On Resurrection Morning, incognito Jesus met up with Cleopas and Co. They were “talking and discussing” the remarkable happenings concerning Jesus of Nazareth. They “had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” When Jesus had heard enough he responded. And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27 ESV)

One particular branch of theology likes to look to this unique encounter between Jesus and these disciples as expressing the validity of its specialty. I tend to think that every area of theology benefits from pondering Jesus’ teaching that first Lord’s Day morning.

Let me briefly explain these theological areas to which I am referring. First, there is Exegetical Theology. This is the science of drawing out the meaning and interpretation of a passage of Scripture given the text’s language, context and historical background. We really do this every time we read the Bible. It is also what we usually do in Sunday School class.

Next is Systematic Theology. This area of theology seeks to discern what the Bible as a whole says about a particular topic. You may recall our sermon series considering the catechism answer to What is God? “God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.” This was essentially an exercise in systematic theology considering the Doctrine of God. Other topics include Christology, Doctrine of the Spirit, the Doctrine of Scripture, the Doctrine of Salvation, etc.

Then we have Biblical Theology. New seminary students (including yours truly, back in the day) become quickly enamored with this one because it is often so new and interesting. This field is the study of tracing the history of redemption and the promises of God and their progressive fulfillment from Genesis to Revelation. It helps us see how the whole Bible fits together and centers on Christ.

Historical Theology traces the development of doctrine from the time of the apostles to the present. This includes tracing God’s providence in the lives of his people (Church History). This is important because much of our development of doctrine has come in the face of obvious and sometimes insidious wrong doctrines. Many of our forbears gave their lives in the defense of the truth of Scripture. They followed the Apostle’s admonition to Timothy: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Finally there is Practical Theology. While all theology is ultimately practical, this specific branch of study explores the application of theology in everyday life. We should always seek to do this appropriately through preaching, teaching, group, and private Bible study. After all, we do not just read the Scripture for information, but even more for transformation—into the image of Christ!

The verses listed above from Luke 24 are often used by those in the field of Biblical Theology as their marching orders. That is certainly true. Can you imagine what it was like to listen to the Son of God himself trace the unfolding teaching of the Messiah from the books of Moses all the through the prophets and up to the actual day of Christ’s resurrection? What a Bible study that must have been!

But I believe Jesus was also doing Systematic Theology with his disciples that day. I believe he taught them quite a bit about Christology and Scripture and the Church. And he was engaging in Exegetical Theology as he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures. Further, he was engaging in Historical Theology and Old Testament Church History as he unfolded for them the development of the doctrine of the promised deliverer throughout redemptive history. Finally, I think it was also an exercise in Practical Theology. What is more practical than seeing how the Scripture is “all about Jesus”!

Jesus invites and commands us to join him through the power of the Holy Spirit and under the calling of the Father to engage in all these theological disciplines ourselves. Yes, that means you and me. After all, how else can follow our teaching from a couple of weeks ago: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 ESV). Let’s get to proclaiming! Happy studying.