Developments in My Field of Study — Bird Says: "Gospels is the Lady Gaga of NT Studies"

Today we're pleased to launch a new video series of leading Bible scholars, Developments in My Field of Study.

The purpose of this new series is to expose new trends and developments within various fields of biblical studies by showcasing preeminent evangelical voices who have a pulse on its direction. Our goal is to help students and pastors, teachers and interested Christians alike to understand where various fields are moving for the sake of gospel ministry and teaching.

Headlining our all-star lineup in this new initiative at Koinonia is our friend and author Michael Bird, professor of theology at Ridley Melbourne College, and author of several books including Evangelical Theology. According to Bird, here's what's trending in New Testament scholarship:

The Quest for the Historical Jesus has pretty much petered out. Same for Pauline studies with the so-called New Perspective, it's pretty much over. So where does that leave NT studies?

As Bird puts it: "Gospels is basically the Lady Gaga of biblical studies" right now. All of the top scholars are going to the gospels, canonical or not, which excites Bird. Because not only has it not been a big research area of late, it also means we get to spend more time with Jesus.

Now he thinks "Paul is cool, he rocks. But Jesus reigns!" Which is why he is overjoyed in this development in his field of study. And he hopes this trend spills over into churches, where we see a decade of good, solid gospel research and study in order to compellingly preach and teach the Gospels once again.

Check out the video below for an overview of this direction in NT studies, where it's trending, and how Bird's own research fits within this development in his field.

Do you agree with Bird's perspective on developments in NT studies? What's trending in this wing of biblical theology that excites you?

(Can't see the video? Watch it here)