Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey

I am a now-retired pastor with an academic background who teaches in a lay-training program for our Lutheran synod. I ordered this as a possible text to use for a New Testament class. It took only a short time to decide that I needed to look no farther: this is the text I will use. Among its features:-- A reasonable price for a quality hardback, especially in comparison to other NT Intros (a significant matter with lay volunteer students)-- Many maps and pictures--always a plus in my mind-- Especially laudable is access that is given to a website with a plethora of materials from background information to time-lines to lists and explanations of names (or terms or coins) to descriptions of topics (e.g., Jewish religious 'parties' or popular Greco-Roman philosophical 'schools') to extensive and wide-ranging bibliographies for each chapter, any or all of which the user can download for his/her notebook for personal use, or print for a Sunday-School or adult class he or she may be teaching in his/her own congregation.-- As the author points out, the chapters of the book can be used in the order they come, or they can be shuffled around to use in a different order (as I intend to do). Each chapter can stand on its own, and does not assume that the reader has already dealt with the previous chapter(s). This means, of course, that there is some repetition here and there, but it's not burdensome, and sometimes repetition brings a topic back to mind.-- The author states in his introduction that there is often a wide variety of views on just about any New Testament topic (take authorship of virtually any book, for example); he says he intends to offer the arguments of the major 'sides,' but unlike what other NT Intros often do, he does not then push his own opinion on the reader, but may note where the majority seems to stand and let the teacher and/or student make their own decisions. He is very even-handed on these topics.-- The author writes in a relaxed, conversational style; reading is not a matter of plowing through a lot of dense text.-- For each NT book the author offers an introduction, a kind of precis for the book, then a discussion of major topics or concerns in the book, followed by a conclusion.-- The author reflects general 'mainstream' scholarship regarding the New Testament, and does not try to beat his own idiosyncratic drum, so this text can be used across a spectrum of denominations with adults of various ages, and probably even with (serious) senior-high students........ All in all, an excellent resource and highly recommended.

Very readable book on NT

Bought this for a class, and I know I'm going to return to it at least a few times over the years. This is one of those few textbooks I would recommend if you're just interested in the material in general, regardless if you're taking a class for it or not. It's meant to be a starter guide for getting to know the New Testament of the Bible, and it's a great tool whether you've spent your life in Sunday school or if you're new to everything Biblical altogether. It deliberately veers from any form of proselytization, and simply presents the text as is, as best it can, and extrapolates various scholarly theories on how the Biblical texts were written, when they were written, where they were written, and it presents the various arguments scholars generally agree on for what supports each of those theories. It also does a great job laying out historical contexts, and acting as a primer for how to interpret each text.Since it's meant to be broad, I'd only recommend this if you're just getting started on reading the Bible academically. If you're far along into your journey of academically reading Biblical texts, this might not be for you.

The entire book of Introducing The New Testament was a fantastic read. I learned so much about the disciples and the apostles. It all makes sense now that I read the book. The teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord instilled Christianity to all his disciples. I read the book once and will read it again.Great Read.Explaining the events of the past with documentation and authenticity is what we all need to study the faith and make a commitment to pray and be kind to your neighbors and all people you meet. Introducing The New Testament made me a "Whole Person" in my studies of The Bible and learning about Christianity. When I read the Letters from Paul that he wrote to his followers, I felt as if I was there during that time period. The picture Mark Powell presented was very vivid and understandable! Jesus Christ, our heavenly savior and the Son of God; really instilled Love, Peace and Happiness to his disciples​ and the disciples made it clear that Jesus, is Our Lord and God.

As a COS Student - Dr. Powell's text is filled with excellent History and hidden Gems that fill in gaps of what we all have learned in Bible Study or Life. This Book is a Second Edition. I can't wait for the 3rd Edition in the future. Pastor Bob Demyanovich, Cass City, Michigan

Mark Allan Powell has produced an excellent book which anyone can understand and enjoy. He starts the book with a marvellous Preface in which he speaks to the reader directly - it is as though he is having a conversation with you. He uses simple language to get his message across which provides the book with much clarity.The maps, historical photographs and examples from the history of Christian art as well as the companion website which offers additional material for study, greatly enhances this book.As a historian and a student of Theology, another important feature of this book is the author's ability to use simple language to explain the dynamic world of the New Testament which is critical to understanding the context in which the New Testament was written. Introduction to the New Testament is truly a beautifully written book and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in understanding the New Testament.

A great book; purchased it for a course I was taking at the Bible school. An excellent, easy to read book that gives a lot of background on getting a better understanding of the NT. i.e. who wrote the books, what was the current political situation, cultural implications etc... Highly recommended!

Easy to Read and assimilate information!Really liked the book.

Purchased the book for an EFM course (Education for Ministry) and although I haven't got too far into this study of the New Testament from what I have already used to book it has and will be a good resource for study, for Bible Study, etc. I like the hyper links. You can go to the website and read the commentaries on the Biblical chapters, you can print them off and use them for teaching tools or again, sharing in Bible Study groups. I believe going forward in my study of the New Testament this will be an excellent resource.

This is a fabulous book. As a writer myself I try to communicate complex ideas in a clear, simple English in a way that is entertaining and enjoyable. Mark doesn't try to do this he achieves it in spades. This book is marketed as a text book for students. I think this does it a disservice. I'm reading it as a general reader with an interest in the New Testament and I'm enjoying it immensely. I'm also learning something new and interesting on every page. Buy it. Read it. You'll love it. (See Jim McGrath's Amazon's Authors page).

I used this a lot for my theological study - I found it my go to book for everything and I can't part with it