Book Review: What Is Biblical Theology?

“Does your story enable you to look death in the face?”

The question is simple yet profound. When all of the props of this world have been removed, will you stand, or will you collapse under pressure? James Hamilton writes this little volume, What Is Biblical Theology?, so that when you stare death in the face you will stand with Paul and declare, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better!” (Phil. 1:23). This sort of resolve is forged in the fires of Scripture; it comes from seeing oneself as part of a much bigger story, a grand story about the glory of God. Hamilton’s goal is to help you understand this story so that you can immerse yourself within it. The task of understanding the grand storyline of Scripture is the task of biblical theology.

Hamilton defines biblical theology as “understanding and embracing the worldview of the biblical authors,” by which he means that the writers of Scripture have a framework through which they interpret and describe the world and the events taking place within it (15). This interpretive framework is informed by earlier Scriptures familiar to the biblical authors. The writers often assume associations and connections between truths and events; while at times these connections are explicit, they are more often subtle and implied. It is the task of biblical theology to expose those assumed connections. This short book does so masterfully. Keep reading