A Concise Guide to Reading the New Testament: A Canonical Introduction

by David R. Nienhuis

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2018

Overview

The New Testament came together, and comes to us, not as a randomly sorted set of individual books but as a definitely shaped and ordered whole. In this concise, theological introduction to the New Testament, David Nienhuis sheds light on the interpretive significance of the canon's structure and sequence. Nienhuis argues that the New Testament is deliberately formed in such a way that its presentation of God's work in Christ teaches what it means to be formed into God's people. Providing an essential overview often missing from New Testament books and courses, it will serve as an accessible supplement to any New Testament or Bible introduction textbook.

Key Features

• A compendius analysis of the New Testament and its theology
• Provides a convenient supplement to traditional New Testament introductions
• Evaluates New Testament theology holistically

Contents

• Introduction: The Form and Function of the New Testament Canon
• The Gospel according to Matthew: The Call to Discipleship
• The Gospel according to Mark: The Cost of Discipleship
• The Gospel according to Luke: The Scope of Discipleship
• The Gospel according to John: The Center of Discipleship
• The Acts of the Apostles: The Community of Discipleship
• The Letters of Paul: The Pattern of Discipleship
• The Catholic Epistles: The Tradition of Discipleship
• The Revelation to John: The Conquering Disciple

Praise for the Print Edition

This is not simply a conventional historical introduction. Instead, David Nienhuis offers a robustly theological proposal about how to read the New Testament as a collection of texts that are foundational for Christian faith and practice. His reading highlights the carefully structured architecture of the generally received NT canon, as well as the way in which the texts form Christian disciples. Not to be overlooked are his illuminating citations of passages illustrating the reception of the NT books by patristic interpreters. A thought-provoking resource for all who seek to introduce students to the NT as Christian Scripture.

—Richard B. Hays, George Washington Ivey Professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School

Of the making of New Testament introductions there is no end--yet this volume is truly unique: a guide to the New Testament as a coherent, ordered, and interconnected collection of writings about God's saving work in Jesus and the call to discipleship. This fascinating and insightful volume will benefit readers of Scripture in various settings, from the formal classroom to the church to the home.

—Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University

Newcomers to the formal study of the New Testament need a reliable guide that pulls its readers into the heart of the New Testament itself, one that prioritizes learning the New Testament over learning about the New Testament. This is that guide, but it is more besides. It's also an impressive, uncluttered reading of the New Testament as the church's Scriptures that promotes faithful life and witness.

—Joel B. Green, professor of New Testament interpretation, Fuller Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: A Concise Guide to Reading the New Testament: A Canonical Introduction
• Author: David R. Nienhuis
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 208
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: New Testament Theology

About David R. Nienhuis

David R. Nienhuis received his PhD from the University of Aberdeen and is assistant professor of New Testament and director of the University Foundations Program at Seattle Pacific University.