An Introduction to the New Testament

By Raymond E. Brown

A primer to the New Testament for those new to the material or those seeking deeper insights, from a master biblical scholar

"A truly magnificent book, composed by our Catholic national treasure."--Commonweal

"This judicious and reassuring approach may comfort many."--Anthony J. Saldarini, New York Times Book Review

"A tour de force."--America

From the experience of a lifetime of scholarship, preaching, teaching, and writing, Raymond E. Brown covers the entire scope of the New Testament with ease and clarity. He walks readers book by book through the basic content and issues of the New Testament. While a wealth of information is contained in these pages, the work's most impressive features are the basic summaries of each book, a historical overview of the ancient Greco-Roman world, discussions of key theological issues, and the rich supplementary materials, such as illustrative tables, maps, bibliographies, and appendixes. Using this basic data, Brown answers questions raised by today's readers, relates the New Testament to our modern world, and responds to controversial issues, such as those raised by the Jesus Seminar.

Every generation needs a comprehensive, reliable introduction to the New Testament that opens the biblical text to the novice. Raymond E. Brown's An Introduction to the New Testament is the most trustworthy and authoritative guidebook for a generation seeking to understand the Christian Bible.

Universally acknowledged as the dean of New Testament scholarship, Father Brown is a master of his discipline at the pinnacle of his career. Who else could cover the entire scope of the New Testament with such ease and clarity? This gifted communicator conveys the heartfelt concern of a beloved teacher for his students, as he walks the reader through the basic content and issues of the New Testament. Those opening to the New Testament for the first time and those seeking deeper insights could not ask for more in a primer to the Christian Bible.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300140169
• ISBN13: 9780300140163
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 928 Pages
• Weight: 3.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 6.6" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

The Bible Comes Alive

The Word of God as found in the Scriptures has never had a better exegete than Fr. Brown. He writes with academic authority, never arrogant and always humble, showing readers of all levels the polysemy that unfolds in the New Testament.If one has room for only one commentary, let this be it. If not, this will become undoubtedly your favorite, leaving the rest in the back of the pack. Fr. Brown takes the awe and inspiring and make them awesome and inspirational.I get goosebumps when I read him. Revelation never had a better voice.

Excellent introduction, great scholar

The late Raymond E. Brown was a tremendous scholar and a devout Christian. In all he did, Father Brown carefully applied the tools of critical scholarship while never apologizing for his faith. In a scholastic battlefield too often dominated by extremists on the left and the right, Father Brown was a breath of fresh air who drew fire from both sides. This Introduction first provides helpful background information about the formation of the New Testament and the social and political world that produced it. Father Brown then carefully analyzes each book of the New Testament with consideration for issues such as who the author was, where the book was written, and who the author's initial audience was. More importantly, each book is then carefully analyzed in light of this information for the meaning it conveyed in the social and historical context in which it was written.As another reviewer has said, you can't read this book beneficially without also reading the New Testament. But for searching, inquisitive readers who are willng to put in that effort, this book provides a truly informative, intellectually honest introduction to the greatest story ever told.

excellent intro from a moderate viewpoint

another 5 stars for father brown (unfortunately posthumously). in this book, brown, a renowned 20th century catholic priest/scholar, tried to write a readable yet comprehensive intro to all facets of NT study. this volume treats all NT books, albeit briefly, giving the consensus of modern scholarship regarding authorship, purpose, date etc. as a note to conservative evangelicals (of which i am one), brown here is decidedly centrist in his stances. in accordance with modern catholic doctrine on biblical interpretation, brown lets history shape our understanding of the biblical message. for instance, brown would agree that such NT books as 2 Peter, Colossians, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy etc, were not written by peter or paul. if you have read enough of brown's work, you know he IS a believer, and only occasionally his writings reflect it. i should say that whether one is liberal or conservative, brown was one of the best NT theologians ever. even as a conservative i can get alot from his work. so...... get this book! even if you don't agree with all of it, you will learn alot!

A Great Guide to the New Testament

The author has done a great service for new readers of the New Testament. This book presents a balanced and informative introduction to the New Testament that is both scholary and extremely well written. There are adequate footnotes and bibliographical references for those who wish to explore a topic in greater detail. I read this book as I read the New Testament and I would recommend this approach to others. Father Brown is both knowledgable and enthusiastic about his subject matter and after reading this book so was I. Thank you Father Brown.