a short guide to its history and message

introducing the

new testament

d. a.

Carson

douglas j.

Moo

edited by

andrew david

Naselli

ZONDERVAN

Introducing the New Testament

An abridgment of An Introduction to the New Testament

Copyright © 1992, 2005, 2010 by D. A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Carson, D. A.

Introducing the New Testament: a short guide to its history and message / D. A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo; edited by Andrew David Naselli.—[Abridged ed.].

p. cm.

Rev. ed. of: An introduction to the New Testament. c2005.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-0-310-29149-7 (softcover)

1. Bible. N.T.—Introductions. I. Moo, Douglas J. II. Naselli, Andrew David. III. Carson, D. A. Introduction to the New Testament. IV. Title.

BS2330.3.C37 2010

225.6′1—dc22 2009046403

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers printed in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Interior design: Matthew VanZomeren

Contents

Preface

Abbreviations

1. Thinking about the Study of the New Testament

2. The Synoptic Gospels

3. Matthew

4. Mark

5. Luke

6. John

7. Acts

8. New Testament Letters

9. Paul: Apostle and Theologian

10. Romans

11. 1 and 2 Corinthians

12. Galatians

13. Ephesians

14. Philippians

15. Colossians

16. 1 and 2 Thessalonians

17. 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus

18. Philemon

19. Hebrews

20. James

21. 1 Peter

22. 2 Peter

23. 1, 2, 3 John

24. Jude

25. Revelation

26. Conclusion

Scripture Index

General Index

Preface

Dear Reader,

You are probably using this book because you are convinced that the Bible is God’s Word—and, just for that reason, you are keen to understand it better. But, of course, God has chosen to reveal his Word to us in human words—words written by particular people, in particular situations, to particular people, and about particular problems and issues. Knowing about these particulars helps us to understand just what God in his Word is seeking to tell us. In this book, we outline the circumstances in which God’s New Testament Word was written in order to help you understand, appreciate, and live out that Word.

Few of you will read this book at one time from cover to cover. It is a ...