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Apr 27, 2020 Tanner Hawk rated it it was amazing

A truly invaluable resources. Thorough, well-written, deeply insightful. Has inverse the fashion I'll read and teach the New Attestation. But far from being solely an bookish read, its "Ministry Formation" sections were challenging and practical. I'll definitely be revisiting this book once more and again in the years to come. A truly invaluable resources. Thorough, well-written, deeply insightful. Has changed the manner I'll read and teach the New Attestation. But far from being solely an academic read, its "Ministry building Germination" sections were challenging and practical. I'll definitely be revisiting this book once more and again in the years to come. ...more

Splendid introduction to the New Testament. The Ministry Germination sections were especially relevant!

This widely-used New Testament Introduction by David DeSilva has earned a 2d Edition. Every major Christian publisher puts out an NT Introduction (IVP also has Donald Guthrie) because in that location's such a demand for Christian college students every bit well as nigh every pastor volition want i at mitt. Without a doubt, this volume has been one of the major ones.

DeSilva'due south reputation has been hued from his many works. He's known as a great scholar. His specialty of rhetoric is equally well known. If you find t

This widely-used New Testament Introduction by David DeSilva has earned a 2nd Edition. Every major Christian publisher puts out an NT Introduction (IVP as well has Donald Guthrie) because in that location's such a demand for Christian college students as well as nearly every pastor will want one at manus. Without a dubiety, this book has been one of the major ones.

DeSilva'due south reputation has been hued from his many works. He's known as a great scholar. His specialty of rhetoric is equally well known. If you observe the idea of rhetoric overblown in importance, you might disbelieve his work to some degree. If you beloved rhetoric, no one else will touch what he volition practice. Some have criticized what he attempts to do in this volume, simply that criticism is a little too harsh. He does encompass the typical NT Introduction issues at a depth that compares with most other works of its blazon.

If you lot read the preface, you will run into exactly where the revision took place. Yes, some paragraphs are piddling inverse from the previous edition while others are extensively rewritten. The impress size is a little smaller, but the book has clearly been upgraded in eye appeal. That'due south a tendency in the industry that was successfully implemented here. The visuals including maps, tables, and pictures are non borrowed from any other work I've seen and are quite constructive.

If you are in the market for a major New Attestation Introduction, you will owe it to yourself to brand certain this ane is on your list for consideration. I predict this new edition will extend the life of this piece of work for several years to come up.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my ain. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's xvi CFR, Function 255.

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Jul 31, 2017 Matt Garm rated it actually liked information technology

A seriously great resource for providing cultural context and background for each New Testament book. While the author does a great job of providing context, it would exist dandy if he was a bit more clear on his assumed date and setting for each volume. Often times he provides multiple opinions coming from dissimilar scholars, but never really champions one option every bit amend than others.

Dec 05, 2021 Ariel rated information technology information technology was amazing

This is a textbook, not one I read for pleasure. Simply information technology's an first-class reference book to have on the pastor'south shelf. I'll surely utilize it oftentimes. I particularly like the segments with the varieties of socio-rhetorical textures. This is a textbook, not one I read for pleasure. Merely it's an first-class reference book to have on the pastor's shelf. I'll surely use it often. I particularly like the segments with the varieties of socio-rhetorical textures. ...more

January 11, 2022 Rocky Woolery rated information technology it was amazing

Merely equally indicated, this is an introduction and a (very bones) textbook on methods of studying the New Testament. Though I didn't always agree with deSilva's conclusions I must say that I learned much from, and shared (or volition share) much information from the pages of this book. Only as indicated, this is an introduction and a (very bones) textbook on methods of studying the New Testament. Though I didn't e'er concur with deSilva's conclusions I must say that I learned much from, and shared (or volition share) much information from the pages of this book. ...more

This was my textbook for my intro NT course. I plant it extremely helpful in understanding the contexts and controversies we dealt with in the grade and look to be returning to this volume over and over throughout the years.

Oct 26, 2015 John Kight rated information technology it was amazing

David A. deSilva is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS) in Ashland, Ohio. He has an Chiliad.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Emory University. In addition to his current tenure at ATS, deSilva has authored numerous books, including, The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude: What Earliest Christianity Learned from the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (Oxford, 2012), Introducing the Apocryph David A. deSilva is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS) in Ashland, Ohio. He has an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in New Attestation studies from Emory Academy. In improver to his current tenure at ATS, deSilva has authored numerous books, including, The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude: What Earliest Christianity Learned from the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (Oxford, 2012), Introducing the Apocrypha (Baker Academic, 2002), Honor, Patronage, Kingship & Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture (InterVarsity Press, 2000), Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-rhetorical Commentary on the Letter "to the Hebrews" (Eerdmans, 2000), and many more. He has besides co-authored several books and worked on a number of major Bible translation projects, too every bit served equally the Apocrypha Editor for the Common English Bible. Nevertheless, despite his grown bibliography of authored books, deSilva's landmark work remains An Introduction to the New Attestation: Context, Methods & Ministry Germination (InterVarsity Printing, 2004).

An Introduction to the New Testament seeks to blend 2 rather unlike ways of reading and searching the Scriptures—a devotional reading of Scripture with the focus of hearing from God, and an academic study of Scripture that focuses on understanding the text within the historical and cultural context (p. xx). Information technology is inside this reality, the equal nurture of an integrated approach to the Scripture, which deSilva guides the reader through the text of the New Testament. Appropriately, deSilva takes a "text-centered as opposed to a miracle-centered approach" (p. 21). In other words, deSilva is primarily interested in "the context, production and message of each text, in the pastoral challenges each addresses and in the manner each author brings the revelation of God in Christ to bear upon those challenges" (p. 21). The layout of the volume is intentionally centered on this focus. Each affiliate opens with a department dedicated to the historical and/or pastoral context of the writing and ends with a dedicated section as devoted to ministry germination from each of the New Attestation books. Betwixt these chapter bookends the reader will notice a goldmine of information, including discussion on text development, use of literature in the other early Christian resources, exegetical skill sections, themed word around the message of specific writings, and much more.

The highlights of An Introduction to the New Testament are numerous. First and foremost, I found deSilva'due south approach to the New Testament extremely helpful in finding immediate applied application. This is not the case with many other introductory works on the market. The balanced arroyo that deSilva seeks to take is difficult to accomplish (as attested by the landscape of the electric current market), but An Introduction to the New Testament is well-executed. This is primarily due to deSilva'southward recognition of the New Testament as a pastoral response (see pp. 29-36). 2nd, the inclusion of an "Exegetical Skill" section inside each affiliate, performance to better help the reader in cultivating the appropriate exegetical methodology with which to approach the New Attestation, is well-received. There are a number of notable thematic articles that the reader will observe within this section, including, interpreting parables (Luke), discussion studies and lexical assay (Colossians and Ephesians), feminist criticism (Pastoral Epistles), and postcolonial criticism and cultural studies (Philemon). Third, throughout the book the reader will encounter the cultural sensitivity deSilva brings to the New Testament. This is primarily driven by deSilva'south longstanding work with the intertestamental literature and the cultural context of the New Testament globe—an expertise that should exist appropriately welcomed in an introduction such as this present volume.

An Introduction to the New Attestation: Context, Methods & Ministry building Formation by David A. deSilva is a monumental achievement inside New Attestation studies. While the market of introductory resources on the New Testament continues to increment in number, few are able to accomplish what deSilva accomplishes in this volume. His intentionality to provide the reader with a deeply integrated text-centered arroyo to the New Attestation literature is unparalleled, and his expertise and background are well-suited for the task. While I cannot commit to saying that this will exist the first New Testament introduction off my bookshelf, I can commit to saying it volition exist off my bookshelf generally. If you are a pastor, student, or interested laymen, this resource will certainly testify itself abundantly useful for your study of the New Attestation.

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Merchandise Commission'southward xvi CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertizement.

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This is a fantastic resource and will live on my "Currently Reading" shelf in perpetuity because it is a book that I will get back to over again and again. It is a very useful academic resource and has been on my bibliography list for both my New Attestation essays. I have also used information technology in two sermons. I recommend it for the bookish, the pastor/vicar and also for any believer who wants to empathise more than most their faith. I passionately believe that all Christians should know more about the context and This is a fantastic resource and will alive on my "Currently Reading" shelf in perpetuity because it is a book that I will go back to again and once again. Information technology is a very useful bookish resource and has been on my bibliography listing for both my New Testament essays. I take too used information technology in two sermons. I recommend it for the academic, the pastor/vicar and besides for any laic who wants to understand more about their faith. I passionately believe that all Christians should know more than well-nigh the context and background to the New Testament and this volume provides that data for academic, clergy and lay-people akin. I would love to see a copy in every church library! ...more

Aug 27, 2013 Charlene rated it it was amazing

Up front, I will say that I know the author of this textbook and that I taught several terms of Introduction to the New Attestation [Gospels], using this book equally one of the required texts in the seminary where Professor deSilva also teaches.

Having said this, I want to say that this is absolutely the best textbook that I know as an introduction to whatsoever New Testament form, and I highly recommend it for pastors, interested laypersons, seminarians, and all who desire more than just the blank scholarly "

Upwardly front end, I will say that I know the author of this textbook and that I taught several terms of Introduction to the New Testament [Gospels], using this book as one of the required texts in the seminary where Professor deSilva likewise teaches.

Having said this, I want to say that this is admittedly the best textbook that I know as an introduction to any New Testament form, and I highly recommend it for pastors, interested laypersons, seminarians, and all who want more than simply the bare scholarly "facts" about the NT.

One of the most valuable components of this book is the inclusion of chapters on Greco-Roman and Jewish backgrounds of the NT, and their cultures. IMHO, these concepts are crucial for u.s. to grasp, and we must not limit our knowledge of the New Testament to 20th-21st century religious language and culture. The Septuagint every bit the Bible both of Greek-speaking Jews and Christians, and the Apocrypha, come up to mind here as biblical and/or historical texts about which many Christians are underinformed.

4 topics of special interest related to the culture into which Christianity was born are explored in the early chapters: Purity, Honour, Patronage and Kinship, and how these were integral to both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. Prof. deSilva also explains these terms with examples from contemporary life so that we tin can really chronicle to these important topics with new insights into the scriptures. Each chapter of the text returns to these topics where they are especially helpful to interpret various NT texts.

The clearer explanations of "grace" and of patronage-reciprocity were particularly meaningful to me in my own efforts better to understand how these get-go-century concepts can impact my exegetical agreement of some very important biblical texts. Before this I thought grace was mostly a "church" word! With respect to patronage and reciprocity, the most enriching thing for me was to find deeper meaning in how Jesus is "the i mediator" betwixt humans and God. In turn, these new insights have afflicted my teaching, preaching, praying and living as a Christian.

Another helpful item that Prof. deSilva includes in this book is an introduction to, and applied examples of, his method of biblical interpretation. He adapts the socio-rhetorical method used by Vernon Chiliad. Robbins. Each affiliate sets bated a section where there are examples of exegetical skills necessary to interpret the texts in view.

A third very of import feature of deSilva's textbook is the inclusion of reflections on key texts in every chapter -- these are geared for seminarians and pastors to claiming themselves in ministry formation, and they aid readers to get more informed by these NT texts and concepts.

A well-nigh important distinction relating to this textbook is that information technology is not designed to create a separation betwixt "organized religion" and "scholarship." Prof. deSilva is very intentional about keeping both sides of the coin in paw, and in view, every bit the above paragraphs seek to demonstrate.

I highly recommend this book to whatever people who want to report a recent exploration of the entire New Testament. I notice myself going back to this textbook for many reasons, and my students gave a overwhelmingly loftier rating for this text in their Gospels courses.

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Aug 21, 2009 Paul Dubuc rated it really liked it

I've had the bully pleasance of being one of Dr. deSilva's students at Ashland Seminary and the somewhat lesser pleasure of having read nearly every chapter in this volume in the process. The main weakness in this book is in the editing. The writing could be more concise and articulate in many places. This makes information technology difficult to read from embrace to encompass, but presents less of a problem when using the book as a reference. Information technology most seems as if each affiliate was written to stand up on its ain. Many of the same I've had the great pleasure of being one of Dr. deSilva'due south students at Ashland Seminary and the somewhat bottom pleasure of having read virtually every chapter in this book in the process. The main weakness in this book is in the editing. The writing could be more than concise and clear in many places. This makes it difficult to read from embrace to cover, but presents less of a problem when using the book as a reference. Information technology almost seems every bit if each chapter was written to stand up on its own. Many of the aforementioned points are fabricated repeatedly throughout the volume every bit they apply to different books of the New Testament. That said, the book besides has many strengths.

At the finish of each affiliate is a section on "ministry building formation" which draws applied lessons for ministry building and discipleship based on the previous reading. I institute these to be very insightful and the nigh interesting and valuable parts of the volume. The "exegetical skill" and "cultural awareness" sections that are sprinkled throughout the book are as well very good. Separating the exegetical skill material from the chief text makes it piece of cake to find and apply to study of parts of the NT other than the immediate context in which the item sections announced.

Overall this book is very good seminary level course and reference material that I know will be very useful to me in the hereafter. It's a poor substitute for the lively and highly interactive teaching that you would go in i of the author'due south classes, but it's a lot less expensive.

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Sep xi, 2014 Chris rated information technology really liked information technology

I started reading this text for a New Testament seminary grade, and decided to stop it on my own. It's a large resource text, but the writing is accessible plenty for personal reading. DeSilva gives a long, thorough introduction to each book of the Bible, with detailed notes about authorship, historical context, themes and construction. He also includes a section at the end discussing implications for didactics and application, which will be especially helpful for preachers and Bible study leaders.

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I started reading this text for a New Testament seminary class, and decided to finish it on my own. Information technology's a big resource text, but the writing is attainable enough for personal reading. DeSilva gives a long, thorough introduction to each book of the Bible, with detailed notes about authorship, historical context, themes and structure. He also includes a section at the end discussing implications for education and application, which will be peculiarly helpful for preachers and Bible study leaders.

The real strengths of this piece of work are that DeSilva is an excellent Biblical scholar who presents the theories of other scholars earlier laying out his own view. In this way the reader is given an overview of current scholarly idea on the text from a variety of viewpoints. DeSilva also includes excellent sections, dispersed throughout the volume, describing various approaches to exegesis, (source criticism, etc.). This book is a swell way to larn about contemporary approaches to Biblical scholarship. As someone who is pretty familiar with Biblical exegesis, and who spends a bit of time in commentaries, I found that DeSilva brings a lot of fresh insight. For instance, his contributions on patron-client relationships in the Greco-Roman world very helpful in seeing new elements of New Testament books that I had not noticed before.

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Feb 18, 2016 Naomi rated it really liked it

Phew! Glad to be finished that i! A really well-written text with a thorough consideration of the historical context of the New Testament and the various exegetical methods employed to interpret it. I really loved the ministry germination aspects of this text. It really brought the NT into our postmodern context.

four.5 stars

December 29, 2014 Glyn Williams rated it actually liked it

Easy read with fresh insights into the New Attestation.

Don't agree with everything in this book, just there are many things that shed light on the New Attestation. A very balanced approach to criticisms and research, with personal behavior of the author.

Well worth the read.

Piece of cake read with fresh insights into the New Testament.

Don't agree with everything in this book, but in that location are many things that shed light on the New Testament. A very balanced approach to criticisms and research, with personal beliefs of the author.

Well worth the read.

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January 14, 2015 Andy Hickman rated information technology really liked it

Comprehensive resources for both historical context and pastoral response.

DeSilva, David. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry building Formation. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Printing, 2004.

I take read several New Testament intro books, but this is the best, thus far. It is highly readable, with "technical" exegetical sections in addition to the chief text. It is an extensive book, total of insight and information. I have read several New Testament intro books, but this is the best, thus far. It is highly readable, with "technical" exegetical sections in addition to the principal text. Information technology is an extensive book, full of insight and information. ...more

First-class commentary weighing bug establish in every NT volume adequately and conspicuously. Very adept ministry application for every volume! Excellent 975 page read :-)

Mar 12, 2011 Jason rated information technology it was ok

Useful. Although I practise not share the author's presuppositions in some cases, this book brings to the discussion some issues neglected past older NT Introductions. Useful. Although I do non share the writer's presuppositions in some cases, this volume brings to the discussion some bug neglected by older NT Introductions. ...more

Aug 11, 2014 Julius rated it it was astonishing

By far one of the best introductory texts for New Testament available. I've used it often with courses and found it a very helpful reference resource for sermons. By far one of the best introductory texts for New Testament available. I've used it oftentimes with courses and establish it a very helpful reference resources for sermons. ...more

David A. deSilva (PhD, Emory University) is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. His numerous books include Introducing the Apocrypha and An Introduction to the New Attestation: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Germination.

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