Introducing the New Testament

by John Drane

Written for a broad audience, John Drane's survey textbook provides a solid historical foundation for understanding the persons, events, and cultural context of the New Testament. Arranged historically, Drane's text takes readers through the world of the first Christians, the life and teaching of Jesus, the origins and growth of the Early Church, the life, mission and letters of Paul, how the Gospels were composed, Revelation, and how the New Testament was formed and has been interpreted and used by later generations.

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

478 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[David Mamdouh · Rating 4 out of 5]

قرأته بالعربية ... كتاب رائع جدا يمدك بخلفيات مهمة عن زمن العهد الجديد بظروفه وناسه وثقافاته
فكرة عن كل اسفار العهد الجديد وكُتابها وملابسات واسباب كتابتها
مع مناقشة العديد من الاتجاهات الحديثة في فهم العهد الجديد
كتاب هام جدا لكل مهتم

[Werner Fourie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drane gives a very good introduction to the New Testament. It is a worthwhile read for both the clergy and layperson.

[Toni M.Ed. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standard textbook for NT studies. Excellent!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a Christian for eight years and decided earlier this year to learn more about the Bible. This book was recommended to me by my Minister who leant me his copy.

John Drane has written a brilliant book which every Christian should read. Written in plain English, laid out well and thoroughly researched by the time you finish reading it you will have a new found appreciation and understanding of the New Testament.

John methodically covers all of the main aspects of the life journey of Jesus, His miracles and what He taught us about God and how to behave as Christians however the most interesting and useful aspect of the book was the section about Paul. Paul was a complicated, inspirational person who was truly touched by God. What Paul had to say is so important to modern Christianity and the foundation of the Church it cannot be exaggerated. I have read Paul's letters to the Churches many times but never really understood or appreciated their meaning until I read this book.

John is a theological scholar and has studied the Bible in depth. He gives detailed references throughout the book and may cause controversy with some readers as he points out certain sections of the Bible were 'edited' and other parts omitted completely after they had been written. People who believe the Bible is a perfect, infallible document may find this uncomfortable reading.

Thoroughly recommended

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful overview.

Drane, J. Introducing the New Testament. San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row, 1999.

[Eli Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great textbook. Good content, but the design of it bumped it up to 5 stars. Really enjoyable to read and flip through.