How Scripture Interprets Scripture: What Biblical Writers Can Teach Us about Reading the Bible - Paperback

by Michael Graves (Author)

This book addresses a topic of vital concern to the church: How does the ancient biblical text speak to us today? Michael Graves, an expert in ancient exegesis, describes how Old Testament texts interpret earlier Old Testament traditions, explores New Testament reception, and explains how insights from this process translate into present-day biblical interpretation. Graves clearly explains and illustrates this approach with fulsome discussions of five themes that are addressed in various ways in the Bible: personal responsibility; sacrificial offerings; insiders and outsiders; marriage, polygamy, and divorce; and the afterlife. By attending to the way these topics are addressed throughout the entire biblical witness, we become better interpreters and teachers who are more adept at discerning the Bible's teaching on these topics and others for our modern world.

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"A compelling conversation across the Old and New Testaments"

This book demonstrates that learning from the biblical writers makes us better interpreters and teachers who are more adept at discerning the meaning of the text for our modern world.

"On many important matters of Christian practice and belief the Bible seems at first to offer conflicting guidance, and there is danger that we will then select the passages that support the view we already hold for other reasons. In this clear and practical book, Graves takes us through several examples to draw out principles that will enable us to gain an informed overall viewpoint while still valuing each passage for what it has to offer. If heeded, Graves's work will lead to a more mature and less prejudiced use of Scripture in the church."
--H. G. M. Williamson, University of Oxford (emeritus)

"In his brilliant book, Graves creates a compelling conversation across the Old and New Testaments as he brings the biblical world to life. How Scripture Interprets Scripture rests on impeccable research and a wealth of historical knowledge, as Graves provides expert guidance on puzzling and opaque passages. Using thought-provoking examples, Graves probes the diversity within Scripture to discover core values by which we might more faithfully follow after God. The serious student and pastor will find here a resource gold mine for their studies and encouragement to apply Scripture authentically today."
--Lynn H. Cohick, Northern Seminary

"The Christian tradition teaches us that Scripture is its own best interpreter. Graves demonstrates the various ways Scripture does in fact interpret itself. He unpacks this intertextual dynamic in service of Christian reading and application today. Graves provides a remarkable and accessible guide for students of all ages as they navigate the Bible's complexity and unity, shying away from neither. If a book on biblical interpretation compels readers back to Scripture itself, then it succeeds admirably. How Scripture Interprets Scripture more than fits the bill."
--Mark Gignilliat, Beeson Divinity School

"In this careful and subtle study, Graves shows how the voices of different biblical books can be heard both individually and together in the great chorale of the whole scriptural witness. With integrity and grace, this book puts deep learning at the service of faithful listening and offers timely contributions to biblical theology and Christian practice."
--Jennifer Grillo, University of Notre Dame

Author Biography

Michael Graves (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Armerding Professor of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of several books, including Biblical Interpretation in the Early Church and The Inspiration and Interpretation of Scripture.