A Concise Theology of the New Testament by Frank J. Matera

Abstract

Reviewed by: A Concise Theology of the New Testament by Frank J. Matera Craig L. Blomberg frank j. matera, A Concise Theology of the New Testament (Biblical Studies from the Catholic Biblical Association 1; Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2020). Pp. 120. $19.95. Not every new series seeking "to bridge the gap between the technical exegetical work of the academic community and the educational and pastoral needs of the ecclesial community" (p. ix) would turn to a veteran biblical scholar to write their inaugural volume. The Catholic Biblical Association of America has done precisely that, and they could not have chosen anyone better than Frank Matera, professor emeritus of the Catholic University of America and author already of an excellent full-length volume of NT theology. Matera's introduction surveys the main approaches to his task, wisely opting for one that considers historical, theological, literary, and canonical dimensions; that highlights both unity and diversity; and that proceeds book by book or corpus by corpus. Successive chapters treat the Synoptic tradition, subdivided by evangelist (including Acts with Luke); the Gospel of John, subdivided by topic; the Pauline tradition, subdivided into the early letters (1–2 Thessalonians), the great letters (1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans), the letters from prison, and the Pastorals; and diverse traditions, dealing with all the remaining letters and Revelation. M. is well aware of those works with questionable authenticity but treats all of the Paulines together because he is studying their canonical form. For that reason, he also observes the promise–fulfillment schema of the two testaments together. Readers familiar with the dominant and distinctive themes of each section of the NT will find few surprises here, but rather a solid, reliable guide. Generally, M. prefers to select a small number of key themes for each book or author and explain them clearly, without trying to deal with the longer lists of topics typically found in a larger work of this genre. But his themes are always well chosen. For example, under Mark he deals with "the gospel of the kingdom, the identity of Jesus, and the call to discipleship" (p. 17). For John's Gospel, he treats the word made flesh, God sending the Son into the world, and a trio of smaller central topics: the world, the Jews, and the disciples. Section and chapter summaries prove remarkably clear and succinct, for example, under Mark's christology: "Jesus the Son of God, the Messiah, is the suffering Son of Man whom God vindicates by raising him from the dead" (p. 20). Sometimes one could wish for an ever-so-brief rehearsal of other key themes and passages. As central as christology and righteousness are to Matthew, and as telling for those themes as are the infancy narrative and the Sermon on the Mount, respectively, might we [End Page 142] have an idea of key contents and themes in the rest of the book? The other major sermons are presented but nothing else. Or, later, in a two-page summary of Hebrews, M. presents the letter's christology, with priesthood and sacrifice at the heart of Christ's person and work. But what about the vexed question of apostasy and loss of salvation? Numerous similar questions could be posed. Dealing with Paul in a brief primer creates perhaps the biggest challenge of all. Certainly, it makes sense to treat the Thessalonian letters together, on the resurrection and parousia; Galatians and Romans as a pair, on justification and God's saving righteousness; Ephesians and Colossians, unpacking Christ and the church; and the Pastorals. But are the two Corinthian letters really that theologically akin to Galatians and Romans? Or do Philippians and Philemon belong that much with the other two letters from prison? If one dates Galatians late, the groupings nicely correspond to chronology as well, but what if one dates it early? Matera's treatment of the NT's unity overlaps with some systematic treatment, for which he expresses appreciation, with "in Christ" unifying everything: "God in Christ," "Humanity in Christ," "Community in Christ," "Life in Christ," and "All Things in Christ." The short conclusion adds reflections on how NT theology can enrich the life of the church. "God...