Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church: Recovering an Ancient Vision

Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church recasts biblical theology as a practice cultivated in Christian community rather than a solely academic pursuit. Stephen Presley argues that the early church fathers crafted an ecclesial biblical theology that was lived out communally and oriented believers toward beholding God’s glory.

This volume brings patristic biblical interpretation into conversation with contemporary biblical theology, exploring how assumptions and methods of figures such as Irenaeus and Augustine can guide modern hermeneutics. Presley shows how early Christian theologians emphasized virtue and discipleship alongside exegesis, patiently shaping readers to inhabit Scripture’s narrative. He illuminates the catechetical and liturgical scaffolding that informed patristic biblical theology, centered on Christ as the cornerstone.

Students and scholars of theology, church history, hermeneutics, and patristics will find valuable new insights.

216 pages.

Contents

Introduction
1. Ecclesial Biblical Theology
2. Signs of God
3. Narratives of Scripture
4. Christ in All Things
5. The Good Life
6. The Community of Faith
Conclusion
Indexes

“A profound and comprehensive, yet also very accessible, introduction to the ecclesial biblical theology of the first centuries of Christianity, as it created a world and shaped Christians. This volume is offered to, and in dialogue with, contemporary biblical exegetes and theologians and all readers of Scripture, and it is sure to enrich the theological understanding and spiritual lives of all who read it.”

John Behr, Regius Chair in Humanity, University of Aberdeen

“Biblical theology was something done well, even best, by early-century bishops when teaching and catechizing their churches, something that is rare today but might possibly be recaptured. Without claiming that it is the panacea for all the church’s problems or that the Enlightenment has nothing to contribute, this book offers a vision that presupposes a revelation-based social imaginary together with glimpses of God as triune. It is replete with the idea–in true Irenaean tradition!–that biblical salvation history informs and forms Christian lives, beginning with those of the interpreters who read Scripture in the context of worship and community. This is what inspires Stephen Presley, and the inspiration communicated through these pages is catching!”

Mark W. Elliott, professor of biblical and historical theology, Highland Theological College; professorial fellow, Wycliffe College, Toronto

“Modern hermeneutics has hit a dead end. Too often we focus on methods rather than first asking the more fundamental question of metaphysics. Too often we espouse an abstract system of biblical unity without presuming we are also participants in the narrative. Presley argues that even modern biblical theology needs the tools of retrieval. The early church practiced an ‘ecclesial biblical theology’ that included the catechesis of those within the Christian community. Biblical theology can be rightly practiced only within the community of the church. I resonated so much with this book that I couldn’t stop underlining it. Presley brings clarity to patristic interpretation that only an expert can, and he has produced a gift that will serve the church for years to come.”

Patrick Schreiner, associate professor of New Testament and biblical theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary