What do you think?
Rate this book
New Studies in Biblical Theology #47
Exalted Above the Heavens: The Risen and Ascended Christ (Volume 47)
In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Peter Orr attends to this somewhat neglected "sub-epoch" of biblical theology. He explores the New Testament witness to Jesus as he is now, the exalted Christ, through the lenses of his identity, his location, and his activity. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
- GenresTheologyNew Testament
252 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2019
17 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 22, 2023
Great demonstration of how classical trinitarian and christological categories/conclusions are thoroughly exegetical.
May 1, 2025
Heavy and hard going. But very nuanced, balanced and insightful.
This is a deep dive into the subtleties of the presence of the exalted Christ.
It stretched my mind at all points; and warmed my heart at points.
Worth wading through.
This is a deep dive into the subtleties of the presence of the exalted Christ.
It stretched my mind at all points; and warmed my heart at points.
Worth wading through.
July 21, 2021
Orr has done a great job of persuading me that the exaltation of Christ is really important. Perhaps he had fertile soil – I have recently been teaching Hebrews, Acts 2 and Matthew 22 (all of which make heavy use of Psalm 110, the exaltation psalm); but Orr has drawn in many other New Testament passages to explore this theme. Giving each one a relatively thorough treatment, this book draws out its key lessons under three main themes (around which the whole book is constructed): the identity of the exalted Christ, His location and His activity.
Although Orr shared some very helpful insights on the identity of Christ (ch2 - very stimulating!) and deftly handled some very tricky passages throughout the book, some of his more obvious observations often took a long time to prove. The NSBT series explicitly aims for ‘thoughtful engagement with the relevant literature’, but the discussion of alternative ideas felt a bit overdone; sometimes a page or two was given over to prove a conclusion that was essentially the ‘plain reading of the text’; and over the course of a book that was carefully treating dozens of passages, that accumulates.
We also had little time exploring the implications of his observations – partly because there were so many passages to exegete! There was some rich theology in here, but we didn’t have the space to dwell on it. For example, the continuation of Christ’s physical human body was often discussed in terms of His earthly absence, but the significance of His reign as a human was left undeveloped. This stuff matters a lot for the church today, but we didn't explore that very much.
Yet perhaps all of that is to ask for a different book from the one Orr set out to write. And, while it limited his capacity to explore significance, I loved Orr’s absolute devotion to rigorous exegesis. I will come back to this book when I’m teaching many of the passages he explored, because so many of his insights were so helpful. Moreover, his careful reading frequently demonstrated the harmony of Scripture in the face of scholars who wanted to pit NT authors against one another – a valuable contribution in its own right.
Most importantly, the effect of the book as a whole is a celebration of our exalted King (albeit done very academically!). I feel like I know Him better because of reading this – and insofar as this book has improved my framework, I’m better set up to return to the Bible and get to know Him even more. Regardless of any criticisms I may have, that’s a great result.
Although Orr shared some very helpful insights on the identity of Christ (ch2 - very stimulating!) and deftly handled some very tricky passages throughout the book, some of his more obvious observations often took a long time to prove. The NSBT series explicitly aims for ‘thoughtful engagement with the relevant literature’, but the discussion of alternative ideas felt a bit overdone; sometimes a page or two was given over to prove a conclusion that was essentially the ‘plain reading of the text’; and over the course of a book that was carefully treating dozens of passages, that accumulates.
We also had little time exploring the implications of his observations – partly because there were so many passages to exegete! There was some rich theology in here, but we didn’t have the space to dwell on it. For example, the continuation of Christ’s physical human body was often discussed in terms of His earthly absence, but the significance of His reign as a human was left undeveloped. This stuff matters a lot for the church today, but we didn't explore that very much.
Yet perhaps all of that is to ask for a different book from the one Orr set out to write. And, while it limited his capacity to explore significance, I loved Orr’s absolute devotion to rigorous exegesis. I will come back to this book when I’m teaching many of the passages he explored, because so many of his insights were so helpful. Moreover, his careful reading frequently demonstrated the harmony of Scripture in the face of scholars who wanted to pit NT authors against one another – a valuable contribution in its own right.
Most importantly, the effect of the book as a whole is a celebration of our exalted King (albeit done very academically!). I feel like I know Him better because of reading this – and insofar as this book has improved my framework, I’m better set up to return to the Bible and get to know Him even more. Regardless of any criticisms I may have, that’s a great result.
April 9, 2019
The New Studies in Biblical Theology (NSBT) has had several outstanding releases over the last year or so, but this new volume by Peter C. Orr on the risen and ascended Christ is one of the best I’ve seen in some time. Its main strength is its ability to step inside nebulous, often-misunderstood subjects and really illuminate them for the reader. This book really helped me sew up some tears in my own thinking. The scholars will love it because he has an ability to give succinct overviews of where scholarly interaction on the subject has gone. On the other hand, those of us who are just jumping in to gather all the theology and biblical understanding we can receive will get it in spades!
After a brief introduction that explains what this book is all about, he jumps into the identity of the exalted Christ. He sensibly surveys what’s the same and what’s not the same between the exalted Christ and the earthly Jesus. Chapters 3, 4, and 6 were worth the price of the book alone for their expert guidance. The author really expanded my thinking about the relationship of the exalted Christ and the Holy Spirit. For that matter, his explanation of the church as a corporate identity of Christ was outstanding.
He looked at the location of Christ from several angles over several chapters. That discussion helps bridge the gap between biblical passages that talk about Christ at the Father’s right hand with those that speak of Him as with us here and now. Later, he went beyond location to talk about the activity of Christ both on earth and in heaven. There was a short, clear concluding chapter of reflections as well as a full bibliography and indices.
I see some things now that were muddy to me before. This is a fine book!
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.
After a brief introduction that explains what this book is all about, he jumps into the identity of the exalted Christ. He sensibly surveys what’s the same and what’s not the same between the exalted Christ and the earthly Jesus. Chapters 3, 4, and 6 were worth the price of the book alone for their expert guidance. The author really expanded my thinking about the relationship of the exalted Christ and the Holy Spirit. For that matter, his explanation of the church as a corporate identity of Christ was outstanding.
He looked at the location of Christ from several angles over several chapters. That discussion helps bridge the gap between biblical passages that talk about Christ at the Father’s right hand with those that speak of Him as with us here and now. Later, he went beyond location to talk about the activity of Christ both on earth and in heaven. There was a short, clear concluding chapter of reflections as well as a full bibliography and indices.
I see some things now that were muddy to me before. This is a fine book!
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.
June 11, 2022
A solid, nuanced discussion of a truth that doesn't get as much airtime as it should. I found this book shed light on a number of passages for me (especially Romans 8:34 and 2 Corinthians 4) and brought reality clarity on what it means for Jesus to be at work in the world today and yet also bodily absent. Now if only Peter Orr would turn the conclusion into a second volume...
August 4, 2019
Great overview of the biblical teaching on Christ’s ascension. Some helpful exegetical work on tough verses like 2 Cor 3:17. Also, some really interesting ideas (and passages) about praying to Jesus (chapter 10).
Intellectually stretching and edifying.
Intellectually stretching and edifying.
August 24, 2023
Provocative material on where Jesus is at after His ascension, what his body is like, and how he interacts with the physical realm.
December 12, 2025
Really very helpful so far as it went, and exegetically very strong. I particularly appreciated his treatment of 2 Corinthians. Nothing much to find fault with except that the proportion between material establishing the fact of the Ascension (Christ not to be collapsed into the Spirit or the church, ongoing bodily existence, the nature of a heavenly body, the absence of Jesus etc) and material exploring the implications of the Ascension felt too skewed towards the former. I'd have loved the balance to be, well, almost reversed: perhaps 60 pages on the fact, 120 on the implications. Then we'd have been in business for 5 stars. As it is, very helpful and well worth 4.
February 4, 2019
Excellent academic research. It's encouraging to see this topic addressed in this series. I do not think I have any disagreements with the major conclusions Orr comes to in this book. I had very different expectations when I first heard of a biblical theology book on the ascension. In the introduction, Orr clarifies that this is a subset of the biblical theology discipline, but it seems better to just call it a systematic theology book that is rooted in sound biblical exegesis.
For instance, how can you have a biblical theology of the ascension and not really ever address 1 Peter 3:18-22? Additionally, the Old Testament types, storylines, and motifs are not dealt with much at all. Since Orr did his Ph.D. dissertation on the questions addressed in this book it comes across more like a repackaged dissertation instead of a truly "biblical theology" of Christ's exaltation. Nevertheless, this is an excellent resource that I am certain I will be turning to many times in the near future.
For instance, how can you have a biblical theology of the ascension and not really ever address 1 Peter 3:18-22? Additionally, the Old Testament types, storylines, and motifs are not dealt with much at all. Since Orr did his Ph.D. dissertation on the questions addressed in this book it comes across more like a repackaged dissertation instead of a truly "biblical theology" of Christ's exaltation. Nevertheless, this is an excellent resource that I am certain I will be turning to many times in the near future.
April 17, 2025
The New Studies in Biblical Theology series edited by D. A. Carson is a true gift to the church and busy pastors in the local church. When prepping for a sermon series, one should look ahead and pick out one of the relevant contributions in this series to read before diving into a new book series or theological series.
Peter C. Orr’s contribution, Exalted Above the Heavens: The Risen and Ascended Christ, is another gem in this series. If you want to learn more about the exalted Christ – his identity, his location, and his activity after his ascension – then this is a great place for a readable, deep dive.
I would’ve appreciated more insights from the Book of Hebrews to complement his focus on Luke-Acts and the Pauline epistles. Hebrews is definitely addressed, but it seemed there could’ve been more contributions from that sermon-letter on the exalted Son who became Son!
Peter C. Orr’s contribution, Exalted Above the Heavens: The Risen and Ascended Christ, is another gem in this series. If you want to learn more about the exalted Christ – his identity, his location, and his activity after his ascension – then this is a great place for a readable, deep dive.
I would’ve appreciated more insights from the Book of Hebrews to complement his focus on Luke-Acts and the Pauline epistles. Hebrews is definitely addressed, but it seemed there could’ve been more contributions from that sermon-letter on the exalted Son who became Son!
October 16, 2025
Hmmmm. I have enjoyed several of the books from this series and was looking forward to this book as well, given that the topic is absolutely so critical to our relationship with Christ. And it wasn't all bad. In fact, as far as an academic treatment, I'm guessing that it would be acknowledged as very good insight. I'm a simpleton and thus, the pages were largely or seemed to be largely a conglomeration of wrangling about words. I get it: It's an academic book but sometimes within the academic world, it seems that many scholars pursue novel perspectives. In that sense, it is really easy in the whole of the book to get lost in the weeds of academic wrangling. I personally found the conclusion the best part of the book and was actually very clear as to helping me see what exactly the author was arguing for throughout the pages.
July 17, 2022
Interesting concept about examination the exalted Christ through the lenses of his identity, his location and his activity. The author argue that the risen and exalted Christ remains a human being. His resurrected body is glorified, but it remains a distinct, individual, localizable human body. He did not shed or lay aside his humanity following his resurrection and ascension. Christian theology has, perhaps understandably, been more concerned to stress the deity of Christ.
Furthermore, the author argue that the fact that Jesus retains a distinct, physical, human body means that, like him, we will retain our bodies for eternity. We will be transformed, we will be different but we will still retain our bodies. Our eternal future will be a physical, bodily future.
Furthermore, the author argue that the fact that Jesus retains a distinct, physical, human body means that, like him, we will retain our bodies for eternity. We will be transformed, we will be different but we will still retain our bodies. Our eternal future will be a physical, bodily future.
April 12, 2023
Scholarly yet readable. Tackles fundamental questions about the ascension and exaltation of Jesus. Identity of the Exalted Christ, Location of the Exalted Christ, Activity of the Exalted Christ. All helpful.
June 4, 2025
This is one of the good ones. However, I think his language on ‘presence’ grows nebulous towards the end. Further, while he establishes the modes of presence, he does a very poor job of explaining how those modes happen. Maybe that’s not the point, but it does make the book confusing at times.
July 25, 2019
An outstanding book about the exalted Christ now. Who he is, where he is, and what he’s doing.
August 27, 2020
At first, the pattern of introduce opposing viewpoints, wrestle with them and present a better viewpoint got on my nerves, but as I read on I realized I was gaining a lot in thinking through these views.
Great meditation on what Christ is doing now. Examines the ascension, what it enabled, who Christ is absent and how He is present and in what manner.
Profitable read.
Great meditation on what Christ is doing now. Examines the ascension, what it enabled, who Christ is absent and how He is present and in what manner.
Profitable read.
March 20, 2020
Because the atonement and the union with Christ gets all the attention, this is a needed addition to scholarly literature on the resurrection and ascension. But man oh man, was this book a difficult one to plod through.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews