Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology
Overview
Introducing the New Testament is an outstanding guide to the writings of the New Testament for readers ranging from Bible students to those approaching the Christian Scriptures for the first time. Written by three leading Bible specialists, this book discusses in a clear and balanced way the New Testament’s literature, its message, and the issues raised by a careful reading of its pages. Wonderfully readable and well supplied with maps and photographs, this volume is both an ideal textbook for courses covering the New Testament and a superb introduction for general readers wanting authoritative, straight-forward instruction on the writings of the New Testament.
Unlike other New Testament introductions that are primarily concerned with historical-critical issues or with what scholars have said, this book gets directly to the business of explaining the New Testament’s background, content, and theology. The authors do not presume that readers need to be familiar with scholarly debates about the New Testament, nor do they assume those debates have necessarily raised the most important issues. Instead, this book is aimed at putting the message of the Christian Scriptures back within the reach of general readers. Although informed by the current scholarship in the history, traditions, and literature of the New Testament, this book is primarily designed to induct readers of the New Testament into sensitive appreciation and serious awareness of its major figures and concerns.
After explaining the nature of the New Testament and the world in which it was written, the authors thoroughly discuss each of the 27 books of the New Testament. The content and essential message of these ancient works are described in simple but dynamic language that reveals why they continue to inspire and challenge readers today. Separate chapters also explore the types of literature found in the New Testament, the life and teachings of Jesus, Paul’s life and world, and the formation of the New Testament canon. In addition, numerous sidebars offer a wealth of fascinating and highly relevant background information that helps modern readers more fully grasp biblical themes. No other work on the New Testament is so accessible and enjoyable to use.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches 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.
If you like this resource be sure to check out the Eerdmans New Testament Studies Collection (23 vols.).
Top Highlights
“Underlying and pervading the writings of the NT, then, is the convergence of these three great rivers of tradition: Israel, Greece, and Rome.” (Page 15)
“In many ways, the city of Corinth Paul knew was closer to a modern American city than almost any other ancient city” (Page 329)
“Ignoring the literary differences and distinctives of each document will inevitably lead to misreading them.” (Pages 4–5)
“The OT is thus more than a preface to the good news of Jesus Christ. It is the revelatory narrative of God’s dealings with Israel, of the story of God’s saving purpose, which reaches its completion in the advent of Jesus. It is in this sense that the OT prepares the way of the Lord and the NT proclaims that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (Page 10)
“They use the language of prophecy, promise, and fulfillment, reminding their readers that the NT cannot be read apart from the OT. The NT authors view themselves as interpreting the texts of the OT, and doing so in light of the conviction that what God has done through Jesus Christ for the salvation of all the world was anticipated by the work of God in and through the people of Israel, the primary witness to which can be read in the pages of the OT.” (Page 9)
This introduction to the New Testament is exceptional for its balance of historical, literary, and theological considerations. It is also exceptional for the conciseness and clarity with which it is written. An ideal introduction for seminary courses.
John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT.
Anyone coming to the New Testament for the first time needs a clear and comprehensible guide, abreast of recent scholarship but not forbiddingly long or technical. Here it is.
N. T. Wright, Senior research fellow at the University of Oxford
Paul J. Achtemeier, Joel B. Green, and Marianne Meye Thompson provide a clear, historically informed introduction to the New Testament as the scripture of the Christian church. This book's structure, theological content, and balanced critical judgments should make it a valuable resource for introductory New Testament courses.
Richard B. Hays, Dean and George Washington Ivey Professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC
- Title: Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology
- Authors: Joel B. Green, Marianne Meye Thompson, Paul Achtemeier
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Print Publication Date: 2001
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 636
- Era: era:Contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. › Introductions
- ISBNs: 9780802837172, 0802837174
- Resource ID: LLS:NTRDCNGNWTSTMNT
- Resource Type: text.monograph.biblical-theology
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:57:30Z
Paul J. Achtemeier is the former Herbert Worth and Annie H. Jackson Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia. He has served as the president of both the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association. He has authored a number of books, including 1 Peter (Hermeneia) and is the general editor for Harper's Bible Dictionary.
Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics, the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Introducing the New Testament, and Commentaries on Luke and 1 Peter. He is also editor-in-chief of the Journal of Theological Interpretation.
Marianne Meye Thompson is George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, and an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church. Her previous books include commentaries on the Gospel of John and the Johannine epistles.
