The enormous cultural impact of the Bible--and in particular, the New Testament--has given people of all backgrounds and traditions at least some familiarity with it. Yet the Bible remains one of the most misread and misunderstood books of all time. Given the sheer variety of interpretive and critical methods, perhaps this isn't altogether surprising. In Inquiry into the New Testament: Ancient Context to Contemporary Significance, David Landry offers a readable, informed, and thorough introduction to this important collection of books. Teachable and ecumenical, the text includes methodological tools, reading guides, key terminology, review and discussion questions, images, and recommendations for further reading that will equip students to understand both Early Christianity and its foundational texts. With sections on literary and historical context, source criticism, interpretive lenses, the formation of the canon, the books of the New Testament as well as noncanonical gospels, and contemporary application, Inquiry into the New Testament highlights not only the ancient importance of the New Testament, but its continued modern significance, as well.

This excellent study of the origins and early development of Christology by James D. G. Dunn clarifies in rich detail the beginnings of the full Christian belief in Christ as the Son of God and incarnate Word. By employing the exegetical methods of "historical context of meaning" and "conceptuality in transition," Dunn illumines the first-century meaning of key titles and passages within the New Testament that bear directly on the development of the Christian understanding of Jesus.

Unity and Diversity in the New Testament is a classic investigation into the canon of the New Testament, and Christianity's origins. It looks in detail at what were the various emphases in the gospel proclaimed by Jesus, Luke, Paul and John. It also examines primitive Christianity's preaching and teaching, confessional formulae, oral traditions, organisation and worship, concepts of ministry and community, and ritual acts. In the second half of the book, the author maps out the scope of the diversity he found in the first half's investigation.

In All Roads Lead to the Text Dean Deppe offers a user-friendly guide to biblical exegesis and interpretation. Far from a dry, theoretical handbook, this book's example-based approach enlivens the exegetical task and offers immediate payoff by constantly applying concepts to specific texts. Deppe focuses on eight methods that biblical scholars use, from analyzing literary, grammatical, and structural elements to investigating historical and cultural backgrounds to exploring the history of interpretation. Deppe explains each approach using several concrete examples from both Old and New Testament texts, and every chapter concludes with practical, text-based questions for study and discussion.

This book is invigorating to read, for it is how biblical theology should be written. Professor Cullmann has set a high standard of biblical scholarship in this book, and it will be a great resource for students of sacred Scripture.

In Pseudonymity, the New Testament, and Deception, Terry Wilder provides a fresh answer to a vital question for New Testament studies: If pseudonymous letters exist in the New Testament, what can be said about their intention and reception? The author's analysis of this New Testament issue leads to a conclusion that impacts both exegesis and canonicity.