An Introduction to the New Testament - 2nd Edition (Hardcover)

About the Book

This comprehensive New Testament introduction not only outlines historical, social, cultural, and rhetorical contexts, but it also points students preparing for ministry to relevant facets of biblical interpretation. Brimming with maps, photos, points of interest, and aids to learning, this beautiful, full-color second edition of an established textbook is the first choice for those who want to integrate scholarship and ministry.

Book Synopsis

Raising the Bar for New Testament Study

David A. deSilva's foundational work An Introduction to the New Testament offers a richly layered exploration of the New Testament, bridging rigorous scholarship with ministry application. This volume guides readers toward a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the Scriptures.

While many New Testament introductions zero in on the historical contexts in which the New Testament literature was written, this introduction goes further, giving particular attention to the social, cultural, and rhetorical contexts of the New Testament authors and their writings. DeSilva introduces students to relevant facets of interpretation with each portion of the New Testament literature, integrating instruction in exegetical and interpretive strategies with the customary considerations of authorship, dating, audience, and message. This multifaceted approach equips readers with a thorough understanding of the New Testament and its enduring significance.

An Introduction to the New Testament stands out with a range of exceptional features:

• Explores social, cultural, and rhetorical contexts in addition to historical context.
• Integrates interpretive and exegetical strategies with insights into authorship, dating, audience, and message.
• Bridges the gap between scholarship and practice by including implications for ministry in each chapter.
• Provides extensive maps, photos, points of interest, and aids to learning.
• Includes additional chapters on the historical and cultural environment of the New Testament, the nature of the Gospels and the quest for the historical Jesus, and the life of Paul.

An Introduction to the New Testament is a comprehensive and carefully crafted introduction to the New Testament and is established as an authoritative textbook and resource for students. This beautiful, full-color second edition has been updated throughout with new scholarship and additional images. If you are convinced that a New Testament introduction should integrate scholarship and ministry, make An Introduction to the New Testament your first choice.

Review Quotes

"David deSilva's An Introduction to the New Testament has served as an excellent resource both in the classroom and for individual study. Now in this second edition his discussion of the documents of the New Testament and related cultural, social, and historical issues continues to offer a clear and engaging general introduction to these topics that often add important details beyond a bare introduction. Indeed, in this second edition he has deepened the discussion at many points based on his further research, evident in the numerous articles and books he has published since the first edition. The addition of colored photographs enhances the value of the photos considerably. He retains distinctive attention to the pastoral issues reflected in the documents of this edition, a focus that is especially valuable for students preparing for ministry. His ministry formation sections are thoughtful exercises in engaging the issues raised by the texts and provide good starting points for debate and discussion. The twenty-six exegetical skills sections are another distinctive feature retained in this second edition, offering brief, clear introductions to the various skills used in the interpretation of the New Testament. In sum, this second edition enhances an already exceptional introduction to the New Testament that serves the general reader well and especially those preparing for ministry."

"DeSilva's An Introduction to the New Testament is a clearly written and balanced exploration of the critical issues of New Testament studies written by a renowned scholar and seasoned teacher. His excellent discussions of socio-cultural issues, such as honor/shame dynamics and patronage, are essential for anyone wanting a historically based study of the New Testament grounded in the cultural values of the first century."

About the Author

David A. deSilva (PhD, Emory University) is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. He is the author of over twenty-five books and an ordained elder in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.