Behind the Scenes of the New Testament

“It is difficult to imagine a more helpful guide to the world of the New Testament than this collection of accessible essays by world-class experts. Whether used as a main text, a supplemental text, a reference book, or a resource for research, this volume should be in the hands of everyone who studies the New Testament, from serious beginners to scholars.”—Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary’s Seminary & University

“Readers of the New Testament often bring an earnest piety to the act of interpretation, but without respect for the moment in which God chose to issue that communication, piety alone can lead one astray. This volume protects against that kind of misinterpretation. Comprehensive in the subjects covered, Behind the Scenes of the New Testament features deeply respected and exciting scholars who equip biblical interpreters with the cultural wisdom to read well. The chapters and bibliographies are succinct and rich, ensuring that they will be read and will propel readers to go deeper. This book will inspire the joy of discovering the world of the New Testament, transforming naive piety into incarnational faith.”—Amy Peeler, Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College

“Behind the Scenes of the New Testament is a must-have resource for students, pastors, scholars, and teachers wanting to study the New Testament texts in light of their ancient contexts. Each of the well-researched, accessible essays illuminates historical and cultural dimensions of the New Testament world. Readers will gain insight on how to connect these dimensions to their interpretation of the New Testament. They will also come to appreciate how historically informed readings of the Bible can lead to more faithful readings.”—Janette H. Ok, Fuller Theological Seminary

“Behind the Scenes of the New Testament is a masterful collection of pertinent, interesting essays that illuminate the Greco-Roman world and the New Testament texts’ engagement with it. Richly detailed and brilliantly written, each essay provides the latest research on its topic. Scholars and students alike will discover insightful gems in the vast array of subjects covered. This volume should be used by every New Testament introduction course.”—Lynn H. Cohick, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Houston Christian University

“Students of early Christianity require a strong familiarity with the wealth of historical, philosophical, social, and political material that informed the writers of the New Testament. To that end, Behind the Scenes of the New Testament comprehensively covers a breadth of material drawn from the cultural encyclopedia of the era. The editors and the contributors they have gathered for this impressive project are deserving of praise. Going forward, I will definitely use this volume with my students!”—Christopher W. Skinner, professor of New Testament and early Christianity, Loyola University Chicago

“In this comprehensive compendium, the editors of Behind the Scenes of the New Testament have gathered an impressive array of scholars with expertise in the historical and cultural milieu of the New Testament. By situating the New Testament’s key settings, actors, themes, and ‘scripts’ within their original contexts, each essay illustrates the importance of historical study for the task of interpretation. Scholarly yet accessible, this volume will prove to be an invaluable resource for students and academics alike for many years to come.”—Brittany E. Wilson, associate professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School