The doctrine of the Trinity can be an intimidating one for Christians. At the same time, it is a teaching that brings extraordinary riches to the Christian life. It helps us to know and worship God truly, and it helps us to understand who we are as those united to Christ by the Holy Spirit.   

One element of this doctrine has to do with the identity of God the Son, Jesus Christ. In particular, it has to do with the Son’s relationship to the Father, a relationship that establishes the Son’s identity and his fitness to be our Savior. In order to understand the Son’s identity and his relationship to the Father, it’s important to consider the topic of eternal generation.   

Eternal generation is a teaching that might seem unfamiliar at first, but many Christians are already accustomed to speaking about it through reciting the Nicene Creed. The second article of the Creed speaks about the Son’s eternal generation by using the language of “begetting”: the Lord Jesus Christ is “the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.” 

God the Son is eternally generated or begotten by God the Father. Let’s think about three important questions here: (1) what does this mean?; (2) where is this found in Scripture?; (3) why is this important for our spiritual life? 

First, eternal generation means that God the Father has eternally – before the world began – brought forth his Son and shared his divine essence with his Son. We are used to the reality that a human parent produces a child and, in so doing, shares or communicates human nature to the child. The child is a distinct person but still shares the nature of the parent. The child is then the “image” of the parent (see Gen. 5:3). In God’s case, there is no time at which this happened; God the Father is not older than his Son. However, there is still something similar to human generation: God the Father brings forth his Son, who shares his nature and is his perfect image (see, e.g., 2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15). 

Second, we see this in Scripture in several ways. The very name “Son” attests that he comes from the Father, otherwise it would be meaningless to apply these names in God’s case. In addition, in John 5:26, Jesus teaches that, “Just as the Father has life in himself, so he has given to the Son to have life in himself.”  This “life-in-himself” is a life and power by which Jesus can raise the dead (John 5:25), so it’s a divine life and power that he receives eternally from the Father (since didn’t just recently become God!). Another important passage is Hebrews 1:3, where the Son is the “radiance” of the Father’s glory and the “imprint” of the Father’s substance. The Son is like a beam of light originating from the brightness of the Father, or like wax that has received the impression of a seal.  

Third, this has wonderful implications for our spiritual life, two of which I will mention here. First, when Jesus comes to reveal the Father to us, he comes as true God bearing the impression of the Father. He is the perfect image of the Father, so if you want to know what God is like, focus on the person of Christ. Second, when Jesus unites us to himself, he is the example, the template of sonship. He conforms us to himself so that our identity is that of a beloved child made like the original beloved child. When we see these truths, contemplating the Trinity is also a matter of seeing our true home in God.

---

Did you benefit from this explanation of eternal generation? Then you should attend Sacred Truths: The Person of Christ, Phoenix Seminary's first annual theology conference. Dr. Duby will be teaching on "Jesus and Divine Attributes" alongside other deep doctrinal teaching from Fred Sanders, Bobby Jamieson, and Brian Arnold. Register today! (And if you are a student or alumnus, reach out to sacredtruths@ps.edu for a discount code on your seat at the event!)

Three distinguished Phoenix Seminary professors recently received recognition in Christianity Today’s prestigious annual book awards contest.

Steven J. Duby won first place in the “Theology (Academic)” category for his book, Jesus and the God of Classical Theism: Biblical Christology in Light of the Doctrine of God, which was released in June through Baker Academic. Meanwhile, Scribes & Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible, which was authored by Peter J. Gurry and John D. Meade, was a finalist in the “Bible & Devotional” category. Scribes & Scripture was released in October by Crossway.

“I was delighted, but not surprised, to see Drs. Duby, Meade and Gurry make the list at Christianity Today,” said Dr. Brian J. Arnold, Phoenix Seminary’s president. “I consider our faculty to be among the best of evangelical seminaries, and recognition of their work from an outlet such as CT validates the strength of the scholars we have.”

Duby is an associate professor of systematic theology at Phoenix, a role he transitioned into last summer after serving on a temporary provost appointment at the seminary.

Duby wrote his book, he said, “to show that the Bible’s account of the person and work of Christ fits well with a robust doctrine of God that includes divine attributes like aseity, impassibility, and simplicity.”

According to the Baker Academic website, Jesus and the God of Classical Theism “explains how the Jesus revealed in Scripture comports with earlier Christian descriptions of God. Steven Duby argues that the Bible’s Christology coheres with and even requires the affirmation of divine attributes like immutability, impassibility, eternity, and simplicity. Duby offers a constructive treatment of the person of Christ, illuminating his relationship to the Father and the Spirit, the unity of his person, and the genuineness of his human life and suffering.”

In its book award review, Christianity Today called Duby’s work an “erudite and substantial volume” and “an important work, especially at a moment in evangelical theology, and in Christian theology more broadly, when contemporary theologians are rediscovering and reappraising the rich resources of the Christian past.”

The Christianity Today review goes on to say, “Duby interacts with a wide range of sources: ancient philosophers, church fathers, medieval doctors, Reformers, and post-Reformation scholastics, as well as modern theologians and biblical exegetes. But most impressive is Duby’s deep engagement with the text of Scripture itself, which he treats with exegetical care and theological earnestness.”

“I’m very pleased that the book has been beneficial for people interested in Christology and hope that the subject matter continues to occupy the attention of the church and academy,” Duby said.

The CT award speaks to Duby’s knowledge and expertise in his field, according to Arnold.

“Winning the best book in academic theology is no small feat,” Arnold said. “Not only is the competition fierce, but it requires a scholar who can think new thoughts on old doctrines, balancing innovation with historic Christian orthodoxy. Dr. Duby has proven himself to be such a scholar. Not even forty, he is already looked to as an established voice in theology. I appreciate the care he takes with primary sources, and he really shines in his ability to retrieve the great tradition. The scope of his learning is as deep as it is wide.”

Meanwhile, Gurry and Meade were excited that their book, Scribes & Scripture, reached the final round of consideration in the “Bible & Devotional” category. First place went to Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World (B&H) by Hannah Anderson.

“Honestly, when you write any book, you pour yourself into it and you’re happy to have it published,” Meade said. “I didn’t write Scribes & Scripture thinking it would receive any further recognition. So to say that I was surprised to receive this honor is a bit of an understatement.”

In Scribes & Scripture, Gurry and Meade provide well-researched answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding the Bible and the story behind our modern-day English versions. Scribes & Scripture covers three main topics: the text, canonization, and translation of Scripture. The book is the result of years of academic scholarship at the highest level in text criticism and canon studies.

Gurry is an associate professor of New Testament, while Meade is a professor of Old Testament. Both men are also co-directors of the Text & Canon Institute at Phoenix.

“Drs. Meade and Gurry have successfully brought the best of Christian scholarship down to the level of the pew,” Arnold said. “At some point, every thinking Christian wonders how we got the Bible, which is the precursor to whether or not we can trust the Bible as God’s Word. Because of their labor, Christians will have greater confidence to base their lives on the truths in Scripture.”

Meade is excited about the CT recognition for two reasons.

“First, the matter of the Bible’s history is a serious point of contention today in the culture,” he said. “The church must know the facts about its history and formation, and this award will hopefully continue to highlight that question to a wider audience. Secondly, I’m very pleased that this award will draw extra attention to Phoenix Seminary. I’m in my 11^th year teaching at the seminary, and I hope this book and its recognition will help prospective students and supporters seriously consider joining this amazing community.”

- This article was written by Joshua Cooley

How did we get the Bible?

Why are there so many different translations of Scripture? 

Are the copies of ancient biblical texts reliable? 

These are only a few of the questions that Christians and non-Christians alike have asked about the Bible over the last 2,000 years. In their new book, Scribes & Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible, distinguished Phoenix Seminary professors Drs. Peter Gurry and John Meade provide well-researched answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding God’s Word and the story behind our modern-day English versions.  

Gurry is an associate professor of New Testament. His other published works include co-authorship of Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism (IVP Academic, 2019). He has also worked with the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., to publish New Testament manuscripts in digital format. 

Meade is a professor of Old Testament. He also co-authored The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity: Texts and Analysis (Oxford, 2017). 

Both men are also co-directors of Phoenix Seminary’s Text & Canon Institute.

Scribes & Scripture, which is scheduled for release on Oct. 18 through Crossway, covers three main topics: the text, canonization and translation of Scripture. The book is the result of years of academic scholarship at the highest level in text criticism and canon studies.  

“It is no exaggeration to say that John Meade and Peter Gurry are both at the top of their fields,” Phoenix Seminary President Dr. Brian Arnold said. “For the first time, to my knowledge, we have one of the best textual scholars of each testament explaining how the whole Bible came together. Meade and Gurry have proven themselves in biblical scholarship at the highest levels, and now they have taken that scholarship and made it accessible to everyone.” 

Gurry’s interest in the topic started when he received his first printed Greek New Testament. 

“I was fascinated by learning what was behind my English text,” he said. “Later, when I got to Bible college, I learned that there were thousands of manuscripts that had to be studied and sorted to make my printed Greek New Testament. In seminary, I was able to go on several trips with The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts to digitize New Testament manuscripts, and I’ve been hooked ever since.” 

Meade followed a similar path leading to the publishing of this book. 

“My interest in this topic came from my Bible college and seminary days when I learned textual criticism and something of the history of the canon of Scripture,” he said. “I’ve always loved history and knowing where things and ideas came from and how they developed over time.”

According to the authors, the book is for both unbelieving skeptic and for Christians who want to grow in their faith. 

“Many Christians have thought about the history that the Bible contains, but I think it’s fair to say that most Christians haven’t thought about the history of the Book itself,” Meade said. “Scribes & Scripture attempts to bridge that gap for them. An honest seeker should be able to pick up Scribes & Scripture and get the lay of the land for history of the Bible. The book doesn’t have a serious axe to grind, so we hope seekers will give it an honest read.” 

The authors have presented their research in various contexts for pastors and laypeople interested in understanding how we got the Bible. The process of making the topic accessible for the general public — not just for “the ivory tower,” as Meade says — was one of the greatest challenges of writing, but also one of the most rewarding.

“The hardest part was making the book accessible to a wide audience while still being both interesting and faithful to the subject,” Gurry said. “This is a topic that includes some very technical subjects and it’s easy to get it wrong. John and I revised the book all the way through several times in our effort hit our target of accurate accessibility.” 

The authors are hoping Scribes & Scripture sparks a greater appreciation in readers of what it took to bring God’s Word into its present-day form.  

“After wrestling with the Bible’s history, the people and means it took to get the Book to us, I would hope readers walk away with a more profound gratitude for the Bible’s scribes and curators over time,” Meade says. “And in turn, I hope this knowledge and gratitude causes more people to want to read the Bible more, or even for the first time.” 

Phoenix Seminary’s faculty sees the book as an exciting new gift to the greater church. 

“I think this book will answer many questions that the church ponders, but might not have felt comfortable asking,” said Dr. Michael Thigpen, Phoenix’s provost and professor of Old Testament. “It’s grounded in the very best research from two of the foremost scholars in the field, but it’s written for the church by two men who are deeply engaged in local church ministry and who have spent their careers fielding questions from and training both new and seasoned pastors.

"I think this work will give the church a greater confidence in the reliability of our English translations and a greater appreciation for the way in which God has preserved his word through the work of an innumerable group of scribes who faithfully transmitted the text from antiquity to the modern era.”

---

You can purchase Scribes & Scripture through Crossway or on Amazon. Learn more about the book, the Text & Canon Insitute and Phoenix Seminary by visiting our website.

This article was written by Joshua Cooley.

Prominent church historian and academic administrator Dr. David Hogg has been named Vice President of Academic Affairs at Phoenix Seminary, President Brian Arnold announced Tuesday. Hogg has served as Professor of Church History and Director of Library Services at Phoenix since July 2021. In his new role, Hogg will direct the seminary's academic programs, including ground and online education, in addition to overseeing enrollment and church partnerships. He assumed responsibilities as vice president on Oct. 10.  

In view of Hogg’s 4-year tenure as associate dean of Beeson Divinity School and his more than a decade of experience as a pastor, Arnold believes Hogg is well-equipped to advance the seminary’s mission to train Christ-centered ministers for the building up of healthy churches in Phoenix and the world. 

"I have known Dr. Hogg’s stellar reputation as a scholar, pastor and godly man for many years,” Arnold said. “His administrative gifts have already helped our library advance under his leadership. But God had another reason for bringing him to Phoenix Seminary. As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Hogg will exercise his leadership skills in a way that will help our seminary continue its upward trajectory.” 

Arnold expects Hogg's appointment as vice president to reinforce Phoenix Seminary's reputation as an academically rigorous and trustworthy training ground for pastoral ministry. 

“Dr. Hogg is the perfect blend of scholar and shepherd,” Arnold said. “He has an impressive track record in research, publishing widely on medieval theology and how evangelicals can retrieve this history, which is an increasingly relevant topic in our time. He also teaches and leads as one who is deeply invested in the local church. At Phoenix Seminary, we are as rigorous in our scholarship as we are serious about the church. Dr. Hogg propels us forward in this mission.” 

Hogg also shared his appreciation for the seminary’s commitment to train students in the fundamental disciplines of theological study. 

“In an era when many seminaries have fallen to the temptation to redact the gospel, Phoenix Seminary has remained true to the historic orthodox faith,” Hogg said. “It has also stayed the course in line with the grand tradition of theological education by prioritizing the classical disciplines of biblical studies, theology, church history and practical theology. I am pleased to expand my role with an institution that emphasizes these disciplines as a core value.” 

Hogg succeeds former Executive Vice President Michael Thigpen. During his tenure, Thigpen oversaw several successful initiatives, including enhancements in online education and the Doctor of Ministry program. Hogg expressed appreciation for the reliable foundation his predecessor laid for the institution’s continued growth. 

“Mike Thigpen has been a boon to the seminary and an effective partner under Brian Arnold’s capable leadership,” Hogg said. “He was God’s man in God’s timing, and I am encouraged to see how God has brought God-honoring men like Mike and others to fulfill his purposes here in Phoenix and the Southwest. God is no less sovereign in this transition as we continue to look to the Lord for his providential care and sustaining grace.”

Thigpen will remain at Phoenix Seminary as Professor of Old Testament. He said he is eager at this stage in his career to focus on teaching and researching in Old Testament and Hebrew-language studies.  

“I’ve been serving in executive leadership for almost fifteen years with the Evangelical Theological Society and most recently Phoenix Seminary,” Thigpen said. “I have loved those leadership roles, but I have a growing desire to spend more time with students, to research and to write. I’m excited for this next season, not just for my change of role, but for what the Lord is doing in and through Phoenix Seminary.” 

In addition to performing his duties as vice president, Hogg will continue to teach courses on church history. Prior to joining Phoenix Seminary, he taught at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina and Beeson Divinity School. His research in medieval theology and history has been published by Oxford University Press, NYU Press and Crossway, among other publishers. 

Hogg and his wife Sarah live in Surprise and have three boys, Thomas, Oliver and Edward.

Steven Duby, a noted theologian and author, has been appointed as an associate professor of systematic theology at Phoenix Seminary, President Brian Arnold announced on June 7, 2022. Duby, who has been serving at Phoenix on a temporary provost appointment, officially began his new role on May 13.

In hiring someone of Duby’s stature, Phoenix Seminary has signaled its commitment to establishing a seminary in the Southwest that offers the best training in integrating systematic theology and scriptural exegesis. Among his specialties, Duby is advancing the scholarly conversation in theology proper.

“In addition to offering students the highest level of training in biblical studies and biblical languages, Dr. Duby’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to becoming the premier place to study systematic theology for the building up of healthy churches in Phoenix, the Southwest, and the world,” Arnold said.

Duby has been teaching at Phoenix since 2021. Prior to that, he spent seven years in a similar role at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.

“I am extremely grateful to serve at Phoenix Seminary,” Duby said. “The blend of serious scholarship with a commitment to the life of the church and preparing leaders to shepherd the church fits exactly with what I have always hoped to do.”

Duby is planning to continue teaching courses in core systematic theology and hermeneutics, as well as a Christology elective.

“I am committed to showing how the concepts, distinctions, and patterns of thinking in systematic theology emerged from biblical exegesis in the first place,” he said. “That can take the form of putting several biblical texts side-by-side — perhaps ones that appear to stand in tension — and pointing out how certain distinctions or concepts need to be invoked in order to do justice to the texts and exhibit their coherence.”

Duby has contributed significant scholarly works on the doctrine of God and Christology. His latest book, Jesus and the God of Classical Theism: Biblical Christology in Light of the Doctrine of God, officially released today through Baker Academic.

In his endorsement of the book, Biola University (Calif.) professor of theology Fred Sanders noted the following: “This wonderfully helpful book shows how to take up the Bible’s passionate presentation of Jesus without letting go of the traditional high doctrine of God. Patiently addressing recent worries while carefully engaging the full witness of Scripture, Duby reunites theological goods that have too often been sundered from each other.”

In writing the book, Duby said he wanted to explore how a robust doctrine of God — one that some might think conflicts with the Bible’s Christology — actually coheres with and reinforces that Christology.

“I am hoping to show how divine attributes like immutability, impassibility, and simplicity fit with biblical Christology, including themes like Christ’s interaction with the Father and Spirit, the unity of the person of Christ, and the genuineness of Christ’s human experience and suffering,” he said.

Some of Duby’s other published works include God in Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology (IVP, 2019); and Divine Simplicity: A Dogmatic Account (Bloomsbury, 2016). He also has a commentary on Habakkuk slated for release in 2024, part of Bloomsbury’s T&T Clark International Theological Commentary series.

“The commentary prioritizes low-flying observations on the text, with much of the systematic theology material in the background informing the exegetical judgments,” Duby said.

“Dr. Duby is well-recognized as a leading theologian,” according to J. Michael Thigpen, Phoenix’s provost and executive vice president. “His most recent work, Jesus and the God of Classical Theism, demonstrates how deep theological reflection and robust biblical exegesis reinforce one another to produce the very best theological work. This is the kind of work we want our students to engage in and to model in their ministry — attentiveness to what the church has learned and formulated over the centuries, to the nuances and details of the biblical text, and to contemporary theological and biblical studies. Dr. Duby brings a wealth of knowledge with a winsome and humble disposition that challenges our students to think deeply and carefully about the great truths of our faith.”

Duby, who grew up in Michigan, began following the Lord in high school after hearing the gospel at his best friend’s church. He received his M.Div. from Denver Seminary and his Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He and his wife, Jodi, have four children.