Introducing the New Testament is an outstanding guide to the writings of the New Testament for readers ranging from Bible students to those approaching the Christian Scriptures for the first time. Written by three leading Bible specialists, this book discusses in a clear and balanced way the New Testament's literature, its message, and the issues raised by a careful reading of its pages. Wonderfully readable and well supplied with maps and photographs, this volume is both an ideal textbook for courses covering the New Testament and a superb introduction for general readers wanting authoritative, straight-forward instruction on the writings of the New Testament. Unlike other New Testament introductions that are primarily concerned with historical-critical issues or with what scholars have said, this book gets directly to the business of explaining the New Testament's background, content, and theology. The authors do not presume that readers need to be familiar with scholarly debates about the New Testament, nor do they assume those debates have necessarily raised the most important issues. Instead, this book is aimed at putting the message of the Christian Scriptures back within the reach of general readers. Although informed by the current scholarship in the history, traditions, and literature of the New Testament, this book is primarily designed to induct readers of the New Testament into sensitive appreciation and serious awareness of its major figures and concerns.After explaining the nature of the New Testament and the world in which it was written, the authors thoroughly discuss each of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. The content and essential message of these ancient works are described in simple but dynamic language that reveals why they continue to inspire and challenge readers today. Separate chapters also explore the types of literature found in the New Testament, the life and teachings of Jesus, Paul's life and world, and the formation of the New Testament canon. In addition, numerous sidebars offer a wealth of fascinating and highly relevant background information that helps modern readers more fully grasp biblical themes. No other work on the New Testament is so accessible and enjoyable to use.

"In an evaluation of the Scriptures as the Word of God, inspiration is an essential element. The long Protestant experience with this issue is both fruitful and painful, for many have drawn false conclusions from the justified belief in inspiration. Paul Achtemeier is a first-rate scholar who combines scientific investigation with faith, and his sensitivity and honesty make this a most useful book for all interested in the Bible. . . . A better practical book on the subject would be hard to find."--Raymond E. Brown, former Auburn Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary, New York
"If Achtemeier's book reaches that large body of Christians looking for a nonfundamentalistic doctrine of Scripture, it could play a major role in creating a framework for them. He comes across as possessing a deep love and respect for the Bible and for the Lord, and eager for people to place their minds and lives beneath its authority. He offers us in the end the doctrine of a covenantal Scripture given by God to his people for their edification and renewal, a dynamic document that can perform this service two thousand years after its completion, confronting us with God's Word for our situation, through the power of the Spirit. I am highly grateful for this book and recommend it highly to others."--Clark H. Pinnock, former professor emeritus of systematic theology, McMaster Divinity College

The Interpretation series, a Bible commentary for teaching and preaching, offers a full interpolation of the biblical text, combining historical scholarship and theological purpose. It brings an understanding of what the text says into dialogue with the critical questions and problems of contemporary life and faith and revives the neglected art of expository writing that explains the books of the Bible as the Holy Scripture of a church active at worship and work. Teachers, preachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find here an interpretation that takes serious hermeneutical responsibility for the contemporary meaning and significance of the biblical text.

Description: Working with selected miracles of Jesus from the canonical Gospel traditions and with background studies in the general understanding of miracles in the Greco-Roman world of the Hellenistic period, this collection of essays shows how we may understand the theological reasons why the early followers of Jesus included these stories in their traditions that constituted the canonical Gospels. Using individual stories from the Gospels, three of the essays demonstrate how literary-critical analysis can show the theological intent of the miracle story. A second set of three essays examines the way Mark and Luke view the miracle tradition within their larger task of writing the story of Jesus. A final set of three articles examines the Hellenistic background of such stories, and the way they were used in secular and Jewish sources, to gain perspective on what the early Christians intended with the miracle stories of Jesus. Endorsements: ""Drawing upon insights from the Jewish and Hellenistic culture in which Jesus lived, and judiciously examining how the miracle traditions about Jesus were incorporated into the Gospels, Achtemeier demonstrates the central role that Jesus's mighty deeds played in his ministry. This volume provides readers with new and rich insights to the miracle tradition, enabling them to understand the theological and historical significance of Jesus's mighty deeds. For those seriously interested in the Gospel miracles, this is the book to read."" --Frank J. Matera, author of New Testament Ethics ""Pastors will value Achtemeier's careful attention to the narratival function of the miracles. Scholars will appreciate the deft hand as redactional layers are peeled away to the earliest traditions. One of the world's leading biblical scholars revisits the miracle stories of Jesus--a treasure-trove "" --A. Andrew Das, author of Solving the Romans Debate About the Contributor(s): Paul J. Achtemeier is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Interpretation at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. His other books include The Quest for Unity in the New Testament Church, Romans, and Inspiration and Authority.' He has served as President of both the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association.

This volume, a part of the Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching series, focuses on Paul's letter to the Romans.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

One of the general or catholic epistles near the end of the New Testament, this letter traditionally attributed to the apostle Peter contains important ideas and reveals a fascinating relationship to the surrounding literary world. The book shows what problems Christians faced at the time the epistle was written and how the author addressed them. The commentary discusses the Greek original, with translation, verse by verse.