"If all you know is the New Testament, you do not know the New Testament" - so the late New Testament scholar Martin Hengel is reputed to have said. According to the Scriptures considers the way in the New Testament writers utilized the Jewish Scriptures in order to describe, articulate and evaluate the death of Jesus, takes Hengel at his word. What Old Testament texts are quoted in the New Testament, how are they used and what might such analysis mean for the (contemporary) reader? Focusing in particular on the passion narratives in the Synoptic Gospels, According to the Scriptures seeks to engage with these questions. It will provide a useful new framework for thinking about why the early Church understood Jesus' death in terms of the Scriptures, what difference that understanding made, and what relevance that might have for us as we seek to make sense of the death of Jesus.

About the Author
David Allen teaches biblical studies modules and New Testament Greek at the Queen's Foundation in Birmingham, and is Academic Dean within the Foundation. He has a particular interest in the letters at the end of the New Testament, notably the Epistle to the Hebrews, and is especially concerned that they get a hearing in the life and practice of the Church. Much of his research concerns the way in which the New Testament uses the Hebrew Scriptures, and the intertextual reading strategies this generates. He is a regular member of the British Old Testament in the New Seminar.

Reviews
It goes without saying that the doctrine of salvation is at the centre of our faith, but in general too much gets said and written without reference to the Old Testament. In fact, the passion narratives make many references and allusions to the OT which, when examined in this book, greatly enhance our understanding. Allen concentrates on the passion narratives in the gospels and other New Testament passages which speak of those events immediately prior to our Lord's death. To on every OT reference would take a much larger volume - such as those listed in the comprehensive bibliography. There are endnotes rather than footnotes, and the text is accessible, although it is aimed at students in ministerial training, so a high level of familiarity with biblical studies is assumed. As an aid to sermon preparation or leading study groups, or just for interest, this book is highly recommended. -- Marion Gray * The Reader, Winter edition *



Book Information
ISBN 9780334055501
Author David Allen
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint SCM Press
Publisher SCM Press