Christ of the Consummation: A New Testament Biblical Theology

A New Testament Biblical Theology #2

by O. Palmer Robertson

Noted theologian O. Palmer Robertson’s three-volume The Christ of the Consummation explores progressive revelation across the redemptive history of the New Testament. The second volume, The Testimony of Acts and Paul, focuses on the ongoing redemptive realities that stretch beyond “all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), as witnessed through the testimony of Acts, conjoined with the writings of Paul and the other New Testament authors. Fifty days after his crucifixion at Passover, the resurrected and ascended Christ’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost inaugurates a new age clearly marked on the ongoing time clock of redemptive history. By means of the Spirit, the exalted Christ works supernaturally through the church to fulfill God’s promises.

Foreword by Sinclair B. Ferguson with a Further Word from Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

Endorsements“Dr. Robertson skillfully balances both the big picture and the details as he lavishes upon the church his wealth of exegetical observations with masterful insight. This magisterial volume is sure to help you, whether as a pastor, a scholar, or a layperson, to truly relive (as Robertson puts it) the unfolding drama of salvation. . . . A must-have for every pastor’s library.”

—Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“This theological contribution may well be O. Palmer Robertson’s magnum opus. It is a book that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. But more than that, it will whet readers’ appetites to embrace the new covenant corpus of the writings of the apostle Paul and lead them to the feet of Jesus Christ. This volume draws on a lifetime of rich and original insights on biblical meditation and prayer.”

—Kevin J. Bidwell, Sheffield Presbyterian Church, Sheffield, United Kingdom

“Integrative biblical exposition at its finest. . . . Wise and discerning, this book is an invitation to explore church foundations in order to join in with and extend God’s covenant heritage in our own historical moment of unprecedented global church expansion.”

—Robert W. Yarbrough, Covenant Theological Seminary

“[Robertson’s] redemptive-historical exploration . . . is insightfully exegetical, soundly theological, occasionally polemical, and warmly pastoral.”

—Dennis E. Johnson, Westminster Seminary California

“This book is fascinating. . . . Exegesis, redemptive history, and systematics are all covered in one book by someone whose scholarship has been trusted for years. Buy this book!”

—Robert J. Cara, Reformed Theological Seminary

“A magnificent achievement from someone who has spent a lifetime in the Scriptures.”

—Derek W. H. Thomas, Ligonier Ministries

“O. Palmer Robertson is crowning a lifetime of biblical and theological scholarship with a multivolume New Testament biblical theology. . . . Readers will not only be treated to any number of exegetical gems from these New Testament books, but also be afforded a compelling vision of their canonical unity and diversity.”

—Guy Prentiss Waters, Reformed Theological Seminary

Genres: Theology

576 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2025

About the author

Owen Palmer Robertson (born August 31, 1937) is an American Christian theologian and biblical scholar. He taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, Knox Theological Seminary as well as at the African Bible Colleges of Malawi and Uganda. He also served as principal of the latter institution.

Robertson is perhaps best known for his book The Christ of the Covenants. His definition of a biblical covenant being "a bond in blood, sovereignly administered" has been widely discussed.

In 2008, a Festschrift was published in his honor. The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson included contributions by Bruce Waltke, Richard Gaffin, Robert L. Reymond and George W. Knight III.