Biblical Theology occupies a position between exegesis and systematic theology in the encyclopedia of theological disciplines. It differs from systematic theology not in being more biblical, or adhering more closely to the truths of the Scriptures, but in that its principle of organizing the biblical material is historical rather than logical. Whereas systematic theology takes the Bible as a completed whole and endeavors to exhibit its total teaching in an orderly, systematic form, biblical theology deals with the material from the historical standpoint, seeking to exhibit the organic growth or development of the truths of special revelation from the primitive preredemptive special revelation given in Eden to the close of the New Testament canon. [1]
In other words, biblical theology seeks to uncover the theology contained in the Bible itself, tracing the development of the Bible’s themes through redemptive history in its canonical shape.[2] It thus tracks the development of Bible’s doctrine along the redemptive historical storyline as it unfolds from the Law, Prophets, and Writings of the Old Testament into the Gospels and Acts, the Letters, and the Apocalypse in the New.
David Peterson, former Principal of Oak Hill Theological College, London, in his 2006 evening course on biblical theology covered the whole storyline of the Bible in 16 lectures. Peterson goes from creation to new creation tracking the major themes of the biblical metanarrative and brings forth with much clarity, the unity of the canon. The 16 lectures and the handouts are free for download.
This series is definitely a good primer on biblical theology and is recommended for all thoughtful Christians.
Creation To New Creation : An Introduction To Biblical Theology
What is biblical theology? (2): Listen
The ultimate fulfillment of God's plan (2): Listen
Footnotes
----------------
[1] G. Vos, Biblical Theology. Old and New Testaments (Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1948), Preface.
[2] James M. Hamilton Jr. and Jonathan Leeman, A Biblical Theology of Corporate Prayer
