The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings [Paperback]

The eighth edition of Bart D. Ehrman's highly successful introduction approaches the New Testament from a consistently historical and comparative perspective, emphasizing the rich diversity of the earliest Christian literature. Distinctive to this study is its unique focus on the historical, literary, and religious milieux of the Greco-Roman world, including early Judaism.Featuring vibrant full color throughout, the eighth edition of Bart D. Ehrman's highly successful introduction approaches the New Testament from a consistently historical and comparative perspective, emphasizing the rich diversity of the earliest Christian literature. New to this edition, Hugo M?ndez has brought fresh perspectives to the text. Distinctive to this study isThe New Testament's unique focus on the historical, literary, and religious milieux of the Greco-Roman world, including early Judaism. As part of its historical orientation, the book also discusses other Christian writings that were roughly contemporary with the New Testament, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Apocalypse of Peter, and the letters of Ignatius.BoxesMaps, Timelines, and Diagrams PrefaceNotes on Suggestions for Further Reading Resources for Instructors and Students CreditsMaster TimelineIntroduction: Why Study the New Testament?1. What Is the New Testament? The Early Christians and Their LiteratureThe Diversity of Early ChristianityThe New Testament Canon of ScriptureImplications for Our StudyExcursus 1: Some Additional Reflections: The Historian and the Believer2. Do We Have the Original New Testament?Publishing Books: Now and ThenHow Can We Know if We Have an Ancient Author's Actual Words?What Manuscripts of the New Testament Do We Have? The Good News and Bad NewsA Concrete ExampleAccidental MistakesIntentional ErrorsCriteria for Establishing the TextPhoto Essay 1: Ancient Manuscripts of the New Testament3. The Grecolã3