The New Testament: A Student's Introduction

Designed for students beginning their first systematic study of the Christian Scriptures, The New Testament: A Student's Introductionis reader-friendly and effectively organized to facilitate student learning. The text surveys the historical and cultural background of the early Christian era and offers cogent discussions of each of the New Testament's twenty-seven books, from the Gospel biographies of Jesus to the mystic symbols of Revelation. In addition to presenting the Jewish and Greco-Roman context in which the canonical authors wrote, the text incorporates important scholarship that helps illuminate each document's principal themes and religious significance. This well-balanced introduction, featuring numerous maps, charts and essays, enhances students' understanding of the first-century Christian experience and distinctive worldview.

Preface

Part I. AN INVITATION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

Chapter 1. An Overview of the New Testament

Chapter 2. How the New Testament Was Formed and Handed Down to Us

Part II. THE THREE WORLDS IN WHICH CHRISTIANITY ORIGINATED

Chapter 3. The Diverse World of First-Century Judaism

Chapter 4. The World of Greek Thought and Culture

Chapter 5. The World of Roman Political Power

Part III. DIVERSE PORTRAITS OF JESUS

Chapter 6. The Gospels: Form and Purpose

Chapter 7. Mark's Portrait of Jesus: The Hidden Messiah and Eschatological Judge

Chapter 8. Matthew's Portrait of Jesus: A Teacher Greater than Moses

Chapter 9. Luke's Portrait of Jesus: A Savior for "All Nations"

Chapter 10. Luke’s Portrait of the Early Church: Jesus’ Followers Continue His Work

Chapter 11. John’s Portrait of Jesus: Divine Wisdom Made Flesh

Chapter 12. The Continuing Quest for the Historical Jesus

PART IV. PAUL AND THE PAULINE TRADITION

Chapter 13. Paul: Apostle to the Nations

Chapter 14. Unity, Freedom, and Christ's Return: Paul's Letters to Thessalonica and Corinth

Chapter 15. Freedom from Law and Justification by Faith: Galatians and Romans

16. Letters from Prison: Philippians and Philemon

17. Continuing the Pauline Tradition: 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, the Pastoral Epistles, and Other Early Christian Writings Influenced by Pauline Thought

PART V. GENERAL LETTERS AND SOME VISIONS OF END TIME

Chapter 18. General Letters on Faith and Behavior: Hebrews, the Catholic Epistles, and the Noncanonical Teachings (Didache) of the Twelve Apostles

Chapter 19. Continuing the Apocalyptic Hope: The Book of Revelation and Other Jewish/Christian Apocalyptic Works

Chapter 20. The Judeo-Christian Bible and Subsequent History

Appendix: The Other Gospels: Additional Portraits of Jesus

Glossary of New Testament Terms and Concepts

Credits

Index