Engaging the New Testament
A Short Introduction for Students and Ministers
About
Many introductions to the New Testament focus on historical-critical issues with only cursory discussions of the text. In Engaging the New Testament, Miguel Echevarría overviews the New Testament writings in their canonical order, showing how each book has a purposeful function within the larger context of Scripture. He provides streamlined and accessible background discussions related to the New Testament writings to enable students to focus on interpretive issues. The book is informed by the latest scholarship yet accessible to those with no prior theological education.
This concise introduction to the New Testament is well-suited to one-semester survey courses. It addresses the needs and questions of students in multicultural classrooms who are studying for ministry. Sidebars encourage readers to think about applying the Bible to various ministry contexts, such as the pastorate, missions, and counseling.
1. Introduction
2. The Canonical Context for the New Testament
3. The Hermeneutics of the New Testament Authors
4. The Gospels and Acts
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
5. The Pauline Epistles
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
The Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus)
Philemon
Hebrews
6. The Catholic Epistles
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
The Johannine Epistles (1, 2, 3 John)
Jude
7. Revelation
Appendix 1: The Relationship between the Gospels
Appendix 2: The Text of the New Testament
Indexes
Endorsements
"It is clear from this book that Dr. Echevarría is an erudite scholar of first rate. It is no easy feat to master all the material present in this book. The wonderful news is that the book is written in clear prose that is accessible to both students and pastors. I plan to use this book in my courses."
Osvaldo Padilla, professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School
"Dr. Echevarría has gifted us a beautifully engaging invitation to read the New Testament in light of its literary context and content. He does not shy away from challenges and areas of scholarly disagreement, showing his awareness of the state of the field, but his focus is to draw readers into engaging the text, and he succeeds. This is a book I will recommend readily when asked for a place to begin a deeper experience of the New Testament story and message."
Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn, associate professor of New Testament, Regent College
"Engaging the New Testament by Miguel Echevarría provides a refreshing departure from typical New Testament introductions. This book transcends traditional critical issues to explore the heart of Scripture's relevance in today's ministry. Echevarría's book both informs and challenges readers through concise summaries, thought-provoking questions, and insightful sidebars that enrich the reading experience. His emphasis on Scripture's canonical contexts, covenantal storylines, motifs, and interpretive methods opens new horizons for engaging with the New Testament, making this introduction a valuable resource for all Bible students."
Dominick S. Hernández, associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics, director of Talbot en Español, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
"Professors can no longer assume that students in a New Testament introduction course have the background necessary to understand the leading introductory textbooks. Echevarría's succinct overviews will help students digest the message of each New Testament book and will give those who are not familiar with the content of the New Testament a helpful jumpstart in their studies."
Charles L. Quarles, research professor of New Testament and biblical theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Qoheleth reminds us that in the making of many books there is no end (Eccl. 12:12), a reality not least evident in the genre of introductory textbooks. But amid the many books, Miguel Echevarría has gifted students of the Bible with a truly refreshing and helpful resource. While not jettisoning critical issues, this volume keeps readers' eyes squarely on the message of the New Testament within the context of the Christian canon. I hope this book finds wide use in the classroom!"
Andrew M. King, assistant professor of biblical studies, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College
The Author
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Miguel G. Echevarría
Miguel G. Echevarría (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of The Future Inheritance of Land in the Pauline Epistles,...
Continue reading about Miguel G. Echevarría