Das "Neue" als Problem und Prinzip neutestamentlicher Theologie

This contribution considers novelty and the New Testament, identifying it as a principle and problem for both the canonical texts and their interpreters. It is argued that novelty is a key element of what the New Testament texts seek to communicate, yet also needs to be negotiated, in light of the ancient preference for the old. In addition, it is observed that New Testament scholarship is focused on uncovering the ancient meaning of texts, yet does so in ever new ways, which can be seen as a function of the New Testament’s role as a canonical text that is required to occassion new interpretations for new contexts if it is to continue its
role as a canonical text.