Biblical Theology

1. Introduction

Biblical Theology is a discipline within Christian theology that focuses on the progressive revelation of divine truth throughout the narrative and texts of the Bible. Rather than systematising doctrine abstractly, it seeks to understand theological themes and doctrines as they unfold historically and literarily within Scripture itself. The aim is to trace God’s redemptive plan from creation through covenant, promise, and fulfilment in Christ.

2. Definition and Scope

Biblical Theology is distinct from Systematic Theology in that it prioritises the historical and canonical context of biblical texts rather than abstract doctrinal synthesis. It examines the theology of individual biblical authors, books, testaments, and canonical arrangements (Goldsworthy, 2000). It asks: How does God reveal Himself progressively? What is the unfolding story of salvation history?

3. Historical Development

The roots of Biblical Theology can be traced back to early church fathers who emphasised the unity and unfolding nature of Scripture. However, as a formal discipline, it gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries, notably through the work of Geerhardus Vos (1862–1949), often regarded as the father of modern Biblical Theology. Vos’s magnum opus, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments (1948), argued for a diachronic study tracing the unfolding plan of redemption across biblical history.

In recent decades, the discipline has expanded with approaches such as canonical criticism (e.g., Brevard Childs), which studies the final form of the biblical canon as authoritative, and narrative theology, which views Scripture as a unified story centred on Christ (Childs, 1979; Goldsworthy, 2000).

4. Methodology

Biblical Theology employs several methodological approaches:

  • Diachronic/Historical Approach: Tracing theological themes through chronological development (Vos, 1948).
  • Canonical Approach: Studying the final form of Scripture and its theological unity (Childs, 1979).
  • Thematic/Typological Approach: Identifying recurring types and symbols that prefigure Christ (Goldsworthy, 2000).
  • Redemptive-Historical Approach: Emphasising the unfolding of God’s covenantal promises culminating in Christ (Osborne, 2006).

5. Specialised Subfields

  • Old Testament Theology: Studies themes such as covenant, law, kingship, prophecy, and messianic expectation in the Hebrew Scriptures (Wenham, 1998).
  • New Testament Theology: Focuses on the person and work of Christ, the work of the Spirit, the nature of the Church, and eschatology (Thielman, 2010).
  • Covenant Theology: Examines God’s covenants as a framework for redemptive history (Goldsworthy, 2000).
  • Typology: Investigates prefigurations and foreshadowings of Christ in people, events, and institutions (Dodd, 1933).

6. Key Themes in Biblical Theology

  • Creation and Fall: The beginning of redemptive history.
  • Covenants: God’s relational promises (Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New Covenant).
  • Messianic Promise and Fulfilment: Christ as the promised seed and fulfiller.
  • Kingdom of God: The central theme of God’s reign.
  • Redemption and Salvation: God’s plan to rescue humanity.
  • Eschatology: The consummation of God’s purposes.

7. Prominent Theological Traditions

  • Wesleyan Biblical Theology: Emphasises holiness and scriptural holiness within the unfolding narrative (Outler, 1991).
  • Dispensationalism: Divides biblical history into distinct dispensations or economies with specific divine expectations (Ryrie, 1995).
  • Canonical Criticism: Focuses on the final form and theological message of the canon (Childs, 1979).
  • Narrative Theology: Understands Scripture as a unified story centred on Christ (Goldsworthy, 2000).

8. Contemporary Relevance

Biblical Theology remains vital for grounding Christian faith in the Bible’s story, countering doctrinal abstraction disconnected from the narrative context. It informs preaching, hermeneutics, and theological reflection by tracing God’s revelation as a historical drama culminating in Jesus Christ.

9. Conclusion

Biblical Theology offers a rich and dynamic framework for understanding Scripture’s theological message as a progressive, unfolding revelation. Its emphasis on the unity and historical context of Scripture makes it indispensable for faithful theological interpretation and application.

10. References

  • Childs, B. S. (1979). Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Fortress Press.
  • Dodd, C. H. (1933). The Authority of the Bible. Hodder and Stoughton.
  • Goldsworthy, G. (2000). According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. IVP Academic.
  • Osborne, G. R. (2006). The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. IVP Academic.
  • Outler, A. C. (1991). Wesleyan Biblical Theology. Abingdon Press.
  • Ryrie, C. C. (1995). Dispensationalism. Moody Publishers.
  • Thielman, F. (2010). Theology of the New Testament: A Canonical and Synthetic Approach. Zondervan.
  • Vos, G. (1948). Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. Eerdmans.
  • Wenham, G. J. (1998). Old Testament Theology: Its History and Development. InterVarsity Press.
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