'A superb one-stop shop for students.' Dr Elizabeth Shively Tried, tested and trusted by students and teachers across the world, this widely respected study guide enables the reader to engage with an array of essential topics, including: * the Jewish and Greco-Roman background to the New Testament * literary genres and forms * issues of authorship, date and setting * the content and major themes of each book * well established and newer methods of study * the latest scholarship in the quest for the historical Jesus * the intersection of New Testament studies with contemporary faith and culture Now in its third edition, this popular textbook has been fully revised and updated, and includes new sections on: * the impact of social memory theory on Gospel studies * recent work on characterization in narrative studies of the Gospels * women in the Gospels * reading the Gospels and Acts theologically * how the Hebrew Scriptures are read by the New Testament authors * the resurrection and Ascension of Jesus * Luke's presentation of Jesus' identity and mission * updated bibliographies, highlighting the most important and influential works published in the past decade Drawing on the authors' decades of experience in teaching these topics, this comprehensive textbook gives students a strong understanding and a solid foundation for further study.