Bücher der Reihe Reframing New Testament Theology

Recent years have seen heightened interest in how to read scripturefrom a missional perspective. This book addresses that question byexploring both how the New Testament bears witness to the mission of Godand how it energizes the church to participate in that mission. It alsomakes a distinctive contribution by applying a missional reading to avariety of New Testament books, offering insights into New Testamenttheology and serving today's discussions about mission and the church.';Dean Flemming has written a game-changing book on the interpretationof scripture for the mission of the church. This relatively slim butrich volume is absolutely mandatory reading for all serious students ofthe New Testament and for all who wish to understand the church'sparticipation in the mission of God. It should be on the syllabus ofevery ecclesially focused course on the New Testament and everybiblically attuned course in ecclesiology and in missiology.' Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, MD';I am always grateful when another book by Dean Flemming appears. Hiswriting arises out of his significant cross-cultural experience, hisoutstanding scholarship, and his careful listening to the Spirit in thetext. This book is written clearly and is full of nourishing insight.' Michael W. Goheen, Professor of Missiology, CalvinTheological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI; former Geneva Chair of WorldviewStudies, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC; and Teaching Fellowin Mission Studies, Regent College, Vancouver, BC ';';Why mission?' is a critical question, one not asked or understoodoften enough. Here is a stirring reading of the New Testament thatdemonstrates a living triune God on mission, bringing redemption to theworld through a living apostolic church. So much rich theologicalinterpretation packed into a small book!' Nijay K. Gupta, assistant professor of New Testament, George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Portland, OR';Since writing The Mission of God, I have felt guilty thatit paid so much more attention to a missional reading of the Old than ofthe New Testament. This fine book relieves me of that guilt. This is anoutstandingly clear and faithful exposition of what it means to readthe New Testament from the perspective of, and with the intention ofparticipating in, the mission of God as revealed in the whole Bible.' Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership

Given the way many in the West have read the New Testament in the last century, the church might be regarded as an afterthought at best. But at the worst, it can be viewed as an unnecessary, perhaps even problematic, institutionalization of genuine faith especially in our post-denominational context. These perspectives fly in the face of the robust ecclesiological concerns and commitments of the New Testament documents when read as witnesses from, to, and for congregations of God's people. For Wall, the problem is spiritual because fewer go to find God in church. Why the church? Because this peculiar fellowship of saints, whose loving communion is with the risen One, has been appointed by the triune God as God's herald. With its sacred vocation, every demonstration of the church's oneness, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity--each eschatological mark enabled and brought to maturity by God's grace--is the concrete means to address our theological crisis. This book will contribute to New Testament studies but also serve related discussions in theology and church history. Reframing New Testament Theology is a series that fulfills the need for brief, substantive, yet highly accessible introductions to central questions and themes raised by New Testament study.