New Testament Theology

Marshall's New Testament Theology stands out from others in the organization of its material and its missionary approach, which is derived from the subtitle itself: "many witnesses, one gospel," and which stems from the author's peculiar view that: "all New Testament theology is missionary theology."

For Marshall, the main theme of the New Testament is the inclusion of the Church in God's mission through Jesus, and that "mission" is evangelization, the proclamation of the gospel. In his analysis of each of the New Testament documents, he demonstrates how each contributes to this end.

This work does not overlook the most recent proposals in Pauline studies nor the thorny issue of the authorship of his epistles, but it does so from such a balanced perspective that it is not only masterful but admirable. It does not succumb to the temptation to conform to the trend that the New Testament is merely a collection of scattered documents with irreconcilable diversity. On the contrary, it argues in its conclusion that the New Testament constitutes "a unity expressed through diversity" and defends that a synthetic New Testament theology is a real possibility but must begin with each author and in their own terms.

In this synthesis, we clearly hear the theological views of the individual books of the New Testament. Thus, Marshall's New Testament theology could also be considered a type of theological introduction to the books of the New Testament. In turn, it becomes an attractive complement to the individual introductions to each New Testament book.

"This book is the impressive achievement of a relevant scholar and a highly talented teacher. In a very attractive form, it presents the fruit of many years of extensive reading and reflection. Students and scholars alike will appreciate the clarity of the discussion, the nuanced judgment on controversial issues, and the guidance it provides for further reading. I particularly appreciate the way the author approaches his exposition of New Testament theology, "witness by witness": both the distinct themes of individual writings and the unifying threads receive careful attention." Graham Stanton, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge.