New Testament History: A Narrative Account

Rating:
Summary: The Authors of the Gospels Would Be Proud.
Review: Ben Witherington has written a superb book about the emergence of Christianity. He begins by putting his narrative in appropriate cultural context, and to do this takes the reader back beyond the time of Christ to the days of Alexander the Great and his immense hellenizing influence over the Midlle East. Once the stage has been set, author Witherington meticulously, but without being tedious, takes the reader through Christ's life in the eyes of the gospel writers, appropriately dwelling on Paul's works, then describes the differences between the the Jerulasem Church and the gentile churches denying Judaic influence, the fractiousness of early Christianity, the sporadic, convenient, and, focused violence of the Roman Empire toward the early Church, the origins of apocalytic literature, and finally leaves the Church in the grips of Domitian. Witherington has a firm grasp of the historical contingencies that shaped Chhristianiy's infancy, and uses dialogue boxes effectively to aid the reader in understanding the cultural undercurrents and contexual idioms that guided and limited the gospel writers' efforts.

One small criticism is worth noting: the quality of illustrations does not match the quality of the author's writing. Aside from that small quibble, this is a scholarly work that treats its complex subject with depth and insight and yet is accessible to the general reader. This work is clearly good news about good news. The authors of the gospels would definitely be proud, and, perhaps, actually they are.

Rating:
Summary: A Wide Window into the World of the New Testament
Review: Ben Witherington has written an amazingly readable yet thorough narrative account of New Testament history. I cannot express just how helpful it has been to me in my pursuit of a better understanding of the Scriptures. From the inter-testamental Maccabean wars to the reign of Domitian and the exile of John, Witherington covers the period in a refreshingly readable prose that makes it hard to put down. Illustrations, sidebars, Closer Look sections, maps, and charts abound and greatly augment the cogency of each section. This is foundational "stuff" in understanding the New Testament and this book is the finest of its genre.

Rating:
Summary: Extensive research not only with regard to Biblical sources
Review: New Testament History: A Narrative Account by Ben Witherington III (Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary) begins with the life of Jesus, and follows the evolving and expanding movement of Christianity through the centuries afterward. Extensive research not only with regard to Biblical sources, but also such fields as Jewish and Roman history, lace the text of this methodically and insightfully presented discourse. New Testament History is a very highly recommended contribution to New Testament and Christian History Studies for students, academics, and non-specialist general readers alike.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource book
Review: Witherington has written an excellent history in this fine book. It is a 10,000 foot view of New Testament issues hung on the framework of a history.

He sets up the meat of the book with the history from Alexander the Great through the Hasmoneans to the time of Christ. It is here that the dynamics and some of the later players are introduced, such as the Hasmoneans, the politicization of the high priesthood and Herod and his family are introduced. It sets the stage and makes the context of the New Testament very understandable. The primary source he uses for his historical framework is Hayes and Mandell's "The Jewish People in Antiquity". They provide the bulk of his footnotes and explanations. He utilitzed them to the extent that I also purchased their book for further reading.

Witherington is not content to give a "just the facts" narrative of the years of Christ and the spread of Christianity. He gives an introduction to Jesus and how His message and ministry was seen as radical. He demonstrates that it was no accident that Jesus went to the cross. The brilliant part in all of this is that he does it without the academic tedium. If you want it, he points you to fuller discussions through the footnotes. These usually point to his other works, primarily "Christology of Jesus" and his commentaries on Mark, Acts, and Galatians. The point is that the text holds together without the fuller discussion. I have the books mentioned and have read Christology. It is interesting reading, but isn't necessary to get full benefit from this book.

Witherington spices up the text and story with theories and other research. For instance, he states that the "Beloved Disciple" is a Judean disciple, not a Galilean, thus ruling out John, son of Zebedee. He presents the Last Supper as a furtively held celebration that would be seen by the powers that be as insurrection. He doesn't stick to the main roads in his presentation while presenting plausible and thought-provoking narratives of the ministry of the Lord.

His presentation of the spread of Christianity presents a lot of great material on the social, cultural and political context into which Christianity spread. These insights almost become a Biblical backgrounds resource. The discussion of the North/South Galatian theory and his background on the major cities and the churches therein make the New Testament come alive. He has many "Closer Look" sections and backgrounds on principle cities that add much insight to the narrative. During the last few chapters, he goes into the writing of the New Testament books. You may disagree with his dates and theories, but he gives his rationale and you understand where he is coming from and how he got there.

I agree with the previous reviewer that the illustrations are sub-par as to quality. Also, there is no bibliography. But, this is a profitable introduction and guide to the history of Christianity and a valuable general resource book. I have read the detailed treatises on Jesus and New Testament studies and still found this book as informative as it was delightful to read.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource book
Review: Witherington has written an excellent history in this fine book. It is a 10,000 foot view of New Testament issues hung on the framework of a history.

He sets up the meat of the book with the history from Alexander the Great through the Hasmoneans to the time of Christ. It is here that the dynamics and some of the later players are introduced, such as the Hasmoneans, the politicization of the high priesthood and Herod and his family are introduced. It sets the stage and makes the context of the New Testament very understandable. The primary source he uses for his historical framework is Hayes and Mandell's "The Jewish People in Antiquity". They provide the bulk of his footnotes and explanations. He utilitzed them to the extent that I also purchased their book for further reading.

Witherington is not content to give a "just the facts" narrative of the years of Christ and the spread of Christianity. He gives an introduction to Jesus and how His message and ministry was seen as radical. He demonstrates that it was no accident that Jesus went to the cross. The brilliant part in all of this is that he does it without the academic tedium. If you want it, he points you to fuller discussions through the footnotes. These usually point to his other works, primarily "Christology of Jesus" and his commentaries on Mark, Acts, and Galatians. The point is that the text holds together without the fuller discussion. I have the books mentioned and have read Christology. It is interesting reading, but isn't necessary to get full benefit from this book.

Witherington spices up the text and story with theories and other research. For instance, he states that the "Beloved Disciple" is a Judean disciple, not a Galilean, thus ruling out John, son of Zebedee. He presents the Last Supper as a furtively held celebration that would be seen by the powers that be as insurrection. He doesn't stick to the main roads in his presentation while presenting plausible and thought-provoking narratives of the ministry of the Lord.

His presentation of the spread of Christianity presents a lot of great material on the social, cultural and political context into which Christianity spread. These insights almost become a Biblical backgrounds resource. The discussion of the North/South Galatian theory and his background on the major cities and the churches therein make the New Testament come alive. He has many "Closer Look" sections and backgrounds on principle cities that add much insight to the narrative. During the last few chapters, he goes into the writing of the New Testament books. You may disagree with his dates and theories, but he gives his rationale and you understand where he is coming from and how he got there.

I agree with the previous reviewer that the illustrations are sub-par as to quality. Also, there is no bibliography. But, this is a profitable introduction and guide to the history of Christianity and a valuable general resource book. I have read the detailed treatises on Jesus and New Testament studies and still found this book as informative as it was delightful to read.