Review
“Carpenters use handcrafting tools, scientists use technical instruments, engineers use specialized software, and expositors use biblical hermeneutics. For careful preachers, the importance of hermeneutics cannot be overstated. Consequently, this text is a most welcome resource. Köstenberger and Patterson have uniquely crafted a hermeneutics text that not only equips the nascent student, but will also sharpen the seasoned expositor. And the additions to this second edition make an already excellent text even better. Preachers and preachers-in-training will find thorough assistance for becoming an approved, unashamed workman who handles the word of truth accurately (2 Tim 2:15).” -- Rick Holland, Senior Pastor, Mission Road Bible Church, Kansas City, MO Published On: 2020-06-30
“This second edition of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation is a magnificent buffet. Köstenberger and Patterson are your culinary hosts, masters of not one, but several tables loaded with goodies. I dived in and out sampling a number of dishes, sticking my fork in a bit of discourse analysis, slurping a ladle of biblical theology, swallowing a slice of the parables, engorging myself on whatever took my fancy. With the appetite of a preacher, I confess I enjoyed the dessert on offer, too―application and proclamation. But―and not at all surprisingly―I came away from these gastronomic explorations hungrier than when I started, for the chefs and their productions whetted my appetite for the main course, Scripture itself; they will yours, too. And that, I’m glad to say, is the goal of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation.” -- Abraham Kuruvilla, Research Professor of Preaching & Pastoral Ministry, Dallas Theological Seminary Published On: 2020-06-30
“How should one skillfully interpret the very Word of God? Every generation needs leaders who can answer this question faithfully, and this new edition of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation provides a faithful standard for our day. Köstenberger’s approach is both canonical and linguistic, and moves from carefully attending to a text’s canonical location (e.g., Old or New Testament, redemptive-historical framework), to its genre (e.g., historical narrative, prophecy, epistle, etc.), and then to its literary features within its immediate and broader discourse context (e.g., grammar, argument tracing, word meanings, biblical and systematic theology, etc.). Elevating Scripture as God’s written Word, interpreters must consider every text’s historical setting, canonical and literary context, and theological message, in that order, and must not stop until they have applied the Bible to their own lives and even taught it to others, all for God’s glory. Filled with rich examples and up-to-date bibliography, this volume will richly aid every level of biblical interpreter, whether you are just beginning to study the Sacred Text or already teach it to others.” -- Jason S. DeRouchie, Professor of Old Testament Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Published On: 2020-06-30
“I was pleased to recommend this outstanding book when it was first released in 2011 and I am glad once again to add my words of affirmation to this new edition. Invitation to Biblical Interpretation offers insightful guidance for interpreters of Holy Scripture with its focus on the “hermeneutical triad.” This encyclopedic and monumental publication has been improved with expanded material on the biblical canon and a renewed recognition of the importance of theology for serious interpretation. Additional thoughts have been added to the chapters on application and proclamation as well. The masterful organizational design and skillful pedagogical emphasis, combined with the helpful and informative bibliographies, make this book a rich and rewarding resource for students, scholars, and pastors. I congratulate Professors Köstenberger and Patterson on this updated version, which I know will be beneficial to readers for years to come.” -- David Dockery, President, International Alliance for Christian Education Published On: 2020-06-30
“As a seminary professor, I have used Köstenberger’s and Patterson’s first edition and its abridged volume over the years to the continued delight of my students. The authors’ methodical “hermeneutical triad” is a responsible and easy approach to Scripture giving handlebars by which to grasp the historical background, literary design, and theological message of the inspired Word of God. This second edition of Invitation to Biblical Interpretation achieves something that I thought nearly impossible: it improves on an already definitive textbook, offering a fresh tour de force on hermeneutics and related issues while remaining remarkably accessible. The updated material on background, OT canon, the relationship between Biblical and Systematic Theology, and biblical proclamation according to genre are all standouts in this new edition. And, in customary Köstenberger fashion, the volume is loaded with insightful footnotes and further resources for the diligent student to explore. This book remains the premier text on hermeneutics.” -- Cory M. Marsh, Associate Professor of New Testament, Southern California Seminary Published On: 2020-06-30
“In this thoroughly updated edition of their Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, Köstenberger and Patterson provide a first-rate evangelical hermeneutics text. Topics such as chronology, archaeology, canon, figurative language, theology, and application have been carefully reworked to reflect the latest in scholarship. Each chapter also provides interpretive guidelines, a glossary of key words, study questions, short assignments, and a bibliography. Teachers and students alike will find Invitation to Biblical Interpretation to be a gold mine of faithful and reliable scholarship in service of the church. Highly recommended!” -- J. Scott Duvall, chair of the Department of Biblical Studies and Theology, Ouachita Baptist Univ. Published On: 2020-06-30
“All the praise heaped on the first edition of this book can be repeated for the second. Along with updating of all chapters, considerable new material has been added. This comprehensive guide wonderfully balances new methods and discoveries with commitment to the unchanging written Word of God. Authored by distinguished scholars of both Old and New Testaments, this wide-ranging manual will continue to aid in opening the Bible's historical, literary, and theological riches to serious readers, especially those wishing not merely to read but also to apply and proclaim.” -- Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary Published On: 2020-06-30
“Hermeneutics is a tricky undertaking, and one can easily drown in technical nomenclature and complex philosophy. But here, Köstenberger and Patterson deliver an accessible and sturdy volume. These two craftsmen have built an entire workshop for the church, fitted with every major hermeneutical tool―history, genre, language, as well as application and proclamation. I encourage laypeople, students, and pastors to put this volume to good use and construct a robust lesson, paper, or sermon. Very well done!” -- Benjamin Gladd, Associate Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary Published On: 2020-06-30
About the Author
Andreas Köstenberger is Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the Founder of Biblical Foundations, an organization devoted to encouraging a return to the biblical foundations in the home, the church, and society.
Richard D. Patterson (PhD, University of California, Los Angeles) is distinguished professor emeritus at Liberty University. He has written well over 100 articles for major publishers and periodicals, including commentaries on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah (Moody) and Joel and Kings (with Hermann Austel) for the second edition of the Expositor's Bible Commentary Series.
