Theological Journals, Part 4: 10/15/2022

Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “What Counts as `Biblical’ Philosophy? Reflections from Dru Johnson’s Biblical Philosophy,” Dr. Gray Sutanto of Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington D. C., argues that Christians weren’t “Hellenized” but that Hellenes were “Christianized” in terms of reason. Concordia Theological Journal (January 2022), in “Repentance for the Corinthian Community: 1 Clement’s Presentation of Christ in the Old Testament,” Rev. Daniel Broaddus continues to show Clement’s high Christology and the OT epiphanies. Very nice article. Protestant Reformed Theological Journal 55,1 (Fall, 2021): BOOK REVIEW: “Middle Knowledge and Biblical Interpretation: Luis de Molina, Herman Bavinck, and William Lane Craig,” by Sze Sze Chiew. New York and Oxford: Peter Lang, 2016. Pp. 225. $59.95 (hardcover). ISBN-13: 978-3631672549. [Reviewed by David J. Engelsma]. Bavinck is clear of the “middle knowledge” but not William Craig, a modern exponent of it. “Middle Knowledge” makes God’s eternal knowledge and decrees depend on man—conditional knowledge and self-salvation, ultimately. Contrary to the Canons of Dort but compliant with a broader Arminianism and the errant free offer of the Gospel we would add. We're with the PRCA on this one. Themelios (Dec 2021): in “The Placement of Paul’s Composition of 1 Corinthians in Troas,” Daryn Graham will argue what the title says: written from Troas versus the consensus view that it was written from Ephesus. Novel. We’re interested in it as a thesis, anyhow, but are not optimistic. We’ll see. Themelios (2022): “The Pastor as Biblical Theologian:” Dr. Brian J. Tabb, Academic Dean of Bethlehem Seminary, Minneapolis, concludes: “To sum up, the pastor as biblical theologian is a godly man called by the church whose ministry is marked by careful, Christ-centered exposition of the whole Bible to edify the people of God. The pastor as biblical theologian shares the presuppositions of the apostles, cultivates personal and corporate practices for whole Bible intake, and embraces the glorious purpose of magnifying Christ in all areas of life. Such a pastor may or may not hold advanced degrees and write books. He may or may not have a public platform to speak presciently into the pressing and perplexing cultural issues of the day. But he is saturated in the Scriptures and able to teach the saints how to read their Bibles in a way that exalts Jesus. He offers needed encouragement and wisdom so that God’s people can remain firm and established, not wavering from the hope of the gospel.” The Biblical Repertory/Princeton Review (January 1837). The Editors review “Melancthon’s Letters:” we hear from Melancthon on his introduction to the Gospel of Matthew while Luther is lecturing on the sacraments, Melchizidek and related subjects.