G.K. Beale's "A New Testament Biblical Theology" -- 2012 Reading Group discussion

Yeah I am not sure what I think about the chaos idea. I see some warrant for it but I wish he would discuss the implications of seeing chaos before the creation.

I also don't think it is necessary to agree with it and still be able to agree with everything else so far.

Based on my understanding of Genesis 1, I was all right with his chaos idea though I don’t know all that he intends by it. I was OK with it because I believe a theological truth we learn about God from Genesis 1 is that he takes that which is uninhabitable and unproductive (“tohu wabohu”), i.e. that which is not life and cannot produce life, and from it brings forth life. Fast forwarding to the NT, we see in salvation how God continues to bring life out of non-life (2 Cor. 5:17; also Eph. 2:5).

So, I guess when he says “chaos” I primarily think “non-life.” If I’m reinterpreting him to fit my own scheme, then… my bad.

Junior,

I felt that he was more tentative in positing chaos in Gen. 1. He didn't give us his full discussion of that. I am in agreement with chaos being tied to judgment in the later iterations of his cycle -- which I see as very helpful. But I'm somewhat ambivalent about chaos in Gen. 1 or not. He doesn't need it for his cycle, but Gen. 1:2 is talking about something weird, and chaos as a thematic idea is appealing, but I'm not settled on it.

Great point to bring up for discussion.

Thanks.

This idea of chaos came up again on pg. 169. I had a thought though. The majority view is that Satan fell and was cast out of heaven before creation. Well then, where did he go? ATTN: I am merely speculating here!!!! -Could the kind of chaos Beale is referring to here be chaos brought on by the fall of Satan? Technically, evil/sin existed before creation with the fall of Satan. However, this evil is not the fall of man in Gen. 3.

Does my speculation make sense. The more I think about it the more I think I can see what Beale MIGHT be saying or thinking. Maybe I should ask him:)