The Trinity & the Bible: On Theological Interpretation

The Trinity & the Bible: On Theological Interpretation

"Orthodox Christians affirm and worship a triune God. But how should this affect our reading of the Bible? In The Trinity and the Bible, Scott R. Swain asserts that not only does the Bible reveal the Trinity, but the Trinity illuminates our reading of the Bible. Swain reflects on method and applies a Trinitarian framework to three exegetical studies. Explorations of three genres of New Testament literature-Gospel, epistle, and apocalyptic-display the profits of theological interpretation. Through loving attention to the Scriptures, one can understand and marvel at the singular identity and activity of the triune God"-- "Scott Swain is rare among theologians, combining a mastery of the tools of contemporary biblical exegesis with a metaphysical profundity and theological breadth, from the church fathers onward. These essays exhibit the Trinity in its biblical manifestation and dogmatic proclamation. Is the classical doctrine of the Trinity a biblical truth? In this richly rewarding book, Swain shows that the answer is a resounding yes." ―Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary “Scott Swain is among the foremost scholars working on the doctrine of the Trinity in the present-day, and The Trinity and the Bible brings together some of his important contributions over the years. It is a must read for those interested in the doctrine specifically and theological interpretation more broadly. Swain offers exemplary material for both.” ―Madison N. Pierce, assistant professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School “Books about theological interpretation often fail to engage the material content of the Christian doctrine of God; books on the doctrine of God sometimes fail to reflect on their own hermeneutical method, or to do actual exegesis. Scott Swain has put together the perfect combination here. This highly readable volume leads readers into Scripture and the doctrine of the Trinity simultaneously. It is deeply informed, cogently argued, and elegantly written.” ―Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors College, Biola University Seeing the Trinity in Scripture Christians affirm and worship a triune God. But how should this affect our reading of the Bible? In The Trinity and the Bible, Scott R. Swain asserts that not only does the Bible reveal the Trinity, but the Trinity illuminates our reading of the Bible. Swain considers proper interpretive method and applies a Trinitarian framework to three exegetical studies. Explorations of three genres of New Testament literature display the profits of theological interpretation: - Mark 12:35-37 - Galatians 4:4-7 - Revelation 4-5 A final chapter provides seven axioms for trinitian interpretation of the Bible. Through loving attention to the Scriptures, one can understand and marvel at the singular identity and activity of the triune God. Scott R. Swain (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is president and James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is the author of several books, including Reformed Catholicity (coauthored with Michael Allen), The God of the Gospel: Robert Jenson's Trinitarian Theology and Trinity, Revelation, and Reading: A Theological Introduction to the Bible and Its Interpretation . The Trinity & the Bible: On Theological Interpretation ABIS BOOK zLexham Press