A Concise New Testament Theology

by I. Howard Marshall

A Concise New Testament Theology is an abridgment of I. Howard Marshall's celebrated and award-winning New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel. This condensed version packages for students and laypeople the luminous considered conclusions and insights of one of the most respected evangelical New Testament scholars of our day. It is the perfect entrance into New Testament theology, and its author-by-author approach will also make it an attractive supplement for courses in New Testament survey or introduction.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2007

About the author

Ian Howard Marshall (12 January 1934 – 12 December 2015) was a Scottish New Testament scholar.[1] He was Professor Emeritus of New Testament Exegesis at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He was formerly the chair of the Tyndale Fellowship for Biblical and Theological Research; he was also president of the British New Testament Society and chair of the Fellowship of European Evangelical Theologians. Marshall identified as an Evangelical Methodist. He was the author of numerous publications, including 2005 Gold Medallion Book Award winner New Testament Theology.[2] He died of pancreatic cancer in 2015.[3]

Reviews

[Jeremy Gardiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read half of this book and half of another NT theology (Julius Scott Jr.). I found this one to be the more helpful of the two. This is a biblical theology which means it explains the theology as limited to a particular book. It is unlike a systematic theology which will draw upon all of Scripture (and outside of it as well). Marshall goes over the "Theological Story", the "Theological Themes", "[Book] and the New Testament", and a conclusion for every book in the New Testament. It is a helpful book for reference when you want to really understand one particular book. Don't expect this to be a book you read cover-to-cover, as it's a reference title.

[Mj]

to know the book.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I. Howard Marshall's Concise NT Theology is an excellent survey (300 pgs) of the theological contribution of each NT book. A few of the highlights of this book are: First, Marshall briefly examines the way each book speaks about God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This was fascinating since typically one sees the systematic sum of the NT references to the Trinity but rarely do we have opportunities to see its development book by book. Secondly, Marshall traces the theme and thrust of mission throughout the entire NT which was also quite enlightening. Lastly, he does a wonderful job highlighting the unity of the NT corpus without diminishing its diversity. You walk away from the book pleased to see unity of the NT authors pointing to the Holy Spirit's inspiring work. Two things that were not my favorite were the order of the books which is compiled by author then chronology and Marshall's writing style is not quite so fluid and captivating as some other NT scholars. In short, I think this book is an ideal NT theology overview and would be very helpful to read the corresponding chapter for a bible study, sermon series, etc. I look forward and plan to read his longer and fuller treatment (750 pgs) in about two or three years and will eagerly read more from I. Howard Marhsall's pen.

[Joy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It does what it claims to do. This is a concise, yet complete look at the major themes and theological ideas discussed by the various New Testament writers. It will not be a book that brings deep insight as it is intended to help new students recognize the main themes of the very different writers and to illustrate that the themes are consistent among he writers. A long time student of the bible will probably see this as too elementary; however, it can be a good starting point for theology students.

[A.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was one of my textbooks for a New Testament Theology class. Though the writing is dry, Marshall covers the important topics and discussions concisely and clearly. I appreciated the volumes brevity and it's layout. My copy is now full of highlights. I imagine turning to it when I need a brief reminder about a given New Testament book's theological discussions, debates, etc.

[Ferrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This will be a great book for the beginning New Testament student, but it will be of limited value to those who are advanced. It is an abridgement of Marshall's earlier work on New Testament theology. This makes for some pretty bad writing at times. The comparative chapters are the best.

[Nicholas Quient]

Love Howard Marshall.