The Gloss and the Text: William Perkins on Interpreting Scripture with Scripture

William Perkins is the father of Puritanism, often remembered for his preaching manual, The Art of Prophesying. Much attention has been given to the Puritan movement, especially in its later forms, but comparatively little has been given to Perkins. In The Gloss and the Text, Andrew Ballitch provides a thorough examination of the hermeneutical principles that governed Perkins’s approach to biblical interpretation. Perkins taught that the Bible was God’s word as well as the interpretation of God’s word. Interpretation is no private matter; it is a public gift of the Spirit of God for the people of God. Ballitch’s study sheds light on Perkins as a preacher, theologian, and student of Scripture.

Publisher: Lexham Press
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781683593911

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Andrew S. Ballitch (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Associate Pastor of Preaching and Ministries at Westwood Alliance Church in Mansfield, Ohio. He co-edited Faith and Love: William Perkins's Wholesome Doctrine of the Gospel and The Works of William Perkins, vol. 7.

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‘Scholars increasingly recognize the work of Reformed and Puritan divines as exegetes of the Holy Scriptures. In this well-researched, clearly written study, Ballitch gives us a front-row seat to observe William Perkins in both his principles and practice of expositing God’s word for life application. Given the prominence of Perkins as a preacher and theologian in the Reformed experiential tradition, Ballitch’s work will benefit not only students of history but also Reformed experiential preachers and theologians today.’ Joel R. Beeke, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids