Reading the New Testament as Christian Scripture - A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Survey

"Precious few texts succeed where this one excels" Many introductions to the New Testament focus on critical issues such as authorship, background, and history. While this book addresses these important issues as well, its focus is on reading the text of the New Testament itself. The authors believe the New Testament should be read from multiple angles: historically, literarily, canonically, theologically, and ecclesially. They pay attention to how the New Testament documents fit together as a canonical whole that supplements the Old Testament to make up the Christian Scriptures. They also show how the New Testament writings provide basic material for Christian doctrine, spirituality, and engagement with culture. "Precious few texts succeed where this one excels--winsomely equipping beginning students of the New Testament with enough resources to understand and respond to its message without burying them with information. It will quickly become a standard choice for both novice and veteran educators. I enthusiastically recommend it!" -- Jonathan Lunde , Biola University "Campbell and Pennington foster the kind of engagement with the Scriptures that is so lacking today. Drawing on the resources of biblical studies, and integrating that with reception history and theology, this book encourages biblical engagement for the sake of becoming a faithful disciple of Jesus. I look forward to assigning the book and reaping the fruit of their labor." -- Kelly D. Liebengood , LeTourneau University "An excellent textbook. Campbell and Pennington offer students nuanced and reliable information about the historical background, reception history, canonical context, and more. Most importantly, the book begins each section of commentary with a reminder to read the biblical text. This book will help our students read and interpret well." -- Madison N. Pierce , Trinity Evangelical Divinity School "A fine introductory textbook that reads the New Testament from a distinctly Christian perspective. The authors‘ focus on the New Testament books as Christian Scripture shines through on page after page. This is a lovely book that will serve beginning readers of the New Testament very well." -- Steve Walton , Trinity College, Bristol "Those of us who teach Bible survey courses often lament the lack of Old and New Testament introductions that teach students how to read the text rather than simply learn about the text‘s origins and themes. Campbell and Pennington have produced a New Testament introduction that is at once informative about basic background issues and at the same time a hermeneutical, theological, and canonical primer on how to read Holy Scripture as a Christian. This should be used in every classroom." -- Matthew Y. Emerson , Oklahoma Baptist University