BASIC INFOTitle: New Testament History
Author: F. F. Bruce
Publisher: Doubleday
Year: 1980 (reprint)Reading Level: 2.5
Price USD: $17.95 list price.Pages: 462
Cover: PaperbackBinding: Glued
WHERE TO BUY:
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REVIEW: F.F. Bruce was judged by many to be one of the premiere New Testament scholars of the past century. Author of numerous commentaries on the Greek text, Bruce was an established and highly respected voice within the academic & scholarly community. Most important for us, Bruce was a committed Evangelical who held a high view of Scripture and a personal faith in Jesus Christ. Thus, his writings demonstrate his academic vigor as well as his personal engagement with the theological and pastoral power of the text.
Up to this point, this blog has generally reviewed newer works (or new reprints of older works). Occasionally I am going to review more dated works that I believe are of lasting value and which should be reintroduced to a new generation of Christian thinkers and students of the Word. F.F. Bruce's New Testament History is just such a volume.
In this work, Bruce provides the reader with a window into the world of the New Testament. It interacts with all available sources to provide the reader an understanding of the political, social, religious, and governmental issues and culture of the times. It is a literal goldmine of information and an invaluable guide to a more appreciative understanding of the New Testament writings. While many "New Testament histories" have been written since the mid-80's, none have come close to Bruce in scope or depth.
The reader should be warned that Bruce does not write 'fluff'. He wastes no time jumping into the content of the book, and the pace is relentless until the very last page. Each sentence is chocked full of information--dates, places, people, events, movements, conflicts, etc. Though such detail would generally overwhelm the student reader, Bruce's engaging style counteracts any budding frustration. He weaves in related information quite masterfully. Thus, Bruce's New Testament History reads much like a story. The detail overwhelms, but Bruce's storyline compels one to keep reading! It is a fascinating work that I found almost impossible to put down. In the end, this is simply the best New Testament history or background work that I have ever read.
Up to this point, this blog has generally reviewed newer works (or new reprints of older works). Occasionally I am going to review more dated works that I believe are of lasting value and which should be reintroduced to a new generation of Christian thinkers and students of the Word. F.F. Bruce's New Testament History is just such a volume.
In this work, Bruce provides the reader with a window into the world of the New Testament. It interacts with all available sources to provide the reader an understanding of the political, social, religious, and governmental issues and culture of the times. It is a literal goldmine of information and an invaluable guide to a more appreciative understanding of the New Testament writings. While many "New Testament histories" have been written since the mid-80's, none have come close to Bruce in scope or depth.
The reader should be warned that Bruce does not write 'fluff'. He wastes no time jumping into the content of the book, and the pace is relentless until the very last page. Each sentence is chocked full of information--dates, places, people, events, movements, conflicts, etc. Though such detail would generally overwhelm the student reader, Bruce's engaging style counteracts any budding frustration. He weaves in related information quite masterfully. Thus, Bruce's New Testament History reads much like a story. The detail overwhelms, but Bruce's storyline compels one to keep reading! It is a fascinating work that I found almost impossible to put down. In the end, this is simply the best New Testament history or background work that I have ever read.
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