Barrett’s Book Notes: Atlas, Jesus’ Bible, and Reformation Commentary

Carl G. Rasmussen. Zondervan Atlas of the Bible and Zondervan Essential Atlas of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 2013.

One of the key components to understanding the context in which the Old and New Testaments were written is having a grasp on the land in which these biblical figures lived, moved, and breathed. It is amazing how your eyes are suddenly opened to the meaning of a biblical text when you develop for the first time an understanding of the lay of the land (literally!). Rasmussen has put together a colorful atlas that will walk you through the Bible. Rasmussen not only explains the geography but the history as well. And if you find the large atlas a bit overwhelming, perhaps start with the Essential Atlas first, which is an adaption of the former. The images, charts, and graphics make both books appealing to the lay person and student alike.

Jason S. DeRouchie, ed. What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus’ Bible. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2013.

DeRouchie has assembled a group of scholars to walk students through each book of the Old Testament. But this is not your typical survey of the OT. As DeRouchie says in the Preface, the book provides a “Christian interpretation of what the Old Testament authors really cared about. That is, it is a Christian examination of the Old Testament’s message, as inspired by God through his human agents.” Put otherwise, this “survey attempts to present the essence of what is revealed in the Old Testament, with a conscious eye toward the fulfillment found in Jesus as clarified in the New Testament.” I must say, there are many treatments of the OT that fail to do just this! Some OT scholars want to block out the NT, as if it is going to prejudice them in their reading of the OT. But this fails to consider how the OT itself points forward to Christ and his kingdom. Therefore, students should learn how to read the OT in light of its fulfillment in Christ. Here are some commendations for the book:

How could I not enjoy a book in which the editor says ‘is designed as a springboard for delight in God—the supreme Savior, Sovereign, and Satisfier of the world’? Jason DeRouchie has a sure hand when it comes to guiding a team of scholars. The aroma of his God-centered, Christ-exalting commitments permeate this survey…I would happily put this in the hand of every church member. —John Piper, Founder and Teacher DesiringGod.org

Finally! An introduction to the only Bible Jesus had that tries to makes sense of each book by highlighting its life-giving message. This volume is invitingly organized and composed, and delightfully illustrated. —Daniel I Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament Wheaton College

No ordinary survey! This clear, concise, and easy-to-understand text will help church folks and serious students alike grasp the contribution of the Old Testament to the Bible as a single text with a unified plot structure that finds ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Beautiful pictures and helpful diagrams aid communication in a powerful way. I heartily recommend it! —Peter J. Gentry, Professor of Old Testament Interpretation The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

This clear and attractive book combines academic rigor with devotional warmth…The authors have taught Old Testament courses many times, and they know how to connect with students. —Andy Naselli, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology Bethlehem College and Seminary

Craig S. Farmer, ed. John 1-12 (Reformation Commentary on Scripture). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014.

Esther Chung-Kimg and Todd R. Hains, eds. Acts (Reformation Commentary on Scripture: New Testament). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014.

Timothy George continues to pump out new volumes in his Reformation Commentary on Scripture series. The most recent volumes to release are John 1-12, edited by Craig S. Farmer, and Acts, edited by Esther Chung-Kimg and Todd R. Hains. Farmer’s volume alone is over 500 pages! Some heavy research has gone into these volumes, pulling together commentary from a variety of Reformers to give the reader an understanding of how the Reformers understood the biblical text. I would encourage readers to give their attention to the Introductions in each volume because they help explain the sixteenth century context the Reformers are writing in.

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University, as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. Barrett is also Senior Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church. He is the author and editor of several books, including Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration. You can read about Barrett’s other publications at matthewmbarrett.com.