Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Beginners Book
Review: This textbook, or historical and theological survey of the New Testament, is an excellent introductory source for college freshmen and new graduate students. It is also an outstanding source for those interested in beginning their personal study of the New Testament. It is well written and easily understood. This book is not a commentary, but rather a straightforward textbook designed to introduce, in the clearest terms, the New Testament. At each chapter's end, the authors provide a summary, review and study questions, and a section of suggested further readings. These are very helpful elements. I have only two very minor criticisms. One, a more extensive glossary would have been helpful. Two, the minor hyperbole about Paul's Acts epistle (page 274, first sentence in third paragraph) was a bit over the top. The authors, in all other instances, managed to avoid such puffery. This is an excellent book and it is highly recommended. I did not use the CD, which came with my version; therefore, I cannot comment on its efficacy.