Reflections on Theology & Life From an Ordinary Pastor

Authorial Intent vs. Reader-Response

Posted on Nov 12, 2006 in Biblical Studies, Hermeneutics | 3 comments

Biblical Foundations » Authorial Intent vs. Reader-Response

Andreas Kostenberger just caused me to add his commentary on the Gospel of John to my CapCravings.

I don’t know about all of his hermeneutical positions, but I enjoyed his thoughts regarding the need to stay within the author’s intention when interpreting Scripture. I will be looking forward to his next posts on the subject. I have read him on 1 Timothy 2 and found him very helpful and convincing on the subject of women not teaching in the context of the local church.

In short, I don’t find it legitimate to assign symbolic meaning to a text, when the original author provides or suggests no such symbolic intention. Maybe when I finish Romans, John should be my next book to tackle. We will have some time to make this decision, I don’t think I’ll be out of the eighth chapter of Romans until 2008.

  • http://jmoorhead.blogspot.com Jonathan Moorhead

    I heard Kostenberger a few years ago at ETS and he is very good.

  • http://www.mrclm.com Chris Meirose

    The Baker Commentary Series is a really good collection. Certainly some better than others, but most are very solid contributions.

    Big Chris

  • http://www.fbcsanjacinto.com Bret Capranica

    Chris, I agree. I’m reading Schreiner on Romans and have read Osborne on Revelation. I’ve enjoyed them both. I’ve read a few sections of Bock on Luke and found him very helpful. This series has actually become a must read in my regular preaching and teaching.