The Bible is not only a divinely inspired book, but also a dynamic book. Working within Geerhardus Vos’s tradition of biblical theology while vastly expanding the Vosian legacy of New Testament interpretation, O. Palmer Robertson sketches the development of divine revelation in the new covenant as an organic, unfolding, and dynamic process wherein God unveils the restoration of the cosmos and the reconciliation of his redeemed people to himself forever through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Focusing on such rich themes as the gospel, the Holy Spirit, the inclusion of Gentiles in the plan of redemption, and the impending parousia of the risen and reigning Christ, the author articulates the fertile connections between Old and New Testament while maintaining sensitivity to historical context. With penetrating, incisive exegesis, Dr. Robertson skillfully balances both the big picture and the details as he lavishes upon the church his wealth of exegetical observations with masterful insight. This magisterial volume is sure to help you, whether as a pastor, a scholar, or a layperson, to truly relive (as Robertson puts it) the unfolding drama of salvation, thereby inspiring you to praise the God who is still in the process of writing the story of redemptive history. This road map to Luke-Acts and the Pauline corpus is a must-have for every pastor’s library.
This theological contribution may well be O. Palmer Robertson’s magnum opus. It is a book that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. But more than that, it will whet readers’ appetites to embrace the new covenant corpus of the writings of the apostle Paul and lead them to the feet of Jesus Christ. This volume draws on a lifetime of rich and original insights on biblical meditation and prayer, from a context of the author’s years of missionary service in Africa. As you receive biblical-theological insights, those written from within the Geerhardus Vos tradition to approaching the Scriptures, fresh doors of understanding will open. These theological doors will open for you as a result of the author’s providing keys to unlock truth from the fountain of Paul’s epistles and the book of Acts. Sit back, pace yourself, and pause as you read each chapter of this book in order to muse on, meditate on, and offer worship to the triune God, with thankfulness for Christ’s immeasurable salvation.
The second volume of Palmer Robertson’s Christ of the Consummation masterfully continues his redemptive-historical exploration into Acts and the Pauline Epistles. Within the macro-shift from Old Testament promise to New Testament fulfillment, Robertson highlights the micro-succession of unfolding phases within new covenant revelation, flowing from the Spirit’s descent at Pentecost: the apostles’ oral proclamation, and then the gospel’s written elaboration in Paul’s ministry correspondence (Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans), his Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and his later letters to pastoral apprentices/successors (Timothy and Titus). Noting the organic development of revelation enriches our grasp of the Spirit’s progressive display of the glory and grace of Christ the Redeemer. This book is insightfully exegetical, soundly theological, occasionally polemical, and warmly pastoral.
We have been eagerly awaiting volume 2 of Palmer Robertson’s New Testament biblical theology, and here it is. Every bit as good as volume 1. We pray that we will see volume 3, for then we will have a set of books packed with the very best biblical theology. It is sure to become a required set for seminary students past and present. A magnificent achievement from someone who has spent a lifetime in the Scriptures.
O. Palmer Robertson is crowning a lifetime of biblical and theological scholarship with a multivolume New Testament biblical theology. With his characteristic clarity, insight, and pastoral wisdom, Robertson deftly leads readers through Acts and the Epistles of Paul. Readers will not only be treated to any number of exegetical gems from these New Testament books, but also be afforded a compelling vision of their canonical unity and diversity. Newcomers and veterans to the study of Acts and Paul will find their investment of time in this volume to be amply rewarded.
This is integrative biblical exposition at its finest. Unpacking Acts and then Paul’s writings in redemptive-historical sequence, Robertson weaves the particulars of these books into a coherent whole. He isolates themes and central issues, interspersing observations and questions to spur reader reflection and response. Wise and discerning, this book is an invitation to explore church foundations in order to join in with and extend God’s covenant heritage in our own historical moment of unprecedented global church expansion.
This book is fascinating. Just read the Analytical Outline to see all the issues that Dr. Robertson covers. He is especially at home in showing and teasing out redemptive-historical implications in his exegesis of many texts in Acts and Paul. I also appreciate that he is well aware of traditional Reformed systematic categories and concerns. Exegesis, redemptive history, and systematics are all covered in one book by someone whose scholarship has been trusted for years. Buy this book!
