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Spirit Hermeneutics: Reading Scripture in Light of Pentecost
Biblical-theological reflection supporting a dynamic, experiential, Spirit-guided reading of Scripture
How do we hear the Spirit's voice in Scripture? Once we have done responsible exegesis, how may we expect the Spirit to apply the text to our lives and communities? In Spirit Hermeneutics biblical scholar Craig Keener addresses these questions, carefully articulating how the experience of the Spirit that empowered the church on the day of Pentecost can — and should — dynamically shape our reading of Scripture today.
How do we hear the Spirit's voice in Scripture? Once we have done responsible exegesis, how may we expect the Spirit to apply the text to our lives and communities? In Spirit Hermeneutics biblical scholar Craig Keener addresses these questions, carefully articulating how the experience of the Spirit that empowered the church on the day of Pentecost can — and should — dynamically shape our reading of Scripture today.
480 pages, Hardcover
Published August 11, 2016
195 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Craig S. Keener
144 books245 followersCraig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of many books, including Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, the bestseller The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels, Gift and Giver, and commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, and Revelation.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 2, 2025
Just sublime. Keener at his best. Likely to set the golden standard for books on Pentecostal hermeneutics. Surprisingly, my favorite aspect of the book is how accessible it is (for Keener at least). While it’s every bit as thorough, well supported, and methodical as his other works, this one feels so much more personable and pastoral. It’s like sitting in a classroom.
Keener takes his time, as usual, setting the stage and engaging the current conversation. He defines just what a uniquely Pentecostal hermeneutic entails (at least a good one). Essentially, a Spirit led hermeneutic will expect God to speak through the inherent ontological meaning of the text in its historical and grammatical context, while applying the meanings, morals, and messages to believers here and now, in relevant ways. We expect God to speak when we open the book, and we should.
The way he handles that balance is careful and correct. He illustrates (sometimes with surprising humor) that the Spirit is not going to inspire us to interpret the Word in a way that contradicts itself. So if the Holy Ghost is speaking, we should feel absolutely safe judging that unction or interpretation against scripture. At the same time, like the Pharisees, we can be extremely familiar with the correct, historical interpretation of a passage, and yet miss what God is actually saying. The Holy Ghost is needed at every step of the hermeneutical cycle.
My favorite chapters though, were when Keener examined how the Bible interprets itself; specifically, how the New Testament writers interpreted and applies the Old Testament. Often they did so in unexpected (but completely appropriate/inspired ways). Yes, Isaiah’s prophesies had immediate application, but there’s christological application as well, seeing how Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel’s purpose. One chapter reminded me of the Furtick debate a few years ago. The mega church pastor was accused of misappropriating the bible by applying David and Goliath to us facing “giants” in our own lives. Some staunch hermeneutical snobs went on a rampage, saying that properly interpreted, David is a type of Christ and not of us. Keener dismantles that foolishness. The Bible is given to us for correction and instruction. We ought to glean lessons. Surely David’s faith wasn’t resting in a christocentric application of his own present circumstance.
Other great chapters focused on Jesus’ hermeneutic within the gospels themselves, as well as how New Testament believers ought to interpret and apply the law of Moses. Great stuff from beginning to end. I will probably do an extended series on this book on my YouTube channel The Pulpit Librarian in the coming weeks. It’s just that rich.
Keener takes his time, as usual, setting the stage and engaging the current conversation. He defines just what a uniquely Pentecostal hermeneutic entails (at least a good one). Essentially, a Spirit led hermeneutic will expect God to speak through the inherent ontological meaning of the text in its historical and grammatical context, while applying the meanings, morals, and messages to believers here and now, in relevant ways. We expect God to speak when we open the book, and we should.
The way he handles that balance is careful and correct. He illustrates (sometimes with surprising humor) that the Spirit is not going to inspire us to interpret the Word in a way that contradicts itself. So if the Holy Ghost is speaking, we should feel absolutely safe judging that unction or interpretation against scripture. At the same time, like the Pharisees, we can be extremely familiar with the correct, historical interpretation of a passage, and yet miss what God is actually saying. The Holy Ghost is needed at every step of the hermeneutical cycle.
My favorite chapters though, were when Keener examined how the Bible interprets itself; specifically, how the New Testament writers interpreted and applies the Old Testament. Often they did so in unexpected (but completely appropriate/inspired ways). Yes, Isaiah’s prophesies had immediate application, but there’s christological application as well, seeing how Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel’s purpose. One chapter reminded me of the Furtick debate a few years ago. The mega church pastor was accused of misappropriating the bible by applying David and Goliath to us facing “giants” in our own lives. Some staunch hermeneutical snobs went on a rampage, saying that properly interpreted, David is a type of Christ and not of us. Keener dismantles that foolishness. The Bible is given to us for correction and instruction. We ought to glean lessons. Surely David’s faith wasn’t resting in a christocentric application of his own present circumstance.
Other great chapters focused on Jesus’ hermeneutic within the gospels themselves, as well as how New Testament believers ought to interpret and apply the law of Moses. Great stuff from beginning to end. I will probably do an extended series on this book on my YouTube channel The Pulpit Librarian in the coming weeks. It’s just that rich.
October 26, 2022
Les concepts et le point de vue sur l'herméneutique et l'impact de la communauté mondiale pentecôtiste sont importants et éclairent le débat, et j'ai apprécié les apports de Keener sur le sujet.
La préface du Dr Yong indique que ce volume dépassait les directives de longueur....Dommage, mais il le semble que ce livre aurait été bien meilleur s'il avait respecté celles-ci, du coup cela se traduit par une lecture parfois laborieuse.
On a l'impression que ce type d'ouvrage est destiné à monsieur tout le monde. Malheureusement, il se lit parfois comme une première ébauche. Pourtant je le traduis pour les étudiants de la faculté de théologie FATAD au Togo.
Ceci dit, je le recommande aux lecteurs qui souhaitent comprendre comment s'engager délibérément avec l'Esprit dans l'interprétation de la Bible.
La préface du Dr Yong indique que ce volume dépassait les directives de longueur....Dommage, mais il le semble que ce livre aurait été bien meilleur s'il avait respecté celles-ci, du coup cela se traduit par une lecture parfois laborieuse.
On a l'impression que ce type d'ouvrage est destiné à monsieur tout le monde. Malheureusement, il se lit parfois comme une première ébauche. Pourtant je le traduis pour les étudiants de la faculté de théologie FATAD au Togo.
Ceci dit, je le recommande aux lecteurs qui souhaitent comprendre comment s'engager délibérément avec l'Esprit dans l'interprétation de la Bible.
March 27, 2024
Commençons par le négatif:
1)Une lecture pas toujours évidente. Il faut parfois vraiment s'accrocher pour saisir le propos de Keener
2) la lecture de "pentecôte" de la Bible est le sujet principal que dans la dernière partie (3 chapitres) du livre.
En dehors de ça, une réflexion sur l'herméneutique, sur la façon dont on lis la Bible, nos présupposés (conscient ou non) sur la façon dont les auteurs du NT lisaient l'AT extrêmement enrichissante et stimulante.
Un indispensable sur bien des sujets mais qui se mérite vu la densité et la multitude de sujets que Keener traite ici.
1)Une lecture pas toujours évidente. Il faut parfois vraiment s'accrocher pour saisir le propos de Keener
2) la lecture de "pentecôte" de la Bible est le sujet principal que dans la dernière partie (3 chapitres) du livre.
En dehors de ça, une réflexion sur l'herméneutique, sur la façon dont on lis la Bible, nos présupposés (conscient ou non) sur la façon dont les auteurs du NT lisaient l'AT extrêmement enrichissante et stimulante.
Un indispensable sur bien des sujets mais qui se mérite vu la densité et la multitude de sujets que Keener traite ici.
January 16, 2021
Review was written for Graduate Studies class.
The main points of the book that the author wanted to present were a theological reading toward praxis and mission, which drives the point that if we follow Spirit hermeneutics, we will read Scripture experientially, eschatologically, and missionally. Having a global reading in the global church helps us to learn from the many parts of the church. The author shares a connection with the designed sense that emphasizes the importance of a disciplined reading that, in the end, helps one understand what the biblical text meant to the original reader. Next, the author brought out epistemology and the Spirit, which helps correct any misinterpretations. The author then proceeds to look at intrabiblical models for reading scripture, which will lead to a more Christocentric understanding of the Bible, which will lead to a more personal application. Lastly, the author rounds out the book with whose charismatic interpretation will we follow. The author explains that there is reinforced testing of the readings by their consistency with the already written Word.
The author did well at bringing a systematic approach and helping the reader see scripture in light of Pentecost. Sound theology though looking at many different sides and approaches to the Spirit and Pentecost. The author shared many perspectives and did not just camp in one area. The author did well at approaching the topic and helping bridge the gap between the original text and how to apply it today. Another strength the reader thought the author did well was taking the hermeneutical process to a deeper level. It challenged the reader to think in a different frame of mind.
The author shared upfront what was to be in the book but also making sure that as the reader, they knew what would not be in the book. The reader also liked that he was clear that the book would not address everything that one needs to know for understanding the scripture. As the author stated, "the title itself shows that there are many lenses through which Scripture invites us to read Scripture" (pg. 3).
Another aspect of the author the reader appreciated was his comment regarding “reading from the vantage point of Pentecost.” (pg. 56) Reading from the point of Pentecost is not something that the reader has given much thought to until now. It has caused the reader to think through the scripture through this lens and approach the text differently.
One thing I found helpful was the author's approach and a chapter entitled "What It Means to Have Faith in God's Word." When we "embrace God's Word in faith, it means that we are embracing the true message that the writer of the book through the inspiration of the Spirit is trying to communicate" (pg. 198). We, as readers, can take scripture at face value. It does not mean that we do not have questions, or we believe it or not, radar does not go off. By taking scripture at face value means that we "should expect God's continuing activity in history and our lives" (pg. 199).
The author took a risk toward the end of the book. He shares on “the wrong kinds of reading and how it can be misapplied and taken out of context” (pg.268-267). The reader was more convinced and aware of why people are talking about how biblically illiterate this generation of young people are and why they are not growing in the knowledge of God. which in turn makes the reader want to share biblical truth even more and help people understand the process of studying the Bible for themselves. Knowing that reading the scripture is essential to have an encounter with God, we still need to be consistent with the scripture and stay in the boundaries established by the structure of the biblical text.
The reader did not find many weaknesses in the book. However, there were a few things that the reader did notice and would have appreciated a little more elaboration. One area of weakness to the writing was that the author wrote deep at times, and it was hard to follow where the writer wanted the reader to go. There were times that the author also wanted to share to much detail that portions of the book felt dry, bogged down, or even dragged out.
One area that the author could have gone a little deeper could have been in the chapter “Naïve “Pentecostal” Readings vs. Biblically Sensitive Pentecostal Readings” (pg.265). The author took the time to speak on some very controversial approaches to the Bible. One aspect was on “Word of Faith, what they are teaching, and how the scripture is being taught out of context” (pg.272).
In this review of Spirit Hermeneutics: Reading Scripture in Light of Pentecost, we have discussed the main points the author wanted to make, shared what was insightful and helpful as the reader — shared a few of the negatives and what the author could have elaborated more. Closing quote by the author, “Ultimately a Christian hermeneutic is no less than a Spirit hermeneutic – an approach that humbly recognizes that it is God’s voice, rather than our own, that we must hear in his Word” (pg. 288). May I, as a young leader, take more time to hear the voice of God clearer as I humbly approach the Word of God in light of Pentecost.
The main points of the book that the author wanted to present were a theological reading toward praxis and mission, which drives the point that if we follow Spirit hermeneutics, we will read Scripture experientially, eschatologically, and missionally. Having a global reading in the global church helps us to learn from the many parts of the church. The author shares a connection with the designed sense that emphasizes the importance of a disciplined reading that, in the end, helps one understand what the biblical text meant to the original reader. Next, the author brought out epistemology and the Spirit, which helps correct any misinterpretations. The author then proceeds to look at intrabiblical models for reading scripture, which will lead to a more Christocentric understanding of the Bible, which will lead to a more personal application. Lastly, the author rounds out the book with whose charismatic interpretation will we follow. The author explains that there is reinforced testing of the readings by their consistency with the already written Word.
The author did well at bringing a systematic approach and helping the reader see scripture in light of Pentecost. Sound theology though looking at many different sides and approaches to the Spirit and Pentecost. The author shared many perspectives and did not just camp in one area. The author did well at approaching the topic and helping bridge the gap between the original text and how to apply it today. Another strength the reader thought the author did well was taking the hermeneutical process to a deeper level. It challenged the reader to think in a different frame of mind.
The author shared upfront what was to be in the book but also making sure that as the reader, they knew what would not be in the book. The reader also liked that he was clear that the book would not address everything that one needs to know for understanding the scripture. As the author stated, "the title itself shows that there are many lenses through which Scripture invites us to read Scripture" (pg. 3).
Another aspect of the author the reader appreciated was his comment regarding “reading from the vantage point of Pentecost.” (pg. 56) Reading from the point of Pentecost is not something that the reader has given much thought to until now. It has caused the reader to think through the scripture through this lens and approach the text differently.
One thing I found helpful was the author's approach and a chapter entitled "What It Means to Have Faith in God's Word." When we "embrace God's Word in faith, it means that we are embracing the true message that the writer of the book through the inspiration of the Spirit is trying to communicate" (pg. 198). We, as readers, can take scripture at face value. It does not mean that we do not have questions, or we believe it or not, radar does not go off. By taking scripture at face value means that we "should expect God's continuing activity in history and our lives" (pg. 199).
The author took a risk toward the end of the book. He shares on “the wrong kinds of reading and how it can be misapplied and taken out of context” (pg.268-267). The reader was more convinced and aware of why people are talking about how biblically illiterate this generation of young people are and why they are not growing in the knowledge of God. which in turn makes the reader want to share biblical truth even more and help people understand the process of studying the Bible for themselves. Knowing that reading the scripture is essential to have an encounter with God, we still need to be consistent with the scripture and stay in the boundaries established by the structure of the biblical text.
The reader did not find many weaknesses in the book. However, there were a few things that the reader did notice and would have appreciated a little more elaboration. One area of weakness to the writing was that the author wrote deep at times, and it was hard to follow where the writer wanted the reader to go. There were times that the author also wanted to share to much detail that portions of the book felt dry, bogged down, or even dragged out.
One area that the author could have gone a little deeper could have been in the chapter “Naïve “Pentecostal” Readings vs. Biblically Sensitive Pentecostal Readings” (pg.265). The author took the time to speak on some very controversial approaches to the Bible. One aspect was on “Word of Faith, what they are teaching, and how the scripture is being taught out of context” (pg.272).
In this review of Spirit Hermeneutics: Reading Scripture in Light of Pentecost, we have discussed the main points the author wanted to make, shared what was insightful and helpful as the reader — shared a few of the negatives and what the author could have elaborated more. Closing quote by the author, “Ultimately a Christian hermeneutic is no less than a Spirit hermeneutic – an approach that humbly recognizes that it is God’s voice, rather than our own, that we must hear in his Word” (pg. 288). May I, as a young leader, take more time to hear the voice of God clearer as I humbly approach the Word of God in light of Pentecost.
Read
February 4, 2019Helpful, challenging, thoughtful. Dr. Keener champions the biblical author's intention in wrestling with how one understands texts, but raises important questions about how the reader's experience with the Spirit (or lack thereof) informs (or, perhaps, hinders) the ability to rightly understand biblical texts. Hard read but worth the effort. It's deep wading as he touches on issues of theological and cultural and historical biases and their influence on reading communities and traditions of how texts are to be understood. Much helpful food for thought.
July 7, 2021
Dr. Keener is a humble and intelligent scholar who presents his information clearly. I found the book very helpful to me in my faith journey as I continue to learn more about the Bible, using hermeneutics to open truths in different biblical books.
April 10, 2022
Keener is one of the foremost NT scholars of our generation. Here, he offers us something off a manual for interpreting Scripture. As the title implies, he is writing from an explicit Pentecostal perspective. What that means for him is that he emphasizes the necessity of the word as well as living experience of the Spirit, thus, 'Word and Spirit.' Evangelicals will feel more or less at home, with the only thing that by-and-large distinguishes his approach to hermeneutics from evangelicals is his Pentecostal perspective. Keener writes clearly, offering wise advice and sound reasoning regarding biblical interpretation. For a Pentecostal or charismatic, this ought to be the required textbook for biblical hermeneutics. For those less inclined toward continuationism, Keener still proves to be a sound guide and a worthy conversation partner even for those who may disagree.
February 8, 2022
Required read for a biblical interpretation class at my seminary. I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it was a tad cumbersome at times. Keener provides an excellent defense of the Spirit in the area of hermeneutics. This is not a book for casual reading, but meant to be chewed on slowly and completely digested. Take your time. Reread sentences that don’t fully compute. Keener is understandable if taken in slowly enough.
March 5, 2021
A phenomenal book which teaches the reader that our engagement with scripture should be experiential, eschatological, and missional.
He makes sound arguments in the book, and anyone who reads this book will be all the better for it.
He makes sound arguments in the book, and anyone who reads this book will be all the better for it.
January 12, 2019
Много добра.
Вс��чки петдесетни и харизматични християни ще направят добре да чуят какво казва Кийнър. Всички други също :))).
Вс��чки петдесетни и харизматични християни ще направят добре да чуят какво казва Кийнър. Всички други също :))).
May 14, 2022
Recomendo.
É um dom excelente do Keener edificar mesmo quando está sendo acadêmico e estritamente argumentativo; é muita Bíblia entranhada.
E também parabenizo a tradução; sou muito chata com tradução, especialmente no caso de autores cuja "voz" individual já conheço em inglês;
É um dom excelente do Keener edificar mesmo quando está sendo acadêmico e estritamente argumentativo; é muita Bíblia entranhada.
E também parabenizo a tradução; sou muito chata com tradução, especialmente no caso de autores cuja "voz" individual já conheço em inglês;
April 1, 2017
Very informative and enjoyable reading.
I wish I had read this before seminary.
(I didn't read all the notes, though.)
I wish I had read this before seminary.
(I didn't read all the notes, though.)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews