Brilliant summary

John Woods reviews Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture by Mark S. Gignilliat & Heath A. Thomas.

I have enjoyed reading the books in this series that has, so far, included a volume on the whole New Testament, ones on the Gospels and Paul, and Old Testament volumes on Wisdom books and the Prophets.

This volume is a particular treat. It is beautifully produced, laid out attractively, and reads well. The authors skilfully lead the reader through the Old Testament book by book. Unlike many textbooks that are written for intermittent dipping only, this was a book that I happily read cover to cover, and I think I will be returning to it often!

Interestingly, the authors use the Hebrew ordering of the Old Testament book: Torah, Prophets and Writings. This has the advantage of seeing Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings as prophetic books, and reflects on the value of seeing Chronicles as the last book of the Old Testament.

The book is well-written and is studded with helpful insights into the Biblical text. One feature I like about it is the inclusion of colour-coded sidebars under the following headings: Canonical Connections; Theological Issues; Reception History; Historical Matters; Literary Notes.

There are many gems to be found here. The authors suggest that these sidebars are not to be viewed as exhaustive, (in fact they are masterfully succinct and on point), but act like “teasers for what could become long conversations on a variety of interpretative matters”. I found some of these teasers fascinating invitations to dive down a few fruitful rabbit holes.

Each chapter concludes with three sections: Implementation – Reading each Old Testament book as Christian Scripture today; Key verses in that book; Christian reading questions.

The authors write in a way that is both theologically and pastorally sensitive. The book is undergirded with careful exegetical and theological work that sees the sweep of the Old Testament as part of “Christian Scripture”. I appreciated the way that the book takes the Old Testament seriously in its own right, but is constantly open to its direction of travel as the Scriptures that speak of Christ. I also value the way that the authors reflect on the application of the Old Testament to our lives as disciples of Christ.

Preachers and teachers will find this book to be a delight, but general readers will also find much that is useful here.

Book information

• Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture, Mark S. Gignilliat & Heath A. Thomas, Baker Academic, ISBN: 978 0 801 098 031, 427 pages, £42.99