An introduction to the New Testament : contexts, methods & ministry formation
Some introductions to the New Testament highlight the historical contexts in which the New Testament literature was written. This introduction gives particular attention to the social, cultural and rhetorical contexts of the New Testament authors and their writings. Few introductions to the New Testament integrate instruction in exegetical and interpretive strategies with their customary considerations of authorship, dating, audience and message. This introduction capitalizes on the opportunities, introducing students to a relevant facet of interpretation with each portion of New Testament literature. Rarely do introductions to the New Testament approach their task mindful of the needs of students preparing for ministry. This introduction is explicit in doing so, assuming as it does that the New Testament itself -- in its parts and as a whole -- is a pastoral response. Each chapter on the New Testament literature closes with a discussion of the implications for ministry formation. These integrative features alone would distinguish this introduction from others. But in addition, its pages brim with maps, photos, points of interest and aids to learning. Separate chapters explore the historical and cultural environment of the New Testament era, the nature of the Gospels and the quest for the historical Jesus, and the life of Paul. This introduction by David A. deSilva sets a new standard for its genre and is bound to appeal to many who believe that the New Testament should be introduced as if both scholarship and ministry mattered. - Publisher
Print Book, English, ©2004
InterVarsity Press ; Apollos, Downers Grove, Ill., Leicester, England, ©2004
Introductions
975 pages : illustrations, maps ; 26 cm
9780830827466, 9781844740239, 0830827463, 1844740234
53315291
The New Testament as pastoral response
The environment of early Christianity : essential landmarks
The cultural and social world of the early church : purity, honor, patronage and kinship
The four Gospels and the One Jesus : critical issues in the study of the Gospels
The Gospel according to Mark : following in the way of the cross
The Gospel according to Matthew : following the words of the Messiah
The Gospel according to Luke : following the heart of the Father
The Acts of the Apostles : following the leading of the Spirit
The Gospel according to John : following the One from above
The Epistles of John : painful breaches of the bond of unity and love
A prologue to the study of Paul's letters
The letter to the Galatians : walking in line with the Spirit
The Thessalonian correspondence : living in the light of the "day"
The Corinthian correspondence : valuing oneself and others in the Lord
The Epistle to the Romans : the God of Jew and Gentile
The Epistle to the Philippians : unity in the face of adversity
The Epistle to Philemon : the slave is our brother
Excursus : pseudepigraphy and the New Testament canon. The Epistles to the Christians in Colossae and Ephesus : walking in the light of Christ's victory
The letters to Timothy and Titus : trustworthy management of God's household
The Epistle to the "Hebrews" : living in trust and gratitude toward God
The Epistle of James : promoting consistency of belief and behavior
The first letter of Peter : an ethic for resident aliens awaiting their inheritance
Jude and 2 Peter : the dangers of deviant disciples
The Revelation of John : living in the light of God's triumph