Andrew David Naselli - How to understand and apply the New Testament : twelve steps from exegesis to theology

This is an exceedingly practical guide that will truly help every minister of theWord understand and apply the New Testament. Naselli has a knack for explaining theprinciples well and then clarifying them with helpful examples. How I wish everypastor and teacher of the Word would absorb and practice the contents of this book.The church would thrive and grow with the kind of solid preaching that this wouldproduce.

Clinton E. Arnold , Dean and Professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology,Biola University; Member, ESV Translation Oversight Committee

The task of biblical interpretation is sometimes presented as a special hermeneutic(whatever that is) or even as a checklist of tasks to follow whenever one sits downto interpret a Bible passage. The fact is that to gain a detailed understanding ofScripture and of any one portion of it takes a serious amount of effort and commitmentto mastering a whole armada of subjects: theological, historical, linguistic, andmore. And it takes devotion to the Lord and to his ways (Ps. 119:100). In this book,Andy Naselli introduces students who are starting out in this most exciting and enrichingenterprise to the multitude of study areas that one engages in as an exegete. Naselliwrites in a personal way to guide beginners through this labyrinth, and he adds valueto his own presentation with many references to other works for further study throughout.This work will certainly help many beginning Bible students.

S. M. Baugh , Professor of New Testament, Westminster Seminary California

Andy Naselli has written a thorough and substantive book on how to interpret theBible. It covers all the bases. In addition, it is very practical for Christianswho may not be scholars, teachers, or pastors, though scholars, teachers, and pastorswill definitely benefit from it. If you want to better learn how to interpret theBible and apply it to your life, then Nasellis book is for you. If you want to bebetter prepared to teach Bible study groups and Sunday school classes, this is thebook for you. If you are a pastor and you want to be better prepared to preach, thenthis is the book for you. If you want to learn how to memorize Scripture, then thisis the book for you. In sum, if you are really serious about wanting to understandScripture better, then this is the book for you. It does not contain technical jargonbut is written in a very understandable way, yet it is not lightweight. I heartilycommend Andy Nasellis book.

G. K. Beale , J. Gresham Machen Chair of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary

Any introduction to New Testament exegesis must strive to accomplish three goals:it must be succinct, it must be readable, and it must be up to date. Andy Nasellisbook not only meets but surpasses these goals. Each of the twelve steps of exegesisis carefully introduced and amply illustrated. In addition, students will appreciatethe annotated Resources for Further Study section that concludes each chapter.The Spirit is fully able to speak through the Scriptures to us today, and this excellentresource will surely help us to hear his voice with greater clarity and accuracy.I cannot recommend Andys book enthusiastically enough.

David Alan Black , Dr. M. O. Owens Jr. Chair of New Testament Studies, SoutheasternBaptist Theological Seminary; New Testament Editor, International Standard Version

This is an astonishing bookclear enough with all the basics, sophisticated enoughwith numerous topics not usually found in a hermeneutics primer, abreast of cutting-edgescholarship with thorough and helpful bibliographies, warmly pastoral in spirit,and filled with practical illustrations of each interpretive step applied to keybiblical texts. Whereas other works of partially comparable scope have required twoor three authors, Naselli has mastered all the pieces himself and produced a trulyone-stop-shopping resource. An outstanding tool not likely to be superseded anytimesoon.

Craig L. Blomberg , Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary; Member,NIV Committee on Bible Translation

As a career Bible translator, I heartily recommend Andy Nasellis book on how tounderstand and apply the timeless message of Gods Word. Good Bible translation mustbegin with good exegesis. The thorough approach and accessible style of this bookwill make it a valuable resource for Bible translators around the world.

Dave Brunn , International Bible Translation Consultant, New Tribes Mission

Naselli wrote this book with the serious layperson in mind, and it shows. We dontjust want to read the New Testament; we want to understand it, meditate on it, andlive in response to it. Showing the skill of a distinguished teacher, Naselli anticipatesand articulates the questions of his readers while providing helpful illustrationsand practical solutions. If you have been looking for a guide to help sharpen yourexegesis and grow as a theologian, grab this inspiring, thorough, and pertinent resource.

Aimee Byrd , Cohost, Mortification of Spin; Author, Housewife Theologian , TheologicalFitness , and No Little Women

Though there are many introductions to New Testament exegesis, there are few volumeswith which to compare this title by Andy Naselli. It admirably combines a wealthof information with clarity and ease of use. But perhaps most distinct is its overarchingdevotional approach to the art and science of reading the New Testament. These threecharacteristics blend to create a formidable and edifying resource that will strengthenthe skill, knowledge, and resolve of all who endeavor to study and teach the NewTestament.

Constantine R. Campbell , Associate Professor of New Testament, Trinity EvangelicalDivinity School

You may spot a notable difference between most of the other people who have endorsedthis book and me: while most of them are professors and scholars with academic pedigrees,I am just a guy with a blog. But Im a guy with a blog who loves to read and lovesto learn. I have found significant value in what I call stretch reading: readingthat pushes me to the edge of my understanding and sometimes even a little beyond.This book was just such a stretch read but represented a challenge that I am gladI accepted. Andy Naselli is one of my favorite authors because of the combinationof his soundness as a theologian and his giftedness as a teacher. Both qualitiesare on bright display here as he encourages and equips readers to better appreciate,understand, interpret, apply, and teach the precious Word of God. Let this be a personalencouragement from me to you: Consider reading this book. Take the challenge andthrough it enjoy a deep, compelling, exciting look at Gods Book.

Tim Challies , Blogger, challies.com; Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, Toronto

Naselli has provided a resource rich with insights that will aid students of Scripturefor years to come. As I worked through his approach to understanding and applyingScripture, I became excited about implementing many of his insights in my exegesiscourses. This book is immensely practical and challenging, providing many examplesto illustrate proper interpretation.

David A. Croteau , Professor of New Testament and Greek, Columbia International University

Andy Naselli is to be congratulated for putting together this superb introductoryvolume for a new generation of New Testament students. From beginning to end, Nasellisthoughtful, substantive, and reliable work is presented in a pedagogically soundand reader-friendly manner. I am confident that it will find a warm welcome amongits readers, offering them outstanding guidance along the way. It is a genuine delightto recommend this fine book.

David S. Dockery , President, Trinity International University

Here is a work that asks all the right questions, and then answers them. Nasellihas written a comprehensive, readable, and wise guide to New Testament exegesis.Because of its balanced interest in the art and the science, the heart and the methodsof exegesis and theology, this book belongs on the shelf of seminary students andseasoned pastors alike.