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Description
"No interpreter of the creation narratives can avoid interacting with this book." --Derek W. H. Thomas
Christians have long discussed and debated the first three chapters of the Bible. How we interpret this crucial section of Scripture has massive implications for how we understand the rest of God's Word and even history itself. In this important volume, biblical scholar Vern Poythress combines careful exegesis with theological acumen to illuminate the significance of Genesis 1-3. In doing so, he demonstrates the sound interpretive principles that lead to true understanding of the biblical text, while also exploring complex topics such as the nature of time, the proper role of science, interpretive literalism, and more.
Table of Contents:
Tables and Illustrations
Foreword by D. A. Carson
Acknowledgment
Introduction: The Need
Part 1: Basic Interpretive Principles
- God
- Interpretive Implications of God's Activity
- The Status of the Bible
- Interacting with Scientific Claims
- Three Modern Myths in Interpreting Genesis 1
- The Genre of Genesis
- Summary of Hermeneutical Principles
Part 2: Exegetical Concerns
- Correlations with Providence in Genesis 1
- The Water Above (Gen. 1:6–8)
- Correlations with Providence in Genesis 2–3
Part 3: Interpreting Genesis 1–3 as a Larger Whole
- Time in Genesis 1
- Implications for Modern Views of Genesis 1
- Attitudes and Expectations
- The Days of Genesis 1
- Factuality and Literalism
Conclusion
Appendix A: Genesis 1:1 Is the First Event, Not a Summary
Appendix B: The Meaning of Accommodation
Appendix C: A Misunderstanding of Calvin on Genesis 1:6–8 and 1:5
Appendix D: Multiple Interpretations of Ancient Texts
Bibliography
Subject Index
Scripture Index
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