Emeritus Faculty Publishes Exegetical Textbook on Gospels

Dr. David Turner, emeritus professor of New Testament at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, recently published a book on the Gospels entitled “Interpreting the Gospels and Acts: An Exegetical Handbook.”

The book, published in May 2019, is what Turner considers a culmination of 30 years of work at the seminary. “It’s the fruit of a lot of years of teaching the Gospel,” Turner said. He calls it a methodology textbook for seminary students, presenting the gospel as a narrative.

The handbook is also a symbol of Turner’s continued scholarship as a pastor and professor. During his last semester as a professor, he was writing up to a chapter a month. He has also written two commentaries on the book of Matthew and an exegetical text focusing on Matthew 23.

Turner hopes that his books will help equip future generations of pastors. “The longer I taught,” Turner explained, “the more I tried to teach students how to think about the Bible than what to think about it. I became a seminary professor to help pastors and be a better supporter of the church. I consider myself a pastor who teaches more than a technical scholar.”

Turner was approached by Kregel publications to contribute to their series called “Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis.” It seemed a fitting subject for Turner to write about, and one he did effectively. Turner considers exegesis one of the most important facets of understanding the Bible, especially when answering questions the world poses.

“The Scriptures reformed the church 500 years ago,” Turner reflected, “and reformation is an ongoing process.”

Turner currently runs a blog and teaches at Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville, Mich.