Biblical Typology: How the Old Testament Points to Christ, His Church, and the Consummation

By Vern S. Poythress

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Biblical Typology: How the Old Testament Points to Christ, His Church, and the Consummation

By Vern S. Poythress

... Show All

How to Study the Old Testament for Signs of Christ 

Believers read Scripture to follow Christ and deepen their relationship with him. But since a majority of the Bible was written before Jesus’s life and death on the cross, many people rely on the Old Testament for historical context and moral guidance alone. However, when studied in detail, we see how even the Old Testament reveals Christ as the center of God’s plan for redemption. 

Biblical Typology examines how the Old Testament foreshadows Christ, the church, and the consummation through types—or symbols—pointing toward fulfillment. Well-known for his academic yet accessible writing, Vern S. Poythress not only provides examples of types and analogies found in God’s word but also teaches readers a practical framework and diagram for effectively examining them throughout Scripture. Readers will learn how to identify and interpret biblical typology for themselves as they deepen their understanding of the Bible and the wisdom of God. 

  • Great for Bible Teachers: Teaches pastors, Bible study leaders, and thoughtful lay people how to effectively study biblical typology in the Old Testament
  • Practical How-To: Not only examines Scripture for examples of Christ in the Old Testament but teaches how readers can find types for themselves 
  • Uses Helpful Tools: Introduces a practical framework and diagram to effectively interpret typology within the Old Testament
  • Academic yet Accessible: Written by scholar, professor, and author Vern S. Poythress 

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Author:

Vern S. Poythress

Vern S. Poythress (PhD, Harvard University; ThD, University of Stellenbosch) is Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has taught for four decades. In addition to earning six academic degrees, he is the author of numerous books and articles on biblical interpretation, language, and science.

Product Details

Category: Theology
Academic
Education
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 320
Size: 5.5 in x 8.5 in
Weight: 13.46 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-9242-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-9242-3
ISBN-UPC: 9781433592423
Case Quantity: 36
Published: April 02, 2024

Table of Contents

Tables and Illustrations
Introduction: What Is Typology?


Part 1: Introducing the Challenge of the Old Testament
Chapter 1: Understanding the Old Testament
Chapter 2: Interpreting Noah’s Flood
Chapter 3: The Bronze Serpent (Num. 21:4–9)

Part 2: A Framework for Typological Interpretation
Chapter 4: Basic Theology for Typology
Chapter 5: The Shape of Our Response to the Bible

Part 3: Introducing the Practice of Typological Interpretation
Chapter 6: Introducing Clowney’s Triangle
Chapter 7: The Tabernacle and Its Furniture (Exodus 25)
Chapter 8: Clowney’s Triangle for Episodes in Genesis
Chapter 9: Underlying Principles for Clowney’s Triangle

Part 4: Deepening Our Understanding of Typological Meaning
Chapter 10: Symbolism and Theophany
Chapter 11: The Nature of Meaning
Chapter 12: Three Complementary Perspectives on Meaning
Chapter 13: The Theme of Mediation
Chapter 14: Comparing Types with Other Relations between Meanings           
Chapter 15: Analogies, Symbols, Types, and Prophecies as Perspectives
Chapter 16: Allegorization

Part 5: Enrichment of Clowney’s Triangle
Chapter 17: Enhancements to Clowney’s Triangle
Chapter 18: Multifaceted Meaning
Chapter 19: Boundaries for Typological Interpretation
Chapter 20: Maxims for Typological Interpretation

Part 6: The Practice of Typological Interpretation
Chapter 21: Types in the Mosaic Administration
Chapter 22: Types in Redemptive Plots
Chapter 23: Types in Creation
Chapter 24: Types in the Earthly Life of Jesus

Part 7: Interpretation of Analogies
Chapter 25: Analogies as Similar to Types
Chapter 26: Using the Triangle for Analogy
Chapter 27: Analogies for the Attributes of God
Chapter 28: Analogies for the Trinity
Chapter 29: The Extent of Analogies

Conclusion

Appendices
Appendix A: Patrick Fairbairn’s Principles for Typology
Appendix B: The Terminology for a “Type”
Appendix C: Distinctiveness in the Study of Typology
Appendix D: Clowney’s Triangle of Typology
Appendix E: Christocentric Preaching

Bibliography
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements

“I am delighted to see Vern Poythress’s book on biblical typology. His knowledge of the Scriptures and the interpretive principles necessary to handle them responsibly is unsurpassed. He presents the complex topic of biblical types clearly and simply so that laypeople and scholars alike will benefit. This is a book that you will not want to miss.”
Richard L. Pratt Jr., President, Third Millennium Ministries

“As readers learn how the New Testament relates to the Old, they will encounter the subject and language of typology. I’m grateful for Vern Poythress providing this accessible resource so that interpreters can think about how the patterns and shadows of the Old Testament point to Christ, the church, and the new creation. The divine author of Holy Scripture is summing up all things in his Son. Let Poythress help you identify key symbols and types along the storyline of redemption.”
Mitchell L. Chase, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Preaching Pastor, Kosmosdale Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky

"I’m grateful for Vern Poythress providing this accessible resource so that interpreters can think about how the patterns and shadows of the Old Testament point to Christ, the church, and the new creation."

Mitchell L. Chase

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Preaching Pastor, Kosmosdale Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky