"Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship paves a distinctive pathway into the conversation on biblical hermeneutics. While conversant with the breadth of interpretive theory, David Starling enlists the Reformation sensibility that Scripture interprets Scripture and sets about studying the internal hermeneutic of select biblical authors. This case study approach is as refreshing as it is insightful. Starling takes seriously the whole book context as he attends to the ways Scripture functions for each author. He leads the reader through central motifs that emerge from his study--from a hermeneutics of virtue in Ruth to a hermeneutics of empire in 1 Peter. While Starling is careful to distinguish this 'inner-biblical interpretation' from the hermeneutical and theological work of contemporary readers, he suggests that we would do well to apprentice ourselves to the biblical authors in the development of our own hermeneutic. Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship offers a model for doing just that and will appeal to a wide range of readers."

Jeannine Brown, professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary-San Diego

"Masters are often aware that they remain apprentices. David Starling has the wisdom of a master who knows we all remain apprentices as we seek to read Scripture. Yet he guides us through the scriptures with a delightful sense that we can learn to read with joy these wonderful texts. This is a book not to be missed by those who are charged with discerning God's word for the Christian people."

Stanley Hauerwas, professor emeritus of divinity and law, Duke Divinity School

"David Starling's Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship contributes usefully to the genre 'how to read the Bible' by focusing on the Bible's method of appropriating and applying its own teaching. It brings home in practical ways some of the more theoretical attention given recently to intertextuality and canonical studies. With commendable balance, the author shows how contemporary discussions of themes such as gospel and empire can help Christians read and apply their Bibles more accurately and faithfully."

Douglas J. Moo, Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College

"David Starling's Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship actually makes biblical hermeneutics enjoyable! Not only does he sample books from all major parts of both testaments in light of key debates on biblical interpretation that fit them well, but he writes with elegant prose and interesting examples that make his work a real page-turner. Not only does he help readers understand what to do, and not do, with each part of Scripture, he also makes you want to go back and read the Bible itself with fresh lenses. This book should have a long and productive life for theological students and interested laypersons, but seasoned pastors and scholars can learn from it as well."

Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

"David Starling's hermeneutical studies are very helpful examples of theological exegesis and biblical theology intertwined. They are attentive to Scripture itself and to the challenges--both perennial and contemporary--of its reading. Their unifying idea is an important one: Scripture itself provides the church's most indispensable collection of hermeneutical exemplars."

Daniel J. Treier, Blanchard Professor of Theology, Wheaton College Graduate School

"Hermeneutics as Apprenticeship serves up a series of hermeneutical vignettes that reflect the array of Scripture. So the book is a rich menu of observations about the different kinds of material we meet in Scripture. It is a study that will lead you to reflect on how to read Scripture both better and well."

Darrell L. Bock, senior research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Reviews

"With regard to thoughtful biblical interpretation, David Starling shows himself to be a master craftsman. Why? Because he has sat attentively at the feet of the prophets and apostles, learning the art from them. And like any genuine master craftsman, he is also an expert teacher, helping us undertake a more profound apprenticeship to God's word. This is a unique and uniquely compelling book."

Matthew W. Bates,

OnScript

"Starling's book is outstanding in at least two ways. First, he has presented the difficult and complex topic of inner-biblical interpretation in a concise way, unhindered by technicalities or jargon, which is helpful to nonspecialists. Starling also skillfully integrates whole books' theology and rhetorical features--a feat not easily achieved! Second, by fronting an interesting focal issue at the beginning of a chapter and raising relevant pertinent questions, Starling engages his reader with an interesting modern hermeneutical concern for reflection. . . . Starling's work is to be commended. The overarching idea of his book is important and his observations of inner-biblical interpretations deserve a close reading."

Peter Ho,

Themelios

"My skeptical impulse (do we really need another book on hermeneutics?) was dented by the commendations from such luminaries as Hauerwas and Vanhoozer, dispelled by the introductory chapter, and then shown to be foolish by the remainder of this fine piece of work which has something to offer everyone for whom reading and understanding the Bible matters."

Allan Chapple,

Expository Times

"The book is not an attempt to win an exegetical argument; rather it functions as an informed reflection on interpretive wisdom as it may be found in innerbiblical hermeneutics. The tone and focus remain constant throughout. As a result, readers of this journal who may not locate themselves within Starling's evangelical tradition will nevertheless find much food for thought through the author's extended meditation on what makes us faithful interpreters of Scripture."

James C. Miller,

Interpretation

"Starling looks at how biblical writers themselves received earlier texts and composed their own in light of those texts. What he discovers can guide and form modern readers in their own ways of receiving and interpreting Scripture. . . . Those readers who enjoy exploring theories of biblical interpretation will find Starling's work especially engaging."

John R. Barker, OFM,

The Bible Today

"[The] chapters are playful and thought-provoking. . . . Starling has written a very fine book. It is clear and instructive. I think students studying biblical interpretation would greatly benefit from reading at least the introduction and a few selected chapters, if not the whole book. He has, I think, also made it accessible for laypeople who are interested in becoming apprentices to interpretive methods found in Scripture."

Zen Hess,

Theology Forum blog