The Transfiguration of Christ

An Exegetical and Theological Reading

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Pub Date 27 Feb 2024 | Archive Date 12 Mar 2024

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Description

All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of Jesus's transfiguration. Yet there has been surprisingly little written about this key event, and many readers struggle to understand its significance and place in redemptive history, let alone how it might be applied.

Here, Patrick Schreiner provides a clear and accessible study of the transfiguration with an eye toward its theological significance and practical application. Namely, this event points to Jesus's double sonship, revealing the preexistent glory of the eternal Son and the future glory of the suffering Messianic Son. Further, the transfiguration points to Christians' own formation and transfiguration. Schreiner traces the transfiguration theme through Scripture and employs hermeneutical, trinitarian, and christological categories to assist his exegesis, thus challenging modern readings.

This enlightening study will be of interest to students, pastors, and serious lay readers.

All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of Jesus's transfiguration. Yet there has been surprisingly little written about this key event, and many readers struggle to understand its significance and...


Advance Praise

“Patrick Schreiner deftly integrates exegesis, biblical theology, and systematics in a work that brilliantly rescues the Transfiguration from its undeserved obscurity and second-class status in both biblical studies and dogmatic theology alike. Here is a contribution to Christology that is as edifying as it is scholarly. I can only describe what he has achieved by using the same term the disciples might have used to describe Jesus’s shining face: glorious!”—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Pondered as an isolated event, the transfiguration makes very little sense to us. Schreiner has learned the secret: don’t isolate it, but instead read it as having elements of both epiphany and apotheosis, preexistence and consummation, eternal sonship and messianic sonship. A spirited and energetic introduction to this neglected mystery of the life of Jesus.”—Fred Sanders, professor of theology, Torrey Honors College, Biola University

“The reason this is such an important book is not simply that it is an incredibly insightful treatment of an overlooked aspect of Jesus’s life (which it is) but because it demonstrates how the transfiguration deeply enriches our understanding of who Jesus is and who we are in him. This wonderful book will open your eyes to the glory of the Lord Jesus and the glory we will one day share with him.”—Peter Orr, New Testament lecturer, Moore Theological College

“Christ’s transfiguration is a relatively brief scene in the Synoptics, and yet it offers a breadth of theological and exegetical potential. In this book, Patrick Schreiner helps to unlock this potential by drawing out the transfiguration’s canonical, christological, and churchly significance. The result is a primer that is sure to benefit many.”—Brandon D. Smith, chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and associate professor of theology and early Christianity, Oklahoma Baptist University; co-founder, Center for Baptist Renewal

“Jesus’s transfiguration is a fountain of rich theology and a wellspring of joyous hope for contemplation. In The Transfiguration of Christ, Patrick Schreiner excavates treasures of glory, blessing the church with a sure guide to this momentous and oft-neglected event in the life of our Lord. His book will lead you to the summit of revelation to behold the eternal light of the Triune God in the face of Jesus Christ and the unveiling of God’s infinite love for his people. Read it, and long for the beatific vision.”—L. Michael Morales, professor of biblical studies, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“The transfiguration: The Bible proclaims it. The church celebrates it. The Son reveals himself through it. Why, then, would we neglect it? In this fine contribution, Patrick Schreiner encourages us to gaze anew upon Jesus’s glory on the mountain—his future glory as one of us and his preexistent glory as one of a kind with the Father. If you’ve ignored the transfiguration, you’ll do so no longer. If you’ve loved the transfiguration, you’ll come to love it still more.”—Michael Kibbe, associate professor of Bible, Great Northern University

“Patrick Schreiner deftly integrates exegesis, biblical theology, and systematics in a work that brilliantly rescues the Transfiguration from its undeserved obscurity and second-class status in both...


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ISBN 9781540965967
PRICE US$26.99 (USD)
PAGES 208

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Featured Reviews

A good exploration of one of the most neglected and yet theologically significant moments from Christ's time on earth. Helps connect the event of the transfiguration to the backdrop of Moses in the Hebrew scriptures and explains the significance of this moment for Christians today.

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Recounted in all three (3) of the synoptic gospels, the Transfiguration of Christ is obviously an important part of the faith from the very beginnings of the Church that is rich in symbolism that can be difficult to unpack and appreciate today without the appropriate historical context. Schreiner does an excellent job providing that context along with commentary that explores a number of potential interpretations, some of which provided new insights and some of which seemed to be a bit of a stretch, all of which provoked some deep thoughts about how this event should fit within the faith. Overall I found this to be a valuable addition to me reference library.

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In the life of Jesus, the transfiguration is probably the event I had the most difficult time understanding. This resource by Schreiner reviews the what and the why to give the reader hope, because "the transfiguration guarantees that we will not only be where he is but as he is." It's an accessible, but challenging book, but it's expanded my thinking and understanding about how the transfiguration makes a difference to our Christian faith.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

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The Transfiguration of Christ by Patrick Schreiner is a deeply insightful and scholarly exploration of one of the most pivotal moments in the Gospels. Schreiner approaches the transfiguration of Jesus from both exegetical and theological perspectives, blending rigorous biblical analysis with a thoughtful reflection on its theological implications.

The book stands out for its comprehensive approach to the transfiguration narrative found in the synoptic Gospels, particularly Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Schreiner skillfully engages with the text in its historical and cultural context, offering readers a clear understanding of the significance of this event in the life of Jesus and its importance for Christian doctrine.

Schreiner’s exegetical work is precise and well-supported, examining the original Greek and carefully unpacking the nuances of the text. His theological reflections offer a rich and balanced interpretation, connecting the transfiguration not only to the ministry of Jesus but also to broader themes in biblical theology, such as Christ’s identity, his divine authority, and the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

What sets this book apart is Schreiner’s ability to bridge the gap between technical biblical scholarship and accessible theological reflection. While the book is certainly academic in nature, it is also readable for those with a serious interest in the subject, including seminary students, pastors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the transfiguration.

One of the strengths of The Transfiguration of Christ is its thorough treatment of the theological implications of the event. Schreiner explores the significance of Christ’s glorification and its connection to the eschatological hope of the Christian faith. He also highlights the way in which the transfiguration anticipates Christ’s future return in glory.

Though some sections may feel dense to those unaccustomed to academic theology, the clarity and structure of Schreiner’s argument will appeal to readers committed to a serious study of Scripture. The book is well-footnoted, with extensive references to scholarly literature that will serve as a valuable resource for further research.

In conclusion, The Transfiguration of Christ is a highly recommended read for those looking to deepen their understanding of this crucial event in the life of Christ. Schreiner’s work will be of great value to scholars, students, and theologians alike, offering profound insights into both the biblical text and its theological ramifications for the Christian faith.

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