The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer (Short Studies in Biblical Theology)

by Andrew David Naselli

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2020

Overview

Although a story with a serpent, a damsel in distress, and a serpent slayer may sound like just another fairy tale, it is, in fact, part of the greatest true account ever told—the Bible. Epic tales resonate with readers because they echo the greatest story. In this new addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Andrew David Naselli traces the theme of snakes and dragons from the serpent in the garden to the devouring dragon in Revelation, culminating with the return of the King. New and seasoned Christians alike will experience afresh the captivating unifying narrative behind all stories as they embark on a journey through the Bible with a trusted biblical scholar.

Key Features

• Traces the theme of snakes and dragons throughout Scripture
• Explores the captivating unifying narrative of the Bible
• Examines examples from the serpent in the garden to the devouring dragon in Revelation

Contents

• Preface
• Introduction: Why Do We Love Dragon-Slaying Stories?
• The Deceitful Snake in Genesis 3
• Snakes and Dragons between the Bible’s Bookends: Part 1: The Good, the Bad, and the Ultimate Serpent
• Snakes and Dragons between the Bible’s Bookends: Part 2: Six Offspring of the Serpent
• The Devouring Dragon in Revelation 12 and 20
• Conclusion: How Should We Live in Light of the Story of the Serpent and the Serpent Slayer?
• Appendix: How Often Does the Bible Explicitly Mention Serpents?

Top Highlights

“The snake does not begin by directly contradicting God. He begins by questioning God.” (Page 35)

“His first strategy is not to devour but to deceive.” (Page 34)

“The serpent defeated Adam under a tree (‘the tree of the knowledge of good and evil’” (Page 109)

“Adam should have slain and thus judged the serpent in carrying out the mandate of Gen. 1:28 to ‘rule and subdue,’ ’ explains New Testament scholar G. K. Beale, but instead ‘the serpent ended up ruling over Adam and Eve by persuading them with deceptive words.’⁷ When God calls to ‘the man’ and asks, ‘Where are you [singular]?’ (Gen. 3:9), he directly addresses Adam—not both Adam and Eve. Adam is primarily responsible because he is the head of the husband-wife relationship. Thus, later Scripture blames Adam for the fall into sin (Rom. 5:12–21; 1 Cor. 15:21–22).⁸ He should have killed the dragon and rescued the girl.” (Pages 38–39)

“You could subtitle the book of Revelation as The Return of the King. We might quibble over how to interpret various details in the book, but the theological message is clear: the Lamb will consummate his kingdom for God’s glory by slaying the dragon and saving his bride.” (Page 122)

Product Details

• Title: The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer
• Author: Andrew David Naselli
• Series: Short Studies in Biblical Theology
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2020
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 157
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Serpents in the Bible; Dragons in the Bible; Serpents › Mythology; Dragons › Mythology; Christian life › Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9781433567971, 9781433568008, 9781433567988, 9781433567995, 1433567970, 1433568004, 1433567989, 1433567997
• Resource ID: LLS:SRPNTSRPNTSLYR
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-06-25T18:22:25Z

About Andrew David Naselli

Andy Naselli is professor of systematic theology and New Testament for Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis and one of the pastors of The North Church.