Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions

by Craig L. Blomberg

The New Testament is the foundation of the Christian church, but some question its historical accuracy. Others have claimed that Paul's teaching differs from that of the Gospels. How can we reconcile the seemingly different messages of Jesus and Paul? What is the relevance of the New Testament in our world today, in cultures far removed by time and space from the first-century Mediterranean world? What principles can we use to make appropriate applications?
In Making Sense of the New Testament, Craig Blomberg offers a reasonable, well-informed response to these crucial questions encountered by Bible readers. Grounded in sound scholarship but written in an accessible style, this book offers reliable guidance to pastors, students, and anyone interested in a better understanding of the New Testament.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology, New Testament

190 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

Dr. Craig Blomberg joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 1986. He is currently a distinguished professor of New Testament.

Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.

In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.

Reviews

[Scott Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is an intro book to NT study. The author states his goal is to help the "well-read lay-person" and he certainly does just that. The book looks to answer 3 ?s:

1. Is the NT historically reliable: Yes

2. Is Paul the true founder of Christianity: No

3. Is the NT applicaple to life: Yes!



The first 2 sections rely on evidence from history from the text and just plain logic to anshow that the NT is a true reflection of the truth and what believers know of the text to be true.



The final section gives general principles on how to apply the NT and it's different sections to our modern life. This section is done well in that it gives solid principles to work by. The only thing that I felt detracted from it is that it, at times, made it appear that there was only one true application that any section of scripture can give and I am not sure that is always the case.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blomberg helps the reader make sense of the NT by systematically answering three questions: (1) Is the NT historically reliable? (2) Was Paul the true founder of Christianity? (3) How is the Christian to apply the NT to life? Making Sense of the NT is clearly written, striking a good balance between readability and thoroughness. Balanced and systematic, Blomberg offers a conservative scholarly response to liberals and skeptics alike. Great resource, but limited to the above questions. A-

[Chet Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really insightful. I would recommend it especially to a beginner student of biblical studies, as some of the material is covered in elementary courses on biblical interpretation. However, Blomberg uses classic arguments to reiterate issues surrounding the text that are relevant for even the experienced students of theology. The section on Paul (which is the 2nd of 3 sections in the book) was great!

[Ashish Jaituni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book! An honest inquiry into the new testament. But still there are parts where the author is not able to give compelling sound arguments especially on the question of Paul's teaching. But then again, I wonder if anyone else has been able to!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most concise (chapter 1 - 50 pgs) and compelling defense of the historical reliability of the New Testament. It is something that can be passed along to unbelievers.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book that would make a great secondary text to a course on Intro to NT or NT Survey course.