Exploring the New Testament, Volume 1: A Guide to the Gospels and Acts

by David Wenham, Steve Walton

‘A superb one-stop shop for students.’
Dr Elizabeth Shively

Tried, tested and trusted by students and teachers across the world, this widely respected study guide enables the reader to engage with an array of essential topics, including:

· the Jewish and Greco-Roman background to the New Testament
· literary genres and forms
· issues of authorship, date and setting
· the content and major themes of each book
· well established and newer methods of study
· the latest scholarship in the quest for the historical Jesus
· the intersection of New Testament studies with contemporary faith and culture

Now in its third edition, this popular textbook has been fully revised and updated, and includes new sections on:

· the impact of social memory theory on Gospel studies
· recent work on characterization in narrative studies of the Gospels
· women in the Gospels
· reading the Gospels and Acts theologically
· how the Hebrew Scriptures are read by the New Testament authors
· the resurrection and Ascension of Jesus
· Luke’s presentation of Jesus’ identity and mission
· updated bibliographies, highlighting the most important and influential works published in the past decade

Drawing on the authors’ decades of experience in teaching these topics, this comprehensive textbook gives students a strong understanding and a solid foundation for further study.

Genres: Christian, Religion, New Testament, Reference, Theology, Academic, Christianity

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre introductory work on the Gospels & Acts.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a great job of summarizing theological and academic thought, without getting lost in the weeds. Overall a great summary of the context of the NT - historical, social, economic, political, and geographic.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction. Great for Bible Study and personal use. Not too deep and could be used by anyone. Easy to read, understandable and has a lot of great articles.

[W. Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A readable and informative textbook. Difficult concepts and complex issues are explained succinctly and clearly. Recommended for undergraduate level.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Second Edition of a well-received volume by scholars David Wenham and Steve Walton. It's part of a 2 volume set with another volume by different scholars covering the rest of the New Testament. Actually, there are 4 other corresponding volumes that cover the Old Testament as well. Currently, this volume is available in either an attractive hardback volume or a more economical paperback edition.

It's aimed at first- or second year college students. Though it has features that will appeal more to those planning to become scholars than pastors or Bible students, it is still a fine volume for anyone.

The page layout is appealing and there are multiple things to look at depending on what you're studying at the moment. It is not set up as a chapter per NT book only as are so many such volumes. There's over 40 pages to set the stage of Jesus and the NT. Next there is a a good bit of critical discussion that is not as interesting to many readers. There's three chapters that discuss the direction of scholarly studies of Jesus. The balance of the book is on the four Gospels individually and Acts .

This book is my favorite of those I've used in this series and 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.

[Allen Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction into a more in depth study of the new testament (actually vol 1 only covers the gospels and acts)... I think its well written, and quite accessible to the general reader. At the same time, it still manages to impress me with lots of info and things which I never considered before... Recommended for anyone serious about bible studies!

[Mayowa Adebiyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used sparingly as part of course taught by one half of authors. Very well written, could be used by anyone and not necessarily exclusively for academic pursuits.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for what it was and its audience, but not great either. I wish there were 1/2 stars, b/c I think 3.5 is more accurate.

[Jared Donis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive enough, interesting. Chapters 4 & 5 need to be a bit simplified.