DISCOVERING the NEW TESTAMENT

An Introduction to Its Background, Theology, and Themes

Volume I

The Gospels & Acts

MARK J. KEOWN

Discovering the New Testament: An Introduction to Its Background, Theology, and Themes

Volume 1: The Gospels & Acts

Copyright 2018 Mark J. Keown

Lexham Press, 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225

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Print ISBN 9781683592327

Digital ISBN 9781683592334

Lexham Editorial: Derek R. Brown, Karen Engle, Sarah Awa

Cover Design: Brittany Schrock

CONTENTS

Preface

Abbreviations

Chapter 1: General Introduction

Christ the Center

What is the New Testament?

The New Testament as a Library of Books

Dating New Testament Documents

The Formation of the New Testament

The New Testament in the Narrative of Scripture

Reading the New Testament

Questions to Consider

Chapter 2: The Jewish Context of the New Testament

1. The Intertestamental Period (Second Temple Judaism)

2. Geographic Features

3. Population

4. Socioeconomic Conditions

5. Language

6. Cultural Influences

An Occupied Nation

A Nation Under Roman Rule

Judaism in New Testament Times

The Literature of Judaism

Important Jewish Parties and Features

Other Features of Life in Israel

Questions to Consider

Chapter 3: The Greco-Roman Context of the New Testament

Hellenism

The City

Social Institutions

Greek Religion

Roman Religion

The “Mystery” Religions

Paul and Greco-Roman Religion

Philosophy

Travel in the Roman World

Social Stratification

Patronage

Additional Features of Greco-Roman Society

Questions to Consider

Chapter 4: Understanding Critical Methodologies

Key Terms

Textual Criticism

Historical Criticism

History of Religions (Religionsgeschichte Schule)

Source Criticism

Form Criticism

Redaction Criticism

Rhetorical Criticism

Narrative Criticism

The Quest for the Historical Jesus

Questions to Consider

Chapter 5: The Synoptic Gospels

No Relationship

An ...

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About Discovering the New Testament: An Introduction to Its Background, Theology, and Themes, Volume I: The Gospels & Acts

Discovering the New Testament is a new and comprehensive introduction to the New Testament in three volumes, reflecting current research and scholarship in New Testament studies. Each volume provides a thorough discussion of background issues as well as treating theological themes and practical application.

The first volume on the Gospels and Acts covers Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds, critical methodologies, the synoptic problem, and surveys each of the four gospels and Acts. It concludes with three chapters that explore the key theme of the kingdom of God, including its Old Testament background, the place of miracles, and an examination of Jesus’ parables.

Ideal for college or seminary students, the volumes provide numerous maps and charts, as well as discussion questions for each chapter and a focus on real-life relevance and application. Forthcoming volumes will focus on Paul (Vol. 2) and the general epistles and Revelation (Vol. 3).

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