40 Questions about Typology and Allegory (40 Questions)

“Typology and allegory are confusing concepts for many Christians, sometimes to the point that they are avoided altogether. Mitchell Chase clears away the fog surrounding these ancient Christian interpretive practices and helps us understand their relevance. But this isn’t just a good book on typology and allegory; it’s a practical primer on Christian biblical interpretation. I cannot recommend it highly enough!”

“Somehow I grew up being taught the Bible and studying the Bible in college and through various serious Bible study organizations without ever learning about typology. And I know that I am not alone. Over and over again, I hear those who have loved and studied the Bible for a lifetime, but are newly discovering these things, ask, ‘How come I never saw this before?’ 40 Questions About Typology and Allegory is a book I will be recommending to those who are new to biblical theology to help them grow in seeing that God has used types and shadows in history and in the Bible to help us see the person and work of Christ more clearly. This book’s simplicity, clarity, and specificity will not only deepen understanding; it will also generate wonder and proper awe at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

“Mitch Chase deftly shows how the Old Testament, through prefigurings, promises, and patterns, leans forward to anticipate the coming Messiah. With clear structure and short chapters, this is a handy resource to consult as you prepare to teach the Scriptures, all of which center on Christ. The Old Testament may be a room dimly lit, but there are stores of treasure to be seen.”

“You need to read this book! There is a revolution afoot in biblical interpretation and the road to the future runs through the past. The recovery of premodern exegesis is reinvigorating preaching and inspiring theologians to make the Bible their primary source again. You may have wondered what all the fuss is about and wished for a sure-footed guide to introduce you to the landscape. Look no further. This is a useful book because it takes a large number of very important ideas that scholars have been discussing for a while now and puts them into an accessible, clear, and concise format that students, pastors, and professors will find engaging and helpful. There are important differences between typology and allegory, but there are much bigger differences between the way that orthodox, premodern interpreters make use of them and the way they function in the hands of modern, historical critics. It is a matter of perspective and this book will help you gain a better perspective on how to go about interpreting the Bible as divine revelation.”

“I love thinking about typology and allegory because these methods are so ingrained in how the Scriptures are to be read. The Bible keeps building on its metaphors and images till they are bursting with life and meaning. Mitch Chase recognizes this and offers a wise, careful, and comprehensive survey of these reading strategies. He covers definitions, how they were employed in church history, and identifies types and allegories in the Scriptures. Readers now have a great starting point for thinking well about these important topics.”

“Mitchell Chase has written a book that will profit God’s people—church members, theological students, pastors, and teachers. Of the many qualities of this book, the first is that it is well written. Chase discusses issues that are often fuzzy in the minds of God’s people—typology and allegory—in a very accessible manner. A second quality of this book is that it is scripturally based. This is the case not simply because Chase quotes Scripture but because he bases his arguments on the entailments of Scripture. He is not afraid to think contemplatively about what Scripture means by what it says and how its meaning ought to affect interpretation. A third quality of this book is that its argument is canonical. Chase argues his case based on the Old and New Testaments, and on how Scripture interprets Scripture. A fourth quality of the book is that it is historically rooted. Chase’s book displays a wholesome and necessary respect for the thoughts of great minds who have gone before us. Since presuppositions are both inevitable and determinative, why not come to Scripture with time-proven assumptions? Chase’s book helps us at this very point. A fifth quality of this book is that it is practically relevant. It will help God’s people understand the written Word of God in order to love, worship, and serve God better. I thank Mitchell Chase for writing this book. It will, with careful study, provide great help to the church of God. It will inform all, challenge many to rethink issues related to typology and allegory, and confirm the hunches of others.”