Evangelicals Now
<< May 2002 >>

The Story of the New Testament

Two overviews

THE STORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
By Alec Motyer
Candle Books. 190 pages
ISBN 1 85985 401 X

THE STORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
By John Stott
Candle Books. 155 pages
ISBN 1 85985 400 X

Books by either Alec Motyer or John Stott seldom disappoint and these two books are no exception. Here are two books that help you to see the 'wood for the trees' and enable the reader to gain a clearer understanding of the Bible, and the books of the Bible, whilst keeping something of the bird's-eye view in mind.
In The Story of the Old Testament, Alec Motyer looks at the Old Testament in chronological order under 18 chapters. The first chapter is entitled 'Starting with Jesus' and reminds the reader that Jesus is the fulfilment of the OT. Two chapters on Moses help strike a good balance between bird's-eye view and helpful detail which is a balance helpfully struck throughout. The book is readable, and there are helpful pages dealing with particular topics such as the temple 'Sacrifices', or 'So who came first, Ezra or Nehemiah?' Here are examples of material that would be good preparation for somebody about to begin a Bible study course.

In The Story of the New Testament John Stott covers the New Testament in writer-by-writer format. So the first chapter considers Mark's Gospel in 'Mark and his message'. Consequently 'Luke and his message' covers Luke and Acts. In each of the chapters a helpful combination of information is given which usually consists of background information, reference to the way the writer writes and sections on the big themes with which the writer deals. So, for instance, in the case of the chapter entitled Paul and his message, there are sections on Paul the man, and then sections on his message under the headings of justification, sanctification, edification and glorification.

Once again, the volume is peppered with well-presented articles giving interesting and insightful understanding on matters such as Peter in Mark's Gospel, the role of women in Luke and Acts, and God's plan for Israel.

These books will be helpful for pastors, for home group leaders, Sunday School teachers, those involved in teaching the Bible to young people, or any preparing for a Bible college course, or doing one of the many Bible overview schemes. In fact they would be of help to all Christians.

Simon Percy, Woodford