Christian interpretation of the Bible is not a simple task. While finding both its beginning and end in the theological claim that Scripture reveals to us "what God has done in Christ," Christian interpretation demands much more. The interaction between believer and text is also conversation between reader and interpretive community, both ancient and modern. Theological interpretation entails close readings of texts but also a close analysis of contexts-the social and political shape of the Mediterranean world as well as our own. Interpretation requires the interweaving of theology, history, and literature.

List of Maps, Figures, Tables, and PlatesPreface to the Reference EditionPreface to the First EditionAbbreviationsIntroductionPart 1. Theology and Scripture1. The New Testament as Theological Writings2. The Shape of the CanonPart 2. The Gospels: Narrative Traditions About Jesus3. Relating the Gospels to Each Other4. From Jesus to the Gospels5. From the Gospels to Jesus6. The Gospel of Mark7. The Gospel of Matthew8. The Gospel of Luke9. The Gospel of JohnPart 3. The Story of Jesus Continued: The Church's Origin and Expansion10. The Acts of the ApostlesPart 4. The Pauline Letters and Hebrews11. Reading the Pauline Letters12. The Thessalonian Letters13. The Corinthian Letters14. Galatians15. Romans16. Philippians17. Philemon18. Colossians19. Ephesians20. The Pastoral Letters21. HebrewsPart 5. The Catholic Letters22. James23. First Peter24. Jude25. Second Peter26. The Johannine LettersPart 6. Jesus in the Apocalyptic Imagination27. RevelationPart 7. The New Testament as the Church's Book: The Formation of the New Testament Canon28. The Christian ScripturesAppendix 1. Ancient Canonical ListsAppendix 2. Early Christian Views of the Gospels