The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings - Softcover

Ehrman, Bart D.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195126394 ISBN 13: 9780195126396

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1999

Synopsis

This new edition of Bart Ehrman's highly successful introduction approaches the New Testament from a consistently historical and comparative perspective, emphasizing the rich diversity of the earliest Christian literature. Rather than shying away from the critical problems presented by these books, Ehrman addresses the historical and literary challenges they pose and shows why scholars continue to argue over such significant issues as how the books of the New Testament came into being, what they mean, how they relate to contemporary Christian and non-Christian literature, and how they came to be collected into a canon of Scripture. Distinctive to this study is its emphasis on the historical, literary, and religious milieu of the Greco-Roman world, including early Judaism. As part of its historical orientation, this text also discusses works by other Christian writers who were roughly contemporary with the New Testament, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Apocalypse of Peter, and the letters of Ignatius.
This second edition features expanded coverage of the historical Jesus, adds new boxes on various topics (e.g., women in the New Testament and alternative approaches to the historical Jesus), incorporates a twelve-page color photo essay on illuminated manuscripts, and includes several important organizational changes. Ideal for undergraduate and seminary classes in the New Testament, Biblical Studies, and Christian Origins, The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, Second Edition, is an accessible, clearly written introduction that encourages students to consider the historical issues surrounding these writings.

About this title

About the Author:

Bart D. Ehrman, Bowman-Gray Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina.

Review:

"An outstanding introduction. Blends contemporary scholarship, the early Christian world, and attention to the needs of students most skillfully. The best introduction currently available."--Francis J. Moloney, The Catholic University of America

"Ehrman's historical introduction to the New Testament is written more clearly than any other I have used; it situates Christianity more honestly in the ancient Greco-Roman world. It does not limit the picture of Christianity to the New Testament but draws on other early Christian writings. Lavishly illustrated."--John L. White, Loyola University

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0195126394
• ISBN 13: 9780195126396
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 508