Additional information
by Ruth Anne Reese (Author), Madison N. Pierce (Author)
This survey textbook offers an accessible introduction to the Later New Testament in its literary, canonical, and theological contexts.
Unlike other portions of the New Testament such as Paul's Letters or the Gospels, introductions to the Later New Testament (Hebrews through Revelation) are uncommon. These texts have been relatively neglected in the history of Christian interpretation. In this book, Ruth Anne Reese and Madison N. Pierce offer the most up-to-date introduction to these texts in more than a decade.
This textbook is grounded in the view that the Later New Testament should be read as Christian Scripture. Although the book covers critical issues such as authorship, background, and history, its primary focus is on the message and theology of the Later New Testament and the contribution these texts make to the Christian canon.
Reading Christian Scripture is a series of survey textbooks that will cover the Old and New Testaments. Beautifully designed in full color with maps, sidebars, images, and illustrations to hold interest and aid learning, Reading the Later New Testament as Christian Scripture offers a faith-friendly introduction to students. Additional resources for instructors are available through textbook eSources.
Back Jacket
"Orients students to the unique and influential contributions these letters make to Christian belief and practice"
This survey textbook offers an accessible introduction to the Later New Testament in its literary, canonical, and theological contexts.
The final nine books of the New Testament have been called "neglected stepchildren," and the nickname rings true. Introductory resources on them are scarce, sermon series on them are rare, and even New Testament theologies routinely skip past them. But these texts speak directly to communities under pressure, offer some of the canon's most distinctive Christology, and cast a vision of the people of God that the church cannot afford to ignore.
In Reading the Later New Testament as Christian Scripture, Ruth Anne Reese and Madison N. Pierce offer the most current and comprehensive introduction to Hebrews through Revelation in more than a decade. Their vocations have been shaped by these books, and their approach is rooted in the conviction that these texts deserve to be read as Scripture--not merely as historical artifacts but as living witnesses whose theological contributions to the canon are irreplaceable. They are, as the authors insist, some of the New Testament's richest gifts.
Each chapter guides readers through authorship, historical background, and literary structure before opening into extended theological reflection. Distinctive sidebars equip readers to engage these texts from multiple angles and understand why the church has read them the way that it has. The book's full-color design, maps, and artwork bring the ancient world to life on every page.
"Reading the Later New Testament as Christian Scripture addresses the dearth of material on these fascinating letters and orients students to the unique and influential contributions they make to Christian belief and practice. With attention to contemporary issues, maps, explanatory sidebars, and striking art, this book positions readers well to comprehend and experience the impact these texts make on their lives. I'm eager to recommend this work to those who already love these letters and also to those who don't, yet!"
--Amy Peeler, Wheaton College
Author Biography
Ruth Anne Reese (PhD, University of Sheffield) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. She has published numerous commentaries on the General Epistles.
Madison N. Pierce (PhD, Durham University) is lecturer in New Testament and early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She is cohost of The Two Cities Podcast, author of Divine Discourse in the Epistle to the Hebrews, and New Testament editor for Reviews of Biblical and Early Christian Studies.
