New Testament history : a narrative account /

Beginning with a prolegomenon that carefully defines history as well as the work of historians and biographers, Witherington sets aside the misconception that objectivity requires neutrality and, taking a cue from the author of Luke and Acts, weaves "an orderly account" that covers the period from Alexander the Great through the first century C.E. Witherington reads Luke and Acts and Josephus as reliable though hardly neutral historical sources and supplements them with an impressive array of primary and secondary material, beginning with the other Gospels, which he reads as instances of ancient biography. He is explicit about the choices he makes in reading sources, and the care with which he reveals his rationale for judgments about evidence is admirable and particularly welcome in an introductory text. Well-placed illustrations and maps, chronological tables, and a series of highlighted "closer looks" at key topics increase the volume's usefulness. In all, a readable one-volume overview of the historical context within which Christian scripture was formed, suitable for New Testament students in the academy and outside of it. --Steven Schroeder

Beginning with the introduction which eschews the usual John-vs.-the-Synoptics categorization of the Gospels in favor of a more nuanced approach, in which Luke's Acts is the historical sore thumb alongside the three Jesus biographies this primer on New Testament history tips some sacred cows while teaching students the basics. The textbook format is informative without being stuffy, augmented by sidebars, maps, illustrations and photographs of ancient sites and scrolls. This is a fine choice for undergraduates and lay church members, as well as more advanced students, who will most appreciate Witherington's sensitivity to the complexities of history. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved