New Testament History: A Narrative Account

From Publishers Weekly
Beginning with the introduction which eschews the usual John-vs.-the-Synoptics categorization of the Gospels in favor of a more nuanced approach, in which Luke's Acts is the historical sore thumb alongside the three Jesus biographies this primer on New Testament history tips some sacred cows while teaching students the basics. The textbook format is informative without being stuffy, augmented by sidebars, maps, illustrations and photographs of ancient sites and scrolls. This is a fine choice for undergraduates and lay church members, as well as more advanced students, who will most appreciate Witherington's sensitivity to the complexities of history.

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--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Beginning with a prolegomenon that carefully defines history as well as the work of historians and biographers, Witherington sets aside the misconception that objectivity requires neutrality and, taking a cue from the author of Luke and Acts, weaves "an orderly account" that covers the period from Alexander the Great through the first century C.E. Witherington reads Luke and Acts and Josephus as reliable though hardly neutral historical sources and supplements them with an impressive array of primary and secondary material, beginning with the other Gospels, which he reads as instances of ancient biography. He is explicit about the choices he makes in reading sources, and the care with which he reveals his rationale for judgments about evidence is admirable and particularly welcome in an introductory text. Well-placed illustrations and maps, chronological tables, and a series of highlighted "closer looks" at key topics increase the volume's usefulness. In all, a readable one-volume overview of the historical context within which Christian scripture was formed, suitable for New Testament students in the academy and outside of it. Steven Schroeder
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"This is a fine choice for undergraduates and lay church members, as well as more advanced students, who will most appreciate Witherington's sensitivity to the complexities of history."
Product Description
Essential to an understanding of the New Testament is a comprehension of the individuals, events, and social movements that shaped the setting from which Jesus and his followers emerged. Unfortunately, many accounts by historians can leave readers feeling overwhelmed and confused. New Testament History provides a worthy solution to this problem. A well-known expert on the social situation of the New Testament, Ben Witherington offers an engaging look into the world that gave birth to the Christian faith.

From the Back Cover
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;:
He will by shield and portion be
As long as Life endures

ófrom ìFaithís Review and Expectationî by John Newton

Poetry has always been an elegant, effective means of expression and reflection. It is no surprise then that, like John Newton, many Christians have used this medium to express the profound joys and struggles they have encountered in their journey with the church. With this in mind, renowned biblical scholar Ben Witherington III has teamed up with Christopher Mead Armitage to produce this innovative annotated anthology of Christian poetry.

The Poetry of Piety offers both expert literary and theological analysis of a wide range of Christian poetry from the sixteenth century to the present. Each section consists of a brief biographical introduction to the author, a literary critique and theological analysis of one or more poems, and questions for personal reflection/formation. Works from twenty-eight authors, including John Donne, George Herbert, C. S. Lewis, T. S. Eliot, Langston Hughes, and John Updike, are covered.

Ben Witherington III (Ph.D., University of Durham) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and author of more than twenty books. Christopher Mead Armitage (Ph.D., Duke University) is professor of English at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author
Ben Witherington III is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of over twenty books, including The Jesus Quest, and the coauthor of The Brother of Jesus.