Introducing the New Testament presents the complex and often challenging texts and history of the New Testament in a clear and informative manner. The book begins with a section that gives readers a clear idea of how to use it most effectively for study and personal research, followed by a chapter which outlines the various manuscript traditions and processes of transmission that resulted in the biblical texts we have before us today. With this groundwork complete, readers are then introduced to all the texts of the New Testament, and to major issues and debates such as the 'Historical Jesus' the 'Synoptic Problem' and current debates surrounding inspiration - how these texts can be seen in both a historical context and in the context of religious faith. The book features maps, chapter summaries, sample essay questions, chapter bibliographies and reading lists, and an annotated glossary of key terms.

PrefaceHow to use this bookIntroduction1. A Brief History of Israel2. How the text came to be: originals and translations3. The New Testament World: Judea, Galilee, Romans, Hellenism4. Mark5. Matthew 6. Luke7. Acts8. The Synoptic Problem9. John10. The Historical Jesus11. Pauline Letters (more than one chapter - exact divisions TBD)12. Pastoral Letters13. The Letters of John14. Revelation15. Inspiration: how these texts are seen to be normative BibliographyIndexes