Includes bibliographical references and index.

pt. 1: Understanding the New Testament -- The New Testament canon -- The inspiration of scripture -- The interpretation of the New Testament -- pt. 2: Formative influences on the times of Christ -- Influences arising during early Jewish history -- Influences arising during later Jewish history -- Influences arising during the interbiblical period -- pt. 3: The witness of the Gospels and Acts to Jesus Christ -- The Gospels -- The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus the king -- The Gospel of Mark: The strong Son of God and his people -- The Gospel of Luke: Jesus, the savior for all people -- The Gospel of John: Christ, the source of life -- Acts: The church breaks through with the good news of Christ -- pt. 4: The witness of Paul to Jesus -- The apostle Paul: his life and letters -- Romans: The righteousness of God through Christ for salvation -- 1 and 2 Corinthians -- 1 Corinthians: The nature and unity of the church in Christ -- 2 Corinthians: Reconciliation through Christ -- Galatians: Freedom in Christ -- Ephesians: The people of God in Christ -- Philippians: joy in Christ -- Colossians: The sufficiency of Christ -- Philemon: In Christ, all are family -- 1 and 2 Thessalonians: Life in the light of Christ's return -- 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus -- 1 Timothy: Affirmation of the truth in Christ -- 2Timothy: Faithfulness to Christ -- Titus: Standards for serving Christ -- pt. 5: Other witnesses to Christ -- Hebrews: the superiority of Christ -- James: faith in Christ issues in works -- 1 and 2 Peter and Jude -- 1 Peter: In Christ, a living hope -- 2 Peter: The revealed faith and faithful conduct -- Jude: Remember the faith entrusted to the saints -- The letters of John -- I John: Christ Jesus, fully human son of God -- 2 John: Hospitality and those who deny Christ -- 3 John: Opposition within Christ's church -- Revelation: the victory and reign of Christ.