The New Testament

"Informed by contemporary approaches to the study of scripture, noted biblical scholar Colleen Conway expertly initiates students into the historical study of the New Testament in this smart and student-friendly introduction."
—Jennifer Glancy, Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities, Le Moyne College

"A real breath of fresh air, this introduction gives rigorous attention to historical issues while simultaneously presenting accessible and concrete payoffs of contemporary methodological perspectives."
—Ben Dunning, Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Harvard Divinity School

The New Testament: A Contemporary Introduction draws from diverse academic approaches and perspectives to provide an up-to-date account of the emergence of Jesus traditions in the Mediterranean world of the first century. Perfect for undergraduate students with varying levels of biblical knowledge, this concise and highly accessible textbook provides a clear understanding of the historical, political, cultural, and literary contexts of New Testament texts, authors, and audiences.

Author Colleen M. Conway uses both established historical methods and modern critical analyses to explore how issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and imperialism contributed to the production and interpretation of the New Testament texts. Students explore key historical-critical questions regarding Paul's mission to the Gentiles, the four Gospel narratives, the Book of Revelation, the New Testament canon, early Christian writings, and more.

Designed for one-semester religious studies courses on the Bible, the New Testament, and early Christianity, The New Testament: A Contemporary Introduction includes chapter review questions, key term lists, suggested readings, timelines, maps, illustrations, and color photographs throughout.