A New Testament Introduction for the Heart and Mind

For years, Mark J. Keown has been teaching New Testament introduction courses at Laidlaw College in Auckland, New Zealand. His praxis of extensive classroom teaching has been distilled into a three-volume set. Discovering the New Testament is a new and comprehensive introduction to the New Testament, reflecting current research and scholarship in New Testament studies.

Keown’s approach incorporates the standard elements of a biblical introduction along with an exploration of the key theological themes present in the text and their practical application. Ideal for college or seminary students, the volumes provide numerous maps and charts, as well as discussion questions for each chapter and a focus on real-life relevance and application.

The first volume on the Gospels and Acts covers Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds, critical methodologies, and the synoptic problem, and surveys each of the four gospels and Acts.  It concludes with three chapters that explore the key theme of the kingdom of God, including its Old Testament background, the place of miracles, and an examination of Jesus’ parables.

Here are just a few endorsements the first volume has received from some of Keown’s peers:

“Mark Keown’s New Testament introduction sorts through a myriad of New Testament issues and themes, giving readers a solid acquaintance with the views and ideas this text raises and the background to its construction. The options are presented and analyzed with care, making it a worthy guide to these crucial first five books of the New Testament.” — Darrell Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

“This lucid and illuminating Introduction is everything one would want in a book that aims to help us to read the New Testament. It gives a clear guide to historical setting, to methods of interpretation, and to key theological issues. It also shows us how the center of the New Testament is Jesus Christ and how the New Testament needs to be read in the light of Christ. All those who read this Introduction will be grateful to Mark Keown for this accessible and engaging book.” — Paul Trebilco, Professor of New Testament, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Otago

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Volume 1 of Discovering the New Testament is now available in all formats. Start exploring today!