author's limiting the interpretation of the book of Revelation to the Preterist school denies the cosmic scope and significance of the historical conflicts depicted there. In the memorable words of Sigve Tonstad, in his commentary, Revelation, "The shoes of the dragon [in Revelation 12; 13] are much too large for Nero [or any other Roman Caesar] to fill."
One tiny point to quibble about - I believe the author's limiting the interpretation of the book of Revelation to the Preterist school denies the cosmic scope and significance of the historical conflicts depicted there. In the memorable words of Sigve Tonstad, in his commentary, Revelation, "The shoes of the dragon [in Revelation 12; 13] are much too large for Nero [or any other Roman Caesar] to fill."
January 31, 2022
In “In All the Scriptures: The Three Contexts of Biblical Hermeneutics,” Dr. Piotrowski develops a very helpful three layered and nuanced hermeneutic. On page 15 he sets his goal to focus “on the theoretical underwriting of the exegetical process – hermeneutics.” In my opinion he reached his goal. While the writing is clear and attainable, the book also engages well with complex issues involved in hermeneutics. Piotrowski strikes a great balance between seeing the big picture of the drama of the Bible, while respecting the immediate intent of the author. In other words, he respects the Bible as God’s word, ultimately written by Him while at the same time respecting each book, the human authors and their context. How does he do this? You must read the book to find out. The book has many helpful examples and illustrations. It is definitely both a multi-reader and a reference book. I predict that it will be on my shelf and accessible for many years to come.
October 16, 2025
Without a doubt, this is maybe the most transformative book about Bible study I've ever read. It's academic, but incredibly accessible. I feel ridiculously lucky to live in very close proximity to Indianapolis Theological Seminary, and so could continue to learn from Dr. Piotrowski. I highly encourage every Christian to read this.
October 18, 2024
Every Christian should read this book! Such a faithful explanation of the centrality of Christ and the gospel in biblical interpretation, and really helpful in understanding ethical reading and interpretation.
January 21, 2023
Good introduction.
August 5, 2023
The second best book I’ve read so far on biblical hermeneutics. The first was the Book itself.
October 7, 2023
A most excellent, worthwhile, and necessary read!!!
January 23, 2025
Really great material and perspective. More of a 3.5 score rounded up to 4. A little repetitive or wordy in parts.
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September 24, 2025For BT501: Hermeneutics
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