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The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament
New Testament introductions fall into two categories: those that emphasize the history behind the text through discussions of authorship, dating, and audience, and those that explore the content of the text itself. Few introductions weave the Old Testament into their discussions, and fewer still rely on the grand narrative of the Old Testament.
But the New Testament was not written within a vacuum. Rather, it stands in continuity with the Old Testament. Israel's story is the church's story.
In The Story Retold, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd explore each New Testament book in light of the broad history of redemption, emphasizing the biblical-theological themes of each New Testament book. Their distinctive approach encourages readers to read the New Testament in light of the Old, not as a new story but as a story retold.
But the New Testament was not written within a vacuum. Rather, it stands in continuity with the Old Testament. Israel's story is the church's story.
In The Story Retold, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd explore each New Testament book in light of the broad history of redemption, emphasizing the biblical-theological themes of each New Testament book. Their distinctive approach encourages readers to read the New Testament in light of the Old, not as a new story but as a story retold.
560 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2020
90 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Gregory K. Beale
43 books200 followersG. K. Beale (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the coeditor of the Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament and the author of numerous books, including A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 7, 2022
A wonderful resource book offering both principles of how the NT uses the OT and a clear book-by-book overview. Useful for any preacher or Bible student.
May 10, 2020
I remember taking an Introduction to the New Testament class while I was in the Air Force. It was from a local college that met on the Air Base where I was stationed. I'd already been in the military 7 years and was a young Christian, having been converted while stationed in Turkey a few years earlier. The class was taught by a local pastor from a "mainline" denomination. Besides the questionable curriculum we had to read, there was a huge disjuncture between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. Now, many decades later, and after Seminary and my doctoral studies, I was delighted to see a new 560-page textbook that introduces the New Testament by couching "every major passage within the broad history of redemption," and that strives to "make sense of the New Testament in light of the Old" (XI). G. K. Beale, the J. Gresham Machen Chair of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, has teamed up with Benjamin L. Gladd, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, to hand undergraduates, and anyone else interested, a resource that will last them for years and years. "The Story Retold: A Biblical Introduction to the New Testament" is a glossy-paged hardback that delivers on what it promises.
The volume begins with two introductory chapters: "The Story Line of the Bible" and "The Use of the Old Testament in the New." Here, the authors explain their rationale for the approach taken in this tome. As Beale and Gladd state, "the Bible presents a single, grand narrative that reveals who we are, who God is, and his goal for all creation" (1). If a reader is familiar with Beale's works, they will recognize his fingerprints all over these pages. And any student launching into this material will be given solid explanations and sound examples for how to hear and read the New Testament.
The bulk of the book walks through all twenty-seven New Testament documents. The chapter formats follow a steady path that tackles authorship, date, purpose, outline, biblical-theological themes, and then something of a healthy mini-commentary. The two-column print is easy on the eyes, and the pages are profitably peppered with pictures, and at-a-glance charts. Many of the pictures are delightfully helpful, as they show early manuscripts, historical places, and a few models. Lastly, the one-inch margins allow plenty of room for notes.
"The Story Retold" is truly a college-level textbook. But it is an ideal resource for students of all stripes, whether on campus or simply desiring to study on their own. It is a wise investment, and a reader will return to it again and again, as they seek to investigate the New Testament. Even though I have thousands of books in my library, and hundreds of commentaries, I have already used this volume a number of times for sermon and lesson preparation, as well as personal enhancement. Therefore, I have no qualms in recommending this book, and encouraging all to race out and purchase a copy quickly.
My appreciation goes out to IVP Academic for sending me the copy of this textbook used for this assessment. I asked for it and they happily and promptly sent it. The publisher made zero demands on me, thus, my analysis above is freely made and freely given.
The volume begins with two introductory chapters: "The Story Line of the Bible" and "The Use of the Old Testament in the New." Here, the authors explain their rationale for the approach taken in this tome. As Beale and Gladd state, "the Bible presents a single, grand narrative that reveals who we are, who God is, and his goal for all creation" (1). If a reader is familiar with Beale's works, they will recognize his fingerprints all over these pages. And any student launching into this material will be given solid explanations and sound examples for how to hear and read the New Testament.
The bulk of the book walks through all twenty-seven New Testament documents. The chapter formats follow a steady path that tackles authorship, date, purpose, outline, biblical-theological themes, and then something of a healthy mini-commentary. The two-column print is easy on the eyes, and the pages are profitably peppered with pictures, and at-a-glance charts. Many of the pictures are delightfully helpful, as they show early manuscripts, historical places, and a few models. Lastly, the one-inch margins allow plenty of room for notes.
"The Story Retold" is truly a college-level textbook. But it is an ideal resource for students of all stripes, whether on campus or simply desiring to study on their own. It is a wise investment, and a reader will return to it again and again, as they seek to investigate the New Testament. Even though I have thousands of books in my library, and hundreds of commentaries, I have already used this volume a number of times for sermon and lesson preparation, as well as personal enhancement. Therefore, I have no qualms in recommending this book, and encouraging all to race out and purchase a copy quickly.
My appreciation goes out to IVP Academic for sending me the copy of this textbook used for this assessment. I asked for it and they happily and promptly sent it. The publisher made zero demands on me, thus, my analysis above is freely made and freely given.
December 16, 2021
In the preface of the book, the authors, Greg Beale and Benjamin Gladd, make an important observation: "New Testament introductions typically fall into two categories: those that go beyond the content of the writings and investigate the historical side (authorship, dating, audience, etc.) and those that explore the content of each book. The latter category tends to summarize each book and perhaps add some theological reflection. Recently the trend has been for these introductions to explore the cultural background of the New Testament" (xi).
It's against this backdrop that Beale and Gladd have set out to do something relatively new: Write a New Testament introduction that integrates the Old Testament story line into the interpretation of the New. In other words, their goal is to show how all that takes place in the New Testament is the fulfillment of themes and promises laid down in the Old Testament. And they do this marvelously.
Each book begins with some short comments about authorship, dating, and overall themes found in the book. From there, there is generally an OT theme set up followed by an exegesis of the text in light of that OT theme. This makes the book work as a very helpful commentary on the New Testament from the Biblical-Theological perspective, while at the same time opening up the Old Testament.
I can honestly say that having read through this book there are NT connections to the OT that I had never seen before. Seeing these connections made the NT books pop from black-and-white into color. With that said, I would highly recommend this book. It's a very useful tool for anyone who takes seriously Jesus' words that all that is written in the OT is about Him.
If I had one small criticism to offer, it's that the book needed better editing. Particularly toward the end of the book there were an increasing amount of typos. At the same time, that's small potatoes for a book this good.
It's against this backdrop that Beale and Gladd have set out to do something relatively new: Write a New Testament introduction that integrates the Old Testament story line into the interpretation of the New. In other words, their goal is to show how all that takes place in the New Testament is the fulfillment of themes and promises laid down in the Old Testament. And they do this marvelously.
Each book begins with some short comments about authorship, dating, and overall themes found in the book. From there, there is generally an OT theme set up followed by an exegesis of the text in light of that OT theme. This makes the book work as a very helpful commentary on the New Testament from the Biblical-Theological perspective, while at the same time opening up the Old Testament.
I can honestly say that having read through this book there are NT connections to the OT that I had never seen before. Seeing these connections made the NT books pop from black-and-white into color. With that said, I would highly recommend this book. It's a very useful tool for anyone who takes seriously Jesus' words that all that is written in the OT is about Him.
If I had one small criticism to offer, it's that the book needed better editing. Particularly toward the end of the book there were an increasing amount of typos. At the same time, that's small potatoes for a book this good.
April 29, 2025
Excellent introduction to biblical theology in the New Testament: great summary for amateur theologians.
October 11, 2020
"The Story Retold" is an excellent book of theology that brings the entire Bible together in it's proper context, without being excessively wordy, or difficult to read. When you read from this book, you are sure to grow in understanding of the Bible, and especially the New Testament. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to go deeper in their faith, and for anyone who is looking to have an excellent reference resource to go deeper in their Bible studies.
June 8, 2020
We all need to better understand the Bible. I have always wanted to better grasp the big picture. In The Story Retold, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd present a Biblical-theological introduction to the New Testament.
Unparalleled Authorship
Beale is the J. Gresham Machen Chair of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Gladd is associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary and series editor for Essential Studies in Biblical Theology. They are a formidable team and this book is a masterpiece.
The point of this book is to introduce us to the New Testament. Specifically, to make sense of the New Testament in light of the Old. I believe the book excels. It sufficiently integrates the Old Testament in the survey of the New. Furthermore, the story line of the Old Testament is incorporated throughout.
Solid Foundations
The first two chapters are foundational for the rest of the book. In Chapter 1, Beale and Gladd present the storyline of the Bible. Focusing on Genesis 1-3, it is clear and precise. In Chapter 2, we examine the use of the Old Testament in the New. We look at its contextual nature, define key terms (quotation, allusion, and concept), and examine its interpretive uses.
After an introduction to the Gospels as a whole, the book continues by surveying the New Testament. Each book is examined in authorship, date, and purpose. Outlines are given and the Biblical-theological themes are discussed. The rest reads like a commentary, with clear divisions and sections to follow the flow of thought and writing.
Future Award Winner
Full-color illustrations and artistic images adorn this book. With over 500 pages, there is much to learn. Thorough subject and Scripture indexes make this book an excellent reference tool. In regards to the content - I have not seen anything like this at this level of scholarship and presentation. I anticipate it winning many book awards this year.
To be sure, this book is a textbook meant for seminary students. But as a layman, I found it approachable, accessible, and enjoyable. Pastors and church leaders who are serious about their study will want this as a resource to consult for preaching and teaching. It will undoubtedly enhance your own personal Bible study, and it will help you better understand your Bible as a whole.
I received a media copy of The Story Retold and this is my honest review.
Unparalleled Authorship
Beale is the J. Gresham Machen Chair of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Gladd is associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary and series editor for Essential Studies in Biblical Theology. They are a formidable team and this book is a masterpiece.
The point of this book is to introduce us to the New Testament. Specifically, to make sense of the New Testament in light of the Old. I believe the book excels. It sufficiently integrates the Old Testament in the survey of the New. Furthermore, the story line of the Old Testament is incorporated throughout.
Solid Foundations
The first two chapters are foundational for the rest of the book. In Chapter 1, Beale and Gladd present the storyline of the Bible. Focusing on Genesis 1-3, it is clear and precise. In Chapter 2, we examine the use of the Old Testament in the New. We look at its contextual nature, define key terms (quotation, allusion, and concept), and examine its interpretive uses.
After an introduction to the Gospels as a whole, the book continues by surveying the New Testament. Each book is examined in authorship, date, and purpose. Outlines are given and the Biblical-theological themes are discussed. The rest reads like a commentary, with clear divisions and sections to follow the flow of thought and writing.
Future Award Winner
Full-color illustrations and artistic images adorn this book. With over 500 pages, there is much to learn. Thorough subject and Scripture indexes make this book an excellent reference tool. In regards to the content - I have not seen anything like this at this level of scholarship and presentation. I anticipate it winning many book awards this year.
To be sure, this book is a textbook meant for seminary students. But as a layman, I found it approachable, accessible, and enjoyable. Pastors and church leaders who are serious about their study will want this as a resource to consult for preaching and teaching. It will undoubtedly enhance your own personal Bible study, and it will help you better understand your Bible as a whole.
I received a media copy of The Story Retold and this is my honest review.
November 4, 2024
The book is what it is titled...a comprehensive portrayal of how the New Testament retells the story of the Old and completes the tale in the process. In that sense, it does what it set out to do. So, if you're looking for a detailed literary-historical examination/commentary on the New Testament, look elsewhere.
At one point, the authors point out that commentators differ on the number of allusions to the OT that exist in the NT, from about 600 to 1,650 to up to 4,100. It feels to me that the authors side on the greater side of that scale. There are times when they might say "John alludes here to [OT reference]," and I would think, does he...really? The effect of this generous citing of "allusions" is a tendency to be skeptical that a true allusion is present, so that when there's an actual quotation or allusion, I was suspicious before looking up the reference to verify. The authors, seeing NT text through their OT lens, make statements like, "Although we lack an explicit reference to Gen 1-3 in the hymn, Adam probably reverberates through Paul's mind." I would not care if the authors state that Adam reverberates through THEIR mind, but to claim it's in Paul's mind strikes me as presumptuous. "By reaching back to the book of Daniel, James encourages..." Did he, though? Without a specific quotation, the authors infer an allusion but can't really affirm that that's what James was doing.
Sometimes, NT texts and themes just evoke parallel concepts in the Old Testament, leading to the platforming of OT passages without a specific quotation or allusion. Paul is writing about suffering, so that brings to mind the story of Joseph, so here's a long description of his story. That's OK, but at times, I felt I was reading an Old Testament commentary rather than a New Testament survey.
The book tends toward detailed repetition. The same concepts are not only mentioned often but told in detail again and again.
Overall, this is a good book. I wish I could rate it 3.5 stars, because 3 feels too low. Many will love the aspects for which I've criticized it. It does open one's eyes to the many ways that the New Testament does continue the one story of redemption.
At one point, the authors point out that commentators differ on the number of allusions to the OT that exist in the NT, from about 600 to 1,650 to up to 4,100. It feels to me that the authors side on the greater side of that scale. There are times when they might say "John alludes here to [OT reference]," and I would think, does he...really? The effect of this generous citing of "allusions" is a tendency to be skeptical that a true allusion is present, so that when there's an actual quotation or allusion, I was suspicious before looking up the reference to verify. The authors, seeing NT text through their OT lens, make statements like, "Although we lack an explicit reference to Gen 1-3 in the hymn, Adam probably reverberates through Paul's mind." I would not care if the authors state that Adam reverberates through THEIR mind, but to claim it's in Paul's mind strikes me as presumptuous. "By reaching back to the book of Daniel, James encourages..." Did he, though? Without a specific quotation, the authors infer an allusion but can't really affirm that that's what James was doing.
Sometimes, NT texts and themes just evoke parallel concepts in the Old Testament, leading to the platforming of OT passages without a specific quotation or allusion. Paul is writing about suffering, so that brings to mind the story of Joseph, so here's a long description of his story. That's OK, but at times, I felt I was reading an Old Testament commentary rather than a New Testament survey.
The book tends toward detailed repetition. The same concepts are not only mentioned often but told in detail again and again.
Overall, this is a good book. I wish I could rate it 3.5 stars, because 3 feels too low. Many will love the aspects for which I've criticized it. It does open one's eyes to the many ways that the New Testament does continue the one story of redemption.
February 26, 2021
Easily the best NT introduction I've come across. The weakness of most intros is that they fail to provide the necessary framework of biblical theology to make sense of all the details being given. You'll get more details on the structure and specific mechanics of each book in a regular intro, but you'll fail to see much of a connection between each book and the larger Bible as a whole. That said, this had plenty of insights and interesting discussions on various themes throughout.
This, in my opinion, should serve as the standard NT survey for colleges and seminaries. But I also highly recommend it as a means for personal enrichment!
This, in my opinion, should serve as the standard NT survey for colleges and seminaries. But I also highly recommend it as a means for personal enrichment!
September 20, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE STORY RETOLD ABOUT?
From the Publisher's Website:
AS AN NT INTRODUCTION
After three chapters of introductory material: "The Story Line of the Bible," "The Use of the Old Testament in the New," and "Introduction to the Gospels" (all pretty self-explanatory), we get a chapter on each book of the New Testament (with some chapters combining multiple books—e.g., The Pastoral Epistles).
Like most NT Introductions (as the description above says), Beale and Gladd discuss authorship, dating, and so on, with a good outline and overview of the book. Some of the ways they phrase things, or organize the material are helpful and unique—but on the whole, they're helpful and pretty much what you get in every NT Introduction out there.
This isn't a good or a bad thing, it's simply saying that on the basics this is a pretty good Introduction.
THE LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA IN EACH CHAPTER
The thing that separates this from similar works is the way that the authors tie the particular Biblical book into the overall storyline of the Bible. By focusing on the Biblical Theological/Redemptive Historical themes of the books—specifically grounding them in one or more Old Testament books about the same themes, it helps the reader to deal with, wrestle with, and (frequently) review the use of the OT by the NT in order to further cement and to expand the reader's understanding of how the Bible as a whole tells the same story about Jesus Christ and His people.
Some of these sections blew me away—all deepened my understanding of the various books. Not just the NT, but seeing how the OT is used by the apostles helps understand those books/passages.
FORMAT
This was produced as a textbook and it's nice to read one of these again—I haven't since my undergrad days. It's a heavy tome, with thick, glossy paper and a lot of pictures. Sure, it's a bit difficult to curl up with to read—but you can't help but feel that it's going to last for years as you read it.
Also, it's heavy enough to use as a self-defense device.
The format does make this a pretty spendy book (although cheaper than most textbooks I bought in my undergrad days). But it's worth the purchase price (as I said, it feels like it's going to last for years).
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE STORY RETOLD?
This isn't an overly technical read—I think it could be used by older high school students. But sure, it's aimed at college/early grad-school students, so go to it with the right expectations.
I really don't know what to say about it at this point—I spent months reading this thing, it feels as if I should have several more pages of things to say. Basically, if the description sounds good to you, it's going to deliver exactly what it promised.
It's not what most people think of as devotional material—but it worked for me as such. This is definitely one of the better and more useful books I read this year. It's also going to serve well as a reference book. Whether you dip in and out or read cover-to-cover, The Story Retold is worth its weight.
---
WHAT'S THE STORY RETOLD ABOUT?
From the Publisher's Website:
New Testament introductions fall into two categories: those that emphasize the history behind the text through discussions of authorship, dating, and audience, and those that explore the content of the text itself. Few introductions weave the Old Testament into their discussions, and fewer still rely on the grand narrative of the Old Testament.
But the New Testament was not written within a vacuum. Rather, it stands in continuity with the Old Testament. Israel's story is the church's story.
In The Story Retold, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd explore each New Testament book in light of the broad history of redemption, emphasizing the biblical-theological themes of each New Testament book. Their distinctive approach encourages readers to read the New Testament in light of the Old, not as a new story but as a story retold.
AS AN NT INTRODUCTION
After three chapters of introductory material: "The Story Line of the Bible," "The Use of the Old Testament in the New," and "Introduction to the Gospels" (all pretty self-explanatory), we get a chapter on each book of the New Testament (with some chapters combining multiple books—e.g., The Pastoral Epistles).
Like most NT Introductions (as the description above says), Beale and Gladd discuss authorship, dating, and so on, with a good outline and overview of the book. Some of the ways they phrase things, or organize the material are helpful and unique—but on the whole, they're helpful and pretty much what you get in every NT Introduction out there.
This isn't a good or a bad thing, it's simply saying that on the basics this is a pretty good Introduction.
THE LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA IN EACH CHAPTER
The thing that separates this from similar works is the way that the authors tie the particular Biblical book into the overall storyline of the Bible. By focusing on the Biblical Theological/Redemptive Historical themes of the books—specifically grounding them in one or more Old Testament books about the same themes, it helps the reader to deal with, wrestle with, and (frequently) review the use of the OT by the NT in order to further cement and to expand the reader's understanding of how the Bible as a whole tells the same story about Jesus Christ and His people.
Some of these sections blew me away—all deepened my understanding of the various books. Not just the NT, but seeing how the OT is used by the apostles helps understand those books/passages.
FORMAT
This was produced as a textbook and it's nice to read one of these again—I haven't since my undergrad days. It's a heavy tome, with thick, glossy paper and a lot of pictures. Sure, it's a bit difficult to curl up with to read—but you can't help but feel that it's going to last for years as you read it.
Also, it's heavy enough to use as a self-defense device.
The format does make this a pretty spendy book (although cheaper than most textbooks I bought in my undergrad days). But it's worth the purchase price (as I said, it feels like it's going to last for years).
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE STORY RETOLD?
This isn't an overly technical read—I think it could be used by older high school students. But sure, it's aimed at college/early grad-school students, so go to it with the right expectations.
I really don't know what to say about it at this point—I spent months reading this thing, it feels as if I should have several more pages of things to say. Basically, if the description sounds good to you, it's going to deliver exactly what it promised.
It's not what most people think of as devotional material—but it worked for me as such. This is definitely one of the better and more useful books I read this year. It's also going to serve well as a reference book. Whether you dip in and out or read cover-to-cover, The Story Retold is worth its weight.
April 25, 2023
I've used this book for three New Testament Survey courses of various lengths and read 16.5 of the 23 chapters. It is a massive book (almost 500 glossy pages makes for a weighty book!) featuring double-columns and full color images. No one who has read Beale will be surprised at the depth of the insight (or the depth of the writing even in this 'introduction') or the frequency of references to the New Testament's fulfillment of the Old Testament. College students can glean much from it, but it is probably better suited to seminary-level students. Whoever reads it is likely to come away having learned a great deal or at least more aware of how much there is still to see and understand in both the Old and the New Testament.
November 3, 2024
Reading this book for one of my classes in Seminary, I always think about what books I would use to equip and encourage the church. This work is good for understanding the New Testament books retold in light of fulfilling the Old Testament work. I did not know how much of the gospels and New Testament writers were influenced by the book of Isiah. This is a good road map to understand God's word from Genesis to Revelation truly. I also enjoyed how much this book brought everything back to Eden. So much preaching and teaching neglect the need to return to Eden before the fall. I appreciate the direction of reading now and looking back to anticipate the future—a restored Eden.
October 19, 2022
I am breaking a standard and posting a book review on a book I have not read cover to cover in hopes someone will read my review and decide to purchase this book.
I've had this book since August 2022 and have been using it by reading about each New Testament book of scripture before I read them.
The publisher description is spot on and I have been so glad I bought this book and would do so again.
Lots of Old Testament insight connecting the Biblical metanarrative. I also like the color maps and artwork.
I've had this book since August 2022 and have been using it by reading about each New Testament book of scripture before I read them.
The publisher description is spot on and I have been so glad I bought this book and would do so again.
Lots of Old Testament insight connecting the Biblical metanarrative. I also like the color maps and artwork.
October 29, 2024
Extremely good for what it is, I simply don't enjoy survey books as they don't go into too much detail - broad brushstrokes. However, the broad brushstrokes are very helpful here, tying in the major themes of the OT with the NT and helping us to see that, truly, the New fulfills the Old.
Read
November 2, 2024For a textbook that is all about a broad overview of each NT book this one does a really good job at showing how the NT isn’t separate from the rest of the Bible but a continuation of the OT. This book is insightful and I think an important one to have on any Christian’s bookshelf.
January 12, 2023
An excellent introduction to the NT.
May 17, 2023
A helpful resource for understanding the new testament overall and the individual books.
November 2, 2024
It is a great book connecting the NT to the OT with clear and impactful writing.
December 4, 2024
Hands down the best NT summary out there. Excellent biblical theology, insightful ties to the OT. So good and enlightening.
June 30, 2025
decent lay level intro.
June 16, 2022
Good content. The grammar and word choice could have been better.
November 10, 2023
This is a very valuable resource if you are looking to learn more about the New Testament. The thing I like about this biblical-theological introduction is that it has an emphasis on showing how Old Testament themes are continued in the New Testament books. This book is also pretty and has a lot of pictures (which makes it fun to read). Whenever I prepare a sermon on a New Testament book, I usually use this to get a better idea of what Old Testament books most influence the New Testament book I am currently studying.
October 14, 2024
Great introduction to the New Testament that focuses more on the New Testament’s development and fulfillment of Old Testament paradigms and themes. It provides another dimension to the New Testament introduction provided by Carson and Moo and both should be read together.
December 6, 2019
Some of the connections made were excellent, though others seemed to take excessive liberties.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews