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Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue
We are called to excellence in all activities of life, not least in our scholarship and ministry. Outlining virtues directly related to vocation and scholarship, Andreas Kostenberger tells us there is a way to be a better person and a better scholar—without needing to sacrifice our faith at the altar of academic respectability. Here is a call to a life of virtue lived out in excellence.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2011
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335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 27, 2021
Well done. As I’m in the early stages of the PhD this book was helpful in its instruction for balance in life and excellence in scholarly work.
March 26, 2024
As someone who has been driven to burnout in a supposed “pursuit of excellence” both academically and personally, I rather arrogantly thought that reading a book on excellence would be redundant for me.
Kostenberger doesn’t just inspire us to pursue excellence however - he gives us motivation from the very character of God, the nature of our identity, and the role of humanity. He doesn’t just give reasoning for pursuing excellence in both academia and life, but also explores the practical outworking of it, relationally, vocationally, and morally. He explores the various virtues of excellence in our lives and how they must be held in connection to the same virtues in God Himself. A practical, thorough, and deeply enjoyable book, which although a little heavy at times, is extremely accessible and beneficial.
Kostenberger doesn’t just inspire us to pursue excellence however - he gives us motivation from the very character of God, the nature of our identity, and the role of humanity. He doesn’t just give reasoning for pursuing excellence in both academia and life, but also explores the practical outworking of it, relationally, vocationally, and morally. He explores the various virtues of excellence in our lives and how they must be held in connection to the same virtues in God Himself. A practical, thorough, and deeply enjoyable book, which although a little heavy at times, is extremely accessible and beneficial.
August 31, 2025
Based on 2 Peter 1:3-11, Köstenberger identifies 15 qualities of excellence that Christians should cultivate. These are: holiness and spirituality, which are the foundations; and the rest, diligence, courage, passion, restraint, creativity, eloquence, integrity, fidelity, wisdom, grace, humility, interdependence, and love.
Despite deviating from the New Testament text (2 Peter 1:3-11), he presents clear arguments, personal illustrations and theological bases for each virtue. He follows a neat outline with predictable structure, so it makes the reading experience easy.
The entire book, although helpful to all readers, is written for believers pursuing scholarship (teaching, publishing, researching) as vocation. It’s a strong exhortation for aspiring Christian scholars to develop vocational, moral, and relational excellence.
Despite deviating from the New Testament text (2 Peter 1:3-11), he presents clear arguments, personal illustrations and theological bases for each virtue. He follows a neat outline with predictable structure, so it makes the reading experience easy.
The entire book, although helpful to all readers, is written for believers pursuing scholarship (teaching, publishing, researching) as vocation. It’s a strong exhortation for aspiring Christian scholars to develop vocational, moral, and relational excellence.
October 3, 2023
An excellent book for teachers and scholars. Kostenberger sets out what excellence looks like when we embrace the Christian virtues particular to academic work. A great counter to the temptations of scholarly work as the virtues ground us in God and his way. They speak to our character as scholars rather than to our work.
October 19, 2021
Great case study on the topic of Excellence in the Christian life. Directed more towards the field of scholarship but packed with general truths and applications nonetheless.
July 6, 2015
This book is excellent (excuse the pun)! Kostenberger basically writes about the fruit of the Holy Spirit as it pertains to the life of a scholar. How do love and humility relate to writing a paper? How does holiness benefit my education? The main thrust of the book is education and the impact of spiritual growth on scholarship, but it really applies to anyone pursuing excellence in the work place and in the home. A must read, though, for scholars.
March 27, 2013
A rich resource for pastors, seminary professors, and all budding theology students who desire to serve the church in a scholarly context. It’s eminently practical, convicting, and encouraging.
September 9, 2018
A must read for all who are pursuing a seminary degree, but especially those pursuing a PhD. The two paragraphs below are my summary and observations from the first two chapters, which serve as the foundation of the entire book.
Chapter 1: The Excellence of God
Pursuing excellence in Christian scholarship—and all of life—is grounded on God’s character. Köstenberger argues that “God is the grounds of all true excellence” and “everything God is and does is marked by excellence” (p. 33). He defines excellence as “the quality of standing out or towering above the rest, being eminent or superior, and distinguishing oneself in some extraordinary or special way” (p. 34). Pursuing excellence is one way of displaying what God is like in every area of life. This pursuit of excellence is distinct for everyone. Köstenberger says, “We can each achieve excellence as we are increasingly fulfilling the potential God has built into us” (p. 36). Interestingly, the first suggested way to pursue excellence is to rest. This implies the need for dependence on God and the discipline of taking time to rest. Köstenberger warns, “Don’t put self-effort and striving ahead of listening to God. And balance hard work with regular rest and relaxation” (p. 39). While Köstenberger provides qualifications that distinguish the pursuit of excellence from workaholism or mere self-effort, I hope he would also make clear that pursuing excellence is distinct from perfectionism. Two key principles stand out from this chapter: 1) halfhearted effort does not display the character of God, and 2) the best self-effort, apart from God’s grace, does not honor God either. I appreciate what Köstenberger said, “The principle…is this: rest in God’s grace, look to him for guidance, and then do the work (in that order!)” (p. 39).
Chapter 2: The Pursuit of Excellence
This chapter demonstrates what pursuing excellence looks like based upon and modeled after 2 Peter 1:3-11. Pursuing excellence is based on God’s own glory and excellence (v. 5), and believers are commanded to make every effort to add certain virtues (vv. 5-7) grounded in God’s gracious promises (vv. 3-4) resulting in effective Christian service (v. 8), which is a basis for assurance of final salvation (vv. 9-11). Köstenberger faithfully emphasized both the necessity of moral effort and the indispensability of God’s grace. He argues that “while salvation is a work of grace, and virtues, too, must be undergirded by grace (1 Cor. 15:10), their acquisition is not automatic but requires moral effort” (p. 49). Then he made three observations from 2 Peter (p. 50). First, “God’s gracious initiative precedes any human response” (vv. 1, 3). Second, “God’s gracious saving initiative enables and produces the human response” (v. 3). Third, “God has given us his precious and very great promises so that “through them” we may progress in virtue (2 Peter. 1:4).” Köstenberger concludes with the central goal of this book: “the central goal of this book is to identify, describe, and encourage those virtues that are essential to fulfilling a specific call to glorify God by pursuing excellence in Christian scholarship” (p. 53). I appreciate the sound theological balance in this chapter that guards against the errors of moralism and passivity.
Chapter 1: The Excellence of God
Pursuing excellence in Christian scholarship—and all of life—is grounded on God’s character. Köstenberger argues that “God is the grounds of all true excellence” and “everything God is and does is marked by excellence” (p. 33). He defines excellence as “the quality of standing out or towering above the rest, being eminent or superior, and distinguishing oneself in some extraordinary or special way” (p. 34). Pursuing excellence is one way of displaying what God is like in every area of life. This pursuit of excellence is distinct for everyone. Köstenberger says, “We can each achieve excellence as we are increasingly fulfilling the potential God has built into us” (p. 36). Interestingly, the first suggested way to pursue excellence is to rest. This implies the need for dependence on God and the discipline of taking time to rest. Köstenberger warns, “Don’t put self-effort and striving ahead of listening to God. And balance hard work with regular rest and relaxation” (p. 39). While Köstenberger provides qualifications that distinguish the pursuit of excellence from workaholism or mere self-effort, I hope he would also make clear that pursuing excellence is distinct from perfectionism. Two key principles stand out from this chapter: 1) halfhearted effort does not display the character of God, and 2) the best self-effort, apart from God’s grace, does not honor God either. I appreciate what Köstenberger said, “The principle…is this: rest in God’s grace, look to him for guidance, and then do the work (in that order!)” (p. 39).
Chapter 2: The Pursuit of Excellence
This chapter demonstrates what pursuing excellence looks like based upon and modeled after 2 Peter 1:3-11. Pursuing excellence is based on God’s own glory and excellence (v. 5), and believers are commanded to make every effort to add certain virtues (vv. 5-7) grounded in God’s gracious promises (vv. 3-4) resulting in effective Christian service (v. 8), which is a basis for assurance of final salvation (vv. 9-11). Köstenberger faithfully emphasized both the necessity of moral effort and the indispensability of God’s grace. He argues that “while salvation is a work of grace, and virtues, too, must be undergirded by grace (1 Cor. 15:10), their acquisition is not automatic but requires moral effort” (p. 49). Then he made three observations from 2 Peter (p. 50). First, “God’s gracious initiative precedes any human response” (vv. 1, 3). Second, “God’s gracious saving initiative enables and produces the human response” (v. 3). Third, “God has given us his precious and very great promises so that “through them” we may progress in virtue (2 Peter. 1:4).” Köstenberger concludes with the central goal of this book: “the central goal of this book is to identify, describe, and encourage those virtues that are essential to fulfilling a specific call to glorify God by pursuing excellence in Christian scholarship” (p. 53). I appreciate the sound theological balance in this chapter that guards against the errors of moralism and passivity.
July 27, 2025
I don’t know how or when this book came to be in my personal library. I was a bit skeptical that this book would pertain to me as I am certainly no scholar, and I thought since it was aimed at scholars, the language would be dry and academic. I was pleasantly surprised at how accessible this book was. The author gives biblically grounded ethics related to a writers work, his moral character, and his approach to relationships. These principles, while directed towards scholarly pursuits, translate well to anyone who studies with the aim of speaking or debating on biblical truth, including pastors, evangelists, apologists, and teachers. I would recommend this book to anyone who fits one of those categories as a helpful self-evaluation on how you approach the work of defending truth.
February 27, 2023
As with a few of the books I’ve read from this publisher, it takes a subject (this time on scholarly virtues) and gives a lot of Bible verses to back up the author’s point. The author came with a bit of combative agenda, setting up evangelical scholarship as a kind of “battle against the liberals”, and very little of scholarly virtue as the examination of good news.
I would suggest Rich Mouw’s “Called to the Life of the Mind” of Jaroslav Pelican’s “The Christian Intellectual” instead of this.
I would suggest Rich Mouw’s “Called to the Life of the Mind” of Jaroslav Pelican’s “The Christian Intellectual” instead of this.
December 30, 2023
This is book was simply excellent. Kostenberger outlines what he considers to be the characteristics of a christian scholar. He explores the attributes through the Bible and applies them to the scholarly life building on his own experience. Kostenberger shows that excellence as a Christian scholar comes from love of God which fuels love for communicating His truth and beauty to the world.
May 27, 2018
While written for those pursue Scholarship, I as a minister found this while book helpful. A great call to do everything with excellence.
October 25, 2020
Wonderful. A MUST READ for any Christian wanting to pursue a career in scholarship.
March 8, 2021
An excellent book! Very thoughtful and inspiring discussion of the Christian virtues necessary to be an excellent scholar.
December 25, 2021
A book every pastor and student of the Word should read.
November 6, 2024
Fantastic.
August 19, 2012
This book urges Christian scholars to pursue excellence in their vocations without compromise. Excellence is grounded upon the excellence of God, God's grace, and Holy Spirit-enabled cultivation of virtues--the pursuit of holiness.
I liked how this book is divided into three major sections examining different dimensions of excellence: vocational (entailing such virtues as diligence, courage, passion, restraint, creativity, and eloquence), moral (integrity, fidelity, wisdom), and relational (grace, humility, interdependence, and love). Köstenberger does a good job of outlining the biblical basis for each virtue, explaining how each plays a role in the scholarly vocation, and demonstrating how the virtues build on one another. The different dimensions of excellence must be held in balance. I especially appreciated the book's foundation in the gospel and Köstenberger's final emphasis on what it looks like to be a loving scholar. "Love is capable of breaking down barriers to the gospel where rational arguments are unable to persuade." I was also quite motivated by his insistence on the importance of diligence for scholarly excellence (an area in which I am painfully lacking), and encouraged by his remarks on the possibility that creativity is a virtue which can be cultivated (as I don't tend to regard myself as a creative scholar or person in general).
At times I thought that more concrete advice, and a little less anecdotal discussion, might have been helpful in considering how to put virtues into practice. For instance, I would have loved to read some advice on how to sustain passion over the course of a dissertation! This is a great book for getting students to reflect on their callings, though, and I would gladly hand it to any first-year graduate student.
I liked how this book is divided into three major sections examining different dimensions of excellence: vocational (entailing such virtues as diligence, courage, passion, restraint, creativity, and eloquence), moral (integrity, fidelity, wisdom), and relational (grace, humility, interdependence, and love). Köstenberger does a good job of outlining the biblical basis for each virtue, explaining how each plays a role in the scholarly vocation, and demonstrating how the virtues build on one another. The different dimensions of excellence must be held in balance. I especially appreciated the book's foundation in the gospel and Köstenberger's final emphasis on what it looks like to be a loving scholar. "Love is capable of breaking down barriers to the gospel where rational arguments are unable to persuade." I was also quite motivated by his insistence on the importance of diligence for scholarly excellence (an area in which I am painfully lacking), and encouraged by his remarks on the possibility that creativity is a virtue which can be cultivated (as I don't tend to regard myself as a creative scholar or person in general).
At times I thought that more concrete advice, and a little less anecdotal discussion, might have been helpful in considering how to put virtues into practice. For instance, I would have loved to read some advice on how to sustain passion over the course of a dissertation! This is a great book for getting students to reflect on their callings, though, and I would gladly hand it to any first-year graduate student.
February 1, 2014
In an orderly and compelling way, Kostenberger lays out the case for a renewed interest in the virtues necessary for genuine Christian scholarship. I was impressed by the extensive use of biblical examples & imperatives. He unfolds each virtue with clarity and genuine insight and sprinkles many personal anecdotes into the work. The core material forms a great discussion of virtue ethics and the particular application to the scholarly realm fits well.
I would recommend this to seminary students, young pastors, and those who are engaged contributors in the scholarly guild.
I would recommend this to seminary students, young pastors, and those who are engaged contributors in the scholarly guild.
July 12, 2015
I liked this book quite a bit. It's about excellence in Christian scholarship and key virtues that lead to and comprise excellence.
I'm a bit out of the target audience as I'll soon be a grad student in engineering (not a biblically-related discipline), but the virtues described are definitely important and applicable for scholars who are Christians (not just scholars of Christianity). It caused me to think deeply about the way I approach my research and how I could improve in most of these areas. Glad I read the book.
I'm a bit out of the target audience as I'll soon be a grad student in engineering (not a biblically-related discipline), but the virtues described are definitely important and applicable for scholars who are Christians (not just scholars of Christianity). It caused me to think deeply about the way I approach my research and how I could improve in most of these areas. Glad I read the book.
October 11, 2012
Please dont read this book. Read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis or After Virtue by Alasdiar MacIntyre or even N.T. Wright's After you Believe. This book was a near complete waste of time as I had to read it for class. Please spare yourself the agony.
Want to read
December 13, 2013"Writing never just happens. If you are called to write, you must actively plan for it and doggedly persevere in it."
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/t...
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/t...
November 5, 2014
I was impressed by Dr. Kostenberger's commendable ethics in his work as a theologian.
Do you wonder what a theological student/scholar is supposed to look like? Go to this book and learn from Dr. K.
Do you wonder what a theological student/scholar is supposed to look like? Go to this book and learn from Dr. K.
February 11, 2012
an excellent book with a limited audience. The principles applied in this book could easily be expande to apply to a much larger audience
May 12, 2012
Loved it!!!! Must read for all students of the Bible. I will come back this book yearly.
August 1, 2012
Thankful for this little work. So many ways it could be used. More later, perhaps.
October 10, 2012
An incredibly helpful book for those pursuing advanced studies in theology. It is both encouraging and challenging. Highly recommended.
October 11, 2013
Well written and helpful. Not all applicable to a pastor, but still some very good thoughts.
Want to read
July 5, 2012High Priority
April 3, 2015
Recomendo!
April 4, 2017
Helpful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews