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Discovering the New Testament: An Introduction to Its Background, Theology, and Themes
Discovering the New Testament is a new and comprehensive introduction to the New Testament in three volumes, reflecting current research and scholarship in New Testament studies. Each volume provides a thorough discussion of background issues as well as treating theological themes and practical application.
The first volume on the Gospels and Acts covers Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds, critical methodologies, the synoptic problem, and surveys each of the four gospels and Acts. It concludes with three chapters that explore the key theme of the kingdom of God, including
its Old Testament background, the place of miracles, and an examination of Jesus' parables.
Ideal for college or seminary students, the volumes provide numerous maps and charts, as well as discussion questions for each chapter and a focus on real-life relevance and application. Forthcoming volumes will focus on Paul (Vol. 2) and the general epistles and Revelation (Vol. 3).
The first volume on the Gospels and Acts covers Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds, critical methodologies, the synoptic problem, and surveys each of the four gospels and Acts. It concludes with three chapters that explore the key theme of the kingdom of God, including
its Old Testament background, the place of miracles, and an examination of Jesus' parables.
Ideal for college or seminary students, the volumes provide numerous maps and charts, as well as discussion questions for each chapter and a focus on real-life relevance and application. Forthcoming volumes will focus on Paul (Vol. 2) and the general epistles and Revelation (Vol. 3).
- GenresTheology
632 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2018
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18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 21, 2019
I love this book! I’ve had the privilege to use and review many books on New Testament Introduction, but this volume has one of the best combinations of design, layout, information, and approach that I’ve encountered. Though it only covers the Gospels and Acts until volume 2 is published, it may easily become the first grab off the shelves when questions of New Testament Introduction arise for me.
This volume is my second foray into the writings of Mark Keown. His two-volume work on Philippians in the EEC series was, in my opinion, a very successful exegetical commentary. This work is of a completely different sort. He exhibits the gifts of a teacher though out, so it’s no surprise to me to learn that he has taught this material for many years. This book is ideal for students, but I also notated page numbers at the beginning of places I want to review later for further study. There’s much to be said for writing that can communicate clearly as found in this book.
There’s nothing missing that I would want in New Testament Introduction (through Acts) in Keown’s approach. Both the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts were exquisitely presented. For those who care, there’s a clear overview of critical methodologies. Though it seems a fool’s errand to me, there’s a chapter on the speculative Synoptic theories. Keown excels in the five chapters that cover each of the four Gospels and Acts in turn. You will leave each chapter with a better understanding of the purpose of each book. Next, he mines the paramount theme of the Kingdom in a chapter that captures the heart of these writings. The final two chapters look at miracles and parables in a way that answers criticisms and sees through them to their purpose.
You may quibble over some point (he speaks of “Q” as fact), but overall this book can stand up to any conservative Introduction. On the teaching level, this work could easily serve this generation as Merrill Tenney did for past ones. In fact, it’s far better than that oft-used textbook for my money. You will do yourself a favor to look this one up.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This volume is my second foray into the writings of Mark Keown. His two-volume work on Philippians in the EEC series was, in my opinion, a very successful exegetical commentary. This work is of a completely different sort. He exhibits the gifts of a teacher though out, so it’s no surprise to me to learn that he has taught this material for many years. This book is ideal for students, but I also notated page numbers at the beginning of places I want to review later for further study. There’s much to be said for writing that can communicate clearly as found in this book.
There’s nothing missing that I would want in New Testament Introduction (through Acts) in Keown’s approach. Both the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts were exquisitely presented. For those who care, there’s a clear overview of critical methodologies. Though it seems a fool’s errand to me, there’s a chapter on the speculative Synoptic theories. Keown excels in the five chapters that cover each of the four Gospels and Acts in turn. You will leave each chapter with a better understanding of the purpose of each book. Next, he mines the paramount theme of the Kingdom in a chapter that captures the heart of these writings. The final two chapters look at miracles and parables in a way that answers criticisms and sees through them to their purpose.
You may quibble over some point (he speaks of “Q” as fact), but overall this book can stand up to any conservative Introduction. On the teaching level, this work could easily serve this generation as Merrill Tenney did for past ones. In fact, it’s far better than that oft-used textbook for my money. You will do yourself a favor to look this one up.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 28, 2019
Read my full review on my blog Spoiled Milks (1/16/19).
For Keown, the "center of the Biblical narrative, God's story of salvation, is Christ" (1). He writes, "The letters of the New Testament [as well as the Old] then must be read in light of Christ, always pointing us to Christ and what he means for us, for the church, for life, and for everything!" (1). After briefly looking at the formation of the NT, Keown spends two chapters on the Jewish and Greco-Roman context of the NT, looking at the life and writings of those cultures. Understanding these backgrounds is very beneficial to understanding the NT. Keown has written a fantastic NT introduction, and it's only the first volume. I expect as much quality in the next two volumes as found here. Great for those in college, Bible college, and seminary.
For Keown, the "center of the Biblical narrative, God's story of salvation, is Christ" (1). He writes, "The letters of the New Testament [as well as the Old] then must be read in light of Christ, always pointing us to Christ and what he means for us, for the church, for life, and for everything!" (1). After briefly looking at the formation of the NT, Keown spends two chapters on the Jewish and Greco-Roman context of the NT, looking at the life and writings of those cultures. Understanding these backgrounds is very beneficial to understanding the NT. Keown has written a fantastic NT introduction, and it's only the first volume. I expect as much quality in the next two volumes as found here. Great for those in college, Bible college, and seminary.
February 11, 2025
Best academic intro to the Gospels I’ve read, and I’ve read several. Both his treatment of the background to the Gospels at the beginning of the book and his treatment of the themes of the Gospels at the end were exceptional. Dedicating two chapters to the “power of the Kingdom” (a biblical theology of miracles in the gospels) and the “parables of the Kingdom” (a theology of parables) was surprising and extremely refreshing. Looking forward to starting his next one on Paul.
June 10, 2021
Really good introduction to the Gospels and the book of Acts.
January 18, 2023
This book's special feature is tracing certain concept (ex: prayer, mission, generosity, miracles, etc.) throughout each gospel or the book of act. The final section discusses the concept of the Kingdom of God. Keown presents, and sometimes mixes, various opinions about some issues which leads to some ambiguity regarding where he stands on such issues.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews