Donald guthrie on new testament theology

Donald Guthrie (1915-1992) was a British evangelical theologian and biblical scholar who wrote extensively on New Testament theology. Here are some key points from his work:

New Testament Theology (1961-1962, 2 volumes)

Guthrie's magnum opus is his two-volume work on New Testament theology. In this comprehensive study, he explores the theological themes and motifs that underlie the New Testament writings. He examines the historical and literary context of each book, as well as the theological concepts and themes that emerge from the text.

Key themes

  1. Salvation: Guthrie emphasizes the central theme of salvation in the New Testament, which he sees as the heart of Christian theology. He argues that salvation is not just a future event, but a present reality that is already available to believers through faith in Christ.
  2. Christology: Guthrie's Christology is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes Jesus' divinity, humanity, and mediatorial role as the one who reconciles humanity to God.
  3. Pneumatology: Guthrie's pneumatology (study of the Holy Spirit) emphasizes the Spirit's role in applying the benefits of Christ's salvation to believers. He sees the Spirit as the one who empowers believers for witness and service.
  4. Eschatology: Guthrie's eschatology (study of the end times) is characterized by a balance between the already and the not yet. He emphasizes the importance of living in light of the future hope of Christ's return, while also recognizing the present reality of the kingdom of God.

Other notable works

  1. The Letter to the Romans (1957) - Guthrie's commentary on Romans is a classic work that provides a detailed exposition of Paul's letter.
  2. The New Testament Introduction (1965) - This introduction to the New Testament provides an overview of the historical and literary context of each book, as well as an analysis of their theological themes and motifs.

Influence

Guthrie's work has had a significant impact on evangelical theology and biblical scholarship. His New Testament theology has been widely influential, and his commentaries and introductions remain popular among scholars and students today.