Seven Challenges That Shaped the New Testament: Understanding the Inherent Tensions of Early Christian Faith - Paperback

by F. Scott Spencer (Author)

The New Testament writings reflect a sense of wrestling to understand what the world-shattering events of Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and ascension mean in the rough-and-tumble of daily life in a conflicted world. In this book, a senior New Testament scholar investigates seven critical areas of tension--historical, moral, political, material, social, perceptual, and temporal--that shape the "big ideas" discussed and debated in the New Testament.

This lively investigation explores the challenges that influenced the New Testament writings and how the writers responded to those tensions. The author shows that out of this upheaval came a remarkable set of creative, dynamic writings that have shaped and challenged millions of lives as sacred Scripture.

This accessibly written book offers a fresh way to learn about the world and content of the New Testament writings. It will help readers appreciate the rich diversity of New Testament thought cohering around commitment to the one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Back Jacket

"An accessible and clarifying guide to the ideas that shaped and were reshaped by the New Testament"

New Testament scholar F. Scott Spencer investigates seven critical areas of tension--historical, moral, political, material, social, perceptual, and temporal--that shape the "big ideas" discussed and debated in the New Testament.

"Studying the New Testament can feel like an excursion in a strange land. Spencer provides an accessible and clarifying guide to the ideas that shaped and were reshaped by the New Testament. An ideal companion for those students seeking to understand anew both the historical significance and the contemporary significance of these important texts."
--Eric D. Barreto, Princeton Theological Seminary

"This book offers students an invitation to grapple with the historical and cultural situatedness of the New Testament, understand why different books give different perspectives on key questions, and appreciate the New Testament as a record of the experiences of first-century Christians. An excellent resource for anyone who has wondered how to read the New Testament in its ancient context and how to hear its messages in our modern context."
--Caryn A. Reeder, Westmont College

"An excellent introduction to seven interrelated challenges that have confronted Christians over the centuries. This book does not seek to resolve these tensions within Christianity but allows early Christian faith, love, and hope to speak into them."
--Katherine M. Hockey, University of Aberdeen

"A creative and enlightening strategy for explaining some key trajectories in biblical thought. This book illuminates important aspects of what the New Testament authors wanted to convey while at the same time expanding our appreciation for the relevance of scriptural witness."
--Mark Allan Powell, Trinity Lutheran Seminary (retired)

"In this wonderfully readable book, Spencer shows how the New Testament is shaped by and responds to seven creative and productive tensions. In the process, he expertly illuminates the big ideas of New Testament faith. Highly recommended!"
--Paul Trebilco, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Author Biography

F. Scott Spencer (PhD, University of Durham) is the New Testament general editor for The SBL Study Bible. He was a tenured professor at both Wingate University (North Carolina) and the Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond (Virginia). Spencer is the author of several books, including Passions of the Christ and commentaries on Mark, Luke, and the Song of Songs. He lives in Mechanicsville, Virginia.