The International Reformed Theological Institute (IRTI) was founded in 1995. Its purpose is to create a platform where Reformed theologians from all over the world can meet each other, become acquainted with each other's work, discuss theological issues and stimulate each other in scholarly theological research. The members of IRTI present their work in the series Studies in Reformed Theology. Thus, the volumes of this series offer a perspective on the theological insights and spirituality of Reformed theologians all over the world.

The fourth and fifth volume of the series Studies in Reformed Theology contain the contributions to the third international conference of the IRTI. Leading theme of the conference was 'Christian Hope in Context.'

The fourth volume contains contributions from the perspective of historical research, biblical theology, systematic theology and the relation between biblical and secular literature. All articles in one way or another reflect the cotnext of the author.