The New Testament: Its Background and Message

by Thomas D. Lea, David Alan Black (Primary Contributor)

In the comprehensive The New Its Background and Message , the late Thomas Lea presented a clear and concise introduction to the New Testament giving readers the key that unlocks the door to understanding these important texts. This influential work presents the background of the New Testament with broad strokes and with a focus on specific books including the Gospels, Acts, and Paul and his letters. Originally written in an easy-to-understand style and form, Lea’s text continues to unlock the message of the New Testament for both new students and seasoned scholars.

Genres: New Testament, Theology, Christian, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Religion, School

672 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Brandon Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the textbook for my New Testament survey class. It’s a great tool to have around in case you need to reference the background of any of the new testament books. An overall great read.

[Missie Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good book, if slightly lacking in balance in viewpoints.

[Kathleen Lancia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the history behind the new Testament, and the perspectives history had on the writing. The more we know about the religions we adhere to, the easier it is for our faith walk.

[Byron Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo leí en el Seminario y me ayudo mucho

[Ramon de la Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good and teachable book. I truly recommended this book to understand and dig into deep investigation about the NT. I was able to learn from each book of the nt and explore it's context.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part One was exceptional in the big picture background of the NT. The history from the end of the OT to the beginning of the NT well sets the stage. Daily life and the unique religious background of the times are carefully explained. The chapter on the text illumined canonicity in a small compass.

Part Two combines a study of the background of Jesus’ ministry and of the Gospels themselves. The four chapters on Jesus’s ministry and its changing geographical emphasis are essential to properly understanding the New Testament.

The balance of the book covers Paul and the Epistles. It ends with a chapter on Revelation where various viewpoints are covered. Each NT book has its contents, unique features, themes, and an outline given.

There are helpful charts interspersed throughout the text. One of the best traits of this volume that is often missing in such volumes is that it reads well. I recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having used this book as one of three different textbooks throughout the course of two different consecutive classes, namely, Intro to New Testament 1 and 2, I can say that Lea presents a friendly and amiable resource for a lay-introduction to the New Testament.

Although the material lacks depths, criticism, and scholarly insight like other introduction to New Testament textbooks, like for example D.A. Carson's, I believe that Lea's The New Testament: Its Background and Message serves a very different purpose of making the overall understanding of the New Testament from an evangelical standpoint known to the lay readers who have previously had no experience save reading the New Testament itself. Overall, I pleasant read, and a purposeful introductory book - however, if one is looking for a more insightful and scholarly work on the subject, numerous books accord far better than this one.

Brent McCulley (11/20/2013)

[Clara Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written to be used as a textbook in a theology class. The four gospels are presented as one unit. I did enjoy this book except for all of the discussions of who wrote which book. For me that was boring. I own a number of survey textbooks on the N.T. This books presentation was quite different. I read this book as I was reading through the N.T. By reading this text side by side as I read the Bible was a pleasure,especially his commentary on Revelations.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource book, it gives good background information concerning the Old Testament. The background material covers political, culutural, and historical information as well as issues surrounding each book of the NT and a good summary of the content of each book of the NT. This belongs on your commentary shelf and will be referred to often.

[Josh Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best things about this book is the fact that it is precise. But compared to Carson and Moo's Intro, it is almost a waste of time. If theirs is too technical and detailed then this book deserves 4 stars in its own right because its good, Carson and Moo's is just better in every way.

[Pam Beard drury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource book for anyone that wants to know more about the New Tesament. The information is well organized and easy to follow.

[Paul Langworthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read new testament summary.

[Kristen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource

[Danyelle Scroggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was in interesting read and I recommend for any seminary student or someone on a search for deeper knowledge in the Word of Truth.