Understanding the Gospels: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching

by Herbert Bateman; Benjamin I. Simpson

Publisher:

Kregel

, 2017

Overview

Understanding the Gospels first introduces the Gospels generally and then prepares readers to communicate their message to a modern audience. Each of the fourteen contributors is a seminary professor and expert on the topic covered.

This book focuses on preaching and application, and answers pointed questions to help students and pastors understand the major theological themes of each gospel and avoid common interpretive mistakes.

Anyone serving in a teaching or preaching capacity will find this book helpful for accurate proclamation and powerful application of the Gospels.

Key Features

• Presents an integrated book that reflects Darrel Bock’s heart and concern for God’s Kingdom and underscores his desire that people know about Jesus
• Provides extensive information about the Gospels that strives to disclose and correct some of the misuse of the Gospels
• Offers videos of Darrell Bock woven throughout the book to provide the opportunity to hear him speak on the Gospels

Contents

• Introduction: The Gospels: Engaging Their Transformative Message - Herbert W. Bateman IV

Part One: Interpreting and Communicating the Gospels

• Interpreting the Gospels Historically: A Tale of Two Histories - Herbert W. Bateman IV
• Interpreting Gospel Narrative: Practical Steps - Joel F. Williams
• Communicating the Gospels: Sermonic Forms - Donald R. Sunukjian

Part Two: Understanding the Gospels

• Understanding the Gospel of Matthew - David K. Lowery
• Understanding the Gospel of Mark - J. William Johnston
• Understanding the Gospel of Luke - Benjamin I. Simpson
• Understanding the Gospel of John - W. Hall Harris III

Part Three: Applying the Gospels

• The Gospels and Their Importance for the Early Church - Craig A. Blaising
• The Gospels and Their Centrality in Christian Worship - Timothy J. Ralston
• Applying the Gospels in the Christian Life - Michael H. Burer

Part Four: Discovery Studies in the Gospels

• Discovering the Old Testament in the Gospels - Mark L. Strauss.
• Discovering the Historical Jesus in the Gospels - Craig L. Blomberg
• Discovering the Gospel Tradition in the Pauline Letters - Jay E. Smith
• Discovering Biblical Theological Themes in the Gospels - Buist M. Fanning

• Conclusion: Selected Sources for Preachers and Teachers of the Gospels - Herbert W. Bateman IV and Benjamin I. Simpson

Praise for Understanding the Gospels

For those of us who love and teach the Gospels, this is a welcome collection of essays written by friends and colleagues of Dr. Darrell Bock as their expression of honor for what he has contributed to their lives, ministries, and scholarship. May this book help us understand and proclaim the glory of the story of our Savior even better.

—Mark L. Bailey, President, Dallas Theological Seminary

This book would be a very helpful resource for anyone preparing to preach a series through any of the Gospels. It provides key facts and suggestions in areas such as historical backgrounds, theology, and literary conventions, as well as creative ideas for how to effectively communicate and apply the Gospels. A very substantive yet concise work that will be a go-to resource for pastors. Well done!”

—Michael Hontz, Senior Pastor, Pleasant View Bible Church in Warsaw, IN

“Understanding the Gospels is a wonderful and appropriate tribute to Dr. Darrell Bock. The book highlights Darrell Bock’s passions: that people would know Jesus the Messiah, that they would study the Gospels deeply, and that they would proclaim the message of God’s Word. What I loved about the approach of the book is that it does not offer a shortcut for deep study, but rather provides the tools so the serious exegete can accurately and clearly discern the meaning of the Gospels. In a world of shortcuts and “quick and easy” solutions, the contributors provide a depth of knowledge that is not normally easily accessible to preachers and teachers. This information is invaluable as we prepare to pass God’s truth in the Gospels on to our sheep. It is with great gratitude to the editors and contributors and with the highest regard for my professor, Dr. Darrell Bock, that I highly recommend this work.”

—Matthew McAlack, Professor in the School of Divinity and Director of Youth and Family Ministry Programs, Cairn University

Product Details

• Title: Understanding the Gospels: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching
• Authors: Herbert Bateman, Benjamin I. Simpson
• Publisher: Kregel
• Print Publication Date: 2017
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 283
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Gospels › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. N.T. Gospels › Homiletical use
• ISBNs: 9780825444166, 0825444160
• Resource ID: LLS:NDRSTNDNGGSPLS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-04-11T16:47:36Z