Theology of the New Testament (2 vols.)

The unfinished works of some scholars are of more value than the completed works of others. Such is the case with this second volume of L. Goppelt’s Theology of the New Testament, which the author of unfortunately did not live to complete. The discussion of the early church, of Paul and of Peter in particular, are of immense value. The author shows time and again how the theology of the New Testament much be understood in light of the Old Testament and provides a sane approach from a salvation-historical point of view. Had the author been able to complete it, this work would have stood very high in the list of theologies of the New Testament. In its present form it is still essential reading. Here is a first-class corrective to the work of Bultmann and his school. I am immensely grateful that it is now available in English.

—I. Howard Marshall, emeritus professor of New Testament exegesis and honorary research professor, University of Aberdeen

This work strikes a powerful blow in the battle to hold biblical exegesis and systematic theology together, and will help students to see New Testament theology in perspective. Its fresh and independent studies of such vital questions as how Jesus stood in relation to the Jewish law and what was meant by the Kingdom of God are of great value.

—C. F. D. Moule, Lady Margaret’s Professor Emeritus, University of Cambridge

Happily the distinctive features of Goppelt’s substantial contribution to New Testament theology will now be more widely available—thanks to this English translation.

—Bruce M. Metzger, emeritus professor of New Testament language and literature, Princeton Theological Seminary

The two books that I consider the most important achievements of the last 10 years are Ernst Käsemann’ Commentary on Romans and Leonhard Goppelt’s uncompleted, posthumously published Theology of the New Testament.

—Martin Hengel, emeritus professor of New Testament and early Judaism, University of Tübingen

Goppelt’s Theology of the New Testament has become a standard text in Germany and may well become a standard text in the American scene as well. The work represents the most comprehensive treatment of New Testament theology available today. Be treating the New Testament writings within a historical context, Goppelt’s Theology reflects a developing Church engaged in the real world, a motif that marked Goppelt’s own thought and concerns about theology and history. This work, thus represents Goppelt’s desire to wed historical and theological exegesis.

—Robert Guelich, emeritus professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary.

Even those who disagree with Goppelt about the problems, tasks, and objectives of New Testament Theology, will profit from a study of this impressive work, one of the few recent attempts to bring the results of critical exegesis into dialogue with systematic theology.

—Victor Paul Furnish, university distinguished professor of New Testament, Perkins School of Theology