Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 67:3 (Sep 2024)
Article: Can We Read Like The Prophets And The Apostles? A Nuanced Answer To An Important Question
Author: Richard M. Blaylock

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Can We Read Like The Prophets And The Apostles? A Nuanced Answer To An Important Question

Richard M. Blaylock*

* Richard M. Blaylock is assistant professor of biblical studies at Western Seminary. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: In recent years, many scholars have debated whether or not the hermeneutic of the prophets and apostles should adopted by readers today. Some argue that their hermeneutic must be imitated in its entirety, while others contend that the reading strategies of the biblical authors are generally irreplicable. In this study, I argue that the biblical authors’ hermeneutic is generally but not entirely replicable because the prophets and the apostles occupied a privileged hermeneutical space (PHS). In order to demonstrate this claim, I first survey scholarly opinions concerning the replicability of prophetic and apostolic hermeneutics. I then show how Daniel 9 provides an example of irreplicable innerbiblical exegesis while also illustrating the concept of PHS. Finally, I demonstrate that the concept of PHS could explain challenging examples in Matthew 2:22–23 and 1 Chronicles 21:1.

Key words: hermeneutics, NT use of the OT, OT use of the OT, innerbiblical exegesis, New Testament, Old Testament

Study of the use of Scripture within Scripture continues to be pursued with no sign of abating.1 Just last year, two major projects on the subject were released: the first was the 1000-page Israel’s Scripture in Early Christian Writings published by Eerdmans, and the second was Baker’s 990-page Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament.2 In addition, 2021 saw the release of Gary Schnittjer’s massive work, Old Testament Use of Old Testament, the reception of which demonstrates that scholars are interested in more than just the use of the OT in the NT.3

Of course, the conversation regarding the use of Scripture within Scripture is multifaceted, and several hotly contested issues related to the topic remain. In this

JETS 67:3 (September 2024) p. 422

article, I join the discussion of whether Christians today are able to follow the hermeneutical example of the biblical authors.4 I argue that the hermeneutical approach of the prophets and the apostles is generally but not entirely<...