The Trinity & the Bible: On Theological Interpretation

by Scott R. Swain

Overview

Seeing the Trinity in Scripture

Christians affirm and worship a triune God. But how should this affect our reading of the Bible? In The Trinity and the Bible, Scott R. Swain asserts that not only does the Bible reveal the Trinity, but the Trinity illuminates our reading of the Bible. Swain considers proper interpretive method and applies a Trinitarian framework to three exegetical studies. Explorations of three genres of New Testament literature display the profits of theological interpretation:

• Mark 12:35–37
• Galatians 4:4–7
• Revelation 4–5

A final chapter provides seven axioms for trinitian interpretation of the Bible. Through loving attention to the Scriptures, one can understand and marvel at the singular identity and activity of the triune God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683595359
Publisher:	Lexham Press
Publication date:	09/29/2021
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Scott R. Swain (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is president and James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is also author or editor of several books, including Trinity, Revelation, and Reading, Retrieving Eternal Generation, and The Trinity: An Introduction.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations xi

Prayer to the Holy Trinity xiii

1 (Re)Turning to the Subject 1

The Trinity and Biblical Interpretation

2 The Bible and the Trinity in Recent Thought 7

Review, Analysis, and Constructive Proposal

3 B. B. Warfield and the Biblical Doctrine of the Trinity 31

A Historical Experiment

4 God's Lordly Son 59

Mark 12:35-37 and Trinitarian Christology

5 Heirs Through God 83

Galatians 4:4-7 and the Doctrine of the Trinity

6 To Him Who Sits on the Throne and to the Lamb 97

Hymning God's Triune Name in Revelation 4-5

7 Seven Axioms 121

On the Trinity, the Bible, and Theological Interpretation

Editorial Reviews

"Scott Swain is rare among theologians, combining a mastery of the tools of contemporary biblical exegesis with a metaphysical profundity and theological breadth, from the church fathers onward. These essays exhibit the Trinity in its biblical manifestation and dogmatic proclamation. Is the classical doctrine of the Trinity a biblical truth? In this richly rewarding book, Swain shows that the answer is a resounding yes."
—Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

“Scott Swain is among the foremost scholars working on the doctrine of the Trinity in the present-day, and The Trinity and the Bible brings together some of his important contributions over the years. It is a must read for those interested in the doctrine specifically and theological interpretation more broadly. Swain offers exemplary material for both.”
—Madison N. Pierce, assistant professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Books about theological interpretation often fail to engage the material content of the Christian doctrine of God; books on the doctrine of God sometimes fail to reflect on their own hermeneutical method, or to do actual exegesis. Scott Swain has put together the perfect combination here. This highly readable volume leads readers into Scripture and the doctrine of the Trinity simultaneously. It is deeply informed, cogently argued, and elegantly written.”
—Fred Sanders, Torrey Honors College, Biola University

From the Publisher