The Gloss and the Text: William Perkins on Interpreting Scripture with Scripture (Studies in Historical and Systematic Theology)

“Scholars increasingly recognize the work of Reformed and Puritan divines as exegetes of the Holy Scriptures. In this well-researched, clearly written study, Ballitch gives us a front-row seat to observe William Perkins in both his principles and practice of expositing God’s word for life application. Given the prominence of Perkins as a preacher and theologian in the Reformed experiential tradition, Ballitch’s work will benefit not only students of history but also Reformed experiential preachers and theologians today.”

“If we can but capture Perkins’s zeal for expounding Scripture—his commitment to sola Scriptura—then the church in our time is heading for reformation. Ballitch’s study is very fine indeed, a page turner if ever there was one. I will return to it often.”

“Dr. Andrew Ballitch engages in a first-class analysis of Perkins’s exegetical method. His research is clear and concise and makes a valuable contribution to the study of Perkins, the Elizabethan church, and pre-modern biblical exegesis.”

“William Perkins has long been recognized as the leading first light of the English Puritan movement. Remarkably, though, until now no one has given careful attention to the exegetical dimension of Perkins’s work. Now that lacuna has been filled by this insightful and clear work by Andrew Ballitch. Not only was Perkins a theological and practical giant, he was also a skilled and careful interpreter of Scripture as Ballitch shows us in this illuminating book.”