New Testament History: A Narrative Account

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.)