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What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Their Writings
Fifteen top-rated professors from twelve leading Christian colleges and universities have collaborated to write this succinct, accessible New Testament survey. Unlike similar entry-level textbooks, all the contributors teach undergraduate students and understand their culture. Introductory issues (Who? When? Where? Why?) are condensed to a one-page snapshot of all the most pertinent information. In addition, more than one hundred applications are highlighted in sidebars to clarify how the New Testament authors might apply their writings to Christians living in the twenty-first century. The book's uncomplicated structure and creative format make it a perfect tool for Christian education programs in the church and college New Testament courses.Praise for What the New Testament Authors Really Cared "I have been using What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About for a full year and have had better response from my university students to this text than any I have used in the past two decades. The question is not whether a text covers everything that I as a Ph.D. In New Testament think should be covered in a survey of the New Testament. Rather, the question is whether such a text covers well and compellingly what can be covered well in a freshman-level class full of students who need to be drawn into a deeper interaction with God's Word. My survey students find the format of this text readable and the content helpful. I highly recommend it."George H. Guthrie, Union University"One of the challenges of teaching NT survey courses for general university students is striking the balance between giving them too much information, so that they are overwhelmed, and leaving them with too little, so that they are not stretched. This challenge is epitomized by the choice of text that is used. The great value of What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About is that the editors and authors have thought deeply about this issue, resulting in a volume that succeeds in finding that balance. Based on the confirmation that I have already received from students, I anticipate using this text to great benefit in my survey classes for years to come."Jonathan Lunde, Biola University"What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About is unique in that it is written by college professors for college students. Customarily college texts are written by seminary professors. While I have nothing against seminary profs, there is a world of difference between the two settings. This text gets right to the point and highlights the most important content for the target audience. The presentation is clear and attractive and the result is that students have a resource that meets them at their level and leads them to a much deeper understanding of God's Word."Scott Duvall Ouachita Baptist University"This book is helpful, informative, and accessible to undergraduates for whom the bottom line generally is, "What's the bottom line]" It contains a good balance between content summary and relevant historical background information to bring the New Testament documents to life. It would make a great text for a one semester New Testament survey course."GUnther H. Juncker, Toccoa Falls College"While teaching Freshman New Testament Survey courses for more than thirty years, I have been constantly looking for a textbook that will be suitable for these Freshman courses. The book What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About has been the best textbook to meet that need."Julio C. Vena, Toccoa Falls College
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First published July 1, 2008
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March 3, 2021
I read this book as a textbook for my Introduction to the New Testament class, and I actually liked it.
This book begins with a crash course in Jewish history. The author picks out some significant events in their history and goes into depth about their significance to the authors of the New Testament.
Then the book breaks up into sections, focusing on each author of the New Testament and the books they wrote. We get a breakdown of what each author was trying to convey through this book as well as a summary of the book. The authors also focus on the validity of each book included in the New Testament.
This book provided a nice overview of the authors of the New Testament and the significance of those ideas. I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to those desiring to know the cultural context behind the authors of the New Testament.
This book begins with a crash course in Jewish history. The author picks out some significant events in their history and goes into depth about their significance to the authors of the New Testament.
Then the book breaks up into sections, focusing on each author of the New Testament and the books they wrote. We get a breakdown of what each author was trying to convey through this book as well as a summary of the book. The authors also focus on the validity of each book included in the New Testament.
This book provided a nice overview of the authors of the New Testament and the significance of those ideas. I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to those desiring to know the cultural context behind the authors of the New Testament.
December 1, 2015
There are many introductory books to the New Testament in the market and many more are being published and reedited. That is the case of the book What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Their Writings (2nd ed).
This book could be catalogued as an introduction to the New Testament because that is the purpose of this book. The book is structured and divided by biblical authors and the books they wrote. Its main focus is to provide readers with a better understanding of what was the main purpose of every New Testament writer to write the book or letter they wrote.
Every chapter opens by answering the questions Who? When? Where? and Why? These are the basic questions that every Bible student should seek to answer in order to be able to understand the basic of every book. Then the authors include carefully crafted verses from the book under study. The authors do not engage in theological, exegetical discussions, or textual issues. Instead they provide an overview of the context of each book and the author’s main purpose.
The book includes an introductory chapter entitled “Walking in the Sands of a First-Century Jew.” This chapter summarizes the Assyrian and the Babylonian exiles, the Persian and Greek periods, and how these events affected the nation of Israel. It also covers the transition from intertestamental time to the Roman Empire as the New Testament authors knew it. The chapter provides a solid base for the study of the following chapters.
A noteworthy characteristic from this book is the maps, charts, graphics, tables, and pictures it includes. That is a very helpful aid for students who are in the process of getting familiar to the New Testament and its times and custom. The hardcover and format make this book resistant to manipulation without the inconvenient of heaviness.
In summary, its structure and content make this book an excellent resource for seminary students, pastors, Bible students, and Christians in general. If you are planning to teach introduction to the New Testament in your church or to a group of students who have never study the New Testament before, this could be one of the most helpful books you can use for that purpose. Highly recommended.
In encourage every Christian from the English speaking world to buy this book. You can buy it here
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.
This book could be catalogued as an introduction to the New Testament because that is the purpose of this book. The book is structured and divided by biblical authors and the books they wrote. Its main focus is to provide readers with a better understanding of what was the main purpose of every New Testament writer to write the book or letter they wrote.
Every chapter opens by answering the questions Who? When? Where? and Why? These are the basic questions that every Bible student should seek to answer in order to be able to understand the basic of every book. Then the authors include carefully crafted verses from the book under study. The authors do not engage in theological, exegetical discussions, or textual issues. Instead they provide an overview of the context of each book and the author’s main purpose.
The book includes an introductory chapter entitled “Walking in the Sands of a First-Century Jew.” This chapter summarizes the Assyrian and the Babylonian exiles, the Persian and Greek periods, and how these events affected the nation of Israel. It also covers the transition from intertestamental time to the Roman Empire as the New Testament authors knew it. The chapter provides a solid base for the study of the following chapters.
A noteworthy characteristic from this book is the maps, charts, graphics, tables, and pictures it includes. That is a very helpful aid for students who are in the process of getting familiar to the New Testament and its times and custom. The hardcover and format make this book resistant to manipulation without the inconvenient of heaviness.
In summary, its structure and content make this book an excellent resource for seminary students, pastors, Bible students, and Christians in general. If you are planning to teach introduction to the New Testament in your church or to a group of students who have never study the New Testament before, this could be one of the most helpful books you can use for that purpose. Highly recommended.
In encourage every Christian from the English speaking world to buy this book. You can buy it here
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.
January 6, 2021
Half the book of its OT companion. Wish the editors had maintained the same standard across both books. Helpful, brief but some of the later chapters seriously lack meat.
October 14, 2020
Largely good information, but from a skewed perspective. The title says it all: "What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About." Who cares what they cared about?! I want to know what God cares about! While looking at the New Testament as literature written by real humans can be helpful, it is not the main point. The important thing is to realize that we are reading the words of God Himself.
This skewed perspective produces statements like "In his gospel account, John portrays Jesus as..." or "For Paul, salvation is..." which give a slight aura of subjectivity to the New Testament's absolutely objective statements of truth.
If you can weed out this undue attention to the human author's intentions, this text serves as a pretty good but very broad overview of the New Testament.
This skewed perspective produces statements like "In his gospel account, John portrays Jesus as..." or "For Paul, salvation is..." which give a slight aura of subjectivity to the New Testament's absolutely objective statements of truth.
If you can weed out this undue attention to the human author's intentions, this text serves as a pretty good but very broad overview of the New Testament.
December 10, 2018
I am thankful for this book's approach to surveying the NT: Look at what message(s) the NT authors most cared to communicate. However, about half of the contributors to this volume failed to convince me that they were landing on those themes their respective NT author "really" cared about. The contributors who did this well showed their work from a careful literary analysis of the text at hand. Those who did not may or may not have gotten it right.
April 27, 2020
Used as a textbook for my Introduction to New Testament class.
This was actually a very informative, fresh way to outline the important aspects and lessons of each of the New Testament books! I also loved that they incorporated different elements-like pictures, graphs, etc.- to give the readers a better picture of the author’s intended meaning. Overall a great textbook for my NT class!
This was actually a very informative, fresh way to outline the important aspects and lessons of each of the New Testament books! I also loved that they incorporated different elements-like pictures, graphs, etc.- to give the readers a better picture of the author’s intended meaning. Overall a great textbook for my NT class!
February 10, 2016
Berding and Williams have taken a standard type of work (NT surveys) and have brought a slightly different approach to reading the books of the NT. A collaborative work of NT scholars (from a largely conservative approach), this project seeks to hone in one what the writers of the NT books were most concerned with. While the book’s contributors do address traditional introductory matters, e.g., authorship, date, provenance, etc., the bulk of their writing is devoted to an issue that sometimes receives comparatively less attention—the issue of the biblical book’s purpose. The end result is more discussion of prominent themes in each book. It is also important to note that the approach of the contributors is geared toward undergraduates, who presumably have had less exposure to the introductory matters of the NT.
In terms of features designed to assist those who are relatively new to the enterprise of NT interpretation, there are several. In addition to the items mentioned above (color photos, marginal captions, et al), each chapter concludes with a word bank of terms considered to be significant to that chapter and, presumably, chosen to prompt further study of the book’s key themes. Additionally, each chapter features a very brief bibliography to serve as starting points for additional readings on each section. These bibliographies consist of 2–3 titles, which is suitable for starting points for broader and more in-depth exploration.
I’d also like to comment on the design of this book. While Kregel’s volumes are always well done, the ones I’ve read have always been designed with a more utilitarian slant—they’re made to be read, not so much to be appreciated visually. However, this volume has been designed with much more attention to the aesthetics. Not only are the pages semi-glossed, but they also include numerous hi-resolution, full color photos, along with the various sidebars and info boxes. These elements make for a visually appealing work. This volume reminds me of many of Zondervan’s works—a compliment to be sure—with its visually intense layouts and eye-catching designs. One may also make comparisons to Elwell and Yarbrough’s Encountering the New Testament, now in its third edition.
Overall, this is a well-designed and helpful introduction to the NT. However, I think it’s important to note that this volume is written from a very conservative approach. I don’t necessarily mean that to be a criticism or a fault, but a point of note for those considering purchasing this volume. When it comes to conservative intros to the NT, they are legion, so this volume is certainly not breaking any new ground or vying for any top spots in that category. However, when compared to other standard intros from a conservative viewpoint, e.g., Carson/Moo, Köstenberger/Kellum/Quarles, this volume stands out as more overtly conservative and less inclined towards discussions with critical scholarships at which the various authors may be at odds. However, I must reiterate that the authors’ audience should be kept in mind—conservative Christian undergrads with minimal exposure to the world of higher criticism. As such, this volume will serve as a decent start on the path to seeing the primary themes in each canonical book. Also, as mentioned earlier, the limitations posed by the authors’ audience necessarily preclude lengthier discussions of matters considered to be of critical importance by scholarship. Controversial issues, e.g., Mark’s “messianic secret,” the ending of Mark’s Gospel, the New Perspective on Paul, various interpretive approaches to the book of Revelation, do not occupy a great deal of space.
As with any book, there are also a few negative points. First is the use of transliterated Greek. I continue to puzzle over why publishers employ transliteration. If you don’t know the language, it is of no real value. Just being able to haphazardly pronounce a particular word serves no purpose in the work of exegesis and thus is unnecessary. Second, a number of the captions in the margins are somewhat hokey. For example, in the opening chapter (which discusses the historical backgrounds of the NT) one caption (p. 26) reads “Those from Qumran spent a lot of time copying and reading the Word of God. They would ask us how much time we spend in the Word.” Now, let me say that this may not be wrong on its face, but comes across as overly simplified and presumptuous. Perhaps the scribes there would ask moderns that question, but I have my doubts it would be toward the top of the list. Another example is found in the chapter on Acts, which reads “Luke would be delighted to remind us that God uses people to fulfill his plan” (p. 109). Again, it’s not wrong per se, but seems simplistic and overtly obvious. Third, on p. 27, the writer claims that apocrypha means “unveiling.” Frankly, I find this surprising. The term apocrypha derives from the word αποκρυπτω, which means “to hide/conceal.” The term αποκαλυπτω means “to unveil”, so I’m not sure how this made it through editing.
In sum, I think this volume is helpful for its intended audience, but for those who are more familiar with the NT and its contexts, numerous other volumes are available for more in-depth study.
In terms of features designed to assist those who are relatively new to the enterprise of NT interpretation, there are several. In addition to the items mentioned above (color photos, marginal captions, et al), each chapter concludes with a word bank of terms considered to be significant to that chapter and, presumably, chosen to prompt further study of the book’s key themes. Additionally, each chapter features a very brief bibliography to serve as starting points for additional readings on each section. These bibliographies consist of 2–3 titles, which is suitable for starting points for broader and more in-depth exploration.
I’d also like to comment on the design of this book. While Kregel’s volumes are always well done, the ones I’ve read have always been designed with a more utilitarian slant—they’re made to be read, not so much to be appreciated visually. However, this volume has been designed with much more attention to the aesthetics. Not only are the pages semi-glossed, but they also include numerous hi-resolution, full color photos, along with the various sidebars and info boxes. These elements make for a visually appealing work. This volume reminds me of many of Zondervan’s works—a compliment to be sure—with its visually intense layouts and eye-catching designs. One may also make comparisons to Elwell and Yarbrough’s Encountering the New Testament, now in its third edition.
Overall, this is a well-designed and helpful introduction to the NT. However, I think it’s important to note that this volume is written from a very conservative approach. I don’t necessarily mean that to be a criticism or a fault, but a point of note for those considering purchasing this volume. When it comes to conservative intros to the NT, they are legion, so this volume is certainly not breaking any new ground or vying for any top spots in that category. However, when compared to other standard intros from a conservative viewpoint, e.g., Carson/Moo, Köstenberger/Kellum/Quarles, this volume stands out as more overtly conservative and less inclined towards discussions with critical scholarships at which the various authors may be at odds. However, I must reiterate that the authors’ audience should be kept in mind—conservative Christian undergrads with minimal exposure to the world of higher criticism. As such, this volume will serve as a decent start on the path to seeing the primary themes in each canonical book. Also, as mentioned earlier, the limitations posed by the authors’ audience necessarily preclude lengthier discussions of matters considered to be of critical importance by scholarship. Controversial issues, e.g., Mark’s “messianic secret,” the ending of Mark’s Gospel, the New Perspective on Paul, various interpretive approaches to the book of Revelation, do not occupy a great deal of space.
As with any book, there are also a few negative points. First is the use of transliterated Greek. I continue to puzzle over why publishers employ transliteration. If you don’t know the language, it is of no real value. Just being able to haphazardly pronounce a particular word serves no purpose in the work of exegesis and thus is unnecessary. Second, a number of the captions in the margins are somewhat hokey. For example, in the opening chapter (which discusses the historical backgrounds of the NT) one caption (p. 26) reads “Those from Qumran spent a lot of time copying and reading the Word of God. They would ask us how much time we spend in the Word.” Now, let me say that this may not be wrong on its face, but comes across as overly simplified and presumptuous. Perhaps the scribes there would ask moderns that question, but I have my doubts it would be toward the top of the list. Another example is found in the chapter on Acts, which reads “Luke would be delighted to remind us that God uses people to fulfill his plan” (p. 109). Again, it’s not wrong per se, but seems simplistic and overtly obvious. Third, on p. 27, the writer claims that apocrypha means “unveiling.” Frankly, I find this surprising. The term apocrypha derives from the word αποκρυπτω, which means “to hide/conceal.” The term αποκαλυπτω means “to unveil”, so I’m not sure how this made it through editing.
In sum, I think this volume is helpful for its intended audience, but for those who are more familiar with the NT and its contexts, numerous other volumes are available for more in-depth study.
February 21, 2020
Good overview of each book of the New Testament, presented in an engaging format. The first chapter (“Walking in the Sandals of a First-Century Jew”) provides a very helpful overview of the scene during Jesus’ ministry.
May 5, 2022
The chapter on Revelation was really confusing, but I suppose it's hard to write a non-confusing summary on a confusing subject. It could have been explained better though. Other than that, solid 5/5.
August 21, 2017
Good overview of the New Testament
February 21, 2018
This book was an incredible survey book. It is a very well put-together summary that puts much needed context to our new testament.
March 2, 2018
This book gives a concise overview of all the books in the New Testament.
November 21, 2021
This is a refreshing read viewing the books of the New Testament through the eyes of the authors.
December 29, 2020
Really good survey of NT: its themes and historical background. From Ridgeway class.
December 19, 2015
When I had the opportunity to review this book, I took it without deliberating because I reviewed its predecessor What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About which I was very impressed with, and find very helpful as a reference tool.
Here is what the publisher, Kregel, says about the 2nd edition:
"Now in hardcover, this second edition of What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About has a new cover and layout to correspond with the look of the popular companion volume, What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About."
The artwork is on the hardcover which I really like, instead of a dust jacket. The paper and everything else about it is very high quality. Color is used throughout making it pleasing to look at, and the table of contents has a list almost four pages long of maps, photographs, and tables, to give you an idea of how illustrative it is. As with most things "illustrated", there are many photographs that are fillers--they could probably have been taken anywhere. I may have been more judicious and not have to have photos everywhere just because. On the other hand, it would be hard to find relevant photographs to find for every space that an image would occupy.
It’s a New Testament introduction (or survey) of sorts, but written by those who teach undergraduates as opposed to those in seminary or graduate courses. The audience is for the less scholarly inclined and more for the regular person who would like to get a good overview of each book of the New Testament and specifically what each inspired author was conveying to their original audience. There are also “more than one hundred applications highlighted in sidebars to clarify how the New Testament authors might apply their writings to Christians living in the twenty-first century.”
I found some of it to be somewhat of a summary of the Biblical book, which is rather simple, but the majority is on what each author emphasizes and is conveying to his audience.
The book is generally theologically neutral, but is bent towards the Calvinist end. This may be more apparent in some of the usual areas.
The first chapter, Walking in the Sandals of a First-Century Jew, is extremely helpful. This provides a backdrop of where the authors are coming from and who some of their original audience is.
There is no introduction to the gospels, which I at first found puzzling. I then realized that the book is focused on each author. However, What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About has a very helpful introduction to the minor prophets. I think one for at least the Synoptic Gospels would have been helpful to show the differences even more than the similarities. There is an introduction to Paul’s writings which is very informative.
For those who would like something other than the mammoth New Testament introductions, like deSilva’s–which I have–and is literally the biggest (tallest) book I have, but something more comprehensive than what a study Bible would have in their introductions to each book, this is a good fit. I’m very glad to have it as a reference book.
I received this book free from Kregel Academics for the purpose of reviewing it. 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
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kregel Academic; 2 edition (August 27, 2015)
- See more at: http://www.scripturezealot.com/?p=114...
Here is what the publisher, Kregel, says about the 2nd edition:
"Now in hardcover, this second edition of What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About has a new cover and layout to correspond with the look of the popular companion volume, What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About."
The artwork is on the hardcover which I really like, instead of a dust jacket. The paper and everything else about it is very high quality. Color is used throughout making it pleasing to look at, and the table of contents has a list almost four pages long of maps, photographs, and tables, to give you an idea of how illustrative it is. As with most things "illustrated", there are many photographs that are fillers--they could probably have been taken anywhere. I may have been more judicious and not have to have photos everywhere just because. On the other hand, it would be hard to find relevant photographs to find for every space that an image would occupy.
It’s a New Testament introduction (or survey) of sorts, but written by those who teach undergraduates as opposed to those in seminary or graduate courses. The audience is for the less scholarly inclined and more for the regular person who would like to get a good overview of each book of the New Testament and specifically what each inspired author was conveying to their original audience. There are also “more than one hundred applications highlighted in sidebars to clarify how the New Testament authors might apply their writings to Christians living in the twenty-first century.”
I found some of it to be somewhat of a summary of the Biblical book, which is rather simple, but the majority is on what each author emphasizes and is conveying to his audience.
The book is generally theologically neutral, but is bent towards the Calvinist end. This may be more apparent in some of the usual areas.
The first chapter, Walking in the Sandals of a First-Century Jew, is extremely helpful. This provides a backdrop of where the authors are coming from and who some of their original audience is.
There is no introduction to the gospels, which I at first found puzzling. I then realized that the book is focused on each author. However, What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About has a very helpful introduction to the minor prophets. I think one for at least the Synoptic Gospels would have been helpful to show the differences even more than the similarities. There is an introduction to Paul’s writings which is very informative.
For those who would like something other than the mammoth New Testament introductions, like deSilva’s–which I have–and is literally the biggest (tallest) book I have, but something more comprehensive than what a study Bible would have in their introductions to each book, this is a good fit. I’m very glad to have it as a reference book.
I received this book free from Kregel Academics for the purpose of reviewing it. 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
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kregel Academic; 2 edition (August 27, 2015)
- See more at: http://www.scripturezealot.com/?p=114...
September 13, 2016
Seminary classes often do not have time to cover each and every chapter and verse of the bible in class and usually what seminaries gives students an overview or survey of the various testaments. The pros of such an arrangement is that students are given a cliffsnotes edition to what each book of the bible is about. The cons however only equips students with the bare essentials of what the text is about. One can seem knowledgeable, but not really knowing their material well.
This books seems to want to fill this gap. Rather than dealing time dealing with the authors, dating and purpose. This book mainly deals with the purpose and flow of each book in the New Testament. What is unique about this book is how the chapters are grouped. They are divided into authors then books. As such, Luke-Acts comes before John, and John is followed by the Letters of John and Revelation. Although I appreciate how the editors have arranged the chapters. It was not clear how grouping the books by the author made significant contribution to the overall content. Each chapter could still be read alone, and there was not much interaction between the books written by the same biblical author (or maybe for Luke & John).
Having said that, this book will help anyone wants to see the structure and the flow of each of the book in the New Testament. Since the book does not dwell much on the technical stuff, I have found that this book can be marketed for any layperson who wants to grow in their grasp of the New Testament. Furthermore, I have found that the book contains plenty of pictures/charts/maps that will be refreshing for anyone who’s reading it. In the review copy I was given, I did noticed that one of the the picture was repeated with different captions (A scribe’s tools, pg 25; Qumran, Cave 4, pg 30). I’m not too sure if this error is present in the copies for sale. If so, future reprints should take note and rectify this error.
For seminary students, this may be the first book they read for their NT survey, but this book alone will not suffice and would need to be supplemented with other books that discuss more on the technical stuff. Pastors who have good knowledge of the New Testament might not need this book, but might be able to refer this book to their congregation for something that is more structured than a study bible, but leaves out on almost all of the technical stuff.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This books seems to want to fill this gap. Rather than dealing time dealing with the authors, dating and purpose. This book mainly deals with the purpose and flow of each book in the New Testament. What is unique about this book is how the chapters are grouped. They are divided into authors then books. As such, Luke-Acts comes before John, and John is followed by the Letters of John and Revelation. Although I appreciate how the editors have arranged the chapters. It was not clear how grouping the books by the author made significant contribution to the overall content. Each chapter could still be read alone, and there was not much interaction between the books written by the same biblical author (or maybe for Luke & John).
Having said that, this book will help anyone wants to see the structure and the flow of each of the book in the New Testament. Since the book does not dwell much on the technical stuff, I have found that this book can be marketed for any layperson who wants to grow in their grasp of the New Testament. Furthermore, I have found that the book contains plenty of pictures/charts/maps that will be refreshing for anyone who’s reading it. In the review copy I was given, I did noticed that one of the the picture was repeated with different captions (A scribe’s tools, pg 25; Qumran, Cave 4, pg 30). I’m not too sure if this error is present in the copies for sale. If so, future reprints should take note and rectify this error.
For seminary students, this may be the first book they read for their NT survey, but this book alone will not suffice and would need to be supplemented with other books that discuss more on the technical stuff. Pastors who have good knowledge of the New Testament might not need this book, but might be able to refer this book to their congregation for something that is more structured than a study bible, but leaves out on almost all of the technical stuff.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 5, 2016
Kenneth Berding and Matt Williams have edited a spectacular book that is sure to get a lot of use from teachers, students of the Bible, or anyone just wanting to gain a better understanding of the New Testament. The aim of the book is to present the reader with a brief summary of each New Testament book with a particular eye for the issues that would have concerned the original authors and their contemporaries. This is important because all too often, modern readers of the Bible default to reading the scriptures as if they were written within the context of the 21st century rather than the 1st century.
This introduction to the New Testament is easy to follow and outlines the main themes of each book. I really enjoyed the sidebars. For example, one of the sidebars in Romans reads,
"Paul would urge us to understand that 'praying to receive Jesus' or 'inviting Jesus into your heart' my not entirely capture the gospel message"
This idea may sound foreign to most Evangelicals today but the authors are spot on. Paul's gospel proclamation (like the rest of the New Testament authors) knew nothing of a "sinner's prayer" and they would have acted quickly to correct such a custom.
Again, in the gospel of Matthew, the authors pick up on his themes his love for the church and desire for followers of Christ to allow Jesus' teachings to change their life. In this is illustrated in a sidebar which says,
"If Matthew were here today, he would be concerned that many Christians fall short of putting the kingdom of God first"
These are just a couple examples of the hundreds of sidebars which are designed to communicate the author's concerns to a modern context. The strength of this approach is that it continually brings the reader back to the main theme of the books and realigns our thinking back to the plumb line of authorial intent in order to keep us on track with their message.
This book would be an excellent addition to a church library or home library intended for the beginner Bible student or homeschooler. More than that however, even the seasoned Bibles student would benefit from it as well. As one who regularly teaches from scripture I found it's simple layout and thematically astute structure perfect for a quick reference to check if I am staying on track with the author's thematic trajectory. Most of all I believe that this is a book that I can trust to leave in the hands of my own children knowing that a lot of scholarly research has gone into it to ensure that the intent of the original authors has been accurately assessed and communicated to the reader. This makes it a valuable resource for both church and family, and one that I heartily recommend.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Academic in exchange for an online review. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This introduction to the New Testament is easy to follow and outlines the main themes of each book. I really enjoyed the sidebars. For example, one of the sidebars in Romans reads,
"Paul would urge us to understand that 'praying to receive Jesus' or 'inviting Jesus into your heart' my not entirely capture the gospel message"
This idea may sound foreign to most Evangelicals today but the authors are spot on. Paul's gospel proclamation (like the rest of the New Testament authors) knew nothing of a "sinner's prayer" and they would have acted quickly to correct such a custom.
Again, in the gospel of Matthew, the authors pick up on his themes his love for the church and desire for followers of Christ to allow Jesus' teachings to change their life. In this is illustrated in a sidebar which says,
"If Matthew were here today, he would be concerned that many Christians fall short of putting the kingdom of God first"
These are just a couple examples of the hundreds of sidebars which are designed to communicate the author's concerns to a modern context. The strength of this approach is that it continually brings the reader back to the main theme of the books and realigns our thinking back to the plumb line of authorial intent in order to keep us on track with their message.
This book would be an excellent addition to a church library or home library intended for the beginner Bible student or homeschooler. More than that however, even the seasoned Bibles student would benefit from it as well. As one who regularly teaches from scripture I found it's simple layout and thematically astute structure perfect for a quick reference to check if I am staying on track with the author's thematic trajectory. Most of all I believe that this is a book that I can trust to leave in the hands of my own children knowing that a lot of scholarly research has gone into it to ensure that the intent of the original authors has been accurately assessed and communicated to the reader. This makes it a valuable resource for both church and family, and one that I heartily recommend.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Academic in exchange for an online review. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 10, 2022
I found the OT version of this book far superior. Some of the NT chapters were mere outlines of the book and didn’t demonstrate that they got to the heart of the theological message of each book. I used this text for a NT study class and will look to a different text for future classes.
NB: Some of the chapters were ok. The overall approach (and quality) chapter to chapter seemed to vary widely.
NB: Some of the chapters were ok. The overall approach (and quality) chapter to chapter seemed to vary widely.
December 4, 2012
A good summary of the books of the NT - a very helpful overview!
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February 4, 2017This was a nice accompaniment to the New Testament course I was taking but I probably wouldn't use/read this resource again if given the choice.
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