Behind the Scenes of the New Testament - Behind the Scenes of the Bible by Bruce W Longenecker & Elizabeth E Shively & T J Lang Hardcover

About the Book

A team of world-class scholars covers the full range of New Testament backgrounds studies in a concise, authoritative, and comprehensive manner.

Book Synopsis

Southwestern Journal of Theology 2024 Book Award (Biblical Reference / Biblical Backgrounds)

This authoritative volume brings together a team of world-class scholars to cover the full range of New Testament backgrounds in a concise, up-to-date, and comprehensive manner.

Drawing on the expertise of specialists in the areas of archaeological, historical, and biblical studies, this book provides concise treatments of a wide breadth of topics related to the world of the early Christ followers. The book offers compact overviews of key historical issues, facilitating enriched understandings of the significance and force of the texts of the New Testament in their original contexts.

Meant to be used alongside traditional surveys, this one-stop introduction to New Testament backgrounds fills a gap in typical introduction to the Bible courses and is ideal for undergraduate or seminary classes. It is beautifully designed and includes photographs, line drawings, maps, charts, and tables, which will facilitate its use in the classroom.

From the Back Cover

"Should be in the hands of everyone who studies the New Testament"

"It is difficult to imagine a more helpful guide to the world of the New Testament than this collection of accessible essays by world-class experts. Whether used as a main text, a supplemental text, a reference book, or a resource for research, this volume should be in the hands of everyone who studies the New Testament, from serious beginners to scholars."
--Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary & University

"Comprehensive in the subjects covered, Behind the Scenes of the New Testament features deeply respected and exciting scholars who equip biblical interpreters with the cultural wisdom to read well. The chapters and bibliographies are succinct and rich, ensuring that they will be read and will propel readers to go deeper. This book will inspire the joy of discovering the world of the New Testament."
--Amy Peeler, Wheaton College

"A must-have resource for students, pastors, scholars, and teachers wanting to study the New Testament texts in light of their ancient contexts. Each of the well-researched, accessible essays illuminates historical and cultural dimensions of the New Testament world. Readers will gain insight on how to connect these dimensions to their interpretation of the New Testament."
--Janette H. Ok, Fuller Theological Seminary

"A masterful collection of pertinent, interesting essays that illuminate the Greco-Roman world and the New Testament texts' engagement with it. Richly detailed and brilliantly written, each essay provides the latest research on its topic. This volume should be used by every New Testament introduction course."
--Lynn H. Cohick, Houston Christian University

"Students of early Christianity require a strong familiarity with the wealth of historical, philosophical, social, and political material that informed the writers of the New Testament. To that end, Behind the Scenes of the New Testament comprehensively covers a breadth of material drawn from the cultural encyclopedia of the era. I will definitely use this volume with my students!"
--Christopher W. Skinner, Loyola University Chicago

"In this comprehensive compendium, the editors of Behind the Scenes of the New Testament have gathered an impressive array of scholars with expertise in the historical and cultural milieu of the New Testament. Scholarly yet accessible, this volume will prove to be an invaluable resource for students and academics alike for many years to come."
--Brittany E. Wilson, Duke Divinity School

About the Author

Bruce W. Longenecker (PhD, University of Durham) is the W. W. Melton Chair of Religion at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Elizabeth Shively (PhD, Emory University) is professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas.

T. J. Lang (PhD, Duke University) is senior lecturer in New Testament studies and codirector of the Institute for Bible, Theology, and Hermeneutics at the University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland.