A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies

Understanding Key Debates in New Testament Studies. "This 'beginner's guide' is marked by a wise choice of crucial, controversial topics, accurate sketches of the perspectives of the major thinkers on the topics, judicious and open-handed appreciation of all there is to be learned, and, at the same time, student-sensitive reflections on how each topic matters for life and ministry. Bravo. "-Scot McKnight. , Northern Seminary"Gupta is true to his title in A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies. His writing is thoroughly accessible and highly engaging, and it doesn't presume prior knowledge of the field of New Testament studies. Gupta provides a bird's-eye view of key issues in the field-from the historical Jesus, to Paul and the law, to New Testament application today. Gupta fairly portrays scholars on different sides of an issue and provides a final reflection of his own for each chapter. For anyone wanting an entrée to New Testament studies, this is the book for you. "-Jeannine Brown. , Bethel Seminary, San Diego and St. Paul"Right off the bat, I was asking myself into which of my classes I could incorporate this book. As I continued reading, however, I soon began to wonder if it was possible to incorporate it into all of them. With each chapter I read, I honestly thought, This chapter alone is worth the price of the book. The content is clear and evenhanded and is as comprehensive as possible while remaining appropriately concise. In addition to that, it's remarkably relevant, engaging, and fun. "-Joseph R. Dodson. , Denver Seminary"Surveying the issues of debate in New Testament studies can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Gupta has taken complex topics and laid them out in a palatable way, one that even the novice can understand and appreciate. In the end, the reader is left with an effective roadmap for navigating the rich and intricate field of New Testament studies. "-Jeanette Hagen Pifer. , Talbot School of Theology, Biola University"This is a really helpful book. As an undergrad professor, I am often looking for a brief introduction to contested issues in New Testament studies that explains our academic debates to students in an accessible way. Gupta does this time and again in this work. It is a welcome resource to supplement New Testament introductions, which often lack the space to deal with issues in detail. "-Esau McCaulley. , Wheaton College