Introduction to the New Testament

by Louis Berkhof

Introduction to the New Testament is designed for students and general readers, and is intended to be instrumental in leading readers to a greater appreciation for New Testament writings. This book includes an extended analysis of literature on the New Testament, including Berkhof’s own appraisal of the most influential 19th century New Testament scholars. Although Berkhof’s subject is the Bible, his pursuit is unapologetically theological: he aims to explain why the church reads and honors the New Testament as the Word of God, and to vindicate the claims of the canonical books against the criticism of modernist skeptics.

Genres: Theology, Christianity

352 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1915

About the author

Louis Berkhof (1873–1957) was a Reformed theologian best known for his Systematic Theology (1932). He taught for almost four decades at Calvin Theological Seminary and served as its president from 1931–1944. In his work on systematic theology Berkhof followed in the line of John Calvin and embraced the development of Reformed theology by the Dutch theologians Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck.

Selected publications:

Systematic Theology. Eerdmans, 1932; New Combined Edition, 1996.

The History of Christian Doctrines. Baker, 1978; Banner of Truth, revised, 1996.

Principles of Biblical Interpretation. Baker Academic, 1981; republished, 1994.

A Summary of Christian Doctrine. Eerdmans, 1939; Banner of Truth, 1960.

Reviews

[Dr Author O Wright, PhD, MinD, ThD, DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduction to the New Testament by Louis Berkhof is truly a noteworthy and academic approach to studying the origin and development of the New Testament. Dr. Berkhof meticulously examined every historical record of the first century following Christ’s death in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of Christ’s teaching and the Pentecostal formulation of the church. Written with a smattering of Koine Greek, Latin, and German, he presented a critical study of the biblical world of the early church and carefully described the incomparable role each writer played in shaping the sacred and cononized books of the New Testament. Particular attention was also given to the records of many of the Early Church Fathers and historians during that time. This book is truly an indispensable aid to enriching your knowledge of the New Testament. It is also highly recommended for biblical students who desire a deeper approach in New Testament study.