The Theology of the Apostles: The Development of New Testament Theology

The Theology of the Apostles is the second of Adolf Schlatter’s two-volume New Testament theology. It was originally published in German in 1910 and a revised second edition appeared in 1922 with the title Die Theologie der Apostel (Stuttgart: Calwer Vereinsbuchhandlung). The English translation of this important work is both long overdue and much to be welcomed. In the translator’s preface, Köstenberger provides a brief introduction to Schlatter’s New Testament Theology, along with a survey of appraisals of Schlatter’s work by his early 20th century contemporaries. A further essay by Robert W. Yarbrough, which appears at the end of the volume, assesses the reception of Schlatter’s work among modern theologians and its ongoing significance for New Testament scholars. Schlatter’s own brief forewords to the first and second editions provide a clear statement of his theological program as a ‘simple presentation of the content [of the New Testament]’ (p. 23). Far from any simplistic approach, however, Schlatter brings the full weight of his comprehensive historical and philological expertise, along with his thorough and intimate knowledge of sacred scripture, to bear upon the task. The end result is an engaging challenge for both Church and Academy. The main body of the work is presented in five sections, beginning with an introductory overview of the general vantage point, which was shared by Jesus’ disciples at the outset of their work. [Full Review]