Connected: How Scripture Guides the Study of Scripture is the latest addition to the Cairn University faculty library. Dr. Gary Edward Schnittjer published this book with B&H Academic as an introduction to biblical hermeneutics.
In the book’s opening paragraph, Dr. Schnittjer shares this: “Readers do not connect the Bible. Every part of the Bible is already connected together naturally by its place within the gospel of Jesus the Messiah.” This book reminds readers of the Bible that there are troves of connections to be found in the pages of Scripture—and it is not up to us to make those connections. These connections have a “Connection-Maker,” which is the title of the book’s first chapter. By starting the book with a look at Jesus, the one on whom the Bible’s message is centered, This book draws the reader to read the Bible in the same way that Jesus did: with the entire redemption story in mind.
Who Is The Primary Audience for this Book?
This book is for anyone who wants to read the Bible and understand its intended connections throughout. There is no prior knowledge or education level required, as all terms used are defined throughout the reading.
What Can Readers Expect?
Connected offers students an accessible, hands-on, practical guide to interpreting the Bible that focuses on its natural interconnectedness. Readers will learn the connections between the different biblical genres, connections to the ancient world in which Scripture was given, connections to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and connections to our lives and spiritual formation.
This book explains the Bible’s connections, how they work, and what they teach about Jesus and about studying God’s word. After four “Getting Started” chapters, the book moves into “Getting Our Hands Dirty,” covering the following topics:
- Biblical Connections of Old Testament Narratives
- Biblical Connections of Prophets
- Biblical Connections of Poetry and Wisdom
- Biblical Connections of New Testament Narratives
- Biblical Connections of Letters
- Biblical Connections of Visions Old and New
- Ancient Connections
- Gospel Connections
- Life Connections
What Have Others Said About the Book Already?
“In the opening paragraphs Gary Schnittjer poses a straightforward question―What does the Bible teach us about studying the Bible?―to which this book is the answer from start to finish. It’s about connections. Schnittjer provides a marvelous tour of the intricate web of connections that exist throughout the Bible, showing what these connections teach about Jesus, the Gospel, and about how to study the Bible for ourselves. This book is comprehensive and rigorous, and yet it is beautifully accessible. For newcomers and seasoned readers of the Bible alike, Connected is extremely practical in its aim to not only show us the connections but to teach us how to see them for ourselves. I recommend this book for anyone seeking to learn how the Bible itself helps us to understand the Bible. The transformative connections you discover will enliven your reading of God’s word.”
―Jeannine Marie Hanger, associate professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“God revealed himself in the Bible so that we could know him personally. But in order for us to connect with God through Scripture we need to know how to read, study, and apply it to our everyday lives. Gary Schnittjer provides a valuable guide to the task, by following the lead of how Scripture interprets Scripture. Connected will help new believers as well as those who have been reading the Bible for years. Study questions and activities make Connected an excellent resource for personal study, the classroom, or the local church.”
―Matthew S. Harmon, professor of New Testament studies, Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary
“Schnittjer’s excellent introduction to biblical interpretation teaches readers to build on the premise that God is his own best interpreter and that Scripture itself teaches us how to study Scripture in order to meet God in its pages. This book presses us not only to grasp God’s word, but to lay hold of the God of the word, through Spirit-wrought humble faith in Christ. Schnittjer shows us how to keep the Messiah’s story central, flowing organically from the Torah and Israel stories, seeing Christ through the whole Bible without losing the voices and contexts of the biblical authors along the way. The study activities leave readers excited to study the word for themselves. Most importantly, he drives readers to worship the Triune God, live in fellowship with him and the church, and to delight in reading the Bible every day.”
―Ryan M. McGraw, Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
“Of the writing of many books on biblical hermeneutics there is no end, but among them, Connected stands alone. You have never read a book on hermeneutics quite like this one. Gary Edward Schnittjer offers a resource that trains students of Scripture to read more carefully in light of what the Bible teaches about studying the Bible. His insights are rich and accessible. His examples are practical and intuitive. Schnittjer speaks with a fresh voice on an old discipline.”
―Bryan Murawski, professor of Old Testament, Cairn University
“Schnittjer has grasped the great secret of studying Scripture―it is all connected in Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, he shows that every thread of the biblical story finds its coherence and fulfillment in Jesus. He helps readers see how Jesus brings unity to the whole of the Bible and guides them in learning to interpret Scripture through Scripture itself, the only truly infallible interpreter of God’s Word. Readers will come away not only with sharper interpretive skills but with a deeper awe for God’s Word.”
―Patrick Schreiner, associate professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Where Can This Book Be Purchased?
This book is available for purchase from B&H Academic in addition to several major retailers, including Amazon and christianbook.com.
