Read These Books

There is a lot of crossover between categories, but I organized the books according to their primary objectives. You may need to read through other lists if you’re looking for a specific resource. 

As many books are listed–and all are recommended–I’ve put a star ☆ next to “must-read” resources. The books are otherwise listed in alphabetical order, not in any prioritized order. 

If you’re new to Biblical Theology and the Divine Council Worldview, I recommend you read the “Where to start?” books in the order listed. If you read the ten books listed, you’ll have a pretty robust foundation in Biblical Theology that will guide you through anything else you’re looking to study. I’ve staggered books that drive at a practical angle from the perspective of Biblical Theology while pointing towards theological growth. 

Finally, don’t miss the practical theology section, as many people want to know how biblical theology informs Christian and Church practice. 

New to Biblical Theology–Where to start?

1 The Unseen Realm Michael S. Heiser
2 The Gospel is Bigger than You Think Anthony Delgado
3 Reversing Hermon Michael S. Heiser
4 Lord of Spirits Andrew Stephen Damick
5 Salvation by Allegiance Alone Matthew W. Bates
6 For the Glory of God Daniel I. Block
7 Powers of Darkness Clinton E. Arnold
8 The Re-Enchantment of the West Christopher H. Partridge
9 The Mission of God’s People Christopher J. H. Wright
10 A New Testament Biblical Theology G. K. Beale

General Biblical Theology

A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New G. K. Beale
Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible Brevard S. Childs
Typos: The Typological Interpretation of the Old Testament in the New Leonhard Goppelt
Introducing Biblical Theology Sigurd Grindheim
Invitation to Biblical Theology: Exploring the Shape, Storyline, and Themes of Scripture Jeremy M. Kimble & Ched Spellman
Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments Geerhardus Vos
Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible John H. Walton
Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives Guy Prentiss Waters, J. Nicholas Reid, & John R. Muether (eds.)
The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative Christopher J. H. Wright

Divine Council Theology

Powers of Darkness: Principalities & Powers in Paul’s Letters Clinton E. Arnold
The Gods of the Nations: Studies in Ancient Near Eastern National Theology (2nd ed.) Daniel I. Block
The Lord of Spirits: An Orthodox Christian Framework for the Unseen World and Spiritual Warfare Andrew Stephen Damick
The Watchers in Jewish and Christian Traditions Angela Kim Harkins, Kelley Coblentz Bautch & John C. Endres (eds.)
Angels: What the Bible Really Says about God’s Heavenly Host Michael S. Heiser
Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness Michael S. Heiser
Reversing Hermon: Enoch, The Watchers & The Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ Michael S. Heiser
The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible Michael S. Heiser
The Glory of the Invisible God: Two Powers in Heaven Traditions and Early Christology Andrei A. Orlov
Two Powers in Heaven: Early Rabbinic Reports about Christianity and Gnosticism Alan F. Segal
Demons and Spirits in Biblical Theology: Reading the Biblical Text in Its Cultural and Literary Context John H. Walton & J. Harvey Walton

DCW Community Books

The Gospel is Bigger than You Think: Why a Comprehensive Gospel Creates Lasting Kingdom Impact Anthony Delgado
The Watchers and the Holy Ones: An Evangelical Reading of 1 Enoch: The Book of the Watchers Anthony Delgado
Through the Waters: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Genesis Caleb S. Lewis
Seers See: Instruction on Seeing into the Spiritual Realm Douglas R. Overmyer
Answers to Giant Questions: How Understanding the Biblical Nephilim Will Enlarge Your Faith T. J. Steadman

Applied/Practical Theology

from a Biblical-theological Perspective.
Salvation by Allegiance Alone: Rethinking Faith, Works, and the Gospel of Jesus the King Matthew W. Bates
We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry G. K. Beale
For the Glory of God: Recovering a Biblical Theology of Worship Daniel I. Block
Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation James K. A. Smith
The Re-Enchantment of the West: Alternative Spiritualities, Sacralization, Popular Culture, and Occulture Christopher H. Partridge
The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission Christopher J. H. Wright
Space and Time in the Religious Life of the Near East N. Wyatt

Resources

New Dictionary of Biblical Theology T. Desmond Alexander & Brian S. Rosner (eds.)
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament G. K. Beale & D. A. Carson (eds.)
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (4 vols.) Colin Brown (ed.)
New Dictionary of Biblical Theology D. A. Carson (ed.)
Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Walter A. Elwell (ed.)
Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible Karel van der Toorn, Bob Becking, Pieter W. van der Horst (eds.)
New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis (5 vols.) Willem A. VanGemeren (ed.)

Recommended Series’

New Studies in Biblical Theology D. A. Carson (ed.)
NAC Studies in Bible & Theology E. Ray Clendenen (ed.)
Biblical Theology of the New Testament (5 vols.) Andreas J. Köstenberger & Darrell L. Bock (eds.)
Short Studies in Biblical Theology Dane C. Ortlund & Miles V. Van Pelt (eds.)
Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary Thomas R. Schreiner, Brian S. Rosner, Benjamin L. Gladd, & D. A. Carson (eds.)