In this counterpart to a similarly spectacular volume on the Old Testament, we see the New Testament painted in rich hues. It’s again produced by RTS faculty, which of course tells you the systematic theological lane it drives in. I think its gift, though, is its biblical theology. In fact, that’s more the purpose of the volume itself.

The Gospels have some of the most fascinating biblical theology in the New Testament, and as we expect, those chapters are some of the richest here. Sometimes issues like, say, the so-called Synoptic Problem and its weird offspring like “Q” are discussed in a way that might not even be needed in a conservative volume like this one (remember scholars aren’t the intended audience here) even if they conclude correctly. Perhaps Mark and John got the best coverage while Luke was a bit weak on structure. Still, they were all wonderfully helpful.

Robert Cara, who did Luke, took the same approach in Acts. Again, it was helpful. Guy Prentiss Waters did the next four chapters covering Romans through Ephesians. That means, of course, he got the most overtly theological books of the New Testament. Such theological writing is what Mr. Waters is most noted for. He has a sharp mind, but he is often party-line on Presbyterian thinking. That’s not a problem because it only asks the reader to keep the author’s perspective in mind while reading.

I found the going helpful the rest of the way. Revelation is going to probably help you on structure and symbolism, but not some of the other controversial matters.

This is invaluable for an overview study of a New Testament book. There are not as many helpful volumes for that need as you might think. You could hardly do better than this one.

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