Further Study

Review Questions

These questions are designed to help you review important material covered in the lecture.

1. Explain how the twofold concept of act and word revelation has characterized biblical theology of the New Testament.
2. Describe the three different levels of structure in the New Testament and give an example for each.
3. In what ways do New Testament biblical theologians differ from Old Testament biblical theologians in regard to the way they handle diachronic developments?
4. What is eschatology and how has this subject traditionally been approached by systematic theologians?
5. How does becoming familiar with the background of Old Testament eschatology help us understand diachronic developments in New Testament eschatology?
6. What outlooks on the “last days” were held by most 1st century Jews, and what effect did the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus have on these views?
7. Why were New Testament authors so preoccupied with Jesus’ three-phase eschatology? How does this three-phase eschatology represent a decisive break between 1st century Judaism and Christianity?
8. What is Christology and how do systematic theologians and biblical theologians differ in their emphases regarding this discipline?
9. Explain the doctrine of soteriology. What is the traditional view of soteriology, and how have biblical theologians understood soteriology in new ways?

Application Questions

Application questions are appropriate for written assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.

1. How does your understanding of the Kingdom of God shape the way you do your ministry? In what ways might your ministry change by applying the concept of God’s kingdom to all aspects of life?
2. This lesson suggests that different New Testament authors provided different perspectives on Christ and the entire New Testament era. How do we explain these differences to those who claim that the authors of the New Testament contradicted each other?
3. How can understanding the eschatology of the New Testament improve the way you preach or lead Bible studies?
4. How does the fact that we are living in the continuation of an inaugurated kingdom cause us to expect victories for God’s kingdom in the present time? What would those victories look like?
5. How does the fact that we have not yet reached the consummation of the Kingdom of God help us deal with the suffering that we still experience in our lives?
6. In what ways should we live like we are in the last days?
7. How does the fact that Jesus is the fulfillment of every Old Testament hope affect the way we should study and preach from the Old Testament?
8. Take a moment to read Romans 8:18-25 and note all the references to the inauguration, continuation and consummation of the kingdom of God. What teaching points could you make from this passage in all three stages of the kingdom?
9.  What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study?
10. After finishing this series, what areas of biblical theology would you like to study further?

Discussion Video

Additional information concerning the lesson topic is provided in a video presentation of a question and answer session. If you are struggling to understand any portion of the lesson or if you would simply like to deepen your understanding of the subject, this video will be helpful.