• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Andy Naselli

Thoughts on Theology

  • About
  • Publications
    • Endorsements
  • Audio/Video
  • Categories
    • Exegesis
    • Biblical Theology
    • Historical Theology
    • Systematic Theology
    • Practical Theology
    • Other
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Exegesis / Interpreting the Pauline Epistles

Interpreting the Pauline Epistles

April 25, 2011 by Andy Naselli

A good book just got better:

Thomas R. Schreiner. Interpreting the Pauline Epistles. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011.

From the preface to the 2nd edition (p. ix, line breaks added):

It is tempting to enlarge the book significantly, but I believe the book has continued to be read because of its brevity. Hence, the purpose of the revision is to update the book where necessary, especially in terms of bibliography.

The book has not changed dramatically, for I am still convinced that the substance of what I wrote some twenty years ago is correct. Nevertheless, the entire book has been revised, and there are some significant additions.

The original edition presented the diagrams in Greek but not in English, and thus English has been added to enable readers to understand diagramming conventions.

The most valuable chapter in this book—or at least the one that most strongly influenced me—is “Tracing the Argument” (pp. 97–124). It revolutionized how I read Paul.

Update: That chapter is available as a PDF (though it’s from the first edition, not the second).

Update on 3/31/2017: In my latest attempt to explain how to interpret and apply the Bible, I include a chapter on argument diagrams with a focus on phrasing (pp. 121–61).

Share:

  • Tweet

Filed Under: Exegesis Tagged With: hermeneutics, Tom Schreiner

The New Logos

Follow Me

  • X

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrew Cowan says

    April 26, 2011 at 5:29 am

    This is indeed a very good book, but those particularly interested in the method of interpretation described in the chapter “Tracing the Argument” can also consult http://www.biblearc.com

    The method Schreiner calls “tracing” is alternatively known as “arcing,” and the website mentioned above contains a free video tutorial explaining the method. Additionally, you can practice tracing/arcing on the site for free, and for a $10 per year fee, you can store your own traces/arcs on the website and compare with others who have done work on the same passages. The website is owned by the Bethlehem College and Seminary.

    (Although this sounds like a paid advertisement, I do not work for http://www.biblearc.com or Bethlehem College and Seminary; I am simply an enthusiastic advocate of the method Schreiner discusses that Andy too found helpful. I find it really helpful, and I would love for more people to employ this useful tool.)

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe via Email

What God Says in 1 Timothy

Tracing the Argument of 1 Timothy: A Phrase Diagram

How to Write a Paper: Five Steps to Writing a Theological or Literary Research Paper

Exegetical Fallacies

Tools to Study the Bible and Theology

Help! I Want to Be a Manly Man

God’s Will and Making Decisions

Predestination: An Introduction

How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers

Tracing the Argument of 1 Corinthians: A Phrase Diagram

Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

Romans: A Concise Guide to the Greatest Letter Ever Written

Tracing the Argument of Romans: A Phrase Diagram of the Greatest Letter Ever Written

The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles

How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics?

The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer

40 Questions about Biblical Theology

Romans–Galatians

Three Views on Israel and the Church: Perspectives on Romans 9-11

That Little Voice in Your Head: Learning about Your Conscience

How to Understand and Apply the New Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology

No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It Is Harmful

Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ

Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement: 3 Views

NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

From Typology to Doxology: Paul’s Use of Isaiah and Job in Romans 11:34–35

Four Views on the Spectrum of Evangelicalism

Let Go and Let God? A Survey and Analysis of Keswick Theology

Collected Writings on Scripture

Introducing the New Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message

See more of my publications.

The New Logos

Copyright © 2026 · Infinity Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Loading Comments...