review of Hermeneutics of Biblical Writers

The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers by Abner Chou (Grand Rapids MI, Kregel Academic, 2018, $23.99)

Abner Chou gives us a different way to look at hermeneutics. His hermeneutic centers upon two important features: Intertextuality and Prophetic hermeneutic. He holds the New Testament writers follow the hermeneutic and logic and was the modus operandi of the apostolic rationale.  He contends that Prophetic hermeneutic of the Old Testament continues in both apostolic and Christian hermeneutic.

He says there are presuppositions that evangelical hold: (1) Authorial Intent. The quest is impossible and pointless if we cannot know authors intent. (2) The meaning and significance of the text. They are not the same. We are to what Scripture says (meaning), how it applies (significance). (3) The reality of Intertextuality. These are allusions to other text to help us understand the author’s intent and rationale. This method dates back to ancient hermeneutical practice. It shows in the interconnection of Scripture. All three of these presuppositions have long be held and practiced among scholars. Interestingly, he did not use these when asking the question did Jesus misuse the Scripture in the use of Exodus 3:6. Jesus used it as a text for resurrection, yet the Exodus passage does not use it as such. The author says Jesus is not interpreting the text but extracting an implication from the text. However, he does not make implication part of the presuppositions or mythology. He notes Jesus was sound in doing so.

The rest of the book argues strongly for the prophetic hermeneutic. His thesis seems to be that intertextuality of the Old Testament demonstrates the exegetical and theological work of the prophets. He maintains the prophets knew the Scripture and used it in their writings. He maintains, although complex, that the prophet’s accuracy handled the Word, and did not engage in hermeneutical revision. They expounded upon the theological ideas of law and covenant. The concept is not novel.

One the key concepts is that the prophets wrote mostly for the future, in accord to past revelation. The New Testament writers continued the same style of Hermeneutic. He gives the evidence for initial evidence for continuity. Author views the New Testament apostles parallels the prophets.  He writes on the New Testament passages of Old Testament quotes. All though not will agree with his observations and interpretations (cf. Dan. 7).

The book is not easy to read. It is a challenge to understand and  I recommend some understanding of hermeneutics. However, it is worth consideration for the Bible student, Pastor, and scholar.

 A free copy was provided by Kregel Academic of Grand Rapids in exchange for my personal review.