Old and New - by Martin Emmrich (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

What did Jesus think of the kingdom of God? How did his concept differ from those of his contemporaries, and how does it still pose some stiff challenges for twenty-first-century Christians? Old and New contributes to the study of Jesus' parables as the first comprehensive analysis of the seven kingdom parables assembled in Matthew 13 in a single volume. Martin Emmrich argues that the placement, content, and arrangement of the chapter are highly significant in terms of the overall shape of Matthew's Gospel, as well as offering a timeless witness of Jesus' notion of the coming of his reign. Old and New features some unique exegetical details along with sweeping theological vistas, all of it carefully balanced with edifying illustrations and examples. The work not only deepens the reader's appreciation of the text, but also provides ample incentives for soul-searching reflection.

Review Quotes

"Matthew 13 presents a series of incisive parables that lie at the heart of this Gospel. Martin Emmrich unlocks the power and beauty of this chapter in an original and edifying way. Best of all, he shows how Christ and his kingdom are the most precious thing, despite the apparent weakness and foolishness of the kingdom in this present age."
--David VanDrunen, Westminster Seminary California

"Emmrich brings out his treasures 'old and new' by accenting the inseparable relationship between the pattern and the meaning of Christ's seven parables in Matthew 13. . . . Throughout, Emmrich represents the gifted tour guide who converses with major contributions of past scholarship, but without forgetting to keep his audience in awe of the unspeakable privilege to have ears to hear and eyes to see such riches."
--A. Craig Troxel, Westminster Seminary California

About the Author

Martin Emmrich is pastor-teacher of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in La Mirada, California. He is the author of Pneumatological Concepts in the Epistle to the Hebrews, At the Heart of Luke, and Love in the Time of Corona, as well as journal articles. He currently lives in Whittier with his wife, Rebecca, and their two daughters.