Subject
Bible. New Testament -- Introductions Books
Best books
J. Gresham (John Gresham) Machen
The Literature and History of New Testament Times
"The Literature and History of New Testament Times" by J. Gresham Machen is a scholarly examination of the historical context surrounding the New Testament, written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the backgrounds of early Christianity, touching upon essential elements such as the Roman, Greek, and Jewish influences that shaped the formation of the Christian church and its teachings. Machen's objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the New Testament as a historical document that records significant events in Christian history. At the start of the text, the author emphasizes the importance of studying Bible history to enrich the understanding and teaching of Christianity. He warns against the modern church's neglect for Bible history, positing that such disregard erodes its foundational strength. Machen asserts that grasping the historical events of the apostolic age not only equips believers with knowledge but also fosters a more profound faith. He outlines the contents of the work, suggesting that instead of merely being treated as religious texts, the New Testament writings should be explored for their historical circumstances to fully appreciate their significance and divine authority in the life of the church.
Leighton Pullan
The Books of the New Testament
"The Books of the New Testament" by Leighton Pullan is a comprehensive introduction to the New Testament, likely written in the early 20th century. This work aims to provide readers with an accessible overview of the New Testament, its contents, and its historical significance without demanding specialized knowledge of biblical languages. The author lays out the importance of the New Testament as a record of the new covenant established by Jesus Christ and comprises discussions on the New Testament's canon, language, and individual books. At the start of the text, Pullan discusses the naming and significance of the New Testament, describing it as a crucial gift to believers following Christ's ascension, where it serves as a record of God's binding covenant with humanity. He explores the early history of the New Testament’s classification as a canon, noting how various books were recognized and affirmed by the early Church, and highlights the linguistic background, pointing out that while many early Christian writings might have been in Aramaic, the New Testament is primarily Greek. The opening chapters set the groundwork for a deeper exploration of each gospel and epistle, emphasizing the unity and diversity among these texts as they narrate the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Christian community.
Benjamin Wisner Bacon
The Making of the New Testament
"The Making of the New Testament" by Benjamin Wisner Bacon is a scholarly historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the formation and canonization of the New Testament, exploring the critical and historical underpinnings that led to the establishment of these writings as sacred scripture within Christianity. At the start of the text, the author introduces a paradox related to the development of the New Testament literature, emphasizing the tension between the early Christian movement's rejection of rigid canonical structures and their eventual acceptance of a formal canon. Bacon highlights the transformative roles of Jesus and Paul in this process, detailing how their teachings sought to liberate faith from legalistic practices and brought forth a new understanding of God's relationship with humanity. This opening sets the stage for a deeper examination of the historical evolution of early Christian texts and their significance in shaping the faith.
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