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The Messianic Theology of the New Testament
One of the earliest Christian confessions—that Jesus is Messiah and Lord—has long been recognized throughout the New Testament. Joshua Jipp shows that the New Testament is in fact built upon this foundational messianic claim, and each of its primary compositions is a unique creative expansion of this common thread. Having made the same argument about the Pauline epistles in his previous book Christ Is Paul's Royal Ideology, Jipp works methodically through the New Testament to show how the authors proclaim Jesus as the incarnate, crucified, and enthroned messiah of God.
In the second section of this book, Jipp moves beyond exegesis toward larger theological questions, such as those of Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, revealing the practical value of reading the Bible with an eye to its messianic vision. The Messianic Theology of the New Testament functions as an excellent introductory text, honoring the vigorous pluralism of the New Testament books while still addressing the obvious what makes these twenty-seven different compositions one unified testament?
In the second section of this book, Jipp moves beyond exegesis toward larger theological questions, such as those of Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, revealing the practical value of reading the Bible with an eye to its messianic vision. The Messianic Theology of the New Testament functions as an excellent introductory text, honoring the vigorous pluralism of the New Testament books while still addressing the obvious what makes these twenty-seven different compositions one unified testament?
- GenresNew TestamentTheology
657 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2020
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December 27, 2022
While I have some disagreements with Jipp, overall I find his project pointing out that Messianic Identity is central to the New Testament. (pg. 3). His book helpfully traces this theme primarily through the theme of Messianic Kingship. The book moves through engaging with different texts of the New Testament to different theological loci. Overall, I think that his treatment is robust, and even in places of disagreement, the reader will find this book thought-provoking and beneficial. I highly recommend it for students of scripture and preachers or teachers.
October 14, 2026
Below is my "critical review" as part of my New Testament Theology class. The tldr is that this is a very good work, even though I disagree with Jipp in a fair number of things. It is a great exploration of many of these points. What will be missing below is my citations and footnotes.
Joshua Pearsall
NTT BT 660 with Dr James Miller
Critical Review: Joshua Jipp, The Messianic Theology of the New Testament
Jipps Goal
Jipp sets out to explore the diversity, and unity, of NTT as Luke Timothy Johnson and others have done. Showing, contra Rudolph Bultman or those who favor “plurality and diversity,” to the cost of unity, there is a relationship of the history and theology, and there is a coherence to NTT. There is a special focus on “Messianism and New Testament Christology” exploring how the idea of participation in Christ and His kingdom was shown beyond the gospel’s and in Paul's writings, alongside many connections to the Psalter. This does not mean he has sought to “reduce” NTT to a single image, or a rejection of plurality which he still values, but an acknowledgement and exploration that these 27 works have been read together for some reason, that there is a unity to search out among the diversity. To that end the messianic identity of Jesus is viewed as the “primary content of” NTT, exhausts neither the whole of NTT or even the Christology of the NT, while informing other aspects of NTT. It is from here, as both content and assumption, the NT states and builds onto other points which Kipp explores. Both making a positive vision of the unifying theme in the NTT amidst diversity, while addressing various misinterpretations of the NT works that people read to the exclusion of thoughts present throughout.
Evaluating Jipps Work
Jipp pursues this exploration, using the identity of Jesus as Christ and Lord as a foundation, the unifying theme of that identity as shown in: exegesis, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, politics and eschatology. In part 1 as an exposition on how the NT writings show, “a creative articulation of the confession that Jesus is God's Spirit-appointed messianic ruler.” Showing both the diversity of how this is then expounded, and the unity of the NT writings in this theme. Synthesizing some, but focusing on allowing the diversity of voices to speak as their own individual voice. He stated he is simply following standard NT exegetical practices and assumptions on this endeavor, to that end I believe he is taking a specific flavor of exegesis assuming diversity as the baseline rather than unity though “standard” itself is a bit vague on particulars. He does explain some of his assumptions beyond diversity, such as how he believes NT authors can read text that may not have originally been read as messianic as such, i.e. Jesus is the risen ideal king it thus invites reflection on text in a new light that allow an expansion of older scriptural text, a focus on the Davidic image rather than messianic thought so broadly defined as to include angels and quasi divine figures, or other messianic ideas such as is found in the image of priest. Thus with an opening to text not classically called messianic (with an eschatological focus) but including the language of an ideal king. In the second part he seems to show how the early NT “central theology and practices are rooted in” this early Christian confession of Christ as the Messiah.
It is on those three points I am evaluating Jipp: unifying them, “standard practice and assumptions,” and in demonstrating how central this theme is among diverse voices. I will be setting aside theological differences in method, assumption, and conclusion. As a staunch traditionalist with a high view of the unity of these works as the assumed baseline, and the assumption the apostles are reading OT text as they were intended to be read, there are notable areas of disagreement and notable areas of agreement, but this an evaluation of the quality of Jipp's work not a place to debate these points.
To this end I believe he does, by and large, accomplish these goals. He notes that though there is a diversity of Messianic views, there is also a shared language in particular communities aa Novenson points out. A shared “encyclopedia” to fill in the context of a given community. Showing the unity of thought across a wide range of messianic themes, including the theme of the messianic kingdom as explored in Paul's writing. As well as exploring how John maintains a focus on Messianic themes while choosing to focus on Christ as the eternal logos rather than on the Davidic lineage. In his engagement he notes several important facets of the book of John. Though many have thought John didn't focus on Messianic themes, Jipp rightly points out that in the very beginning of John's Gospel there is the search for the Messiah and John the Baptist said it was not himself but one to come after him. Throughout the gospel there are three confessions of Jesus as the Christ which result in removal from the synagogues (Jn 9.22; 12.42; 16.2), and it also states the express purpose of John to note that Jesus is the Messiah, "the Son of God (Jn 20.31),” showing a presence of messianic thought throughout the gospel.
He does an excellent job showing how the NT authors do use Royal honorific titles like Son of David/Man, a text of a messianic of ideal ruler, or notes a messianic image like conquering warrior or just/righteous ruler as messianic images. How these images and thoughts then inform how the NT authors exegete the OT, the centrality of the death resurrection and ascension as essential to salvation, and what this messianic image then means for the messianic kingdom. He also pushes this exploration past Christology and directly engages a study on Scripture, soteriology, sanctification, ecclesiology, politics, power, and eschatology showing the same running theme and centrality.
However, Jipp does fall short in a few spots. First is an area he acknowledged would be beneficial, and that is exploring the original context of the OT, not just his focus on the “retrospective reading” of the OT done in the NT. This is an important part of studying the NT messianic themes, as it lays the very foundations and understandings the Apostles are turning to when looking to Jesus as the Christ. There is also an issue in the focus of messianic text he uses. His focus was on Royal messianic texts, as a result such texts like Deut 18.15 were given relatively little focus unlike texts such as 2 Sam or the Psalms. This was not the focus of his work, but more could have been said or acknowledged with these texts in relation to the messianic theme of the NT. One other potential area that would need to be explored is his use of the image of the king and messiah. In typological studies it is readily granted that the image of the ideal king does map onto the image of the coming messiah, but in this type of work there is also the risk of flattening the image of the king into the image of the Messiah in such a way there is no possible distinction to be made. I am not convinced Jipp has done this, but I think he has at the very least come close. For example, in his focus on kingship he takes the image of the crucifixion in John’s gospel as the enthronement of Christ. Jipp is correct to note the importance of the crucifixion, but it is not the cross that represents the enthronement rather that is tied to the ascension of Christ and is not explicitly mentioned in John's gospel though we do see it in his later work Revelation. He's also done an excellent job showing how often it is assumed that Jesus is the Christ throughout the NT. To use one example he does Acts 2.36; 9.22; 17.3; 18.5 and elsewhere, Jesus is Lord Acts as a “Proto-creeds and confessions.” It is merely stated as a belief with little to no explanation given time & time again.
Insights from Jipp
There is certainly much to learn from Jipp's work. For myself I have done a large amount of work in 2nd Temple Jewish literature, and the OT in regards to the Messianic vision. Naturally this has led to many overlapping areas in the NT, but as this has stemmed from an apologetics background the focus is normally on the person and work of Christ. This has led to a deficit in my theology I was unaware of, and that is a robust vision of the kingdom of God in relation to the messianic vision. Not that I had no concept of the kingdom of God present here and now, after all this is a classic Methodist focus, but it was not something I had ever connected with the messianic themes and as a result I have been missing much of the depth and richness here. Though this comes with reflecting on many themes I am already aware, such as the “social consequence” and rejection that will come with accepting Christ and confessing Him as Lord such as happened with the blind man in John 9, as well as seeing the new connections in the participation themes of the Messiah’s people present in Paul's writings. This will largely require retrospective thinking and rethinking as these texts come up again and again in study.
Another major insight for me was the importance of Christ’ ascension and enthronement for our salvation. As with many, it is often the cross that is preached and taught as the central focus and theme, not nearly as much attention is given to the ascension and enthronement themes. In hindsight this should stand out as an obviously vital aspect, present as the conclusion of Psalms 15-24 in the inclusio question of “who can ascend” and the enthronement of Ps 110. Yes the cross is the perfect and final sacrifice for sins (Heb 2.17-8), but Christ had to ascend back into Heaven to act as our High Priest in the heavenly tabernacle. This opens up a deeper appreciation, and reflection, on Christ as high priests and the priestly images associated with the Messiah in the OT. It is here we also see a tie into these two themes for Christ “inherits” the name of the Son just as He is eternally the son (Heb 1.2, 4), and in the ancient world the first born son not only received the greater inheritance but also gave out the inheritance to the other sons. We see in Christ ascension, and enthronement, not only the promise and completeness of Christ but the sharing of our inheritance that will be present in the kingdom. Looking at all Jipp has done there is a great appreciation to be had, and learning to be done, on how the diversity alongside the unity of NTT opens up new doors of insight and depth.
Joshua Pearsall
NTT BT 660 with Dr James Miller
Critical Review: Joshua Jipp, The Messianic Theology of the New Testament
Jipps Goal
Jipp sets out to explore the diversity, and unity, of NTT as Luke Timothy Johnson and others have done. Showing, contra Rudolph Bultman or those who favor “plurality and diversity,” to the cost of unity, there is a relationship of the history and theology, and there is a coherence to NTT. There is a special focus on “Messianism and New Testament Christology” exploring how the idea of participation in Christ and His kingdom was shown beyond the gospel’s and in Paul's writings, alongside many connections to the Psalter. This does not mean he has sought to “reduce” NTT to a single image, or a rejection of plurality which he still values, but an acknowledgement and exploration that these 27 works have been read together for some reason, that there is a unity to search out among the diversity. To that end the messianic identity of Jesus is viewed as the “primary content of” NTT, exhausts neither the whole of NTT or even the Christology of the NT, while informing other aspects of NTT. It is from here, as both content and assumption, the NT states and builds onto other points which Kipp explores. Both making a positive vision of the unifying theme in the NTT amidst diversity, while addressing various misinterpretations of the NT works that people read to the exclusion of thoughts present throughout.
Evaluating Jipps Work
Jipp pursues this exploration, using the identity of Jesus as Christ and Lord as a foundation, the unifying theme of that identity as shown in: exegesis, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, politics and eschatology. In part 1 as an exposition on how the NT writings show, “a creative articulation of the confession that Jesus is God's Spirit-appointed messianic ruler.” Showing both the diversity of how this is then expounded, and the unity of the NT writings in this theme. Synthesizing some, but focusing on allowing the diversity of voices to speak as their own individual voice. He stated he is simply following standard NT exegetical practices and assumptions on this endeavor, to that end I believe he is taking a specific flavor of exegesis assuming diversity as the baseline rather than unity though “standard” itself is a bit vague on particulars. He does explain some of his assumptions beyond diversity, such as how he believes NT authors can read text that may not have originally been read as messianic as such, i.e. Jesus is the risen ideal king it thus invites reflection on text in a new light that allow an expansion of older scriptural text, a focus on the Davidic image rather than messianic thought so broadly defined as to include angels and quasi divine figures, or other messianic ideas such as is found in the image of priest. Thus with an opening to text not classically called messianic (with an eschatological focus) but including the language of an ideal king. In the second part he seems to show how the early NT “central theology and practices are rooted in” this early Christian confession of Christ as the Messiah.
It is on those three points I am evaluating Jipp: unifying them, “standard practice and assumptions,” and in demonstrating how central this theme is among diverse voices. I will be setting aside theological differences in method, assumption, and conclusion. As a staunch traditionalist with a high view of the unity of these works as the assumed baseline, and the assumption the apostles are reading OT text as they were intended to be read, there are notable areas of disagreement and notable areas of agreement, but this an evaluation of the quality of Jipp's work not a place to debate these points.
To this end I believe he does, by and large, accomplish these goals. He notes that though there is a diversity of Messianic views, there is also a shared language in particular communities aa Novenson points out. A shared “encyclopedia” to fill in the context of a given community. Showing the unity of thought across a wide range of messianic themes, including the theme of the messianic kingdom as explored in Paul's writing. As well as exploring how John maintains a focus on Messianic themes while choosing to focus on Christ as the eternal logos rather than on the Davidic lineage. In his engagement he notes several important facets of the book of John. Though many have thought John didn't focus on Messianic themes, Jipp rightly points out that in the very beginning of John's Gospel there is the search for the Messiah and John the Baptist said it was not himself but one to come after him. Throughout the gospel there are three confessions of Jesus as the Christ which result in removal from the synagogues (Jn 9.22; 12.42; 16.2), and it also states the express purpose of John to note that Jesus is the Messiah, "the Son of God (Jn 20.31),” showing a presence of messianic thought throughout the gospel.
He does an excellent job showing how the NT authors do use Royal honorific titles like Son of David/Man, a text of a messianic of ideal ruler, or notes a messianic image like conquering warrior or just/righteous ruler as messianic images. How these images and thoughts then inform how the NT authors exegete the OT, the centrality of the death resurrection and ascension as essential to salvation, and what this messianic image then means for the messianic kingdom. He also pushes this exploration past Christology and directly engages a study on Scripture, soteriology, sanctification, ecclesiology, politics, power, and eschatology showing the same running theme and centrality.
However, Jipp does fall short in a few spots. First is an area he acknowledged would be beneficial, and that is exploring the original context of the OT, not just his focus on the “retrospective reading” of the OT done in the NT. This is an important part of studying the NT messianic themes, as it lays the very foundations and understandings the Apostles are turning to when looking to Jesus as the Christ. There is also an issue in the focus of messianic text he uses. His focus was on Royal messianic texts, as a result such texts like Deut 18.15 were given relatively little focus unlike texts such as 2 Sam or the Psalms. This was not the focus of his work, but more could have been said or acknowledged with these texts in relation to the messianic theme of the NT. One other potential area that would need to be explored is his use of the image of the king and messiah. In typological studies it is readily granted that the image of the ideal king does map onto the image of the coming messiah, but in this type of work there is also the risk of flattening the image of the king into the image of the Messiah in such a way there is no possible distinction to be made. I am not convinced Jipp has done this, but I think he has at the very least come close. For example, in his focus on kingship he takes the image of the crucifixion in John’s gospel as the enthronement of Christ. Jipp is correct to note the importance of the crucifixion, but it is not the cross that represents the enthronement rather that is tied to the ascension of Christ and is not explicitly mentioned in John's gospel though we do see it in his later work Revelation. He's also done an excellent job showing how often it is assumed that Jesus is the Christ throughout the NT. To use one example he does Acts 2.36; 9.22; 17.3; 18.5 and elsewhere, Jesus is Lord Acts as a “Proto-creeds and confessions.” It is merely stated as a belief with little to no explanation given time & time again.
Insights from Jipp
There is certainly much to learn from Jipp's work. For myself I have done a large amount of work in 2nd Temple Jewish literature, and the OT in regards to the Messianic vision. Naturally this has led to many overlapping areas in the NT, but as this has stemmed from an apologetics background the focus is normally on the person and work of Christ. This has led to a deficit in my theology I was unaware of, and that is a robust vision of the kingdom of God in relation to the messianic vision. Not that I had no concept of the kingdom of God present here and now, after all this is a classic Methodist focus, but it was not something I had ever connected with the messianic themes and as a result I have been missing much of the depth and richness here. Though this comes with reflecting on many themes I am already aware, such as the “social consequence” and rejection that will come with accepting Christ and confessing Him as Lord such as happened with the blind man in John 9, as well as seeing the new connections in the participation themes of the Messiah’s people present in Paul's writings. This will largely require retrospective thinking and rethinking as these texts come up again and again in study.
Another major insight for me was the importance of Christ’ ascension and enthronement for our salvation. As with many, it is often the cross that is preached and taught as the central focus and theme, not nearly as much attention is given to the ascension and enthronement themes. In hindsight this should stand out as an obviously vital aspect, present as the conclusion of Psalms 15-24 in the inclusio question of “who can ascend” and the enthronement of Ps 110. Yes the cross is the perfect and final sacrifice for sins (Heb 2.17-8), but Christ had to ascend back into Heaven to act as our High Priest in the heavenly tabernacle. This opens up a deeper appreciation, and reflection, on Christ as high priests and the priestly images associated with the Messiah in the OT. It is here we also see a tie into these two themes for Christ “inherits” the name of the Son just as He is eternally the son (Heb 1.2, 4), and in the ancient world the first born son not only received the greater inheritance but also gave out the inheritance to the other sons. We see in Christ ascension, and enthronement, not only the promise and completeness of Christ but the sharing of our inheritance that will be present in the kingdom. Looking at all Jipp has done there is a great appreciation to be had, and learning to be done, on how the diversity alongside the unity of NTT opens up new doors of insight and depth.
November 6, 2024
This is a scholarly book. The problem with scholarly books is that they tend to only appeal to other scholars, therefore, any profound material doesn't often 'make it's way down' to the churches in which they may be most needed. The lay people who make up most of our congregations are not asking questions that a book like this answers, and pastors academic enough, or interested enough to engage with this materiel may still struggle to properly and adequately express these profound insights to people who are just trying to get through the week. Like most books along these lines, it was just too long.
The book is divided into two parts. Part one brings out what is meant by Jesus being the Messiah in each book of the New Testament. Chapters 1-4 are for each individual Gospel, and this was the best part of this book. There was useful materiel here. He then takes the next three chapters to cover Paul's letters and it gets endlessly repetitive. He really didn't need three long chapters and it starts to weigh readers down. I got very bored here and felt like I had read the same things over and over. I wanted the book to be done by the end of part 1, but there was a part 2 that went into more practical side of things. I think there was some good stuff here, but I had completely lost interest. I think the book would have been great if it was just the Gospel sections and Part 2.
Also, the cover is absolutely terrible. C'mon man.
The book is divided into two parts. Part one brings out what is meant by Jesus being the Messiah in each book of the New Testament. Chapters 1-4 are for each individual Gospel, and this was the best part of this book. There was useful materiel here. He then takes the next three chapters to cover Paul's letters and it gets endlessly repetitive. He really didn't need three long chapters and it starts to weigh readers down. I got very bored here and felt like I had read the same things over and over. I wanted the book to be done by the end of part 1, but there was a part 2 that went into more practical side of things. I think there was some good stuff here, but I had completely lost interest. I think the book would have been great if it was just the Gospel sections and Part 2.
Also, the cover is absolutely terrible. C'mon man.
April 4, 2021
Josh Jipp has a unique ability to take a topic and in his first rate scholarly treatment, he gives you a lens through which to read the entire New Testament. He's done it again in the Messianic Theology of the New Testament. The first section of the book traces the theme of Jesus' Messianic identity and theology throughout the New Testament. It's a subject that we often ignore or undervalue, but what Jipp does is shows us that Messianic theology is woven throughout the entire NT, hiding in plain sight.
I think that this is a book that any Christian can appreciate. I'm sure this work will be valuable to scholars and pastors, but I also think that a thoughtful Christian who loves the Bible can also appreciate and greatly benefit from this book. One of the things I appreciate about this volume is its clear organization. It can be enjoyed from cover to cover but it can also be appreciated alongside a person's Bible study and utilized as a reference.
In the latter sections of the book, Jipp gets into more practical applications of Messianic Theology. It's valuable scholarship that is sure to be a blessing to all who read this book!
I think that this is a book that any Christian can appreciate. I'm sure this work will be valuable to scholars and pastors, but I also think that a thoughtful Christian who loves the Bible can also appreciate and greatly benefit from this book. One of the things I appreciate about this volume is its clear organization. It can be enjoyed from cover to cover but it can also be appreciated alongside a person's Bible study and utilized as a reference.
In the latter sections of the book, Jipp gets into more practical applications of Messianic Theology. It's valuable scholarship that is sure to be a blessing to all who read this book!
May 20, 2021
Joshua Jipp is an associate professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity and received a Ph.D. from Emory University. He is the author of many books, including Saved by Faith and Hospitality, Christ is King, and Divine Visitations and Hospitality to Strangers in Luke-Acts. The purpose of this book is to answer the ultimate question of how well New Testament Christology can be classified as Messianic. Jipp does this by showing the identity and Christology of Jesus through the context of Messianic culture and showing the primary content of New Testament theology, which is Jesus. This book is separated into the following two factions: Messianic Testimony of the New Testament, which is devoted to exploring the exegesis of Scripture, and Messianic Theology, which focuses on themes such as Christology, soteriology, eschatology, sanctification, etc. Jipp recommends this work for scholars, theologians, pastors, students, and any interested in Messianic testimony.
January 14, 2021
Good as a reference for particular texts and topics. This book goes through the New Testament canonically and thematically, looking at how the New Testament writers conceive, portray, build on, and apply Jesus' messianic office, especially as manifested in his kingship. At slightly over 400 pages, the book is not brief, but it still seems to sacrifice a bit in depth for the sake of breadth of scope, so it has a more of the feel of an overview. This isn't really a weakness necessarily, just a stylistic note.
August 14, 2023
An academic tome, so not an easy or accessible read for the most part, but it is good scholarship, that draws from a wide breadth of scholastic sources from various times, disciplines, and cultures. Excellent insights, especially when things are brought together in part 2. Part 2 is also much more accessible than part 1, so even if one is not interested in working through the scholastic detail of part 1, it might be worth the purchase to read part 2. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the landmark publications on NT Messianic Theology for at least a couple decades.
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