New Testament Theology and Ethics - by Ben Witherington (Paperback)

About the Book

Ben Witherington III offers the second volume on the theological and ethical thought world of the New Testament. This volume offers a more synthetic approach to the New Testament as a whole.

Book Synopsis

Previously published as The Indelible Image, Volume 2, Ben Witherington III offers the second of a two-volume set on the theological and ethical thought world of the New Testament. While the first volume focuses on expositional samplings of New Testament writers in context, this volume offers a more synthetic approach to the New Testament as a whole.

Review Quotes

"Ben Witherington is a skilled historical exegete who has, probably uniquely in our generation, pursued his passion for the theological and ethical message of the New Testament through commentaries on every one of the New Testament books. Now he has given us a summation that is even more unusual-a New Testament theology that allows to every one of those books a voice that really counts. A magnificent climax to Witherington's work."

"Ben Witherington's The Indelible Image is no ordinary theology of the New Testament. From start to finish it is creative and insightful. The entireapproach is refreshing, based on an appreciation of the distinctive voices that make up what we might call the theological choir of the early church. Witherington has given proper place to voices not often heard, such as those of James, Jude and Peter. Beginning students and veteran scholarsalike will appreciate this remarkable achievement. I give it my highest recommendation."

"Ben Witherington's The Indelible Image is no ordinary theology of the New Testament. From start to finish it is creative and insightful. The entireapproach is refreshing, based on an appreciation of the distinctive voices that make up what we might call the theological choir of the early church. Witherington has given proper place to voices not often heard, such as those of James, Jude and Peter. Beginning students and veteran scholarsalike will appreciate this remarkable achievement. I give it my highest recommendation."

"By insisting that theology be placed in conversation with ethics, Witherington offers numerous insights on the necessary intersection of faith and works, church and society. He and I may disagree on theparticulars of Jewish tradition and women's roles in antiquity, but I have learned much from his canonically comprehensive, evangelically committed, historically informed and engagingly presented way of doing theology."

"In this book, Ben Witherington III explains the theological and ethical significance of Christ as the center of the New Testament. He explains how each New Testament writer's encounter with Christ changed not only his worldview, but also his understanding of moral living. But in contrast to much of contemporary scholarship, Witherington believes the New Testament writers are not writing conflicting or competing theologies. He suggests they are different voices singing the same chorus. Witherington explores historical and ideological perspectives as they influence our apprehension of the New Testament. This text does not provide a list of legalistic moral commands to follow, but it does provide insight on controversial subjects, such as divorce, homosexuality and gender roles."

"In this book, Ben Witherington III explains the theological and ethical significance of Christ as the center of the New Testament. He explains how each New Testament writer's encounter with Christ changed not only his worldview, but also his understanding of moral living. But in contrast to much of contemporary scholarship, Witherington believes the New Testament writers are not writing conflicting or competing theologies. He suggests they are different voices singing the same chorus. Witherington explores historical and ideological perspectives as they influence our apprehension of the New Testament. This text does not provide a list of legalistic moral commands to follow, but it does provide insight on controversial subjects, such as divorce, homosexuality and gender roles."

"Over the course of his academic career Ben Witherington has gone against the stream of increasing specialization in biblical studies, producing commentaries on every document in the New Testament. As a result, Witherington is no 'theological' jack-of-all trades; to the contrary, hehas demonstrated his mastery over a variety of subdisciplines in New Testament studies. With The Indelible Image, volume 1, Witherington once again defies the communis opinio that New Testament theology and New Testament ethics must, of necessity, be treated in isolation from each other. Rather, drawing on hisprevious exegetical work, Witherington establishes that New Testament faith and practice--theology and ethics--are inextricably intertwined and, in order to understand the message of the New Testament, must be treated whole cloth. The Indelible Image is a model of 'theological exegesis' at its stunning best and confirms Witherington's reputation as one of evangelical Christianity's most thoughtful and prolific authors."

"Over the course of his academic career Ben Witherington has gone against the stream of increasing specialization in biblical studies, producing commentaries on every document in the New Testament. As a result, Witherington is no 'theological' jack-of-all trades; to the contrary, hehas demonstrated his mastery over a variety of subdisciplines in New Testament studies. With The Indelible Image, volume 1, Witherington once again defies the communis opinio that New Testament theology and New Testament ethics must, of necessity, be treated in isolation from each other. Rather, drawing on hisprevious exegetical work, Witherington establishes that New Testament faith and practice-theology and ethics-are inextricably intertwined and, in order to understand the message of the New Testament, must be treated whole cloth. The Indelible Image is a model of 'theological exegesis' at its stunning best and confirms Witherington's reputation as one of evangelical Christianity's most thoughtful and prolific authors."

"To discuss the theology and ethics of the New Testament is to dive into a vast ocean of theological reflection from many angles. It would be easy to get lost at sea. That is where a good navigator and cruise director are essential. Ben Witherington takes up both roles and steers us on a solid course through the array of ideas the New Testament treats.He does so with skill, clarity and an eye on what is important. He also notes what dangers lurk in taking a wrong course. In sum, here is a solid introduction to how theology and ethics work together in the NewTestament. Enjoy the tour and linger in spots. It will be worth it."

About the Author

Ben Witherington III (PhD, University of Durham) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of a full set of commentaries on the books of the New Testament, many of which focus on their socio-rhetorical perspectives. His numerous other books on the New Testament include New Testament History, Jesus the Seer, Jesus the Sage, The Jesus Quest, The Paul Quest and A Week in the Life of Corinth.