Hendrikus Berkhof (1914–1995)

Berkhof's short exposition sketching out the place and role of the powers in the New Testament and God's economy.

The author does well at seeing the value of what he has written for what it is and should be commended for not doing much to alter or expand it when given the opportunity. The work is a very accessible introduction to what Paul deems the powers and principalities and how they function. He is more optimistic about the powers than many others, seeing a possibility for redemption or at least for them to act according to God's purposes.

What I find most unfortunate about this edition is how it has John Howard Yoder plastered all over it. Yes, Yoder is the translator; he is also the popularizer both of Berkhof's little work and a political philosophy of Christianity deeply informed by the powers. But Yoder has been appropriately canceled for not living according to the profession of nonviolence; Berkhof and his work should not be sullied in the process.

Highly recommended.… (more)

Berkhof provides a unique perspective on the "powers" Paul mentions in several places in his writings. The conclusion is that they are not "angels," or even personal beings, per se, but rather systems of power and ideology. He does not rule out the possible involvement of some sort of spiritual beings, but his emphasis is more on the role the powers play. Christ has dethroned these powers and it is the church that stands as witness to this. The church is primarily tasked with resisting the forces that would reinstate the old powers, and Christ is the one to enforce His sovereignty.… (more)