Biblical Interpretation and Doctrinal Formulation in the Reformed Tradition: Essays in Honor of James de Jong

The Reformed tradition is characterized by a rigorous commitment to theological formulation, yet it is equally known for its commitment to rooting its life and practice in the authority of God's Word. While these two commitments are commonly acknowledged, the path from biblical interpretation to doctrinal formulation is often overlooked. Examining a diverse group of thinkers across the chronological and international spectrum of the Reformed tradition, this book demonstrates the depth and intricacies involved in the tasks of exegesis and dogmatic construction, the ways they intersect, and the effect it has on the church. Table of Contents: Preface - Richard A. Muller 1. An Appreciation of James De Jong - Calvin Van Reken 2. Calvin's Teaching Office and the Dutch Reformed Doctorenambt - Joel R. Beeke 3. An Immeasurably Superior Rhetoric: Biblical and Homiletical Oratory in Calvin's Sermons on the History of Melchizedek and Abraham - Richard A. Muller 4. Calvin's Lectures on Zechariah: Textual Notes - Al Wolters 5. Adopted in Christ, Appointed to the Slaughter: Calvin's Interpretation of the Maccabean Psalms - Keith D. Stanglin 6. Peter Martyr Vermigli and Aquinas Justice of War Doctrine - Mark J. Larson 7. Beza's Two Confessions as Sources of the Heidelberg Catechism - Lyle D. Bierma 8. Henry Ainsworth, Harried Hebraist - Raymond A. Blacketer 9. The Interpretation of Christ's Descent into Hades in the Early Seventeenth Century - Jay Shim 10. Critical and Catholic Exegesis in the Seventeenth-Century Low Countries - John S. Bergsma 11. Biblical Interpretation and Doctrinal Formulation in John Flavel's Works - Won Taek Lim 12. The Hobbes-Bramhall Debate on the Nature of Freedom and Necessity - J. Mark Beach 13. Bible Commentary for the Untutored: The Bijbelverklaring of 1780 1795, by Jacob van Nuys Klinkenberg and Gerard Johan Nahuys - Arie C. Leder 14. Herman Hoeksema was Right (on the three points that really matter) - John Bolt

About the Author :
Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor in Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Research Associate, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Richard A. Muller is the P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Review :
"Many are familiar with the precision and nuance that marks early modern Reformed theology, but few recognize that the same care and precision characterize the exegesis of the theologians of this period. This book sheds much-needed light upon the exegetical and theological labors of historic Reformed theology. Anyone--pastors, scholars, seminarians, and laymen--who wants to learn from the insight and wisdom of great Reformed exegetes and theologians should read this book. Arie Leder and Richard Muller should be commended for assembling an excellent collection of essays in honor of James A. De Jong, a collection that not only honors him but will be of great benefit to the church." -- J. V. Fesko, academic dean and professor of systematic and historical theology, Westminster Seminary California "This Festschrift is a great exception to the rule that such volumes are often of little interest to any but the one being honored. On the contrary, here is a collection of scholarly essays with a clear focus that actually makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the ways in which theologians have connected exegesis and doctrinal formulation. Leder and Muller have put together a volume that not only honors a significant figure in Reformed theological education but also that increases our knowledge of the field." -- Carl R. Trueman, Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia