The Writings of the New Testament 3rd (Third) Edition byJohnson

by Johnson

The Writings of the New Testament [Paperback]Luke Timothy Johnson (Author)

Genres: Theology, Religion, New Testament, Church, Nonfiction, Reference, Christianity

Paperback

First published May 1, 1986

Reviews

[Ethan Sink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, as LTJ does a great job explaining what exactly the NT as a whole actually *is*. As one might expect, the second half, in which he discusses each book of the NT, is a bit more uneven. I thought he made a strong case for the functions of the gospels and Acts, but didn’t find all of his chapters on the Pauline letters to be particularly helpful. Overall, I think I like DeSilva’s introduction better for looking at specific NT books, but I do think the first major section of this book is really helpful and (from my limited observation) fairly unique.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more of a believers' textbook than I prefer to use in my teaching (big example: refers to the Hebrew Bible as the Old Testament), but I found it to be clear & well-written. Johnson presents good information & takes care to focus primarily on the academic study of these texts while giving attention to the communities of believers who wrote these texts and those who still read & use them religiously today.

Since I teach NT solely from an academic, historical perspective, and I often have Jewish students, I prefer to use texts that refer to the Hebrew Bible as the Hebrew Bible or Jewish Scripture, rather than the Christocentric "Old Testament."

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of the NT with particular emphasis on the symbolic world in which the NT books were written. Most of the book reads like a brief NT commentary as Luke Timothy Johnson draws out the main themes in each book.

[J.]

I believe this is the best introduction to the New Testament that you can find. Of course, it is a book for non-experts. Also, Johnson's views on Paul's letters are idiosyncratic; he believes that all of the writings attributed to Paul in the NT are actually by Paul. However, having said that, I cannot think of a better NT survey than this one. I should note that I am biased: Johnson was my NT teacher, and he's one of the best teachers I've ever had (and a hell of a nice guy). He's also an excellent writer. His prose is clear, concise, and witty. Read the beginning of the chapter on the Book of Revelation, and you'll see what I mean!

[Amy Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve long been a Luke Timothy Johnson fan, and was beyond thrilled to have this as a cornerstone textbook for a class. It lived up to my the hype I had for it - LTJ is inspiring and passionate as always, and strives to find a middle space while still exploring other voices.

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scholarly, accessible, conservative yet seriously and graciously conversant with broader NT scholarship. What this book is intended to do the author does very well.

[Clayton Tune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for introducing one to NT books

[Rob]

This was the textbook of my intro to New Testament class at BTSR.

[Carl Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential reference for interpreting the New Testament. Persuasive arguments about the writings of Paul.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libraries have been filled with all that has been written about the New Testament. Johnson begins by telling us he is not writing an exhaustive analysis of the canon. He is focusing on his own theories concerning the origin and message of the text. If his take on the scripture differs from most scholars he gives the majority opinion before explaining his own ideas. I know the author and appreciate his honesty in this book and in lectures when he admits the text just leaves us with more questions we can not answer. Introducing the book of Hebrews he confesses he is just helping the reader know how to read the text in this short introduction. That analysis seems to sum up this entire work by Johnson. It helps us know how to read the New Testament.

[Kyle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnson's "interpretation" on the New Testament writings seems to healthily occupy the space between non-academic, conservative biblical commentaries on the one hand and critical commentaries whose tone at times discourages valuing tbe biblical texts on the other. Johnson's takes are aware of and in conversation with NT critical issues without mindlessly fitting their mold, as one might expect from someone marketed as a conservative Catholic scholar. His ability to paint the potential narrative within and behind each NT text is unrivaled by any other commentary I have come across. This could be a healthy, insightful resource in the library of an academic, a pastor, or a layperson. (Be sure to get the 3rd edition with the red/brown themed cover)

[Linda Trostle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johnson offers a balanced approach to presenting the origin and shape of the New Testament writings, stating when he agrees or disagrees with the scholarly majority. Although his aim is to provide a "comprehensive introduction that is neither too technical nor too trivial," the reader still needs to know more historical background than the average Christian to understand the material. For this reason, this book needs to stay in the realm of academic studies rather than be used to educate the typical Sunday morning crowd.

[sch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sep 2023. Reread the gospel chapters to teach Sunday School.

Jul 2020. Began by browsing, but soon decided to go all in. Excellent, especially after listening to so many of his lectures. I want to read the chapter on GALATIANS in the third edition, which he says (in the third ed. foreword) is significantly revised.

[Dennis Podryadchikov]

As L.T. Johnson is interpreting the texts of the New Testament, he is trying to answer to two questions. First, why such texts exist? And second, why do they exist in such a form? His approach is a model that includes anthropological, historical, and religious methods.

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johnson's perspective on the NT is worth a second look; ractical, accessible and mostly mainstream. I didn't agree with everything he had to say but he did get me to view the NT in a new way. Well worth the read.

Read on kindle

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talbot Course: Exegesis in the Epistles

A good book that sweeps through the NT.

[Happytheman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using this as a basis for my class study. Along with a Anchor bible's one volume commentary.

[Skylar Burris]

Sampled. Seems too dry and academic for my more casual interest in Biblical studies, though I have read and enjoyed other books by Luke Timothy Johnson.

[Aaron Carlberg]

Johnsons in this goes over and give great background and insight into the writing of the New Testament.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to really understand the New Testament, read this!

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid review of the New Testament with a pretty healthy survey of the scholarship. I think the nature of a book like this keeps it from being amazing, but it was a very good version of the format.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best intros to the New Testament you could read and keep

[Ron Krajcik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text book. Dry. Confess that I became weary reading it. I do use it as a reference on occasion. May circle back someday...