Narrative Reading, Narrative Preaching: Reuniting New Testament Interpretation and Proclamation

by Joel B. Green (Editor), Michael Pasquarello III (Editor)

There is often an unfortunate division between the technical work of biblical scholars and the practical work of preachers who construct sermons each week. These two fields of study, which ought to be mutually informed and supportive, are more often practically divided by divergent methods, interests, and goals. Narrative Reading, Narrative Preaching aims to bridge that divide.
Using narrative as an organizing theme, the contributors work through the New Testament offering examples of how interpretation can rightly inform proclamation. Three pairs of chapters feature an exemplary reading by a New Testament scholar followed by a sermon informed by that reading. Introductory and concluding chapters provide guidance for application of the model.
Pastors and seminarians will find here a uniquely practical work that will help them with both the reading and preaching of Scripture.

Genres: Biblical Studies

Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Prior to moving to Fuller, he taught at Asbury Theological Seminary for ten years. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Theological Interpretation and has authored or edited numerous books, including the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics.

Reviews

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to understanding the New Testament narratively and preaching it in such a way. The essays can be a little heady for the reader who does not have a background in narrative theology or strong exegetical skills, however this volume provides that content. This is, however, a strong introduction to narrative criticism and how one can read the entire New Testament narratively.

My only critique is that I wish either the exegetical essays or the homiletical essays had been written under the same format. I think this would allow for better reading flow. Also, the homiletical essays lack consistency. One has only a few pages of commentary and focuses primarily on its sermon, while another offers 18 pages of commentary before getting to its sermon. Additionally, there is almost no discussion of the concept of narrative preaching, which can be problematic to the reader who is using this an introduction to the practice.

[Vesselin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Как е възможно книга за проповядване да започва толкова скучно... Описани са в нея и важни неща, но по погрешния начин. Това не важи за всички от авторите, но Дж. Грин, от когото са въведението и първите глави, е в състояние многократно да приспи читателите си, преди да проверят дали следващите автори не пишат поне малко по-увлекателно от него.

[Garry · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some great concepts unwrapped here. I had a love/hate relationship with the Revelation chapter, but overall I benefitted.