Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, University of Durham) has published his 15 New Testament Words of Life: A New Testament Theology for Real Life. Gupta describes his intentions as not adding to the already large and voluminous body of similarly crafted approaches in works available under the New Testament theology banner, but something different. How different? “This book, 15 New Testament Words of Life, is my attempt to make a case that the New Testament is riveting, divinely inspired collection of writings on love, peace, hope, friendship, generosity, and more” (xv).
Riveting? Is Gupta making things up? When was the last time you heard about the New Testament being described as riveting? Probably never. This is true even with those who I know to have a high view of scripture. They often describe the Bible as being a book to take seriously. Riveting is certainly a reason to perk one’s curiosity. But Gupta does back up his claim.
In subtitling A New Testament Theology for Real Life, Gupta has already prepped readers to expect an approach that has significance (and is applicable) to the now. “So many of the books I have read on New Testament theology keep the discussion focused on the ancient past or talk about “theology” in an abstract way” (xiv). These are major deterrents when the word “theology” is invoked. I can already see eyes rolling upon hearing or reading any title that has the word in it. That being said, I hope to follow suit and not make this review old-timey, King-James-y, or something you would read out of a reputable journal.
So many of the books I have read on New Testament theology keep the discussion focused on the ancient past or talk about “theology” in an abstract way.
If you don’t ignore the plan of the book that is laid out on pages xviii-xix (like I would normally do but had to forgo the idea since I didn’t want to miss something for this review), you would find the general pattern after the introduction of each word as (1) old testament background, (2) the use of the word in a New Testament book, (3) usage in a secondary New Testament book, (4) the word’s applicability today, and (5) suggested reading.
All the chapter openings use relatable modern references except for three. In his chapter on the cross, Gupta starts by asking readers the reason for Jesus’ death on the cross (p. 56). He provides a response that immediately starts to treat the topic from a biblical point of view. In the chapter on Holiness (p. 162), Gupta doesn’t necessarily start with the text but he is quickly into textual references and passages. In his chapter on love, the church father Tertullian is the starting point (p. 175). He quotes Tertullian’s Apology for good measure.
Tertullian? At this point, you can stop reading and go watch a youtube video where the name is being pronounced.
While these beginnings aren’t necessarily as captivating to everyone as the others, if these sections are looked at in their entirety they maintain the intent of the work. They aren’t sprinkled with dense terminology and/or phrases. They don’t make you think that you are seated in the University of Durham about to hear blah blah blah from some so-called Bible experty guy wearing a suit that badly needs tailoring. What they do is introduce you to what you may not have been familiar with.
At its core, Gupta’s 15 New Testament Words of Life is a call to active discipleship. Each word challenges us to strive for a deeper spiritual understanding while also making tangible changes in our lives to reflect this newfound knowledge. In fact, as mentioned in the outline before, Gupta provides the much-needed contemporary reflection at the end of every chapter to encourage readers to contemplate the teachings and apply them to their own contexts. This is unique to New Testament theologies.
In addition to providing theological insight into these foundational concepts, Gupta’s 15 words are important topics for social justice and Kingdom living. By articulating how they fit into daily living, Gupta sheds light on their relevance in regard to social justice. It actually makes the case that theology has the foundational material for proper thinking that should generate much-needed action geared toward making the world a more just place to live in.
For instance, on loving God, Gupta writes that “to love God is to love what God loves, that is, to love his children” (p. 186). Then in the subsequent section on loving others, which naturally must include the all too unpopular mentioning of what love looks like towards enemies (p. 188), he begins with a reminder of Tertullian: “acts of generosity and kindness for the least of these” (p.187). Tertullian winds up being very helpful after all despite being some ancient guy. Who would have thought?
. . .to love God is to love what God loves, that is, to love his children.
Gupta
Also important is Gupta’s treatment of the ongoing discussion between social and spiritual gospel readings in regard to the word righteousness. He writes, “the great big vision of the gospel taking root and growing in God’s world is one of transformation of all of society” (p. 13). Instead of separation, the two form dual components of the word. “Jesus-following righteousness is in a mission to right the wrongs of the world to the glory of God.”
Social justice is the major buzzphrase in the black community. It’s all over my social media. The argument has increasingly become something like a move away from scripture as if there is no way to articulate an approach that calls for the movement of believers on matters that concern the all-around welfare of those being neglected and/or abused. On the other hand, you may find those that take the road of utilizing biblical text as purely inspirational rhetoric. There is space for more engagement in such conversations by biblical scholars.
A helpful way to go through Gupta’s book is to read one chapter a week alongside the recommended readings that he has. For those who are trying to become more learned in regards to these terms, they will find this way very helpful. Gupta is saying that he has made sense of the material but you can learn more if you incorporate works that go deeper into the exegetical and theological background and nature. I should apologize for using those words.
Overall Nijay Gupta’s 15 New Testament Words of Life: A New Testament Theology for Real Life does an incredible job at not only unpacking each individual word but also providing readers with real-world examples of how they can start applying them today. Despite being written by one of those academic guys, each chapter provides enough detail without overwhelming readers making it perfect for those just beginning their exploration into biblical theology as well as more experienced Christians looking for deeper insight into God’s Word.
I’m always glad to hear from readers. Please like and/or share your thoughts below.
Notes & References
Featured image: Taken from the cover of 15 New Testament Words of Life: A New Testament Theology for Real Life