Introduction to the New Testament (2 vols.)
Overview
This two volume collection from distinguished Harvard Divinity School professor Helmut Koester gives readers a thorough introduction to the New Testament, situated within discussion of the surrounding history and culture. Written in an accessible, non-technical style, Koester’s work has been established as a classic of New Testament studies. And with improvements to the translation in this second edition, Introduction to the New Testament is an indispensable textbook and reference for teachers, students, clergy, and the educated layperson interested in a scholarly treatment of the New Testament and its background in the Judaic and Greco-Roman world.
In the Logos editions, these valuable volumes are enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to multiple English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Access helpful original language tools to delve deeper. Perform powerful searches for people, places, ideas, and more to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Key Features
- Provides a thorough introduction to the historical development of early Christianity
- Includes numerous maps, photographs, and charts
- Offers an easier reading experience in this new edition
Praise for the Print Edition
…[A]n authoritative, detailed analysis of the environment of the New Testament from Alexander the Great to the Roman Empire.
—James M. Robinson, professor emeritus of religious, Claremont Graduate School
Product Details
- Title: Introduction to the New Testament
- Author: Helmut Koester
- Edition: 2nd
- Publisher: De Gruyter
- Volumes: 2
- Pages: 783
Individual Titles
In this first volume of Introduction to the New Testament, Helmut Koester provides an examination of the historical context leading up to the New Testament. Wide in scope and thorough in its treatment, volume one of this series will give readers an idea of the intellectual, political, and religious climate out of which the New Testament emerged. This valuable text builds into giving readers a better grasp of the background of early Christian writings, which are covered more directly in the second volume.
In the second volume of this collection, Koester continues his look at early Christianity, examining its historical development through its canonical and non-canonical literature. Using an engaging chronological and geographical approach, he thoroughly examines the New Testament and the world from which it emerged. Throughout this text, he provides readers with insight into how the New Testament books were written and his argument as to their intent. He examines numerous biblical figures including John the Baptist and several apostles who established early Christian churches, while giving some attention to examining early Christian writings from a literary perspective.
Partially includedAbout the Author
Helmut Koester is the John H. Morison Research Professor of Divinity and the Winn Research Professor of Ecclesiastical History, emeritus at Harvard Divinity School. He is chair of the New Testament Board of Hermeneia, a continuing critical and historical commentary on the Bible. He has edited numerous volumes in the Hermeneia series as well as Cities of Paul: Images and Interpretations from the Harvard New Testament. Koester also served as editor of Harvard Theological Review and Archaeological Resources for New Testament Studies, and authored Paul and His World: Interpreting the New Testament in Its Context.
Reviews
1 rating
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Logosed
7/11/2020
The academic community is well served with several excellent introductions to the New Testament. The standard introduction is still that of Kummel which is written in the old style of author, date of writing, etc. Helmut Koester's two-volume introduction to the New Testament is of a different kind and of a different class. Although described as an introduction, it is really for those who already understand the critical issues surrounding New Testament scholarship. Koester writes with unparalleled erudition. His is the only introduction to the New Testament currently available which does full justice to the large body of noncanonical writings that come from the same period as the New Testament. Koester is unapologetic for his rigorous critical approach, inherited from his mentor Bultmann. Although the work was originally written in German, the second edition has been completely revised in English and reads like an English work. Those who are interested in New Testament studies will find this an absorbing, complex, and deeply satisfying account even if they find themselves disagreeing with Koester at significant points. The work is written so well that one cannot put it down. In short, the finest introduction to the New Testament on the market.