Introducing the New Testament presents the complex and often challenging texts and history of the New Testament in a clear and informative manner. The book begins with a section that gives readers a clear idea of how to use it most effectively for study and personal research, followed by a chapter which outlines the various manuscript traditions and processes of transmission that resulted in the biblical texts we have before us today. With this groundwork complete readers are then introduced to all the texts of the New Testament, and to major issues and debates such as the 'Historical Jesus' the 'Synoptic Problem' and current debates surrounding inspiration - how these texts can be seen in both a historical context and in the context of religious faith. The author is a highly respected Roman Catholic Biblical scholar, who for many years taught in the Oxford University Theology Faculty, was a papal advisor on the bible and produced one of the most popular biblical translations of recent years. This book draws heavily on Wansbrough's wealth of teaching experience with all of the chapters having been classroom tested in several institutions across the world.
The book features chapter summaries, sample essay questions, chapter bibliographies and sections to extend knowledge and prompt individual research.