Das Arbeitsbuch stellt die Schriften des Neuen Testaments allgemeinverständlich in der Reihenfolge des Kanons dar. Der Zugang erfolgt über eine bibelkundliche Erschließung. Exegetische Hinweise dienen der Einordnung der behandelten Schrift und der Erhellung ihrer Entstehung. Anschließend werden theologische Schwerpunkte dargestellt und Hinweise zu Wirkungsgeschichte und gegenwärtiger Bedeutung gegeben – im Kirchenjahr, in der Kunst oder auch im »säkularen« Alltag. Durch vorangestellte Thesen, eingefügte Übersichten sowie zusätzliche Informationen in einer Randspalte wird der Text didaktisch erschlossen. Mit einem Verzeichnis der wichtigsten Studienliteratur, Glossar und biblischem Personenverzeichnis.
Given that this is the fifth edition of a well known standard textbook my observations will be fairly limited. To wit, I want to talk for a minute about why this book is in many respects more useful than the plethora of ‘introductions to the New Testament’ that are out there.
First of all, it’s quite up to date. The bibliographic entries are fresh and thorough. The details provided by the various authors are cutting edge New Testament scholarship. And the writing is bold, vivid, and crisp.
Unlike many introductions, this one has not one author but many. Experts in Pauline studies address pauline texts. Experts in the early history of Christianity address that era. Experts in the synoptics share their expertise with readers. Indeed, expertise abounds in this book, and for that, in these dilettantish days, we can all be grateful.
Texts are treated not only as historical documents, but as theological as well. Thus, this isn’t simply an intro to the New Testament, it is, as its title suggests, a volume that provides readers with all the basic information concerning the collection of documents that we call the New Testament that one needs in order to comprehend that collection.
Each section features a bibliography, naturally, as well as little sidebars which indicate the main topic of the subsection. There are also the usual indices and a very useful glossary so that students and lay-readers who are not familiar with the jargon of scholars can find terms defined.
In a world filled with introductions to the New Testament, this one stands out both because of its thoroughness but also because of its clarity. Multiple contributors make this volume even more useful, as readers are getting not simply one person’s viewpoint, but many.
Do read it.