Survey of the New Testament

by Paul N. Benware

In Survey of the New Testament , Paul Benware approaches the New Testament in three helpful the anticipation, institution, and fulfillment of the new covenant. Questions will be addressed such as 'What is the purpose of life?' and 'Can I be freed from guilt and sin?' This handy primer will help any student of the Bible understand the content, unity, and progression of the New Testament.

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

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

About the author

From Dr. Benware's official website:

Dr. Paul Benware is currently a professor in the Bible department at Arizona Christian University in Phoenix, Arizona. He came to ACU in the summer of 2008 when it was then known as Southwestern College.

Before coming to serve at ACU, Dr. Benware was on the faculty of the Los Angeles Baptist College (now the Master’s College), and on the faculty of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. After his years at MBI, he taught in the School of Biblical Studies at Philadelphia Biblical University. During these years of teaching in the college classroom he has been involved in several local churches, often holding pastoral or staff positions. This local church involvement reflects his conviction that the local church is primary in doing Christ’s work in the world today.

Dr. Benware has written seven books including “Understanding End Times Prophecy”, “The Believer’s Payday” and surveys of both the Old and New Testaments and a newly published commentary on the Book of Daniel. He has also contributed to several other books and has published articles in several journals and magazines.

He holds the B.A. degree from the Los Angeles Baptist College, Th.M. degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Th.D. degree from Grace Theological Seminary.

Dr. Benware lives with his wife Anne in Litchfield Park, Arizona. They have four children and six grandchildren.

Reviews

[Wesley Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Benware's "Survey of the New Testament" was one of the most helpful and useful Bible study aides I've ever used. It was the suggested text for the New Testament Survey Class I am about to complete with Pastor Vernal Wilkinson with the Contenders Discipleship Initiative under Village Missions.

This book was so helpful for me as I worked through the self-paced class online. I found it extraordinarily helpful to read the chapter corresponding to the Book of the Bible, then read the book of the Bible, then work on the required chapter summaries for the book of the Bible, followed by the video lectures and student workbook assignments. Mr. Benware writes clearly and precisely about each NT book. Most helpful for me were the "Purpose" and "Theme" sections along with Benware's "Special Considerations" in each chapter. Benware's book was such a useful tool in my class and in the study of the Word. Highly recommended to all for their own NT studies!

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Benware lays out the New Testament as one cohesive book, and this helps the reader see the bigger picture of the Bible. Placing the epistles in chronological order is helpful to see how Paul's theology develops over time, and it keeps the reader focused on the original intention of the Bible writers.

This book would be improved if the purpose and theme sections of each book were more straightforward and laid out more orderly. Also, there are some interpretations that seem opinionated rather than substantiated. If you can overlook the interpretations Mr. Benware adds, this is a helpful New Testament survey.

[Bilbo-Maggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

I always feel strange rating books like this, but I thought I should do it anyway.

Paul N. Benware's Survey of the New Testament was a very useful and helpful study tool. It was a pretty light read, considering the other survey books out there, and wasn't too complicated. It's a great book to go through as you read through the New Testament, and it's a great starting point for people, like me, who are not super theologically inclined but want to start studying the New Testament anyway.

So if you're interested in studying the New Testament but are a little intimidated by the giant books out there, then I would definitely recommend this book to you. :)

[Emily Hoornstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a great in-depth reference for those in the ministry, but far too deep a dive for my New Testament Survey class. I didn't even finish the book...

[Trevor Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent survey of the NT. Provides good historical context for first century. Worth your time.

[Lynette Karg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great choice for the average Christian to get a good overview of the New Testament in a small, unintimidating book. Would make a great companion to a Bible reading plan.

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Benware has produced a second great volume in surveying the Bible - this time focusing on the New Testament. Similar to the Old Testament Survey, this volume also has great charts and illustrations that are very helpful, and it also breaks down the chronology of the New Testament and the way it was composed into easy, understandable sections, as follows:

Part 1: Introduction, Overview, Background: The New Covenant Anticipated
Introduction to the New Testament
Overview of the New Testament
Background to the New Testament

Part 2: The Gospels: The New Covenant Instituted
Perspectives on the Gospels
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John

Part 3: The Acts: The New Covenant Proclaimed
Acts

Part 4: The Epistles: The New Covenant Explained
Perspectives on the Epistles
Group 1: Paul's Early Epistles
-Galatians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
Group 2: Paul's Major Epistles
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Romans
Group 3: Paul's Prison Epistles
- Ephesians
- Colossians
- Philemon
- Philippians
Group 4: Paul's Pastoral Epistles
- 1 Timothy
- Titus
- 2 Timothy
The General Epistles
- James
- Hebrews
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- Jude
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John

Part 5: The Revelation: The Covenant Fulfilled
Revelation

He does a nice job of giving an overview of each book and how it fits into the big picture of the rest of Scripture. So it's a good resource for someone wanting to gain a general overview of the contents of the New Testament.

However, I will admit that this is the first (and only, so far) book I've read that treats the warning passages in Hebrews as a 'loss of reward' rather than missing out on salvation. In this and in other passages, I find it hard to agree with his theology; and so it's difficult for me to give this book 4 stars like its OT counterpart. But I still think it's a great resource, and would recommend it to others.

May our Lord be with you in your studies.

[Brian Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conservative and concise. Starts with a survey and background of the New Testament, followed by explanations of each book and its subdivisions. Each book is preceded by a short overview, with the book’s major themes discussed.

[W R Breshears · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is insightful and worth every minute of the time it took to read it. I've taught adult bible study classes for more than 30 years and Mr. Benware presents thoughts and presents historical information that helps learning Biblical knowledge even more than we thought

[Andy]

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[Morena Caleb · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a text book which I have read in it's entirety. I shall refer back to it as I searchthe scriptures. Very well researched. Great for Bible students, teachers and preachers.

[Marilyn Diamond]

Well I got a "A" in the class and learned much regarding Matthew, Luke, John and Mark. This book was through and detailed. Great reference book for the future for research and further papers.

[Blaine Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straightforward text that I've used many times with home groups.