Encountering the New Testament : A Historical and Theological Survey

by Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough

• ISBN13: 9780801028069
• ISBN10: 080102806X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-03-01
• Publisher: BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Summary

This highly readable survey is designed to make studying the New Testament less daunting and more rewarding. The second edition has been updated throughout, including the CD-ROM, which has been thoroughly revised to increase its value to students. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Walter A. Elwell (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is emeritus professor of biblical and theological studies at Wheaton College. He has edited numerous biblical reference works, including the Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible and the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Robert W. Yarbrough (Ph.D., University of Aberdeen) is associate professor of New Testament at Trinity International University and coeditor of the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series.

Table of Contents

Preface	11	(2)
To the Professor	13	(2)
To the Student	15	(2)
Abbreviations	17	(2)
Why Study the New Testament?	19	(20)
Outline
Objectives
The Bible: A High Stakes Book
Old and New Testaments
Why Study the New Testament?
It Mediates God's Presence --- and with It, Truth
It Is of Ultimate Personal Significance
It Is Foundational to Cultural Literacy
Why These Twenty-Seven Books?
Old Testament Precedent for a Canon
The Divine Authorship of the New Testament: Inspiration
Recognition of the Canon in the Church
The Integrity of the New Testament Text
Wealth of Evidence
Brief Time Lapse
Versions and Fathers
So Many Translations!
Why Study the New Testament?
To Avoid the Tyranny of Preformed Personal Opinion
To Avoid Misguided Reliance on the Holy Spirit
To Enable Historical-Theological Interpretation
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
PART 1 Encountering Jesus and the Gospels
The Middle East in the Days of Jesus	39	(30)
Outline
Objectives
The Land of Palestine
The History of Palestine from the Return to the Destruction of Jerusalem
The Maccabean/Hasmonean Period (166--63 B.C.)
The Domination of Rome (63 B.C.--A.D. 70)
The Rule of Herod the Great (37--4 B.C.)
The Rule of Herod's Descendants (4 B.C.--A.D. 66)
Archelaus (4 B.C.--A.D. 6)
Philip (4 B.C.--A.D. 34)
Antipas (4 B.C.--A.D. 39)
Herod Agrippa I and II (A.D. 37--66)
The Jewish War and Destruction of Jerusalem (A.D. 66--70)
Jewish Religion in Jesus' Day
The Unifying Factors in Judaism
Religious Groups
Pharisees
Sadducees
Essenes
Zealots
The Apocalyptic Movement
Other Groups in Palestine
The Samaritans
The Literature of the Jews
The Old Testament
The Old Testament Apocrypha
The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha
The Dead Sea Scrolls
Rabbinic Writings
Other Writings
Conclusion
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
The Gospel and the Four Gospels	69	(8)
Outline
Objectives
The Content of the Message
The Growing Body of Material
The Distinctive Gospel Form
Why the Gospels Were Written
The Trustworthiness of the Gospels
Summary
Key Terms
Key Person
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
The Gospel of Matthew: The Messiah Has Come!	77	(10)
Outline
Objectives
Author
Date
Place of Writing
Outline
Purpose and Characteristics
Jesus the Fulfillment of God's Intention
Jesus the Savior of Israel and the World
Jesus the Supreme Authority
Jesus the Teacher, Preacher, and Healer
The Followers of Jesus and the Church
Critical Issues
Conclusion
Summary
Key Term
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
The Gospel of Mark: Son of God, Servant of All	87	(10)
Outline
Objectives
Author
Date
Place of Writing
Outline
Purpose and Characteristics
The Supernatural Nature of Jesus
The Unfolding Mystery of Jesus' Divine Sonship
The People's Confirming Reactions
The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
The Ministry of Jesus as Servant
Be Silent!
Critical Issues
Conclusion
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
The Gospel of Luke: A Savior for All People	97	(10)
Outline
Objectives
Author
Date
Place of Writing
Outline
Purpose and Characteristics
God's Universal Work
Jesus as Savior of the World
Events of Jesus' Early Life
The Place of Women in Jesus' Ministry
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Critical Issues
Conclusion
Summary
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
The Gospel of John: Eternal Life through His Name	107	(10)
Outline
Objectives
Author
Date and Place of Writing
Outline
Purpose and Characteristics
In the Beginning Was the Word
Jesus' Divine Qualities and Essence
Jesus as Unique Divine Messenger
Jesus' Fulfillment of Israel's and All Humanity's Hopes and Needs
The Word Became Flesh
The Principle of Faith
Other Themes in John
Critical Issues
Conclusion
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Man from Galilee: The Life of Jesus Christ	117	(20)
Outline
Objectives
The Gospels and the Life of Jesus
Outline of Jesus' Life
Jesus' Birth and Youth (6 B.C.-A.D. 26)
The Beginning of Jesus' Public Ministry (A.D. 26--27)
The Galilean Ministry (A.D. 27--29)
Jesus' Travels outside Galilee (A.D. 29)
The Perean and Judean Ministry (A.D. 29--30)
Jesus' Last Days on Earth and Crucifixion (April A.D. 30)
The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus (April--June A.D. 30)
The True Meaning of Jesus of Nazareth
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Lord, Teach Us: The Teaching Ministry of Jesus Christ	137	(16)
Outline
Objectives
How to Understand Jesus
Jesus the Preacher
Jesus' Use of Language
The Form of Jesus' Message
Jesus and His Message
The Teaching of Jesus
God, the Kingdom of God, and Jesus' Relation to the Kingdom
The Uniqueness of Jesus
Jesus' Special Relation to God
Jesus' Special Relation to Other Human Beings
Jesus' Sense of Mission
Human Life, Human Sinfulness, and God
The End of the Age, the Second Coming, and the Life to Come
Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Modern Approaches to the New Testament: Historical Criticism and Hermeneutics	153	(16)
Outline
Objectives
Two Ways of Reading the New Testament
The Necessity of Criticism
Roots of Historical Criticism
Contribution and Limitations of Historical Criticism
The Promise of Hermeneutics
Conditions
Methods
Aims
Invitation to Further Hermeneutical Study
Summary
Key Terms
Key Place
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
The Modern Study of the Gospels	169	(12)
Outline
Objectives
The Rise of Source Criticism
The Rise of Form Criticism
The Rise of Redaction Criticism
The Current Situation
Summary
Key Terms
Key People
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
The Modern Search for Jesus	181	(12)
Outline
Objectives
The Search for the Real Jesus
A Brief History of the Search
The Current Situation
The Search for the Real Words of Jesus
A Brief Look at the Search
The Criteria Used to Find Jesus' Real Words
A Positive Approach to the Problem
Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
PART 2 Encountering Acts and the Earliest Church
The World and Identity of the Earliest Church	193	(16)
Outline
Objectives
The Reality of Empire
Hellenistic Civilization
Religions and Philosophies
The Early Christians: New People in Christ
How Early Christians Saw Themselves
What Early Christians Believed
The Uniqueness of Jesus
The Decisive Fact of Jesus' Death and Resurrection
Conclusion
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Acts 1--7: The Earliest Days of the Church	209	(14)
Outline
Objectives
Acts: Volume 2 of Luke
Author and Purpose
Date
Title
Characteristics and Importance
Literary Features and Structure
How to Interpret Acts
Outline of Acts 1--7 Initial Witness to Christ in and around Jerusalem (1:1--2:47)
Jesus' Legacy (1:1--11)
The First Christian Pentecost (1:12--2:47)
Days of Preparation
Pointed Message, Dramatic Response
Common Life
Spreading the Message, Gathering Opposition (3:1--7:60)
Miracles and Message
Christian Community
Conflict
Summary
Key Term
Key People
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Acts 8--12: Salvation for Both Jew and Gentile	223	(14)
Outline
Objectives
Outline of Acts 8--12
Perspective of Acts 8--12
Minor Figures: Ten More Who Believed
Philip (8:5--13, 26--40)
The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26--40)
Ananias (9:10--19)
Aeneas (9:33--35)
Tabitha (9:36--42)
Simon the Tanner (9:43; 10:6, 17, 32)
Cornelius (10:1--11:18)
Barnabas (11:22--30)
Agabus (11:28)
James, Brother of John (12:2)
Two Who Disbelieved
Simon the Sorcerer (8:9--25)
Herod Agrippa I (12:1--23)
Major Figures
John (8:14--25)
Peter (8:14--25; 9:32--43; 10:1--11:18; 12:3--18)
Saul (8:1--3; 9:1--31; 11:25--30; 12:25)
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Acts 13--28: The Light of Christ to the Ends of the Earth	237	(16)
Outline
Objectives
Outline of Acts 13--28
First Missionary Journey (13:1--14:28)
The Jerusalem Council (15:1--35)
Second Missionary Journey (15:36--18:22)
Third Missionary Journey (18:23--21:15)
Arrest in Jerusalem and Imprisonment in Caesarea (21:15--26:32)
Voyage to Rome (27:1--28:10)
Ministry at Rome (28:11--31)
Conclusion
Summary
Key Term
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
PART 3 Encountering Paul and His Epistles
All Things to All People: Life and Teachings of the Apostle Paul	253	(20)
Outline
Objectives
Brief Overview of the Life of Paul
Missionary Journeys and Paul's Letters
Which Letters Did Paul Write?
Paul and Jesus
Paul's Teaching about God
Evil and the Human Dilemma
Paul and the Law
Children of Abraham, Children of God: Paul's View of the People of God
Revelation and Scripture
Messiah
Redemption
The Cross
Resurrection
The Church
Ethics
Last Things
Conclusion
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Romans: Right with God	273	(14)
Outline
Objectives
Gospels---Acts---Epistles
Why Wade through Romans?
The City of Rome and Christianity
The Occasion and Purpose of Romans
Outline
The Argument of Romans
Introduction (1:1--18)
Diagnosis (1:19--3:20)
Prognosis I: Justified by Faith in Jesus Christ (3:21--8:17)
Prognosis II: Redeemed by Grace (8:18--11:36)
Prescription (12:1--15:13)
Conclusion (15:14--16:27)
The Importance of Romans
Critical Issues
Summary
Key Terms
Key Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Corinthians and Galatians: Apostolic Counsel for Confused Churches	287	(20)
Outline
Objectives
First and Second Corinthians
The City of Corinth
Founding of Christianity in Corinth
Letters to and from Corinth
First Corinthians
Author, Date, Place of Writing
Why Paul Wrote
Outline
Message
Specific Issues
Critical Issues
Second Corinthians
Setting and Purpose
Outline
Message
Apostolic Authority
The Jerusalem Collection
Critical Issues
Galatians
South Galatia or North Galatia?
Outline
Purpose
True and False Gospel
Misguided Leadership
Grace and Law
Positive Ethic
Critical Issues
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon: Letters from Prison	307	(20)
Outline
Objectives
Ephesians
Introduction
The City of Ephesus
Outline
Purpose
Declarations and Exhortations
Critical Issues
Philippians
Introduction
The Town of Philippi
Outline
Purpose
Enemies of the Gospel
Christology
Critical Issues
Colossians
Introduction
The Town of Colossae
Outline
Setting and Purpose
Message
Implications of Christ's Supremacy
Critical Issues
Philemon
Introduction
Outline
Purpose
Literary and Historical Questions
Practical Lessons
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Thessalonians, Timothy, and Titus: A Legacy of Faithfulness	327	(20)
Outline
Objectives
First and Second Thessalonians
Introduction
The City of Thessalonica
Origin of 1 and 2 Thessalonians
First Thessalonians
Outline
Purpose and Message
God-Focus at Thessalonica
Second Thessalonians
Outline
Purpose and Message
Critical Issues
First Timothy, Second Timothy, Titus
Fourth Missionary Journey and Authorship
First Timothy
Outline
Occasion for Writing and Message
Second Timothy
Outline
Occasion for Writing and Message
Titus
Outline
Occasion for Writing and Message
The Wisdom of the Pastoral Epistles
Critical Issues
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
PART 4 Encountering the General Epistles and the Apocalypse
Hebrews and James: Maintaining Full Commitment to Christ	347	(14)
Outline
Objectives
The General Epistles Hebrews: Sermonic Epistle
The Mystery of Hebrews' Authorship
Date, Recipients, Purpose, and Genre
Outline
Focal Points
Down with the Old Testament?
Exhortation
Critical Issues
James: Epistle of Straw?
Author, Date, Recipients, and Purpose
Outline
James's Prophetic Wisdom
James and Jesus
Critical Issues
Summary
Key Terms
Key Person/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Peter, John, and Jude: A Call to Faith, Hope, and Love	361	(14)
Outline
Objectives
The Letters of Peter
First Peter
Outline
The Comfort and Encouragement of Christ
The Glory of Salvation
The Believer as Pilgrim
Following Christ
Second Peter
Outline
Purpose and Teaching
The Epistles of John
Author
First John
Outline
Purpose and Teaching
Second John
Outline
Purpose and Teaching
Third John
Outline
Purpose and Teaching
Jude
Outline
Purpose and Teaching
General Epistle Summary
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Revelation: God Is in Control!	375	(12)
Outline
Objectives
Author and Date
Outline
Theories of Interpretation
The Teachings of Revelation
God
The Son of God
The People of God
Eschatology
Summary
Key Terms
Key People/Places
Review Questions
Study Questions
Further Reading
Epilogue: Matters to Ponder	387	(8)
Outline
Objectives
The New Testament Story: Over But Not Ended
The Legacy of the Apostolic Age
Old Testament Roots
Balanced Vision
Empowering Example
Basis for Reflection and Action
Unfinished Business
Contextualization
Church and Culture
Gospel and Society
Keeping Faith Fresh
Great Awakening?
Summary
Review Questions
Study Questions
Glossary	395	(12)
Answers to Review Questions	407	(2)
Notes	409	(12)
Scripture Index	421	(14)
Name Index	435	(4)
Subject Index	439