1st Edition

The Routledge Guidebook to The New Testament

By Patrick Gray Copyright 2017
    312 Pages
    by Routledge

    312 Pages
    by Routledge

    As part of the Christian canon of scripture, the New Testament is one of the most influential works in history. Its impact can be seen in many different fields, but without an awareness of the historical, cultural, social, and intellectual context of early Christianity, it can be difficult for modern-day readers to fully understand what the first-century authors were trying to say and how the first readers of the New Testament would have understood these ideas.

    The Routledge Guidebook to the New Testament offers an academic introduction to the New Testament examining:

    • The social and historical context in which the New Testament was written
    • The primary text, supporting students in close analysis from a range of consensus positions
    • The contemporary reception and ongoing influence of the New Testament

    With further reading suggestions, this guidebook is essential reading for all students of religion and philosophy, and all those wishing to engage with this important work.

    Abbreviations

    Introduction

    I. The Context of Early Christianity and the New Testament

    II. The Literature of the New Testament: The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles

    Mark

    Matthew

    Luke-Acts

    John

    III. The Literature of the New Testament: Letters

    The Letters of Paul

    Romans

    1 Corinthians

    2 Corinthians

    Galatians

    Ephesians

    Philippians

    Colossians

    1-2 Thessalonians

    The Pastoral Epistles (1-2 Timothy, Titus)

    Philemon

    The Letter to the Hebrews

    The General Epistles

    James

    1-2 Peter

    1, 2, 3 John

    Jude

    IV. The Literature of the New Testament: Apocalyptic Literature

    Revelation

    V. Key Concepts

    VI. General Issues

    What do we know about the life of Jesus?

    What language did Jesus speak?

    How do we know what Jesus really said?

    How should the miracles in the New Testament be understood?

    Did Jesus found a new religion?

    Is the New Testament anti-Semitic?

    Who wrote the New Testament?

    How do we know when the books of the New Testament were written?

    Why does the New Testament contain (only) twenty-seven books?

    How should one read the non-canonical writings?

    How are the Dead Sea Scrolls related to the New Testament?

    Should the New Testament be read "literally"?

    What special methods do scholars use to interpret the New Testament?

    VII. For Further Study

    Bibliography

    Index

    Biography

    Patrick Gray is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College.

    This exceptionally helpful and highly readable Guidebook is ideal for anyone looking for an introduction to the New Testament and its world. This book will enable a reader to appreciate the New Testament and its subsequent influence with greater depth and insight. Informed by the latest scholarship, it presents the range of scholarly views on key matters of debate, and the definition of key terms and answers to ‘frequently asked questions’ add greatly to its value. Paul Trebilco, University of Otago, New Zealand