Patterns of Discipleship in the New Testament (McMaster New Testament Studies

by Richard N. Longenecker (editor)

These essays examine what the New Testament says about the subject of discipleship, highlight the features of both unity and diversity that appear throughout the New Testament, and suggest how Christian discipleship can be expressed today.

Genres: Discipleship, Theology, New Testament, Spirituality, Biblical Studies

294 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

About the author

Richard N. Longenecker is Ramsey Armitage Professor of New Testament, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. He receivec the B.A. and M.A. degrees from Wheaton College and Wheaton Graduate School of Theology, respectively, and the Ph.D. from New College, University of Edinburgh. His principal publications include Paul, Apostle of Liberty (1964), The Christology of Early Jewish Christianity (1970), The Ministry and Message of Paul (1971), Biblical Exegesis in the Apostolic Period (1975), “The Acts of the Apostles” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981), and The New Testament Social Ethics for Today (1984).

Reviews

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A selection of essays covering most of the books of the New Testament (2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon, 2 Peter and Jude are the ones that are omitted). Each book gives a distinctive slant on discipleship resulting in a surprisingly varied selection. The editing could have been a bit letter - every essay on the Pauline letters begins with, or contains, the statement that Paul never mentions the word discipleship. As it's fairly well known that discipleship is only referenced in the gospels this could have simply been stated at the beginning.

A useful resource for preachers who may be beginning a sermon series on any of these books, or who want to have a broad ranging series on discipleship.

[Jacob Hudgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a study of major discipleship themes in different parts of the NT, each chapter written by a different scholar. Each NT author treats discipleship differently…and Paul does not use the word at all. It was helpful to have some continuity about how the concept is adapted and shifts throughout the development of the NT. I felt like there was still something missing from each chapter (except the one on James): some clear conclusions and spelling out of modern implications.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I both enjoyed and was informed by this book which includes articles on the patterns of discipleship found in all four gospels, six of the Pauline letters and four other NT writings. Each article/chapter comes in at about twenty pages. While not exhaustive in its treatment it is a manageable and helpful read.

[Josh Maurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very helpful book if you keep it's purpose in mind. It is not primarily intended to be a practical handbook on implementing discipleship in the local church. Nor is it intended to be a a personal devotional on the subject. Insights in these two areas are present but it's main contribution, and a good one at that, is in presenting a biblical theology of discipleship. The first four chapters on the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are worth the price of the book. The contribution of the chapter on Revelation to the discussion of discipleship was also remarkable.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good study of the subject of discipleship in the New Testament. As a series of essays the approach and quality of the study is uneven. On the whole however it was a helpful read.