The Well That Washes What It Shows: An Invitation to Holy Scripture

by Jonathan A. Linebaugh

An accessible introduction to the Bible that brings together theological insight with pastoral concerns
 
In this distinctive introduction to the Bible, Jonathan Linebaugh illuminates Scripture’s dual capacity for revealing human sinfulness and imparting divine love. Drawing on the language of the poet George Herbert, Linebaugh characterizes Scripture as “the well that washes what it shows”—that is, the living and active word that simultaneously reveals our need for Jesus and gives us Jesus.
 
Linebaugh begins by outlining Scripture’s overall story, subject matter, and shape. He then provides a broad overview of the Old and New Testaments, followed by a case study of the book of Romans that demonstrates how to bring together theological, historical, exegetical, and devotional concerns when studying Scripture. Whereas many introductions to the Bible prioritize one of these concerns at the expense of the others, Linebaugh shows readers how to synthesize them. In so doing, he demonstrates how reading the Bible can be both generative and we attend to the gospel revealed in Scripture so that same gospel can be spoken afresh on the basis of Scripture. Grounded in Linebaugh’s combined expertise as a theologian and experience as an ordained minister, The Well That Washes What It Shows is a valuable resource for pastors, seminary students, and anyone seeking to read Scripture in ways that engage both the mind and the heart.

Genres: Theology

206 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Jews and Christians, Holy Scripture provides an authoritative witness to God's existence, presence, work, and more. For Christians, the Jewish scriptures form the first part of the Christian Scriptures. In other words, there is no Christian form of the Holy Scriptures that doesn't include what Christians traditionally call the Old Testament (also known as the Jewish Scriptures). In an age of biblical illiteracy, even in the church, we need accessible introductions to the Scriptures, especially ones that take on a pastoral vision. There is a place for critical study, but for many Christians —whether new to the faith or long-term members —something different is needed, something with a pastoral bent.

Jonathan A. Linebaugh offers a pastorally sensitive introduction to Holy Scripture in his book "The Well That Washes What It Shows (Eerdmans, 2025). He offers this book to readers as a word of consolation and hope, a word that provides a divine offer of forgiveness and love. Here he offers what Thomas Cranmer called "the 'comfortable words' of God's love in Jesus that gives hope to the hurting, ashamed, worn-out, and afraid (Book of Common Prayer). That is the pastoral side of the book. The second dimension of the book is Linebaugh's introduction to the Bible, which he hopes will offer what Paul calls "the gospel of the glory of Christ."

With these hopes and a sense of purpose in mind, Linebagh takes the reader on a journey through Scripture, beginning with three chapters on the Old Testament, following the organizing principles of the Jewish Tanakh, which is a bit different from our usual configuration. Then he offers three chapters on the New Testament, followed by a chapter using the Book of Romans "as an interpretive case study, theological synthesis, and pastoral bridge" (p. 3). Finally, Linebaugh concludes a chapter on "how to read the Bible with and as ministry to others," that is, Cranmer's "comfortable words."

Part One focuses on "The Old Testament" in three chapters. Note the Jewish order: Chapter 1 focuses on "The Law (Torah). Chapter 2 explores "The Prophets (Nevi'im). Here, it is important to note that the "Prophets" include the familiar Major Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, but not Daniel, along with the Book of the Twelve (Minor Prophets). It also includes what are known as the historical books -- Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings (known as the "Former Prophets). Finally, he introduces readers to "The Writings (Ketuvim). This category includes the Wisdom literature, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. In his chapter, he focuses on the wisdom traditions and the Psalms.

Part two focuses on the New Testament, beginning with a chapter on "The Gospels" (Chapter 4). Here, he wants to emphasize the Gospels as good news. The Gospel is the message, not just the four gospels and Acts. He reminds us that while the four Gospels share the message differently, they preach just one gospel, and that is the good news of Jesus. The second chapter in this section (Chapter 5) focuses on "The Letters (and Life of Paul). He emphasizes what he believes is Paul's only sermon -- "I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (p. 91). He also recognizes that Paul's letters are, for the most part, pastoral interventions dealing with crises popping up in congregations he founded, though a few, such as Romans and Colossians, speak to churches he didn't found. He appears to treat the Pastoral Epistles as Pauline. But overall, this is a helpful, pastorally directed overview of Paul's message. Chapter 6, "Hebrews to Revelation," focuses on the remaining books of the New Testament, though he focuses largely on Hebrews and Revelation, while mentioning the letters of John, Jude, James, and the letters of Peter. Hebrews and Revelation are the two longest books in this section and are both somewhat mysterious.

Parts 3 and 4 have one chapter each. Part 3 is titled "Case Study and Synthesis." It focuses its attention on "Paul's Letter to the Romans" (Chapter 7). The focus here is pastoral, not critical analysis. The message he finds there is summed up in three words: Word, Faith, and Love. That is, "the word of Christ creates the faith that clings to it, and this faith is active in love" (p. 154). This leads us to the final section (Part 4), "Ministers of the Word," which contains one chapter, chapter 8, "Comfortable Words." Here, Linebaugh brings things full circle, suggesting that the biblical message, the good news, offers what Cranmer called "Comfortable Words." He asks a question for pastors, can "ministers of the Word give any comfort--- any hope?" (p. 160). For Linebaugh, scripture brings to the people a word from God, the ultimate word is one of hope and comfort. Though it does include diagnoses of sin that need to be addressed, such that as the title implies, scripture is "The Well That Washes What it shows."

[Kyle Tomlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Linebaugh has given us a gem of a book with "The Well That Washes What It Shows". The first half of the book is retelling of the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of the Law-Gospel hermeneutic. The second half contains a deeper exposition of Paul's letter to the Romans and then a reflection on how the Scriptures act as "Comfortable Words" to give forgiveness, peace, new life, and hope to sinners and sufferers. This is a great book to give to anyone who wants to better understand what the Scriptures are about and, more importantly, what God does through them.