An Introduction to the New Testament
This New Testament introduction is different.
Many introductions zero in on the historical contexts in which the New Testament literature was written. This introduction goes further—to give 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 the customary considerations of authorship, dating, audience, and message. This introduction capitalizes on the opportunity, 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 students preparing for ministry. This introduction is explicit in doing so, recognizing as it does that the New Testament itself—in its parts and as a whole—is a pastoral resource. Each chapter on the New Testament literature closes with a discussion of 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.
First published in 2004, David A. deSilva's comprehensive and carefully crafted introduction to the New Testament has been long established as an authoritative textbook and resource for students. This beautiful, full-color second edition has been updated throughout with new scholarship and numerous images. It is the first choice for those convinced that a New Testament introduction should integrate scholarship and ministry.
"This excellent introduction, which I use for my New Testament introduction classes, meets a special need, especially for seminarians concerned about how their New Testament study relates to ministry. It displays a wide knowledge of scholarship in the entire New Testament canon and its historical contexts, and capably introduces students to both traditional and more current approaches (including rhetorical, literary, and social). DeSilva's concern for ministry application is a valuable and unique feature, and his extensive proficiency in the ancient sources, already demonstrated in earlier works, makes him an especially trustworthy guide in this area. He presents the entire range of positions fairly so that students from diverse backgrounds receive a fair survey of views and the arguments for each; deSilva's conclusions are also fair and carefully supported. This welcome new edition takes this work to an even higher level."
"David deSilva has written one of the most helpful introductory textbooks on the New Testament currently available. And now, it's new and improved and in full color as well. This winsome textbook should secure a wide readership, and richly deserves to be a standard required text at Christian colleges and seminaries for many years to come. Highly recommended!"
"David deSilva's An Introduction to the New Testament is an ideal textbook for seminary students as well as for pastors and is written by a reputable New Testament scholar who reveals decades of teaching wisdom on every page. DeSilva's introduction surveys the text of each book with skill and insights, sketches major issues in interpretation, develops methods each reader will need, keeps its eye on the social context of honor and shame, and does so in a way with an eye on ministry and personal formation."
"David deSilva's New Testament introduction stands apart in two respects. The book speaks to emerging Christian leaders who need theological engagement, exegetical skill development, and personal formation. It resources those readers on an impressive range of topics, providing clear reasoning in an engaging writing style. Having written this book, deSilva must be an outstanding classroom teacher."