Sacred Tradition in the New Testament
Tracing Old Testament Themes in the Gospels and Epistles
About
Leading biblical scholar Stanley Porter critiques the state of research regarding the New Testament's use of the Old Testament and sacred traditions. He provides needed orientation for readers interested in New Testament references to themes such as "son of man" and "suffering servant" as well as the faith of Abraham and the Passover. Porter explains that examining scriptural traditions is fundamental to understanding central ideas in the New Testament regarding Jesus. He sheds light on major themes in New Testament Christology and soteriology, offering fresh, constructive proposals.
Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Background, Method, and Terminology
1. Background to Discussion of Sacred Tradition
2. Method and Terminology in Discussion of Sacred Tradition
Part 2: Jesus and Sacred Tradition
3. Daniel 7:13 and the Son of Man
4. Isaiah 42-53 and the Suffering Servant
5. The Son of God and the Messiah and Jesus
Part 3: The Gospels and Sacred Tradition
6. Exodus 12 and the Passover Theme in John
7. Psalm 22 and the Passion of Jesus
Part 4: The Epistles and Sacred Tradition
8. Genesis 15:6 in Paul and James
9. Esau in Romans and Hebrews, by Bryan R. Dyer
10. "Jesus Christ" in Paul's Letters
Conclusion
Indexes
Endorsements
"This collection of essays engages a perennial issue within the field of New Testament studies: the relationship of the earliest Christian literature to the heritage of its sacred traditions. In critical dialogue with recent scholarship, Porter clarifies the tricky methodological issues of how the New Testament cites, alludes to, and echoes scriptural texts. His insightful but provocative findings about the use of certain traditional texts and images by early Christians and by Jesus himself will no doubt stimulate further significant scholarly debate."
Harold W. Attridge, Sterling Professor of Divinity, Yale Divinity School
"Porter leads us into a fresh and stimulating understanding of the New Testament's appropriation of the sacred traditions of Israel's Scriptures. This is more than just another book on the New Testament's use of the Old. Porter's decision to focus on the titles of Jesus and broad themes makes the book practically a miniature New Testament theology, with the great virtue of helping us perceive the rich unity of the Bible. This is a book that deserves, and will reward, a thoughtful reading."
Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
"Stanley Porter's Sacred Tradition in the New Testament brings much-needed nuance and definition to a very important phenomenon in New Testament literature, especially with reference to the popular but often ill-defined term intertextuality. Porter not only clarifies the relevant vocabulary and methods, but he also discusses several important texts and themes that relate to Jesus, his self-understanding, and the Christology that comes to expression in the New Testament. Anyone interested in the topic will want to engage this carefully researched and well-written book."
Craig A. Evans, John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins, Houston Baptist University
"Ranging more widely than traditional treatments of the Old Testament in the New, Porter's study illustrates the broad role such traditions played in shaping the way Jesus was understood by New Testament authors and in shaping Jesus's own self-understanding. This is a significant contribution on much-debated issues."
Stephen Westerholm, professor of early Christianity, McMaster University
The Author
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Stanley E. Porter
Stanley E. Porter (PhD, University of Sheffield) is president, dean, professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. A prolific scholar, he has authored, coauthored, or edited...
Continue reading about Stanley E. Porter
Reviews
"There is increasing interest within biblical scholarship in the interrelationship of the New and Old Testaments. . . . [Porter] focuses on this vital interrelationship in this fine study. . . . This is a persuasive and constructive study."
Donald Senior, CP,
The Bible Today
"Porter's positive assessment of the subjects he reviews, and his clear writing offer a valuable picture of the Status quaestionis."
Peter R. Rodgers,
Religious Studies Review
"The origin of this book in papers given to lay audiences helps to explain its accessibility to readers of all levels. The very wide range of secondary sources adduced will please the more scholarly reader."
John Tudno Williams,
Society for Old Testament Studies Book List