A Concise Guide to Reading the New Testament: A Canonical Introduction - Paperback

by David R. Nienhuis (Author)

The New Testament came together, and comes to us, not as a randomly sorted set of individual books but as a definitely shaped and ordered whole. This concise, theological introduction to the New Testament sheds light on the interpretive significance of the canon's structure and sequence and articulates how the final shape of the canon is formative for Christian discipleship. Providing an essential overview often missing from New Testament books and courses, this book will serve as an accessible supplement to any New Testament or Bible introduction textbook.

Back Jacket

This is not simply a conventional historical introduction. Instead, Nienhuis offers a robustly theological proposal about how to read the New Testament as a collection of texts that are foundational for Christian faith and practice. His reading highlights the carefully structured architecture of the generally received NT canon, as well as the way in which the texts form Christian disciples. Not to be overlooked are his illuminating citations of passages illustrating the reception of the NT books by patristic interpreters. A thought-provoking resource for all who seek to introduce students to the NT as Christian Scripture.
--Richard B. Hays, Duke Divinity School

"Of the making of New Testament introductions there is no end--yet this volume is truly unique: a guide to the New Testament as a coherent, ordered, and interconnected collection of writings about God's saving work in Jesus and the call to discipleship. This fascinating and insightful volume will benefit readers of Scripture in various settings, from the formal classroom to the church to the home."
--Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary and University

"Newcomers to the formal study of the New Testament need a reliable guide that pulls its readers into the heart of the New Testament itself, one that prioritizes learning the New Testament over learning about the New Testament. This is that guide, but it is more besides. It's also an impressive, uncluttered reading of the New Testament as the church's Scriptures that promotes faithful life and witness."
--Joel B. Green, Fuller Theological Seminary

"A solid resource for believers who are serious about New Testament study and Christian discipleship. It's broadly ecumenical, in the best sense, and illuminating in its use of canonical exegesis. The scholarship is perfectly calibrated for teachers and students: always clear, never overbearing."
--Scott Hahn, Franciscan University of Steubenville and St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

"In a field full of introductions to the New Testament, Nienhuis provides a readable and rare guide that approaches the NT documents as a canonical collection for the purpose of forming disciples. This is a fresh and fruitful textbook that manifests a teacher's passion and care for students to grow in their faith through engaging Holy Scripture."
--Jonathan T. Pennington, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Author Biography

David R. Nienhuis (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament studies at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. He is the author of Not by Paul Alone and the coauthor (with Robert W. Wall) of A Compact Guide to the Whole Bible.