How to construct a biblical theology — start with contextual reading plus the doctrine of inspiration

Mike defines "biblical theology" as theology according to and consistent with the Bible. He says it must start with studying passages in context to understand original meaning, but warns against an over-focus on original meaning that fragments the Bible into separate theologies (Mark's theology, Paul's theology, Mosaic theology) with no unity. He argues the doctrine of inspiration is essential: because God is the ultimate author behind all Scripture, there is a coherent divine agenda behind the text that the human authors themselves may not have fully understood. He uses Isaiah 52–53 as an example: Isaiah did not understand his own prophecy as fully as we now do.