The best part of Interpreting the Parables was part 2: The meaning and significance of individual parables. In this section, he divides individual parables into three-point and two-point/one-point parables. I enjoyed the way Blomberg expounded the parables and how he was able to summarise the main points. He explains how Jesus’ audience would have understood these stories, how we can apply them today and warns against over analysing minor details. Blomberg spends a lot of time discrediting the theory that parables should only have one point. Since I didn’t believe this to be the case, this was often superfluous for me.
In part 1 Blomberg looks at the different ways theologians have understood the parables. He expanded their theories and often dismantled them. Blomberg’s perspective gave me the impression many liberal theologians believe that later editors added to the parables after the Gospel writers had completed their books. These theologians seem particularly critical of parables that have a concluding comment regarding their application. However, Blomberg gave good reasons why these concluding comments would have been part of the original text and why it’s unnecessary to believe that editors have added to the parables. This section was heavy going and intended for more academically-minded theological students.
Overall, Interpreting the Parables is a useful, resource particularly for preachers and Bible study leaders and many benefits can be gained without reading part 1.
More reviews of this book can be found on Goodreads. More reviews of other Christian Non-fiction books that I have read can be found here.
