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God the Trinity: Biblical Portraits
Is the Trinity biblical? Is it necessary to affirm God as three persons in one being? Despite a renewed interest in the Trinity in recent years, many Christians, including most evangelicals, either relegate the Son of God to creaturely status or repudiate the personhood of the Holy Spirit. In addition, numerous scholars affirm that the doctrine of the Trinity is not clearly revealed in Scripture. Is the Trinity merely a philosophical construction, or is it essential to orthodox Christianity? Drawing on hermeneutics and biblical and historical theology, Malcolm Yarnell crafts a careful and clear response to these issues through exegesis of pivotal texts from both testaments.
He meticulously examines the foundational Hebrew confession known as the Shema, Matthew's great commission, the divine relations in the Gospel of John, Paul's Corinthian benediction, the opening hymn of Ephesians, and the throne room vision of the Apocalypse. Also considered are the relationships of language to revelation and history to metaphysics, along with recent appeals to recover patristic exegesis and the Christian imagination. He also challenges the reader to discern the implications of the Trinity for personal salvation as well as corporate worship.
He meticulously examines the foundational Hebrew confession known as the Shema, Matthew's great commission, the divine relations in the Gospel of John, Paul's Corinthian benediction, the opening hymn of Ephesians, and the throne room vision of the Apocalypse. Also considered are the relationships of language to revelation and history to metaphysics, along with recent appeals to recover patristic exegesis and the Christian imagination. He also challenges the reader to discern the implications of the Trinity for personal salvation as well as corporate worship.
- GenresTheologyNonfiction
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 7, 2017
Dr. Yarnell summarizes his arguments in 10 Theses from eight biblical texts in the Epilogue. It definitely, in his words, "was not too traumatic" though I still need to look up "prosopological."
September 5, 2018
This book takes a unique approach in presenting God the Trinity. There are several outstanding conservative volumes on the Trinity in print today, but Malcolm Yarnell gives us one that’s organized unlike any other. The conclusions found in this volume are conservative, baptistic, and supported by some of the finest theologians today.
On the downside, I had trouble following the logic of the flow of the presentation of the material. At times, it seemed random, conversational, and something of a flow of consciousness. Finally, I figured out that he was just addressing some of the most important biblical texts on the Trinity. All the arguments given showed scholarly depth and theological perception, it’s just at times they didn’t always seem the most persuasive tracks to prove the author’s point. In fairness to Mr. Yarnell, it could have been that I just didn’t personally connect with his design. Probably it’s best for you to check it out as it might be just what the doctor ordered for you.
The key Scriptures discussed are Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, John 1:18, John 16:14-15, John 17:21-22, Ephesians 1:9-10 and Revelation 5:6. Without doubt, these are crucial texts in grasping what the Bible has to say about the Trinity.
The glowing recommendations that come with this book mean that despite my personal tastes about it, you will want to check it out if you’re trying to collect a study library for the Trinity.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
On the downside, I had trouble following the logic of the flow of the presentation of the material. At times, it seemed random, conversational, and something of a flow of consciousness. Finally, I figured out that he was just addressing some of the most important biblical texts on the Trinity. All the arguments given showed scholarly depth and theological perception, it’s just at times they didn’t always seem the most persuasive tracks to prove the author’s point. In fairness to Mr. Yarnell, it could have been that I just didn’t personally connect with his design. Probably it’s best for you to check it out as it might be just what the doctor ordered for you.
The key Scriptures discussed are Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, John 1:18, John 16:14-15, John 17:21-22, Ephesians 1:9-10 and Revelation 5:6. Without doubt, these are crucial texts in grasping what the Bible has to say about the Trinity.
The glowing recommendations that come with this book mean that despite my personal tastes about it, you will want to check it out if you’re trying to collect a study library for the Trinity.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 2, 2020
4.5 stars
Malcolm Yarnell sets out to answer two basic questions:
1) Is is necessary to believe in the Trinity?
2) Is the doctrine of the Trinity biblical?
At face value, it seems obvious that we should answer these questions in the affirmative. But it is not so easy. No single propositional statement in the Scriptures gives us the doctrine of the Trinity.
Yarnell demonstrates that a hermeneutic solely based on propositional statements is deficient. Truth is not only revealed by propositional statements but also through means of narrative. We are to read our Bibles typologically as well.
By exploring 8 biblical portraits derived from the exegesis of some key passages, Yarnell ably demonstrates that we should answer the two preliminary questions in the affirmative. The God who saves is the Trinitarian God and the doctrine of the Trinity is biblical since a Trinitarian grammer/idiom is established in some foundational texts.
This book could easily have devolved into a dry academic exercise, but its genius is in exploring passages that are set in the context of worship. Coming to grips with the grammar of the Trinity draws our affections toward God the Trinity.
By drawing on the best of contemporary hermeneutical methods and patristic exegesis, Yarnell has done the community of faith a service.
The only drawback is that some of the discussion is quite technical and I can therefore not recommend this to the layperson, still the pastor/seminarian/theologically educated will find this volume of great benefit.
Glory to the Father, The Lamb and the Spirit!
Malcolm Yarnell sets out to answer two basic questions:
1) Is is necessary to believe in the Trinity?
2) Is the doctrine of the Trinity biblical?
At face value, it seems obvious that we should answer these questions in the affirmative. But it is not so easy. No single propositional statement in the Scriptures gives us the doctrine of the Trinity.
Yarnell demonstrates that a hermeneutic solely based on propositional statements is deficient. Truth is not only revealed by propositional statements but also through means of narrative. We are to read our Bibles typologically as well.
By exploring 8 biblical portraits derived from the exegesis of some key passages, Yarnell ably demonstrates that we should answer the two preliminary questions in the affirmative. The God who saves is the Trinitarian God and the doctrine of the Trinity is biblical since a Trinitarian grammer/idiom is established in some foundational texts.
This book could easily have devolved into a dry academic exercise, but its genius is in exploring passages that are set in the context of worship. Coming to grips with the grammar of the Trinity draws our affections toward God the Trinity.
By drawing on the best of contemporary hermeneutical methods and patristic exegesis, Yarnell has done the community of faith a service.
The only drawback is that some of the discussion is quite technical and I can therefore not recommend this to the layperson, still the pastor/seminarian/theologically educated will find this volume of great benefit.
Glory to the Father, The Lamb and the Spirit!
April 1, 2018
This is one of those books that you read and find out how much you didn't know.
Most Christians are aware of the doctrine of the Trinity, but this book takes you much further into just the articulation of that doctrine. It encourages you to understand the implications of the Trinity; it introduces scholarly debates about Trinitarian doctrine; but most importantly, it draws you closer to who the Trinity is. Each chapter develops a theme around a particular passage of Scripture; the exegesis of Ephesians 1 (Chapter 7 of the book) is alone worth getting this book for.
This book is rich, like fudge. It's a slow, methodical read, and you'll need to take time at the end of each chapter to digest what you've read and learned. Highly recommended.
Most Christians are aware of the doctrine of the Trinity, but this book takes you much further into just the articulation of that doctrine. It encourages you to understand the implications of the Trinity; it introduces scholarly debates about Trinitarian doctrine; but most importantly, it draws you closer to who the Trinity is. Each chapter develops a theme around a particular passage of Scripture; the exegesis of Ephesians 1 (Chapter 7 of the book) is alone worth getting this book for.
This book is rich, like fudge. It's a slow, methodical read, and you'll need to take time at the end of each chapter to digest what you've read and learned. Highly recommended.
August 26, 2023
This is a great dive into Trinitarian theology, using several key biblical passages as "portraits" of God's self-revelation to humanity of His triune nature. There is some use of biblical languages (without transliteration); some elementary grasp of biblical Hebrew and Greek would be helpful in getting the most out of this book.
July 16, 2021
Great overview of the Doctrine of the Trinity. Dr. Yarnell is a scholar, and it shows in this book! Engages the Scriptures well, traces some historical traditions, and connects is all together. It is a little difficult to follow sometimes (Chapter 7 is a BEAST), but very well done!
March 29, 2021
Pretty good.
July 23, 2016
God the Trinity: Biblical Portraits by Malcolm B. Yarnell III is one of the most important works on the Trinity in recent decades. The book is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter paints a portrait of God through the exegesis and examination of eight specific Trinitarian passages: (1) Matthew 28:19, (2) 2 Corinthians 13:14, (3) Deuteronomy 6:4-7a, (4) John 1:18, (5) John 16:14-15, (6) John 17:21-22, (7) Ephesians 1:9-10, and (8) Revelation 5:6. Furthermore, each of these chapters more narrowly converge on a single word from the passage that Yarnell uses to unearth and construct a clear biblical portrait of the trinity. These eight chapters are sandwiched between a prologue—which presents the necessity of the study—and an epilogue—which provides a succinct portrait of the triune God framed by ten Trinitarian theses in three categories: (1) Trinitarian Reality, (2) Trinitarian Hermeneutics, and (3) Trinitarian Economy.
There is much to be praised in this volume. First, and probably foremost, Yarnell is a first-rate scholar, and God the Trinity echoes serious and seasoned reflection on the subject matter. Second, there is a lot of excellent information in this book that will expand the reader’s understanding and knowledge of the biblical portrait of the trinity. Still, the exegesis of the biblical passages therein is where the real benefit of this volume surfaces. Yarnell is clear, articulate, and judicious in his presentation, and the reader will benefit with every turn of the page. This is a volume that is both rich with depth and accessible and easy to digest. Third, the organization around the “portrait” concept of the Trinity does well to display the biblical revelation concerning the triune God. The only true critique, and this is more of a desire than a critique is the lack of interaction within the Old Testament portrait of the Trinity. Yarnell spends nearly all of his time in the New Testament, and most of that time in the Gospel of John. It would have been good to see more canonical representation, but the limitations of such are understandable.
God the Trinity: Biblical Portraits by Malcolm B. Yarnell III is a timely and welcomed defense and articulation of the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. From the approach to the delivery, Yarnell has provided a volume distilled in seasoned scholarly reflection and research. The depths of this volume are deep, and the insights are accessible. Malcolm Yarnell has easily delivered one of the most important works on the Trinity in recent decades. It comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
There is much to be praised in this volume. First, and probably foremost, Yarnell is a first-rate scholar, and God the Trinity echoes serious and seasoned reflection on the subject matter. Second, there is a lot of excellent information in this book that will expand the reader’s understanding and knowledge of the biblical portrait of the trinity. Still, the exegesis of the biblical passages therein is where the real benefit of this volume surfaces. Yarnell is clear, articulate, and judicious in his presentation, and the reader will benefit with every turn of the page. This is a volume that is both rich with depth and accessible and easy to digest. Third, the organization around the “portrait” concept of the Trinity does well to display the biblical revelation concerning the triune God. The only true critique, and this is more of a desire than a critique is the lack of interaction within the Old Testament portrait of the Trinity. Yarnell spends nearly all of his time in the New Testament, and most of that time in the Gospel of John. It would have been good to see more canonical representation, but the limitations of such are understandable.
God the Trinity: Biblical Portraits by Malcolm B. Yarnell III is a timely and welcomed defense and articulation of the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. From the approach to the delivery, Yarnell has provided a volume distilled in seasoned scholarly reflection and research. The depths of this volume are deep, and the insights are accessible. Malcolm Yarnell has easily delivered one of the most important works on the Trinity in recent decades. It comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews