What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Their Writings

This book is unusual in that it really gives you the main point of the books of the New Testament. It is helpful in being organized by authors rather than by book order (this brings the Gospel of John, the Letters of John, and the Book of Revelation together). I find it to be accurate (I am a seminary graduate) and concise. I plan to use it in teaching a Bible Institute at our church, as the New Testament survey. This book really does get the main points across, I know many pastors and students who have a hard time summarizing what the Book of Ephesians is about, for instance, and yet it really is centered on a theme. The same goes for all of the New Testament. This book helps you to see that for yourself, and you will then have an easier time understanding the Bible as you read it.

If you want a general New Testament help, this is the best one I have read into so far. It doesn't ignore the much ignored teachings of the modern church (repentance, abstaining from sexual immorality, focus on holiness without legalism, Old Testament is revealed in the New, etc), but doesn't make a big deal where the New Testament doesn't make a big deal. I wish I had this book years ago for Sunday School, etc.

But I can't. Truthfully, this text is no different from any 101 type text. It focus' on helping you memorize key terms, is blandly written and has a layout and tone similar to a book published by a major publisher (I'm looking at you Pearson, Cengage, Wiley and McGraw-Hil). I found myself relying more on Biblical commentaries, and my own research rather than the selection within this textbook.I have no reason to believe that this is Professor Berding or Professor Williams' fault either. I took both of their classes and they explained it better than the book. Perhaps a bad editor or publishing regulation? Regardless, this book isn't worth keeping after the semester.

The book is a wonderful summery of the New Testament and historical context of each of the books of the NT. Breaks it down book by book in an easy to read manner.

It gives great insight into the New Testament and is an excellent book to always keep referring back to. Learning quite a bit from it.

Read this book in a New Testament college class. I like that Rah chapter is short and pulls out the important facts from the book. Engaging and interesting read for the most part.

Cool book. I enjoyed getting to know more context.

A great book for those looking for a great overview of the New Testament. Easy to read, a LOT of information, and great historical context.