Understanding the New Testament: An Introductory Atlas

Understanding

by Paul H. Wright

The New Testament (27 books) contains a record of the life of Jesus Christ and the birth and early growth of Christianity. The lands of the Bible have been aptly described as the “stage” on which the people who grace the pages of the New Testament moved. By understanding the dynamic of place, we open a window into other aspects of personal and communal political, economic, social and religious.In looking at the world of the New Testament, it is proper to speak of the geographical realities of the first-century world in which the Gospel spread. By learning about these places and the historical interconnections between them, Bible readers can enter more deeply into the pages of the Bible and the divine message that it contains. This volume is a perfect tool for doing just that.

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last few years, Carta has developed an outstanding set of introductory atlases. This title is one of the earliest releases. While I feel that later titles continue to get better, this earlier entry is a thorough success and one that I would recommend you study first if you choose to work through these atlases. A careful study of these titles would be the equivalent of an awesome college class though these titles are accessible enough for any Bible student. This title gives a broad sweep of important background material for the New Testament in the beautiful Carta style.

After an initial physical map of Israel, you have the succinct and pithy overview of all the books of the New Testament. Next, you have a breakdown of the different areas in Israel where the varying climate impacts its history. From there, you spread out to the larger New Testament world including the areas that Paul carried the gospel to throughout the Roman Empire. There’s an overview of the Intertestmental Period including some great charts on the early Caesars and Herods of that time. There’s also a chronological discussion of the Gospels from a geographic standpoint followed by one for the early church.

The maps are of the sterling quality you’ve come to expect from Carta products. Some of the maps are those you may have seen in some of their larger, beloved Bible atlases. Once you’ve studied this title you can also find others on the Old Testament along with others on archaeology, history, and geography. There’s not a dud in the bunch and I highly recommend them all including this fine title on the New Testament.

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.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wright's Introductory Atlas for understanding the NT is a wonderful, basic overview of the geographical and political landscape surrounding the time of Jesus. Maps, timelines, geographical pictures, and archaeological sites and insights help bring the setting together. The book itself is well written and concise, focusing on the major details and events surrounding the time and life of Christ and the birth of the Church.

This Atlas is used as a part of the "Jesus and His Times" course, a short-term study, offered at Jerusalem University College, where Dr. Wright is president. I highly recommend both the atlas and the short-term programs at JUC.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview, with underwhelming visuals.

While the overview of the New Testament is thorough and provides good insight into that time and place, there are few pictures and the maps lack clarity (on the kindle version). While it is titled as an atlas it leaves much to be desired in the way of location photos.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another volume in Carta's introductory atlases to the Bible, in this case, the New Testament. These are fantastic short volumes that give a basic overview of the New Testament times and places—and people, there is an interesting chart of caesars in it. It gives basic information on some New Testament places, but the best part of it are the charts and maps.

[Dmcconkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource

Great short text book to give an overview of atlas to better understand the New Testament overview and background issues. Great text for Bible study or college.