How to Understand and Apply the New Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology

“This is an exceedingly practical guide that will truly help every minister of the Word understand and apply the New Testament. Naselli has a knack for explaining the principles well and then clarifying them with helpful examples. How I wish every pastor and teacher of the Word would absorb and practice the contents of this book. The church would thrive and grow with the kind of solid preaching that this would produce.”

“The task of biblical interpretation is sometimes presented as a special ‘hermeneutic’ (whatever that is) or even as a checklist of tasks to follow whenever one sits down to interpret a Bible passage. The fact is that to gain a detailed understanding of Scripture and of any one portion of it takes a serious amount of effort and commitment to mastering a whole armada of subjects: theological, historical, linguistic, and more. And it takes devotion to the Lord and to his ways (Ps. 119:100). In this book, Andy Naselli introduces students who are starting out in this most exciting and enriching enterprise to the multitude of study areas that one engages in as an exegete. Naselli writes in a personal way to guide beginners through this labyrinth, and he adds value to his own presentation with many references to other works for further study throughout. This work will certainly help many beginning Bible students.”

““Andy Naselli has written a thorough and substantive book on how to interpret the Bible. It covers all the bases. In addition, it is very practical for Christians who may not be scholars, teachers, or pastors, though scholars, teachers, and pastors will definitely benefit from it. If you want to better learn how to interpret the Bible and apply it to your life, then Naselli’s book is for you. If you want to be better prepared to teach Bible study groups and Sunday school classes, this is the book for you. If you are a pastor and you want to be better prepared to preach, then this is the book for you. If you want to learn how to memorize Scripture, then this is the book for you. In sum, if you are really serious about wanting to understand Scripture better, then this is the book for you. It does not contain technical jargon but is written in a very understandable way, yet it is not lightweight. I heartily commend Andy Naselli’s book.”

“Any introduction to New Testament exegesis must strive to accomplish three goals: it must be succinct, it must be readable, and it must be up to date. Andy Naselli’s book not only meets but surpasses these goals. Each of the twelve steps of exegesis is carefully introduced and amply illustrated. In addition, students will appreciate the annotated ‘Resources for Further Study’ section that concludes each chapter. The Spirit is fully able to speak through the Scriptures to us today, and this excellent resource will surely help us to hear his voice with greater clarity and accuracy. I cannot recommend Andy’s book enthusiastically enough.”

“This is an astonishing book—clear enough with all the basics, sophisticated enough with numerous topics not usually found in a hermeneutics primer, abreast of cuttingedge scholarship with thorough and helpful bibliographies, warmly pastoral in spirit, and filled with practical illustrations of each interpretive step applied to key biblical texts. Whereas other works of partially comparable scope have required two or three authors, Naselli has mastered all the pieces himself and produced a truly one-stopshopping resource. An outstanding tool not likely to be superseded anytime soon.”

“As a career Bible translator, I heartily recommend Andy Naselli’s book on how to understand and apply the timeless message of God’s Word. Good Bible translation must begin with good exegesis. The thorough approach and accessible style of this book will make it a valuable resource for Bible translators around the world.”

“Though there are many introductions to New Testament exegesis, there are few volumes with which to compare this title by Andy Naselli. It admirably combines a wealth of information with clarity and ease of use. But perhaps most distinct is its overarching devotional approach to the art and science of reading the New Testament. These three characteristics blend to create a formidable and edifying resource that will strengthen the skill, knowledge, and resolve of all who endeavor to study and teach the New Testament.”

“You may spot a notable difference between most of the other people who have endorsed this book and me: while most of them are professors and scholars with academic pedigrees, I am just a guy with a blog. But I’m a guy with a blog who loves to read and loves to learn. I have found significant value in what I call ‘stretch reading’: reading that pushes me to the edge of my understanding and sometimes even a little beyond. This book was just such a stretch read but represented a challenge that I am glad I accepted. Andy Naselli is one of my favorite authors because of the combination of his soundness as a theologian and his giftedness as a teacher. Both qualities are on bright display here as he encourages and equips readers to better appreciate, understand, interpret, apply, and teach the precious Word of God. Let this be a personal encouragement from me to you: Consider reading this book. Take the challenge and through it enjoy a deep, compelling, exciting look at God’s Book.”

“Naselli has provided a resource rich with insights that will aid students of Scripture for years to come. As I worked through his approach to understanding and applying Scripture, I became excited about implementing many of his insights in my exegesis courses. This book is immensely practical and challenging, providing many examples to illustrate proper interpretation.”

“Andy Naselli is to be congratulated for putting together this superb introductory volume for a new generation of New Testament students. From beginning to end, Naselli’s thoughtful, substantive, and reliable work is presented in a pedagogically sound and reader-friendly manner. I am confident that it will find a warm welcome among its readers, offering them outstanding guidance along the way. It is a genuine delight to recommend this fine book.”

“Here is a work that asks all the right questions, and then answers them. Naselli has written a comprehensive, readable, and wise guide to New Testament exegesis. Because of its balanced interest in the art and the science, the heart and the methods of exegesis and theology, this book belongs on the shelf of seminary students and seasoned pastors alike.”

“Naselli’s book is a lively and inviting resource for anyone who wants to move faithfully from text and interpretation to theology and life in studying the New Testament. In twelve clear, well-organized chapters, he surveys various steps in the process, giving just the right mix of detailed explanation and illuminating examples of what is important and why. I especially recommend his chapters on Bible translation, historical-cultural context, biblical theology, and practical theology. Each chapter includes a richly packed annotated bibliography of printed and online resources for further study. This is a thoughtful, engaging presentation for beginners as well as more experienced students of the New Testament. Heartily recommended!”

“There are so many good things about Andy Naselli’s How to Understand and Apply the New Testament that it is hard to know where to begin. Not-so-common, good sense graces every page. Yet the greatest strength of this accessible, pedagogically useful text is not its constituent parts, which are very strong, but its integration—integration of the movements of exegesis and integration of that process with its purpose. Naselli writes not only as a well-trained, clearheaded New Testament scholar, but as one who has thought deeply about the role of New Testament studies in a Christian life and ministry well lived. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough.”

“Andy Naselli is one of evangelicalism’s best and brightest. And yet this book captures what so many love about his work: it is written with an evident heart to help Christians understand their Bibles and to love their God more deeply. There can be no greater ambition for a theologian. Naselli has provided us with an excellent resource to be more fully equipped to mine the life-giving treasures of the New Testament.”

“Here is a unique, sparkling jewel. A jewel, because for any interpreters of the New Testament it is an exceptionally valuable resource. A unique jewel, because no other comparable work in the field is so comprehensive and thorough. A sparkling jewel, because it is so user-friendly with its consummate clarity and engaging style. And do not miss the superlative appendixes!”

“With this volume Naselli has produced a model primer for the discipline of New Testament exegesis. Like other handbooks on the subject, Naselli offers ‘steps’ to the exegetical process in a logical order without insisting on the exact sequence. To the relief of student readers, this is not an exhaustive-but-exhausting textbook; and to the relief of scholarly professors, neither is it a tantalizing-but-merely-tolerable survey. It is comprehensive, comprehensible, compassionate, and courageous. This volume introduces exegesis—and its relationship to the other theological disciplines—with the simplicity needed by students and laypeople and yet in terms that do not make scholars wince. Conversely, in fact, scholars will want to use this text in their classrooms precisely because Naselli has accomplished much of the labor of making theological technicalities accessible without unnecessarily dumbing them down. The book contains many illustrative examples and engages directly in many of today’s debated interpretation issues. The book is captivating to read, and I found myself wondering with anticipation how the author would treat the next step in the process. Yes, Naselli has written an ideal introductory textbook for New Testament exegesis.”

“This book is an excellent comprehensive introduction to biblical exegesis and more. Its evenhanded presentation, well-chosen examples, logical organization, and winsome writing provide a superb ‘nuts and bolts’ guide for students, pastors, and anyone else interested in how to better read the Bible.”

“Andy Naselli’s How to Understand and Apply the New Testament is an accessible and thorough introduction to the disciplines of biblical interpretation. Its noteworthy strengths include an abundance of examples showing how principles work out in practice and its emphasis on the spiritual and pastoral dimensions of the study of God’s inerrant Word. Sound, sensitive practices in studying the Bible are as much caught as taught, and this book comes as close as a book can come to offering the opportunity to look over the shoulder of a seasoned exegetical ‘coach’ as he explores the Scriptures’ varying terrain.”

“In contrast to insecure academicians who disguise their own limits with unfamiliar language, truly good scholars should be able to make complex matters simpler. That’s what Naselli does in this work, communicating effectively even in the way he explains what to many readers are less familiar subjects, such as grammar and how to understand Greek language. (Less extraordinarily, Naselli also keeps most simple matters simple.) Well informed on current translation principles and grammatical debates, Naselli also bridges the sometimes inappropriate divides among studying Scripture passages, recognizing biblical themes, and articulating coherent theology.”

“Many young preachers feel the need to ‘connect to the culture’ today, and that is right. But many do so before or even without taking great pains to be sure they understand the scriptural text thoroughly. Careful exegesis will unlock more riches in the passage than the preacher will be able to cover! There are many good books on interpreting the biblical text, and Andy Naselli lists many of them. But his own volume is as accessible and user-friendly for the working expositor as any I’ve seen. I recommend it!”

“Eduard Haller once said, ‘Nobody needs to be afraid of exegesis unless he is lazy or careless.’ Fear not! Naselli gives us the motivation to get off our tails and the method to ensure that we’re not chasing them. His counsel is wise, his commentary is witty, and his convictions are worthy of the Book!”

““Although it is sometimes forgotten, Christianity has always been a movement focused on a text. The fundamental question must always be: What does the Bible say about that? And this wonderful new volume by Andy Naselli helps answer that question. With precision, clarity, and an eye for the practical, Naselli has given the church a much-needed handbook on how to better understand God’s Word.”

“Naselli has produced a book that is both comprehensive and yet amazingly accessible. Not only does he guide the reader through the various issues that should be addressed when interpreting the Bible and doing exegesis, he also provides numerous helpful examples that demonstrate the very concepts that he is teaching. This book is loaded with both foundational and practical material that will prove beneficial to any reader. If someone wishes a guide to interpret the Bible faithfully, this is definitely the right book.”

“Andy Naselli’s guide to interpreting the New Testament comprehensively covers the methods and issues involved. He guides the reader through the thicket of current issues and takes a sensible approach to them. The book is very readable, with frequent use of effective illustrations. I recommend it to beginning New Testament students as well as to more experienced interpreters looking for a refresher.”

“By the time you have finished the last page of Andy Naselli’s profound work, you will have walked through a resource designed to help you become a better student and a more effective communicator of the Word. His perspective has that rare balance between clarity and brevity, simplicity and profundity, depth and warmth. Dr. Naselli has produced a unique book that can help everyone. Whether or not you agree with every interpretive conclusion presented in the book, you will intellectually and spiritually grow through the process. Andy’s book is a must-read for every seminary student.”

““Andy Naselli argues that ‘exegesis exists because worship doesn’t.’ This has two implications: the goal of life is worship, and the way to get there is exegesis. There is an all-encompassing worldview behind those two implications—a worldview that I believe in with all my being. It’s a worldview that says: The highest spiritual experiences (such as worship) arise through the most ordinary mental acts (such as reading). Which means that skill in reading God’s Word serves the sweetness of relishing God’s glory. So choose your reading guides wisely. Andy Naselli is one of the best.”

“As I read through Naselli’s new book, I kept finding myself thinking, ‘Yes! That’s the way to say that!’ or ‘This will really help students!’ or ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ I expect God to use this book to shape thousands of Christians to be more faithful readers, teachers, and disciples of his Word.”

“A confident and faithful reading of the New Testament requires the mastery of a range of skills. For many years I’ve struggled to recommend a textbook to students that covers all of them adequately. My search is over. Andy Naselli’s gem of a book is comprehensive in scope, lucid, engaging, and practical. It is an excellent introduction to the art and science of responsible New Testament exegesis.”

“Naselli’s book on how to do exegesis is an outstanding resource. It is wonderfully clear and accessible and hence interesting to read. At the same time, it is packed with information so that readers are instructed in the art of interpretation. There are many resources out there on how to interpret the Scriptures, but this is surely one of the best.”

“Naselli has produced a surprisingly comprehensive textbook in remarkably clear fashion. I cannot think of a single significant issue that he has failed to address. Moreover, the book is replete with levelheaded comments and helpful suggestions. Highly recommended”

“This outstanding text should catapult to the top of the heap in the field of exegetical handbooks. It is clear and practical, simple but not simplistic. Refreshingly personal and pastoral, Naselli’s illustrations and anecdotes flesh out what is often seen as a sterile academic exercise. In short, it offers the best of both worlds: sound theoretical foundations and timely applications of those principles. Naselli has written a real keeper. I recommend it enthusiastically.”

““Naselli has compiled an impressive compendium of information and suggestions for interpreting biblical texts covering such areas as textual criticism, translation, Greek grammar, diagramming biblical arguments, the importance of understanding historical and literary contexts, and biblical, historical, systematic, and practical theology. I found the chapter on Bible translation especially helpful.”

“I have long awaited and prayed for this book. I didn’t know that Andy Naselli would be the one who would finally write it, but I can think of no one more qualified to do so. If you are an average, adult-educated layperson in the local church who wants to know how to read and interpret Scripture, this book is for you. If you are a young pastor who entered ministry without the benefit of a seminary education, this book is for you. If you are a pastor who has allowed his earlier training to slip away because of the business of ministry, this book is for you. It is challenging yet user-friendly, remarkably exhaustive yet readily accessible, and above all else deeply devoted to the life-changing power of God’s written Word. In a day when the Bible is badly read, poorly preached, and horribly misapplied, we need this wise and nearly comprehensive guide to bring us back on track. So you pastors, teachers, and all other Christians who long for the deep things of God: get this book and devour it!”

“This is a great book! It is clear, accurate, balanced, well organized, readable, practical, and chock-full of good examples and illustrations. Naselli has no bones to pick or axes to grind, just lots of light to shine on fundamental principles of biblical interpretation. Highly recommended.”

“If you want to learn how to study, practice, and teach the Word of God (Ezra 7:10), then ideally you would want to have a skilled and godly teacher who not only models good interpretation but knows how to put it into practice. Further, you would want someone who knows how to communicate the principles clearly, giving lots of examples. Finally, you would want someone who could give you a comprehensive approach—from beginning to end, from understanding to application. All of this is found in this remarkable book from Andy Naselli. I cannot think of another introduction to New Testament exegesis that combines this degree of clarity and comprehensiveness, all with the design of helping us live in light of the gospel for the glory of God. The people of God will be strengthened in their walk with the Lord to the degree that they understand and apply the principles of this excellent book!”

“S. Lewis Johnson Jr. complained that biblical scholars—both exegetes and theologians—had ignored, as he called it, ‘the holy bonds of matrimony’ between the two disciplines. This divorce has hardly been amicable. Both arid exegesis and ungrounded theology are the result. Forty years later, Naselli has boldly reconciled the two in a single volume. As professor of New Testament and theology, he’s the right man for the job. Comprehensive, clear, convincing, and convicting, this irenic and witty book is the outpouring of a mind devoted to the text and of a life lived to the glory of King Jesus.”

“Books on the study of the Bible can often be like bowls of shredded wheat—nutritious, filling, . . . and flavorless. Andy Naselli has admirably remedied that problem. How to Understand and Apply the New Testament informs and engages. Readers of all levels will find rich food for thought as Naselli leads them through nuanced, up-to-date, and bibliographically informed discussions of the steps of studying the New Testament. Even if one does not always agree with its conclusions, one will leave How to Understand and Apply the New Testament with a firmer grasp of both the message of the New Testament and the methods of its study, and with a clear challenge to read and apply the New Testament to the glory of God.”

“What Andy Naselli has done in this work is remarkable. He has taken what multiple volumes focus on and in one book written on how to move from exegesis to theology with precision, clarity, and biblical fidelity. I know of no other book that so helpfully and carefully enables the reader to understand the basics of literary forms, textual criticism, translation theory, Greek grammar, and numerous other crucial points of exegesis with such accuracy and written in such a readable and engaging way. But Naselli does more. He not only describes these helpful points of exegesis, but also helps the reader do exegesis, and he clearly illustrates how to move from the biblical text to proper biblical and theological conclusions by offering specific examples and illustrations. Our day desperately needs the church to be faithful Bible readers and doers in order to know our great and glorious triune God truly. In fact, the life and health of the church is directly related to our reading and application of God’s Word to our lives. This book is greatly needed to help pastors, students, and all other Christians to rightly divide God’s Word and to apply it to their lives. I highly recommend it, and I pray that it will have a wide use in the church.”

“Unlike the author of this book and writers such as Don Carson, Tom Schreiner, and others who have endorsed it, I am neither a technical scholar nor one who teaches hermeneutics. Although I am honored and eager to endorse it, my guess is that I was invited to do so because of my connection to the Apply part of the title, for that’s been more of the emphasis of my published work. So while parts of this book may not reveal their full value if you don’t have at least a working knowledge of New Testament Greek, don’t conclude that there’s no benefit here for you. Mē genoito (‘God forbid!’—and see chapter 8). Andy Naselli has written a book that’s both interesting and useful for anyone who wants to know the New Testament better, whether that person is reading it in Greek or English. Naselli furnishes not only valuable insights to many key New Testament passages, but also tools for the reader to use on his or her own in future Bible study. Moreover, Naselli provides the reader with a great deal of unexpected bonus material along the way, such as why and how to organize your personal theological library, why and how to memorize an entire New Testament book, and more. If you had enough interest in this volume to pick it up and also to read this far into my hearty endorsement, then I’m certain that there’s much here you will enjoy and find profitable.”

“In my years of teaching the Bible, the most common refrain I hear from those wanting to teach or study is: ‘Where do I start?’ Andy Naselli offers twelve steps to place us on the path with a map and a compass. Bible study requires a careful balance of humility and confidence. Andy helps us consider the weight of the joyful task, offering the resources to encourage us to take up the burden responsibly. This book is profitable for grasping a comprehensive view of how to handle the text, serving also as a reference tool that I will go back to again and again.”

“This remarkable book assembles, organizes, and synthesizes the wisdom of great biblical interpreters of both yesteryear and today. It adds in the energy and shrewdness of Naselli’s own omnivorous reading and wide-ranging informational quests. The result is a grounded but decidedly current manifesto for serious Bible interpreters. It covers advanced Greek-language matters without getting mired in minutiae and escorts readers onward into theological domains to which Scripture, rightly handled, inexorably leads. It performs the service of providing numerous lists of other books that go into more detail on every subject covered. It makes fine contributions in its own right to understanding and living Scripture and to avoiding pitfalls along the way. It deserves a wide readership in college and seminary classrooms. It will also appeal to serious disciples of Christ everywhere who want to freshen and upgrade what they bring to the table as Bible readers seeking more than what good intentions and devotional dedication alone can provide.”

“It’s no secret that exegetical/hermeneutical guidebooks are not created equal. They are not equally informed, they are not equally useful, and they are not equally enjoyable. As a class they provide a vital service to the church, of course—after all, what could be more important than understanding God’s Word rightly? But find one that is at once informative, useful, and enjoyable, and you have a winner. Andy Naselli’s book is a winner, one that will without doubt strengthen the preaching of all who read and follow his counsel. Wonderfully comprehensive yet pleasantly concise, well informed yet easily accessible, the book is a delightfully enjoyable read. Read it through quickly as a needed refresher course; read it through carefully and slowly for weeks of learning and equipping for increasingly faithful ministry of God’s Word.”