The Untold Story of the New Testament Church [Revised and Expanded]

by Frank Viola

Experience the New Testament Like Never Before

Endorsements from New Testament scholars Craig Keener, Darrell Bock, Joel B. Green, Michael Licona, Mark Strauss, Richard Horsley, David deSilva, Constantine Campbell, Paul Barnett, Clinton Arnold, Eckhard Schnabel, Jeffrey A. D. Weima and many others.

One famous scholar said that reading the New Testament letters is like hearing one end of a phone conversation. The Untold Story of the New Testament Church (Revised and Expanded) reconstructs the other end so you can understand virtually every word.

Seamlessly weaving the narrative of Acts with the Epistles, you'll discover a coherent story enriched by intriguing details of first-century life. This unique and innovative presentation of the New Testament unlocks its epic story in a way that will leave you breathless and equipped to understand the Bible like never before.

Though it’s non-fiction, this masterpiece reads like a cinematic experience and it will captivate your heart by putting you in the center of the drama. Drawing on the best of contemporary scholarship, Frank Viola includes background information about the people, cities, and places that are mentioned throughout the New Testament, all in an engaging narrative.

As you dive into this riveting volume, you will:

* Gain an intimate glimpse into the lives of apostles Peter, James, John, Paul, and their colleagues.

* Uncover the events that inspired each New Testament letter, shedding new light on every line from Romans to Revelation.

* Meet the key figures who shaped the world, like Priscilla, Apollos, Lydia, Luke, John Mark, Phoebe, Aristarchus, and Epaphras.

* Witness the dynamic tumult of first-century churches, individuals, and events as they unfold vividly before you.

Prepare to be ushered into the living, breathing atmosphere of the first century so you can uncover the hidden riches contained in God’s Word.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

634 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Frank is a bestselling author and in-demand conference speaker. You can find his books, podcasts, articles, messages, and courses at http://frankviola.org.

Viola doesn't interact on GoodReads. If you want to contact him, you can write him directly with a question or comment at frank@frankviola.com.

Reviews

[Jason Guinasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a follower of Christ for over four decades who has walked daily with the Lord through His Word and Spirit, I approached Frank Viola's "The Untold Story of the New Testament Church" with both scholarly interest and spiritual expectation. This revised and expanded edition delivers profoundly on both fronts.

In the interest of transparency, I have been a devoted reader of Frank's work since 2010 and have read everything he has written. His ministry has personally encouraged my walk with Christ through participation in his Ministry Mind Groups, the Deeper Christian Life Network, and conferences he has hosted. He spent a week at my home and spoke at my church. While Frank is a friend whose ministry to the Body of Christ I deeply treasure, my appreciation for this particular work stands on its own scholarly and spiritual merit.

Drawing from my experiences as both a practicing attorney of 21 years and a pastor serving hundreds of churches, ministries, and nonprofits, I recognize the exceptional value of Viola's methodical approach to contextual understanding. His work fills a critical gap in how we typically encounter the New Testament—as fragmented pieces rather than a cohesive narrative.

Viola's "mirror-reading" methodology resonates deeply with my legal training, where understanding the full context is essential for proper interpretation. Just as we must carefully reconstruct the complete circumstances of a case from partial evidence, Viola skillfully reconstructs the historical settings of the epistles, reminding us that these were real letters written to address specific situations in actual communities of believers.

Through my studies at Regent College in the Master's in Arts in Leadership, Theology and Society program, I've encountered numerous scholarly approaches to New Testament interpretation. What distinguishes Viola's work is his rare ability to balance rigorous scholarship with accessible narrative. The main text flows chronologically like a compelling story, while the extensive footnotes provide the academic depth that satisfies more scholarly inquiry.

I particularly value his clarification of the term "ekklesia" and its first-century meaning as a community of Jesus-followers rather than our modern institutional understanding. This aligns with my own experiences in community leadership, where I've witnessed how organizational structures can sometimes obscure the relational essence of the Body of Christ.

For anyone who has spent years in Scripture yet sensed there was a larger narrative framework missing, this meticulously researched yet engaging work provides that connective tissue. It transforms our understanding of familiar texts by placing them within their proper historical, geographical, and social context.

This book will be an invaluable resource for fellow pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone desiring to understand how the living God established His kingdom community in the first century—and continues that work today.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lee Balinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a BA in Christianity and a Masters in Divinity. Both were hard work and helped me land staff positions in churches.

About halfway through my 92 hours for my Master's, I was spiritually dry. I spent so much time digging into the history, archaeology, language, interpretations, and more of the New Testament that I lost sight of the central person and message.

It is about Jesus Christ and God's eternal kingdom.

Frank's book reminded me of that in a refreshing and unifying way.

So many times we try to make sense of the theme of the New Testament by reading books in the order they are printed in our Bibles, and we get confused.

Frank's approach and presentation cures that dilemma

I wish this text had been available when I took a class in New Testament survey.

I am enjoying the book and not getting bogged down in the notes. (Academics can cross-check and verify...best wishes. Better thee than me!)

I will gift this book to friends and family and recommend it to one and all.

It is suitable to have for family story time, in-depth study, and opening the eyes of one's heart to the big picture.

[Jared McJunkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t tend to write reviews, although I often read and benefit from the reviews of others. But I found I wanted to write this just a few chapters into this book but made myself stick to reading it cover to cover before leaving a review. This book is a masterpiece in telling the story of the New Testament Church that has clearly been meticulously researched and presented to the reader. The book is very easy to read and paints a vivid picture of the Apostles, their travels and the timeline of events and augments Scripture well. I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to learn more about the early church and hopefully has a desire to see the Gospel of the Kingdom spread today like it did then!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work represents a remarkable synthesis of contemporary New Testament scholarship and narrative accessibility. Drawing upon over 2,000 footnotes filled with primary and secondary sources, the author systematically reconstructs the historical, linguistic, and theological dimensions of the early Christian witness. The bibliography is full of hundreds of works that support this amazing read. While meticulously grounded in critical research, the prose maintains clarity and momentum, making the text approachable without sacrificing depth. The book’s comprehensive scope and interpretive coherence mark it as a significant contribution to the ongoing study of biblical historiography and literary theology. I'll be coming to this book many times in the future and am recommending it to all serious students of the Bible as well as pastors and teachers.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the confidence of a historian and the heart of a storyteller, the author delivers a sweeping, cinematic retelling of the New Testament narrative that feels both timeless and freshly relevant. Supported by more than a thousand scholarly citations, the book manages an extraordinary balance—rigorous documentation without academic heaviness. Each chapter unfolds like a well-paced documentary, drawing readers into the lives, politics, and faith that shaped the first-century world. It’s an absorbing read that informs as much as it inspires, reminding modern audiences that ancient truth can still speak with a modern pulse. The 20 endorsements by great scholars persuaded me to get it and I'm glad I did. It's an incredible resource and accomplishment.

[Matt Mouzakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Viola’s The Untold Story of the New Testament Church (Revised & Expanded) is an absolute game-changer for anyone wanting to understand the New Testament beyond a fragmented, verse-by-verse reading. Viola masterfully weaves together the letters of Paul, the book of Acts, and historical context into a single, compelling narrative that makes the early church come alive.

One of the standout features of this book is how it places Paul’s epistles within their historical setting, helping readers grasp the struggles, conflicts, and triumphs of the first-century church as a unified story rather than isolated events.

Viola’s writing is engaging, well-researched, and accessible, making this an excellent read for both scholars and laypeople. He doesn’t just recount history—he immerses you in it, showing the challenges and victories of the apostles in a way that’s both eye-opening and faith-strengthening.

If you’ve ever wanted to read the New Testament as the first Christians experienced it, this book is essential. Whether you’re a pastor, a Bible teacher, seminary student, or simply someone passionate about understanding the roots of the church, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church will reshape the way you see Scripture. Highly recommend!

[Lisa Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first edition of The Untold Story of the New Testament Church introduced me to Frank Viola's work, as well as The Deeper Christian Network. This revised and expanded edition blew me away! Viola's research into the early church has been lauded by theologians, Christian historians, and pastors. This is a book for both seasoned Christians and new converts. Frank, this book was worth the wait! Thank you for all the hard work you put into this. I even read all the footnotes!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read and one-of-a-kind masterpiece for anyone interested in understanding the New Testament better. If you have ever wondered how exactly the New Testament fits together chronologically and the culture and circumstances surrounding its content, look no further! This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to become more acquainted with their New Testament and the story hidden within. Frank Viola has done an excellent job telling the story in a way that is interesting, informative, and extremely plausible.

[Todd Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viola has accomplished a great work. It's a very easy to read narrative that's backed by powerful scholarship. It makes the New Testament accessible at all levels. Profound insights helpful to scholars and pastors and those already familiar with the Scriptures, and earth-shaking conclusions to all readers. This is a New Testament guide that tops all of them. Read the endorsements by the 20 scholars. The Foreword by Craig Keener says it all. Very highly recommended!

[Michael Donio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read the Bible and wondered what life was like during the time the Apostles were preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and growing the body of Christ in the 1st century? Perhaps you've been curious as to why certain letters were written?

Well, you're in luck because Frank Viola's new book, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded, opens up the story in a whole new way. In this meticulously researched book, he provides in stunning 4D an image of "the story" that will finally help you to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together.

This book is not only stunning in its cover design but, the way in which it opens the story to the reader. You feel like you are walking side-by-side with the Apostles as they present Christ to the world and grow his body. And it's equally approachable to scholars and non-scholars alike.

If you are a Christian looking to really understand the New Testament in a transformative way then this book is absolutely for you.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never before has the New testament made so much sense! In his classic style Viola paints the picture of what was going on in the first century church as a backdrop to the writings of the New Testament. Viola weaves together Acts and the letters, but also goes beyond where Acts ends and helps unpack the rest of the first century.

Reading this, you are caught up in the captivating story, the breathtaking working out of the commission Jesus gave as the good news spread throughout the Roman world, with much glory, and much pain.

Whilst the story is gripping, this is not merely conjecture, the extensive notes and bibliography show that this is a work drawing on a wide range of scholarship and is a well researched accounting. However, it also is honest about areas where there is uncertainty, regarding exacts dates and such.

I'm recommending this to people left right and centre. Especially people who are involved in teaching from the scriptures.

[Christoffer Lampa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is VERY good. it opens up the new testament in a way I had not realized before. I have had many ephipanies reading it. puzzling together and chronologically allowing the reader to understand at what point different letters of paul and other authors were written the likely reason a to WHY the letters where written also opens up the understanding for the present reader.
It is easy to read and understand and I would recommend this for all followers of Jesus and all who wonder what the Christian message is really about.

[Jeff McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Testament is not just ancient history—it’s a living invitation to step into God’s ongoing story of redemption. In The Untold Story of the New Testament Church, Frank Viola invites readers to see the New Testament with fresh eyes through a chronological retelling that brings the early church to life in an unfolding narrative. By presenting the letters and events of the New Testament in the order they unfolded, Viola helps readers grasp the context, movement, and mission of the early church— those early radical “believing communities” living under the kingship of Jesus. These radical followers didn’t just believe in Jesus; they gave Him their full allegiance as God unleashed the Kingdom of God through demonstrative and transformative grace, teaching, signs, and wonders. That same otherworldly, inbreaking, Kingdom mission continues to advance today—and we are still being invited into the story.

Originally released in response to growing cultural skepticism about Scripture, Viola’s book took a different path—not one of deconstruction, but reconstruction. The newly revised and expanded 2025 edition spans over 500 pages and includes endorsements from scholars like Craig Keener, Darrell Bock, and others. It offers wide margins, clear formatting, and rich footnotes rooted in scholarly sources like F.F. Bruce and Ben Witherington III. What makes this book truly compelling, however, is how it bridges history and invitation. Viola reminds us that the early church faced suffering, setbacks, heresies, and persecution—yet the Kingdom of God continued to grow. His final chapters call us to live into this same revolutionary mission today, as family, lovers of Christ, and Kingdom collaborators.

I’ve followed Frank Viola for years, and this book reignited my passion for the scriptures and the church’s ongoing calling. Whether you’re a theologian, a seeker, or someone rediscovering faith, The Untold Story offers more than insight—it offers immersion. The New Testament is still unfolding, and we’re called to live in its wake.

[Donny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Viola's "The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded" is an extraordinary, masterfully-written achievement that deserves a place on every Christian's bookshelf. Released in 2025, this book represents years of meticulous scholarship presented in an accessible, engaging format that brings the first-century church to vivid life.

What sets this work apart is Viola's ability to weave together historical context, cultural background, and biblical narrative into a cohesive story. Rather than simply chronicling events, he helps readers understand why things happened as they did—the political pressures, social dynamics, and theological controversies that shaped the early church. The chronological framework he provides is invaluable, transforming scattered epistles and events into a clear, compelling narrative.

The endorsements from twenty respected scholars speak to the book's academic rigor, yet Viola never sacrifices readability for scholarly precision. His writing flows naturally, making complex historical material both understandable and relevant to contemporary Christian life.

This revised edition benefits from fresh insights and updated research, making it even more comprehensive than its predecessor. Whether you're a pastor, seminary student, or simply a believer wanting deeper understanding of your faith's origins, this book delivers profound value.

Viola doesn't impose a particular ecclesiology but instead allows the historical record to speak for itself. This approach makes the book valuable across denominational lines—from traditional churches to house fellowships. It's rare to find a work that is simultaneously scholarly, practical, and genuinely transformative. Highly recommended for anyone serious about understanding the New Testament church.

[Kim Vastine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Viola’s The Untold Story of the New Testament Church offers a vivid and compelling panorama of the early church, piecing together the letters of Paul and the events of the New Testament in chronological order. This exciting and insightful work brings the first-century church to life, helping readers better understand the flow, context, and drama of the New Testament.

With outstanding research and theological soundness, Viola weaves together Scripture and history to illuminate the real struggles, triumphs, and relationships among the apostles and early believers. His approach is refreshingly accessible and engaging—ideal for readers hungry to grasp the storyline of the New Testament in a new and practical way.

This is not just a history lesson—it’s a spiritual journey. Viola’s narrative invites readers to step into the shoes of the early Christians and experience the dynamic movement of Christ's church from Jerusalem to Rome. It's a rare and valuable resource for both new and seasoned believers who want to go deeper in their understanding of God’s unfolding story.

Highly recommended for anyone eager to see the New Testament come alive with clarity, depth, and purpose.

[Vito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Viola’s The Untold Story of the New Testament Church (revised and expanded edition) is a well-researched, largely accurate narrative synthesis of New Testament history that reflects current mainstream evangelical scholarship.

The revised edition is effectively a new book, corrected and expanded from the 2005 version, and now includes more than 2,000 footnotes that document sources and arguments in detail. Multiple New Testament scholars (e.g., Craig Keener, Clinton Arnold, Joel Green, Michael Licona, David deSilva, Jeffrey Weima and many others) describe Viola’s reconstruction as plausible, carefully researched, and in step with “the best scholarship available,” which supports its overall historical reliability.

The book’s greatest strength is how it situates each New Testament writing in its likely historical setting, helping readers grasp chronology and context without oversimplifying complex debates. It’s a well documented, responsible narrative that’s engaging and insightful. Any Christian who wants to understand the New Testament must read it. Nothing like it out there.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable achievement. Viola’s literary masterpiece is breathtaking in its analysis of the first-century church. Gripping story-telling, captivating narrative, and profoundly insightful are apt descriptions for this amazing book. The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded is accurate, engaging, and entertaining. The book will be used by Christians for generations to unlock the New Testament. Written with striking detail and intellectual vibrancy, this powerful volume puts you inside the story as it brilliantly weaves the narrative in Acts with the epistles against the backdrop of first-century history. The immense sourcing will please academics and the readable narrative will thrill non-specialists. Raising the Viola catalog to new heights, this is an admirably accessible work backed by fine scholarship. The book empowers readers to gain a deeper understanding of the New Testament and effectively apply its teachings in contemporary life. This is the New Testament guide of all New Testament guides—a magnificent work.

[Jeffrey S. Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Viola has accomplished his goal. He states that in writing this book he desires to, "My hope in penning this volume is that the Lord would use it to give His people a new and exciting glimpse into the New Testament story, which is really His story of how the living God continues to bring His heavenly kingdom to planet Earth. And more amazing: that story is also your story." Mission accomplished! Frank uses "Sanctified Imagination" along with comprehensive research and scholarly studies and advisors to take us intimately into the first century eccelsia and how the Holy Spirit constructed and developed these communities and expanded the Kingdom of God in the earth. Viola connects this with the "Eternal Purpose" of the TRIUNE God and reveals Christ to us and this leads to a deeper Revelation of who we are and how we can live individually and corporately to please the TRIUNE God! This is a must read for every believer and a book that we can continually go back to for a deeper Revelation of Christ! Mission accomplished Brother Frankie V!!

[Radical · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blending impeccable research with a narrative style that flows effortlessly, this book transforms the study of the New Testament into an experience both enlightening and deeply moving. With more than a thousand scholarly sources underpinning its insights, it offers a rare fusion of academic rigor and readability.

The author weaves history, theology, and story into a seamless whole, revealing the living texture of the biblical world in a way that informs the mind and stirs the heart. It’s a masterful contribution to both faith and scholarship—thorough, elegant, and unforgettable.

As I was reading it, I thought, "This is N.T. Wright meets Max Lucado." Heavy scholarship with over 2,400 footnotes sources thousands of recent works of scholarship and history, but written with excellent prose. It even has some great humor. Reading it a second time. Great for pastors and Bible study leaders as well as professors and Christians who want to understand what the New Testament really says. A creative and unique approach.

[Zachary Justice · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.

I appreciate trying to place the NT in a narrative, but Viola can’t decide if he wants to write a story or make an argument. I think the key arguments of this book (where, when, and why the different epistles were written) would have been better presented in a concise format.

For a book claiming to be scholarly, he cites “personal email correspondence” far too often. The point of a citation is not only to lend credibility to a claim, but to allow the reader to investigate for themselves. Email correspondence just becomes an appeal to experts than readers cannot validate.

All in all, this book occupies a weird middle ground between scholarship and speculative narrative reconstruction, and I don’t think it delivers on either oof those goals well. If I am able to go back and finish, I may change up to a 3 or higher, but for now, this book was not worth reading all the way through.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a cinematic thunderbolt that grips you from the first chapter and refuses to let go. A masterclass in storytelling, weaving together exceptional historical facts, a relentless pace, and current scholarship that pulses with urgency. The book doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, provokes, and ultimately leaves you breathless, daring readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that we have missed so much when we read the New Testament. This book solves the mystery by giving you the story, the background, the narrative. It's as captivating as solidly built on scholarship with thousands of credible sources cited for every argument. The discussion on Paul's thorn in the flesh is worth the price of the book. Craig Keener's Foreword is the perfect introduction to this marvelous work. This is the kind of book that earns instant classic status—a thrilling, unmissable triumph in biblical studies that's highly readable and engaging all the way to the end.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Viola’s masterful examination of the New Testament's historical context is nothing short of brilliant. This book is easy to read but well researched and opens up the New Testament letters like few books have. Viola’s meticulous scholarship illuminates the complex world of first-century Judaism and Greco-Roman culture with remarkable clarity. He expertly weaves together archaeological evidence, literary analysis, and theological insight to create a comprehensive understanding of the early church’s emergence. His nuanced approach challenges conventional assumptions while respecting both academic rigor and faith perspectives. The book's accessibility makes complex historical concepts digestible without sacrificing intellectual depth. Viola’s work stands as an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the New Testament within its proper historical framework.

[Reads Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remarkable volume on the New Testament narrative combines the depth of a seasoned scholar with the clarity of a gifted storyteller. Drawing from over 1,000 meticulously documented sources, it offers readers an extraordinary journey through the historical, theological, and literary dimensions of the New Testament—without ever feeling dense or academic.

Every page reflects rigorous research anchored in faith and history, yet the writing remains engaging, lucid, and accessible to both lay readers and serious students alike. It’s a rare achievement: a work of profound scholarship that reads with the ease and beauty of inspired prose.

It’s the best book for interpreting the New Testament, especially the letters, that I’ve ever come across. Endorsed by giants like Craig Keener, Darrell Bock, Joel B. Green, Michael Licona, Paul Barnett and many others. An amazing work!

[James M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded" came out this year (2025) and I've read it several times. It's a remarkable blend of solid scholarship, historical accuracy, and engaging storytelling. Viola reconstructs the chronology and context of the early church with clarity and depth, making complex history both accessible and deeply compelling. What sets this book apart is its balance between academic credibility and readability. It's very well-researched and documented but never dry. Readers interested in tracing the development of the church from Acts through Revelation and who really want to understand what the letters of Paul, Peter, James, etc. are really saying will find this book invaluable. It’s a trustworthy, vivid portrayal of how the New Testament’s story truly unfolded in real time and how that story can change our lives today.

[Dr. Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Viola's revised and expanded edition of "The Untold Story of the New Testament Church" (released March 2025 with the white cover and brushstrokes) is a groundbreaking work that offers readers a fresh perspective on the early Christian church and more importantly, the New Testament itself. This unique tour guide weaves together the book of Acts and the Epistles chronologically, creating a fluid narrative that brings the New Testament to life. Viola's powerful approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the historical context, geographical nuances, and cultural sensitivities that are often overlooked in traditional readings of the New Testament. This book is a major unlock of the New Testament. Highly recommended!

[Ann G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new book, just released in March 2025, is simply amazing. The dynamic teachings of the New Testament are often missed by the dryness of academic study or lost by shallowness. Viola's book is a fresh take, bringing readers into the world of the New Testament in a powerful way. The book offers a unique approach to reading the Bible and there is nothing else like it in print. It gives readers a fresh perspective on the story from Matthew to Revelation, told in chronological order with dates, maps, and times, but written with powerful and engaging prose. The endorsements by 20 eminent scholars tell the story. This book will open up your New Testament like few other resources will. A must read for any Christian.

[Tony Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many of Frank Viola’s books. However, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church [Revised and Expanded] may be his best! His style of writing always captivates and ushers you into the event(s). Viola truly helps the reader to see from the beginning to the end of God’s plan for His kingdom being established in the New Testament. I love how Viola puts everything into chronological order. It really helps bring it alive! Also, I really appreciate the thoroughness of the biblical references and collaboration with many biblical scholars. Whether you are a scholar or just love digging deep into the Word, I highly recommend The Untold Story of the New Testament Church [Revised and Expanded] for anyone who wants to see how the New Testament unfolds especially in a complete fresh way!

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very familiar with the New Testament but this book is like no other. It's phenomenal. Very readable, full of insight, and grounded in the Bible and great scholarship. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who wants a fresh reading and understanding of the New Testament. It's captivating. Endorsed by 20 scholars.

Craig Keener wrote this about it in the Foreword, "In The Untold Story of the New Testament Church, Frank Viola brings context and background together, inviting us on a captivating journey through the birth and growth of the first-century church. With a reputation for captivating prose and heartfelt storytelling, Viola brings his unique perspective to reconstruct the events from Matthew to Revelation."

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blending impeccable research with a narrative style that flows effortlessly, this book transforms the study of the New Testament into an experience both enlightening and deeply moving. With more than a thousand scholarly sources underpinning its insights, this epic work offers a rare fusion of academic rigor and readability.

The author weaves history, theology, and story into a seamless whole, revealing the living texture of the biblical world in a way that informs the mind and stirs the heart. It’s a masterful contribution to both faith and scholarship—thorough, elegant, and unforgettable. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the New Testament in a deeper and more accurate way.

[John P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an extraordinary achievement, a captivating read, and an amazing resource. It's a model of what faithful scholarship can be while retaining an easy reading level. With over a thousand sources meticulously cited, the author demonstrates a command of historical context that few can match, yet writes with warmth, clarity, and conviction. It bridges the worlds of academia and devotion, offering readers both intellectual rigor and spiritual insight. Rarely have I seen a study of the New Testament so comprehensive yet so inviting. This is a landmark work that will serve pastors, students, and serious readers of Scripture for years to come. Craig Keener's Foreword was beautiful and a great way to introduce the book.