A concise guide to the interpretive process for the eight New Testament general letters

This handbook is designed as a step-by-step approach for analyzing and communicating eight letters of the New Testament: Hebrews, James, the Petrine Letters, the Johannine Letters, and Jude. Interpreting the General Letters provides important background material for the interpretation of these books by exploring the types and component parts of letter writing, the importance of an amanuensis, the historical background of the Greco-Roman world, and implications of each of these factors for interpreting the general letters.

This foundation is followed by a discussion of the theology of the general letters. Specific consideration is given to the era of promise in Hebrew Scriptures, the era of fulfillment as underscored in the general letters, and how the theology of each letter contributes to the overall canon of Scripture.

Finally, Bateman provides nine steps that move from interpretation to communication: three steps for preparing to interpret the letters, three for interpreting, and finally three for communicating the letters. All explanations include examples in order to develop a student's or pastor's skills for accurate interpretation and convicting communication of God's Word.

The Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis (HNTE) series provides readers with an enhanced understanding of different New Testament genres and strategies for interpretation, following in the footsteps of the well-received Handooks for Old Testament Exegesis series.

---

Reviews

"Bateman presents a thorough process for exegesis of the Greek text of these letters, with examples and insights into the text that reinforce the value of doing the hard work of exegesis. This is a valuable introductory tool for students who are learning how to interpret the General Letters and a trustworthy guide for pastors." — W. Edward Glenny, Professor of New Testament and Greek, University of Northwestern―St. Paul

---

Herbert W. Bateman IV (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) has taught Greek language and exegesis for more than twenty years. He is the Author or editor of many works on the General Epistles, including Charts on the Book of Hebrews, Four Views on the Warning Passages in Hebrews, and a forthcoming commentary on Jude and 2 Peter.