N.T. Wright
Wright will probably go down in history as one of the greatest theologians/scholars of our age. He is a monster when it comes to writing books (he pumps one out every day I swear), and his work in the historical Jesus is unmatched. There isn’t a single book that won’t make you walk away with a fresh perspective and a greater appreciation for Scripture and theology.
- Surprised by Hope
Surprised by Hope is probably one of his more well-known works. This book almost single-handedly changed the way modern evangelicals think about the last days, heaven, the judgement to come. If there was one book out of this list you should absolutely read it’s this one.
- The Day the Revolution Began
An excellent book on thinking over the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For a more in-depth review click here.
- Pauline Perspectives: 1978-2013
This was my first introduction to Wright. I gotta admit, when I first read it, I had no idea what was being said. It’s a dense read and has over thirty years of scholarship for you to comb through. If you can get through it then you deserve a clap. Good luck.
- Paul: A Biography
A great introduction to the person and work of the Apostle Paul. For a good review on this book click here.
G. K. Beale
Beale is an absolute genius and knows his biblical theology almost better than anyone I’ve read. If you want to understand how our eschatology integrates with the here and now as well as with the biblical narrative look no further.
- A New Testament Biblical Theology
No pastor’s library is complete without Beale’s A New Testament Biblical Theology and A Commentary on the New Testaments Use of the Old Testament. These books are worth their weight in gold as you go back to it time and time again to make sense of the passage you’ll be preaching through.
- The Temple and the Church’s Mission
Originally recommended to me by a good friend of mine, The Temple and the Church’s Mission coupled with Kingdom Come by Sam Storms thoroughly convinced of Amillennialism and it’s implications for the Christian life. Look no further dear reader.
- We Become What We Worship
I first heard of this book through my old bible college lecturer as he was going through the idea of identity and idolatry (another great book by the way). I’ve gotta say, thinking about sin, and how we become what we worship changes the way you look at life on a fundamental level. I cannot recommend this book enough.
- Revelation
I’ll be blunt. If you want a solid commentary on the book of Revelation, start here.
C.S. Lewis
Does this man need an introduction? If you’re not sure who he is… where have you been? This guy is a legend and definitely belongs in the theological hall of fame.
- The Chronicles of Narnia
Yes… ok… not very theological I know. However, go deeper dear reader and you’ll begin to discover and taste some of Lewis’ idea as they jump off the page in this grand story. Besides, this is a classic… so just read it ok?
- The Screw Tape Letters
Edgey, scary, and so very thought provoking. The Screw Tape Letters are probably one of the best books ever written on the topic of spiritual warfare. It won’t be long until you start to adopt a more spiritual perspective of reality.
- The Great Divorce
Hell yes. This book is so confusing but rich at the same time. I recently wrote a blog on hell that mentions this book, and let me just say The Great Divorce adds a lot of shape to the conversation around the nature of hell. Go! Read it.
John Walton
Walton is a great as he can be controversial. Personally, I love everything he does. However, he stirs up Christians who tend to read the Bible more literally. What fun!
- The Lost World of Genesis One
The first book in his lost world series, Walton really digs deep into the ancient near eastern world, develops the context, and places the Scriptures in that world. Worth a read he is honestly one of the best people for this job. For a deeper review, click here.
- The Lost World of the Flood
I personally clicked with this book better than Genesis one, but it’s similar in style and content, copy and paste above 🙂
- A Survey of the Old Testament
A Survey of the Old Testament by Hill and Walton was actually my textbook for bible college. It’s easy to read, informative and a great resource to introduce anyone to the big picture of the Old Testament.
Other Must-Read Books and Theologians
- The Cradle, The Cross, and the Crown by Andreas J. Konstenberger
One of the best New Testament introductions I’ve personally had the pleasure of reading.
- Desiring the Kingdom by James K. A. Smith
Amazing. Compliments Beale’s theology on idolatry and worship. Smith is simply brilliant.
- The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser
Still making my way through it as I’ve given it a friend. From what I’ve read of it and heard of Heiser on his podcast, the biblical theology in this is stunning, challenging and extremely thought-provoking. Expect a more in-depth review of this in the future.
- Anything by Tim Mackie and the Bible Project
Delightful.
Scribbling Theology: 