Theological Study Roadmap

Introduction

Goal: This roadmap provides a structured approach to learning theology, which encompasses Biblical studies, Systematic Theology, instructions for defending the faith, and church history.

Methodology

Prerequisites:

A willingness to engage with complex theological concepts.
The ability to dedicate regular time to reading and study.
A system for taking notes and actively engaging with the material.
A community or study group for discussion (recommended).

Learning Activities:

It is not strictly necessary to go in order, but the recommended order is:

Begin with the Old and New Testaments to establish a strong Biblical foundation.
Progress to Biblical Theology to understand overarching themes of the Bible.
Then advance to Systematic Theology for organized doctrinal study.
Learn how to defend the faith for edification, defense, and refutation.
And finally move on to study the history of the church.

Resources:

Each section has a core curriculum marked in green. It consists of one or two lecture series, one or two primary books to read, and a few writing assignments to ensure active engagement which is necessary for effective learning. The blue and red sections provide additional material that may be of interest for further study.

Take this as a jumping off place for your own investigation, output, and learning. Ultimately, the goal is not simply the accumulation of information, but the cultivation of theological wisdom: an integrated understanding of Scripture, doctrine, and church history to equip the saints for faithful service, defending the truth, and worshiping the triune God.

Foundation for the New Testament

Goal: Understand the basics of the Old Testament.

Old Testament Introduction

Primary Reference Materials:

The Bible Project provides quick overviews of each book: Old Testament. These videos reflect a baseline level of familiarity needed with each book.
The ESV Study Bible is our primary introduction to the historical background, authorship, outlines, and themes of each book. An Old Testament introduction such as A Survey of the Old Testament: Fourth Edition by Andrew Hill and John Walton can be referenced for more depth on these issues.
The Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy: Studies and Expositions of the Messiah in the Old Testament provides a comprehensive overview of Old Testament expectations about the Messiah which is essential for connecting the Testaments.

Learning Activities:

For each book of the Old Testament:

Read the ESV Study Bible's introduction.
Read the biblical text.
Write a one-page summary.

You should be able to explain the organization, major themes, history, and significance of each book.

Watch one of the following lecture series while taking notes: Dr. Ted Hildebrandt, Old Testament History, Literature and Theology or TMS Archives: Old Testament Introduction - Dr. Bill Barrick.

Read The Messianic Hope: Is The Hebrew Bible Really Messianic? by Michael Rydelnik.

Watch the lecture series Dr. Tiberius Rata, Old Testament Theology.

Write a final paper which brings together key events, themes, or connections from the Old Testament. I recommend choosing a specific text to interpret and showing how it fits into the broader Old Testament storyline.

Recommended Papers:

Pentateuch:

G. K. Beale, Adam as the First Priest in Eden as the Garden Temple, SBJT 22.2 (2018), 9-24.
Gavin Ortlund, Why the Framework View of Genesis 1?, 2010.
Vern Sheridan Poythress, The Presence of God Qualifying our notions of Grammatical-Historical Interpretation: Genesis 3:15 as a Test Case, JETS 50/1 (Mar. 2007), 87-103.
Nicholas P. Lunn, "Raised on the Third Day According to the Scriptures": Resurrection Typology in the Genesis Creation Narrative, JETS 57/3 (2014), 523-35.
Joshua M. Philpot, Was Joseph a Type of Daniel? Typological Correspondence in Genesis 37-50 and Daniel 1-6, JETS 61.4 (2018), 681-96.

Historical:

Gordon Oeste, "A Day like no Other" in the Context of Yahweh War: Joshua 10:14 and the Characterization of Joshua, JETS 57/4 (2014), 689-702.
Benjamin J. Johnson, What Type of Son is Samson? Reading Judges 13 as a Biblical Type-Scene, JETS 53/2 (Jun. 2010), 269-86.

Wisdom:

David Schrock, Reading Pslams 2 and 110 with the Grain of Scripture: A Proposal for Reading the Psalter Canonically, SBJT 25.3 (Fall 2021), 97-120.
William C. Pohl IV, A Messianic Reading of Psalm 89: A Canonical and Intertextual Study, JETS 58/3 (2015), 507-25.
Ted Hildebrandt, Motivation and Antithetic Parallelism in Proverbs 10-15, JETS 35/4 (Dec. 1992) 433-44.
Eric Ortlund, The Gospel in the Book of Ecclesiastes, JETS 56/4 (2013), 697-706.

Prophets:

G. K. Beale, An Amillennial Response to a Premillennial view of Isaiah 65:20, JETS 61.3 (2018), 461-92.

More Depth:

Read about major themes of the Old Testament such as the Exodus that extend through Scripture:

Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture by Alastair J. Roberts and Andrew Wilson is a shorter treatment.
Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption (Essential Studies in Biblical Theology) by L. Michael Morales is a detailed look at the Exodus and its significance.

Read detailed books about the various sections of the Old Testament:

From Paradise to the Promised Land by T. Desmond Alexander.
Handbook on the Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther by Victor P. Hamilton.
Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms by Daniel J. Estes.
An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophetic Books by C. Hassell Bullock.

Fulfillment of the Old Testament

Goal: Understand the basics of the New Testament.

New Testament Introduction

Primary Reference Materials:

The ESV Study Bible is our primary introduction to the historical background, authorship, outlines, and themes of each book.
An Introduction to the New Testament by D. A. Carson and G. K. Beale can be referenced for more background information while The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament by G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd focuses more on the content of each book and its relation to the Old Testament.

Learning Activities:

For each book of the New Testament:

Read the ESV Study Bible's introduction.
Read the biblical text.
Write a one-page summary.

You should be able to explain the organization, major themes, history, and significance of each book.

Watch one of the following lecture series while taking notes: Dr. Dave Mathewson, New Testament Literature or TMS Archives: New Testament Studies - Dr. Keith Essex.

If you want to learn more about proper biblical interpretation, you can watch Dr. Dave Mathewson, Hermeneutics (30 lectures) or read Exegetical Fallacies by D. A. Carson.

Watch the lecture series Dr. Dave Mathewson, New Testament Theology (30 lectures)

Write a final research paper which focuses on a doctrine in the New Testament you are interested in (e.g. Scripture, justification, the deity of Christ, the second coming). Bring together several texts which are most relevant to that doctrine and clearly articulate what Scripture says about it.

Recommended Papers:

Gospels:

G. K. Beale, The Use of Hosea 11:1 in Matthew 2:15: One More Time, JETS 55/4 (2012), 697-715.
Gavin Ortlund, Image of Adam, Son of God: Genesis 5:3 and Luke 3:38 in Intercanonical Dialogue, JETS 57/4 (2014), 673-88.

Acts:

Gregory Goswell, The Place of the Book of Acts in Reading the NT, JETS 59/1 (2016), 67-82.

Paul's Epistles:

Donald E. Hartley, 2 Corinthians 4:4: A Case for Yahweh as the ‘God of this Age.’, ETS (2005).

General Epistles:

Brian Pate, Who is Speaking? The Use of Isaiah 8:17-18 in Hebrews 2:13 as a Case Study for Applying the Speech of Key OT Figures to Christ, JETS 59/4 (2016), 731-45.

Revelation:

Ralph G. Bowles, Does Revelation 14:11 Teach Eternal Torment? Examining a Proof-text on Hell, EQ 73:1 (2001), 21-36.

More Depth:

Learn the specifics of New Testament Theology:

Read Pauline Christology: An Exegetical-Theological Study by Gordon D. Fee.

Putting the Testaments Together

Goal: Understand the story of redemption from beginning to end.

Biblical Theology Introduction

Primary Reference Materials:

This is not a scholarly book, but it does a good job summarizing the Bible's storyline, making it a helpful resource for understanding the unity of Scripture: Long Story Short: The Bible in 12 Phrases by Glen Scrivener.
The Mystery of Christ, His Covenant, and His Kingdom by Samuel Renihan looks at how specific covenants form the backbone of the story of redemption and ties together the biblical narrative.
For reference, Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by D. A. Carson and G. K. Beale provides detailed exegetical insights into how the New Testament authors interpret and apply Old Testament texts.

Learning Activities:

Watch the lecture series Dr. Dave Mathewson, The Storyline of the Bible (6 lectures) for a short but insightful introduction or Introduction to Biblical Theology - Dr. Thomas Schreiner for a more detailed overview.

Read From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology by T. Desmond Alexander.

After completing the above, outline the Bible’s overarching plot (creation, fall, redemption, restoration). Identify key texts or events that can help explain this to someone else.

Write a short paper tracing one major theme (e.g., temple, covenant, sacrifice) from Genesis to Revelation.

Recommended Papers:

General Approaches to Biblical Theology and Worship:

Michael A. Farley, What Is 'Biblical' Worship? Evangelical Theologies of Worship , JETS 51/3 (2008), 591-613.
Eckhard J. Schnabel, Biblical Theology from a New Testament Perspective , JETS 62/2 (2019), 225-249.
Scott R. Swain, The Bible and the Trinity in Recent Thought: Review, Analysis, and Constructive Proposal , JETS 60/1 (2017), 35-48.

Typology and Exegetical Methodology:

Aubrey M. Sequeira and Samuel C. Emadi, Biblical-Theological Exegesis and the Nature of Typology , SBJT 21/1 (2017), 11-34.
Stephen J. Wellum, Editorial: Reflections on the Significance of Biblical Theology , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 5-8.
Peter J. Gentry, The Significance of Covenants in Biblical Theology , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 9-33.

Old Testament Practices and Covenant Concepts:

John D. Meade, The Meaning of Circumcision in Israel: A Proposal for a Transfer of Rite from Egypt to Israel , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 35-54.
Ardel B. Caneday, Glory Veiled in the Tabernacle of Flesh: Exodus 33-34 in the Gospel of John , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 55-72.
Joshua M. Greever, The Nature of the New Covenant: A Case Study in Ephesians 2:11-22 , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 73-89.

Ecclesiology, Baptism, and the Covenantal Debate:

Brent E. Parker, Paedocommunion, Paedobaptism, and Covenant Theology: A Baptist Assessment and Critique , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 91-122.
Tony Costa, The Sabbath and Its Relation to Christ and the Church in the New Covenant , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 123-147.

The Glory of God and Prophetic Literature:

Peter J. Gentry, “The Glory of God”—The Character of God’s Being and Way in the World: Some Reflections on a Key Biblical Theology Theme , SBJT 20/1 (2016), 149-161.
Anthony R. Petterson, The Book of Malachi in Biblical-Theological Context , SBJT 20/3 (2016), 30-49.

More Depth:

Read more about how the Old Testament points forward to the New Testament:

Typology-Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns: How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ by James M. Hamilton Jr.

Read more detailed books on Biblical Theology:

Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos is a classic but very dense.
A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New by G. K. Beale is also comprehensive and dense but can be read for specific sections.
Making All Things New: Inaugurated Eschatology for the Life of the Church by Benjamin L. Gladd and Matthew S. Harmon is an accessible summary of Beale’s larger work, with a focus on practical application.

Systematizing the Truth

Goal: Understand the organization and contents of systematic theology.

Systematic Theology

Primary Reference Materials:

Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs by J. I. Packer. This book provides a succinct overview of essential Christian doctrines and theological terms, making it ideal for beginners.
Systematic Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem. Known for its clarity and organization, this work is a helpful resource for exploring theological topics systematically.
A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith: 2nd Edition - Revised and Updated by Robert Reymond. This text offers a Reformed perspective on systematic theology and is both thorough and engaging.
Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkin. This book bridges theology with cultural analysis, showing the relevance of Scripture to contemporary issues.

Learning Activities:

Watch Sola Scriptura Defended in 6 Minutes by Gavin Ortlund for a protestant perspective on the role of Scripture in the formulation of theology. For a more detailed theology of Scripture: Dr. Robert Peterson, Revelation and Holy Scripture.

Test Yourself: What is the nature of Scripture? How were the scriptures written and compiled? How do we know the canon of Scripture? What is the role of Scripture in the church? What does Scripture say about the role and authority of tradition and human reasoning? What is the proper definition of Sola Scriptura?

I recommend reading Baptists, The Only Thorough Religious Reformers by John Quincy Adams for a specifically Baptist take on the need for doctrinal and practical reform in the church.

Recommended Papers:

A. M. Stibbs, The Meaning of the Word 'Blood' In Scripture, (London: Tyndale, 1948).
Garry J. Williams, Penal Substitution: A Response to Recent Criticisms, JETS 50/1 (March 2007) 71-86.
Edward Fudge, The Final End of the Wicked, JETS 27/3 (September 1984), 325-334.
Gavin Ortlund, Resurrected as Messiah: The Risen Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, JETS 54/4 (Dec 2011) 749-66.

More Depth:

Find another systematic theology to deepen your understanding:

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief by John Frame uses a helpful multiperspectival approach to look at theology and philosophy. It is also immensely readable.
Reformed Dogmatics (4 Volume Set) by Herman Bavinck interacts with modern philosophy and liberal theology. It also exhibits a thorough grasp of church history.
Institutes of Elenctic Theology (3 Volume Set) by Francis Turretin interacts with the Papists, Arminians, and Socinians. It is very analytical and rigorous.

Read books on specific topics of interest:

Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael J. Kruger.
The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault.
The Sovereign Grace of God: A Biblical Study of the Doctrines of Calvinism (Reformation Press Edition) by James White.
The End for Which God Created the World: Updated to Modern English by Jonathan Edwards.
The Atonement: An Introduction (Short Studies in Systematic Theology) by Jeremy Treat.
The Fire That Consumes: A Biblical and Historical Study of the Doctrine of Final Punishment. 3rd edition, fully updated, revised and expanded by Edward Fudge.
To Save Sinners: A Critical Evaluation of the Multiple Intentions View of the Atonement by Michael Riccardi.

Defending the Truth

Goal: To equip believers with a robust understanding and defense of the Christian faith through biblical, philosophical, and theological reasoning.

Apologetics

Primary Reference Materials:

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl is a practical guide for Christians to confidently and graciously engage in conversations about their faith. It offers strategic tools and approaches for defending and sharing biblical truths effectively.
Always Ready: Directions for Defending the Faith by Greg Bahnsen is a foundational text on presuppositional apologetics. It equips readers to defend their faith by challenging the assumptions of other worldviews and presenting Christianity as the only consistent and rational foundation for truth.

Learning Activities:

Read books where Christians have responded to specific religions and ideologies:

Ultimate Proof of Creation by Dr. Jason Lisle. Although I'm not necessarily a young earth creationist, this book is good for apologetics in general and for dealing with atheism specifically. He explains terms and teaches apologetics from the ground up.
The Roman Catholic Controversy by James White.
Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross by Norman Geisler.
Christ Rescued Me! ....from the "Church of Christ" by Lee Anne Ferguson dealing with the denomination "Church of Christ." See also The Apologetic Dog on YouTube.
Letters to a Mormon Elder by James White.

Recommended Papers:

Alvin Plantinga, Reason and Belief in God.
Greg Bahnsen, Science, Subjectivity And Scripture (Is Biblical Interpretation "Scientific"?).
William Lane Craig, The Kalam Cosmological Argument.
John Frame, What Is the Presuppositional Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til? Apologetics in Action.

More Depth:

Defenses of core Christian doctrines that are often attacked:

The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense by Robert M. Bowman Jr.
The God Who Justifies by James White.
Scripture Alone: Exploring the Bible's Accuracy, Authority and Authenticity by James White.

More philosophically oriented defenses of the Christian faith:

Warranted Christian Belief by Alvin Plantinga is a philosophical exploration of the rationality of Christian faith. Plantinga defends the idea that belief in God is properly basic and examines how Christian belief can be warranted in the context of modern epistemology.

History of the Church

Goal: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of Christianity, including its key figures, doctrinal developments, and global expansion from its Jewish roots through the modern era.

Church History

Primary Reference Materials:

Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley provides an accessible and reliable overview of major events, movements, and personalities in church history.
Dr. Anthony Tomasino, Judaism Before Jesus (Lecture Series) gives vital historical and religious background leading into the New Testament period.
Dr. Kevin Frederick, The Waldensians (Lecture Series) provides an in-depth study of one of the pre-Reformation reform movements known for their commitment to Scripture.
Roger Green, Ph.D., Reformation to the Present (Lecture Series) offers a comprehensive look at church history from the Protestant Reformation through the contemporary era.

Learning Activities:

Suggested workflow for historical research:

Read chapters from Church History in Plain Language.
Watch one of the lecture series that interests you.
Write a short paper about a topic of interest from each major historical era:
- The Early Church (to 500 AD)
- Medieval Christianity and Eastern Orthodoxy (500–1500 AD)
- Reformation and Post-Reformation Era (1500–1700 AD)
- Modern Church History (1700–Present)
Optional: Choose one major historical controversy or doctrinal development (e.g., the Arian controversy, the Reformation solas, debates on justification) and write a longer research paper summarizing its context, key figures, and theological outcomes.

Watch additional recommended lectures for specialized focus:

Dr. Ryan Reeves, Luther and Calvin Playlist
Gavin Ortlund, Ah Yes, That Calvinist Orthodox Patriarch (Cyril Lucaris)

Recommended Books:

Core texts for understanding doctrinal development and church history:

Jaroslav Pelikan:

Other helpful works:

Early Christian Doctrines (Revised Edition) by J. N. D. Kelly is a classic introduction to the doctrinal formulations of the early church.
Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine by Gregg R. Allison provides systematic treatment of the historical development of key Christian doctrines.

Primary sources:

Early Church and Patristic Period (1st–9th century):

The Apostolic Fathers (c. 95–150)
Justin Martyr (c. 100–165)
Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202)
Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215)
Tertullian (c. 155–240)
Origen of Alexandria (c. 184–253)
Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258)
Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260–339)
Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373)
Basil of Caesarea (c. 330–379)
Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329–390)
Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395)
Ambrose of Milan (c. 340–397)
John Chrysostom (c. 349–407)
Jerome (c. 347–420)
Augustine of Hippo (354–430)
John of Damascus (c. 675–749)

Medieval Period (9th–16th century):

Anselm of Canterbury (c. 1033–1109)
Peter Lombard (c. 1100–1160)
Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
Duns Scotus (c. 1266–1308)
William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347)

Reformation and Post-Reformation Period (16th–18th century):

Martin Luther (1483–1546)
Ulrich Zwingli (1484–1531)
Philip Melanchthon (1497–1560)
John Calvin (1509–1564)
Theodore Beza (1519–1605)
John Knox (c. 1514–1572)
Francis Turretin (1623–1687)
John Owen (1616–1683)
Stephen Charnock (1628–1680)

Modern Period (18th–20th century):

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)
John Wesley (1703–1791)
Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768–1834)
Charles Hodge (1797–1878)
John Henry Newman (1801–1890)
J. C. Ryle (1816–1900)
Herman Bavinck (1854–1921)
Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920)
Geerhardus Vos (1862–1949)
Karl Barth (1886–1968)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)

More Depth:

History of the Christian Church (8 Volumes) by Philip Schaff is a detailed and scholarly historical account, highly recommended for deep research.

Optional extended research topics:

The relationship between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity through history.
The theological significance of the Ecumenical Councils.
The history of missions and global Christianity.

Read biographies of specific figures:

William Tyndale: A Biography by David Daniell is a detailed account of Tyndale's life, his role in the English Reformation, and his contribution to biblical translation.