Why is theological exegesis necessary for reading the Bible as a unified witness to Christ?

Theological exegesis is necessary for reading the Bible as a unified witness to Christ because it provides a way of hearing the diverse voices of Scripture as one testimony to the Lord Jesus. Without it, the Old and New Testaments risk being separated into fragments of history, culture, or religious experience, rather than received as the word of God. The Bible presents itself as more than a record of events or ideas; it is a divine communication. To grasp this reality, exegesis must move beyond historical description to theological interpretation, allowing the Bible to be heard in its fullness.

This article will explain why theological exegesis is essential, exploring how it respects the text, bridges Old and New Testaments, reveals the Gospel, and strengthens the church’s hope for the future.

1. Recognizing the Bible as God’s Word in Human Words

Theological exegesis begins with the conviction that the Bible is not only a human record but also divine speech. Paul describes Scripture as “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), a reality that distinguishes the Bible from other ancient writings. Exegesis that only aims at history often reduces the text to background details or reconstructs events behind the text, but theological exegesis takes the text on its own terms.

As the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology notes, “biblical theology corresponds to the interests of the texts themselves.” The prophets did not write merely as historians but as witnesses to God’s action in covenant and promise. The psalms do not simply reflect Israel’s culture but lead the church into prayer before the living God. The gospels do not only record events but interpret them as the fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ. To miss this dimension is to miss the Bible’s self-presentation as God’s word.

2. Resisting Fragmentation of the Old and New Testaments

Theological exegesis is necessary because the Bible consists of many books, genres, and authors, yet it testifies to one God and one Savior. Without a theological hermeneutic, the Old Testament can appear to be a separate religion, while the New Testament may be seen as an unrelated innovation. Jesus himself, however, read the Old Testament as pointing to him: “These are the Scriptures that testify about me” (John 5:39).

The canonical approach emphasizes that the Old Testament must be read in light of the New, and the New in light of the Old. For example, Isaiah’s servant songs find their fullest meaning in Christ (Isaiah 53; Acts 8:30–35). The Passover lamb becomes the lens through which Paul proclaims, “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Theological exegesis therefore resists fragmentation by affirming that the same God who brought Israel out of Egypt raised Jesus from the dead.

3. Reading “What It Meant” and “What It Means”

One of the central challenges of interpretation is bridging the gap between “what it meant” in history and “what it means” for believers today. Historical exegesis alone describes the past but often struggles to move into present application. Theological exegesis acknowledges both realities.

For example, when Paul speaks of Abraham’s faith being credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3), theological exegesis recognizes both the historical moment of Abraham’s trust and its abiding significance for all who believe in Christ. The “faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) is not frozen in history but continues to instruct and transform the church. Theological exegesis allows the Bible’s witness to cross the centuries as God’s living word.

4. Embracing the Unity of Diverse Genres

The Bible speaks through many literary forms: law, prophecy, wisdom, psalm, gospel, epistle, and apocalyptic vision. Each contributes to the whole witness of Christ. Historical-critical approaches often fragment these genres, but theological exegesis sees them as complementary testimonies.

Narratives like Genesis tell of God’s covenant beginnings; psalms give voice to worship and lament; the prophets warn and promise; the gospels narrate Christ’s life, death, and resurrection; Revelation unveils the hope of the kingdom. Together, they form a symphony of voices. As Hebrews declares, “God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). Theological exegesis hears this diversity as harmony rather than dissonance, recognizing the canon as a “great hall of witnesses” to Christ.

5. Avoiding Thin Descriptions by Seeking Thick Meaning

Thin interpretation reduces the Bible to isolated words, cultural background, or religious experience. Thick interpretation seeks the fuller communicative act of God in Scripture. The prophets did not only record history but proclaimed God’s coming reign. The psalms did not only voice human emotions but taught covenant trust. The gospels do not merely preserve sayings of Jesus but declare him Lord.

As Paul wrote, “These things happened to them as examples, but they were written down for our instruction” (1 Corinthians 10:11). Theological exegesis seeks that thicker description, hearing Scripture not just as ancient text but as God’s authoritative word for the church today.

6. Centering the Witness of the Whole Canon in Christ

The heart of theological exegesis is the recognition that the whole Bible witnesses to Christ. Jesus himself taught his disciples to see “Moses and all the Prophets” as speaking of him (Luke 24:27). The early church read the psalms and prophets as anticipating Christ’s suffering and glory (Acts 2:25–36).

This does not mean imposing New Testament readings artificially on the Old Testament, but recognizing the divine intention that unites the Scriptures. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets inspired the apostles. Thus the canon speaks with one voice, though in many forms, testifying to the Lord Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

7. Connecting Theological Exegesis to the Gospel

Theological exegesis is essential because it guards the Gospel itself. A fragmented Bible risks reducing the Gospel to private spirituality or abstract doctrine. But when read as a unified witness, Scripture proclaims the good news of God’s kingdom in Christ.

The Gospel is bigger than individual salvation; it includes the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, the reconciliation of Jew and Gentile, and the renewal of creation. Theological exegesis ensures that these themes remain connected, that Paul’s declaration—“Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11)—is heard across the canon.

8. Strengthening the Church’s Hope Through Canonical Reading

Finally, theological exegesis is necessary because it shapes the church’s hope. Without it, the Bible becomes a record of the past. With it, the Bible becomes God’s word for the present and future.

Revelation portrays the Lamb who was slain as also the one who reigns (Revelation 5:9–10). The prophets foresaw not only Israel’s return from exile but also the coming new creation (Isaiah 65:17–19). Paul ties the resurrection of Christ to the hope of all believers (1 Corinthians 15:20–28). Theological exegesis keeps these promises alive in the church’s worship and mission, reminding believers that Christ’s kingdom is both present and yet to be fully revealed.

Conclusion

Theological exegesis is necessary for reading the Bible as a unified witness to Christ. It respects Scripture as God’s word in human words, resists fragmentation between Old and New Testaments, bridges history and present meaning, embraces the diversity of genres, seeks thick meaning, centers the canon in Christ, guards the Gospel, and strengthens the church’s hope.

To read the Bible historically is valuable, but to read it theologically is essential. The Bible was written not simply to inform but to transform, to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). Only theological exegesis allows the church to hear the Scriptures as God’s unified word, bearing witness to the Lord Jesus Christ.