Posted by Nathan Pitchford 
Synopsis: John Owen’s Biblical Theology is unique in that, in a very real sense, it stands at the head of the modern biblical-theological method of studying the scriptures. The comprehensiveness with which it treats of natural and special revelation, combined with the eminently practical exhortations with which it concludes, makes it well worth reading, not just by virtue of its unique place in history, but in its own right.
The recently translated Biblical Theology of John Owen is perhaps the prototypical model of a fully developed redemptive-historical method of organizing theology. The heart of the work, in which the unfolding of evangelical theology is traced from the Fall to the coming of Christ, is thorough, clearly-organized, and scripturally-sound – in a word, it is both biblical and helpful. Nevertheless, it has been updated and expanded upon by later biblical theologians, who have brought the discipline to bear on more recent attacks against pure theology. But the initial and concluding portions are where Owen truly shines; and in these portions, he remains, even today, unsurpassed.
The first book of this volume, in which Owen treats of natural revelation, is simply astounding in the comprehensiveness of its scope, and the succinctness with which it is set forth. Owen draws on a staggering array of the outstanding histories and writings of the ancient and medieval worlds, and, from them, demonstrates his thesis that, in the pursuit to regain the natural theology which was lost at the Fall, men succeeded only in ensnaring themselves in the most intricate and vain philosophies; which failure, by wisdom, to know God, led to the fullness of times in which God would be pleased to restore true theology through the foolishness of gospel-preaching. Owen’s vast knowledge of profane history cannot fail to be thoroughly enjoyable to those of us who enjoy such historical studies; and the manner in which he draws this profane history into its proper relationship to unfolding revelation cannot fail to be profitable to all of us alike.
The sixth and last book of the volume J.I. Packer has aptly termed “pure gold.” In this book, Owen paints a picture of evangelical theology as the true knowledge of God, which Christ alone revealed in the gospel. Owen then proceeds to demonstrate that, while the propositions of evangelical theology may be pursued intellectually, the essence of theology – an immediate knowledge of God himself – is nothing other than a gift of the Spirit. The final chapter in particular, setting forth in practical principles the means by which a student of theology (which is just another name for Christian) may advance in his knowledge of God, is Owen at his best – worshipful, applicational, biblical, and Christ-centered.
If I may paraphrase J. I. Packer, anyone who has a taste for biblical theology or for John Owen will be well-pleased with this overdue arrival. I would only add to the list a taste for history. And those of us who enjoy all three will find this a tasty treat indeed.
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