The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts - Paperback

by Joel B. Green (Editor), Lee Martin McDonald (Editor)

This volume addresses the most important issues related to the study of New Testament writings. Two respected senior scholars have brought together a team of distinguished specialists to introduce the Jewish, Hellenistic, and Roman backgrounds necessary for understanding the New Testament and the early church. Contributors include renowned scholars such as Lynn H. Cohick, David A. deSilva, James D. G. Dunn, and Ben Witherington III. The book includes seventy-five photographs, fifteen maps, numerous tables and charts, illustrations, and bibliographies. All students of the New Testament will value this reliable, up-to-date, comprehensive textbook and reference volume on the New Testament world.

Back Jacket

A Comprehensive Resource on the New Testament World

"The World of the New Testament is a comprehensive resource for understanding the various contexts of the New Testament writings. . . . Particularly noteworthy is the breadth of subject matter covered and the annotated bibliography at the end of each essay. . . . A wide-ranging and helpful resource."
--Kathleen E. Mills, Review of Biblical Literature

"This book is targeted to students in both universities and seminaries, though it could still be of use to scholars who are seeking to refresh their memory of a particular topic. . . . The World of the New Testament would make a good textbook for any course that attempts to understand the New Testament in its wider Greco-Roman milieu."
--Sean A. Adams, Expository Times

"This collection is as good as it gets, and readers should find much to value in these pages, which are rich in detail and [written] for students and laypersons alike. Moreover, each entry includes an annotated bibliography that provides excellent direction for further research. The indices to the volume are stellar and will provide helpful guidance for readers."
--Todd Penner, Interpretation

"Green and McDonald have designed a work composed of numerous topics essential for engaging the historical context of the New Testament and earliest Christianity, and they have assembled a good team of experienced and emergent scholars, who give concise and informed discussions of these topics. The result is a valuable volume, especially for students and general readers but also for scholars who want to catch up on any of the topics included."
--Larry W. Hurtado, New College, University of Edinburgh

"The depth and breadth of The World of the New Testament will make it a standard work for libraries and the bookshelves of both pastors and scholars across a wide range of traditions. Here, in one judiciously edited volume, readers will find ready access to information about Hellenistic philosophy, Jewish history, Jewish and Greco-Roman customs, and much more. The abundance of illustrations, maps, and diagrams brings the material to life. This will prove to be an invaluable resource for years to come."
--Susan Eastman, Duke Divinity School

Author Biography

Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is dean of the School of Theology and professor of New Testament interpretation at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Theological Interpretation and has authored or edited numerous books, including the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics.

Lee Martin McDonald (PhD, University of Edinburgh), before his retirement, was professor of New Testament studies and president of Acadia Divinity College. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including The Story of Jesus in History and Faith, The Biblical Canon, and coeditor of The Canon Debate (with James Sanders). McDonald now lives in Mesa, Arizona.