Invitation to the New Testament: First Things
"Ben Witherington'sInvitation to the New Testamentnot only introduces the key issues of New Testament study but does so in a most engaging way. Students will be fascinated about how this work--which has shaped the world--came together and how its various parts function."--Darrell L. Bock,DallasTheological Seminary"Ben Witherington delivers an outstanding introduction to the New Testament that is comprehensive, fair, and balanced. With remarkable clarity, he is able to communicate complex and important issues related to the study of the New Testament in a way that challenges, stimulates, and encourages students."--Mark Fairchild,Huntington University"Ben Witherington, a senior scholar and accomplished author, recognizes that it is a sacred trust to introduce students to a sacred text. His insightful, sympathetic treatment of his subject, when coupled with his skillful, enjoyable prose, commends this work for a wide audience and distinguishes it from would-be competitors."--Todd D. Still,George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University"Witherington has extended a gracious invitation indeed to enter the world of the early Christian movement, to listen to its conversations, and to explore the message and challenge at the heart of its writings.Invitation to the New Testamentwould be an ideal textbook for undergraduate introductions to the New Testament."--David deSilva,Ashland Theological Seminary"The central contributions of this book are threefold: first, Witherington sees the New Testament through the lens of the apostles who bore witness to having seen the risen Jesus; second, he recognizes that the New Testament never presents Jesus as merely another historical figure whose actions and intentions can be assessed without faith; and third, he refuses to separate Jesus' words and deeds from the Church that makes manifest the reign of God. This introduction to the New Testament is for all readers who seek not only historical insights but also the deeper framework in which this history makes sense."--Matthew Levering,University of Dayton"Written in an engaging, conversational manner,Invitation to the New Testamentpresents the literature in light of contemporary issues that address both the academy and faith communities. Ben Witherington addresses all positions fairly and is willing to go where the evidence leads him."--James B. Shelton,Oral Roberts University"Witherington begins with the kinds of questions and interests that novices to the field of New Testament studies intuitively experience and draws readers into the discussion naturally, assuming minimal background knowledge and making complex processes easily understandable."--Rob Starner,Southwestern Assemblies of God University